Code of Student Conduct

Scope

Students

Policy Statement

All Syracuse University students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that supports and promotes the educational mission of the University. Integrity, respect for one another and others’ property, and a commitment to intellectual and personal growth in a diverse population are values deemed fundamental to the Syracuse University community.

Syracuse University acknowledges that bias-based conduct can threaten the mental health and safety of students and the community. Therefore, evidence that the student’s conduct was motivated by bias regarding an individual or group’s real or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, reproductive health decisions and/or veteran status may result in more substantial sanctions.

The following behaviors, or attempted behaviors, are considered violations of the Syracuse University Code of Student Conduct:

  1. Physical harm or threat of physical harm to any person or persons, including, but not limited to: assault, sexual abuse, or other forms of physical abuse.
  2. Assistance, participation in, promotion of, or perpetuation of harassment, whether physical, digital, oral, written or video, including any violation of the Syracuse University Anti-Harassment Policy or Sexual Harassment, Abuse, and Assault Prevention Policy. Bias-related incidents, including instances of hate speech, may qualify as harassment under this Code and the University’s Anti-Harassment Policy.
  3. Assistance, participation in, promotion of, or perpetuation of conduct, whether physical, electronic, oral, written or video, which threatens the mental health, physical health, or safety of anyone.
  4. Academic dishonesty*, including but not limited to plagiarism and cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct, such as, misuse of academic resources or facilities, intellectual property theft, and/or misuse of computer software, data, equipment, or networks.
  5. Intentional disruption or obstruction of lawful activities of the University or its members including their exercise of the right to assemble and to peaceful protest.
  6. Theft of or damage to University, personal, public, or private property/services or illegal possession or use of the same.
  7. Forgery, alteration or fabrication of identification cards, records, reports, grades, diplomas, University documents, possession or purchase of falsified identification cards or misrepresentation of any kind to a University office, University official, or law enforcement.
  8. Unauthorized entry or use of University facilities that are locked, closed or otherwise restricted as to use.
  9. Disorderly conduct including, but not limited to, public intoxication, lewd, indecent or obscene behavior.
  10. Illegal use or possession of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia, or any other violation of the Syracuse University Policy on Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Tobacco.
  11. Illegal purchase, distribution, manufacture, or sale of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia.
  12. Failure to comply with the lawful directives of University officials who are performing the duties of their office, especially as they are related to the maintenance of safety or security.
  13. Unauthorized possession or use of any weapon, including: firearms, BB-guns, airsoft guns, air rifles, explosive devices, fireworks, or any other dangerous, illegal, or hazardous object or material, and improper use as a weapon of any otherwise permitted object or material. This includes violations of the University’s weapons policy. Exceptions may be approved by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for theatrical productions or athletic/recreational events.
  14. Interference with or misuse of fire alarms, blue lights, elevators or other safety and security equipment or programs.
  15. Assistance, participation in, promotion of, or perpetuation of hazing as defined in the Syracuse University Anti-Hazing Policy.
  16. Assistance, participation in, or promotion of a student organization that has lost University recognition on a temporary or permanent basis.
  17. For student leaders, failure to intervene or notify the University when a student knows of a situation that threatens the health and safety of another individual or the campus community.
  18. Violation of any international, federal, state, or local law.
  19. Violation of University policies, rules, or regulations that are published in the Student Handbook, or other official University publications or agreements.

The Code of Student Conduct applies to all students and student organizations at Syracuse University. Violations can occur either on or off campus and individuals and/or groups can be held accountable. Ignorance of the code and/or acts committed under the influence of alcohol or drugs do not diminish one’s responsibility.

*Cases involving academic dishonesty are handled by the Academic Integrity Office.

Policy Administration

Date: Created: July 2001
Updated: February 2017

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               August 2019

May 2020 (changes effective July 1, 2020)