Policies and Definitions: Student Code of Conduct

Any violation of local, state, or federal alcohol laws is prohibited, including:

• Possession of alcohol under the legal drinking age
• Consumption of alcohol under the legal drinking age
• Sale, distribution, or delivery of alcohol to individual(s) under the legal drinking age

Additionally, the University prohibits specific behavior on University property, including;

• Being in the presence of alcohol under the legal drinking age or with an underage person(s) present (except as permitted under Residence Hall Regulations)
• Consumption or possession of alcohol with a person(s) under the legal drinking age present (except as permitted under Residence Hall Regulations)
• Possession of kegs or other bulk containers
• Possession of alcohol paraphernalia (including, but not limited to, funnels, beer balls, beer pong tables, bar setups, etc.)
• Participation in drinking games or non-alcoholic drinking games
• Manufacturing of alcohol

The following behavior is prohibited without the written approval of the Vice President of Student Affairs, or their designee:

• The sale of, supplying, possession, and/or consumption of alcohol at a student-sponsored event(s) and/or University events at which underage persons are present
• Possession and/or consumption of alcohol in any area of campus except residence hall rooms as permitted by Residence Hall Regulations

Any violation of local, state, and federal illegal drug and controlled substance laws is prohibited. The following behavior is prohibited regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances, including marijuana:

• Possession, use, or being under the influence of illegal drugs
• Being in the presence of illegal drugs
• Possession or use of controlled substance(s) except as expressly permitted by law
• Purchase of illegal drugs, controlled substance(s), or prescription drugs
• Distribution, sale, or delivery of illegal drugs, controlled substance(s), or prescription drugs
• Manufacturing of illegal drugs or controlled substance(s)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia (including but not limited to pipes, bongs, smoking devices, scales, grinders, etc.)
• Possession or use of a prescription drug without a documented prescription
• Possession, use, distribution, sale, delivery, or manufacturing of substances used to cause impairment including intoxication or hallucination

The following behavior is prohibited under this policy:

• Driving, on or off campus, while impaired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
• Public intoxication
• Excessive drinking, regardless of age, which endangers the health of an individual or safety of the community.

St. John Fisher University is committed to the health, safety, and welfare of all students. Students are encouraged to make responsible choices for themselves and for other community members.

In cases of an emergency involving intoxication, alcohol poisoning, or drug-related medical issues, St. John Fisher University strongly encourages students to seek medical assistance for themselves and others. In these situations, contacting emergency personnel, such as Safety and Security and Residence Life staff, will fall under the St. John Fisher University Alcohol and Other Drugs Amnesty Policy.

This includes:

• An individual student voluntarily contacts emergency medical assistance for themselves related to alcohol or drug use.
• An individual student voluntarily contacts emergency medical assistance on behalf of another person related to alcohol or drug use.

In cases in which the St. John Fisher University Alcohol and Other Drugs Amnesty Policy applies, all students involved in an incident, including the student(s) who made the contact and the student(s) experiencing the emergency, may be required to meet with a representative of Student Conduct. At the meeting, the incident will be reviewed and an appropriate response determined. This may include the following:

• Mandated counseling session(s)
• Substance abuse education and/or evaluation
• Participation in an education group or class
• Educational assignment(s)

The students involved will not receive formal student conduct action, regardless of conduct history, provided the student completes all meetings and conditions. If a student fails to attend their scheduled meeting or fails to complete the required outcomes of the meeting, they will be referred to the Student Conduct Process for failure to comply.

The Office of Safety and Security and Residential Life staff are expected to follow safety processes and procedures for any situation whether or not the St. John Fisher University Alcohol and Other Drugs Amnesty Policy may be applicable to the situation.

The St. John Fisher University Alcohol and Other Drugs Amnesty Policy does not apply to students experiencing alcohol or drug-related emergencies that are found by a University official.

When a student's role is that of an alleged respondent in any alleged violation(s) of the St. John Fisher University Code of Conduct concerning sexual misconduct, verbal or physical abuse or harassment, distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances, or property damage, or results in the student's arrest, the situation does not fall under St. John Fisher University Alcohol and Other Drugs Amnesty Policy. The Director of Student Conduct will determine when a specific incident does not qualify for the St. John Fisher University Alcohol and Other Drugs Amnesty Policy.

The University believes that any group or organization (composed of students, faculty, staff, and/or visitors) has the responsibility to create an environment within which all activities are pursued in a respectful and productive manner.

All St. John Fisher University students, faculty, staff, visitors, and guests are expected to comply with federal, state, or local laws. New York state penal law defines hazing as follows: “A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he or she intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury” (New York Penal Law, 120.16). A conviction of this offense carries a potential fine of up to $1,000, one year in jail, or both. Hazing in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor. Hazing in the second degree (a violation) incorporates the same definition as above with the exception that no actual injury to any person needs to be proven (New York Penal Law, 120.17).

The University defines hazing as any action or situation which, in the judgment of the University:

• Is an activity expected of someone as a method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization or group;
• Coerces, explicitly or implicitly, behavior that demeans, embarrasses, threatens, invites ridicule, or draws inappropriate or negative attention to a member, affiliate and/or group; or
• Implies one member/affiliate is superior to another.

This definition includes actions that result in the impairment of academic performance, or which cause failure to properly fulfill obligations to University-sponsored groups or organizations.

In compliance with New York state’s anti-hazing legislation, Chapter 676 of the Laws of 1980, the following regulations are in effect:

• Students, faculty, and staff, as well as visitors and other licensees and invitees on St. John Fisher University property, are prohibited from any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health, or involves the forced consumption of any substance including food, liquids, alcohol, or drugs for the purpose of initiation into, or affiliation with, any organization.
• These regulations shall be deemed to be a part of the bylaws of all organizations operating on the campus, which shall review annually such bylaws with individuals affiliated with such organizations.
• Violation of these regulations will result in sanctions as appropriate to the individual’s status on campus and, in the case of an organization that authorizes such conduct, rescission of permission for that organization to operate on campus property.
• Individuals or organizations in violation of these regulations may be subject to any applicable provision of the penal law, or any other chapter to which a violator or organization may be subject, in addition to any University student conduct proceedings. Any faculty or staff member of the University who becomes aware of hazing activity must report that information promptly to the vice president for student affairs or the Office of Safety and Security. Failure to do so will result in appropriate administrative action against the faculty or staff member by the University.

Hazing Policy last reviewed: 9/10/2018

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Intimidation includes intentionally directing verbal, written, or electronic threats of violence or other threatening behavior(s) toward another person or group that reasonably leads the targeted person(s) to fear for their physical well-being. Intimidation also includes fear-inducing behavior(s) that deter or prevent the targeted person(s) from taking legitimate actions that they may otherwise take.

Intimidation last reviewed: 9/10/2018

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In compliance with the NCAA Board of Governor’s Campus Sexual Violence Policy, St. John Fisher University requires all incoming, continuing, and transfer student-athletes to complete an annual disclosure related to their conduct that resulted in discipline through a Title IX proceeding or in a criminal conviction for sexual, interpersonal or other acts of violence.

Transfer student-athletes must also disclose whether a Title IX proceeding was incomplete or pending at the time of transfer.

Failure to make a full and accurate disclosure could result in penalties, including loss of eligibility to participate in athletics as determined by the University.

The University will take reasonable steps to confirm whether an incoming, continuing, or transfer student-athlete has been disciplined through a Title IX Proceeding (including Informal Resolutions) or criminally convicted of sexual, interpersonal, or other acts of violence, St. John Fisher University solicits information from NCAA member institutions in which a student was formerly enrolled.

As per the NCAA expanded Policy, all NCAA member institutions must share relevant discipline information and incomplete Title IX proceedings as a result of transfer with other member institutions when a student-athlete attempts to enroll at a new college or university.

University-Affiliated Posting

Posting of signs, bulletins, flyers, or any advertisement or notice in designated posting areas on University property is permitted by University-affiliated groups only within the following guidelines. University-affiliated groups are university-recognized or affiliated student groups, campus offices/departments, University committees, and other internal groups.

Content Guidelines

• Postings must be in alignment with the mission and purpose of the University.
• Postings must comply with all University policies and are not permitted to include references to, encourage, or seek to incite any illegal activity and may not include references to weapons, violence, alcohol, or drugs.
• Postings may not assert or imply University approval of any viewpoint expressed.
• Postings must be related to University-affiliated activities or events.
• Postings must have the name of the sponsoring organization, club, or department and the date, time, and location of event, if applicable.
• Postings may not advertise or promote goods, services, or commercial sponsors.
• The promotion, advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards is prohibited.
• Postings may not endorse, expressly or impliedly, any candidate for public office or comment on specific actions or issues related to candidates for public office.
• The University will remove postings that violate any University Policy or fire code

Distribution Guidelines

• Postings are only permitted on designated University Bulletin Boards, digital displays, and pre-approved campus locations.
• University Bulletin Boards are for use by University-affiliated groups only. These boards are designated as University posting boards by signage on the board. Approval is required for recognized or affiliated student organizations by the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership, located on the second floor of the Campus Center or campuslife@sjf.edu.
• Items must be posted with appropriate materials that will not result in damage to University property (e.g., using blue painters tape instead of packing or duct tape).
• If the posting causes any damage to any surface the person, organization, club or department responsible for the posting will be financially responsible for the repair.
• Approved postings must be removed by the sponsoring group within 48 hours of the conclusion of the event, or when the content is no longer current.
• Postings may not cover any other existing posting.
• Postings are limited to one per event in a reasonable amount of space (e.g. one per bulletin board).
• Signs, bulletins, and/or flyers may not be distributed under office or classroom doors, in common areas, or on University property without pre-approval.

Recognized or affiliated student organizations who wish to request an exception to any of these restrictions, should contact the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership Campus Life in writing with their specific request prior to posting or distribution.

Non-University Related General Postings

Non-University postings are permitted on General Posting Boards only.  General Posting Boards are for use by individuals and external groups, as well as university-affiliated groups. These boards are designated as “General Posting Boards” by signage on the board and all postings must following the guidelines below.

• Postings are only permitted on designated General Posting Boards which are labeled with “General Posting Board” signage.
• Postings must comply with all University policies and are not permitted to include references to, encourage, or seek to incite any illegal activity and may not include references to weapons, violence, alcohol, or drugs.
• The promotion, advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards is prohibited.
• Postings may not endorse, expressly or impliedly, any candidate for public office or comment on specific actions or issues related to candidates for public office.
• The University will remove postings that violate any University Policy or fire code.

Posting in the Residence Halls

All postings in the residence halls must comply with the Residence Hall Posting Policy. Questions about the Residence Hall Posting Policy may be directed to The Office of Residential Life, located on the second floor of the Campus Center, or reslife@sjf.edu. 

Chalking

Chalking is only permitted on sidewalks when promoting University-affiliated activities or events and in compliance with University policies. Chalk must be water soluble. The University will remove chalking that violates any University Policy.

Chalking is prohibited on the following surfaces:

• Any vertical surfaces including walls, sides of buildings, and stairs.
• Sidewalks under any awning or other structure that could potentially obstruct rain from washing the chalk away.
• Any street surface including campus roadways and parking lots.
• Natural features of the campus (e.g. trees)

University Posting Policy last updated: 8/29/2024

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As members of the University community, Fisher students are free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of University policy and on matters of general interest to the student body. Expression of personal beliefs and supporting causes may not disrupt or interfere with the regular and essential operation of the University. In the development of policies that will govern St. John Fisher University, the University will promote means that encourage the civil presentation and consideration of views by students, faculty, administration, alumni, parents of students, and interested friends in the Greater Rochester Area.

If members of the University community engage in behavior, individually or collectively, that disrupts the educational process and denies others the intellectual environment that the University seeks to provide, the responsible officers of the University are charged with taking action to restore order and calm.

Members of the University community and all persons present on University premises shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the community, infringe upon the rights of others, or prejudice the maintenance of public order.

Public Order last reviewed: 9/10/2018

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Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific individual that would cause a reasonable individual to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress which unreasonably interferes with the work or educational environment. Stalking may include, but is not limited to, unwelcomed conduct such as surveillance, following, trespassing, gift giving or property damage, or written, in-person, digital, social media, or other communication directly or through a third party.

Stalking last reviewed: 9/10/2018

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In accordance with state law, firearms, ammunition, and weapons are prohibited on the St. John Fisher University campus. Firearms of any type, switchblades, gravity knives, bows, crossbows, swords and the like are not permitted on campus at any time. This policy also includes the possession or use of projectiles that may result in direct or indirect injury, such as B-B guns, paintball guns, pellet guns, slingshots of all types and the like.

If pepper spray/mace is used in an unintended manner, it is considered a weapon under the Student Code of Conduct.

Any weapons, if found on campus, may be confiscated and turned over to local law enforcement authorities and may not be returned to the owner.

Additionally, any items that may be mistaken for actual weapons, including toy guns, are also prohibited.

Weapons last reviewed: 9/10/2018

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