The Code of Student Conduct defines those “standards of student behaviour” and “provisions for student discipline” that the Governing Council considers essential to the functioning of the university, which have nothing to do with academic matters (for that, there’s a separate code). There is some overlap between the code and other university regulations: in cases relating to sexual harassment, residence, and athletics, for example. In areas such as these, if a student commits an offense, the hearing will likely go to the tribunal specifically set up for that matter, though the head of that division has the option to turn it over to a Code of Conduct hearing. The code, which came into effect in 2002, applies to all university divisions, including the federated colleges, and all students (“students” are defined as anyone doing academic work for which they will receive a grade, anyone registered in a course or program of study, everyone entitled to a T-card, and post-doctoral fellows).
Regardless of whether you’ve read the code, if it can be shown that you could be reasonably expected to know the rules, the rules apply. The code is not meant to shelter “nor add necessarily” to civic responsibilities. Of course, the Criminal Code still applies to students, but the Code of Conduct applies on top of that, in cases “in which criminal or civil proceedings have not been taken or would not adequately protect the University’s interests and responsibilities.” According to Section 7 of the code’s preface, “Nothing in this Code shall be construed to prohibit peaceful assemblies and demonstrations, lawful picketing, or to inhibit freedom of speech as defined in the University.” Yet one of the many offenses the code covers is that of “disruption.” You’re allowed to peacefully picket, and (thanks, guys!) you’re allowed to be quiet, “But noise that obstructs the conduct of a meeting or forcible blocking of access to an activity constitutes disruption.”
As it turns out, you’re not really allowed to peacefully picket outside a meeting either, if that picketing “substantially interfere[s] with the communication inside.” Needless to say, nothing in the Code of Student Conduct covers the Governing Council’s responsibilities towards students.
