Off-Campus Student Conduct and Applicable Litigation (Higher Education Series)

Off-Campus Student Conduct and Applicable Litigation is a groundbreaking article first written while the author was a PhD student at Old Dominion University. This work explores one of higher education's most pressing challenges: how far should a university's authority extend when students engage in misconduct beyond campus boundaries?
Through a careful study of codes of conduct and court rulings, Orndorff demonstrates that universities are not powerless when students act recklessly off campus. In fact, legal precedent shows that institutions have both the right and the responsibility to intervene when behavior threatens the safety of others, disrupts community peace, or undermines the mission of the university.
At a time when many administrators hesitated to act, this article provided the legal reasoning and practical framework to move forward with confidence. From alcohol abuse and destructive parties to violence and community disruption, Orndorff shows how off-campus behavior has direct consequences for universities and why administrators must be empowered to respond.
The lasting impact of this article lies in its message of empowerment. Rather than standing idle, universities can and should protect students, neighbors, and communities by holding individuals accountable for their choices—no matter where the misconduct occurs. By extending discipline beyond the campus gates, institutions have the power to prevent tragedies, ease town-gown tensions, and save lives.
This article remains as relevant today as when it was first written. Off-Campus Student Conduct and Applicable Litigation continues to influence how administrators, policymakers, and student affairs professionals approach the complex task of managing student behavior in a world where campus boundaries no longer define responsibility.