About Duke Community Standard

Community standards exist to create the best possible environment for learning.  Each individual has a role in maintaining the learning environment and the culture of care that exists on campus.  Our standards are always a balance between individual rights and responsibilities and the community norms needed to ensure our campus community is an exceptional place to live and work.  Our community standards are based on respect for the people who make up this community and the programs and places where learning occurs.  Each of us has a responsibility to be guardians of the Duke culture by positively contributing to the health and well-being of our campus.  The Dean of Students Office reserves the right to amend this document at any time. Students are expected to review and adhere to the Duke Community Standard throughout their tenure as a Duke student.

About OSCCS

The Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards (OSCCS) strengthens personal responsibility and accountability by conducting fair investigations and resolving alleged violations of university policies, while providing holistic student support that addresses academic success, health, identity, and overall well-being. Guided by the Duke Community Standard, we encourage honesty, integrity, and respect across the campus community. Any student named in a report of a possible policy violation is presumed not in violation unless the student accepts responsibility and/or the disciplinary process determines otherwise. 

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is committed to an environment free of harassment and sexual violence. Students who have experienced what they believe to be harassment and/or sexual misconduct by another student are encouraged to contact the Office for Institutional Equity (919-684-8222; oie-help@duke.edu) to learn about support resources, accommodations and/or possible resolution options.

How to Reach Us

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is located in Smith Warehouse on East Campus in Bay 5.

Smith Warehouse, Bay 5

114 South Buchanan Boulevard,
Durham, NC 277081

Phone: 919-684-6938
Fax: 919-681-7390
Office hours: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday

Mission

It is the mission of the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards to partner with students, staff, faculty, and the greater city of Durham to promote citizenship, community, integrity, responsibility, and accountability. This is done through proactive education and engagement, promotion of adaptable resolutions, and connection through community.

OSCCS envisions an office that continually grows and evolves with the campus community. Duke values truth, transparency, communication and equity.

Vision

We envision an integrated campus community that is committed to the holistic growth, nurturing, and education of each individual to become the best citizens they can be.

Staffing

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is composed of:

  • Associate Dean of Students: Serve as representatives of the Dean of Students Office and provide overall strategic leadership, direction and support for OSCCS Staff
  • Assistant Dean of Students: Serve as representatives of the Dean of Students Office in investigating and bringing resolution to matters of misconduct on behalf of the Dean of Students.
  • Senior Program Coordinator: Serve as Case Intake and Assessment Manager point of contact for any inquiries and questions to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards

Values & Guiding Principles

The office outlines numerous principles including high expectations for student conduct, balancing individual freedom with community responsibility, privacy, and fairness in conduct processes. The conduct process is intended to be educational and developmental, encouraging self-reflection and personal growth. 

Upholding the Duke Community Standard

Duke University is a community dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and service and to the principles of honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability. Members of this community commit to reflect upon and uphold these principles in all academic and nonacademic endeavors, and to protect and promote a culture of integrity.

To uphold the Duke Community Standard:

  • I will not lie, cheat, or steal in my academic endeavors;
  • I will conduct myself honorably in all my endeavors; and
  • I will act if the Standard is compromised.

Campus Partners Upholding Duke Community Standard: 

Harassment-Free Environment 

Duke is committed to an environment free of harassment and sexual violence. Students believing they have experienced misconduct by another student should contact the Office for Institutional Equity at 919-684-8222 or oie-help@duke.edu. 

Graduate and Professional Students: 

Each graduate and professional school establishes and upholds community standards that reflect the standards of the professional disciplines.  Graduate and professional students should familiarize themselves with their program expectations for behavior in addition to the general Duke Community Standard.   

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is designated to oversee the conduct system for undergraduate students for allegations of academic and non-academic misconduct matters under the Duke Community Standard