Frequently Asked Questions

The Rules of University Conduct apply to all members of the University community: administrators, administrative staff, research staff, library staff, supporting staff, faculty, and students. Visitors, licensees, and invitees on or at a University facility may also be subject to the Rules. Violations by such persons may result in the revocation of their invitation or license to be in or on a University facility and their subsequent ejection, and any visitor, licensee, or invitee whom a Delegate or other University Official determines is potentially violating the Rules, and who does not comply with the Delegate or other University Official's warning and advice, may be ejected from a University facility without regard to the procedures set forth in the Rules. The University reserves the right to restrict access to visitors and nonaffiliates at any time.  See Q23 for more information about the role of University Delegates.

Rules of University Conduct §§442, 444.f.

The Rules apply to any demonstration, including a rally or picketing, that takes place on or at a University facility or at any University-sponsored activity. Such facilities include, but are not limited to, all University campuses, research laboratories, maintenance shops, business offices, athletic fields, dormitories, classrooms, and meeting halls.

Rules of University Conduct §442.

Under the Rules, a University facility is that place where a University function occurs. A University function is any charter or statutory operation or activity of the University, including instruction, research, study, administration, habitation, social life, space allocation and control, food supply, and other functions directly related thereto. This includes functions of fixed-time duration (for example, classes, examinations, and lectures), functions of continuing duration (for example, the operation of libraries, research laboratories, maintenance shops, computers, and business offices), and functions ancillary to directly educational purposes, such as meetings, disciplinary proceedings, and athletic and social events sponsored by any University-approved organization.

Rules of University Conduct §441.b–c.

Yes. The Rules of University Conduct are content-neutral and focus solely on conduct. The University's time, place, and manner regulations do not turn on the content of any message that might be expressed, and the University cannot and will not rule any subject or form of expression out of order on the ground that it is objectionable, offensive, immoral, or untrue. Because it does little if anything to advance the University’s truth-seeking function and impairs the ability of individuals at the University to participate in that function, the University reserves the right to restrict expression that constitutes a genuine threat of harassment, that unjustifiably invades an individual’s privacy, or that falsely defames a specific individual.

Rules of University Conduct §440; Update from the Rules Administrator, “Commencement and Class Day Ceremonies Update” (May 12, 2025).

No. Inadvertent or accidental behavior shall not be considered to be the substance of a violation of the Rules.

Rules of University Conduct §441.j.

The changes were intended to be improvements to better facilitate the functioning of the University Judicial Board (UJB) and the Rules process. On March 20, 2025, the Trustees approved changes to the UJB process, including that the UJB no longer has student panelists and that the process is now overseen by the Office of the Provost. Other changes include: clarification around time frames and processes; incorporation of portions of the Guidelines into the Rules themselves, so that members of our community only need to consult a single document; clarification that protests in academic buildings and other places necessary for the conduct of University activities are not acceptable under the Rules because of the likelihood of disrupting academic activities; an explicit statement that all demonstration activity is subject to the University's anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies; the removal of outdated references and unused or extraneous parts of the process; and clarification of who can issue notice and warnings regarding potential Rules violations and of the roles of certain administrators, such as the Rules Clerk and Rules Administrator.

Update from the Rules Administrator, “FAQs on Updates to the Rules of University Conduct” (Sept. 5, 2025).

No. Portions of the Guidelines informed the 2025 changes to the Rules, but the Guidelines are no longer operative.

Update from the Rules Administrator, “FAQs on Updates to the Rules of University Conduct” (Sept. 5, 2025).

The Rules are published on the University Policies site and on the Office of the Secretary's Governing Documents page as part of the University Statutes.

Update from the Rules Administrator, “FAQs on Updates to the Rules of University Conduct” (Sept. 5, 2025).

For purposes of the Rules, the term “University” includes Columbia University only; it does not include affiliate institutions, including Barnard College or Teachers College. Accordingly, Barnard College facilities or functions are generally not University facilities or functions to which the Rules apply. The Rules do apply, however, to any University-sponsored activity, including a clearly defined University-sponsored function that occurs away from Columbia’s campus.

Rules of University Conduct §§441–442; Update from the Rules Administrator, “Update on the Application of Rules of University Conduct” (Apr. 7, 2025).

Pre-notification allows the University to take appropriate steps to provide logistical support for free expression while ensuring campus safety and the normal continuation of University functions. Advance planning helps prevent conflict with registered events, enables equitable allocation of space and time for counterdemonstrations, and avoids disruption of academic functions. The notice requirement is not intended to prevent or dissuade demonstrations.

Rules of University Conduct §440; Updates from the Rules Administrator: “Clarifications to Pre-Notification Policy for Demonstrations” (Sept. 30, 2025); “Reminder: Pre-notification Policy for Demonstrations” (Jan. 23, 2026, updated Feb. 5, 2026).

Notifications may be submitted through the Event Notification Web Form. If demonstration organizers have questions about their plans or the Rules of University Conduct, they may contact the Office of Rules Administration at [email protected].

Updates from the Rules Administrator: “Reminder: Pre-notification Policy for Demonstrations” (Jan. 23, 2026, updated Feb. 5, 2026); “New York Times Article Response” (Apr. 15, 2026).

No. Providing notification alone does not make the contact person individually responsible under the Rules for conduct committed by other participants; Rules violations are assessed on the basis of the behavior of individuals, acting individually or with a group. Organizers, sponsors, or recognized groups may have separate responsibilities under applicable event, space-use, or student-group policies, including the University Event Policy and Student Group Event Policy and Procedure.

Rules of University Conduct §443; University Event Policy; Student Group Event Policy and Procedure.

Demonstrations or protests held without pre-notification on dates designated by the University may mean that participants are required to relocate or disperse, and failure to do so may result in violations of the Rules of University Conduct. The authority of Delegates and other University Officials to regulate the time, place, and manner of demonstrations expressly includes ensuring compliance with University policies and the demonstration notification requirement, and noncompliance with that requirement may constitute a violation of Rule 18, §443.a(18).

Rules of University Conduct §443.a(18); Updates from the Rules Administrator: “Revision to Rule 18 of the Rules of University Conduct” (Oct. 3, 2025); “Reminder: Pre-notification Policy for Demonstrations” (Jan. 23, 2026, updated Feb. 5, 2026).

No. Notification is not an approval process (The ORA does not provide or deny permission for demonstrations).  Providing notification of a protest does not mean it will be able to proceed in the location or at the time indicated. While there are reservable spaces at Columbia, they cannot be reserved for activities that on their face violate the Rules, the Outdoor Space Policy, or any other University policies. Separate event, space-use, or student-group approval or reservation requirements may also apply to the use of particular spaces.

Update from the Rules Administrator, “Update on the Outdoor Space Policy” (Apr. 9, 2025); University Event Policy; Outdoor Space Policy.

No. Protests and demonstrations are treated differently from other kinds of events, such as student group dinners, musical performances, and visiting speakers, and require less notice. The University's longstanding event policy asking for advance notice for campus events expected to attract more than 25 people exists primarily to help the University plan and provide logistical support so that the many events taking place on campus can occur without conflicting with each other; it is not specific to demonstrations. Only on certain pre-specified days does the University require advance notice of a planned demonstration (see Q11). For events that are not demonstrations, please review the University Event Policy; organizers may contact General Event Services at [email protected], and recognized student groups should work with their assigned advisors.

Update from the Rules Administrator, “New York Times Article Response” (Apr. 15, 2026); University Event Policy.

The Rules uphold the core value that all members of the University community have paramount rights to learn and engage in meaningful debate in a classroom setting. A protest that disrupts a University function such as a class while it is in session is one of the limited areas where free expression conflicts with the achievement of academic goals, and Section 443 of the Rules indicates the ways in which classroom disruptions can constitute both simple and serious violations, including causing a noise that substantially hinders others in their normal academic activities under §443.a(12); briefly interrupting a University function under §443.a(13); and disrupting a University function or rendering its continuation impossible under §443.a(14).

Rules of University Conduct §443.a(12)–(14); Update from the Rules Administrator, “Clarification on Class Disruptions” (Feb. 24, 2025).

Under the University's Outdoor Space Policy, camping is not permitted on campus lawns or hardscapes, and camping tents and smaller coverings meant for individual use are strictly prohibited. Under the Rules, erecting tents on a lawn as part of a demonstration or protest raises concerns about impeding use of the space, a serious violation under §443.a(8), and depending on the circumstances could be viewed as disrupting University functions under §443.a(13) and (14). Because of safety concerns and the prohibitions in the Outdoor Space Policy, the University may declare a lawn or other location closed, consistent with the University’s authority to regulate time, place, and manner; remaining in such a space after it has been declared closed would constitute a violation under §443.a(9).

Rules of University Conduct §443.a(8)–(9), (13)–(14); Outdoor Space Policy; Update from the Rules Administrator, “Update on the Outdoor Space Policy” (Apr. 9, 2025).

Yes. Commencement and Class Day activities are University functions as defined under §441.c of the Rules and are governed by them. Protests or demonstrations during these events, including but not limited to those that impede access to event spaces, interrupt proceedings, or interfere with the rights of others to attend or participate, may constitute violations under §443 of the Rules.

Rules of University Conduct §§441.c, 443; Update from the Rules Administrator, “Commencement and Class Day Ceremonies Update” (May 12, 2025).

Yes. During study days and final examinations, members of our community are fully engaged in completing coursework, finishing final papers, and preparing for and taking exams. During this critical period of the semester the risk of disruption of academic activity by protests and demonstrations is more pronounced, and such disruptions may constitute violations of the Rules of University Conduct and would be processed accordingly.

Update from the Rules Administrator, “Study Days and Final Exams Reminder” (Dec. 9, 2024); Rules of University Conduct §443.a(12)–(14).

Vigils are governed by the University's Policy for a Vigil on Campus and applicable event-planning requirements. If activity occurring as part of a vigil also constitutes a demonstration within the scope of the Rules (§442), the Rules would also apply.

Policy for a Vigil on Campus; Rules of University Conduct §442.

No. Delegates are not charged with enforcing other University policies, unless the relevant actions occur in direct connection with a demonstration and may also constitute a violation of the Rules. In other contexts, such matters may fall under the jurisdiction of other relevant University policies. 

Update from the Rules Administrator, “Clarifying the Role of Delegates Under the Rules of University Conduct” (May 2, 2025).

Yes. As a general matter, Public Safety Officers and other University officials may request the CUID or government-issued ID of an individual on campus or at a University function at any time. Anyone at a protest or demonstration, whether masked or unmasked, must present a valid ID when asked by a University Delegate or Public Safety Officer. Failing to self-identify when requested to do so by a properly identified Delegate or other University Official is a simple violation under §443.a(16). Individuals who fail to comply with requests to present identification may potentially be subject to discipline, being escorted off campus, and detention for trespass where appropriate.

It is important to note that, as stated on the back of CUIDs, it is University policy that the ID must be presented upon request of a University official.  This policy is general and applies beyond protests and demonstrations.

Rules of University Conduct §§443.a(16), 444.e; Update from the Rules Administrator, “Update on Face Coverings at Demonstrations” (Mar. 27, 2025).

No one is permitted to wear a mask for the purpose of concealing one's identity while violating a University policy or rule or state, municipal, or local law. Wearing a mask is allowed for religious or medical reasons. To facilitate identification, University Delegates and University Officials may ask individuals to briefly pull down their masks; upon request, including for those wearing masks due to religious or medical reasons, this can be done in a less public setting.

Rules of University Conduct §444.e; Policy Regarding Face Masks or Face Coverings on Campus.

Members of the University community are obligated to comply with requests and instructions from University officials, such as requirements to identify oneself and to move protests or demonstrations to ensure the safety of the community. Failure to obey the reasonable orders of a properly identified Delegate or other University Official regulating the time, place, and manner of demonstrations, and failure to disperse from an assembly upon order, may constitute violations under §443.a(18) through (20). A member of the University community may be charged with a violation of the Rules even if no prior warning has been given or perceived; only the University Judicial Board is empowered to determine whether the actions of the accused were in violation of the Rules.

Rules of University Conduct §§443.a(16)–(20), 444.b; Update from the Rules Administrator, “Applicability of the Rules of University Conduct and Labor Activity (Additional Guidance)” (Oct. 3, 2025).

Properly identified Delegates or other University Officials shall warn those parties whose actions they consider to be in violation of the Rules. However, a member of the University community may be charged with a violation of the Rules even if no prior warning has been given or perceived. Delegates or other University Officials believing that an assembly or other demonstration is violating the Rules should, to the extent practicable, make all reasonable efforts to create separate areas for demonstrators whose actions are believed to violate the Rules and for those wishing to demonstrate permissibly, or to observe, report on, cover, photograph, or document the demonstration. However, failure by a Delegate or other University Official to create these areas shall not excuse a violation of these Rules. University Delegates, University Officials, and Public Safety officers may intervene if activity arises that may conflict with the Rules. Whenever an assembly or other demonstration believed to be in violation of these Rules continues for more than a short period of time, the Delegate or other University Official shall consider preparing a flier for distribution to persons in the area of demonstration. However, failure by the Delegate or other University Officials to prepare and distribute such a flier shall not excuse a violation of these Rules.

Rules of University Conduct §444.b–c; Updates from the Rules Administrator: “Commencement and Class Day Ceremonies Update” (May 12, 2025); “Applicability of the Rules of University Conduct and Labor Activity (Additional Guidance)” (Oct. 3, 2025).

Members of the University community have the right to counter-demonstrate, and the right to demonstrate cannot come at the expense of the right of others to counter-demonstrate. Where a demonstration is believed to be violating the Rules, Delegates or other University Officials should, to the extent practicable, create separate areas for demonstrators whose actions are believed to violate the Rules and for those wishing to demonstrate permissibly or to observe, or to report on, cover, photograph, or document the demonstration with a reasonable distance between these areas and a presumption in favor of allowing unobstructed view and observation. Delegates or other University Officials also have a responsibility to protect the rights of lawful demonstrators and may warn counterdemonstrators or other individuals whose actions may be in violation of the Rules. Advance notification of demonstrations also enables equitable allocation of space and time for counterdemonstrations.

Rules of University Conduct §§440, 444.c, 444.f; Updates from the Rules Administrator: “Clarifications to Pre-Notification Policy for Demonstrations” (Sept. 30, 2025); “Reminder: Pre-notification Policy for Demonstrations” (Jan. 23, 2026, updated Feb. 5, 2026).

No. Should any member of the University community believe that participants in an assembly or other demonstration are violating the Rules of University Conduct, they should notify the appropriate Delegate(s) and/or University Official(s) by contacting the Office of Rules Administration and/or the Office of Public Safety. Members of the University community should not take enforcement of the Rules into their own hands, since such action may result in violations of the Rules.

Rules of University Conduct §§444.a, 444.f.

No. Public Safety policy states that chaining oneself to University property or objects on University property or similar conduct, is not permitted because it poses safety risks, may damage University property, and disrupts campus operations. Individuals may be asked to remove the chains; noncompliance may result in Rules violation warnings, removal, arrest for trespassing, and/or referral for discipline, depending on the circumstances.

Public Safety, “Prohibition Against Chaining Oneself (or Similar) to University Property”; Update from the Rules Administrator, “Policy Update from Public Safety” (Apr. 20, 2025).

Yes. The Rules apply to conduct not protected by the National Labor Relations Act, some examples of which include, but are not limited to: blocking access to an event or building; unlawful disruption of an event and/or the regular or essential operations of the University; and endangering of or threats to the safety of other members of our community. Engaging in this conduct may constitute violations under §443 of the Rules. 

Update from the Rules Administrator, “Applicability of the Rules of University Conduct and Labor Activity (Additional Guidance)” (Oct. 3, 2025); Rules of University Conduct §443.

The Office of Rules Administration will review the complaint. The Rules Administrator may decide that the complaint is without merit and dismiss it without pursuing it further. 

If it is determined that a potential violation of the Rules may have occurred, you will receive a letter by email from the Rules Administrator informing you of the complaint. Complaints may also be referred to other offices such as the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) or the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI). Depending on the circumstances, you may have the option to pursue an informal resolution (see Q39). If a matter is not resolved informally, the Rules Administrator will gather and present evidence of the alleged Rules violations to the University Judicial Board, which will determine whether you are responsible or not responsible. If you are found responsible, you may face sanctions under §449 and may appeal as provided in the Rules.

Rules of University Conduct §§447–450.

Generally, the process is as follows: an investigation begins after an incident; interim measures may be imposed, if applicable; the matter may be dismissed the the Rules Administrator, resolved through an informal resolution or, after review of the investigative report, through an administrative resolution; otherwise, charges may be filed with the University Judicial Board, which would review the matter through written submissions and, where necessary, a hearing; the UJB panel issues its decision; notice of sanctions, if applicable, is issued after the panel's decision or after the respondent accepts responsibility; and appeals may follow as provided in the Rules. The questions below describe each stage.

Rules of University Conduct §§446–450.

The Rules Administrator may seek to resolve certain cases through an informal process with the respondent. This type of informal resolution can take place during the investigation or after its conclusion. The informal resolution shall ensure the respondent’s understanding of how they were in violation of the Rules and may include educational sanctions to enhance the respondent's education regarding the standards of behavior expected. The respondent and Rules Administrator must agree on the terms of the resolution. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the disciplinary process will continue, and no negative inference may be made by the Rules Administrator or UJB regarding the lack of agreement on the terms of the proposed informal resolution. An informal resolution does not result in a notation on the transcript and is not reported as part of a Disciplinary Certification (see Q60).

Rules of University Conduct §447, “Informal Resolution”; Update from the Rules Administrator, “Clarification on University Policies Regarding Reporting of Disciplinary Outcomes” (May 19, 2026).

After the respondent has had an opportunity to review the investigative report and related material, the Rules Clerk will ask the respondent to respond to the alleged violation in one of the following ways: (1) Responsible; (2) Not Responsible; or (3) No Response. If the respondent accepts responsibility, the matter will proceed to the sanctioning stage, followed by any appeals; in such cases, sanctioning is designated to the chair of the University Judicial Board or the chair’s designee. 

If the respondent declines responsibility, or chooses not to respond, the matter will proceed to the hearing stage. If the respondent selects not to respond, this shall not be considered to be an admission of responsibility.

Rules of University Conduct §447, “Administrative Resolution”; §449.

If a charge is filed, the Rules Administrator will prepare a charging document enumerating the specific alleged violation(s) under Section 443 and an investigation report detailing the relevant content from any interviews (if applicable) and documentation gathered, including the Rules Administrator's assessment and recommended findings of responsibility. The Rules Clerk will inform the respondent that charges have been brought and will share the charging document, investigation report, and evidentiary appendices with the respondent. The respondent will have the opportunity to review a copy of the investigative report and any other information that will be used during the hearing process; the names and other identifying information of other individuals may be redacted from such materials.

Rules of University Conduct §447, “Charge(s) Filed”.

The Rules Clerk coordinates information sharing between the respondent, the Rules Administrator, and the University Judicial Board once charges have been filed; in the event of an appeal, the Rules Clerk also coordinates information sharing with the Appeals Board and the Office of the President. Any submissions or communications for the UJB, Rules Administrator, or other individuals in the Rules process must be sent through the Rules Clerk. Any documents submitted through alternate means may be denied and/or returned to the sender.

Rules of University Conduct §445.b.

The University Judicial Board (UJB) hears all charges of violations of the Rules and determines, based on a majority vote, whether the respondent is responsible or not responsible. The UJB is appointed by the Office of the Provost and consists of five members comprised of faculty and staff. Its members are trained in the Rules of University Conduct and the process for adjudications and sanctions. If the respondent is determined to be responsible, the UJB provides the sanction based on its determination.

Rules of University Conduct §§445.d, 448.

Not always. The University Judicial Board reviews the investigation report and any written submissions from the Rules Administrator and the respondent. The panel may determine that a hearing is not necessary when a majority of panel members agree that the information in the investigation report and the written submissions (if any) is sufficient to make a determination (for example, where the respondent does not dispute relevant facts or is non-responsive). If the panel decides that a hearing is not necessary, the panel will proceed directly to make a determination, including an explanation of why a hearing is not necessary.

Rules of University Conduct §448, “Written Submissions”.

The Rules Clerk will, whenever possible, give the respondent at least five (5) business days' advance notice of the hearing. The hearing is a closed proceeding, and the University Judicial Board will determine whether the hearing will take place in person, via video conference, or by alternative means. In general, hearings may proceed with statements by the Rules Administrator and the respondent, questions from the UJB panel, witness testimony and questioning by the panel, and closing statements. Only the panel may ask questions of the Rules Administrator, the respondent, and any witnesses; both the Rules Administrator and the respondent will have the opportunity to suggest questions of the other and of witnesses by submitting suggested questions to the panel in writing. The University will create a recording of the hearing in order to create a transcript for the use of the panel, for sanctioning, and for purposes of appeal. In cases where the respondent opts not to participate in the hearing, the panel may still hear from the Rules Administrator, but it may not draw an adverse inference from a respondent's refusal to participate.

Rules of University Conduct §448, “Hearing Procedures”.

Hearings are generally not scheduled during final examination periods.

The panel uses “preponderance of the evidence” as the standard of proof to determine whether a violation of the Rules occurred. Preponderance of the evidence means that the panel must be convinced, based on the information it considers, that the respondent was more likely than not to have engaged in the conduct at issue in order to find the respondent responsible. The Rules Administrator presents evidence in support of charges to the hearing panel.  All evidence submitted to the UJB is also shared with respondents. Respondents are also able to submit evidence to the UJB (see Q47).

Rules of University Conduct §§445.a, 448, “Panel Determinations/Standard of Proof”.

Section 443 of the Rules enumerates the violations and designates each as simple or serious. The designation affects the range of available sanctions: a respondent found responsible for a simple violation is subject to the full range of sanctions with the exception of dismissal or restriction from University employment, suspension, expulsion, and revocation of degree; for repeated simple violations, the respondent is subject to the full range of sanctions with the exception of expulsion and revocation of degree; and a respondent found responsible for a serious violation is subject to the full range of sanctions.

Rules of University Conduct §§443, 449.

Throughout the process, the respondent's rights include: respect, dignity, and sensitivity; appropriate support from the University; privacy to the extent possible consistent with applicable law, University policy, and the respondent's wishes; information about the Rules; the presence of an advisor; the choice to participate or decline to participate in the investigation or hearing process; a reasonably prompt and thorough investigation; adequate time to review documentation and prepare for a hearing; the opportunity to introduce evidence and call witnesses; the ability, after receipt of charges, to make reasonable and narrowly tailored requests for specific University documents or camera footage that can be used in the respondent's defense; the ability to challenge the Rules Administrator or Board members for a possible conflict of interest; the right to refrain from making self-incriminating statements; the right to appeal a panel decision and sanctions; and written notification at each stage of the process. The full list appears in §446 of the Rules.

Rules of University Conduct §446.

Yes. The respondent may be accompanied to any meeting or hearing by one or two advisors of the respondent's choice. Advisors may include, but are not limited to, family members, friends, counselors, therapists, clergy, attorneys, academic advisors, professors, and administrators. An advisor may not speak during meetings, interviews, or any hearing and may not speak, write, or otherwise communicate directly with those facilitating the Rules process; during meetings and hearings, the advisor may talk quietly with the respondent or pass notes in a non-disruptive manner. While efforts may be made to accommodate the schedules of parties and advisors, the process will not be unduly delayed due to an advisor's unavailability.

Rules of University Conduct §446, “Advisor(s)”.

Yes. A respondent may decline to participate in the investigative or adjudicative process, and the University may continue the process without the respondent's participation. A decision to refrain from participating, either wholly or in part, will not prevent the process from proceeding with the information available, and the panel may not draw an adverse inference from a respondent's refusal to participate in a hearing.

Rules of University Conduct §446, “Declining to Participate”; §448, “Hearing Procedures”.

The University requires any individual participating in the investigation, hearing process, sanctioning, or appeal process to disclose to the University any potential or actual conflict of interest. If a respondent believes that any individual involved in the process has a conflict of interest, within three (3) business days of receiving notice of that individual's participation the respondent may make a written request to the Rules Clerk that the individual not participate, including a description of the conflict. If the Rules Clerk determines that a conflict of interest exists, the Rules Clerk will take steps to address the conflict in order to ensure an impartial process. For potential conflicts involving the Rules Administrator, the Rules Clerk will consult with the Office of the Executive Vice President for University Life; for potential conflicts involving members of the UJB or appellate panel, the Rules Clerk will consult with the Office of the Provost.

Rules of University Conduct §446, “Conflicts of Interest”.

The Rules Administrator may impose interim measures at any time during the investigation process if there is an imminent need to protect the physical safety and security of the Columbia community and/or to prevent further substantial and persistent disruption of academic activities. For all interim measures, the Rules Administrator must attest that the interim measure(s) is (are) necessary based on the above criteria; any actions that are not imminently necessary for those purposes must be imposed by the UJB as outlined in the Rules. A respondent has a right to appeal the imposition of interim measures by notifying the Rules Clerk; the chair of the UJB shall decide the appeal within 15 business days unless the chair shows good cause in writing. If no appeal is brought, or the UJB chair determines that the Rules Administrator has met their burden, the interim measures will automatically expire after 30 business days unless the Rules Administrator shows good cause in writing to the UJB chair. If the respondent is not subsequently charged, agrees to an informal resolution, accepts responsibility through an administrative resolution, or proceeds to a UJB hearing, the interim measures will be removed at the conclusion of the relevant process unless the UJB extends them. An interim measure does not replace sanctions that may result from the UJB process.

Interim measures will not result in the removal of a respondent’s access to housing, dining services, or healthcare services, consistent with University policy, unless it is determined that the respondent’s behavior may make their presence in such facilities a danger to the normal operations of the University, to the safety of themselves or others, or to the property of the University or others.

Rules of University Conduct §449, “Interim Measures”.

Yes. When an investigation commences (and/or a charge has been filed), the Rules Administrator will inform the Dean of the relevant school(s). At that point, the Dean(s), in consultation with the Rules Administrator, may choose to place a hold on a respondent's account, at the recommendation of the Rules Administrator. The hold will remain in place until the investigation (or subsequent charge) is resolved, and a hold may prevent a respondent from receiving, for example, a diploma, transcript, or academic certification.

Rules of University Conduct §449.

The University may impose any one or more of the following sanctions on a respondent determined to have violated the Rules:

• Private reprimand/warning.
• Disciplinary probation.
• Restricting access to University facilities.
• Community service.
• Any educational sanction, assignment, workshop, or other educational exercise that the UJB deems relevant.
• Issuing a “no contact” order to the respondent or requiring that such an order remain in place (restricted to cases of bodily harm and threats of bodily harm).
• Dismissal or restriction from University employment.
• Removal from University housing.
• Suspension (limited time or indefinite), with any applicable conditions for return.
• Expulsion.

• Revocation of degree (limited or indefinite), with any applicable conditions for reinstatement.

  In addition to any other sanction (except where the sanction is expulsion or revocation of a degree), the UJB may require any respondent determined to be responsible for a violation of the Rules to receive appropriate education and/or training related to the violation at issue, and may also recommend other support services available to the respondent.

Rules of University Conduct §449, “List of Sanctions”.

The University Judicial Board will impose sanctions that are: fair and appropriate given the facts of the particular case; consistent with the University's handling of similar cases; and adequate to protect the safety of the campus community. In determining what sanctions will protect the safety of the University community, the UJB may be advised by University Public Safety or other experts and may consider: (1) the nature of the violation (simple or serious); (2) the risk that the respondent may engage in additional substantially similar misconduct; (3) the deterrent or permissive effect of a particular sanction on the campus community, including on particular individuals and organizations aware of the offense (keeping in mind that a sanction must always be fair and appropriate for the particular case); and (4) the precedent established by the UJB in previous cases. Available sanctions are consistent across all University departments and schools, though similar offenses may result in different sanctions where there are distinguishing facts and circumstances in the opinion of the UJB. In cases where the respondent accepts responsibility through an administrative resolution, sanctioning is designated to the chair of the UJB or the chair's designee.

Rules of University Conduct §449, “How Sanctions Are Determined”.

Yes. Either the respondent or the Rules Administrator may appeal the decision of the University Judicial Board by submitting an appeal within ten (10) business days after receiving the sanctioning notice. The three grounds for appeal are: (1) a procedural error affecting the determination or sanction; (2) new information that was not available at the time of the investigation or hearing and that may change the determination or sanction; and (3) excessiveness of the sanction. Disagreement with the finding or sanctions is not, by itself, grounds for appeal. Appeals are decided by the Appeals Board, which consists of three members, each of whom is a Dean of School or Division; members will not be from the school of the respondent. The Appeals Board will render its final decision within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the written appeal. The respondent, but not the Rules Administrator, may also appeal the sanction set by the UJB, and the Appeals Board may affirm or reduce the sanction but may not increase it. A final appeal may be made to the President for clemency or review, which the President may hear in the President's discretion.

Rules of University Conduct §450.

Sanctions take effect after the conclusion of the appeal period, subject to decisions on any appeal. Campus access generally remains unchanged until sanctions take effect, subject to any interim measures or other immediate action authorized under the Rules.

Rules of University Conduct §449, “Interim Measures”; Update from the Rules Administrator, “FAQs on UJB Determinations for Butler Library Disruption and Alumni Weekend Encampment” (July 22, 2025).

The University may take immediate action while an appeal is pending to preserve the safety of the community and the University's academic mission, including additional discipline where authorized by applicable University policy. Interim measures under §449 may also remain in place or be imposed when the criteria in the Rules are satisfied.

Rules of University Conduct §449, “Interim Measures”; Update from the Rules Administrator, “FAQs on UJB Determinations for Butler Library Disruption and Alumni Weekend Encampment” (July 22, 2025).

Student disciplinary proceedings conducted by the University are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law governing the privacy of student information. FERPA generally limits disclosure of student information outside the University without the student's consent, but it permits release of student disciplinary information without consent in certain circumstances. Information gathered in an investigation may be subpoenaed by law enforcement authorities as part of a parallel investigation or required to be produced through another compulsory legal process.

Rules of University Conduct §451.

Some information regarding disciplinary outcomes may appear on a transcript, while other information may appear in a Disciplinary Certification that a student has requested (for example, if a third party required Disciplinary Certification as part of an application process). Additionally, some professional associations (e.g., bar associations) require students to permit their schools to share information about discipline with the associations. The University's current reporting policy with respect to outcomes of Rules processes is as follows:

• If a sanction involves separation from the University, such as suspension or expulsion, this is permanently noted on the transcript and would be reported in a Disciplinary Certification.
• If a sanction involves disciplinary probation and thereby a loss of “good disciplinary standing,” this would be reported through a Disciplinary Certification for seven years after the receipt of the sanction, but no notation would appear on the transcript.
• If a sanction involves conditional disciplinary probation (where a student remains in “good disciplinary standing”), no notation appears on the transcript, nor would this be reported as part of a Disciplinary Certification.
• If no sanction results as the outcome of a Rules process, no notation appears on the transcript, nor is anything related to the matter in question reported as part of a Disciplinary Certification. This also covers UJB decisions that do not involve sanctions, as well as other outcomes such as dismissal of complaints and informal resolutions.

Update from the Rules Administrator, “Clarification on University Policies Regarding Reporting of Disciplinary Outcomes” (May 19, 2026).

When the same conduct may constitute violations subject to more than one University disciplinary process, the University attempts to consolidate charges into one process, where possible. Where charges cannot be consolidated, the adjudicating bodies work together to ensure their processes do not conflict and to allow the respondent to participate equitably in both proceedings. 

Rules of University Conduct §447

No. Determinations in the Rules process apply only to the UJB process and do not impact any ongoing cases under separate processes, such as under OIE.

Update from the Rules Administrator, “FAQs on UJB Determinations for Butler Library Disruption and Alumni Weekend Encampment” (July 22, 2025).

The Rules regulate the time, place, and manner of expression, and they are content- and viewpoint-neutral. Separately, the University may restrict expression that constitutes a genuine threat of harassment, that unjustifiably invades an individual's privacy, or that falsely defames a specific individual. All demonstration activity is subject to the University's anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies. Conduct at a demonstration that may constitute discrimination or discriminatory harassment on the basis of actual or perceived membership in, or association with, a protected class may be reviewed by the Office of Institutional Equity under the University's anti-discrimination and discriminatory harassment policies; a single incident may implicate more than one policy and process (see Q63).

Rules of University Conduct §440; Office of Institutional Equity anti-discrimination and discriminatory harassment policies.

All parties are treated with respect and dignity, and the outcome of an investigation is not prejudged. The Office of Rules Administration strives to achieve the highest levels of fairness, transparency, and efficiency. The Rules of University Conduct require that enforcement of the Rules be content-neutral at all times.

Rules of University Conduct §440.

You can email [email protected]. To report a concern under the Rules, please use the Rules Complaint Form.