Students are expected to abide by all local, state, and federal laws while on campus or at official university functions. Failure to comply with these laws is a violation of the code.

Western reserves the right to take action if a student's off-campus conduct is determined to adversely affect the safety or well-being of any member of the university community or the pursuit of the university's vision, mission, or values as set forth in WAC 516-21-030 Jurisdiction.

Proceedings under the code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously, or following civil or criminal proceedings in the courts. Due to the standard of proof under the code (preponderance of evidence) differing from that of criminal law, decisions made through the student conduct process are not subject to challenge on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced by a court of law.