Student Conduct

The Student Conduct Office strives to enforce and uphold the values and standards established by the College while providing an educational conduct system in which students will:

1. Have an understanding of College policies and why the college community is concerned with their actions.
2. Be able to articulate how their actions have impacted their wellbeing and that of the community, while recognizing that making mistakes is part of life.
3. Be encouraged to move through adversity and create an opportunity for growth by engaging in responsible social conduct where respect for health and safety of oneself and others is paramount.

Conduct sanctions are imposed to:

1. Serve as a clear statement about College standards and expectations.
2. Educate students on the effects of their behavior.
3. Attempt to affect a change in the behavior in the future.

When a student is unwilling to adjust his/her behavior to community expectations, the student conduct process may determine that he/she should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community.

Paul Smith’s College also has an obligation to uphold New York State law. While the activities covered by New York State law and those covered by Paul Smith’s College may overlap, it is important to note that the community’s laws and our College’s policies operate independently and that they do not substitute for each other. Students should be aware that the student conduct process is different from criminal and civil court proceedings. Procedures and rights in student conduct proceedings are conducted with fairness to all but do not include the same due process afforded by the courts.

The College makes no attempt to protect members of the College community from New York State law, nor does it interfere in legal proceedings against a member of the community. Membership in the College community does not exempt anyone from local, state, or federal laws but rather imposes the additional obligation to abide by all Paul Smith’s College policies.

The longer someone waits to report an offense, the harder it becomes for Paul Smith’s College to obtain evidence and witness statements and to properly and promptly address alleged violations. Those who are aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as quickly as possible to the Office of Campus Safety and/or Coordinator of Student Conduct.