Student Code of Conduct

We recognize that certain behaviors are incompatible with the Community Standards. Such behaviors are unacceptable in the Saint Peter’s University community and are subject to disciplinary action by the University. The Principles of Student Conduct and Student Code of Conduct, apply to behavior on University property, at all University-sponsored activities held on or off-campus, and to students’ off-campus behavior that may negatively impact the institution. Policies and regulations apply to both the individual student and any student organization. Violations of local, state, or federal laws, or University policies and regulations that are subject to disciplinary action include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Respect for Oneself
2. Respect for Others
3. Respect for Property
4. Respect for Authority
5. Honesty

Respect for Oneself

Saint Peter’s University values all students and fosters an environment where the development of self-respect, personal integrity, and dignity are paramount.  The University encourages students to take themselves and their academic pursuits seriously.  We respond to self-destructive behaviors or behaviors that might impede an individual’s ability to enjoy the privileges of attaining an education and to fulfill her/his obligations as an educated leader.  Below are specific examples that illustrate prohibited behaviors related to the Principle of Respect for Oneself.  They serve as examples, not as an exhaustive list of such conduct.   

1. Alcohol - Violating the University or State alcohol policies and regulations.  This includes, but is not limited to; underage use, production, distribution, possession, or sale of alcohol; possession of alcohol paraphernalia; or being intoxicated.  The effects of alcohol do not relieve individuals of their responsibility to themselves or the community.  (Refer to Alcohol Policy for more detailed policy information.)  
2. Drugs - Possession, use, distribution, transportation, transfer, manufacture, sale, or otherwise being in the presence of barbiturates, amphetamines, marijuana, hallucinogens, drug paraphernalia, unauthorized prescription drugs, synthetic drugs, any controlled substance, or other forms of digestible drugs, synthetic drugs, any controlled substance or other forms of digestible drugs, other drugs, or any controlled substance.  (Refer to Controlled Substance Policy for more detailed policy information.)
3. Failure to report - Failure to act on the concern or knowledge of one’s own or another’s welfare.  Failure to report to a University official any conditions which poses a risk of harm to the greater good, to others, or to University property. 
4. Gambling - Engaging in or promoting gambling in any form is prohibited. 
5. Presence during a violation – To be associated with or to be present during the commission of a violation of the Student Code of Student Conduct.  Observing but not participating in prohibited conduct without taking appropriate action.

Respect for Others

Saint Peter’s University values the respect for fellow men and women.  Students are expected to treat others with respect, dignity, sensitivity, consideration, and understanding.  It is imperative to demonstrate an active concern for the welfare of others.  Students are expected to show respect for others regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or nationality and avoid all forms of offensive and harassing behavior.   Below are specific examples that illustrate prohibited behaviors related to the Principle of Respect for Others.  They serve as examples, not as an exhaustive list of such conduct.    

1. Bullying – Any unwanted or repeated written, verbal, physical, electronic, or cyber behavior that systematically and/ or chronically inflicts physical, psychological, or emotional harm to another person.  Bullying may include kicking, striking, shoving, touching, threatening, annoying, insulting or dehumanizing comments or gestures that are severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment, cause discomfort or alarm, humiliation, or unreasonably interferes or disrupts others.  (Refer to Bullying Policy for more detailed policy information.)
2. Dangerous behavior – Any behavior that interferes with the safety and health of a member of the University community which includes any action that might lead to serious injury, loss of life, or put an individual(s) in danger.
3. Defamation - Unprivileged oral, written, or electronic publication of a false statement of fact that exposes the person about whom it is made to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or subjects that person to loss of the good will and confidence of others, or so harms that person’s reputation as to deter others from associating with him or her.
4. Defenestration – throwing any object or person from a window, balcony, or roof.
5. Disruptive Behavior – Any behavior that interferes with or disrupts University or University-sponsored activities, including classroom related activities, studying, teaching, research, intellectual or creative endeavor, administration, service or the provision of communication, computing or emergency services.  Behavior that may include pranks, practical jokes, failure to comply, obstruction of traffic, displays of foul language, obscene gestures, unreasonably loud commotion or music, and property damage.
6. Harassment – Engaging in repeated unwanted or unwelcomed contact.  All forms of harassment, physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, favors in exchange for benefit, bullying, coercion, pressure, stalking, conduct which threatens or endangers the health, sense of security or safety of any person, including social media and online communities, and/or creates a hostile environment.    (Refer to Harassment Policy for more detailed policy information.)
7. Hazing - Any behaviors that endanger a student’s; emotional, physical, cognitive, or general welfare; causes physical discomfort, embarrassment, ridicule; or endangerment of a student for the purpose of initiation, or as a condition for membership or acceptance in a group or organization whether intentionally, for fun, or by consent.    
8. Physical abuse – Any attempt to intentionally or recklessly cause or inflict injury or pain to any member of the University community or guest.
9. Retaliation – Engaging in any form of retribution, intimidation, bribery, harassment, or improperly influence any student of member of the University community for the good faith reporting of alleged improper or wrongful activity, assisting another in making such a report, or participating in an investigation or resolution of such matters.  
10. Riotous behavior – Participation in a disturbance with the purpose to commit or incite any action that presents a clear and present danger to others, causes physical harm to others, or damages property. 
11. Sexual Misconduct - Engaging in any form of sexual contact with another person without the consent of that person.   All forms of sexual misconduct are discriminatory in nature and are prohibited by Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972.  (Refer to Sexual Misconduct Policy for more detailed policy information.)
    1. Sexual assault - Any form of physical sexual contact with another person without the consent of that person.  Sexual assault consists of rape or any form of non-consensual sexual contact including, but not limited to, intentional touching or coerced touching of another person’s private areas either directly or through clothing.
    2. Sexual harassment – Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
    3. Lewd Acts - Engaging in indecent exposure, public exposure of sexual organs, public urination, flashing, lewd or obscene conduct, or engaging the services of another person for this purpose.
    4. Stalking - Engaging in repeated following or interactions, or other unwanted conduct directed at another person(s) that threatens or endangers the safety, physical or mental health, or life or property of that person, or creates a reasonable fear of such a threat or action.  (Refer to The Net, Student Handbook for more specific policy information.)
12. Smoking – Any form of smoking is prohibited in all University buildings and within 50 feet of the Mac Mahon Student Center.
13. Solicitation – Any form of solicitation is prohibited.
14. Bias-Related Incident - Any act, language, gesture, or behavior that is reasonably believed to be motivated by a perceived or actual consideration of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, gender, national origin, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. 
15. Threatening behavior - Any statement, communication, conduct, or gesture that causes a reasonable apprehension of harm to a person or property.  A student can be responsible of threatening behavior even if the person who is the object of the threat does not observe or receive it, so long as a reasonable person would interpret the maker’s statement, communication, conduct or gesture as an expression of intent to physically harm.
16. Verbal abuse – Any verbal act or gesture that threaten, intimidate, harass, coerce, criticize, defame, taunt, put down, curse or other conduct that intentionally or recklessly endangers the mental or physical health and safety of any member of the University community or guest.  Verbal abuse disguised as a joking, discounting, name-calling, yelling, or berating are also prohibited. 
17. Unauthorized recording - Photographing, videotaping, filming, digitally recording, surreptitious videotaping, or by any other means secretly capturing or viewing, with or without a device, another person without that person’s consent in any location where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
18. Weapons or dangerous device - Possession, use, display, storage, sale, or distribution of any object or substance designed to cause wound, incapacitate of otherwise cause physical or mental harm, including, firearms, simulated firearms, devices designed to expel a projectile, electronic control devices, swords, ammunition, knives with blades longer than 4 inches, martial arts weapons, bows and arrows, fireworks, bomb-making materials, or chemicals.  Use or misuse of devices or substances in a manner that causes or threatens serious physical or mental harm to the safety or security of others.

Respect for Property

The University values the learning environment inherent to its physical address, owned and managed property, and intellectual resources.  Students are expected to responsibly use personal and University property which includes buildings, library materials, equipment, resources, computers, supplies, keys, identification and access cards, green spaces, and other University property.  This principle requires students to respect and maintain personal and institutional property, both inside and outside the Saint Peter’s University community.  Below are specific examples that illustrate prohibited behaviors related to the Principle of Respect for Property.  They serve as examples, not as an exhaustive list of such conduct.   

1. Arson - Engaging in the irresponsible use of fire.
2. Tampering or disabling fire equipment - Misusing, tampering, disabling, or interfering with fire equipment, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, extinguishers, hoses, or failing to follow fire drill or other emergency procedures.
3. Vandalism - Engaging in the misuse, damage, defacing, mutilation, or destruction of property.
4. Improper disposal – failure to eliminate trash, waste, sharps, or bodily fluids such as urine, feces, vomit, or blood, in a receptacle designed for receipt of such substances. 
5. Key Duplication - Engaging in the unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of University keys or key cards.
6. Littering – failure to place trash or other discarded materials in an approved trash receptacle.
7. Motor vehicle repair - Automotive repair and maintenance on University premises is prohibited.
8. Network Misuse - Engaging in the misuse, exploitation, unauthorized entry, modification of, or dissemination of University telephone, audio, data, document, record, identification, or computer network systems.
9. One Card Violation – engaging in unauthorized possession, duplication use, or misuse of the University One Card.
10.  Possession of stolen property - Possession of property that is known to be or has reason to believe may be stolen or misappropriated.
11. Posting - Violating the posting policy. (Refer to Posting Policy for more detailed policy information.)
12. Theft - Engaging in the theft, misuse, misappropriation, damage, defacing, mutilation, vandalism, destruction, or reproduction of property, data, records, equipment or services belonging to the University or belonging to another person or entity.
13. Unauthorized Entry - Engaging in the unauthorized entry into, use of, presence in, or occupancy of University premises, facilities, or properties. 

Respect for Authority

Authority derives its legitimacy from its commitment to act on behalf of the common good.  At Saint Peter’s University, that authority 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.  Students share responsibility for both complying with agents of the University and supporting the University’s efforts to preserve an environment that contributes to our mission.  Below are specific examples that illustrate prohibited behaviors related to the Principle of Respect for Authority.  They serve as examples, not as an exhaustive list of such conduct.   

1. Abuse of the Student Conduct System – Abuse of any University student conduct system, including but not limited to:
   • Failure to obey the directives of a University official;
   • Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information;
   • Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a student conduct meeting;
   • Discouraging an individual's proper participation in, or use of, a University student conduct system;
   • Influencing the impartiality of a witness or complainant;
   • Harassment, bullying, and/or intimidation of a witness or complainant;
   • Failure to complete sanctions - Violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed for an earlier violation of the Student Code of Conduct or other University rules.
2. Failure to comply - Failing to act in accordance with the appropriate directions of a University, civil authority, or contracted services employee acting in the performance of her/his duties.
3. Failure to provide identification - Refusing to display or surrender a University identification card upon request by University employees acting in the performance of their duties.
4. Obstruction – Impeding, blocking, preventing or providing false information in an official University investigation or proceeding.
5. Violating published rules – Failure to comply with published policies, procedures, and regulations governing residence halls, parking, athletics, intramurals, academic departments, external agents, student organizations, non-academic departments, other University entities, or in the Student Handbook.  
6. Failure to evacuate – Failure to exit any University facility when an emergency or fire alarm sounding or is instructed to do so or willfully disregards any emergency or fire alarm signal.
7. Violations of Law - Engaging in acts or deeds that violate existing Federal, State, County, or City laws or ordinances.
8. Trademark - Unauthorized use or misuse of University or organizational names and images.
9. Ineligible Pledging or Association - pledging or associating with a student organization without having met eligibility requirements established by the University.
10. Fleeing – Leaving, fleeing, or avoiding an incident.
11. Bystanding - Complicity with, in the presence of, or failure of any student or organized group to address or report violations of the Student Code of Conduct or law.

Honesty

Saint Peter’s University’s educational mission reflects a commitment to the development of the whole person.  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.  The University expects students to live by the policies of the Saint Peter’s community and to follow local, state, and federal laws.  Below are specific examples that illustrate prohibited behaviors related to the Principle of Honesty.  They serve as examples, not as an exhaustive list of such conduct.    

1. Cheating - Engaging in any form of dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, fabrications, or assisting others in doing so. (Refer to Alcohol Policy for more detailed policy information.)
2. Copyright - Downloading music, video, or other protected electronic media without documented permission from the licensed agency. (Refer to Academic Policy for more detailed policy information.)
3. Defrauding – Any use of false pretenses to procure, defraud or embezzle money, property, or services.
4. Dishonesty – Any deceitful, fraudulent, or misleading act including, but not limited to: using someone else's property with permission, knowingly reporting a false emergency; knowingly making false accusation of misconduct; misuse or falsification of University or related documents by actions such as forgery, alteration, or improper transfer; submission of false information or testimony; misuse of University funds; misuse of financial aid; providing false evidence; or making false report. 
5. False information - Furnishing false information to the University, or misrepresentation of information about oneself or others when providing information to a University official acting in performance of her/his duties.
6. Forgery - Engaging in forgery, alteration, misrepresentation, or the unauthorized use of University records, documents, or instruments of identification.
7. Fraud – Any misuse, misrepresentation, concealment, deception, trickery, or alteration of University records, services, benefits, access, or identification.
8. Impersonating - Misrepresenting another person, student, or University official.  Impersonation of another, using another person’s identity, or furnishing false information, including manufacturing or possession of false identification.
9. Unauthorized duplication – any unauthorized or inappropriate duplication of keys, key cards, identification, calling codes, computer passwords, computer codes, or other security mechanisms.
10. Collusion - Action or inaction with another or others to violate the Student Code of Conduct.
11. Concealment – Action of hiding or preventing something from being known.

The preceding examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive.  In general, any misconduct, on or off campus, which is detrimental to the security of the University community, the integrity of the educational process, the good name of the University, or that otherwise materially or adversely affects the individual’s suitability as a member of Saint Peter’s University community, is unacceptable.  In the event that there arises some ambiguity, inconsistency or need for clarification in this statement, such definition, interpretation or clarification shall be determined by the Dean of Students or Associate Vice President for Student Life and Development.