Introduction
The vibrant, dynamic, and diverse Brandeis University community and its compact and complex campus necessitate that safeguards be provided to ensure all members of the community the freedom to explore the resources we enjoy and to express ourselves appropriately. In protection of these freedoms, the University must establish certain standards of personal and interpersonal conduct. The University may impose measures or take other appropriate action when the conduct of individuals interferes with the freedom to teach and learn, the safety and health of persons in the community, the maintenance or protection of property, the maintenance of necessary records, the provision of living accommodations and other services, or the sponsoring of non-classroom activities such as lectures, concerts, athletic events, and social functions.
All students enrolled in any undergraduate, graduate, or advanced academic course or program, on our campus or via Internet-based programs or courses, are considered members of the University community and are therefore responsible for meeting all of the standards in this code. Behavior that takes place on University property or at University events, as well as behavior that occurs off-campus, may result in University staff responding and may result in the initiation of a Student Conduct Process and/or other appropriate action. Resident students and nearby commuters are also citizens of Waltham or of another municipality within Massachusetts; as citizens, students are responsible to these communities, too. The University neither substitutes for nor interferes with regular legal processes but at the same time holds students accountable to the academic community. Therefore, even if a student is involved in a legal proceeding in a civil or criminal court, that student may also be held responsible for their conduct in a University proceeding. If a student allegedly violates expectations in both jurisdictions, the University will proceed with its internal review according to its own timetable.
The policies and procedures that follow are set forth in writing in order to give all students a general notice of community standards. A student who decides to study at another institution, whether domestically or abroad, while remaining enrolled at Brandeis—either as an undergraduate, graduate, or continuing education student, and including Internet-based distance learners—must adhere to Brandeis policies, including but not limited to those set forth in this code. Students who violate community standards may face conduct action at Brandeis and/or at their host institution.
The University reserves broad latitude in defining and interpreting standards of behavior and in construing the policies and procedures set forth below. The University routinely updates these policies and procedures; updates will be posted online and distributed to all enrolled students via campus email. The most recent version of these policies and procedures, including any updates, will be applied to any new issues that arise, and all students should be aware of these updates.