Student Code of Conduct

Each student shall be responsible for their conduct from the time of admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though that conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and between terms of actual enrollment. 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.

The health and safety of every student at the University is of utmost importance. The University realizes that students who have been drinking alcohol and/or using drugs may be hesitant to report a situation where they or another student require help or medical assistance due to a fear of being found in violation of University policy. The University strongly encourages students to promptly report any incident where someone’s health may be at risk to University officials. Any student acting in good faith who discloses any incident where a student requires assistance due to alcohol or drug intake shall not be referred to the Student Conduct Process for an Alcohol or Drugs violation themselves, or for the students that they are with.

The following policies can be found in the Human Resources Policy Manual but also pertain specifically to students:

  • Policy 703 - Title IX and N.Y. Education Law Article 129-B Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures
  • Policy 704 - Policy against Bias, Discrimination, and Harassment

Student Code of Conduct

The following terms describe behavior that violates the Student Code of Conduct.

The sale, use, distribution, consumption or procurement of alcoholic beverages by or for anyone who is not permitted to do so under applicable state or federal law. Possession of alcohol containers or any type of paraphernalia analogous to the consumption of alcohol by anyone who is not permitted to do so under applicable state or federal law.

The University realizes that students who have been drinking alcohol may be hesitant to report a situation where they or another student requires medical attention due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. Any student acting in good faith who discloses any incident where a student needs medical attention due to alcohol intake shall not be referred to the Student Conduct Process for an Alcohol violation themselves.

Inflicting bodily harm upon any person.

 

Any verbal or physical action committed against or directed toward a person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by a bias toward another person’s actual or perceived status with respect to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence or status in the uniformed services of the United States, or other protected characteristic.

Failure to comply with specific emergency regulations and evacuation procedures for buildings on University premises.

Failure to complete the sanctions imposed on a student pursuant to the Student Conduct Process.

An attempt to commit an act or acts prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct and/or encouraging others to commit an act or acts prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct. A student may be found responsible for Complicity if they are aware of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and fails to report it and/or fails to remove oneself from reasonable proximity of a violation.

Using information and communication technologies (email, social media, the Internet) to intimidate and/or harass others.

Any conduct which is inconsistent with the Core Values of St. John's University.

This charge may be brought against a student who is accused of violating a state, federal or local law.

Damaging University property or property that belongs to others.

Engaging in behavior that is destructive, dangerous, harmful, obstructive or disorderly.

The use, possession, distribution, sale, or manufacture of illegal drugs. The misuse or unlawful possession, distribution or sale of drugs prescribed by a physician. The possession of any type of paraphernalia analogous with the use, possession, distribution, sale or manufacture of illegal drugs (e.g. scales, bongs, gutted cigars, rolling papers, pipes, glassine baggies). Being in the presence of the use of illegal drugs on University premises or off-campus.
Marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 drug under federal law. Accordingly, the use, possession, distribution, sale or manufacture of marijuana is considered a violation of this clause

Knowingly furnishing false information to a member of the University community.

Intentionally making a false report of a bomb, fire, attack or other emergency.

Tampering with or misusing fire alarms or obstructing the functioning of fire alarms, fire exits, fire-fighting equipment, smoke/heat detectors and sprinkler systems on University premises. Causing or creating a fire; using open-flame devices including, but not limited to, incense, candles, kerosene lamps, hibachis, and barbecue grills; using natural trees or wreaths; using fireworks.

Forgery, alteration or misuse of University documents, records or identification.

Gambling in any form is prohibited on all University premises by persons under the age of 18.

Any behavior (verbal, written or physical) that abuses, assails, intimidates, demeans, and/or victimizes.

Hazing is defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any student organization. Individuals who witness hazing and fail to report it may be found responsible for violating this provision. Hazing includes, but is not limited to:

  • behavior could be seen by a reasonable person as pressuring or coercing the student into violating a federal, state and/or local law;
  • any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, alcohol, liquor, drug, or other substance, or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student;
  • any activity that would subject the student to mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in embarrassment, or other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student;
  • destroying or removing property; or
  • violating any University policy.

It is not a legitimate defense to a Hazing offense for an accused student or student organization to claim that: (1) participants consented to the documented conduct; (2) the conduct was not part of an official organizational event or otherwise sanctioned or approved by the student organization; or (3) the conduct or activity was not an explicit condition of membership to or affiliation with a student organization.

Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys or StormCards.

Misconduct means any conduct that reflects a failure to live up to the expectations of all St. John’s students. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • the possession of any item that may be deemed a risk to the health and safety of a St. John’s University student, a member of the University community or a visitor to the University;
  • the possession of imitation firearms or other objects that can be construed or used as weapons;
  • taking or retaining found property from any campus location which is not immediately brought to the Public Safety Command Center.

All pets are prohibited on University premises, except for authorized Service and Assistance animals. The University’s Service and Assistance Animal Policy can be accessed here.

A student may not disregard a reasonable directive, either verbal or written, from a University official or office acting in their official capacity.

An act to intimidate, threaten, coerce or discriminate against any individual who reports a violation of the Student Code of Conduct or participates in the Student Conduct Process.

The University’s Sexual Misconduct policy can be accessed here.

The act of smoking, the use of e-cigarettes, or the use of any tobacco products is prohibited in University buildings and within thirty (30) feet of building entrances and open windows.

Unauthorized solicitations conducted on University property.

Theft or attempted theft of property.

Unauthorized entry to or use of University facilities, and facilitating unauthorized entry by another.

The misuse or transfer of a StormCard. Refusal to present a StormCard to a member of the University community acting in the performance of their duties.

Unauthorized use of the St. John’s University name and/or logos.

The possession of any firearms, ammunition, knives and other deadly or dangerous weapons, such as are defined in New York Penal Law Article 265. This prohibition extends to items that pose a potential hazard to the safety or health of others and to unauthorized hazardous materials or chemicals. This prohibition also applies to individuals licensed to carry firearms (such as off-duty law enforcement officers). Exceptions to this policy require written permission from the Executive Director of Public Safety.

Human Resources Policies 703 & 704

The following policies can be found in the Human Resources Policy Manual but also pertain specifically to students: