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
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 (sub category to Assault, Abuse. Fighting, and covered by the CLERY ACT)
This occurs when a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim AND where the existence of such a relationship can be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
- The length of the relationship
- The type of relationship
- The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship
Domestic Violence (sub category to Assault, Abuse. Fighting, and covered by the CLERY ACT)
Includes 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
Intentionally selecting an individual because of a belief or perception (regardless if it is real or perceived) regarding race, color, age, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Any action that is oral, written, graphic, or physical relating to an individual’s protected characteristics, 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 it effectively denies the individual’s reasonable access to institutional resources, employment, academic performance or participation in institutional programs or activities and creates a working, learning, program or activity environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile or offensive.
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 verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that effectively denies reasonable access to institutional resources, employment, academic performance or participation in institutional programs or activities and creates a working, learning, program or activity environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile or offensive.
Stalking
Any unwelcome course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause emotional distress and effectively denies reasonable access to institutional resources, employment, academic performance or participation in institutional programs or activities and creates a working, learning, program or activity environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile or offensive. 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 unlawful sharing of an image, of another person who is identifiable from the image or from information displayed in connection with the image, that are created under circumstances when the person depicted had a reasonable expectation that the image would remain private and the actor knew or reasonably should have known the person depicted intended for an image to remain private, regardless of whether the actor was present when an image was created, with intent to cause harm to the emotional, financial or physical welfare of that person. This includes sexually intimate images, created during the course of an intimate relationship, distributed without the depicted person’s prior knowledge or without their consent.
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 impairs, interferes with, or obstructs the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the College or community where the behavior occurs. This behavior includes, but is not limited to, creating an unreasonable amount of confusion or noise, recklessly creating a public inconvenience or disturbance. Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to, fighting, littering, making unreasonable noise, disturbing a lawful meeting, obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or creating a hazardous or physically offensive situation by an act which serves no legitimate purpose.
Endangerment
Behavior that is reckless or intentional that creates or contributes to dangerous or unsafe environments where a substantial risk of serious injury to self or others exists. (Ex: Covering a smoke detector in the Residence Hall Room).
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
Conduct including but not limited to plagiarism, cheating, multiple submissions, unauthorized collaboration, bribery, providing false identification, oral or written dishonesty to faculty, staff, law enforcement officers, College officials or a hearing body, use of 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 which endangers the mental emotional or physical health or safety of a student, or which removes public or private property, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate in order to be initiated or affiliated with a group. 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 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.
Repeated Violations
Repeated violations of College Policy, which by themselves would not warrant suspension or expulsion, but collectively indicate that further attendance by the student is not in the best interest of the College community.
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.
Social Media
Any posting on a social media platform that is directed against a person that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile or offensive.
Student Identification
Students are required to carry their SUNY Morrisville identification card with them at all times. Failure to produce proper identification upon request 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. Destroying or damaging College property.
Weapons
The use of any object with intent to harm another is prohibited. The possession of firearms, explosives (firecrackers or fireworks), knives, ammunition, slingshots, bows and arrows, tasers, stun guns, blackjacks, clubs, or dangerous chemicals (pepper spray or mace), toy guns regardless of how they are fired, CO2, spring, etc. on college property or property owned and operated for the benefit of the college.
The only exception is for Knives where such tools are authorized by faculty or staff to support activities such as instruction, food preparation or dining. Residential students whose majors require the use of such items are required to register with Residence Life that they will be possessing the item for instruction and agree that the item will be stored in a locked storage box when in the Residence Hall.
Substance Violations
Alcohol (Major)
Unauthorized possession, purchase, sale, distribution, or use of alcohol in large quantities by students or their guests. A “large quantity” will be determined by College staff in cooperation with University Police when necessary, and may include but is not necessarily limited to kegs, large or multiple containers of alcohol.
Drugs (Major)
The possession, purchase, sale, distribution, or use of illicit drugs at the Felony level or higher by students or their guests.
Housing Violations
Duplication/Sharing Keys/Cards
Unauthorized fabrication, duplication, and/or sharing of any College key or SUNY Morrisville ID Card by students or their guests.
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. When students visit another Residence Hall, they must be escorted at all times by a resident of the hall and register with the Residence Hall staff according to MSC guest policy.
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 illegal or unauthorized alcohol is present.
Alcohol - Paraphernalia
Possession of alcohol paraphernalia. (Paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to: empty kegs, cans, bottles, funnels, shot glasses, etc.)
Alcohol - Suspicion
Students or guests found where alcohol is reasonably believed to be present or in use illegally or unauthorized.
Drugs
The possession, purchase, sale, distribution, or use of illicit drugs.
Drugs - In the Presence of
Students or guests found on college property or property operated for the benefit of the college where illicit drugs are present.
Drugs - Paraphernalia
Possession of illicit 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 illicit drugs.)
Drugs - Suspicion
Students or guests found where illicit drugs are reasonably believed to be present or in use.
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 Violations
Civility & Public Order Violations
Prohibited Activities
For the protection and safety of people and property, any physical actions/activities that may result in injury or damage to personal or College 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. Unauthorized use of the College computer network or computer use that is counter to the “Code of Conduct for Computer Use” is prohibited. To obtain a copy of the Code of Conduct for Computer Use, please contact Technology Services at 315-684-6053 or their webpage.
Housing Violations
Appliances/Cooking
Violation of the published Fire Safety policy. Student must recognize the College’s concern with energy consumption and fire prevention and limit the number of electrical appliances/devices brought into the Residence Halls and comply with all restrictions.
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.
Pets
Students are not permitted to have animals except typical household fish (one small tank per resident, not to exceed 5 gallons), in the Residence Halls at any time. Exceptions for approved comfort and service animals.
Quiet Hours/ Courtesy Hours/Sound
Courtesy Hours are in effect 24-hours a day and 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 of residence hall. Quiet Hours are designed to limit noise to the confines of individual student rooms/apartments when noise should not be audible outside the main door of the room/suite. Strict enforcement of courtesy and quiet hours should be expected.
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.
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 and within a 20-foot perimeter of all buildings. Smoking is prohibited in all College and MAC operated vehicles. Smoking is defined as anything that is capable of creating smoke, leaving ash of any kind, or that creates an open flame. (EX: Ash residue found in the building, candles, incense, actual smoking of any substance, or the presence of smoke haze in the air).
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.