The Student-University Contract: Principles of Student Conduct
A. Statement of Purpose
As a Catholic and Jesuit University, Saint Peter’s stands for the human dignity and worth of every person, and is dedicated to pursuing truth, discovering and transmitting knowledge, promoting a life of faith, and developing leadership expressed in service to others. Our educational mission reflects a commitment to intellectual rigor, social justice, and an active engagement of contemporary issues. We believe, therefore, in values that foster the human respect needed for people to live, work, study and recreate together as a community. Living these values requires each of us to make an effort towards building a campus community that will be known for love of truth, active care and concern for the common good, and selfless sacrifice toward others.
The Office of Student Life and Development implements the University’s mission by sponsoring programs, services and activities that encourage students to develop academically, spiritually, socially, physically, and personally. In partnership with students, faculty and staff, the Office of Student Life and Development can help to create an educational climate consistent with principles rooted in its Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Saint Peter’s University takes seriously its academic mission of fostering the creative intellectual potential of each of its students. In order to maintain an atmosphere that nurtures this potential, Saint Peter’s University has established rules of conduct consistent with this goal and with the University’s philosophy as a Catholic institution. By accepting admission to the University, students are expected to abide by the general conditions for community living and the Code of Conduct that are listed on the pages that follow. Working together as a community, students, faculty, and staff help foster a campus atmosphere that furthers the mission of the University. Students are expected to enhance the University Community Standards. This expectation calls for behavior that demonstrates the five principles of student conduct: respect for oneself, respect for others, respect for property, respect for authority, and honesty.
B. Respect for Oneself
The University values all of its students and is deeply concerned with their total development. Therefore, it is appropriate for the University to set expectations for personal integrity with the aim of encouraging students to appreciate their own talents, take themselves and their academic pursuits seriously, and enhance the quality of their lives. When an instance of disrespect for self is known, the University will routinely respond to a student engaging in self-destructive behaviors that might impede an individual’s ability to enjoy the privileges of education and to fulfill her/his obligations as an educated leader. Students engaging in such behaviors are also encouraged to seek help from various members of the University community.
C. Respect for Others
One value of learning lies in understanding what knowledge can contribute to the community. It is expected that students will be open to learning, including learning about and respecting persons and cultures different from their own. Members of the campus community must act out of Christian charity and mutual respect to establish an atmosphere of trust, without which there is no community. Therefore, Saint Peter’s expects its members to treat one another with sensitivity, consideration, understanding, tolerance, and an active concern for the welfare of others. The University is particularly concerned that its members show respect for others regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, or nationality, and avoid all forms of harassing or offensive behaviors.
D. Respect for Property
The mission we share depends upon the responsible use of all property, including such tangible goods as buildings, library materials, equipment and green spaces. Respect for property also involves helping to foster a well maintained environment: a sense of security, tranquility and accomplishment. This principle requires students to respect both personal and institutional property, both inside and outside the Saint Peter’s University community.
E. Respect for Authority
Authority derives its legitimacy from its commitment to act on behalf of the common good. At Saint Peter’s, that authority especially resides in the officers of the University, its faculty, administrators and staff, each of whom has been charged with responsibilities essential to the orderly operation of the University. These individuals serve as leaders and models by example, demonstrating the University’s expectations for all its members. In this respect, they help to define the atmosphere, which supports and fosters our common mission. Additionally, these individuals provide structure to preserve the well-being and freedom of community members and an orderly environment in which all can develop. The successful exercise of authority depends in part on the respect it enjoys from the community it serves.
F. Honesty
Saint Peter’s educational mission reflects a commitment to the development of the whole person. The University expects students to live by the policies of the Saint Peter’s community and to follow local, state and federal laws. While at Saint Peter’s, students are expected to demonstrate the personal characteristics of honesty and integrity in all aspects of their campus life, both inside and outside the classroom.
G. Standards of Classroom Behavior
The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the instructor to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. Longer suspensions from a class or dismissal on disciplinary grounds must be preceded by the instructor filing a formal Complaint Against a Student form with the Dean of Students, who will then convene a judicial hearing, as set forth in the Judicial Process section (p. 123). The term “prohibited or unlawful acts” includes behavior prohibited by the instructor including, but not limited to:
- The use of cell phones.
- Leaving to answer cell phones or beepers.
- Eating or drinking in the classroom.
- Speaking without being recognized or called on.
- Refusing to be seated.
- Disrupting the class by leaving and entering the room without authorization.
The expression of disagreement with the instructor or classmates in a civil manner is not in itself disruptive behavior.
The NET Student Handbook
The Student Handbook can be found at the University's website: www.saintpeters.edu.
University Code of Conduct
The University requires students to behave consistent with moral and ethical standards. Instructors are responsible for classroom discipline and decorum creating a professional atmosphere free of hostility, discrimination, harassment, or embarrassment for all parties. The instructor may ask a student to leave the classroom for inappropriate behavior and may report the incident to the University administration.
Saint Peter’s has a Code of Conduct that deals with academic dishonesty including cheating, plagiarizing, computer piracy, forgery of documents, harassment, drugs, and other misbehavior. Students must avoid actions that violate high standards of social, moral, and ethical behavior. They must not engage in plagiarism, cheating, or other academic misbehavior. The University will investigate with due process incidents involving students who allegedly misbehave. The University reserves the right to suspend, dismiss, or impose other disciplinary action on students who violate the Code of Conduct. Please find the Code of Conduct at www.saintpeters.edu/TheNET.
Mandatory Immunization
The State of New Jersey requires all students to provide proof of vaccination or immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella prior to being allowed to register for a second term.
Grievance Procedure
The University has a detailed and codified grievance procedure for alleged violations of rights or of the Code of Conduct. Upon request, the Office of Student Life and Development will give a student a copy.
Disclosure of Information
In accordance with various federal laws and regulations, Saint Peter’s University makes available to prospective students, current students, and employees the following information: the Annual Campus Security Report; drug and alcohol prevention information; athletic program participation rates and financial support; information regarding all federal, state, local, private, and institutional financial assistance available to students; institutional information regarding costs, refunds, withdrawal requirements, and requirements for return of Title IV funds; information regarding accreditations held, disability services, employees available for assistance, study abroad program information; graduation and transfer rates; and student rights under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. This information can be located at www.saintpeters.edu/disclosure.
Tuition and Fees
Information on graduate tuition, fees, methods and timing of payment, financial aid, and tuition reduction for members of religious orders, teachers in Catholic schools, partner corporations, and tuition refunds can be found at www.saintpeters.edu/tuition. This includes:
- How to make payments and tuition deferral payment plans.
- Financial aid and interest-free installment plans.
- Tuition refund policies.
- Tuition reduction for members of religious orders and teachers in Catholic schools, and corporate partners.