Virtual Math Research Circle
Student Code of Conduct & Program Policies

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I. Purpose and Scope

The Virtual Math Research Circle (VMRC) is an advanced, research-focused mathematics enrichment program for high-school students, hosted by the Louisiana State University (LSU) Department of Mathematics and its partners. VMRC participants work closely with faculty, graduate students, and other mentors on authentic mathematical research in small teams.

Participation in VMRC is a privilege, not a right. By enrolling, students agree to uphold the expectations and values described in this Student Code of Conduct & Program Policies ("Code"). Continued participation is contingent upon compliance with this Code and with all applicable LSU and home-school policies.

This Code applies to all VMRC activities, including but not limited to: online class meetings, office hours, and research-team sessions; in-person meetings and presentations; research extension activities; email and other digital communication related to VMRC; and any social media or online spaces used in connection with VMRC.

II. Relationship to the LSU Code of Student Conduct

VMRC is an enrichment program of Louisiana State University and operates under the LSU Code of Student Conduct, which is administered by Student Advocacy & Accountability (SAA). The University-wide code governs student rights, responsibilities, and accountability procedures for academic and behavioral misconduct.

Nothing in this VMRC Code replaces or overrides the LSU Code of Student Conduct. If there is any conflict between this document and LSU policy, LSU policy takes precedence. Students and families are encouraged to review the LSU Code of Student Conduct, available through Student Advocacy & Accountability at: lsu.edu/saa/students/codeofconduct.php.

III. Participant Rights

Every VMRC student has the right:

• To learn in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment that is free from harassment, bullying, intimidation, or unlawful discrimination.
• To be treated respectfully by peers, mentors, staff, and guests, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic.
• To access rigorous and enriching academic experiences appropriate to their preparation and interests.
• To receive clear communication about program expectations, schedules, and major deadlines.
• To ask questions, express ideas, and participate in mathematical discussion without ridicule or retaliation.
• To request reasonable academic or accessibility accommodations through appropriate LSU offices or their home school, as applicable.

IV. Participant Responsibilities

The Code of Conduct cannot anticipate every situation. VMRC retains discretion to respond to behavior that conflicts with its standards, even if not explicitly listed here. Each participant is responsible for maintaining the integrity, safety, and professionalism of the program.

Professional behavior and respect:

• Treat all peers, mentors, staff, and guests with respect in speech, writing, chat messages, and body language.
• Avoid profanity, slurs, derogatory jokes, or demeaning comments, including in usernames, display names, clothing, or virtual backgrounds.
• Refrain from disruptive behavior such as interrupting, talking over others, or dominating discussions.

Academic engagement:

• Attend scheduled meetings on time and remain for the full session, unless previously excused.
• Come prepared with required materials and complete assigned readings, tasks, or problem sets.
• Participate actively in discussions, group work, and presentations, rather than disengaging or refusing to participate.

Communication and deadlines:

• Maintain regular, professional communication with research mentors and respond to reasonable messages in a timely manner.
• Notify mentors or staff in advance when schedule conflicts arise, whenever possible.
• Submit required forms, drafts, and assignments by published deadlines, or request extensions in advance when needed.

Representation of VMRC and LSU:

• Conduct oneself in a way that reflects positively on VMRC and LSU in all program-related contexts, whether in person or online.
• Follow reasonable instructions from VMRC staff and host-site personnel during any in-person events or research extension activities.

V. Academic Integrity and Research Ethics

VMRC is a research-first program. Honesty and integrity are foundational to all work in mathematics and in the broader academic community.

Students must:

• Do their own work, except where collaboration is explicitly permitted or expected.
• Clearly acknowledge collaborators and sources, including teammates, mentors, articles, books, software, and online resources.
• Never present someone else’s work as their own, including copying from solution manuals, online forums, AI tools, or other students without proper attribution.
• Use computational tools ethically—to explore, test conjectures, and visualize ideas—rather than to bypass learning or misrepresent results.
• Discuss authorship and credit openly within their research team and with mentors, in alignment with standard mathematical practice.
• Respect confidentiality when a mentor shares unpublished problems, partial results, or sensitive data.

Suspected academic dishonesty or research misconduct will be investigated by VMRC leadership and may result in loss of authorship, removal from a project, or dismissal from the program. In serious cases, concerns may be referred to LSU offices consistent with the LSU Code of Student Conduct.

VI. Attendance, Participation, and Communication

Attendance and participation are essential to the success of research teams and to the program as a whole.

Attendance and punctuality:

• Students are expected to attend all scheduled VMRC meetings and research sessions.
• Repeated unexcused absences or chronic lateness may result in removal from a research group or from the program.

Presence and engagement:

• Join meetings on time from an environment that is as quiet and free of distractions as reasonably possible.
• Follow mentor guidance regarding camera and microphone use. If a student cannot use a camera for any reason, they should discuss this with the mentor or program staff.
• Refrain from multitasking on unrelated activities (e.g., unrelated messaging, gaming, or browsing) during VMRC sessions.

Communication and channels:

• Use approved channels (such as LSU email and program-specified platforms like Zoom) to communicate with mentors and staff.
• Do not initiate private contact with mentors or staff via personal social media, private messaging apps, or personal phone numbers unless explicitly authorized.
• Keep messages respectful, concise, and appropriate for an academic environment.

VII. Technology, Digital Communication, and Online Safety

VMRC relies heavily on online tools. All use of technology must support learning, integrity, and safety.

Students must:

• Use only approved devices and platforms during VMRC sessions, following the technology policies of LSU and their home school.
• Not share meeting links, passwords, or other access credentials with individuals outside the program.
• Avoid accessing, displaying, or sharing inappropriate content during VMRC activities. If such content appears accidentally, report it immediately to a mentor or staff member.
• Not record, screenshot, or redistribute sessions (including chat logs, audio, or video) without explicit permission from VMRC staff and all participants involved.
• Never send or post discriminatory, threatening, sexually explicit, or harassing content in any program-related space.
• Protect the privacy of others by not posting or sharing personal contact information, photos, or videos of participants without their consent.
• Report any suspicious, unsafe, or concerning online behavior to VMRC staff as soon as possible.

VIII. Respectful Environment, Bullying, and Harassment

VMRC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment, including cyberbullying and discriminatory behavior.

Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal, written, or online harassment based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other personal trait.
• Repeated teasing, humiliation, exclusion, or intimidation of another participant.
• Spreading rumors or disclosing private information in order to harm someone’s reputation or relationships.
• Cyberbullying, including sending repeated unwanted or hurtful messages or posting harmful content about another person online.
• Sharing or requesting sexually explicit content, or engaging in romantic or sexual behavior in any VMRC context.
• Retaliating against a person for reporting a concern or participating in an investigation.

Serious harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct will be addressed consistent with LSU policies and may be referred to Student Advocacy & Accountability, the LSU Title IX office, or other appropriate authorities.

IX. Personal Conduct, Safety, and Substance Use

All participants share responsibility for maintaining a safe, healthy, and respectful learning environment.

Students must:

• Not possess, use, or distribute alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal drugs in connection with any VMRC activity, including online sessions, in-person events, or travel.
• Not bring weapons or objects that could reasonably be interpreted as weapons to any VMRC activity.
• Follow the instructions and safety rules of VMRC staff and host-site personnel during in-person events, remaining within authorized areas and under appropriate supervision.
• Immediately notify a mentor, staff member, parent/guardian, or other trusted adult if they feel unsafe or witness dangerous behavior.

Serious violations involving safety or substance use may result in immediate removal from the program and referral to LSU offices, the student’s home school, or law enforcement when appropriate.

X. Dress and On-Camera Presentation

Whether attending in person or participating online, students should present themselves in a way that supports a professional, inclusive learning environment.

Guidelines include:

• Clothing should be neat, clean, and appropriately modest, covering the front, back, and sides.
• Clothing, accessories, and virtual backgrounds must not display violent, hateful, or discriminatory images or language, or references to drugs, alcohol, or illegal activity.
• Clothing and imagery must not be pornographic, sexually explicit, or otherwise inappropriate for a school-related environment.
• Garments should not intentionally reveal undergarments.
• Virtual backgrounds and display names should be appropriate, non-distracting, and consistent with a professional academic setting.

Staff may ask a student to change clothing, adjust a background, or temporarily disable video if these guidelines are not followed.

XI. Collaboration, Teamwork, and Group Dynamics

Research in VMRC is collaborative. Students are expected to help create a supportive and productive team environment.

Students should:

• Contribute actively to group work, including reading, problem-solving, coding, writing, and preparing presentations.
• Listen respectfully to teammates’ ideas and provide constructive, math-focused feedback.
• Share responsibilities fairly instead of leaving work to others.
• Address conflicts professionally, focusing criticism on ideas rather than people.
• Seek help from mentors when disagreements or group dynamics become difficult to manage.
• Celebrate team achievements and support the learning of all group members.

XII. Violations, Responses, and Appeals

No policy can anticipate every situation. VMRC reserves the right to respond to behavior that undermines the safety, inclusivity, or academic integrity of the program, even when not named explicitly in this Code.

Possible responses to violations include, but are not limited to:

• Informal coaching or conversation with the student.
• Verbal or written warning.
• Parent/guardian notification.
• Adjustments to group placement, participation, or privileges.
• Temporary suspension from meetings or events.
• Removal from a research project or from the VMRC program.
• Referral to LSU offices (such as Student Advocacy & Accountability or the Title IX office), the student’s home school, or law enforcement for serious or repeated violations.

In determining an appropriate response, VMRC staff may consider the seriousness of the behavior, the student’s prior history, the impact on others, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. For serious issues—such as threats, weapons, severe harassment, sexual misconduct, or significant academic dishonesty—removal from the program may be immediate while the matter is reviewed.

Students or parents/guardians who believe a decision was unfair may request, in writing, that the Program Director review the decision. Final decisions rest with VMRC leadership, in consultation with LSU administrators as appropriate.

XIII. Reporting Concerns

VMRC encourages students to speak up if they experience or witness behavior that may violate this Code or make them feel unsafe.

Students may:

• Talk privately with a mentor or VMRC staff member during or after a session.
• Contact the Program Director or designated VMRC contact using the information provided on the VMRC website and in program communications.
• Speak with a parent/guardian, school counselor, or other trusted adult who can help them report concerns.
• In emergencies or situations involving immediate danger, contact local emergency services and a trusted adult right away.

VMRC staff will take good-faith reports seriously and respond as promptly and confidentially as circumstances allow. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith is prohibited and itself a violation of this Code.

XIV. Student Expectations Summary

The following statements summarize key commitments expected of each VMRC student. These expectations may also appear as acknowledgements in the online registration form.

By participating in VMRC, I agree that I will:

• Attend scheduled VMRC meetings and research sessions on time and as agreed.
• Take full advantage of available academic support and always strive to do my best.
• Maintain regular, professional communication with my assigned research mentor(s).
• Submit required forms, assignments, and drafts by their respective deadlines, or communicate promptly if I need an extension.
• Behave respectfully and courteously during all VMRC events and in all interactions with staff, mentors, and fellow students.
• Communicate with VMRC mentors and staff only through approved channels (such as LSU email and program-specified platforms).
• Abstain from the possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal drugs in connection with VMRC.
• Not engage in bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any participant, whether in person or via phone, text, social media, or other digital means.
• Follow the technology, online conduct, safety, and academic integrity expectations described in this Code.

XV. Acknowledgment and Use of This Document

VMRC uses an online registration process to collect student and parent/guardian acknowledgments of this Student Code of Conduct & Program Policies and of the LSU Code of Student Conduct. By submitting the registration form, the student and parent/guardian confirm that they have reviewed these policies and agree to abide by them as a condition of participation in VMRC.

This document is intended to summarize program expectations in clear, student-friendly language. It does not replace or limit any rights or obligations established by LSU or by applicable law.