Community Standards and Student Code of Conduct Overview |
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Dear Student,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 academic year!
We are thrilled you are here and are ready 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. I hear time and again in my conversations with students that one of the reasons that they decided on Tufts was the culture of collaboration and care instead of competition. As you may have heard people say and hopefully have also seen in your interactions, we look out for one another here––Jumbos thrive in a herd!
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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Physical Abuse and Reckless Endangerment – clarification on the prohibition of throwing items out of non-residential campus buildings, to align with the similar prohibition in the Housing Policies and Guidelines related to residential buildings.
- The Amnesty through Responsible Action Policy has been updated to the Call For Help Policy. Elements of the Policy have been amended for clarity.
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Anti-Hazing Policy – updated to reflect new requirements under the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
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Last year we sent information introducing a pilot project from The Office of Community Standards (TOCS) called Community Conversations, a process rooted in restorative practices that focuses on engaging students in reflection on their behavior and thinking to identify impact on self and community, opportunities for changes, and resources that may benefit their holistic development at Tufts and beyond. This originated based on student feedback and university initiatives. Based on assessments of the pilot project and the overwhelmingly positive response TOCS has received from participants, we will be expanding the project to include more cases in this resolution method. Students eligible for Community Conversations will be notified and will have the ability to opt out in favor of the more traditional Student Conduct Resolution Procedure.
- The Appeals process was updated to make clear what happens if there are concerns with the appellate procedure being followed, and who will resolve those concerns.
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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!
Let's make this our best year yet!
briana R. Sevigny
Director of Community Standards
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