Purdue adds violation of Protect Purdue Pledge to student code of conduct regulations

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University announced Wednesday (Aug. 19) that students who violate the requirements of the Protect Purdue Pledge are subject to disciplinary action via the university’s Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals.

Already adopted at a May 26 special meeting by the Purdue Board of Trustees as an official University regulation, the Purdue Pledge is now specifically mentioned and enforced under Section B.2.h: Student Conduct/Conduct Subject to Disciplinary Sanction, of the student regulations.

Listed in the same category as academic dishonesty, hazing, possession and distribution of drugs, and destruction of university property, violation of the Pledge is now among the examples of prohibited behavior, as follows:

• Willfully failing or refusing to adhere to the requirements of the Protect Purdue Pledge, which has been adopted by the University’s Board of Trustees as an official University regulation and will be enforced as such; and
• Organizing and/or hosting, either individually or with others, an event, party or other gathering (“Event”) or attending such an event, where the attendees are not required to, or willfully fail or refuse to, adhere to the requirements of the Protect Purdue Pledge, or of state or local public health laws, regulations or orders, including but not limited to the requirements of maintaining appropriate social distancing (6 feet based on current public health guidance) and wearing an appropriate face mask. This applies to events that are organized and/or held on or off campus.

“We know our students want to continue to live and learn at our West Lafayette campus,” said Katie Sermersheim, Purdue associate vice provost and dean of students. “We are counting on our entire community to do their part to reduce the spread of the virus and ultimately help us stay open this fall.” 

As is her practice in advance of each fall semester, Sermersheim sent a letter to all West Lafayette students on Wednesday, welcoming them to campus and providing details and expectations to achieve a successful year. 

“Please know that we will be taking a hard line on conduct for those engaging in events and activities that run counter to our Protect Purdue commitments. Plainly stated, hosting or attending gatherings and parties where social distancing is not possible and masks are not worn represent violations of the Protect Purdue Pledge; if you don’t abide by rules, there is no place for you here,” Sermersheim said. “We owe it to each other to do everything we can to manage the risk and preserve the health of our community. We owe it to each other to be the best Purdue we can be. I know our students and our community members are up to the challenge.”

The Protect Purdue plan and FAQs can be found here.

Media contact: Tim Doty, doty2@purdue.edu

Journalists visiting campus: Journalists should follow Protect Purdue protocols and the following guidelines:

• Campus is open, but the number of people in spaces may be limited. We will be as accommodating as possible, but you may be asked to step out or report from another location.
• To enable access, particularly to campus buildings, we recommend you contact the Purdue News Service media contact listed on the release to let them know the nature of the visit and where you will be visiting. A News Service representative can facilitate safe access and may escort you on campus.
• Correctly wear face masks inside any campus building, and correctly wear face masks outdoors when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.