What is the purpose of the Student Code of Conduct?

The purpose of the conduct system at Dominican University is to adjudicate violations of Dominican rules and policies. The system reflects Dominican’s mission of respect for the individual and concern for the community. Further, it represents the concept that a disciplinary process should, in fact, be an educational experience that fosters responsibility for one’s individual actions, as well as the way the community functions. The prevailing guideline in student discipline must be that of fundamental fairness and education.

Our goal is to educate students about policies, community standards, and their responsibilities as members of Dominican College and the greater society, while considering the safety of the entire University community.

What policies should students be aware of?
It is every student's responsibility to know and obey federal, state, and local laws in addition to the Dominican University policies found in the Student Handbook.

What does it mean to be “written up” or “documented”?

When a student is “written up” or “documented” their name is included within a written statement called an Incident Report. The Incident Report simply details the situation by recording those present and what was witnessed by the staff member. Being “written up” or “documented” does not imply that you are "in trouble." Each Incident Report is reviewed and a determination will be made on who is required to go through the hearing process. A hearing will be held to determine whether a conduct violation has occurred.

What happens when a student is charged with a conduct violation?
Students accused of committing an alleged violation are notified and given their procedural rights in writing by a conduct officer. At the time of the meeting, procedural rights may be reviewed and students are asked to plea either responsible or not responsible for the alleged violation. After the student plea is recorded, the conduct officer will proceed with the remainder of the meeting. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the Assistant Dean for Student Development with questions about the conduct process and procedural rights.

Will parents be notified if a student is charged with a violation?
The philosophy of Dominican University in dealing with students who violate University policies is to work to solve the problem, focus on educating the students and holding them accountable for their actions. The University relies on the professional judgment of the student development staff to resolve these issues by assessing each student’s situation and proceeding with the appropriate action. The Vice President for Student Development/Dean of Students and Assistant Dean have the authority to determine when and by what means to notify parents or guardians when students have committed serious or repeated violations of University policies and/or local and state laws.

I am, or know someone who is a victim of an assault, harassment, or theft. What should I/he/she do?

-Contact the Dominican University Public Safety Department to file an incident report. The Public Safety Department is located Casey Hall and can be reached at 914-403-7531.

-Contact the Student Development Office to file an incident report and/or meet with the Assistant Dean for Student Development. The Dean will review the student's rights; explain the conduct process, and present additional options the student has for reporting the incident.

How are sanctions determined?

-Our goal in sanctioning is to educate students on policies, decision-making, and risk-reduction strategies.

-Sanctions are determined based on the violation, the student's previous conduct history (if applicable), the student's perceived needs, and the guidelines of the Student Handbook.

What does that mean when a student is placed on Probation?

-Probation means that the student has a record with the Student Development office. This does not affect his/her academics in any way and is not reflected on the student's transcript.

- If a student violates College policy and found responsible while on probation then his or her sanction will be more severe. Repeated violations of Dominican University policy could result in a student's suspension from the residence halls and/or the University.

I think my son/daughter has a problem with alcohol or drugs. How can the College help?
Encourage your student to contact the Prevention and Education Coordinator, Eileen Piccininni or someone in the Student Development office. We can provide resources on campus and referrals to resources in the local community. Below is contact information for on-campus resources:

- Eileen Piccininni, Prevention & Education Coordinator

Eileen.piccininni@duny.edu, 845-848-4030