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  1. Violating promulgated University rules, regulations and policies, whether on or off campus.
  2. Engaging in academic dishonesty including cheating (including the use of unacknowledged academic sources), fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism. (Students charged with a violation of this section of the Code are subject to the procedures outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy.
  3. Furnishing false information to any University Official.
  4. Forging, altering, or misusing University documents, records, identification cards, other official University database files, or other misuse or abuse of the University's computerized systems.
  5. Engaging in disruptive activity which substantially disrupts or poses a tenable threat of disrupting teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, public service functions, or other University-authorized activities, or which substantially interferes with the rights of others, on University premises.
  6. Obtaining property under false pretenses, knowingly possessing or receiving stolen property, destroying, damaging, or threatening to destroy or damage property of the state, a member of the University community, or any person on the campus.
  7. Engaging in physical violence, threats, harassment, intimidation, bullying, stalking, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying include any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical, or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, or any other class protected under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et. seq. that takes place on Rowan property or at any function affiliated/sponsored by Rowan that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the University or the rights of other students and is not otherwise protected by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of New Jersey and that:
    1. reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, what will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property;
    2. has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to cause disruption in, or interference with, the orderly operation of the University; or
    3. creates a hostile educational environment for the student at the University; or
    4. infringes on the rights of the student at the University by interfering with a student's education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.
  8. Engaging in conduct that is a violation of the University's Title IX Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault Policy or Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy.
  9. Behaving in a manner that constitutes an invasion or violation of an individual's rights to privacy. Examples of prohibited behaviors that might be found to violate this provision include, but are not limited to: harassing or terroristic threats, stalking, unauthorized surveillance, imposing physical or mental restraints on another person, or engaging in obscene verbal or written communications, or verbally confronting a person using obscenities or fighting words likely to incite immediate physical altercation.
  10. Possessing, consuming, and/or distributing, or attempting to distribute alcoholic beverages in contravention of federal, state or local laws, or University regulations, or knowingly being present at the time of the prohibited conduct.
  11. Possessing, using, manufacturing, distributing, or attempting to distribute narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled dangerous substances, or drug paraphernalia that are prohibited by federal, state or local laws, or University policies, or knowingly being present at the time of the prohibited conduct (See also Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy).
  12. Possessing or using a firearm, explosive, dangerous chemical, or other dangerous weapon in contravention of federal, state or local laws, or University policies and procedures.
  13. Causing noise or a disturbance. Exhibiting disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or exhibitionism.
  14. Using the University's name, logo, finances, materials, and supplies (including letter templates or stationery bearing the University's letterhead), or facilities (including computer facilities) for commercial, personal or political purposes without authorization.
  15. Refusing or failing to comply with a request, directive, or order from a University official, including Public Safety officers, members of the University administrative staff or other authorized persons acting in the performance of their official duties and responsibilities.
  16. Engaging in behavior that places other members of the University community at risk and/or refusing to comply with requests from University Officials related to matter matters of health safety.  Examples include, but are not limited to, refusing to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of diseases, refusal to complete required health and safety educational programs, and failure to adhere to occupancy/social distancing guidelines during times of elevated health-related concerns.
  17. Entering into and/or using of University facilities/equipment, including but not limited to the residential facilities, library, athletic facilities and equipment, galleries, classrooms, computers, or confidential files without authorization.
  18. Engaging in off-campus actions and/or behaviors that violate laws and regulations of federal, state, and local agencies, as well as policies of the University.
  19. Abusing the Student Discipline system, including but not limited to, noncompliance with a disciplinary sanction, falsification of information, and disruption of a hearing.
  20. Using information and communication technologies including, e-mail, voicemail, telephones, cell phones, text or electronic messaging, web-cameras, or websites to engage in harassment, intimidation, bullying (as defined in #7 above), or in any behavior which violates the law, University policies or the Code.
  21. Initiating behavior that violates the law, University policies, or the Code and placing evidence of that behavior on a public website or other public medium.

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  1. To receive written notice of any disciplinary charges.
  2. To have reasonable access to the case file prior to and during any hearing, provided that all reviews, prior to the hearing, take place in the Office of Community Standards. Any alternate arrangements for the case file review may be made at the discretion of the Office of Community Standards. Note: The Office of Community Standards does not maintain or release police reports. Any request for a police report associated with a disciplinary case must be made to the issuing police department.
  3. To have access to advice and support by an individual of his or her choosing, including an attorney.
  4. To have no negative inference made from a failure of the accused student/organization or complainant to appear, participate or speak during a hearing.
  5. The accused student/organization will be presumed not responsible for any allegation. Violation is found only after a review of the credible information presented determines that it was “more likely than not” that the accused student/organization was responsible.
  6. The accused student/organization and the complainant will be given the opportunity to participate in the hearing, present information on their own behalf, bring witnesses and question those who provide information at their hearing. This does not include the right to ask questions directly.
  7. Disciplinary hearings will be closed to all members of the campus and outside community except those directly involved with the case (including an individual selected as an Advisor). A participant in the case does have an option to request an "open" public hearing. Please Note: A request would only be granted if there is unanimous consent from all participants in the disciplinary case. The number of members of the public permitted to attend the hearing will be based on the reasonable seating space in the meeting room. No changes to the hearing date, time or location will be made in order to accommodate attendance by the public.
  8. Following the completion of all hearings associated with a compliantcomplaint, accused student/organization will receive written notification of the decision reached.  The notification will also include a list of any sanctions imposed and appeal information.
  9. The accused student/organization will have the right to waive any of these rights.
  10. The accused student/organization may submit a written statement to the Office of Community Standards detailing the presence of any mitigating factors. This statement will be considered when determining an appropriate sanction and only if the accused student/organization is found "in violation."
  11. A victim may submit a written statement to the Office of Community Standards detailing the impact the violation has had upon them and their ability to function as a student. This statement will be considered when determining an appropriate sanction and only if the accused student/organization is found "in violation."
  12. Victims of "crimes of violence" (covered under this Code) will receive written notification of the decision reached. The notification will also include a list of any sanctions imposed and appeal information.
  13. To be free from intimidation, harassment, bullying, or any other form of retaliation throughout and following the disciplinary process.

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  1. Official Warning: A written statement indicating a violation of the Code has occurred and warning that a subsequent violation will likely be treated more severely.
  2. Educational Task: Completion of task(s) which benefit the individual, campus, or community.
  3. Monetary Fine: The student is required to pay a fine that has been placed onto their student account.
  4. Suspension of Activity Privileges: The student cannot be a member of a recognized student organization, participate in organizations' regularly scheduled activities, serve as a representative of the University, or participate in intramural, club, or intercollegiate sports. Notification of this sanction/status will be sent to appropriate University officials so they will know who may not participate in activities sponsored by their offices.
  5. Disciplinary Probation: a designated period of time during which the student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the community's expectations of behavior articulated in the Code and is not considered to be in good social standing with the Another violation will likely result in a more severe sanction.
  6. Suspension of Residence Privileges: The student's privilege to live in University-owned housing, and visit the residence areas of the campus, is suspended on a temporary or permanent basis. Any request to have the effective date of the Suspension of Residence Privileges deferred to a later date must be made in writing to the Interim Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students and will be decided on a case by case basis. The student is not entitled to any refund of campus housing and/or meal plan fees. Any request for a refund must be made in writing to the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students and will be decided on a case by case basis.
  7. Deferred Suspension: Deferred suspension is used for offenses found serious enough to warrant suspension, but where the specific circumstances of the case mitigate the offense or for repeated offenses of a less serious nature. Deferred suspension is a designated period of time during which a student is given the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to abide by the community's expectations of behavior articulated in the Code. A student on deferred suspension is not considered to be in good social standing with the University. If the student is found responsible for violating any additional University code or regulation during the period of Deferred Suspension, the student may be immediately suspended from the University The status of Deferred Suspension may include notification to parents of dependent students.
  8. Suspension: The student may no longer be a registered student, may not attend classes, nor receive grades for a specified period of time. In addition, while in this status, the student may not be present on the campus nor at a University- sponsored event for any reason whatsoever. The suspension will be noted on the student's academic transcript. A disciplinary suspension will normally result in withdraws from all the registered courses in the effective term, (not to exceed one academic term) regardless of the courses still being in progress or if final grades were submitted. The sanction will be effective either on the date that the University provides the party with the written determination of the result of an appeal, if any appeal is filed, or if an appeal is not filed, the date on which an appeal would no longer be considered timely. Any request to have the effective date of the Suspension deferred to a later date must be made in writing to the Interim Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students and will be decided on a case by case The student is not entitled to any refund of any tuition/fees. Any request for a refund must be made in writing to the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students and will be decided on a case by case basis.
  9. Expulsion: The student may never again be a registered student, may never attend classes, nor receive grades. In addition, the student may never be present on the campus nor at a University-sponsored event for any reason whatsoever. The expulsion will be noted on the student's academic transcript. A disciplinary expulsion will result in withdraws from all the registered courses in the effective term, (not to exceed one academic term) regardless of the courses still being in progress or if final grades were submitted.   The sanction will be effective either on the date that the University provides the party with the written determination of the result of an appeal, if any appeal is filed, or if an appeal is not filed, the date on which an appeal would no longer be considered timely. Any request to have the effective date of the Expulsion deferred to a later date must be made in writing to the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students and will be decided on a case by case basis. The student is not entitled to any refund of any tuition/fees. Any request for a refund must be made in writing to the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students and will be decided on a case by case basis.
  10. Other sanctions: Other sanctions may be imposed in addition to, or instead of, those described in #1 through #9 above. For example, costs associated with educational programs or damage repair fees may be charged or students may have use of University facilities limited or revoked.

    Students who are found responsible for Code violations which involve alcohol/drug (ab)use, may be required to attend educational programs intended to inform them about alcohol/drug use and abuse.
    1. The Office of Community Standards may notify parents/guardians of students less than 21 years of age when a student is found responsible for a violation of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy. Rowan Public Safety may notify parents/legal guardians when citations have been issued by law enforcement officials, without waiting for a hearing or any other due process since citations given by the law enforcement unit of a university are not covered by FERPA.
    2. Bias motivated offenses may result in more severe sanctions. Such offenses are defined as any offense wherein the accused student(s) intentionally selects the alleged victim because of the victim's actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical, or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, or any other class protected under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et. seq.
    3. Any sanction may be put on hold or deferred (i.e. not put into effect) for a predetermined period of time by the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students or his/her designee. The original sanction(s) may be re-imposed immediately upon a further finding responsibility in a subsequent campus disciplinary hearing at any level.
    4. Sanctions for group or organization misconduct may include suspension, revocation or denial of recognition, partial or total de-funding, or the imposition of other appropriate sanctions.
    5. A student who fails to complete the terms of a campus disciplinary sanction by the given deadline will be charged with noncompliance under the Code.
    6. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), violators of provisions of the Code pertaining to certain "crimes of violence" may have their names and disciplinary findings publicly revealed.
    7. Students should be aware that conviction in criminal court for certain controlled substance offenses including drug possession and/or sale may have them declared ineligible for Federal financial aid for a period of time. See the Financial Aid Office for details.

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  1. Level Two violations generally are breaches of the Code which are more serious and adversely affect the Rowan community at-large (include repeated Level One violations).
  2. Standard Sanctions for Repeated Level One violations, Disorderly Persons, Noncompliance, Theft and Safety-Related Violations (Examples include, but are not limited to: disorderly conduct, disruptive activity, failure to comply with directions of University officials, fire safety, forging documents, theft and vandalism.
    1. First Violation- Disciplinary probation, financial restitution, monetary fine, attendance at educational programs
    2. Second Violation- Adjudicated as "Level Three" violation (Refer to Level Three violation section for additional information)
  3. Standard Sanctions for Alcohol Abuse-Related Violations
    1. Use or possession of alcohol under prohibited circumstances
      1. First Violation-Completion of Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program, Disciplinary Probation, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      2. Second Violation-Completion of Substance Screening, Disciplinary Probation, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      3. Third Violation-Deferred Suspension, possible Suspension of Campus Housing Privileges and/or University Suspension, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
    2. Supplying alcohol to underage person(s)
      1. First Violation-Completion of Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program, Disciplinary Probation, Notification of Parent/ Guardian (Dependent student)
      2. Second Violation-Deferred Suspension, Possible Suspension of Campus Housing Privileges and/or University Suspension, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student),
      3. Third Violation-University Suspension or Expulsion, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
    3. Sale of alcohol
      1. First Violation-Completion of Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program, Disciplinary Probation, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      2. Second Violation-Deferred Suspension, Suspension of Campus Housing Privileges and/or University Suspension, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      3. Third Violation- University Suspension or Expulsion, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
  4. Standard Sanctions for Violations of Laws/University Rules off-campus
    1. Creating loud and unreasonable noise
      1. First Violation-Completion of the Community Responsibility Program, Disciplinary Probation, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      2. Second Violation-Disciplinary Probation up to University Suspension (minimum of 1 semester), Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      3. Third Violation-Deferred Suspension, University Suspension Third Violation-Deferred Suspension, University Suspension (minimum of 2 semesters), Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
    2. Public Disorderly Conduct
      1. First Violation- Completion of the Community Responsibility Program, Disciplinary Probation, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      2. Second Violation-Disciplinary Probation up to University Suspension (minimum of 1 semester), Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      3. Third Violation-Deferred Suspension, possible University Suspension (minimum of 2 semesters), Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)

Level Three 

  1. Level Three violations generally are breaches of the Code which include threatening statements and/or behavior and unwanted contact that may compromise the health and safety of the Rowan community at-large or individuals, specifically.
  2. Standard Sanctions for repeated Level Two Violations
    1. First Violation-Suspension of Campus Housing Privileges, Deferred Suspension, University Suspension or Expulsion
    2. Second Violation- University Suspension or University Expulsion
  3. Standard Sanctions for Illegal Drug Abuse-Related Violations
    1. Use or possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
      1. First Violation-Completion of Substance Screening, Disciplinary Probation, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      2. Second Violation-Completion of Substance Screening, Deferred Suspension, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student), Suspension of Campus Housing Privileges and/or University Suspension
      3. Third Violation- University Suspension or Expulsion, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
    2. Manufacture, sale, purchase, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances
      1. First Violation- Expulsion, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
  4. Standard Sanctions for Substance Abuse Resulting in Harm-Related Violations
    1. Substance abuse-related behavior posing a substantial risk to the health and well-being of self and/or others, including driving while intoxicated.
      1. First Violation- $400 fine, Completion of Substance Screening, Deferred Suspension, Suspension of Campus Housing Privileges and/or University Suspension, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      2. Second Violation- University Suspension or Expulsion, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      3. Third Violation- University Expulsion, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
  5. Standard Sanctions for Weapons-Related Violations
    1. Possession of a prohibited weapon or other dangerous object, including, but not limited to firearms, BB guns, air rifles, paintball guns, explosive devices, fireworks, or any other dangerous, unlawful, or hazardous object or material
      1. First Violation- Disciplinary Probation, Deferred Suspension, University Suspension, or Expulsion, Suspension of Campus Housing Privileges (if the student is not Suspended from the University and lives in Campus Housing) and other educational sanctions, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      2. Second Violation- University Expulsion
    2. Any improper use, attempted use, or threat of use of a weapon or other dangerous, illegal, or hazardous object; any improper use as a weapon of any otherwise permitted object or material
      1. First Violation- University Suspension or Expulsion, Notification of Parent/Guardian (Dependent student)
      2. Second Violation- University Expulsion
  6. Standard Sanctions for Bullying and Other Violence-Related Violations
    1. Physical harm, bullying or threat of physical harm without a weapon resulting in little or no physical injury to involved persons
      1. First Violation- Disciplinary probation, Deferred Suspension, University Suspension, or Expulsion; Suspension of Campus Housing Privileges ( if the student is not Suspended from the University and lives in Campus Housing), Referral to the Wellness Center for Anger Management and other educational sanctions, Notification of Parent/Guardian
      2. Second Violation- University Suspension, University Expulsion
    2. Physical harm without a weapon resulting in significant physical injury to another person
      1. First Violation- Deferred Suspension, University Suspension or Expulsion, Notification of Parent/Guardian
      2. Second Violation- University Suspension, University Expulsion

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  1. Upon receiving notification of the outcome of a case, the accused student, victim (in cases of "crimes of violence) covered under this Code or the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students or designee (in Campus Hearing Board cases) may file an appeal under the following circumstances:
    1. A procedural Procedural irregularity or substantive error occurred in the process that significantly impacted that affected the outcome of the hearing (ie. Material deviation from University policy; substantial bias; the findings and decision are contrary to the great weight of the evidence);
    2. New and significant information has become available which could not have been discovered by a properly diligent person before or during the hearing. (Please note: The outcome of a criminal or civil proceeding, related to the matter, will not constitute new and significant information.)
    3. matter.  Deviations from the University's policy/procedures will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice resulted. 
    4. New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of the matter. 
    5. The AVP of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Office of Student Equity and Compliance, investigator(s), or decision-maker(s) had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual Complainant or Respondent that affected the outcome of the matter; or
    6. The Disciplinary Sanction(s) imposed were substantially disproportionate or not appropriate in light of the violation(s)The sanction is inappropriate in light of the violation.
  2. All appeals must be made within five (5) business days of the date on the letter informing the parties of the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Office of Community Standards and should explain in detail the basis of the request, including any supporting documentation.
  3. Upon receipt of the written appeal, the Assistant Vice President for Civic Involvement may defer the imposition of the sanction(s) pending the decision on the appeal. Note: Interim Suspension as well as any other prior restrictions will remain in effect during the appeal process.
  4. Cases adjudicated by the Campus Hearing Board will be forwarded to the Campus Appeals Board. All other cases will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students or designee.
  5. An appeal will be responded to in a timely manner (usually two weeks) and a final decision will be issued in writing either accepting or denying the appeal.  The student will be informed of any delay by the assigned Appeal Officer.
  6. The Assistant Vice President for Civic Involvement or designee is responsible for compiling the appeal documentation for review, scheduling the appeal review meeting as well as sending all correspondence to the parties involved. The Assistant Vice President for Civic Involvement or designee will have no other role during the appeal review meeting.
  7. The Campus Appeals Board:
    1. The Board is comprised of a member of the University's Administration (appointed by the Office of the President), President of the University Senate, and the President of the Student Government Association. Designees may be used in any of the positions. Each member or designee must be in attendance for a quorum.
    2. The Board will review the written appeal and all documentation contained in the case file in a closed meeting. The Board by a simple majority vote will deny or uphold the appeal. If an appeal is upheld based on procedural error or new information reasons, the case will be remanded to the Campus Hearing Board for re-opening of the hearing. If an appeal is upheld based on inappropriate sanction reason, the Board will render the appropriate determination and/or sanction.
    3. All Campus Appeals Board decisions are final and will be forwarded to the Office of Community Standards for immediate implementation. 
  8. When it is not possible for the Campus Appeals Board to meet in a timely fashion (for example, final exam week, vacation periods, summer school, etc.), an appeal from the Campus Hearing Board may be reviewed by the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students (or Designee) for final disposition.
  9. The appeals process described will be the final step in the discipline process and constitutes final University action.

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