The University of Wisconsin System announced Monday it is requesting public comment on changes to state rules that make up the university code of conduct, changes that could include taking into account students’ off-campus behavior.

According to a statement released by the university, the Chapters UWS 17 and 18 Review Committee was set up in February 2007 to identify changes needed to the Wisconsin Administrative Code.

One of the biggest changes the committee will make, UW System spokesperson David Giroux said, is the addition of a section to Chapter UWS 17 that will define the extent of this part of the code. This addition will make it clear that the code of conduct takes into account the actions of students both on and off campus.

Chapter UWS 17 deals with the conduct of UW students and Chapter UWS 18 sets the rules for behavior on university land, both by students and non-students.

According to the university?s statement, the committee plans to improve the organization of the codes and update the codes to be in accordance with the changes that have occurred since it was last revised.

This is just a routine updating of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Giroux said.

?The codes haven?t been updated since 1996,? Giroux said. ?Our campuses have been interested in greater clarification [of the codes] for a while, and we don?t want to leave ambiguity out there.?

However, the code will specify that the scope of Chapter UWS 17 includes off-campus conduct if the conduct ?adversely affects a substantial university interest.? The university will take into consideration the seriousness of the offense and whether the offense affects the ability of the university to ?fulfill its teaching, research, and public service missions.?

?[The scope] makes clear when Chapter 17 applies,? Giroux said. ?This will clarify for everyone involved when and if the university should get involved.?

Giroux said this clarification is important for the protection of both the university and students.

?Occasionally, there are people being unjustly punished for things that happen off campus,? Giroux said. ?This will point out that things need to rise to a certain level before they take action, and this would clarify [when that is].?

The committee?s recommendations of rules revisions will be presented before the UW System Board of Regents and if approved, the revisions must be reviewed by the Wisconsin state Legislature.

The committee will be accepting comment on the proposed revisions to Chapters 17 and 18 of the Wisconsin Administration Code online from students, university staff and the public through March 11. They also plan to have a public hearing this fall.

Correction: Due to a reporting error, this article should have made clear UW students are not currently being unjustly punished for things that happen off campus.