Grounds for Disciplinary Action

Hofstra University developed this Code of Community Standards in an attempt to ensure the rights of individuals in the context of a community. The following is a list of actions that violate community standards. Any student who commits, aids, or attempts to commit any of the following acts on University property or during the course of a University activity is subject to disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code and/or the Pride Principles.

Student Conduct Codes

AIDING AND ABETTING
Aiding or abetting misconduct by others that would be in violation of the rules outlined in the Student Conduct Code, any University Policy and/or of federal, state or local laws. Aiding and abetting includes helping, procuring, or engaging another person to engage in a violation of the Student Conduct Code.

ALCOHOL
Hofstra University expects that all students abide by federal laws and New York state laws on alcohol as well as the University's Statement on Drugs and Alcohol and all related policies as outlined in Residential Programs' "The Living Factor". Students who drink alcohol to excess whether on campus or off campus and require medical attention will be later required to meet with a member of the Dean of Students Office. The following actions violate the University's conduct code regarding alcohol:
Possessing, consuming and/or distributing any quantity of alcohol while under the legal drinking age; or
Violating the University alcohol policy in any way (including, but not limited to, the Statement on Drugs and Alcohol and "The Living Factor"); or
Possessing, consuming and/or distributing any quantity of alcohol in a residence hall suite/room where there is a minor present; or
Misrepresenting yourself or using another person's identity with the intent to purchase, possess and/or consume alcohol; or
Acting in a disruptive/disorderly manner, regardless of age, while under the influence of alcohol.

ARSON
Starting an unauthorized fire on University-controlled property or at a University-sponsored event.

ASSAULT
Intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury to a person.

COERCION
Compelling or inducing another person to act in a manner through physical or psychological threats. Examples include, but are not limited to, causing or threatening to physically injure or cause damage to a person or property, accusing a person of a violation of the University policy or causing conduct charges to be instituted against a person without a proper basis, exposing a secret or publicizing information that may subject the person to hatred, ridicule or contempt in order to induce the person to act in a manner.

DAMAGE
A student is responsible for damage to University or personal property when his or her actions result in reduction of the value or usefulness of property or spoil the appearance of such property.

DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER
Causing harm to any student or University official's reputation via defamatory written or spoken statements.

DISRUPTIVE CONDUCT
Acting singularly or in concert with others, in a manner that obstructs, disturbs, interferes or impairs the normal operations, processes and functions of the University, including University classes, departments, facilities, events, representatives, and/or individuals or groups. Failing to follow the policies as outlined by the University or Office of Student Leadership and Activities when planning protests, demonstrations, etc.

DRUGS
Hofstra University expects that all students abide by all federal laws and New York State laws regarding illegal drug use as well as the University's Statement on Drugs and Alcohol and all related policies as outlined in Residential Programs' "The Living Factor". The following actions violate the University's Student Conduct Code regarding drugs:
Using and/or possessing illegal drugs; or
Improperly using or abusing over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs; or
Manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, and/or selling illegal drugs, including prescription drugs on campus; or
Aiding and abetting in the sale/distribution/use/possession of illegal drugs, including prescription drugs on campus; or
Using/possessing drug paraphernalia on campus, including, but not limited to scales, rolling papers, bowls, pipes, bongs, hookahs or any other device that could be used for the purpose of drug use; or
Knowingly being in the presence of illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia/ illegal drug use on campus.

FALSIFICATION
Providing any false or misleading information, altering or destroying accurate information on any University record or any record submitted to the University; providing false or misleading information to a University official.

FAILURE TO COMPLY
Failing to comply with a directive/request from a University official or a University/departmental policy. Examples include, but are not limited to refusing to carry out a request by a University official or comply with a sanction, failure to appear at an appointment in the Dean of Students Office when summoned, or failure to appear as a witness after being directed by a University official to appear at a disciplinary hearing.

FIGHTING
Any physical altercation that involves striking, shoving, kicking or subjecting another person to physical contact.

FIRE SAFETY/EMERGENCY
Causing fires or tampering with and/or misusing fire safety equipment/emergency exit doors. Failing to immediately evacuate and/or impeding the orderly evacuation of a building when informed to do so. Possessing any unauthorized open flame devices and/or any other type of device that can potentially cause combustion. Failing to comply with New York state laws on fire safety as well as the University's statement on Fire Safety Guidelines and all related policies as outlined in Residential Programs' "The Living Factor".

FORGERY
Falsifying a written instrument with the intent to defraud, deceive or injure another or to circumvent University procedures/policies. Examples include, but are not limited to writing or instructing another person to write/sign the name of a University official on a University document for the purpose of changing University records or circumventing University procedures.

GAMBLING
Participation in any form of illegal gambling. Gambling refers to unauthorized lotteries, raffles, or other games of chance. These activities are not to be conducted on campus by organizations or individuals. Gambling is not permitted in connection with college-sponsored events on or off campus.

GUESTS/ACTIONS OF A GUEST
A student is responsible for the actions of his/her guest(s) at all times. Should a guest be found responsible for any violation(s) of University policy, the host is also accountable.

HARASSMENT
Making statements or actions that denigrate or ridicule an individual or group because of race, color, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status.  Physically or emotionally threatening or taunting another person; bullying another person.  Individuals who have violated the University’s Harassment Policy are also in violation of the Code of Community Standards.  Sexual misconduct claims are governed by the procedures set forth in the “Sexual Misconduct Policy” on page 47.

HAZING
Individuals who have violated the University's "Rules and Regulations of Hofstra University Regarding Hazing" are also in violation of the Code of Community Standards.

INFRINGEMENT OF RIGHTS
Infringing upon the rights of any other member, guest or department within the University community. This includes, but is not limited to interfering with freedom of movement, freedom of speech and the right to personal privacy.

LEWD/INDECENT BEHAVIOR
Intentionally exposing intimate parts of his/her body in a public place, or in private premises under circumstances in which he/she may readily be observed. This includes, but is not limited to, urinating or defecating in places other than appropriately designated areas.

PERJURY
Misleading a hearing board, investigation team or conduct officer through false or inconsistent written or verbal statements.

RECKLESS DRIVING
Operating a motor vehicle on University property in a manner that causes or might potentially cause physical harm to an individual or property; or operating a motor vehicle while impaired or intoxicated.

RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT
Engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person or to oneself.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
Individuals in violation of the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy are also in violation of the Code of Community Standards.

SOLICITATION
Disseminating information door-to-door and/or distributing/providing or inviting someone else to distribute/provide pamphlets, advertisements or other goods or services to members of the University community without the approval of a University official or in places that are not approved for such distribution.

THEFT
Taking something that is not yours without the expressed consent of the owner. Using services without paying for those services and/or without receiving proper consent for use of those services. Examples include, but are not limited to, intentionally writing/cashing bad checks on campus.

UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY/EXIT
Improperly entering or exiting the campus or a room/building/area/vehicle. Entering or remaining in a restricted area/building/academic room without appropriate permission or after the hours when the building/area is closed.

UNAUTHORIZED POSSESSION
Possessing or using property without the knowledge and/or consent of the owner.

UNRECOGNIZED GROUPS
Participating as a member of a group that has been denied recognition by the University, suspended by the University, or that has never sought recognition from the University. (see guidelines concerning Unrecognized Organizations.)

VANDALISM
Intentionally or recklessly damaging the property of the University or of another individual.

VERBAL/WRITTEN ABUSE
Using abusive, obscene and/or profane language or speaking in a way that is inconsistent with the Code of Community Standards of Hofstra (see Pride Principles).

VIOLATION OF A BAN
A student is strictly prohibited from entering any area and/or building from which they have been banned or removed by the University. A student is also prohibited from hosting a banned student/individual.

VIOLATION OF ID POLICY
Using/possessing someone else's identification, allowing someone else to use/possess your identification or otherwise providing false identification. Examples include, but are not limited to, failing to produce identification when asked by a University official, failing to properly swipe into a building/area, or failing to show proper Hofstra identification when entering a University facility where identification is required.

VIOLATION OF SECURITY POLICY
Acting in a way that compromises the security of University community members or facilities. Examples include, but are not limited to, propping doors of University buildings and/or facilities, or failing to follow University or residence hall security guidelines.

WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES
Students are prohibited from possessing, using, storing or transporting firearms, weapons, fireworks, incendiary devices, ammunition, chemicals that are explosive in nature and/or any other instrument which has the potential to injure or harm a person/property regardless of intent. These types of items include, but are not limited to: knives, brass knuckles, switchblades, swords, BB guns, paintball/pellet guns, mace, pepper spray and box cutters.