Student Rights and Responsibilities

Rights

Members of the Manhattanville community are committed to an atmosphere that supports personal growth and learning, where all students have the following rights and responsibilities:

• To exercise free speech—which does not include the right to harass, injure or silence others;

• To have a system of grievance;

• To live in a clean, safe, sufficiently quiet environment that promotes rest and study;

Additionally, all residential students have the following rights and responsibilities:

• To have adequate security for one’s person and possessions;

• To be able to work, study and sleep in one’s room without interference from the social activities of one’s roommate(s);

• To have access to one’s room without the presence of “live-in” occupants who have not been assigned by the College;

Manhattanville College seeks to provide an atmosphere that supports growth and learning. The residence hall is an integral part of the student's academic experience. It is where intellectual stimulation continues and where students, either alone or in groups, study. The services and programs of residential life enhance faculty-student ties beyond the classroom; assure the individual rights, well-being, and dignity of others; promote understanding and respect among all people; and foster the opportunity to make lasting friendships. The residence halls are communities where students take responsibility for their environment. The College respects the right of privacy and is committed to protecting that right in order to ensure the safety and security of all residents. However, College officials have the right to enter any room at any time when deemed necessary.

Responsibility

To assure these rights, all students have the following responsibilities:

• To treat all members of the community with dignity and respect;

• To resolve differences with others in a controlled, civil manner and in a timely fashion;

• To conduct oneself in such a manner that does not violate the rights of others;

• To adhere to College regulations and to honor the legitimate requests of the College and its appointed agents

• To take all reasonable means to protect from theft or damage, personal property and the property of others, including that of the College;

• To be accountable in social situations, including choices with respect to behavior, whether sexual or otherwise;

• To be respectful and aware of College policy and New York State Law with regard to alcohol and drugs;

• To protect and promote the health and safety of others, as well as one’s self, and to lend assistance to others in need of help because of substance abuse;

• To avoid substance abuse and refuse to tolerate substance abuse in others;

• To create a non-coercive social environment for those who have chosen not to drink;

• To take initiative for executing and participating in activities that are not alcohol-centered;

• To ensure when providing social functions that include alcohol, that alternate beverages are available and that alcohol is served only to those age 21 and older.

• To understand that abuse of substances will not be considered an excuse for irresponsible behavior. Alcohol abuse and abusive behavior will not be tolerated.

Statement of Residential Rights, Responsibility and Accountability

Accountability

The College reserves the right to dismiss any student from the College, or reassign or remove from housing (without refund), including whose behavior is believed to be detrimental to the general welfare. This also applies to students who are suspended in an interim or emergency basis while their student conduct matter is pending.Matters of misconduct are handled in the offices of Residence Life and Conference Services, Dean of Students, Manhattanville School of Education or Manhattanville School of Professional Studies.

In regard to disciplinary matters, the College treats all students as adults who are responsible for their own actions. In serious matters, students are always strongly encouraged to consult with their parents or guardians in advance of disciplinary hearings. Parents of undergraduate students are notified of pending disciplinary actions at the discretion of the Dean of Students or Director of Residence Life and Conference Services. A list of minimum sanctions appears in the Sanctions section of this handbook. Should deferred suspension, suspension or expulsion be levied as a sanction, the Dean of Students or Director of Residence Life and Conference Services will contact a student’s parents or guardian to notify them of the decision.

Suspensions are reserved for serious offenses. There will be no refund of room, board, or tuition for students who are suspended, expelled or who withdraw from the College pending or as a result of disciplinary action (This supersedes the College policy on refunds). This also applies to students who are suspended in an interim or emergency basis while their student conduct matter is pending. Violations involving alcohol or illegal use of controlled substances are in the Code of Conduct section below. Violations concerning harassment and sexual misconduct are discussed in the Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy (p. ) and the Sexual Misconduct Policy section (p. ) below.

Responsibilities and Ethical Standards of the Conduct Process

The disciplinary record of a student or group, the nature or status of any disciplinary situation shall not be discussed or disclosed. An objective attitude must be maintained throughout the proceedings. Members of any proceedings have an obligation to disqualify themselves from an investigation when they feel that they cannot be impartial in reaching a decision.

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Basic Freedoms and Confidentiality