Code of Conduct

The Hudson Graduate Campuses can make their maximum contribution to higher learning only if rigorous standards are maintained by every member of the college community in order to foster high academic achievement and personal accomplishment. Such is the spirit in which the rules and regulations set forth in the Code of Conduct have been formulated. Students have participated in their formulation. They express the University’s commitment to the values of responsible freedom and interdependence. They express concern for the right to privacy and safety, as well as personal responsibilities and responsibilities to one another. They are designed to assure respect and equal treatment of all individuals. They are designed to ensure that student life on the Campuses can develop in an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth.

Until evidence to the contrary is observed, the Campus presumes that students are motivated by the desire to improve their capabilities and to help others to do so, that they possess a sense of humor and are trustworthy, and that they are mature men and women, able to behave accordingly. Students who violate the rules and regulations of the Campus must expect that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. All matters involving criminal activity will, upon approval of the Dean and Chief Operating officer, be referred to the appropriate civil authorities for action.

The Campus recognizes that its disciplinary jurisdiction does not extend to off-campus activities. In general, no action will be initiated in cases of alleged off-campus infractions except in cases where individuals are acting on behalf of the Campus or where alleged actions give cause for concern for the safety or welfare of the Campus community. Action involving non-academic conduct, but not subject to legal action or the involvement of law enforcement, is the responsibility of the Dean and Chief Operating Officer as head of the Conduct Committee under the following Code of Conduct:

A. Verbal or Physical Harassment, Violence or Threat of Violence

1. Actions against members of the Campus community or their guests, or against visitors to the Campus, which interfere with an individual's personal freedom or privacy.
2. Sexual Assault; Sexual Abuse. Acts of sexual violence or intimidation, harassment, or discrimination.

B. Forgery and Falsification of Records
Falsification, forgery or modification of any official records, including among others: identification cards, transcripts, examinations, registration forms, payroll sheets, etc.

C. Illegal Possession of Keys; Unlawful Entry

1. Illegal possession of University property, duplication or unauthorized use of keys.
2. Forcible or unauthorized entry into any Campus room or facility.

D. Vandalism

1. Destroying Campus property.
2. Destroying the property of another person.

E. Weapons and Dangerous Items
Possession or use of weapons and dangerous items, including firecrackers, CO2 pistols, pepper gas and propane.

F. Traffic Regulations

1. Violation of Campus traffic regulations.
2. Flagrant and/or frequent parking ticket offenses.

G. Computers
The use of computers for the violation of personal privacy or for the committing of crimes, the unauthorized use of computers and/or peripheral systems, unauthorized access to computer programs or files, unauthorized alteration of computer programs or files, unauthorized duplicating or use of computer programs files, making unauthorized changes to a computer account, or other deliberate action which disrupts the operation of computer systems serving other student, the University community generally, or creates other intentional harm.

H. Failure to Cooperate

1. Intentionally providing false or misleading information to Campus officials.
2. Failure to cooperate in an investigation.
3. Failure to cooperate with a staff member acting within the scope of his/her duties.

DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS FOR NON-ACADEMIC CONDUCT VIOLATIONS

The purpose of disciplinary action is to achieve appropriate student behavior with regard to Campus community norms, standards and policies. When imposing a sanction, the student's past disciplinary record will be taken into consideration.

The following sanctions may be imposed at the discretion of the Conduct Committee:

A. Verbal Warning
A verbal warning may be given to a student indicating that his or her action was in violation of a specific rule. The warning will include an explanation of the rule and possible punishments following a second violation of that rule.

B. Written Warning
A written warning is a written notification from a Campus official to a student containing a warning that repeated infractions of rules and regulations may result in more severe disciplinary actions, such as suspension. A record of the action is kept in the student's file.

C. Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation is a trial period during which a student who has been in difficulty has an opportunity to demonstrate that s/he can act as a responsible member of the Campus community. The terms of the probation may be varied to fit the individual circumstances.

• The terms of probation may include a recommendation for substance abuse/psychological counseling or satisfactory attendance at a substance abuse education workshop, program, group or the completion of other projects and service to the Campus or its related bodies.
• Students found guilty of violations of the Code of Conduct and placed on disciplinary probation may not hold student staff positions or other student leadership positions on Campus for the duration of the probationary period.
• Students placed on disciplinary probation may be restricted from participating in certain specified events and activities and may be prohibited from entering certain facilities and offices.
• Probation follow-up may include the scheduling of periodic meetings with the Dean and Chief Operating Officer or designee and/or disciplinary status reports from other Campus officials.
• Violation of any Campus regulations during the period of probation will result in further judicial action up to and including suspension or expulsion.

D. Restrictions
Denial of the use of certain facilities or the right to participate in certain activities or privileges for a specified period of time may be imposed.

E. Suspension from the Campus
A student who is suspended from the Campus for a definite period of time must serve academic and non-academic connections completely with the Campus. His/her presence on campus is not permitted nor may s/he take part in the academic or social activities of the Campus or sponsored by Campus organizations off campus. At the end of this period of suspension, the student may apply for readmission. Readmission may be contingent upon specified requirements being met.

F. Expulsion from the Campus
Expulsion results in permanent dismissal from the Campus. Upon expulsion from the Campus, a person loses all rights and privileges of a student.

JUDICIAL PROCESS

A. Incident Occurs
This results in a written report by Public Safety or another member of the Campus community.

B. Preliminary Investigation
The object of the preliminary investigation is to ascertain facts and determine whether or not charges should be filed against one or more students. It is conducted by an appointee of the Dean and Chief Operating Officer.

C. Filing of Charges
Depending upon what is discovered in the preliminary investigation, a student may be charged with a violation of the Code of Conduct.

D. Hearing and Decision
If a violation of the Code of Conduct is alleged, a Preliminary Hearing is held with the Dean and Chief Operating Officer or designee presiding over a meeting of the Conduct Committee. The Committee discusses the evidence with the student (or, if the student prefers, the student may choose not to attend and/or to submit written evidence), makes a determination of guilt or innocence, and applies an appropriate sanction if necessary. The student will be notified of the determination in writing.

SANCTION(S)

A sanction or sanctions, if determined necessary by the Conduct Committee, will be imposed and the decision and the sanction(s) will be sent to the student in writing. Sanctions go into effect immediately; if the student requests an appeal, the sanction(s) may be temporarily suspended or modified at the discretion of the Dean and Chief Operating Officer.

There is no appeal of Conduct Committee determinations.