Students have the responsibility to read and be familiar with the standards of conduct, to abide by them, and to understand that violations of these standards, if the student is found responsible, will result in educational sanctions. The dean of students or designee is the person designated by the university president to be responsible for the administration of the standards of conduct.

Washington State University has a long-standing commitment to providing students with a holistic learning experience both in and out of the classroom. Students are expected to uphold and be accountable to our standards of conduct to 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 support students, guide and correct behaviors, challenge students to make better choices, protect the rights of all students, and support a safe environment for 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, personal or social connections, race, sex and/or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, genetic information, status as an honorably discharged veteran or member of the military, physical, mental, or sensory disability, including the use of a trained service animal, or immigration or citizenship status, except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. 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.