The Stanford community strives to create meaningful change both on campus and in the world. A commitment to integrity permeates all aspects of campus life, and the Office of Community Standards (OCS) supports this mission by upholding two of Stanford's foundational principles: the Fundamental Standard and the Honor Code. Together, these standards articulate the values that unite us and outline the responsibilities that attend the great privilege of being at Stanford. Every member of the Stanford community plays an integral role in espousing these ideals and sustaining our culture of excellence.
Cardinal Rules
- Promote a culture of personal integrity and academic honesty through your daily actions
- Speak up if you're unsure whether or not conduct would violate these principles
- Hold yourself and others accountable to these community values
The Fundamental Standard
The Fundamental Standard has set the standard of conduct for students at Stanford since it was articulated in 1896. It states: Students at Stanford are expected to show both within and without the University such respect for order, morality, personal honor and the rights of others as is demanded of good citizens. Failure to do this will be sufficient cause for removal from the University.
Honor Code
The Honor Code is an undertaking of the Stanford academic community, individually and collectively. Its purpose is to uphold a culture of academic honesty.
Policies & Guidance Links
In addition to the Fundamental Standard and Honor Code, Stanford maintains several university policies that guide student conduct and community expectations. Explore the links below to learn more about important policies that help keep our campus respectful, safe, and accountable.
The Stanford Student Conduct Charter of 2023 applies to cases filed on May 2, 2023 and after. Read through the student conduct charter's contents.
Most concerns are handled through the conduct process described in the Stanford Student Conduct Charter of 2023, but there are other processes that may apply to your situation. You may discuss these when you talk with your Conduct Advisor.
The bylaws to the Student Judicial Charter of 1997 are rules and/or administrative provisions of the Board on Judicial Affairs (BJA) that clarify and facilitate practice under the Charter and allow for efficient internal governance of the BJA.
Updated to align with the Stanford Student Conduct Charter of 2023 - Approved by the Board on Conduct Affairs on March 10, 2025, and effective June 23, 2025, pursuant to Section II(A)2 of the Charter: Stanford University’s Student Conduct Penalty Code is to be used in conjunction with the Student Conduct Charter of 2023. It is applicable when a student accepts responsibility for a violation, or when a Conduct Panel has determined that a student violated the Honor Code, the Fundamental Standard, or another rule or policy governing student conduct.
The Board on Conduct Affairs (BCA) offers guidance to help students and instructors better understand expectations and responsibilities. Learn how these recommendations support a fair and transparent academic environment.
If the Office of Accessible Education in consultation with the relevant department, determines that a student’s academic accommodation is both reasonable and does not constitute a fundamental alteration of a course, the terms of that accommodation shall not be considered an academic procedure that creates a temptation to violate the Honor Code.
The Student Judicial Charter of 1997 applies to cases in progress as of May 1, 2023. For cases filed May 2, 2023 or after, please access the Stanford Student Conduct Charter of 2023. Read through the student judicial charter's contents.
