Standards of Social Conduct

• Standards of Social Conduct
• Procedures for Allegations of Policy Violations Occurring in the Residence Hall  
• Procedures for Allegations of Major Violations of Social Conduct

Standards of Social Conduct
Students are expected to obey all federal and state laws, as well as to comply with local ordinances and College standards of conduct found in various statements of institutional policy, including those relating to residential life and public safety. These include, but are not limited to, regulations pertaining to property, community safety (including verbal and physical harassment), misrepresentation, and illegal substance use. Students take responsibility for conducting themselves in a manner which fosters respect and trust within the College community. These standards of conduct are understood as the efforts of good-willed people seeking to strengthen their community.

If a student, staff, or faculty member experiences conflict with another member of the College community, or if there is reason to believe that the honor code has been violated, there are a number of strategies for addressing the situation. Whenever possible, the student should speak directly with the person(s) with whom she is experiencing the conflict. In those situations where this approach has been unsuccessful, or appears inappropriate because of safety concerns, students should seek the assistance of others, including but not limited to the:

• Dean of Students Office
• CSA
• Public Safety
• Residential Life Office

Please note that concerns related to alleged violations of academic responsibility should be referred to the Dean of the College
Procedures for Allegations of Policy Violations Occurring in the Residence Hall
If a student violates any of the residential life policies and procedures, the student may be asked to meet with members of the hall committee to discuss the violation and complete an incident report. This report will outline what policy has been violated, list any sanctions that the student will be required to complete, and will act as a student’s agreement that they will not violate this policy again. The Office of Residential Life retains a copy of this agreement.

If a student has a second offense, does not complete the sanctions set out in the agreement, or in the case of a serious offense, the Hall Committee may also refer the matter to the Office of Residential Life or the Council on Student Affairs, with notification to the associate dean of the College.
Procedures for Allegations of Major Violations of Social Conduct
Scope of the Honor Code
The Mount Holyoke College community aspires to a philosophy of responsible, honest and respectful conduct. The policies of the College embody this philosophy and are intended to uphold the rights of students as well as preserve the integrity of Mount Holyoke College as a private institution of higher learning.

Students are accountable under the Mount Holyoke rules and policies while on campus, at all functions sponsored by Mount Holyoke College, and on College property. Students may also be held accountable for conduct occurring on or off campus that threatens the safety or security of Mount Holyoke College, or any member of the Mount Holyoke community, or that otherwise calls into question their fitness to remain a member of the Mount Holyoke community.

Role of the Council on Student Affairs (CSA)

Duties of the CSA
The council shall have the following duties, powers, and responsibilities:

1. Adjudication over cases involving the violation of non-academic regulations as the:
   
   
   1. presiding board for cases involving non-academic regulations
   2. board of appeal in cases where sanctions and procedures in nonacademic violations are disputed;
      
      
2. The Council, in consultation with the Office of the Dean of the College and the College’s legal counsel, shall draft the judicial procedures. These procedures are published annually in the Student Handbook.
   
   
3. The Council may review, at the request of any group or individual member of the College community or at its own initiative, existing nonacademic regulations policies. The Council shall recommend modifications to the appropriate organs of the College when these regulations are in conflict with state or federal law, safety or health regulations, individual rights, the general welfare of the community, or the ability of students to maintain a system of self-government under which nonacademic regulations are made and enforced.
   
   
4. The Council has the responsibility to educate students, faculty and staff as to its activities and judicial procedures. The Council shall consult with appropriate campus committees (Advisory Committee on Multicultural Community and College Life, etc) periodically to discuss issues of common concern.
   
   
5. The Council shall serve as the board of appeal for Senate decisions and Elections & Referendums as specified in Articles II.F(5) and VI.E of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Student Government Association (SGA).
   
   
6. The Council shall serve as the board of appeal for Class Board elections as specified in Article V. J (e) of the constitution of the Class Board.
   
   
7. Jurisdiction over matters in the area of student nonacademic life that is not specifically delegated to other bodies shall be assumed to belong to the Council. The Council shall not assume executive, legislative, or judicial powers conferred on the SGA by the CSA under the Grant of Power.

Composition of the CSA

The Council shall consist of seven elected students and a representative from the Office of the Associate Dean of the College. The Council shall choose the Chair from amongst its student members. The term of service of the elected students shall ordinarily be for two years. One student shall hold a one-year term. The student body shall elect the student members of the Council. Positions not occupied through elections shall be filled via application and appointment by the existing members of the Council. Quorum shall be satisfied by the presence of five members of the CSA.