iii. Charting Your Course
Understanding the Code of Conduct is one thing—but living it out takes practice. Every day, you’ll make decisions that shape your UNO experience and the community around you.
Case Study: “It’s Just a Group Chat”
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
You’re part of a GroupMe with classmates from your intro class. It starts off as a place to share notes and study tips, but over time, it gets a little messier.
Someone drops a meme mocking another student’s presentation style. Another person uploads their old exam answers “for reference.” People pile on with inside jokes about the professor, and someone suggests using AI to write the next reflection paper.
You haven’t said anything—yet. But you’re not comfortable with how it’s going.
Stop and Think:
- What would you do?
-
Do you leave the group? Speak up? Report it?
-
What responsibility do you have, even if you’re not the one posting?
-
What could happen if a professor finds out?
-
What resources could you use to check whether something violates policy?
There’s no one perfect answer—but there are better ones. The goal is to stay grounded in your values and know that help is always available.
If you ever need a gut check, don’t wait until you’re in trouble. Ask a professor, reach out to Student Affairs, or email studentaffairs@uno.edu. You’re not expected to navigate every situation alone.
Accountability means being part of a crew: knowing the rules, owning actions, seeking help, and growing stronger. With these tools and policies, you’re not just surviving your voyage—you’re mastering it. Safe travels, Privateers!
