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Violating University Rules: Violating University rules, regulations and policies, whether on or off campus.
Academic Integrity: Engaging in academic dishonesty as defined by Rowan (Students charged with a violation of this section of the Code are subject to the procedures outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy). This includes, but is not limited to,
1. Cheating (including the use of unacknowledged academic sources)
2. Fabrication
3. Facilitating Academic Dishonesty
4. Plagiarism.
False Information to an Official: Furnishing false information to any University Official.
Forgery: Fraudulent use and/or creation of University documents, records, identification cards, other official University database files, or other misuse or abuse of the University's computerized systems. This includes, but is not limited to,
1. Alteration
2. Forgery
3. Misuse
4. Using the ID Card, Key, and/or Fab of another person
Disruptive Activity: Engaging in disruptive activity which substantially disrupts or poses a tenable threat of disrupting teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, public service functions, typical University operations, or other University authorized activities, or which substantially interferes with the rights of others, on University premises.
Misuse of property. This includes, but is not limited to,
1. Obtaining property under false pretenses.
2. Possessing or receiving stolen property.
Damage to Property: Actual or threat of damaging or destroying property.
Harm to Person: Engaging in conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person (including self). Includes, but is not limited to:
1. Bullying
2. Coercion
3. Harassment
4. Intimidation
5. Attempted or Actual Physical Abuse or Restraint of another.
6. Stalking
7. Threats
8. Written, verbal, physical, electronic acts or gestures, whether single incidents or a series of incidents, that can be reasonably perceived as being motivated by actual or perceived characteristics 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. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, 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.
  3. Creates a hostile educational environment for the student at the University.
  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.
Title IX Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault Policy or Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy: 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.
Invasion of Privacy: Invasion or violation of an individual's rights. Includes, but is not limited to,
1. Terroristic threats
2. Illegal or unauthorized surveillance
3. Imposing physical or mental restraints on others
4. Engaging in obscene verbal or written communication
5. Verbally confronting a person using obscenities or fighting words likely to incite immediate physical altercation.
6. Making, attempting to make, live streaming, transmitting, or attempting to transmit audio, video, or images of any person(s) on or off campus in bathrooms, showers, bedrooms, common areas of suites or apartments, medical examination rooms, training rooms, or other premises where there is an explicit expectation of privacy with respect to nudity and/or sexual activity, without the knowledge and consent of all participants subject to such recordings and/or transmissions.
7. Viewing any person(s) on or off campus in bathrooms, showers, bedrooms, common areas of suites or apartments, medical examination rooms, training rooms or other premises where there is an explicit expectation of privacy with respect to nudity and/or sexual activity, without the knowledge and consent of all participants.
Alcohol: 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.
Drugs/Paraphernalia: 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.
Weapons: Possessing or using a firearm, BB gun, carbon dioxide propelled gun, explosive, dangerous chemical, knife, martial arts equipment, or other dangerous weapon as a means to threaten or intimidate another person and/or in contravention of federal, state or local laws, or University policies and procedures.
Disorderly Conduct: Causing noise or a disturbance. Exhibiting disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or exhibitionism.
Unauthorized use of University Resources: 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.
Failure to Comply with an Official: 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.
Public Health Compliance: 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 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.
Unauthorized Access: Entering into and/or using of University facilities/equipment, including but not limited to, residential facilities, library, athletic facilities and equipment, galleries, classrooms, computers, or confidential files without authorization.
Disorderly/Disruptive Behavior : Off-Campus: 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.
Abuse of the Student Discipline System: Abusing the Student Discipline system, including but not limited to, noncompliance with a disciplinary sanction, falsification of information, and disruption of a hearing.
Use of Technology to Harass: 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.
Use of Public Medium for Violation: 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.
Arson/Fire Safety: Starting a fire or creating a fire hazard on University-owned or operated property. Willful damage to property by fire shall be prosecuted as arson when appropriate. Pulling a fire alarm when a fire-related emergency is not present. Altering, damaging, and/or removing fire equipment.
Hazing: Engaging in a manner that a reasonable person would conclude endangers the mental or physical health or safety or which may demean, disgrace, or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participant(s). Although hazing is generally related to a person’s initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any group or organization, it is not necessary that a person’s initiation or continued membership is contingent upon participation in the activity, or that the activity was sanctioned or approved by the organization, for a charge of hazing to be upheld. The actions of active, associate, new, and/or prospective members of an organization may be considered hazing. Includes, but is not limited to,
1. Unreasonable interference with a student's academic performance
2. Forced or coerced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or any other substance
3. Forced or coerced wearing of apparel which is conspicuous and/or inappropriate
4. Forced or coerced exclusion from social contact
5. Branding
6. Creation of unnecessary fatigue
7. Deprivation of basic needs such as food, shelter, sleep, or water
8. Beating, whipping, or paddling in any form
9. Line-ups and berating
10. Physical and/or psychological shocks
11. Personal servitude (to include mandatory designated driving)
12. Kidnapping or abandonment
13. Interviewing of membership
14. Possession of required items (example: a new member must always be in possession of a ping-pong ball)
15. Unreasonable exposure to the weather
16. Any activity subjecting a person to embarrassment, degradation or humiliation
17. Expectation of participation in activities that are unlawful, lewd or in violation of University policy.
Sexual Misconduct: engaging in behaviors and/or actions which are sexual in nature without consent. These may include, but are not limited to, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual contact, sexual penetration, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking. Matters related to sexual misconduct will be evaluated by the Office of Student Equity and Compliance for possible violations of Title IX standards. Allegations not meeting that threshold may be referred for adjudication as a possible violation of the Code.
Discrimination: actions that are intended to treat others in a different or unfair manner based on their actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, and other protected characteristics.
Retaliation: any adverse actions taken against a person because of that person’s participation in a complaint, investigation, or legitimate process. Such actions are treated as a separate violation and will result in immediate action by the University to stop the retaliatory behavior, prevent further violations by the perpetrator, and remedy any adverse impact of the violation.

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Filing a Complaint
Complaints against students/organizations may be made by any student, employee, or guest of the University who feels the Code has been violated. A complaint must be made in writing to the Office of Community Standards, (Chamberlain Student Center, Suite 210) or Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Student Students (Salvitz 339) within a reasonable amount of time after the occurrence. This will normally be construed to mean within 30 calendar days, unless unusual circumstances exist, or it is an alleged crime that the University must report under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The “Community Standards Referral Form” can be accessed at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php? RowanUniv&layout_id=6. The complaint should include as much detail concerning the alleged violation as possible and include the specific reference to the part of the Code the Complainant feels has been violated. The University reserves the right to investigate any reported incident, including those alleging biased behavior. Perceived criminal activity should be reported immediately to Public Safety, which will submit its report of a student violation to the Office of Community Standards. Whenever a complaint provides evidence that the continued presence of the Respondent(s) on the campus may pose a substantial threat to herself/himself, others in the University, or to the stability and/or continuance of normal University functions the University reserves the right to impose an interim suspension from classes, residence areas, or the entire campus pending a disciplinary hearing (refer to Attachment 10 for a complete description of procedures).

The following guidelines will be used to determine if a Student Organization/Group/Team would be charged with a violation of the Code:
1. When one or more officers/authorized representatives/captains acting in the scope of their capacities committed the violation.
2. When one or more members committed the violation after the action that constitutes the violation was approved by a vote of the organization/group/team or was part of a committee assignment of the organization/group/team.
3. When the violation was committed at an activity funded by the organization/group/team.
4. When the violation occurred as a result of an event sponsored by the organization/group/team.
5. When one or more members of an organization/group/team or its officers/authorized representatives/captains permitted, encouraged, aided, or assisted in committing a violation.
6. When a reasonable person would construe the violation as being associated with the organization/group/team
Adjudication of Complaints
1. The Assistant Dean of Students or designee will review the complaint and determine whether it should be adjudicated by the student discipline system, and, if so, the appropriate adjudicator will be determined. The review of the complaint may not require meeting with all parties, and the Assistant Dean of Students or designee will determine what meetings are necessary. For any disciplinary action for which sanctions may be imposed, the Respondent(s) will have his/her/their case heard before one of the following adjudicators:
  1. Administrative Hearing Officer – If the alleged violation is one for which the student/organization could not be suspended or expelled from the University, the complaint will be heard by an Administrative Hearing Officer.
  2. Campus Hearing Board – If the alleged violation is one for which the student/organization could likely be suspended or expelled from the University, the complaint will be heard by the Campus Hearing Board. (refer to Attachment 5 for additional information concerning the Campus Hearing Board) A hold and a transcript notation indicating “Pending Discipline” will also be placed on the Respondent’s transcript.
  3. Special Interim Hearing Board - If the Campus Hearing Board cannot meet, a Special Interim Hearing Board will be appointed at the discretion of the Office of Community Standards to expedite adjudication of student disciplinary cases under the following conditions:
    1. An interim suspension has been issued (see Attachment 10), or
    2. The case will be adjudicated when the Campus Hearing Board cannot convene (for example, final exam week, vacation periods, or summer school, etc.)
2. Given the sensitive nature and the unique legal issues related to cases involving sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sexual assault complaints, they will be addressed under the University's Title IX Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault Policy or Student Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy. To the extent such conduct may not be covered under either of those policies, it may be addressed under this Code.
3. Although the default method will be in-person sessions, the University will determine if the disciplinary hearing will take place in person or virtually.
4. Situations that do not warrant adjudication by the Office of Community Standards may be referred to the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students or designee for adjudication and/or educational discussions to address allegations.
5. All matters referred to an adjudicating administrator or body will begin with individual meetings to initiate a Student Conduct Informational Meeting (SCIM) document.
Notification
1. When it is determined that a complaint will be adjudicated by the student disciplinary system, the Respondent(s) will be notified of the alleged violation in writing (the "Hearing Notice") via a tracked letter sent to the student’s Rowan email address. This is the official method of notification and students are responsible for checking their University email address daily. The Hearing notice will state what portion of the Code was allegedly violated. The student will be notified of the hearing date in the Hearing Notice. The student will receive notice of a hearing at least three (3) business days prior to an Administrative Hearing and five (5) business days prior to a hearing before the Campus Hearing Board or Special Interim Hearing Board.
2. If the Respondent or Complainant (if applicable) fails to attend the hearing, except when there is a justifiable reason (serious illness or hospitalization, death of member of immediate family, serious physical emergency, arrest or incarceration, or unavoidable transportation delay), the hearing will proceed in absentia and a finding will be reached based upon the available information. No negative inference will be made from a failure of the Respondent or Complainant to appear, participate, or speak during a hearing.
3. All participants have the right to select an Advisor of his/her/their choosing, including an attorney. Advisors are expected to communicate privately with the student in a non-disruptive manner. Advisors may have no other role in the hearing/case and are not permitted to speak on behalf of the student, ask questions, or appear in lieu of the student/organization. Advisor availability will not be sufficient grounds for postponing a hearing. A hearing will not be cancelled or postponed in the event an Advisor does not attend. If the Advisor is not able to attend, the Respondent or Complainant should arrange for a substitute.
4. A student who wishes to have an attorney as an Advisor must inform the Office of Community Standards in writing, by telephone, or electronic mail at least one (1) business day prior to a hearing. If a Complainant, Respondent, or other participant informs the University that an attorney will be present at the hearing, the University will decide if legal counsel for the University should also be present.
5. Both the Respondent and the Complainant have the right to request witnesses to provide information at the hearing. Witnesses must have personal knowledge of the incident at issue and may serve no other role at the hearing/case. Witnesses may be present at the hearing only at the time they are called to participate. A hearing will not be cancelled or postponed if a scheduled witness does not attend.
6. Written statements of witnesses not in attendance due to extraordinary circumstances may be considered by Hearing Officer or the Campus Hearing Board. Character witnesses are considered irrelevant and will not be permitted to participate. A list of witnesses must be submitted to the Office of Community Standards at least one (1) business day prior to the hearing for approval and notification to other parties. The list should include each witness' name and a summary of the information s/he/they is expected to provide.
Administrative Agreement/Hearing Waiver
1. The Respondent and Complainant will also be informed if the disciplinary complaint can be resolved by completing an Administrative Agreement/Hearing Waiver. An Administrative Agreement/Hearing Waiver would be completed only when there is acknowledgement of responsibility on the part of the Respondent and agreement, by all parties including the Complainant, and/or victim that the sanction(s) imposed are reasonable and fair.
2. The sanction will reflect the severity of the current charge(s) against the student/organization, as well as any previous disciplinary sanctions. All participants will also waive the rights to have the complaint adjudicated at a disciplinary hearing and appeal. Should the Respondent not accept responsibility for the charges, nor accept the proposed sanction(s), then appearance at the disciplinary hearing is required.
Administrative Hearing Officer Procedures
1. A student/organization may challenge the assignment of a specific hearing officer to his/her/their case for good cause. This challenge must be presented in writing to the Office of Community Standards at least one (1) business day prior to the scheduled date of the hearing. Upon reviewing the details of the challenge, the Assistant Dean of Students or designee will either uphold the challenge and appoint an alternate hearing officer and arrange a new hearing or deny the challenge.
2. A hearing officer will withdraw from adjudicating any case in which he/she/they cannot reach a fair and objective decision.
3. The hearing officer will exercise control over the manner in which the hearing is conducted to avoid unnecessarily lengthy hearings and to prevent the harassment or intimidation of witnesses. This includes, but is not limited to, rejecting redundant or irrelevant questions and imposing reasonable limits on the number of factual witnesses that may participate. An explanation and record of any rejected question will be made. Technical legal rules of evidence, wording of questions, hearsay and opinions will not be formally applied. Anyone who disrupts a hearing or who fails to adhere to hearing procedures may be excluded from the proceeding at the discretion of the hearing officer.
4. The hearing officer will review all materials, hear all information pertinent to the case from the Complainant, the Respondent, and witnesses. The hearing officer may also consult with other hearing officers who are assigned to hearings within the same disciplinary case, clarify issues raised, render a decision based on the information presented, and take all actions and make all determinations necessary and proper for the hearing.
5. The Respondent will be presumed not responsible for the allegation. The hearing officer will determine if it was “more likely than not” that the Respondent was responsible after considering all of the credible information provided during the disciplinary hearing process. If the student is found in violation of University rules, any submitted statement of mitigating factors, records within the student's past disciplinary file, and a written victim impact statement (if appropriate) will also be used in determining an appropriate sanction(s).
6. Following all hearings in the case, the hearing officer will provide the Respondent with written notification of the decision reached and information regarding the University's appeal process.
7. For cases involving a victim of "crimes of violence,"(covered under this Code) the hearing officer will also provide the Complainant/victim with written notification of the decision reached and information regarding the University's appeal process.

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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.
Educational Task: Completion of task(s) which benefit the individual, campus, or community.
Monetary Fine: The student is required to pay a fine that has been placed onto their student account.
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.
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.
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 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.
Suspension: The student may no longer be a registered student, attend classes, or 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. 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 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.
Expulsion: The student may never again be a registered student, may never attend classes, nor or 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. 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 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.
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.

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.
Bias motivated offenses may result in more severe sanctions. Such offenses are defined as any offense wherein the Respondent(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.
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/their designee. The original sanction(s) may be re-imposed immediately upon a further finding responsibility in a subsequent campus disciplinary hearing at any level.
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.
A student who fails to complete the terms of a campus disciplinary sanction by the given deadline will receive a monetary fine for noncompliance and could be charged with noncompliance under the Code.
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.
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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