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Home ― Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying

Policy 13.1
Approved by: President
Responsible Officer: Student Conduct Coordinator
Responsible Office: Student Conduct
Originally Issued: 05/05/2023
Last Revision: NEW POLICY
Category: Student Life, Services, and Enrollment Management
Related Policy
SD BOR Policy 3:4 Student Code of Conduct

I. REASON FOR THIS POLICY

The policy supports SDBOR Policy 3:4 Student Code of Conduct as it defines University sanctions related to use of personal technology to harass, intimidate, stalk, or invade another’s privacy. Since SDBOR Policy 3:4 Section 2.3.7 (Misuse of Institutional Resources or Property, or Personal Property of Others) does not cover use of students’ personal electronic devices and the social media in which they participate (e.g., TikTok, Facebook, messaging, and Instagram), the purpose of this policy is to define Dakota State University’s adjudication of student cyberbullying cases identified through students’ use of personal technology.

II. DEFINITIONS

Cyberbullying. Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies (e.g., cellular phones, social media, chat rooms/platforms, online game forums, digital cameras and, computers) for the purpose of engaging in deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group with the intention of causing distress, causing harm or embarrassing others.

III. STATEMENT OF POLICY

  1. Mission. Cyberbullying is inconsistent with the mission of Dakota State University and unacceptable for any member of the Dakota State Community to harass another for personal reasons and/or based on their race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. 
  2. Types. Cyberbullying may include, but is not limited to, cyber harassment, cyberstalking, denigration, masquerading, invasion of privacy.
  3. Harm. Cyberbullying can cause significant harm to students, including but not limited to, loss of reputation, humiliation and embarrassment, clinical depression, fear and anxiety, loss of self-esteem, and self-injurious and suicidal behavior. 
  4. Consequences. The University shall not tolerate cyberbullying in any form. Any student found responsible for engaging in cyberbullying shall be subject to immediate disciplinary action, which may result in censure, probation, suspension, or permanent separation from Dakota State University. If a case of cyberbullying is determined to be of a criminal nature, it will be referred to local law enforcement in addition to being addressed as a Dakota State Code of Conduct violation.
  5. Responsibilities. Any faculty, staff, or student at Dakota State can report cyberbullying. The University’s Student Code of Conduct Coordinator shall review reported incidents to determine if enough evidence has been presented to formally investigate. The Student Code of Conduct Coordinator shall assign the appropriate hearing officer.

Exclusions

None

Exceptions

None

IV. PROCEDURES (MAJOR)

The University shall follow SDBOR policy 3.4 Student Code of Conduct to address a reported cyberbullying case.

V. RELATED DOCUMENTS, FORMS AND TOOLS

None

VI. POLICY HISTORY

Adopted: 05/05/2023

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