Student Conduct
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Code of Student Conduct
Through partnerships, connections, direct support, policy development, and educational initiatives, the Student Experienced Team works to promote an inclusive campus climate that facilitates students’ successful navigation of campus life.
The entire Hartwick College community is committed to fostering a campus environment that is conducive to academic inquiry, a productive and engaging campus life, and thoughtful study and discourse.
The student conduct program within the Office of Student Experience is committed to an educational and developmental process that balances the interests of individual students with the interests of the Hartwick College community.
A community exists on the basis of shared values and principles. At Hartwick College, student members of the community are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Code of Student Conduct. These standards are embodied within a set of core values that includes:
- integrity;
- social justice;
- respect and civility;
- community; and
- responsibility.
Each member of the Hartwick College community bears responsibility for their conduct and to assume reasonable responsibility for the behavior of others. When members of the community fail to exemplify these six values above by engaging in violation of the rules below, campus conduct proceedings are used to assert and uphold the Code of Student Conduct.
Core Values of Student Conduct at Hartwick College
The values outlined below form the basis for the Hartwick College Code of Student Conduct.
Integrity: Hartwick students exemplify honesty, honor and a respect for the truth in all of their dealings.
Community: Hartwick students build and enhance their community.
Social Justice: Hartwick students are just and equitable in their treatment of all members of the community and act to discourage and/or intervene to prevent unjust and inequitable behaviors.
Respect and Civility: Hartwick students show positive regard for each other, for property and for the community. Students will conduct themselves and treat others in a polite, reasonable and respectful manner.
Responsibility: Hartwick students are given and accept a high level of responsibility to self, to others and to the community.
Behavior that violates College standards of conduct listed within the Student Code of Conduct and elsewhere will be subject to disciplinary action through the appropriate conduct process. Whether it is determined that an individual or group is responsible for the violation(s), either by direct involvement or by condoning, encouraging, or covering up the violation, appropriate response will occur with respect to the individual(s) and/or group involved.
An important component of the college experience is the willingness to assume and exercise personal responsibility for actions as a member of the Hartwick College academic community. The College expects students to at all times comport themselves in a mature, ethical and honorable manner and to demonstrate a sincere consideration for the other members of this community. The expectation of appropriate student conduct also applies to students in their roles as employees of the institution. Students engaging in unethical, inappropriate, or illegal behavior or actions in violation of established standards set for the area or department in which they are employed may have their employment terminated and/or be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
The Board of Trustees delegates disciplinary authority to the President of the College, who exercises this authority through designated administrative personnel. At the philosophical core of the College’s disciplinary process is a strong commitment to each student’s development and an understanding of the importance of assuming personal responsibility and accountability for their actions as a member of a community of learners. This is illustrated within our Core Values outlined above. Further, the student disciplinary process is predicated on the assumption that discipline is part of students’ educational development and, where appropriate, the sanctions imposed should be educational and instructive. The process is designed to hold students accountable for their decisions and actions, to establish procedural rights for all parties, and to protect the rights of all members of the community.
In sum, the College believes this process serves to promote positive development of both individual and group integrity while upholding the rules and regulations of the College. The College reserves the right to make changes in the rules and regulations as it deems appropriate.
The Student Conduct Process
The student conduct process at Hartwick College is not intended to punish students; rather, it exists to protect the interests of the community and to challenge those whose behavior is not in accordance with our policies. Sanctions are intended to challenge students’ moral and ethical decision-making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with our community expectations. When a student is unable to conform their behavior to community expectations, the student conduct process may assist us in determining if the student should continue to share in the privilege(s) afforded to those participating in this community.
Students should be aware that the student conduct process is quite different from criminal and civil court proceedings. Procedures and rights in student conduct procedures are managed with fairness to all, but do not include the same protections of due process afforded by the courts. Due process, as defined within these procedures, assures written notice and a hearing before an objective decision-maker. No student will be found in violation of Hartwick College policy without information showing that it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred, and any sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the violation and to the cumulative conduct history of the student.
Office of Student Conduct
4th Floor, Dewar Union
607-431-4502
studentconduct@hartwick.edu