Washington State University's long-standing commitment to providing students with a transformational experience continues with a focus on enhancing the quality and relevance of the learning experience, providing more personalized student services, expanding learning opportunities outside the classroom, and developing a more cohesive student community. To this end, students are expected to uphold and be accountable to high standards of conduct that foster a safe, healthy, and inclusive campus community. The basic philosophy behind the standards of conduct and processes is one of education, centered on student learning through personal development and accountability. Therefore, the student conduct process is designed to guide and correct behaviors, challenge students to make better choices, and protect the rights and safety of all students, the university, and the community at large.

The university strives to provide a fair process for every student without bias or favor regardless of socioeconomic status, connections, race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, or status as an honorably discharged veteran or member of the military. It also has responsibility to inform and educate the university community, parents, and the public at large on these standards, uphold them, and exercise the authority to take educational and/or disciplinary action accordingly.

Correspondingly, students have the responsibility to read and be familiar with the standards of conduct, to abide by them, and to understand that violation of these standards, if the student is found responsible, will result in disciplinary and/or educational sanctions. The vice president for student affairs is the person designated by the university president to be responsible for the administration of the standards of conduct.