Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct and behaviors are prohibited or restricted by this Student Code of Conduct. Violations of these policies or assisting or encouraging others in the violation of these policies, may lead to disciplinary action. An attempt to commit any of these acts, as well as assisting or willfully encouraging any such act, is considered a violation of UTI policy.

Academic Dishonesty

Enrollment at UTI requires adherence to the Institute’s standards of academic integrity. Behavior that violates these standards, includes, but is not limited to:

1. Cheating: using unauthorized notes, study aids, or information on an examination; altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for regrading; allowing another person to do one’s work and submitting that work under one’s own name; submitting identical or similar assignments for credit in more than one course without prior permission from the course instructors; submitting someone else’s work as your own, including, but not limited to material obtained in whole or in part from commercial study or homework help websites, or submitting content generated or altered by digital paraphrasing tools or other artificial intelligence technologies.
2. Plagiarism: submitting material that in part or whole is not entirely one’s own work without attributing those same portions to their correct source.
3. Fabrication: falsifying or inventing any information, data, or citation; presenting data that were not gathered in accordance with standard guidelines defining the appropriate methods for collecting or generating data and failing to include an accurate account of the method by which the data were gathered or collected.
4. Obtaining an unfair advantage:
   1. stealing, reproducing, circulating, or otherwise gaining access to examination materials prior to the time authorized by the instructor;
   2. stealing, destroying, defacing, or concealing library, training equipment, or other resource materials with the purpose of depriving others of their use;
   3. unauthorized collaborating on an academic assignment;
   4. retaining, possessing, using, or circulating previously given examination materials, where those materials clearly indicate that they are to be returned to the instructor at the conclusion of the examination or otherwise not to be shared or circulated;
   5. intentionally obstructing or interfering with another student’s academic work;
   6. recycling one’s own work done in previous classes without obtaining permission from one’s current instructor; or
   7. otherwise undertaking activity with the purpose of creating or obtaining an unfair academic advantage over other students’ academic work.  
5. Aiding and abetting academic dishonesty:
   1. providing material, information, or other assistance to another person with knowledge that such aid could be used in any of the violations stated above;
   2. providing false information in connection with any inquiry regarding academic integrity; or
   3. providing (including selling) class materials to websites that sell or otherwise share such materials – including homework, exams and exam solutions, submitted papers or projects, as well as original course materials (for example, note packets, PowerPoint decks, etc.). 
6. Falsification of records and official documents: altering documents affecting academic records; forging signatures of authorization; falsifying information on an official academic document, such as a grade report, letter of permission, petition, drop/add form, ID card, or any other official Institute document; falsifying medical or other official documentation that has a bearing on campus access, the excuse of absences or missed examinations and assignments.
7. Unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or systems: viewing or altering computer records, modifying computer programs or systems, releasing or dispensing information gained via unauthorized access, or interfering with the use or availability of computer systems or information​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Civility, Mutual Respect, and Violence

As members of the UTI community, students are expected to treat other members of the UTI community, including other students, instructors, staff, and guests, with civility, respect, and consideration. Demeaning, intimidating, threatening, or violent behaviors depart from this standard for civility and respect and have no place in the UTI community. Conduct that violates this policy includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Intimidating, harassing, or bullying any UTI community member or visitor through words or actions. Such behavior includes:
  • Physical contact, such as hitting or shoving;
  • Threats of violence or expressions of intent to cause physical harm;
  • Verbal assaults, such as teasing, name‑calling, derogatory language, and insults;
  • Social isolation and manipulation;
  • Knowingly spreading false rumors; and
  • Any other behavior that causes harm to a person or damage to property or causes fear for a person’s safety or the safety of others
• Profanity, cursing, vulgar language, and profane gestures
• Antagonizing or not following reasonable instructions of UTI staff or instructors;
• Any other type of behavior that infringes on the safety of any UTI community member or affects any community member’s ability to learn or work in the UTI community.

This policy covers conduct both on‑ and off‑campus, and in all forms of electronic communications and online activity, including on social media and third‑party sites.

Destruction Of Property

Destroying, damaging, defacing, or vandalizing UTI property or the personal property of UTI students, staff, or visitors on or off campus is not tolerated.

Disruptive or Disorderly Conduct

Any type of disruptive behavior or conduct that involves disturbing the peace of the Institute and/or local community is not tolerated. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Sleeping in class, laboratories, or other instructional areas;
• Leaving the classroom or shop area without permission;
• Significantly interfering with the functioning of the Institute;
• Causing or allowing excessive or disruptive noise, including but not limited to excessive noise from motorcycles, cars, and stereos, and any violations of local noise ordinances;
• Urinating or defecating in public view or in a public space, or in any space not intended for such purpose;
• Any behavior that objectively prevents a student or group of students from benefiting from a class, program, or activity.

Cellular Phones

Cell phones must be on silent mode and put away (out of sight in pocket or backpack) during class and lab, including during quizzes and examinations. Cell phone usage is allowed during official break times or in the case of emergencies with prior instructor authorization.

Drugs and Alcohol

UTI’s full Drug and Alcohol Policy can be found in the Course Catalog.

UTI prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, and other controlled substances on Institute property or as part of any officially sponsored off‑ campus activity. This prohibition includes:

• Use or possession of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21 (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction), on or off Institute property;
• Providing or distributing alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction), on or off Institute property;
• Being intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs on Institute property and at Institute sponsored events;
• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any illegal drug or controlled substance, on or off Institute property;
• Misuse of controlled substances, including prescription medication (except as expressly permitted by all levels of legal authority), on or off Institute property;
• Manufacturing or distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia on or off Institute property; and
• Violations of any other laws, regulations, or policies pertaining to the use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia whether on or off Institute property.

Although UTI has campuses in some states that have passed laws allowing the use of marijuana in certain circumstances, federal laws classify marijuana as a controlled substance and prohibit marijuana use, possession, and distribution at

institutions of higher education. UTI’s policy follows federal law and accordingly prohibits the use, possession, and distribution of marijuana at all of its campuses, including in states where marijuana usage is otherwise permitted under state law.

As a condition of acceptance, UTI students agree that they may be subject to random and/or for cause drug testing throughout their attendance as set forth in UTI’s Drug and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Policy included in the Course Catalog. UTI works cooperatively with police and drug/alcohol agencies to promote prevention strategies and, where necessary, respond to students who are in possession of or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Electronic Communications, Social Media, and Online Conduct

The Code of Conduct prohibits any conduct that occurs through electronic forms of communication, on social media sites, or on other third‑party sites or platforms that constitutes a violation of the Code of Conduct and/or any UTI policy. The Code of Conduct also applies to students using or participating in UTI’s online training. Students should not engage in any conduct online or electronically, including during online trainings, that is prohibited under the Code. This includes any language or behavior that is harassing, threatening, discriminatory, denigrating, unprofessional or disrespectful, and any other behavior prohibited by this Code.

Endangering Self or Others

Any action (or threat of action) that endangers or threatens to endanger the health, safety, or well‑being of any person (including oneself). Severity and/or persistence may be considered.

Conduct that can amount to endangering self or others includes, but is not limited to:

• Acts that endanger human life, or threaten physical injury
• Unwanted physical contact with any person that reasonably places that person in fear of physical injury or danger (e.g., physical restriction, fighting, pushing, punching, slapping, spitting on, and/or kicking any person).

Failure to Comply

The Student Code of Conduct and all other UTI policies are designed with the safety and well‑being of the UTI community in mind. As such, students are expected to comply with the request or instruction of a UTI official when they are addressing policy or Code violations or concerns. This includes, but is not limited to, the following prohibited conduct:

• Failure to comply promptly with the reasonable request or instruction of an Institute official or law enforcement or emergency personnel acting in an official capacity;
• Refusing to provide identification;
• Refusing to dispose of or turn over to UTI personnel prohibited items;
• Failing to respond; and,
• Failing to follow temporary expectations or guidelines imposed for the purposes of safety and welfare, such as those associated with COVID‑19.

Students encountering requests to comply with an Institute official that they believe exhibit demonstrable signs of being rooted in bias can report the incident pursuant to UTI’s Discrimination Grievance Procedure.

Fire Safety

Acts that jeopardize the safety or security of the UTI, the UTI community, or any UTI facilities, building, or premises, including:

• Intentionally damaging or destroying property by fire or explosives;
• Creating or maintaining a fire or fire hazard (except as specifically authorized);
• Tampering with or misuse of emergency or fire safety equipment, including emergency call devices, fire alarms, fire exits, firefighting equipment, smoke/heat detectors, or sprinkler systems;
• Failing to immediately exit any facility or building when a fire alarm or other emergency notification has been sounded, or hindering or impairing the orderly evacuation of any UTI facility, building, or premises;
• Smoking in any enclosed UTI facility, in any designated outdoor areas, or within 25 feet of an entrance, open window, ventilation intake, or similar feature of any enclosed UTI facility; and
• Violations of state or local fire and fire‑related ordinances.

Food

In order to maintain a clean, professional environment and avoid distraction:

• Food and drinks are not allowed in labs, computer labs or shop areas .
• Food is not allowed in the classrooms unless the campus specifically allows students to eat in the classrooms during lunch or break times to accommodate campus space limitations.
• Students are generally allowed to bring drinks into the classroom during class time but are required to follow any limitations or restrictions imposed by the campus, facility, or instructor with regard to drinks.
• Littering on campus is prohibited.

Guns/Weapons

Possession of guns or weapons of any description, including any knife with a blade longer than 2 inches, box cutters, fireworks or explosive devices is prohibited on campus, on campus property, and at UTI activities or events, including in parking lots and vehicles, except where state law mandates exceptions to this prohibition and only to the extent of that mandated exception. Possession of toy, fake, replica or other imitation guns (collectively, “toy guns”), which include any type of airsoft, water, or gel guns (and look‑alikes) is also prohibited on campus, on campus property, and at school activities or events. Toy guns may not only pose a risk to other students when used, but also may create a risk of harm to community members, including the possessor, due to their resemblance to real guns.

Information Technology

Misconduct related to UTI computer, network, or telecommunications systems or resources, including the following:

• Unauthorized use of facilities, services, equipment, account numbers, or files, including using a user name or account assigned to another user or providing another user with access to your user name or account;
• Reading, copying, changing, deleting, tampering with, or destruction of another user’s files, software, programs, and accounts (including monitoring another user’s data communications) without permission of the owner;
• Use of UTI resources to interfere with the work of another student, a faculty member, or a UTI official, or that otherwise interferes with normal operation of UTI systems;
• Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws (including unauthorized downloading or sharing of copyrighted files); and
• Violation of any other UTI policy regarding computers, networks, or electronic communication.​​​​​​​

Misconduct within the Student Conduct Process

Misconduct related to the student conduct process, including the following:

• Failure or refusal to appear upon request or to cooperate in the investigation, hearing, or administration of cases of alleged violations of UTI policies;
• Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information in the investigation, hearing, or administration of cases of alleged policy violation;
• Making a frivolous or malicious complaint pursuant to the UTI’s student conduct procedures (including an appeal);
• Any action that attempts to retaliate against, intimidate, threaten, coerce, discriminate against, or improperly influence any UTI community member for reporting alleged violations of policy or concern for the health or safety of a UTI community member, assisting another in making such a report, or participating in an investigation or resolution of such matters;
• Unauthorized release or disclosure of information related to a student conduct proceeding;
• Failure to comply with the sanctions or outcomes imposed for violations of this code or other UTI policies; and
• Failure to comply with the interim actions or informal resolution put in place by a UTI administrator, including, but not limited to, failure to comply with a no‑ contact directive.

Misrepresentation

Acts of fraud, misrepresentation, or dishonesty, including the following:

• Forgery, alteration, or misuse of UTI documents, records, or identification or other materials;
• Knowingly furnishing false, forged, or inappropriately altered information to UTI, any UTI official, or emergency response personnel;
• Intentionally misrepresenting UTI, any UTI official, your status at UTI or utilizing UTI’s brand without permission;
• Possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of identification cards or devices that are false or fraudulent or that misrepresent an individual’s identity, age, or other personal characteristics, including using another individual’s identification.
• Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning, or threat of emergency or crisis.

Other Vehicles

• Mini and pocket bikes are not allowed on campus.
• Skateboarding is prohibited on campus.
• Vehicles that are UTI property, including UTI training vehicles, are not to be removed from campus. UTI training vehicles may only be driven in and out of labs when supervised by the Instructor. Motorcycle Mechanics Institute vehicles may not be ridden into or out of labs. Test drives and test rides of any UTI vehicle off campus are prohibited.

Photography and Audio or Video Recording

Audio or video recorders, cameras or any other electronic reproduction devices are not permitted in the classroom unless used pursuant to an accommodation plan issued by Student Services. This prohibition includes the use of camera and audio‑ or video‑recording features or applications on a cellphone, computer, or other personal device. Unauthorized photography or the audio/video recording of Instructors, other UTI staff, or other students without their consent is prohibited. UTI will abide by any state, local or federal laws that require UTI to allow recordings.

Smoking/Chewing Tobacco

The use of any tobacco products, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, alternative nicotine products, and chewing tobacco is only allowed in designated areas on campus by students of legal age to use or consume such products, as determined by applicable federal, state, and/or municipal laws or regulations. Each campus posts the locations of designated smoking/ chewing areas. When not in use, electronic smoking devices (e.g., e cigarettes, e cigs, e cigars, e pipes, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems) must be stored in appropriate cases. Battery powered devices are prohibited on UTI premises unless carried in cases that prevent activation of the battery or noncombustible cases. Cases should:

• Securely hold the device and ensure smoking devices are not accidently activated.
• Allow the battery and activation component to be stored separately.
• Be made of non combustible material, such as metal.

No charging is allowed on or within UTI premises, and no portable charging cases are allowed.

Speeding/Reckless Driving

Speeding and reckless driving of motorcycles and cars on and around campus is prohibited. Please help us honor our neighbors and community by riding and driving in a professional manner.

Speed is not to exceed 5 miles per hour or posted speed limit signs on campus.

Theft and Possession of Stolen Property

Stealing or taking property that does not belong to you without permission from the owner and the knowing possession, sale, or distribution of stolen property on or off campus are not tolerated.

Unauthorized Use of UTI Properties

Unauthorized access to, entry to, presence in, or use of UTI properties, including the following:

• UTI facilities, property, systems, or services;
• Roofs, balconies, or fire escapes of any UTI building or facility for any purpose except in case of an emergency;
• Possession, duplication, distribution, or use of keys, access codes, access cards, or other means of entry or access to any UTI property, premises, or location.

Violations of Laws and Other Policies

Any action in violation of federal, state, or local laws or ordinances based on conduct occurring on or off campus, and any action that violates any other UTI policies, is not tolerated.

 

Florida Campuses Only:

Under the Florida Safety in Private Spaces Act, Fl. Stat. § 553.865, a person may only enter a restroom or changing facility on the school’s premises that is designated for the person’s biological sex at birth or that is designated as a unisex restroom or changing facility, except that a person may enter a restroom or changing facility on the school’s premises that is designated for the opposite of the person’s biological sex at birth only under the following circumstances: (a) To accompany a person of the opposite sex for the purpose of assisting or chaperoning a child under the age of 12, an elderly person, or a person with a disability or a developmental disability; (b) For law enforcement or governmental regulatory purposes; (c) For the purpose of rendering emergency medical assistance or to intervene in any other emergency situation where the health or safety of another person is at risk; (d) For custodial, maintenance, or inspection purposes, provided that the restroom or changing facility is not in use; or (e) If the appropriate designated restroom or changing facility is out of order or under repair and the restroom or changing facility designated for the opposite sex contains no person of the opposite sex. A student who willfully enters a restroom or changing facility on the school’s premises in violation of this provision and refuses to depart when asked to do so by any administrative personnel, faculty member, security personnel, or law enforcement personnel shall be subject to disciplinary action by the school, including, but not limited to, warning, probation, suspension, or termination.