Community Standards

There are extensive rules regarding the community standards and student conduct system at Suffolk University. View more about Suffolk's policies below.

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I. Introduction

A. General Purpose and Applicability

Suffolk University has established the Community Standards to promote and maintain an academic environment that is consistent with the mission of the University. The Student Conduct System addresses alleged violations of the Community Standards. Students are expected to carefully review the Community Standards outlined in this document and are required to comply with the Community Standards. Students will be held accountable for violations. Sanctions will range from a warning to removal from University housing to dismissal from the University to the withholding or the revocation of a degree. Minimum sanctions have been established for certain violations.

B. Guiding Principles of the Community Standards and the Student Conduct System

To enter Suffolk University is to accept an invitation to participate in a learning environment in which students are educated to become lifelong learners as well as professionals who lead and serve the communities in which they live and work. Choosing to become a member of this community requires members to respect and contribute to a genuine community of student, faculty, and staff learners who are mutually supportive and respectful. By voluntarily choosing to affiliate themselves with Suffolk University, students acknowledge, accept, and agree to comply with the responsibilities outlined in the Community Standards. The Suffolk University Community holds high expectations of how members live and interact with one another. Respect for oneself and respect for others lie at the heart of the Community Standards. Since its inception in 1906 as the Suffolk School of Law, the University has supported and encouraged diversity in a challenging, supportive environment for motivated and capable students from various backgrounds and cultures. As such, the Suffolk University Community Standards established for student members of the Suffolk Community are not always exactly the same as those standards that apply to individuals within society at large. Students are accountable for their actions as a necessary part of community life. The University’s Community Standards go beyond what is simply required for public order.

Suffolk University has sought to educate students who—as leaders in law, business, and professional and civic life—will live by the highest intellectual and ethical standards. In search of this ideal, Suffolk strives to create an environment in which learning is a shared responsibility that is pursued in classrooms, studios, and laboratories; internships and study abroad programs; co-curricular and extracurricular activities; athletic fields; residence halls; and the city of Boston and beyond. The Suffolk University Community Standards and other policies are intended to contribute to the education and growth of student members of the campus community. The University will hold students accountable for their actions as a necessary part of community life.

C. Glossary of Terms

Administrative Hearing: A review of statements and/or information from a charged student, complainant, and/or witnesses with knowledge of an incident for the purpose of determining the charged student’s responsibility for violating the Community Standards and to determine sanctions if the charged student is found responsible.

Advisor: Individual of the charged student’s or complainant of sexual misconduct’s choosing who may be present during any related meeting or administrative hearing. The advisor may not actively participate (speak) in any related meeting or administrative hearing. Rather, the advisor may serve as a support person for the charged student or complainant of sexual misconduct.

Business Day: A day that the Student Affairs Office is open for regular business.

Charged Student: A student, or other individual over whom this policy has jurisdiction, alleged to have violated the Community Standards who has been notified of required attendance at an administrative hearing.

Community Standards: Behavioral expectations Suffolk University has established for its students.

Complaint: A written summary describing how a student is alleged to have violated the Community Standards.

Complainant: Any individual member of the Suffolk Community or the University itself that submits a written complaint that a student has violated the Community Standards.

Complainant of Sexual Misconduct: Alleged victim/survivor of sexual misconduct.

Computing Facilities: Computers, laboratories or electronic equipment, including but not limited to printers, disc drives, flash drives, smartphones, tablets, screens, servers, software, computer labs, or networks.

Conduct Board: A committee of at least ten members from the professional staff of the Student Affairs Division and Provost’s Office. The Conduct Board will include academic associate/assistant dean and faculty representatives from both CAS and SBS. The Conduct Board members will be appointed annually by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Provost (or whenever needed to fill a vacancy or resolve a conflict of interest in a given case).

Dean of Student Affairs: This refers to the Dean of Undergraduate Student Affairs or the Dean of Law and Graduate Student Affairs, depending on the academic level of the charged student. In a case where this designation is unclear, the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) will determine which Dean of Student Affairs will take action under this policy. The VPSA’s determination will be final and not subject to appeal.

Determination Letter: A letter informing a charged student (and the complainant of sexual misconduct) of the outcome of an administrative hearing and any sanctions, if applicable.

Disciplinary Hold: An administrative hold placed on a student’s educational record when they do not respond to the request of a University official to attend a meeting or administrative hearing or has not completed a discipline sanction.

Faculty Member: Any person authorized by the University to conduct classroom or teaching activities or who is otherwise considered by the University to be a member of its faculty.

Guest: An individual who is an associate of a student, staff or faculty member. The Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, will determine whether an individual is a guest of a student and the determination is not subject to appeal.

Hearing Officer: A University official authorized by the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, to determine whether a student has violated the Community Standards and to impose a sanction when a violation of the Community Standards has been committed. Hearing officers may hear cases as a committee as described in V. Conduct B. Conduct Occurring in Learning Environments.

Interim Restrictions: Immediate sanctions taken against a student when the University believes that the student’s continued presence on the campus endangers the physical safety or emotional state of the student or others, disrupts the educational process of the University or when the University determines that the interim restrictions are in the best interests of the University.

May: Used in the permissive sense.

Member of the University Community: Any person who is a student, faculty member, University representative, or any other person employed or engaged by the University. The Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, will determine whether an individual is a member of the University community.

Notice to Appear: Written notice that a student is alleged to have violated the Community Standards and that the student must schedule an administrative hearing or attend an administrative hearing at a predetermined time.

Policy: Written rules or regulations of the University.

Residential Guest: Any individual who is visiting a residence hall on-campus who does not reside in that residence hall.

Sanction: A requirement a student must abide by or complete when found responsible for violating the Community Standards.

Student: Any person taking courses University, either full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, professional or certificate studies , any person who withdraws from the University after allegedly violating the Community Standards; or any person who is not officially enrolled for a particular term but who has been admitted or has a continuing academic relationship with the University.

Student Conduct System: The process and procedures for addressing alleged violations of the Community Standards.

Suffolk University Community: A group sharing common characteristics or interests in the higher education of students at Suffolk University.

University: Suffolk University.

University Activities: Activities such as events, programs, and/or classes, whether on or off-campus offered under the auspices of Suffolk University or held in relation to or in collaboration with Suffolk University.

University Representative: Any person (including students) authorized by the University to perform assigned duties or act on behalf of the University in a recognized capacity.

University Premises: All land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, rented, leased, used, or controlled by the University.

Visitor: Any non-Suffolk individual attending an event, program, etc.

Waiver of Responsibility: A form signed by a charged student in which they accept responsibility for violating the Community Standards and agrees to complete the sanction determined by the hearing officer.

Will: Used in the imperative sense.

Witness: Any person with information relevant to a student’s alleged violation of the Community Standards.

Written Complaint: A written summary of an incident that is alleged to be a violation of the Community Standards.

II. Violation of Law and University Discipline

A. Discretion to Act

Student conduct may violate federal, state, or local law and/or the Suffolk University Community Standards. Violations may be addressed through the Student Conduct System, the civil or criminal court system, or both. When student conduct may have violated federal, state, or local law, Suffolk University may take action against a student through the Student Conduct System prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings at the discretion of the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee.

B. Findings in Civil or Criminal Matters

Determinations made or sanctions imposed under the Student Conduct System will not be subject to change when civil claims or criminal charges regarding the same incident are resolved in favor of the student defendant. However, the University reserves the right to impose additional sanctions if a student is found liable or guilty in a civil or criminal proceeding.

Students involved in civil and/or criminal proceedings related to student conduct that may violate the Community Standards are responsible for all costs associated with the civil or criminal proceeding.

D. University Cooperation in Civil and Criminal Matters

The University cooperates with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of civil or criminal law on campus and with any conditions that may be imposed by civil or criminal courts, including, but not limited to those related to the rehabilitation of student violators, provided the conditions do not conflict with campus rules or sanctions.

E. Student’s Right to Postpone University Conduct Process

If a student who is charged with a conduct violation is under criminal investigation or is the subject of criminal charges for the same or related conduct that comprises such charge, the student shall have the right to request that the charged student’s conduct process be postponed until such time as the underlying criminal charges are resolved, without any adverse inference being drawn from that request. Such a request shall be granted and further action on the matter will be postponed as of the time of the request. The student will be instructed as to the expectation of regular updates to the University on their criminal case. It is the student’s responsibility to provide such updates and failure to do so may result in the University re-starting the conduct process.

F. Administrative Leave of Absence

If a student who is charged with a conduct violation is under criminal investigation or is the subject of criminal charges for the same or related conduct that comprises such charge, the Dean of Student Affairs may place the student on administrative leave of absence for the period of time and under terms and conditions deemed necessary by the Dean of Student Affairs.

III. Jurisdiction

A. Students and Other Individuals

The Suffolk University Community Standards and Student Conduct System apply to the conduct of any student or individual:

  1. Who is enrolled in or accepted for an academic course or program regardless of credits carried;
  2. Who withdraws from the University after allegedly violating the Community Standards; OR
  3. Who has deferred their admission or who is an active student on a Leave of Absence.

B. Student Organizations

The Suffolk University Community Standards and Student Conduct System also apply to any student group or organization.

C. Law Students

The Student Conduct System will not apply to law students if a law student's actions are covered by the law school's Rules and Regulations XI. Student Conduct and Discipline and the law school's Disciplinary Procedure. In situations where a law student is dually enrolled in CAS or SBS or a law student's actions are part of a conduct case involving community standards violations by CAS or SBS students, the Dean of Law and Graduate Student Affairs, in consultation with a law school academic dean, will determine which conduct system will apply to the law student. The decision of the Dean of Law and Graduate Student Affairs will be final and not subject to appeal.

D. CAS/SBS Graduate Students

The Student Conduct System applies to graduate students in CAS and SBS (and in some instances, law students as per the above paragraph). In reviewing violations and sanctions, hearing officers and those hearing appeals for graduate students shall consider the graduate student’s age and experience as well as any professional licensure standards for the degree in which the student is enrolled.

E. Applicability to Conduct Occurring On-Campus and Off-Campus

The Community Standards and Student Conduct System apply to conduct that occurs on or off-campus including, but not limited to, conduct at University-sponsored activities, during all programs such as internships and study abroad, and to conduct that adversely affects the University community or the pursuit of its objectives, or calls into question the suitability of a student as a member of the Suffolk University Community.

F. Jurisdiction Timeframe

Each student is responsible for their conduct from the time of acceptance of admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though the conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year or during periods between terms of actual enrollment, and even if the conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded.

G. Withdrawal During Investigation or Adjudication

The Community Standards and Student Conduct System apply to a student’s conduct even if the student withdraws from the University while a complaint is being investigated or adjudicated. The conduct record of a student who withdraws from the university while a complaint against them is investigated or adjudicated will reflect that the student withdrew while a conduct case is pending and may be reported if the student requests conduct history be shared to a third-party including but not limited to other higher education institution, bar admission authorities and employers.

H. Dean of Student Affairs Discretion in Off-Campus Matters

The Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, will decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether the Community Standards and Student Conduct System will be applied to conduct occurring off campus.

I. Influences on Behavior

  1. Students are responsible for the consequences of their actions even when the conduct may have been influenced by their physical or emotional state.
  2. Students are responsible for the consequences of their actions even when the conduct may have been influenced by their use of alcohol or other drugs.

J. Documented Disabilities

Students with documented disabilities may be entitled to procedural accommodations during the Community Standards review process. Such students should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to request accommodations as soon as possible in the Community Standards review process. Having a documented disability does not excuse a student from responsibility under the Community Standards policy.

K. Hold on Educational Record

A "Dean of Students” hold may be placed on a student’s educational record when a student does not respond to the request of a University representative to attend a meeting or administrative hearing or does not comply with a conduct sanction. Students with a disciplinary hold may not be permitted to register for courses, receive a diploma, add or drop courses, or participate in other University activities.

L. Student Accounts Role in Restitution Payment Sanctions

If a student must pay restitution as part of a sanction but fails to do so by the due date, the restitution amount may be added to the student’s account. Policies for the payment of student accounts are managed by Student Accounts.

IV. Prohibited Conduct

A. Specific Conduct Violations

The following types of conduct constitute violations of the Community Standards and will be subject to action and sanctions as outlined in the Student Conduct System.

1. Acts of Dishonesty
  • 1.01 Failure to abide by the Academic Misconduct Policy.
  • 1.02 Furnishing false information to a University representative or law enforcement, fire, or other agency.
  • 1.03 Misrepresenting oneself as another or possession or alteration of an ID card or instrument of identification.
  • 1.04 Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University document, including admissions documents and/or recommendations, other record or instrument of identification.
  • 1.05 The possession, creation, use and/or distribution of false identification.
2. Personal Conduct
  • 2.01 Violation of any federal, state, or local law, regulation, ordinances or mandates.
  • 2.02 Conduct that affects the student’s suitability as a member of the University community. This charge will only be made in conjunction with another charge(s) in situations where a student’s conduct is severe, is part of a pattern of disruption to academic or campus operations, is part of an escalating series of violations, and/or presents a significant risk to campus safety.
  • 2.03 Participation in the disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, living, or other University activities.
  • 2.04 Attempted or actual theft, removal, damage, alteration, or vandalism to space and/or property, including lounge furnishings, of the University or others.
  • 2.05 Failure to comply with the request of a University representative or law enforcement, fire, or other public officials acting in the performance of their duties, or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
  • 2.06 Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys or access cards to any University premises or tampering with locks.
  • 2.07 Failure to abide by the Policy Against Gambling.
  • 2.08 Conduct that is lewd or indecent such as streaking, public urination, public defecation, or public nudity.
  • 2.09 Failure to abide by the Scheduling University Events Policy.
  • 2.10 Failure to abide by the Solicitation Policy.
  • 2.11 Failure to abide by the University or Residence Life & Housing Guest or visitor policies.
  • 2.12 Failure to abide by the Good Neighbor Policy.
  • 2.13 Failure to abide by the Student ID Card Policy.
  • 2.14 Failure to abide by the Student Organization Handbook.
  • 2.15 Inappropriate communication with members of the University community.
  • 2.16 Failure to abide by the University Posting Guidelines.
  • 2.17 Unauthorized use of the Suffolk University name, logo, mascot, or other symbol.
  • 2.18 Unauthorized use of Suffolk University directories.
  • 2.19 Participation in the disruption or obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic or participation in the disruption, obstruction, or interference with the duties of law enforcement, fire departments, or other public service agencies.
  • 2.20 Failure to comply with a published and/or distributed departmental policy or policies outlined in a course syllabus or directive not specified in the Student Handbook
  • 2.21 Failure to abide by the Joint Responsibility Policy.
  • 2.22 Failure to abide by the Bicycle Storage Policy.
  • 2.23 Improper use of laundry facilities.
  • 2.24 Unauthorized residence hall room change.
3. General Safety
  • 3.01 Trespassing, tampering with, and/or unauthorized entry to or use of University premises or property including, but not limited to, roofs, elevators, or balconies.
  • 3.02 Creating or participating in a fire hazard or a situation that endangers others, including but not limited to, false reports of fire or bombs; possession of fireworks or other highly combustible items; failing to evacuate; use of candles (lit or unlit) or an open flame; blocking, propping, or obstructing doors, hallways, stairwells, or community areas; tampering with, misusing, covering, damaging, or removing fire safety equipment; or violating the Residence Life & Housing Fire Safety Policy.
  • 3.03 Throwing objects from windows, roofs, or balconies or failure to abide by the Residence Life & Housing Windows Policy.
  • 3.04 Failure to abide by the University Weapons Policy.
  • 3.05 Improper use of University or University-leased/rented vehicles.
  • 3.06 Failure to abide by University or Residence Life & Housing emergency procedures.
  • 3.07 Failure to abide by the University Pet Policy, Assistance Animal Policy or Service Animal Policy.
  • 3.08 Unauthorized sports play in University buildings, facilities, or residence halls, including, but not limited to, wrestling, playing Frisbee or catch, and/or the use of rollerblades, roller skates, skateboards, scooters and/or bicycles in University buildings and residence halls.
  • 3.09 Failure to register a self-defense spray/mace, properly store, create a dangerous situation or abide by the Self-defense Spray/Mace Policy.
  • 3.10 Failure to abide by the University Motor Driven Vehicles Policy.
4. Physical or Emotional Health
  • 4.01 Physical assault or verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or coercion, including, but not limited to, any conduct that threatens or endangers the emotional/physical health or safety of another person.
  • 4.02 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s race.
  • 4.03 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s sex.
  • 4.04 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s disability.
  • 4.05 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s age.
  • 4.06 Intentionally left blank.
  • 4.07 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s sexual orientation.
  • 4.08 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s religion.
  • 4.09 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s color.
  • 4.10 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s national or ethnic origin.
  • 4.11 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s gender identity.
  • 4.12 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s gender expression.
  • 4.13 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s genetic information.
  • 4.14 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.
  • 4.15 Failure to abide by the Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment.
  • 4.16 Failure to abide by the Non-proselytizing Policy.
  • 4.17 Failure to abide by the Policy Against Hazing.
  • 4.18 Failure to comply with the Nondiscrimination Policy.
    • 4.18A. Discrimination
      • 4.18 A1) Race
      • 4.18 A2) Color
      • 4.18 A3) National or Ethnic origin
      • 4.18 A4) Religion
      • 4.18 A5) Sex
      • 4.18 A6) Age
      • 4.18 A7) Disability
      • 4.18 A8) Sexual Orientation
      • 4.18 A9) Gender Identity
      • 4.18 A10) Gender Expression
      • 4.18 A11) Genetic information,
      • 4.18 A12) Military or Veteran status
      • 4.18 A13) any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law
    • 4.18B.Sexual Harassment (Title IX) Process
      • 4.18 B1) Quid Pro Quo between a student and employee
      • 4.18 B2) Hostile Environment
      • 4.18 B3) Sexual Assault
        • 4.18 B3.1) Sex Offenses, any forcible sexual act
        • 4.18 B3.2) Forcible Rape
        • 4.18 B3.3) Forcible Sodomy
        • 4.18 B3.4) Sexual Assault with an Object
      • 4.18 B4) Dating Violence
      • 4.18 B5) Domestic Violence
      • 4.18 B6) Stalking
      • 4.18 B7) Retaliation
    • 4.18C. Sexual Misconduct (Non-Title IX) Process
      • 4.18 C1) Sexual Assault
        • 4.18 C1.1) Nonconsensual Physical Contact
        • 4.18 C1.2) Nonconsensual Penetration
        • 4.18 C1.3) Sexual Harassment
        • 4.18 C1.4) Sexual Exploitive Behavior
        • 4.18 C1.5) Relationship Abuse
        • 4.18 C1.6) Retaliation
  • 4.19 Any action that insults, stigmatizes, threatens, or endangers another individual or that subjects another person to physical or emotional injury, because of that individual’s military or veteran status.
  • 4.20 Knowingly making an unwelcome disclosure (or threatening to disclose) of an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
5. Residence Life Policies
6. Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • 6.01 Failure to abide by the Student Alcohol Policy by being in the presence of alcohol where not otherwise authorized under the policy.
  • 6.02 Failure to abide by the Student Alcohol Policy by using or possessing alcohol while under the age of 21 and/or use or possession of alcohol while in an area where alcohol has not been authorized under the policy.
  • 6.03 Failure to abide by the Student Alcohol Policy by distributing alcohol to those under the age of 21.
  • 6.03a Failure to abide by the Alcohol Use and Marijuana Prohibition Policy for University Events.
  • 6.04 Hosting a gathering where prohibited drinking has occurred or a common source of alcohol is present.
  • 6.05 Failure to abide by the University Smoking Policy.
  • 6.06 Being in the presence of illegal drugs.
  • 6.07 Use and/or possession of illegal drugs, including but not limited to, marijuana and/or synthetic marijuana.
  • 6.08 Manufacturing and/or distribution of illegal drugs or medication prescribed to another.
  • 6.09 Being under the influence of illegal drugs or medications prescribed to another.
  • 6.10 Possession of alcohol paraphernalia.
  • 6.11 Possession of drug paraphernalia.
  • 6.12 Sale and/or transfer of one’s own prescribed medication to another or the possession, use, sale and/or transfer of another’s prescribed medication.
  • 6.13 Left intentionally blank.
  • 6.14 The dissemination of materials or social media posts related to University-sponsored clubs, organizations, or activities that encourage the abuse of alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs.
7. Computer and Network Systems
  • 7.01 Attempted use or use of electronic devices that invade a person’s privacy.
  • 7.02 Unauthorized transfer of a file by electronic communication, social media, digital storage or to a portable file storage device or violation of the University Copyright Policy.
  • 7.03 Failure to abide by University Computing Policies.
  • 7.04 Attempted or unauthorized use of another individual’s identification or password or computer equipment.
  • 7.05 Use of computing facilities to send obscene, abusive, harassing or threatening messages.
8. Abuse of the Student Conduct System
  • 8.01 Failure to obey a notice from a University representative to appear for an administrative hearing.
  • 8.02 Falsifying, distorting, concealing or misrepresenting information in connection with the Student Conduct System.
  • 8.03 Submitting or corroborating a false complaint or withholding information in connection with the Student Conduct System.
  • 8.04 Disruption or interference with the orderly operation of a discipline proceeding.
  • 8.05 Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in or use of the Student Conduct System.
  • 8.06 Attempting to influence the impartiality of the hearing officer.
  • 8.07 Harassment or intimidation of a complainant, charged student, witness, hearing officer or Conduct Board member in connection with an administrative hearing or appeal.
  • 8.08 Failure to comply with a sanction imposed under the Student Conduct System.
  • 8.09 Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the Student Conduct System.

V. Conduct System

A. Responsibility for the Community Standards and Conduct System

The Dean of Student Affairs is responsible for the overall administration of the Community Standards and Student Conduct System. The Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, is authorized to delegate responsibilities to others and will appoint hearing officers to conduct administrative hearings. Under his/her direction, the Dean of Student Affairs has been charged with the day-to-day responsibility for the administration of the Community Standards and Student Conduct System.

B. Left Intentionally Blank

This paragraph is left intentionally blank.

C. Complaints Involving Multiple Students

If a written complaint involves more than one charged student, the hearing officer, at their discretion, may determine whether an administrative hearing concerning each student will be conducted separately or jointly.

D. Requirement to Attend Hearings

Students are required to attend administrative hearings.

E. Restriction on Those Attending Hearings

Administrative hearings are not open to the public. Therefore, members of the Suffolk University community who are not directly involved in the incident and friends, parents, partners, siblings, and others are not permitted in the room where the administrative hearing takes place but may wait nearby for support purposes. If a student wishes to have licensed legal counsel attend a hearing, notice must be given to the hearing officer or appeal board no later than three (3) business days before the hearing. Legal counsel may not attend in the place of a charged student and legal counsel attending hearings may not provide counsel during the hearing nor ask questions of the hearing or appeal officer(s). The University reserves the right to have its own legal counsel present at hearings attended by a charged student’s attorney. Scheduling will not be postponed or delayed because of a student’s legal counsel’s unavailability on the chosen date.

F. Failure to Cooperate or Impeding Conduct System

Students will be held accountable for a violation such as the failure to obey a notice from a University representative to attend a meeting and/or appear for an administrative hearing; falsifying, distorting, or misrepresenting information at an administrative hearing; submitting or corroborating a false written complaint or withholding information; attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in or use of the Student Conduct System; attempting to influence the impartiality of the hearing officer; harassment or intimidation of a complainant, witness, or hearing officer in connection with an administrative hearing; failure to comply with a sanction imposed under the Student Conduct System; or influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the Student Conduct System.

G. Process, Procedure and Evidence

Formal rules of process, procedure, or evidence such as those applied in civil or criminal courts are not used in the Student Conduct System.

H. Hearing Officer Recusal

Hearing officers will recuse themselves from a case when appropriate.

I. Finality of Decisions

Decisions resulting from an administrative hearing will be final, pending the appeal process.

J. Impact on Scholarships, Financial Aid and Monies Paid

Student conduct that warrants sanctions may result in forfeiture of all Suffolk scholarships, financial aid, or monies paid.

VI. Initiation of Disciplinary Proceedings

A. Complaint Submission

Any individual member of the University community may submit a written complaint alleging a student violated the Community Standards. Complaints may also be submitted on behalf of the University upon an alleged violation of a University policy.

B. Time-limit on Complaints

The written complaint will be directed to the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee. A written complaint must be submitted within 30 days of the incident that the University is open for business.

C. Once Complaint is Received

Upon receiving a written complaint, the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, may take one or more of the following steps:

  1. Offer a student the opportunity to accept responsibility for a violation of the Community Standards by forgoing an administrative hearing and appeal process and accepting sanctions;
  2. Conduct an investigative hearing which includes notifying a student that they have been charged with a violation(s) of the Community Standards and must attend or schedule an administrative hearing;
  3. Dismiss the written complaint. Such disposition will be final and there will be no subsequent action;
  4. Determine if informal measures that address the concern or complaint and the needs of the persons involved may resolve the claim of sanctionable conduct before a charge has been issued to a student. Informal measures will not be considered sanctions under the Community Standards. However, failure to comply with measures may result in formal charges for the conduct. In addition, behavior resulting in informal measures may be considered in any future conduct charges, including charge 2.02 (suitability for the community); AND/OR
  5. Impose interim restrictions.

VII. Administrative Hearings

A. Hearing Officer

An administrative hearing will be conducted by a hearing officer appointed by the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee.

B. Purpose of Hearing

The purpose of an administrative hearing is to review information gathered from a charged student, complainant, and/or witnesses or others with information or knowledge of the incident so that the hearing officer can make a determination as to whether the charged student violated the Community Standards.

C. Notice; Scheduling of Hearing

The charged student will be notified that a written complaint has been received and that the student must schedule or appear at a predetermined time for an administrative hearing. Notification is deemed to have occurred on the date on which the notice to appear is mailed, an e-mail is sent, a telephone conversation takes place, or a written message is delivered advising the student of this information.

Notice of the charges for an administrative hearing will be in writing and will include the date by which the student alleged to have violated the Community Standards. The administrative hearing notice will include the date, time, meeting logistics such as physical location or information for virtual participation in the hearing the student is required to attend. If the student is unable to attend at the scheduled time, the student must reach out directly to the administrative hearing officer to reschedule the meeting within five (5) business days of the original hearing date offered.

After being notified that they must attend the administrative hearing at a predetermined time, the charged must attend the administrative hearing.

D. Hearing Officer’s Discretion to Recess Hearing

Administrative hearings may be recessed at any time at the discretion of the hearing officer.

E. Failure to Appear

Absent compelling circumstances as determined by the hearing officer, if a charged student does not schedule an administrative hearing or appear at an administrative hearing scheduled for a predetermined time, the administrative hearing will be held in the student’s absence. The hearing officer will issue a decision and sanctions will be imposed, if appropriate.

F. Order of Hearing

Generally, but not always, the order of an administrative hearing will proceed as follows:

  1. Introduction
  2. Reading of the charges
  3. Opening statement from the charged student
  4. Questioning by the hearing officer
  5. Closing statement from the charged student

G. Anonymous Allegations and Complainants

In the case of an anonymous allegation of a conduct violation that is not otherwise dismissed or in a case where the Dean of Student Affairs makes the decision that the complainant will remain anonymous, the University will be the complainant and will be represented by a member of the student affairs division appointed by the Dean of Student Affairs.

H. Charged Student’s Right to Provide Witnesses

The charged student may provide the names of up to four (4) witnesses with knowledge of the incident at least one (1) business day prior to the administrative hearing. Character witnesses are not permitted. The hearing officer will decide, in their sole discretion, whether to seek to obtain information from witnesses.

I. Procedural Matters

All procedural questions and decisions are subject to the final decision of the hearing officer.

J. Standard for Hearing Officer Decisions

Decisions of the hearing officer will be made based upon a determination of whether it is established, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the charged student violated the Community Standards.

K. Decision on Violation(s) and Notice

After the administrative hearing concludes, the hearing officer will determine whether the charged student violated each section of the Community Standards that the student is alleged to have violated.

The charged student will be notified in writing of the decision and sanction(s) imposed, if any. Notification is deemed to have occurred on the date on which a document is mailed, an e-mail is sent, or a written message is delivered.

L. Charged Student Rights

A charged student will be entitled to:

  1. Receive written notice of charges with specific Sections of the community standards that the student is charged with violating and written notice of the specific actions alleged to have violated them, including the time, date, place, and general description of individuals involved.
  2. In no less than one business day before the hearing, the student will be provided with a copy of, or access to, the redacted Incident Report or other relevant evidence used as basis for the charge(s) against the student. Names and private information of other individuals in the report will be removed consistent with applicable law. Access to SUPD evidence or reports will be subject to SUPD policy.
  3. Be notified of the date, time, and place of the charged student’s administrative hearing;
  4. Receive notice of the fact that the charged student’s failure to schedule an administrative hearing by the due date or appear for an administrative hearing may result in the administrative hearing being conducted in the absence of the charged student;
  5. Provide the names of up to four (4) witnesses with knowledge of the incident at least one (1) business day prior to the administrative hearing. The hearing officer will decide, in their sole discretion, whether to seek to obtain information from witnesses;
  6. Decline to answer any questions or make any statements during an administrative hearing. The outcome of the administrative hearing will be based on the information or lack thereof presented at the administrative hearing and information gathered through an investigation (if applicable);
  7. Be informed in writing of the decision and sanction, if any; AND
  8. Request in writing an appeal of the decision resulting from an administrative hearing in accordance with IX. Appeals of Decisions and Sanctions Resulting from Administrative Hearings.

VIII. Sanctions

A. Factors in Sanction Determination, Effective Date and Other University Policies

In determining a sanction, the hearing officer may consider all relevant information, including, but not limited to, the charged student’s present demeanor; past disciplinary record; the nature of the misconduct; and the severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from the misconduct. Sanctions do not become effective until the appeals process is completed; however, any interim sanctions imposed remain in effect during the pendency of a hearing and/or an appeal. Some University policies specify sanctions for violations. See individual policies for required sanctions, if any.

B. Specific Sanctions

The hearing officer may impose one or more the following sanctions on any student found to have violated the Community Standards. More than one of the sanctions listed below may be imposed for any single violation. Other sanctions may be imposed instead of or in addition to those specified below. This list is provided by way of example only, and it is not intended to be exhaustive.

  1. Warning: A notice, either verbal or written, that the student is violating or has violated University regulations, must cease the conduct immediately, and that continuation or repetition of wrongful conduct may be cause for more severe disciplinary action.
  2. Parental Notification: The University may notify parents/guardians when students under the age of 21 have been found responsible for violating the University’s alcohol or other drug policies, or when there is a serious health or safety issue regarding a student.
  3. Loss of Privileges: Denial of specified University and/or Residence Life & Housing or other privileges for a designated period of time, which may include, but is not limited to, denial of access to any campus facility, activity, event, class, or program. This includes, but is not limited to, orders prohibiting the student from having contact with a member of the Suffolk University community. This also includes, but is not limited to, loss of privileges in the residence halls including but not limited to guest privileges, early arrival/late stay status, vacation period housing, or removal from a floor, room, or building. Should residence hall space not be immediately available, relocation may take place at an arranged time.
  4. Confiscation of Property: Confiscation of items that the University determines are inappropriate for the University setting.
  5. Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service or monetary or material replacement.
  6. Campus Service: Assignment of an appropriate service project that will benefit the University community, responsible student, or others.
  7. Educational Program or Project: Required attendance at the student’s expense, if applicable, at an educational workshop or completion of an educational project that will benefit the University community, responsible student, or others.
  8. Referral: A student may be referred to Suffolk CARES, Counseling, Health and Wellness, Student Affairs, Center for Learning & Academic Success or another appropriate office or local agency for consultation or assessment.
  9. Unenrollment from a Course and/or Academic Program: A student may be unenrolled from a course and/or an academic program. In such cases, tuition and fees for the course will not be refunded to the student.
  10. Order of No Contact: an order that restricts communication/contact between two or more parties.
  11. Disciplinary Probation: A period of time during which a student’s behavior is subject to close monitoring and additional failures to comply with University policy may result in a revised and more severe sanction up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University . In addition, the student may be excluded from participation in some or all social and/or extracurricular activities, including, but not limited to, representing the University, participating in intercollegiate athletics, holding elected or appointed office in the Student Government Association or other student organization, or studying abroad.
  12. Residence Relocation: Required reassignment to another residence area.
  13. Deferred Loss of Housing: Warning that if the student is found responsible for violating the Community Standards during a specified period of time, the student may be immediately removed from the residence halls for a specific period of time, after which the student may reapply for housing.
  14. Loss of Future Housing: The student is prohibited from participating in the returning student housing lottery or from participating in the returning student waitlist until the date specified or indefinitely if no date is specified.
  15. Residence Hall Suspension: Separation of the student from the residence halls for a specific period of time, after which the student may reapply for housing. The student may not participate in the housing lottery for the following year or be on the housing waitlist while on Residence Hall Suspension. Reapplication for housing does not guarantee the student will receive on-campus housing. Conditions for returning to the residence halls may be specified.
  16. Residence Hall Dismissal: Permanent separation of the student from the residence halls.
  17. Deferred University Suspension: A warning that if the student is found responsible for violating the Community Standards during a specific period of time, the student may be immediately suspended from the University for a specific period of time, after which the student may reapply. Conditions for return may be specified.
  18. University Suspension: Suspension of the student from the University for a specific period of time, after which the student may apply to return. Conditions for return may be specified.
  19. Deferred University Dismissal: Warning that if the student is found responsible for violating the Community Standards during a specific period of time, the student may be immediately dismissed from the University.
  20. University Dismissal: Permanent separation of the student from the University. University Dismissal will be noted on the student's transcript.
  21. Revocation of Admission or Degree: Admission to the University or a degree awarded from the University may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of the Community Standards in obtaining the degree or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.
  22. Withholding Degree: The University may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the disciplinary process, including any investigation, set forth in the Student Conduct System, including the completion of all sanctions imposed, if any.
  23. Student Organization Recognition in Jeopardy: A warning that if the student organization is found responsible for violating the Community Standards during a specified period of time, the student organization’s recognition may be immediately revoked.
  24. Loss of Recognition: During a specific period of time, a recognized student organization may not associate itself with the University by using the University name, facilities, or other rights and privileges of recognized student organizations, after which the organization may reapply for recognition. There is no guarantee re-recognition will be granted. If re-recognition is granted, conditions for re-recognition may be specified.

IX. Appeals of Decisions and Sanctions Resulting from Administrative Hearings

A. Request for Appeal; Timeframe

A charged student may submit one request for an appeal of the decision resulting from an administrative hearing no later than five (5) business days after notification. Notification is deemed to have occurred the date on which this document is post-marked, an e-mail is sent, a telephone conversation takes place, or a written message is delivered advising the student of this information.

A request for an appeal is to be submitted in writing to the hearing officer who heard the case, who will then forward the appeal request to the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, for assignment to an individual Conduct Board member or Conduct Appeal Committee for review as per IX. Appeals of Decisions and Sanctions Resulting from Administrative Hearings B. Conduct Appeal Committee.

B. Conduct Appeal Committee

Three members of the Conduct Board will act as a Conduct Appeal Committee to decide the appeal if the charged student is appealing a decision that includes the sanctions of Loss of Future Housing, Residence Hall Suspension, Residence Hall Dismissal, Deferred University Suspension, University Suspension, Deferred University Dismissal, University Dismissal or Revocation of Admission or Degree. All other appeals will be decided by an individual member of the Conduct Board. In the event that it is not clear whether an appeal should be heard by the Conduct Appeal Committee or an individual Conduct Board member, the Dean of Student Affairs will determine who should hear the case. The decision of the Dean of Student Affairs will be final.

C. Impartiality

The Dean of Student Affairs will assign appeal cases to impartial members of the Conduct Board. The assignment decision by the Dean of Student Affairs will be final.

If the Dean of Student Affairs was actively involved in the original conduct hearing or was an involved party or witness in the matter being appealed, the Vice President for Student Affairs will assume the duties of the Dean of Student Affairs.

D. Basis for Appeals

An appeal is not a new hearing on the matter. Appeals will be considered only for:

  1. Failure to follow the process or procedures outlined in the Student Conduct System;
  2. If new information not available at the time of the hearing is now available. Students must include a statement of why the additional information should be considered and why it was not presented at the time of the original hearing; OR
  3. The sanctions or remedies imposed are substantially disproportionate to the violation(s) committed, considering the relevant aggravating and/or mitigating factors, or are otherwise manifestly unjust.

E. Appeal Decision

The individual or committee deciding the appeal will:

  1. Determine whether the appeal request merits a formal appeal hearing and, if so, schedule an appeal hearing. An appeal is not a new hearing on the matter. Instead, an appeal hearing will focus on the basis for the appeal;
  2. Determine there are no grounds for the appeal, thus upholding the decision; OR
  3. Remand the matter to the Dean of Student Affairs who will assign a new, impartial hearing officer for additional investigation, a new hearing, or a reopening of the case.

Appellate decisions are final.

X. Interim Restrictions

The Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, may impose restriction(s) upon a student pending disciplinary proceedings. Interim restrictions become effective immediately without prior notice whenever the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, believes the student may pose a serious threat to others or property, cause serious disruption to the University community or determines that interim restrictions are in the best interest of the University.

Interim restrictions may include suspension from the University or residence areas; relocation of residence; restriction to designated University residence areas or other campus facilities by time or location; restriction of communication with named individuals or groups within the University community; or the requirement to obtain advance authorization to engage in a specified activity or any other restrictions the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, determines are appropriate under the circumstances. Interim restrictions will remain in effect during the pendency of an administrative hearing and/or appeal.

All students placed on interim restriction(s) from the University will be referred through the conduct process for the alleged violations of the Code of Conduct. If the outcome of the conduct process results in suspension or dismissal from the University or University housing, the effective date of the academic or organizational separation will revert retroactively to the original effective date of the interim suspension.

XI. Discipline Records

Discipline records are educational records and are maintained in the Student Affairs and Residence Life & Housing offices. Discipline records are maintained by the Student Affairs and Residence Life & Housing offices in accordance with the University’s record retention policies. In situations involving both a charged student and a student who believes they are the victim of a student’s misconduct, the records of the process and of the sanctions imposed, if any, will be considered to be the education records of both the charged student and the alleged student victim because the educational career and chances of success in the academic community of each may be affected.

The University will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence (as that term is defined in Section 16 of Title 18, United States Code), or a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by such institution against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim for purposes of this paragraph.

XII. Interpretation and Revisions

Any question of interpretation or application of the Community Standards and Student Conduct System will be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, for final determination. The Community Standards and Student Conduct System will be reviewed at least every two (2) years under the direction of the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee.