While student codes of conduct usually are implemented to maintain order on campuses, some schools have different ideas about how far their jurisdiction over students extends.

Southern Illinois University recently reworded its student code to exclude students from being punished for acts not related to the university, according to the school’s Daily Egyptian newspaper.

Previously, students could be expelled for offenses that did not affect the university directly or even occur in the same state.

NIU’s student code has no such ruling, said Larry Bolles, director of the University Judicial Office. Under NIU’s code, students are not under the university’s jurisdiction off-campus unless they are acting as representatives of NIU.

The Official Student Code of Conduct, which was made effective at the beginning of the fall semester last year, states that students are held responsible for actions “relevant to the lawful mission, processes and functions” of NIU.

Certain offenses, such as possession of alcohol in the residence halls, can carry fines ranging from $50 to $250, according to NIU’s student code. More serious violations include brawling, drug dealing and plagiarism, which can be grounds for suspensions of up to four years.

Bolles said students also can be assigned a wide variety of tasks, such as performing up to 500 hours of community service or writing papers about their offenses.

Hundreds of students break the code, said Bolles, but suspension is a last resort saved for the most extreme circumstances.

For example, a student caught using marijuana can face probation and a rehabilitation program, Bolles said. However, a student who is caught selling marijuana faces suspension.

Last year 26 students were suspended from the university because of code violations, Bolles said.

However, the policy of permanent expulsion was only introduced this academic year.

No student has been expelled yet.