Student Code of Conduct
Table of Contents:
I. Barnard College Code of Conduct
Community Standards Statement
A. General Principles
B. Jurisdiction
C. Conduct Rules and Regulations
II. The Conduct Process
A. Student Code of Conduct Authority
B. Definitions
C. Code of Conduct Process and Procedures
i. Reporting
ii. Interim Measures
iii. Inquiry
iv. Notice of Charges
v. Conduct Meeting
vi. Sanctions
D. Appeals
E. Conduct Records
III. Interpretation and Revision
Barnard Community Standards
As members of the Barnard College community, it is our goal to uphold the past, present, and future integrity of the Institution and the community by adhering to the highest standards of honesty and respect.
We show our dedication to Barnard by respecting the shared experiences and varied needs of our community members. Recognizing the value of every individual, we commit ourselves to protecting the well-being of our community, its members, and its resources. We observe the standards and expectations of our community both within and beyond the gates. We pledge to do all that is in our power to follow these principles to create a spirit of integrity, respect, and responsibility that allows us to honor ourselves, one another and the Barnard College community.
~approved by Barnard Students, 2009
A. General Principles
The Barnard College Code of Conduct (“Code of Conduct”) is a guide for all members of the College community to the expectations regarding student conduct as members of our community. The Code of Conduct holds Barnard students to a high standard of behavior, both to protect the campus community, and to promote consideration and respect for individuals of our community in support of the mission of the College.
The following rights and expectations apply to all Barnard College students:
- You have the right to freedom of inquiry, and you are expected to know and adhere to all College policies, including the Honor Code, the Student Code of Conduct.
- You have the right to freedom of expression, and you are expected to exercise regard for the rights and sensitivities of others.
- You have the right to freedom of discussion, and you are expected to engage in respectful discourse, accepting others’ rights to diverse opinions.
B. Jurisdiction
The Code of Conduct applies to any program, activity or event that occurs on or off-campus. In cases where a student is involved in a non-Barnard College proceeding (such as law enforcement investigation) that student may also be subject to the Code of Conduct, which is an independent process.
- Students are responsible for their conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree. This includes students who have matriculated to, are currently enrolled in, are on leave from, or have been readmitted (following a dismissal) to programs of the College (and even if their conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded). The Student Code of Conduct shall apply to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.
- Students are responsible for the behavior of visitors the student provides campus access to (including their room/suite). Barnard College students may be found responsible for visitor behavior that occurs whether or not the student/occupant(s) is/are present.
- The Dean of the College or her designee shall decide whether the Student Code of Conduct shall be applied to conduct occurring off campus, on a case by case basis, in her/his sole discretion. In making the determination to pursue conduct violation that occurred off campus, considerations include but are not limited to: the seriousness of the alleged offense, the risk of harm involved, whether the victim(s) is a member of the campus community and/or whether the off campus conduct had or could have an adverse effect on the campus community.
- A Barnard student is subject to Columbia University rules on the Columbia campus, and if alleged to be in violation of Columbia rules, the Barnard student will be subject to the disciplinary procedures of Barnard College. Similarly, a Columbia student is subject to Barnard rules on the Barnard campus, and if alleged to be in violation of Barnard rules, the Columbia student will be subject to the disciplinary procedures of the accused student’s own school.
- A Barnard student is subject to the Barnard Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures when participating in a credit bearing program of any other institution, such as study abroad programs.
- Clubs and organizations recognized by Columbia University are subject to the rules for clubs and organization at Columbia; however, Barnard students who are members of Columbia recognized organizations may also be subject to the disciplinary procedures of Barnard College stemming from alleged individual behavior resulting from organization activity.
- Barnard officially recognized student organizations are subject to the same behavioral standards below as individual students.
C. Conduct Rules and Regulations
Students are required to engage in responsible social and behavioral conduct and to model good citizenship in any community.
Any student or student organization found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary process and sanctions:
Alcohol
Use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by College regulations). Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used, possessed by, manufactured or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age. Public intoxication is prohibited. See full College policy online at http://theislandprofessor.com/policy/aod
Responsible Community Action Policy: The health, safety, and welfare of Barnard College students and our community are of primary concern. In addition to making healthy choices, students are encouraged not only to look out for their own health and safety but also for that of their peers. As such, all Barnard students are expected to enlist support from Barnard CARES / Community Safety/CU-EMS in the event of a medical emergency - specifically those involving extreme intoxication or other ill effects related to the use of alcohol or drugs. In a medical emergency, the student who receives medical assistance, the student who reported the medical emergency, others involved, or the group/organization that actively seeks assistance will not be subject to disciplinary action for use or possession of alcohol or other substances.
Controlled Substances
Manufacture, use, possession, distribution or sale of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances. Misuse of prescription medication. The use of synthetic substances or other items ingested for intoxication effect.
Discrimination
Violation of the Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment and Related Procedures. This policy contains the Nondiscrimination and Harassment Resolution Process and the Formal Title IX Resolution Procedure. The Policy covers discrimination, harassment and retaliation behavior related to membership in a protected class. The Policy governs behavior that (1) occurs on any College property or leased space, or in connection with College-sponsored programs or activities; or (2) creates, contributes to, or continues a hostile work, educational or living environment for College employees, students, or third parties.
Dishonesty
Acts of dishonesty, not covered within the Honor Code, including but not limited to the following:
- Furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member, or office.
- Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document, record, or instrument of identification.
- Publicly exposing someone’s real name, address, job, or other identifying information without a person’s consent with the aim to humiliate, bully, harass, or otherwise harm someone.
Disorderly Conduct
Exposing others to conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or coercing another person to breach the peace on College premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by, the College or members of the academic community.
Disruptive Behavior
- Significantly disrupting the normal operations of the College or University and/or unreasonably infringing on the rights of other members of the College or University community; Impeding access/egress to buildings or infringing upon the rights of others to access normal activities within any campus building, area, or program, or otherwise violate the College’s Rules for the Maintenance of Public Order, other College policies, or University rules.
- Deliberate obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or other behavior that infringes upon public safety on College or University premises or at College or University sponsored or supervised functions.
- Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings; other College or University activities, including its public service functions on or off campus; or of other authorized non-College activities when the conduct occurs on College premises, such that others are deprived of access to such scheduled activities.
Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with directions of College or University officials, CARES/ Community Safety Officers, or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
Harassment
Violation of the Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment and Related Procedures. This policy contains the Nondiscrimination and Harassment Resolution Process and the Formal Title IX Resolution Procedure. The Policy covers discrimination, harassment and retaliation behavior related to membership in a protected class. The Policy governs behavior that (1) occurs on any College property or leased space, or in connection with College-sponsored programs or activities; or (2) creates, contributes to, or continues a hostile work, educational or living environment for College employees, students, or third parties.
All other allegations of harassment that do not involve protected class status are covered under this policy. Under this code, harassment is defined as repeated, unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that, because of its severity, or persistence, interferes with or adversely affects an individual’s work, education or living environment. Harassment may occur in person, via electronic means
Hazing
Hazing, defined as any reckless or intentional act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization. This may include the destruction or removal of public or private property, or any act that a reasonable person would find demeaning, uncomfortable, embarrassing, humiliating or ridiculing. The expressed or implied consent of participants will not be an excuse. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they are violations of this policy.
Honor Code Violation. See the Honor Code webpage for further details of policy and process.
Retaliation
Any adverse action or threatened action, taken or made, personally or through a third-party, against someone who has reported behavior, filed any complaint or has been the subject of a complaint or any other individual (a Witness, Third-Party Reporter, or Advisor) who engages with the conduct process is prohibited.
Student Conduct System Abuse
Abuse of the Student Conduct System, including but not limited to:
- Failure to obey the notice from the Conduct Administrator, or other College official to appear for a meeting as part of the Student Conduct Process.
- Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before the Conduct Administrator or College official. This includes providing a false report that leads to a conduct process or investigation.
- Disruption or interference with the Student Conduct process.
- Retaliation or threatening (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of the Conduct Administrator prior to, during, and/or after a Code of Conduct proceeding.
- Attempting to interfere with an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the student conduct process. Attempting to influence the impartiality of the Conduct Administrator prior to, and/or during the course of, the Conduct proceeding.
- Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Code of Conduct or Honor System.
Theft and/or abuse of computer facilities and resources
Theft or other abuse of computer facilities and resources, including but not limited to:
- Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
- Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and/or password.
- Unauthorized transfer of a file. Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
- Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or College Official. Use that interferes with normal operation of the College computing system.
- Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or abusive messages.
- Any other violation of the College Computer Use Policy.
Theft, Vandalism or Damage to Property
Attempted or actual theft of, vandalism of and/or damage to property of the College, or property of a member of the College community, or other personal or public property of another person or entity, on or off campus.
Threatening Behavior
Conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person, including but not limited to:
- Physical abuse, threats, intimidation, and/or coercion.
- Verbal abuse, intimidation, and/or coercion.
- Written communication, whether hard copy or electronic means (including but not limited to texts, emails, other social media), that includes threats, intimidation, and/or coercion.
Unauthorized entry
- Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any College premises or unauthorized entry to or use of College premises.
- Gaining and/or giving another unauthorized access to prohibited spaces, including but not limited to, roofs, fire escapes, windows, ledges, another person’s residence without authorization, classroom buildings, laboratories or libraries after hours.
Unauthorized Video/Surveillance
Any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio, video or photographic record of any person while on College premises without their prior knowledge, or without their knowing and willing consent when such an act is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes creating social media communication or profiles using the name or likeness of another, and/or publicly exposing someone’s real name, address, job, or other identifying information without a person’s consent with the aim to humiliate, bully, harass, or otherwise harm someone. In general, filming of audio or video, or photography on College premises, whether for academic or other purposes, must be approved in advance by the Barnard Office of Communications.
Weapons
Illegal or unauthorized possession, use, distribution or manufacturing of firearms, explosives, facsimile weapons, other weapons (including but not limited to: pepper spray, mace, bowie knife, switchblade knife), or dangerous chemicals on College premises.
Violation of College Policies and University Rules
Violation of College policies, rules or regulations or University Rule.
Violation of Law
Violation of federal, state, or local law.
A. Student Code of Conduct Authority
- The Dean of the College shall develop policies for the administration of the student conduct process and oversee development and adherence to procedural rules for the student conduct process.
- The Conduct Administrator or the Dean of the College’s designee shall be authorized to lead any student conduct proceedings.
- Decisions made by the Conduct Administrator or Dean’s designee shall be final, pending the available appeal process.
B. Definitions
- The term “College” means Barnard College. The term “University” means Columbia University.
- The term “student” includes all persons taking courses at the College, either full-time or part-time, or Columbia University students enrolled in a Barnard course. Persons who withdraw after allegedly violating the Code of Conduct (as defined herein), who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the College or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered “students” as are any persons who are living in College residence halls, although not enrolled at Barnard College. This Code of Conduct applies to Barnard students at all academic locations including the Columbia University campus.
- The term “faculty member” means any person hired or utilized by the College to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the College to be a member of its faculty.
- The term “College official” includes any person employed by the College, performing assigned administrative, facilities, or professional responsibilities. In some cases, graduate level interns or assistants may also be assigned such administrative or professional responsibilities.
- The term “member of the College community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, College official or any other person employed by the College. A person’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the Dean of the College or her designee.
- The term “College premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, leased, used, or controlled by the College (including adjacent streets and sidewalks).
- The term “organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for Barnard College or Columbia University club, organization, or group recognition.
- The “Honor Code” sets expectations related to cheating, plagiarism, and other acts of academic dishonesty. The “Honor System” refers to the process of educating the community about the Honor Code, as well as investigating and responding to allegations of violation of the Honor Code.
- The term “Honor Board,” means any person or persons authorized by the Dean of the College to determine whether a student has violated the Honor Code and/or to recommend sanctions that may be imposed when a student is found responsible for violation of the Honor Code.
- The “Conduct Administrator” is the person designated by the Dean of the College to make determinations and/or impose sanctions on any student or student organization found to have violated the Code of Conduct.
- The “Honor Code” sets expectations related to cheating, plagiarism, and other acts of academic dishonesty. The “Honor System” refers to the process of educating the community about the Honor Code, as well as investigating and responding to allegations of violation of the Honor Code.
C. Code of Conduct Process and Procedures
Reporting
Reports of student conduct concern may be filed through the routine work of CARES / Community Safety, Residential Life staff, or other College officials. Any member of the College community may file a report describing potential violations of the Code of Conduct by contacting the Office of the Dean of the College and/or using any public reporting form. Such a report shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Conduct Administrator. Any report should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place or is made known, preferably within three business days.
Incidents reported to have occurred in any Residence Hall will typically be handled through the Residential Life conduct process, though repeat or severe violations may be referred to the Conduct Administrator (or other conduct officer designated by the Dean of the College). See Residential Life Policies.
Interim Measures
In certain circumstances, the Dean of the College, or designee, may impose a College or residence hall suspension or other access/privilege restriction at the outset or at any time during the conduct process, including but not limited to the following:
- No Contact Directive – As an interim measure and/or an outcome following investigation and/or adjudication, a No Contact Directive may be imposed. A No Contact Directive specifies an expectation that there be no direct or indirect (via electronic means or third party) contact with the specified party. Such a