Welcome Cyclones!

The Office of Student Conduct wants you to be successful academically and within our community during your time at Iowa State. Part of your success comes from knowing, understanding, and abiding by the Student Code of Conduct.

Prior to attending Iowa State, we strongly encourage you to explore the Student Code of Conduct found here: https://www.policy.iastate.edu/policy/SDR

Click on the headings below to learn more about commonly violated policies. Take a look at the helpful tips and information so that you don’t find yourself facing an allegation of misconduct.


Students are expected to complete their coursework with academic integrity. Academic integrity means doing your own work based on your understanding of the course content, without the use of outside assistance, from start to finish.


Practical tips and information:

  • Know how to quote and cite your sources! Your instructors expect that you have basic knowledge of how to quote and cite your sources. Leaving off quotation marks and/or not citing sources appropriately can lead to a referral to the Office of Student Conduct.
  • Avoid using unauthorized resources. Your faculty will provide you with the resources you need to be successful in their class. Using online resources that are not sanctioned by your faculty member could cross into academic misconduct.
  • Do your own work and don’t give your work to another student.
  • Check out this brief 5 minute video about academic integrity! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3DxTWybvlQ&feature=emb_logo
  • Still have questions about plagiarism and academic misconduct? Check out these additional resources! https://knowthecode.dso.iastate.edu/resources/informational-videos

Students are expected to use alcohol legally and responsibly.


Practical tips and information:

  • Do not possess or consume alcohol if you are under the age of 21. This includes actions like holding a beverage for a friend or carrying alcohol on your person.
  • Do not purchase alcohol for people under the age of 21.
  • Do not use a fake ID to purchase alcohol.
  • If you choose to drink, identify safe transportation home. Do not drive a motor vehicle after drinking.
  • Be informed on Iowa law including open container, public intoxication, possession of alcohol under the legal age, and operating while intoxicated.
  • If you choose to consume alcohol, be safe, healthy, and legal! Check out this video on how to Party Like a Cyclone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD1bRAZwFuM&feature=emb_logo

Students are expected to abide by local, state, and federal law concerning the use and possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia.


Practical tips and information:

  • Be informed about drug laws in Iowa. Cannabis is illegal in Iowa.
  • Do not bring recreational or medical marijuana onto campus.
  • Do not bring drug paraphernalia onto campus.

Iowa State is committed to fostering a learning environment where free expression, vigorous debate, and open inquiry are encouraged. The Office of Student Conduct has developed a resource page to help students understand the difference between free expression and when behavior could cross into harassment or discriminatory harassment. Check out information here: https://knowthecode.dso.iastate.edu/resources/harassment


Practical tips and information

  • The first amendment protects free speech. Iowa State can’t censor or punish speech merely because it is offensive or hateful.
  • Iowa State can address speech that meets the legal criteria for harassment, true threats, and speech not protected by the First Amendment

Students participating in student organizations are expected to not engage in hazing behaviors. The Office of Student Conduct is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming campus environment, including within student organizations.


Practical tips and information: