Violations of the Student Code of Conduct

For ease of reference, specific violations are offered in detail below. Violations are categorized by (Category IIII), then by type (Personal, Civility and Public Order, and Substances,), in alphabetical order under each type. Category I violations are generally considered less severe when compared to Category II violations. Category III violations are generally the most severe and may result in suspension or expulsion from the Residence Hall system or the College.

Category III

Personal Violations

Academic Integrity Violations

Conduct including but not limited to plagiarism, cheating, multiple submissions, unauthorized collaboration, bribery, or use of purchased research service reports without appropriate notations.

Assault, Abuse, Fighting

Includes any physical act whether intentionally or recklessly, regardless if contact is made, where the intent is clear to engage in physical contact, that creates a substantial risk where bodily harm could be the result of the action.

Dating Violence 

Any act of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and verbal committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the other party. The existence of such a relationship can be determined based on a consideration of the length of relationship, the type of relationship, or the frequency of interaction between the persons disclosed in the persons own statements.

Domestic Violence 

Any act of violence, including felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a person who is:

  • A current or former spouse of the victim
  • A person with whom the victim shares a child in common with
  • Cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, or person similarly situated as the spouse under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which it occurs
  • By law, prohibited from the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which it occurs
  • By law, prohibited from the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which it occurs

Bias / Hate Behavior

Includes any threatening, intimidating, or fear provoking behavior whether it is oral written, graphic, or physical that is motivated by a consideration (real or perceived) about an individual’s protected characteristics (per NYS law), which is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent that it interferes with or limits the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from the educational institution’s resources or opportunities.

Harassment

Unwelcome oral, written, graphic, electronic or physical conduct directed against a person which is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile or offensive and that effectively denies the individual’s reasonable access to institutional programs, activities, and resources.

Sexual Assault (Please refer to the sexual violence response policy)

Any physical sexual act or acts committed against another person without affirmative consent. If a student is found responsible it will result in suspension for a minimum of the remainder of the semester or a maximum of the remainder of the semester + 2 semesters or expulsion from SUNY Morrisville. It is assumed that the victim/survivor did not give affirmative consent.

Sexual harassment

Unwelcome oral, written, graphic, electronic or physical conduct of a sexual nature which is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile or offensive regardless if it effectively denies the individual reasonable access to institutional programs, activities, and resources.

Stalking

Any unwelcome course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person emotional distress and create safety concerns. Examples include, but are not limited to, repeatedly following such person, repeatedly communicating by any means with such person, any act directly, indirectly or through third parties by any action, method, device or means to follow, monitor, observe, surveil, threaten, communicate to or about a person.

Unlawful Dissemination or Publication of an Intimate Image

The intentional sharing of an image, of another person who is identifiable from the image or from information displayed in connection with the image, that was created under circumstances that there was a reasonable expectation that the image would remain private with intent to cause harm to the emotional, financial or physical welfare of that person.

Civility & Public Order Violations

Aiding and Abetting

Knowingly assisting in the violation of a local, state, or federal law. Knowingly assisting in the violation of the Student Code of Conduct or College Policy.

Disorderly Conduct

Behavior that creates an unreasonable amount of confusion, noise, or response which threatens or endangers the health or safety of another, one’s guest or self, including intoxication or use of illegal drugs. No person shall engage in any behavior that disrupts the College’s academic environment or the provision of College services. No person shall recklessly create a public inconvenience or disturbance.

Endangerment

Behavior or threat to take or actually take any action, create or participate in the creation of any situation, which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health, or creates a substantial risk of serious injury to self or others.  

Failure to Comply

Failure to comply with the reasonable and lawful directives of College officials, student staff, or law enforcement officers performing the duties of their office, especially as they are related to the enforcement of College Policy or the maintenance of safety and security. This includes but is not limited to not appearing at meetings when directed to do so, not providing identification when directed to do so, not leaving areas or events when directed to do so, not completing assigned educational sanctions through the judicial system.

Falsification/Misrepresentation of Information

Altering or misusing documents, records, stored data, or identification cards. Providing false identification or furnishing false or misleading information to any College officials or a hearing body. Any forgery, alteration or misuse of College records including those commonly associated with admission, financial aid, administrative and academic affairs.

Health

Students may be suspended for a period of time or be expelled from the College when they fail to comply with the health records or immunization requirements or when they have a health condition that may endanger the health of other students or themselves.

Hazing

Any activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of a student regardless of the person’s willingness to participate in order to be initiated or affiliated with a group. Hazing activities include kidnapping or confining a person, subjecting a person to cruel and unusual psychological conditions, requiring or encouraging a person to consume alcohol, drugs, foreign or unusual substances, disrupting or impairing a person’s ability to perform academically or to fulfill obligations under the Student Code of Conduct, depriving a person of sufficient sleep. Recognized organizations that are found in violation of this policy may be subject to loss of recognition, distinct and apart from any sanctions to which its individual participating members are subject.

Insubordination/Obstruction

Interfering with, or hindering the efforts of, College officials, student staff, or law enforcement officers performing the duties of their office, especially as they are related to the enforcement of College Policy or the maintenance of safety and security. This includes influencing or attempting to influence another person from cooperating with College officials, refusing to provide information regarding an incident you are involved in.

Retaliation

No student shall take any adverse action against another person for reporting a violation or for participating in any way in an investigation or conduct process. Retaliation includes harassment, intimidation, including but not limited to violence, threats of violence, property destruction, adverse educational or employment consequences, and bullying.

Student Identification

Students are required to carry their SUNY Morrisville identification card with them at all times. Failure to produce proper identification upon request to college officials, student staff, or law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties is prohibited.

Theft

Removal, displacement, possession or use of property or services belonging to another person or entity without consent of the owner (ex: Unauthorized use of another student’s identification card to make purchases.)

Trespassing/Unauthorized Use of a College Facility

Knowingly entering, or occupying any College facility or utilizing a service without proper authorization, including entering a facility or area that has been designated off limits by a college official, through judicial action, or court.

Vandalism

No person shall take deliberate or reckless action to damage the property of another person or entity. 

Weapons

The possession or use of any object (whether real or toy) that could cause harm to another is prohibited. SUNY Morrisville prohibits the use of chemical or pepper aerosol spray in an offensive manner and the possession or keeping of weapons on College property or property operated for the benefit of the College (including in any vehicle). Examples include but are not limited to: guns or simulations capable of hurling a projectile with propelling force (ex: from a tension band or spring, compressed air, or CO2), ammunition, slingshots, bows and arrows, tasers, stun guns, explosives, explosive devices, blackjacks and clubs.

Housing Violations

Sharing Keys/Cards

Sharing of any College keys or SUNY Morrisville ID Cards.

Fire Regulations – Prohibited Acts

Committing acts of arson, creating a fire hazard, or unauthorized possession or use of flammable materials or hazardous substances. Tampering with fire safety or other safety equipment. (Covering/disabling smoke detectors, exit signs, or fire extinguishers, etc.) See the Fire Safety Policy for further violation descriptions.

Restricted Access - Residence Hall

Entering or remaining in any Residence Hall without authorization, registration, or a properly issued and programmed SUNY Morrisville ID card.

Restricted Access - Residence Hall Room

Entering or remaining in any Residence Hall room without permission or supervision from the occupants. Having more than eight people in a Residence Hall room at one time. Changing Residence Hall room assignments without permission from the Resident Director(s) of the Residence Hall(s) involved.

Category II

Civility & Public Order Violations

Facility Expectations

Facilities at SUNY Morrisville are designated for orderly and specific activities (ex: dining halls, library, gymnasiums, etc.). Reasonable standards of conduct are expected in order to support the purpose of each facility, to protect the rights of patrons, and to safeguard facility property. College staff is empowered to enforce compliance with rules supporting the appropriate use of each facility.

Substance Violations

Alcohol

Illegal or unauthorized possession, purchase, sale, distribution, or use of alcohol.

Alcohol - In the Presence of

Students or their guests found where alcohol is present.

Alcohol - Paraphernalia

Possession of alcohol paraphernalia. (Paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to: empty kegs, cans, bottles, funnels, shot glasses, etc.)

Drugs

The possession, purchase, sale, distribution, or use of drugs or cannabis.

Drugs - In the Presence of

Students or guests found on college property or property operated for the benefit of the college where drugs are present.

Drugs - Paraphernalia

Possession of items that could reasonably be considered drug paraphernalia. (Paraphernalia includes but is not limited to: hypodermic needles, hookahs, resonated roach clips, bowls, pipes, bongs, and other items modified for the use of or to conceal the use of drugs.)

Housing Violations

Guests

All students are responsible for the actions of their guests for any violations committed. Students are also expected to take reasonable action to prevent their guests from violating College Policies. Any behavior or activity that contributes to the failure to adhere to the Guest Policy.

Category I 

Civility & Public Order Violations

Prohibited Activities

Any physical actions/activities that may result in injury or damage to persons or property is prohibited in and around the Residence Halls and other College buildings. Such activities include but are not limited to: squirt guns, swimming in or skating on the pond, throwing darts, and snowball throwing.

Housing Violations

Furniture

SUNY Morrisville supplies approved fire-rated furnishings within the Residence Halls and does not allow dormitory furniture to be removed from its assigned location without permission from the Residence Hall Director. Lounge furniture may not be removed or placed into student rooms.

Pets

Students are not permitted to have animals in the Residence Halls at any time. Exceptions for approved comfort and service animals.

Quiet Hours/ Courtesy Hours/Sound

At no time should noise reach a level that disturbs roommates, other residents, or members of the community. Speakers and other sound producing equipment are not to be played out windows and should not be readily audible at a distance outside the room.

Room Cleanliness, Conditions, and Decorations

Students are responsible for maintaining sanitary and orderly conditions in their Residence Hall rooms to prevent pests and fire hazards. Students are expected to comply with the Residence Hall License at all times.

Solicitation

Businesses cannot be run in Residence Halls. Door to door soliciting, electronic soliciting, or leafleting by individuals or groups in the Residence Halls and on Campus is prohibited. The appropriate College official must approve fundraising by College organizations.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all College buildings including all residence halls, all College/MAC vehicles, and within a 20-foot perimeter of all buildings. Evidence of smoking may include visible haze, odor of cannabis or tobacco products, or other evidence that smoking has occurred such as residual ash.

Trash / Recycling

Improper disposal or commingling of trash and recycling products inside or outside the Residence Halls.

Windows

Students are prohibited from removing window screens or windows from their tracks or frames and to do so is considered damage to State property. Students will be assessed replacement costs for removing window screens. Students are not permitted to drop or throw solid objects or liquids in or out of windows, climb in or out of windows, sit on windowsills, lean out of windows, or store or hang objects including antennae or aerials outside of windows.