Principles of Student Conduct

The Saint Peter’s University’s Student Code of Conduct was established to preserve and safeguard the learning environment, the community, properties, and processes that support University functions and our academic mission.  Inspired by our Jesuit and Catholic identity, Saint Peter’s University provides our diverse community of learners with individual attention where students are inspired to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment.  Students who violate the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary sanctions which promote their own personal development, protect the University community, and maintain order and stability on campus.  

Saint Peter’s University students agree to abide by, to become fully acquainted with, and comply with the University’s regulations.  Examples of prohibited behavior provided in the Student Code of Conduct are not intended to define prohibited conduct in exhaustive terms rather; to set forth examples to serve as guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable behavior.  The Student Code of Conduct is not a substitute for criminal or civil judicial proceedings and it is not intended to restrict or discourage any complainant or potential complainant from using criminal or civil justice systems.  Disciplinary action under this Code does not preclude sanctions or remedies under criminal or civil laws.

Scope  

The Student Code of Conduct applies to all students and student organizations.  Conduct on and off University premises, premises used, leased, or controlled by the University, and at University sponsored activities are subject to the Student Code of Conduct.  Each student is responsible for their behavior from the time of application for admission through graduation.  This includes conduct that occurs before classes begin, after classes end, during the academic year, during periods between terms of enrollment, and conduct that is not discovered until after a degree is awarded.  Should a student withdraw while a disciplinary matter is pending, the student must resolve the matter before they may be considered for readmission.

Administration of the Student Code of Conduct

Under the authorization of the Associate Vice President of Student Life and Development, the Dean of Students is authorized to enact, create, modify, alter, and enforce the Student Code of Conduct.  The Dean of Students is responsible for the interpretation of this code and any of its provisions.  The Dean of Students is authorized to designate or appoint other members of the University community to assist in the resolution of Student Code of Conduct violations.

Principles of Student Conduct and Community Standards

Saint Peter’s University has adopted five Principles of Student Conduct that safeguards the integrity of our learning environment and other endeavors.  They are: Respect for Oneself; Respect for Others; Respect for Property; Respect for Authority; and Honesty.

Students are expected to behave in an honest, ethical, moral, and honorable fashion that respects the human dignity of themselves and others, consistent with our Jesuit tradition.  Students are expected to honor the right of others to pursue their education in an environment free from threat of injury, bigotry, danger, theft, harm, harassment, violence, intimidation, and other University established community standards.  Students are also expected to adhere to local, state, and federal laws, and to all University regulations.  

Community Standards

Guided by our Christian values and ideals, we foster a student community where rights and mutual responsibilities are recognized.  These Community Standards were derived by students, faculty, staff, administration, and other members of the University community.  They promote a positive, secure, orderly, and civil climate for learning inside and outside the classroom.  Community Standards are divided into subsets based on the five Principles of Student Conduct: Respect for Oneself; Respect for Others; Respect for Property Respect for Authority; and Honesty.

Respect for Oneself

Saint Peter’s University values all students and fosters an environment where the development of self-respect, personal integrity, and dignity are paramount.  The University encourages students to take themselves and their academic pursuits seriously.  We respond to self-destructive behaviors or behaviors that might impede an individual’s ability to enjoy the privileges of attaining an education and to fulfill her/his obligations as an educated leader.   

Respect for Others

Saint Peter’s University values the respect for fellow men and women.  Students are expected to treat others with respect, dignity, sensitivity, consideration, and understanding.  It is imperative to demonstrate an active concern for the welfare of others.  Students are expected to show respect for others regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or nationality and avoid all forms of offensive and harassing behavior.    

Respect for Property

The University values the learning environment inherent to its physical address, owned and managed property, and intellectual resources.  Students are expected to responsibly use personal and University property which includes buildings, library materials, equipment, resources, computers, supplies, keys, identification and access cards, green spaces, and other University property.  This principle requires students to respect and maintain personal and institutional property, both inside and outside the Saint Peter’s University community.  

Respect for Authority

Authority derives its legitimacy from its commitment to act on behalf of the common good.  At Saint Peter’s University, that authority resides in the Officers of the University, its faculty, administrators, and staff, each of whom has been charged with responsibilities essential to the orderly operation of the University.  Students share responsibility for both complying with agents of the University and supporting the University’s efforts to preserve an environment that contributes to our mission.

Honesty

Saint Peter’s University’s educational mission reflects a commitment to the development of the whole person.  Students are expected to demonstrate the personal characteristics of honesty and integrity in all aspects of their campus life, both inside and outside the classroom.  The University expects students to live by the policies of the Saint Peter’s community and to follow local, state, and federal laws.