Academic Policies & Procedures

Registration and Academic Standards for Graduate Students

Change of Grading Basis

With Dean's Office approval, the grading basis can change from "Graded" to "Pass/No Pass" for elective courses. Students need to request the grading basis change prior to the last week of classes. No more than six hours of elective courses can have the grading basis change from "Graded" to "Pass/No Pass."

Class Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class meetings for the courses in which they are registered. Students should notify faculty when they are forced to miss a class because of extenuating circumstances. Faculty should report excessive absences to the program's faculty director. Students who are not on the class roster for a course are not permitted to attend the course.

Course Loads

Weatherhead requires students to register for and complete courses as specified in their cohort program curriculum plan to continue in their program and maintain any scholarship granted. Failure to adhere to the program curriculum plan may result in separation from the program. Full time, three-quarter time, half time and less than half time enrollment information is provided by the University Registrar.

Course Registration

A student may enroll during each registration period through the last day of late registration, as set by the official university calendar. Exceptions will be granted only upon the recommendation of the Dean of Weatherhead School of Management. A fee of $25 is charged during the late registration period.

To register, students must have a clear balance unless they are participating in the Bridge Loan Program. Students eligible for the Bridge Loan Program need to submit a company tuition reimbursement letter, Bridge Loan application, and fee each semester. Students register online using the Student Information System (SIS). Students who wish to apply for loans should contact the Office of University Financial Aid.

During any semester, a student may not register in more than one career in SIS, unless the student is in a dual-degree program.

If at any time a student, other than Online MBA students, fails to register in two consecutive semesters, excluding the summer session, the student must reapply for admission to Weatherhead, unless prior approval was granted by the Weatherhead registrar. Online MBA students should review the details in the Retention Requirements section.

Degrees Conferred

Case Western Reserve University confers degrees to qualified candidates three times per year: in August, for students who complete their programs during the summer semester; in January, for students who complete their programs during the fall semester; and in May, for students who complete their programs during the spring semester.

There is only one diploma ceremony each year, in May, and all candidates are invited to march at this ceremony, regardless of the month in which their degree was awarded. May degree candidates receive their diplomas the day of the ceremony. May degree candidates who do not participate in the diploma ceremony can have diplomas mailed or held for pick up. January and August degree recipients can have diplomas mailed or held for pick up. Students may not receive diplomas prior to the date on which the degree is to be granted.

Extra Assignments

No student is permitted to do extra assignments beyond the work assigned to all students in a course in order to obtain a higher grade. This policy applies to changing an I (Incomplete) grade to a regular grade or to changing one regular grade to another. However, faculty may replace or substitute assignments for individual students in a course, based on extenuating circumstances.

Grades

Grading Extra
Letter Grade	Meaning	Quality Points	Notes
A	Excellent	4
B	Good	3
C	Fair	2
D	Passing	1
F	Failure	0
R	Completion of the first semester of a two-semester course		No degree credit awarded
P	Pass	0	Degree credit awarded
NP	No pass
I	Incomplete		No degree credit awarded
AD	Successful audit		No degree credit awarded
NG	No grade, unsatisfactory audit
W	Withdrawal from a class		No degree credit awarded
WD	Withdrawal from all courses in a semester		No degree credit awarded

Midterm Grades

Grading Extra
Letter Grade	Meaning	Quality Points	Notes
S	Satisfactory	0	No degree credit awarded
U	Unsatisfactory	0	No degree credit awarded

Grade of Incomplete (I)

The grade I is assigned at the discretion of an instructor, provided that two criteria are met:

There are extenuating circumstances, explained to the instructor before the assignment of the grade, which clearly justify an extension of time beyond the requirements established for other students in the class. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of the circumstances that prevent completion of the course
The student has been passing the course and only a small segment of the course, such as a term paper, remains to be completed, for which the extenuating circumstances justify a special exception

In order to receive credit for an I, the student must complete the work by the date specified by the instructor, and no later than the end of the next regular semester (fall or spring semester).

In the absence of notification or adequate justification, the I will automatically change to F or NP (depending on the grading basis for the course) on the stated deadline.

If the student wishes to petition to extend a grade of I beyond the stated deadline, the student must obtain approval from the faculty member who assigned the I, and from the program's faculty director, before the deadline. A request must be made in writing, preferably via email, and convey (a) the extenuating circumstances justifying the extension and (b) the expected date of completion of the work. If approved, the request should be initialed by the faculty member and delivered by the student to the faculty director for approval and then to the Weatherhead registrar. Failure to complete course requirements by the extended date will result in a grade of F or NP, depending on the grading basis for the course.

Graduation Requirements

A cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all graduate courses taken for credit in the Master of Accountancy, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Change, Master of Business Analytics and Intelligence, Master of Finance, and Master of Supply Chain Management degree programs is required for graduation. Candidates must submit an application for graduation in SIS no later than two months before the graduation date at which their degree is expected to be awarded. The candidate is responsible for filing the application. Students are advised to contact the Weatherhead Registrar's Office if they have any questions regarding requirements for graduation.

Leave of Absence

If a student will not be taking classes for more than one semester, the student should request a one-year leave of absence. Approval for any leave of absence from a degree program must be requested in writing by the student. This request for approval should be submitted to the faculty director of the program and the Weatherhead registrar. Unapproved interruption in the program sequence constitutes separation from the program.

Retroactive leaves of absence are not permitted. Students who fail to return upon completion of a leave of absence need to re-apply to the degree program. Students must graduate within six years from the start of their first semester at Weatherhead. A leave of absence does not extend the maximum time permitted for the completion of degree requirements. A leave of absence cannot be taken if students are on an approved extension of the time limit to complete their degree.

Registration

Students generally register for classes and make changes to their schedule using SIS. Step by step information on registering for classes is available online. For assistance with this process, students must contact the Weatherhead registrar before the last day of the drop/add period.

Repeat Policy

In general, Master's students can take a course for credit only one time. Master of Accountancy, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Change, Master of Business Analytics and Intelligence, Master of Finance, Master of Science in FinTech, and Master of Supply Chain Management students who earn a grade of F or NP in a core course must repeat the course, or an equivalent course as approved by the faculty program director. Graduate students can repeat Curricular Practical Training or the equivalent, Independent Study/Special Problems and Topics, and International Institute/study abroad electives. Full-semester study abroad experiences at an international school are not repeatable. Doctor of Business Administration students who earned a grade of NP in a doctoral course are required to repeat the course and earn a P.

Independent Study/Special Problems and Topics Policy for the MBA Program

The MBA program provides well-designed, contemporary courses covering the core competencies needed for tomorrow's leaders. The program, the Weatherhead School, and other programs at Case Western Reserve University offer a wide variety of courses which can serve as choices for students to customize their MBA with elective courses. However, in some cases students may desire to specialize their learning in an area not covered by existing courses.

In those cases, students may request an independent study for a customized class bearing credit hours. The total credit hours of independent studies taken by an MBA student may not exceed six credit hours. Every independent study requires advance approval by a faculty advisor, who serves as the instructor, and the MBA program director. When applying for approval of a proposed independent study the student must submit a lesson plan with learning objectives approved by the faculty advisor and a completed Weatherhead School of Management Independent Study Form. The form may be obtained from either the Weatherhead registrar or the MBA Student Advisor.

Residency

For the Doctor of Business Administration program

Residency sessions are designed as immersive, collaborative experiences, and full participation is required. Students are expected to be present for all residencies and classes, and to actively engage with faculty and with their classmates through small groups, team projects, and practicums throughout the program. In-person engagement at each residency is a foundational expectation for success in the Doctor of Business Administration program.

In addition, students are expected to remain current with all coursework and assignments, as these are integral to the learning experience and to meaningful participation during residencies.

In the event that an absence is unavoidable, one absence may be permitted with advance notice and approval. Any additional request for absences will be reviewed and approved at the discretion of the relevant faculty and Program Director. Students are responsible for making up missed content and to remain current with all assignments.

For the Executive MBA program

In-person presence at each residency is critical for success in the Executive MBA program. Students are expected to attend each residency and each class. If unavoidable absences arise, these should be approved in advance and accommodation should be reached with the faculty member(s) in question to make up the content. In addition to regularly scheduled classes, students can expect to attend frequent meetings with small groups formed at the start of the program.

For the Master of Science in Leadership and Organization Change program

In-person presence at each residency is critical for success in the Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Change program. Students are expected to attend each residency and each class and to participate throughout the program with classmates in small groups, team projects and practicums. If unavoidable absences arise, these should be approved in advance and accommodation should be reached with the faculty member(s) in question to make up the content.

Retention Requirements

All students are required to follow their curriculum plan and graduate with their cohort. If at any time a student, other than Online MBA students, fails to register in two consecutive semesters, excluding the summer session, the student must reapply for admission to Weatherhead, unless prior approval was granted by the Weatherhead registrar.

For the Master of Accountancy, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Change, Master of Business Analytics and Intelligence, Master of Finance, and Master of Supply Chain Management degree programs

All grades received are included in the calculation of the GPA
A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is needed to maintain good standing
A cumulative GPA below 2.5 will result in probation
A cumulative GPA below 2.5 in two semesters will result in separation from the program
Students must retake a core course in which they earn an F or NP, or an equivalent course approved by the faculty program director
A course in which an F or NP is earned contributes no hours toward graduation requirements

For the Online MBA program

All students are required to follow their curriculum plan and graduate with their cohort. If a student fails to register in two consecutive semesters, including the summer semester, the student must reapply for admission to Weatherhead unless prior approval was granted by the Weatherhead registrar. All other requirements as stated above apply.

For the Master of Engineering and Management degree program

Students should contact the Master of Engineering and Management program director for specifics regarding Retention Requirements.

Time Limit to Complete a Degree Program

Students must graduate within six years from the start of their first semester at Weatherhead.

Time Limit to Return to a Degree Program

Students who leave their WSOM Graduate program (after not returning from an approved one-year leave of absence or not returning due to a lapse in enrollment) and request to return to complete their degree after a time period greater than six years from the start of their program, need to start their program from the beginning and are not eligible to resume working on their degree using their previously completed coursework.

Transcripts

Case Western Reserve University considers grades and other information about a student’s performance at the university to be a private matter and will release such information to the student only upon written request. Transcripts are issued by the University Registrar's Office. Transcript requests can be made online.

Transcripts of work completed at other institutions will not be released to the student or other third parties.

Transfers and Waivers

In general, students may not transfer more than 10.5 credit hours of prior course work from an AACSB or equivalent accredited institution with prior written approval from the faculty director and the Weatherhead registrar. Please consult with the faculty director to confirm specific restrictions and limits for their program.

No course in which the student received a grade lower than a B will be accepted. Graduate courses counted toward another degree are not eligible for transfer credit. Courses completed more than five years prior to the start of the master’s program are not eligible for transfer credit. If a transfer credit request is approved, upon completion of the course, it is the student’s responsibility to provide the Weatherhead Registrar’s Office with an official transfer transcript. Courses cannot be transferred without an official transfer transcript. Quarter hours convert to semester hours with a conversion of 0.67 semester hours for every 1.0 quarter hours.

Withdrawals

To withdraw from courses during a semester, the student may either initiate a request to withdraw in SIS or contact the Weatherhead registrar before the last day of classes. All withdrawals after the official drop/add periods will result in a grade of W (WD if withdrawing from all classes) on the student's transcript. A student withdrawing after the last day of classes will receive a grade of F unless, in the judgment of the program's faculty director, there are valid reasons for recording the grade of W.

Failure to attend class, giving notice to the instructor, or nonpayment of fees will not be regarded as official notice of withdrawal. A grade of F will be assigned in each course from which the student has not officially withdrawn.

Note: A student is not entitled to any tuition adjustment for a single course dropped after the drop/add deadline. However, if a student is forced to withdraw from all coursework for the semester due to unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances, they may petition (in writing to the Weatherhead registrar) for a partial tuition refund. Tuition charges for withdrawals after the drop/add deadline are prorated based upon the week of withdrawal and according to the withdrawal and refund schedule published by Student Financial Services.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

PhD Policies

For PhD policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Academic Integrity Policy

This policy comprises the standards of academic integrity in the graduate programs of the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and sets forth the procedures to be followed by the dean, faculty and staff in cases in which students are alleged to have violated the Academic Integrity Policy. This policy does not address alleged violations and disciplinary actions in the undergraduate programs. Such matters are addressed at the university level.

Academic integrity is vital to the Weatherhead graduate programs' learner-centered approach to management education. A deep commitment to learning and honesty on the part of every student is crucial. Every student is expected to respect the learning process, to enhance it and to strenuously avoid any activity that might corrupt it. Students are required to report observed violations of the Weatherhead code of academic conduct. Faculty, the dean and administration also have a crucial role in upholding academic integrity at Weatherhead and ensuring adherence to general principles of academic integrity and this policy.

To foster a well-informed commitment to academic integrity, the following policies govern the Weatherhead learning environment:

All forms of dishonesty including cheating, plagiarism or knowingly furnishing false information to Weatherhead faculty or administrators are prohibited. This standard is to be interpreted strictly. Examples of violations of the code of academic conduct include, but are not limited to:
- Communication or use of aids not specifically authorized by the instructor during examinations. Such instances include giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in any form (including the use of unauthorized aids, copying from another student’s work, or giving, soliciting or receiving unauthorized aid).
- Submission of work prepared for another class, for another section of the same class in the same or prior years, or by other students without the prior authorization of the course instructor.
- Submission of texts or partial texts prepared by anyone other than the student (plagiarism), including material from the internet, without proper attribution, including whether the true author is aware of or condones the act. Plagiarism can occur inadvertently due to the omission of proper credit and includes failure to properly footnote sources, to indicate quoted or paraphrased material or to credit others for their ideas, words or work.
- Misrepresentation on a resume, Weatherhead application materials or any other official document.
Computer software is private intellectual property; therefore, copying university-owned or -licensed software or data, or loading such software onto another computer system for personal or external non-CWRU use without prior written approval is prohibited. The modification of university-owned or -licensed software or data without prior written approval is prohibited.
Information technology, including computers, data transmission and storage technology are essential to knowledge production and learning. Damage or disruption to the operation of computer equipment, data communications equipment or data communications lines is prohibited. The use of university-owned or -licensed computers for non-educational purposes or for purposes for which they were not intended is prohibited.

Academic Integrity Officer and Associate Academic Integrity Officer

To maintain and consolidate information on prior academic integrity violations and associated consequences, prior to each academic year, Council will designate one Academic Integrity Officer (AIO) and one Associate Academic Integrity Officer (AAIO) from the full-time faculty to serve a term of one year of service during the coming academic year, renewable up to five years based upon the respective individuals’ willingness and ability to fulfill the respective roles. Council will carefully consider the fit between the workload demands of the AIO and AAIO and the characteristics of the individuals, including such things as the individuals’ tenure, rank and previous involvement in other Weatherhead committees related to Weatherhead curriculum. To fulfill the responsibilities of the AIO, the individual will be provided with the appropriate administrative support.

The AIO is the first contact for allegations of violations of the code of academic conduct, as explained below. The AAIO is appointed for two purposes. First, the AAIO serves as a backup for the AIO in the event that conflicts of interest or other obligations prevent the AIO from fulfilling AIO duties in a given case. Second, Council selects the AAIO with the idea that the AAIO may become the succeeding AIO when the AIO’s term is concluded, whereupon Council will designate a replacement AAIO. The expectation is that the AIO and the AAIO will work together on academic integrity issues that arise.

If a student witnesses an activity that appears to violate the code of academic conduct, that student must take proper action to address or curtail the activity. Proper action may include confronting the individuals involved, requesting that the instructor clarify the guidelines for appropriate conduct, and reporting the activity to the instructor or the AIO. Provision will be made for an anonymous reporting channel as necessary.

In the event that a faculty member has reasonable grounds to suspect that a student has violated the Weatherhead Code of Academic Conduct, the faculty member must consult the AIO. The purpose of the consultation is fourfold: (1) to provide the faculty member with an awareness of precedents for the violation in question, (2) to maintain consistency across departments in the Weatherhead, (3) to determine whether the student has prior violations and (4) to allow the faculty member and the AIO to determine whether additional information should be gathered about the alleged incident and by whom. If the student has had prior offenses, a hearing must be conducted.

A faculty member may resolve the violation without a hearing if the following four conditions are met: (1) the incident and sanction have been reported to the AIO, (2) the student admits to the violation, (3) based on the best information available, it is the student’s first violation and (4) the student accepts the sanction proposed by the faculty member. If the student does not accept the faculty member's proposed sanction, the student has one week from that refusal to request a hearing. The minimum sanction in such cases is failure in the work in question; the maximum sanction is failure in the course. In addition, any student guilty of an academic integrity violation shall not be permitted to participate in the evaluation process for either the faculty member(s) who brought the allegation or the course in which the violation occurred.

If any one of the four conditions noted above is not met, or if the faculty member concludes that the seriousness of the offense warrants a hearing, a hearing must be convened in accordance with the procedures outlined below. In addition, students found guilty of an academic integrity violation shall not have the same rights as other students to participate in the course/instructor evaluation process. A separate policy document regarding this can be obtained from the AIO.

If a hearing is warranted then a maximum penalty can include failure in the course and expulsion.

Procedures for Conducting Academic Integrity Disciplinary Hearings

Initial Steps

The faculty member or other individual alleging the academic integrity violation shall prepare a written, signed statement containing a description of the acts constituting the alleged violation of the Code of Academic Conduct, including dates, times, locations and names of individuals involved. The written statement shall include all supporting evidence that is pertinent to the alleged violation.
The individual shall submit the statement to the AIO. The AIO will review the statement to determine whether the written statement contains sufficient information to warrant further investigation. The AIO shall also notify the university’s Office of Student Affairs of the matter. The AIO can continue to consult the university’s Office of Student Affairs to the extent appropriate.
If the AIO determines that further investigation is warranted, the AIO may request that other parties prepare written statements describing their knowledge of the alleged violation of the Code of Academic Conduct.
The AIO shall notify the student of the allegations and that a hearing will be scheduled, which will provide the student with the opportunity to prepare a defense against the allegations and to have an adviser present at the hearing.

Hearing Process

After receiving all written statements and any other pertinent information, the AIO shall convene an ad hoc hearing committee comprised of the following individuals: (a) one student, and (b) two full-time regular faculty members. One non-voting administrative staff member shall also attend to take minutes of the proceeding. The members of the committee will elect one member to serve as chair with the staff member recording the minutes. The AIO shall approach student government and allow that organization to nominate the student representative. If student government does not respond, the AIO shall appoint a student representative.
Prior to the hearing, the ad hoc hearing committee members will be provided with the written documents concerning the alleged incident and any other pertinent information.
The ad hoc hearing committee will establish a hearing date and communicate the date to all parties involved. Prior to the hearing date, the student in question shall have access to all written documents and any other information the ad hoc hearing committee has reviewed. For these purposes, the committee should be aware that privacy concerns or related legal issues may prevent the sharing of certain information with the student. For example, cases may arise in which the sharing of certain information may violate the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In such cases, the committee will consult with the university’s legal counsel.
All members of the ad hoc hearing committee must be present at the hearing.
The student may be accompanied and assisted by an adviser. The adviser shall not be permitted to participate in the hearing except to advise the student.
The faculty member bringing the academic integrity matter to the hearing ordinarily must be present at the hearing. However, if the AIO determines that no material issue of fact exists, the faculty member's presence is not required.
Minutes of the hearing will be recorded by the staff member referenced in item 1 of this section.
The student shall have the opportunity to argue their defense and to present supporting evidence and witnesses. The student shall have the opportunity to hear and question witnesses against them by directing all such inquiry through the person chairing the meeting.
The hearing committee shall have the authority to reasonably limit the time for testimony for each witness, including the testimony of the student in question.
After the hearing, the committee shall convene to discuss the information presented. The committee shall make a written recommendation at this time. The recommendation shall be made to the dean no later than one week after the hearing. The dean will make the final decision regarding the outcome of the hearing.
The recommendation may include discipline up to and including expulsion. The student will receive a copy of the committee's recommendation.

Sanctions and Appeal Process

The dean shall have the authority to accept, reject or modify the hearing committee's recommendation, after consultation with the AIO and, if possible, the AAIO. The student shall have the right to present in writing their basis for requesting acceptance, rejection or modification. The dean shall communicate their decision in writing to the student and the committee.
In no event will a student be suspended from classes or expelled prior to a final resolution of the charges, except in cases where the dean believes the student’s presence on campus presents a risk to the university community.
The procedures set forth herein do not preempt the jurisdiction and disciplinary processes of other university bodies that retain their own concurrent jurisdiction to investigate and enforce their own rules and impose their own disciplinary measures. In circumstances in which different disciplinary findings or measures may be imposed by different bodies, the more severe shall have precedent.
A student found in violation of the academic integrity policy has the right to appeal the original decision to the Provost’s Office according to the following procedures: An appeal of a decision must be submitted in writing and postmarked or hand-delivered to the provost or the provost’s designee within 10 calendar days after the date on which written notice of the decision was sent to the student. Each student shall be limited to one appeal. The decision of the appeal officer is final.
An appeal may be based only upon one or more of the following grounds: (a) procedural error, (b) misapplication or misinterpretation of the rule alleged to have been violated, (c) findings of facts not supported by a preponderance of evidence, (d) discovery of substantial new facts that were unavailable at the time of the hearing, or (e) that the disciplinary sanction imposed is grossly disproportionate to the violation committed.
The appeal officer shall dismiss the appeal if the appeal is not based upon one or more of the grounds set forth in section 5 immediately above. The appeal officer may decide the appeal based upon a review of the record. The appeal officer may request additional written information or an oral presentation from any relevant person(s) and then decide the appeal based upon the enhanced record.
The appeal officer may, after a review of the record, uphold the original sanction, dismiss the original sanction or impose a lesser sanction. An appeal officer may also remand the case to the original hearing body or refer the case to a new hearing officer or panel to be reheard. If possible, the new hearing officer or panel should be different from the one that originally decided the case. If a case is reheard by a hearing officer or panel, the sanction imposed could be greater or lesser than that imposed at the original hearing.
A student and hearing officer may agree in advance to minor deviations from procedure. Such deviations are not then subject to appeal. Other minor deviations are acceptable as long as such deviations are not found upon appeal to be unreasonably harmful to the student.

Weatherhead Professional Student Code of Conduct

Purpose and Guiding Principles

The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University is committed to fostering a learning environment that reflects our core values: integrity, impact, curiosity, courage, humility, accountability, collaboration, and unpretentious excellence. This Professional Student Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for professional and ethical behavior and provides a clear process for addressing violations in a fair, transparent, and educationally grounded manner.

This policy applies to all students enrolled in graduate programs at Weatherhead, including but not limited to integrated, part-time/online, full-time, dual-degree, and certificate students, whether on campus or in virtual/hybrid settings. It encompasses all co-curricular, and professional engagements associated with the school. In addition to the standards set forth in the Academic Integrity Policy and this Weatherhead Professional Student Code of Conduct, Weatherhead students must also abide by the University Code of Conduct. All students are expected to make themselves aware of Weatherhead and University standards and refrain from engaging in any prohibited activities.

A student accused of any of the listed prohibited activities may be referred to the disciplinary conduct procedures described below and in the University Code of Conduct.

Definitions

To promote clarity and a shared understanding of expectations, the following terms are defined as they pertain to the Weatherhead Professional Student Code of Conduct:

Accountability

Taking responsibility for one’s actions, decisions, and commitments. This includes acknowledging mistakes, learning from feedback, and honoring obligations to classmates, instructors, and external partners.

Advisor

A faculty member, staff member, or university-assigned professional who provides academic, professional, or personal guidance to students. Advisors may also include individuals who accompany students during disciplinary proceedings, though their role in hearings is limited to providing counsel and support, not direct participation.

Co-Curricular Engagement

Structured learning experiences outside the traditional classroom that support professional, academic, and personal development. These include student leadership roles, case competitions, career-related events, consulting projects, networking events, conferences, and service initiatives officially affiliated with Weatherhead or Case Western Reserve University.

Collaboration

Working cooperatively with others in academic, team, or professional settings by contributing actively, communicating effectively, and showing respect for diverse perspectives.

Confidentiality

The ethical obligation to protect sensitive information shared in academic, professional, and client-based settings. Breaches of confidentiality may include unauthorized disclosure of peer, team, client, or university information.

Conduct Appeal Officer

A university official responsible for evaluating appeals of conduct decisions based on procedural concerns, new evidence, or appropriateness of sanctions.

Discrimination

Unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on their identity or beliefs. Discrimination is contrary to Weatherhead and university values and is not tolerated.

Disruptive Behavior

Any action—verbal, nonverbal, digital, or physical—that interferes with teaching, learning, professional development, or school operations. This includes, but is not limited to, persistent interruptions, inappropriate use of technology, offensive or aggressive behavior, and failure to meet team obligations.

Ethical Leadership

A commitment to lead with honesty, fairness, and respect for others. Ethical leaders’ model professional behavior, act with integrity, and hold themselves and others to high standards.

Expulsion

A permanent removal from the university. The student cannot return, take classes, or participate in any university activities.

Assistant Dean, Student Success/Director of Student Experience

The designated administrator responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Weatherhead Professional Student Code of Conduct, including the investigation of allegations and coordination of hearings and appeals.

External Partner

An individual or organization outside of the Weatherhead School of Management who collaborates with the school or its students for academic, professional, or community-based initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, guest speakers, employers, project sponsors.

Harassment

Unwelcome conduct—verbal, visual, digital, or physical—that demeans, threatens, or offends another person, particularly when it is based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Hearing Committee

An ad hoc body of students, faculty, and staff convened to review cases of alleged conduct violations, assess evidence, and make disciplinary recommendations to the dean or their designee.

Inclusion

A learning and professional space where all individuals feel respected, supported, and valued. Inclusion involves proactively creating opportunities for all students to contribute, regardless of background, identity, or belief.

Integrity

Adherence to moral and ethical principles, including honesty in academic work, responsible conduct in professional settings, and compliance with university policies.

Professionalism

The consistent demonstration of behaviors, attitudes, and values that reflect integrity, respect, and accountability in all academic, interpersonal, and professional settings. This includes punctuality, preparedness, ethical conduct, and respectful communication.

Program Director

A designated academic or administrative leader responsible for overseeing the operations, curriculum, and student experience within a specific graduate program at the Weatherhead School of Management. Program Directors serve as key points of contact for students regarding academic advising, professional development, and policy enforcement.

Sanction

A consequence or corrective measure imposed in response to a violation of the Code of Conduct. Sanctions are determined based on severity, frequency, and prior conduct history, and range from informal warnings to separation from the program.

Separation

A temporary break from the university as a disciplinary action. During this time, the student cannot take classes, join activities, or use university facilities, and may return only if specific conditions are met.

Student

Any individual who is officially enrolled in a graduate program at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. This includes, but is not limited to, full-time, part-time, online, hybrid, dual-degree, integrated, and certificate program participants. For the purposes of this Code, “student” also refers to those engaged in co-curricular, experiential, or professional learning activities affiliated with the school, regardless of their physical location or mode of instruction.

Team Charter

An agreement developed by team members in a course or project setting that outlines shared expectations, roles, communication norms, conflict resolution strategies, and goals. Team charters serve as guiding frameworks for collaboration.

Authority

The authority to administer, interpret, and enforce the Weatherhead Professional Student Code of Conduct resides with the Dean or the Dean’s designee.

In the event of a formal hearing, an ad hoc hearing committee is convened, composed of two elected student officers, two full-time faculty members, and one administrative staff member. This committee is empowered to evaluate evidence, determine whether a violation has occurred, and make disciplinary recommendations.

The Dean or the Dean’s designee holds the ultimate authority to accept, modify, or reject the committee’s recommendation, and to impose final sanctions. The Conduct Appeal Officer oversees the appeals process, including the convening of an appeal review committee where appropriate.

All decisions and procedures are subject to alignment with broader University policies, including the University Code of Conduct and related administrative guidelines. The Weatherhead Student Experience Office maintains records of conduct proceedings and ensures compliance with institutional privacy and record retention standards.

Weatherhead students are expected to:

Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with faculty, staff, peers, and external partners.
Contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative community.
Accept accountability for their decisions and actions.
Engage in learning with intellectual curiosity and courage.

Professional Behavior

Students must act professionally in all academic and extracurricular settings.
Respect for faculty, staff, external guests, and fellow students is required
Disruptive behavior, including inappropriate use of technology as defined by the instructor, is prohibited.

Disruptive behavior

Disruptive behavior includes any action—verbal, nonverbal, digital, or physical—that interferes with teaching, learning, professional development, or school operations. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Persistent interruptions in class or meetings
Use of offensive or discriminatory language or gestures or weapons
Aggressive or disrespectful challenges to faculty or peers
Unauthorized use of devices that cause distraction
Failure to meet team obligations in group work
Disruptive behavior in online forums or digital platforms
Behavior that reflects poorly on the school’s community values

Professionalism

At Weatherhead, professionalism is the consistent demonstration of behaviors, attitudes, and values that reflect integrity, respect, and accountability in all academic, interpersonal, and professional settings. It is the foundation of ethical leadership and collaborative success.

Key Attributes of Professionalism Include:

Integrity
- Honesty in academic work and interactions
- Adherence to University Code of Conduct
Respect
- Courteous and inclusive communication
- Valuing diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences
Accountability
- Following through on commitments
- Taking responsibility for one’s actions and learning
Preparedness and Engagement
- Arriving on time, contributing thoughtfully in class and team settings
- Being fully present, whether in person or online
Communication
- Using professional tone and clarity in written and verbal communication
- Listening actively and responding constructively
Appearance and Conduct
- Dressing appropriately for the context (classes, presentations, networking)
- Maintaining composure and professionalism under pressure
Confidentiality and Trust
- Handling sensitive information with discretion
- Demonstrating trustworthiness in collaborative and consulting work

Collaboration and Teamwork

As part of a collaborative learning environment, students are expected to actively engage in team-based work with professionalism and integrity. While team structures and expectations may vary by course, all students are responsible for upholding the commitments outlined in their course-specific team charters.

Students are expected to:

Follow all teamwork instructions specified by the instructor
Collaborative work should be equitable, respectful, and transparent
Contribute thoughtfully and consistently to team activities.
Respect the time, perspectives, and contributions of all team members.
Communicate openly and professionally, especially when differences arise.
Clear and respectful tone: Use courteous language and avoid sarcasm, slang, or informal shorthand in academic and team interactions.
Timely and Reliable Responses: Acknowledge messages promptly and meet communication deadlines, understanding that time zones and schedules may vary.
Constructive feedback: Share ideas and feedback thoughtfully, focusing on the issue—not the person. Listen actively and with an open mind.
Cultural Awareness: Be mindful of differences in communication norms and show sensitivity to diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Appropriate Channels: Use agreed-upon platforms (email, Zoom, discussion boards, etc.) and maintain a professional tone, whether in writing or speaking.
Support a collaborative environment that values diverse viewpoints.
Work constructively to resolve conflicts and ensure team success.
Confidentiality must be maintained in all team and client-based projects

Maintaining a high standard of professionalism in team settings reflects the values of the Weatherhead School and is essential to your development as a future leader.

Inclusion and Respect

The school values diversity of thoughts, experiences, and ideas and expects all students to create a respectful and inclusive environment.
Discrimination, harassment, and/or intimidation on the basis of race, sex or gender (including gender expression or identity, transgender or intersex status), sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, color, age, national or ethnic origin, veteran and/or military status, genetic information, disability, marital status or parental status, participation in protected activity (retaliation), and/or any other status protected by state or federal law, rule or regulation will not be tolerated.

Leadership and Representation

Student leaders represent the school and must act with integrity.
All communications, including social media, made as a student representative or leader should reflect the school’s values.

Community Engagement

Students engaging with external partners must honor commitments and act responsibly.
Service activities should be conducted ethically and respectfully.

Disciplinary Conduct Procedures

Initial Steps

Anyone can make an allegation. The person making the allegation shall prepare a written statement containing a complete description of the acts constituting the violation of the University Standards of Conduct, including dates, times, locations and names of individuals involved.
The written statement must be directed to the Student Code of Conduct Officer who administers the disciplinary proceedings. The Student Conduct Officer shall review the statement to determine whether the written statement contains enough information to warrant further investigation. The Student Code of Conduct Officer shall also notify the Dean and the university’s Office of Student Affairs of the matter. The Student Code of Conduct Officer and university Office of Student Affairs will work collaboratively on this matter to the extent appropriate.
If the Student Code of Conduct Officer determines that further investigation is warranted, they may require that other parties involved make a written statement describing their knowledge of the incident. The student in question will be notified in writing of the nature of the charges against them.
The student will be notified of the allegations and that a hearing will be scheduled within 5 business days. They will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations and to have an adviser present at the hearing.

Hearing Process

After receiving all written statements and other relevant information, the Student Code of Conduct Officer will form an ad hoc hearing committee made up of two elected student officers, two full-time faculty members, and one administrative staff member. To ensure fairness, no committee member will have any prior involvement in the case or any conflict of interest. The committee members will choose one person to serve as chair.
Prior to the hearing, the hearing committee will be provided with the written documents concerning the alleged incident and any other pertinent information.
A hearing date will be decided upon and communicated to all parties involved. Prior to the hearing date, the student in question shall have access to all written documents and any other information the hearing committee has reviewed.
On the hearing date, all members of the hearing committee must be present.
The student may be accompanied and assisted at the hearing by an adviser. The adviser shall not be permitted to participate in the hearing except to advise the student.
Minutes of the hearing will be digitally recorded depending on the modality of the meeting.
The student shall have the opportunity to present their supporting witnesses. Witnesses will be vetted in advance to ensure their relevance to the case. The student shall have the opportunity to hear and cross-examine witnesses against them by directing all such inquiries through the meeting chair, unless the committee deems that it would be inappropriate to permit cross-examination for certain witnesses.
The hearing committee shall have the authority to limit the time for testimony for each witness, including the testimony of the student in question.
After the hearing, the committee shall convene to discuss the evidence presented and to make a written recommendation. The recommendation will be made to the dean or dean’s designee no later than one week after the hearing.
The recommendation may include discipline up to and including suspension and expulsion. The student shall receive a copy of the committee's recommendation.

Sanctions and Appeal Process

The dean or designee shall have the authority to accept, reject or modify the hearing committee's recommendation. The dean or designer shall communicate their decision in writing to the student and the committee. The student shall have the right to appeal, in writing, a request for acceptance, rejection or modification no later than one week after receiving the decision. Valid grounds for appeal include:

New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time
Procedural error that affected the outcome
Perception of excessive or inappropriate sanction imposed
Appeals should include:
- Student's name and contact information
- Date of original decision
- Grounds for appeal
- Supporting documentation (if applicable)
Submissions should be sent to the Conduct Appeal Officer

Initial Review:

A conduct appeal officer conducts a preliminary review to determine if valid grounds exist
Appeals without valid grounds are dismissed and the original decision stands

Appeal Review Committee:

A committee of two elected student officers, two full-time faculty members and one administrative staff member, none of whom were involved in the original hearing. The members of the committee shall elect one member to serve as chair. None of the appeal members will participate in the original hearing.

The committee may:

Uphold the original decision
Modify the sanction
Overturn the decision
Refer the case back for a new hearing that may be reconsidered by the original committee or a new committee if there is an allegation of bias or conflict of interest in the original committee.

Outcome and Finality:

Decisions are issued within 15 business days of appeal submission
Appeal decisions are final and cannot be further contested within the institution

In no event will a student be suspended from classes or expelled prior to a final resolution of the charges, except in cases where the dean or designee believes that the student's presence on campus presents a risk to the university community. Nothing in this Code of Conduct shall limit the University’s ability to put in place interim measures to ensure the safety of the campus community and its members.

The procedures set forth herein do not preempt the jurisdiction and disciplinary processes of other university bodies, which retain their own concurrent jurisdiction to investigate and enforce their own rules and impose their own disciplinary measures. In circumstances where different disciplinary findings and/or measures may be imposed by different bodies, the more severe sanction shall take precedence.

All reports and proceedings are confidential and comply with institutional privacy policies. Records are confidentially secured and maintained by the Weatherhead Student Experience Office for a period consistent with university retention guidelines.

This policy reflects our commitment to fair process and the development of ethical, responsible leaders prepared to uphold the values of the management profession.

Sanction for Violations of the Professional Student Code of Conduct

Applies to non-academic misconduct, such as unprofessional behavior in team settings, poor communication, or failure to meet professional expectations.

Sanctions are determined based on the severity and frequency of the violation, as well as the student’s prior conduct history.

Tier 1: Informal Resolution (First-time or Minor Violations)

Examples: Late communication, missed team meetings with explanation, unintentional tone issues

Verbal or Written Warning from instructor, advisor, or team facilitator
Meeting with Program Director to clarify expectations
Reflective Statement or Apology Letter
Required Participation in Professionalism Workshop or Coaching Session

Tier 2: Formal Action (Repeated or Moderate Violations)

Examples: Repeated lack of engagement in teamwork, dismissive or disrespectful behavior, ignoring team charter obligations

Notated on transcript
Grade Impact on team-based assignments (at instructor discretion)
Removal from Team Roles or Leadership Positions
Required Meeting with the Professional Conduct Committee or Program Leadership
Professional Development Plan or Conduct Agreement

Tier 3: Disciplinary Sanctions (Serious or Repeated Violations)

Examples: Pattern of disruptive behavior, failure to comply with prior warnings, bullying or exclusionary conduct

Behavioral Probation within the program
Removal from Specific Team Projects or Activities
Loss of Eligibility for Select Program Opportunities (e.g., competitions, conferences, fellowships, leadership roles and scholarship)
Notation on transcript
Referral to University-Level Office of Student Affairs Administrative Review
Separation from the program
Expulsion from the program

Grievance Procedures

Staff and faculty members have an important role to play in supporting the best possible learning environment. In the event that a student feels unjustly affected by a non-disciplinary academic or administrative action, they may grieve the action or decision in the following manner:

The student should bring their complaint directly to the person responsible for the action in question. The student should make an effort to resolve the problem informally. If the matter involves a complaint with a faculty member, the student should first approach the faculty member directly. If those efforts are not successful, the student should bring the matter to the appropriate department chair to make additional attempts at informal resolution.
If efforts at informal resolution of the problem are not successful, the student shall prepare a written statement within a reasonable period of time after the action or decision that gives rise to the grievance. The statement shall contain the following:
- Date of the grievance
- Brief description of the alleged unjust academic or administrative action or decision
- Names of individual(s) involved
- Explanation of previous attempts to resolve the problem(s)
- Action(s) that the student believes should be taken to resolve the problem
The written statement shall be directed to the director of student experience.
The dean or dean's designee may request that the individual(s) named in the grievant's written statement prepare a written statement responding to the grievant.
Upon receiving the written statements, the dean or designee shall convene an ad hoc committee consisting of one student and two full-time faculty members.
The committee shall consider the written statements of the individuals involved and any other information they deem relevant. The committee may interview the individuals involved, including the grievant.
The committee shall make a written recommendation to the dean or designee and furnish a copy to the grievant.
The dean or designee may accept, reject or modify any or all of the committee's recommendations. The dean or designee shall make the final decision as to the grievance and shall communicate the decision to the grievant in writing.

All grievances will be held in strictest confidence by all involved. The grievance process cannot be used to circumvent the disciplinary process and procedures set forth elsewhere in this document.