Community Standards and Student Code of Conduct Overview |
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Dear Student,
Welcome to the new year, Jumbos!
We are so glad to have you here and to start a new year together! One of the most exceptional things about Tufts is the people who make up our community and the way in which we care for one another—as you may have heard people say and hopefully have also seen people live out, we look out for one another here.
Learning to manage our own conduct in a way that contributes to the community, even when nobody is looking, is part of the Tufts educational experience. Our message today is to inform of you several important policies regarding student behavior and community expectations and highlight key information for this year.
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Each student is responsible for reading, understanding, and complying with the University’s expectations, which are documented in the Student Code of Conduct, and other University policies. The expectations defined in university policy are rigorous because our shared purpose compels us to act with integrity, personal responsibility and accountability, and respect for ourselves and others.
There are several policies that are particularly important to review at the beginning of every academic year, as they include important academic and behavioral expectations, as well as describe your rights and responsibilities as a student and community member:
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There have been a few updates to policies this year to ensure clarity. They include:
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Alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited – language was added to clarify what is permitted for students under 21 on campus.
- Drinking games - the policy on what constitutes a drinking game has been clarified.
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The distinction between falsification/misrepresentation in the academic misconduct policy and the failure to comply policy has been clarified. The language that was previously only in the academic misconduct policy has been added to the Failure to comply policy.
- Gatherings, Protests, and Demonstrations – policies have been clarified and revised to align with University guidelines.
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Guest Policy – clarification on guests on campus outside of the residence halls.
- Harassment policy was clarified to distinguish it from the OEO sexual harassment policy.
- Violations of the Housing Policies and Guidelines was made a distinct policy within the code for clarity to our residential students.
- The Applicability section was clarified to explain how the Code applies to unaffiliated groups.
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Process – Based on University initiatives and student feedback, a new informal resolution pilot project is being introduced by The Office of Community Standards (TOCS) called Community Conversations. Community Conversations seeks to engage students in reflection on their behavior and thinking to identify impact on self and community, opportunities for change, and resources that may benefit their holistic development during their time at Tufts. The conversations infuse evidence-based and harm-reduction focused practices rooted in Restorative Justice, Motivational Interviewing, and other Community Standards-oriented processes. While all TOCS processes utilize these elements, Community Conversations will utilize different applications and opportunities for relationship-building. Students eligible to have a situation resolved through Community Conversations will be notified and will have the ability to opt out in favor of a more traditional Student Conduct Resolution Procedure.
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All policies and processes are updated and available on the Community Standards website. An updated PDF version of the Student Code of Conduct will be available in mid-to-late October.
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Further, those of you living on campus have received information about policies for Residential Life and Learning. For those living off-campus, we encourage you to check out the guide to living off campus and visit the websites for residents of Medford, Somerville, and Boston to learn local requirements. Should you live in other neighborhoods, please visit the site for your city or town to become familiar with ordinances and resources.
By enrolling at Tufts, students agree to comply with the standards of performance and behavior that are described in the Student Code of Conduct and other University policies. Please take a moment over the next few days to read and reflect on these policies as we hope this will help you to feel informed and prepared to start the new year. Tufts is a community of scholars who care about each other and about the wider communities of which we are a part. Thank you for being conscious of the way you impact yourself, those around you, and the entire Tufts and wider community with your actions and efforts.
Should you have any questions or need support or resources, please reach out to The Office of Community Standards (TOCS) at any time. We look forward to working with you!
Here’s to a great year,
briana R. Sevigny
Director of Community Standards
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