Adopted November 12, 1971; last revised in August 2024.

The purpose of the Code of Student Conduct (the Code) is to set forth the university’s expectations of behavior that promotes the safety and welfare of the Northeastern University community. The university seeks to provide a supportive environment that is conducive to learning, the pursuit of truth, the exchange of knowledge, the intellectual development of students, and the general good of society. In those instances where violations of the behavioral expectations occur, Northeastern has developed policies and procedures to protect the interests of members of the university community, individually and collectively. The Code has been developed with the assistance of students, faculty, and staff of the university. 


Applicability of the Code On and Off Campus/Jurisdiction of the Code

The Code applies to all Northeastern students, at all levels of study, in all colleges and programs, at all locations in the United States or abroad, on-ground or online, as well as all student groups and organizations. It applies to all Northeastern students both on and off campus. The university establishes guidelines for the behavior of its students to promote student conduct that does not adversely affect the educational mission of the university; members of the university community; and the university's relationship with the surrounding community, partner institutions, or co-op partners. Student behavior occurring off campus that allegedly violates the Code; university policy; local, state, federal, or host country laws; and that could negatively affect the educational mission of the university or its relationship with the surrounding community may subject students to discipline as noted in the Code.

Alleged violations of the Code are handled and/or overseen by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR). Because the conduct process is an educational process and not a legal or criminal one, the formal legal rules of evidence do not apply to the Code and its procedures. The Code states all rights applicable to the conduct process. Students may not access documents not included in their case packet, demand access to individuals, or compel witnesses to participate in the conduct process. For information regarding Title IX, sexual violence, and related rights and procedures, please refer to the university’s Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX, which governs the investigation, adjudication, appeal, and other elements of the university's response to allegations of conduct that may constitute sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct.

The Code also applies to all accepted and prematriculated students. The university reserves the right to adjudicate an accepted student who allegedly engages in prohibited conduct prior to matriculation (e.g., at the university's New Student Orientation programs, while moving in, or prior to the official start of the semester) through the conduct process.

When a student withdraws, takes a leave of absence, or becomes inactive from the university after allegedly engaging in conduct that may violate any of the university’s policies, rules, regulations, or standards of conduct, but before the alleged violation has been adjudicated through the conduct process, a hold will be placed on the student’s record and the student will be banned from campus. The hold will prevent a student from reenrolling at the university until the alleged violations have been resolved. The university reserves the right to delay the awarding of a degree, certificate, badge, or other credential pending the resolution of the student conduct process. In the event a student is found responsible for violating university policy and the sanction is expulsion, the student will not be eligible to be awarded their pending credential. The university also reserves the right, in its discretion, to revoke degrees.


General Expectations

As citizens and as members of an academic community, students enjoy the same basic privileges and are bound by the same responsibilities as all citizens. Presence on campus and/or student status does not shield students from the law. Northeastern assumes that all students will abide by the policies, rules, and regulations of the university and by state, local, federal, and host country laws. The university reserves the right to inform the police or other appropriate authorities when student behavior appears to violate laws.

It is recognized that all members of an academic community, individually and collectively, have a right to express their views publicly on any issue; however, the university insists that all such expressions be peaceful and orderly, conducted in a manner consistent with the Code and university policies, and in such a way that university business and respectful academic discourse are not unduly disrupted. Northeastern students seeking to demonstrate on university property and/or in connection with a university event must comply with all applicable university policies, protocols, procedures, and requirements. Moreover, students must clearly indicate that they are speaking as individuals and not for or on behalf of the university community.

Students are expected to display proper respect for the rights and privileges of other members of the university community and their guests. The atmosphere on university property, in university facilities, online, and at university programs and events must be free from undue disruption. Furthermore, students must comply with all directions issued by university officials (including Northeastern University Police Department officers and other public safety officers acting on behalf of the university). Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their dealings with the university. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information to the university or university officials could result in being charged with a violation of the Code.

Students are expected to engage directly with OSCCR regarding any alleged violations of the Code. While students are free to consult with advocates and third parties, such third parties are not permitted to ask or communicate on behalf of students in the student conduct process. Additionally, recordings of any kind are not permitted in OSCCR, except as permitted by the Code or with express permission of OSCCR staff.

Student Expectations

Each Northeastern student can expect:

  1. Written notification of alleged Code or university policy violations within a reasonable period of time from OSCCR’s receipt of the complaint or incident report pertinent to those allegations. This notification will state the role of the involved student (such as charged student, victim, etc.) and date, time, and place of the administrative hearing or prehearing meeting, in the case of a Student Conduct Board (the Board) hearing. The date, place of incident, and the complainant and/or reporting party (where permitted by law and university policy) will also be included.
  2. The opportunity to request to reschedule a hearing date up to one business day prior to the hearing, due to academic or other reasonable conflicts. Requests may be granted at the discretion of OSCCR.
  3. The opportunity to request that a hearing be suspended after the presentation of information for a brief and agreed-upon period of time.
  4. The opportunity to coordinate with Disability Access Services to request any accommodations or adjustments needed to participate in the conduct process in an equitable manner. 
  5. The option to request OSCCR to provide speech translation services during the hearing process.
  6. The hearing may proceed without the student’s presence, consistent with the Code.
  7. OSCCR to make reasonable efforts to issue the decision letter within 10–15 business days after the conclusion of the hearings pertinent to the case.
  8. The option to choose a Hearing Advisor, as outlined within the Structure and Procedure section of the Code, to serve as a guide throughout the student conduct hearing process.
  9. The option to file an appeal within five business days. Further information regarding appeals is outlined within the Procedures for Student Appeals section of the Code.

In cases where a Board hearing is scheduled, the following procedural rights also apply:

  1. To review written information received by OSCCR that is pertinent to the case (subject to any applicable privacy laws or policies), a minimum of one business day prior to the designated Board hearing date, and to address inferences that might be drawn from such statements during the Board hearing.
  2. To a hearing before a panel composed of three or five Board members or, at the discretion of the director of OSCCR or designee, three members of the OSCCR staff.
  3. To request the removal of names from the list of prospective Board members, with reasonable notification and explanation.
  4. To question witnesses, to produce witnesses on the student’s own behalf, and to present substantiating information and written personal statements on the student’s own behalf. Witnesses are individuals who were present for the incident in question and/or have information relevant to the incident.

Each Northeastern student has the responsibility:

  1. To review and abide by the Code and university policies and procedures, both academic and otherwise, until the conferring of their degree.
  2. To monitor their university email address and respond to any Northeastern notifications sent directly to the individual student.
  3. To maintain their local address information and update it at the beginning of each semester when they are an active student.
  4. To represent the university appropriately, both on and off campus.
  5. To respect the differences of individuals and treat others in a civil and respectful manner.
  6. To carry their university ID with them at all times and present it to officials when requested.
  7. To honor their fiscal responsibilities to the university.

Decision-Making Authority

  1. The senior vice chancellor for student life is responsible for the overall administration of the Code, as well as the student conduct process, as it applies to individuals and student groups. Under the oversight of the senior vice chancellor for student life, the director of OSCCR has been charged with the day-to-day responsibility for administering the Code and the student conduct process.
  2. All decisions made by the Board, Hearing Administrator, Appeals Board, and/or Fraternity and Sorority Life  Standards Boards are subject to final approval and modification by the senior vice chancellor for student life, or designee.
  3. The Board and designated Hearing Administrators are authorized to take official disciplinary actions in accordance with the policies, regulations, and sanctions contained in the Code and other policies and regulations of the university.
  4. The policies and procedures outlined in the Code will at all times govern the adjudication of matters relating to the Code.

​Structure and Procedure of the Student Conduct Process

The student conduct process begins when a report alleging a violation of the Code is received by OSCCR, Residential Life, Global Experience Office, or the Center for Student Involvement. For information regarding Title IX, sexual violence and misconduct, and related rights and procedures, please refer to the university’s Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX, which governs the investigation, adjudication, appeal, and other elements of conduct prohibited under that policy. Notwithstanding the procedures established in the Code, the university reserves the right to act in a manner it deems necessary or appropriate to address alleged Code violations and promote the safety and well-being of the campus community, including but not limited to altering specific elements and procedures within the Code as necessary to achieve this goal. The university specifically reserves the right to delay the awarding of a degree, certificate, badge, or other credential pending the completion of the student conduct process.

Reports of sexual and gender-based harassment and misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, dating violence, stalking, or retaliation) involving students are addressed by the university’s Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX and separate procedures referenced in that policy, which outline the investigation and resolution of claims of conduct prohibited by that policy. Reports of prohibited conduct can be submitted directly to the Title IX coordinator and the Office for University Equity and Compliance (OUEC) via several reporting options

Filing a Report

Incident reports can be submitted by clicking on Report an Incident. Any academic or administrative official, university staff member, faculty member, law enforcement agency, member of the community, or student may file a complaint involving any student or student organization. The complaint should include the following information, if available:

  1. Name(s) of the student or student organization alleged to have violated the Code and/or university policy
  2. Description of the incident
  3. Date of the incident
  4. Names and contact information of witnesses
  5. Names and contact information of those filing the report

In most instances, the person who submits a report will serve as the complainant if the report results in resolution through a Board hearing.

The Role of the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution

The role of OSCCR is to review all reports it receives to determine if a violation of the Code allegedly occurred and to oversee or directly resolve complaints of an alleged violation. OSCCR does not represent either party. From time to time, OSCCR may conduct or participate in an investigation to gather information about the alleged violation(s).

Reviewing the Report and Determining Hearing Type

The director of OSCCR, or designee, reviews the report to determine if a violation of the Code allegedly occurred. The severity of the alleged violation is also considered, as this determines the type of hearing that generally will be used to resolve the complaint/case. In most cases, off-campus legal proceedings will not be grounds for delay. OSCCR will determine in each case the appropriate hearing type to resolve charges. However, if either party has concerns about this, the party should communicate such concerns to the Hearing Administrator. OSCCR retains the right to determine when and in what format any alleged Code violations are heard through administrative hearing or Board hearing, as well as the timing of such hearing.

  • Administrative hearing—When the severity of the alleged violation(s) could result in sanctions of written warning, disciplinary probation, or deferred suspension, involved students will receive a hearing notice requesting their attendance at an administrative hearing.
  • Student Conduct Board—When the severity of the alleged violation(s) could result in sanctions of suspension or expulsion, or if the facts of the incident are so complex that an administrative hearing is not appropriate, involved students will receive a hearing notice requesting their attendance at a prehearing, which precedes a Board hearing.
  • End-of-term hearings—Incidents that occur and/or matters that are being scheduled to be heard during the last two weeks of classes, or finals, may be resolved by one of the following end-of-term hearing processes:

Board level—Incidents that may result in suspension or expulsion, or if the facts of the incident are so complex that an administrative hearing is not appropriate, may be resolved by an administrative hearing held prior to the end of the term or a Board hearing for the following term.

Administrative level—Incidents that will not result in suspension or expulsion may be resolved by an administrative hearing held prior to the end of the term or immediately following the end of the term.

When distance precludes a student from having a face-to-face Board hearing or administrative hearing with a member of OSCCR, the case may be resolved via a video conference or phone hearing.

PLEASE NOTE: OSCCR will take into account the severity of the incident when determining the most appropriate method of resolving end-of-term cases.

  • Alternate resolutionThe OSCCR reserves the right to determine if the incident can be resolved by alternative means (e.g., mediation). All parties involved must agree to this, as the outcome of this alternate resolution is final.

PLEASE NOTE: In all cases, the university reserves the right to use an administrative hearing to expediently resolve cases where the university determines it is appropriate to do so.

Determining responsibility—In all hearings, the Hearing Administrator or Board will use the “preponderance-of-evidence” standard, also known as “more-likely-than-not” standard, to determine if a violation of the Code occurred.

Hearing Advisors

Students participating in the student conduct process may choose a member of the university community who has been trained by OSCCR to serve as a Hearing Advisor. Students will receive a list of members from the university community who have volunteered to serve as a Hearing Advisor and been trained in the conduct process. Visit OSCCR's website for a full list of current Hearing Advisors. Staff or faculty who represent a student as legal counsel outside the conduct process may not act as the student’s Hearing Advisor in the university process, except as permitted under the university's Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX. Students who wish to have a Hearing Advisor present with them during meetings should communicate to OSCCR availability that is inclusive of the Hearing Advisor’s schedule. Appointments will not be rescheduled solely due to a Hearing Advisor’s inability to attend.

The role of the Hearing Advisor includes:

  1. Assisting the student in understanding how the hearing will proceed.
  2. Assisting the student with understanding the resolution process.
  3. Attending the hearing (administrative, Board, admitted responsibility) if the student prefers and selects a time within the Hearing Advisor’s availability.
  4. Providing emotional support before, during, and after a hearing.
  5. At no time is the Hearing Advisor permitted to address the Board or Hearing Administrator directly or communicate on behalf of the student.

Description of Administrative Hearings

When the severity of the alleged violation(s) could result in sanctions of written warning, disciplinary probation, or deferred suspension, or in certain other circumstances identified in the Code, involved students will receive a hearing notice requesting their attendance at an administrative hearing.

Notification

The administrative hearing notice will be sent to students via their university email account. This notice will provide them with the date and location of the incident; the complainant and/or reporting party (where permitted by law and university policy); the alleged violation(s); and the date, time, and location of the hearing.

The Hearing

An administrative hearing is a one-on-one meeting between the student and Hearing Administrator to discuss the alleged violation(s). Third parties including but not limited to witnesses, lawyers, parents, guardians, and friends are not permitted to attend an administrative hearing. Hearing Advisors may attend at the request of the student. During the hearing, the student provides their account of the incident, the Hearing Administrator presents the student with the report and other available documentation (from which information about or identifying others may be redacted), and asks questions to clarify or identify missing information. In addition, the student can present written documentation, including witness statements, at the administrative hearing for the Hearing Administrator’s review. After the presentation of information, the student may suspend the administrative hearing for a brief and agreed-upon amount of time. After the information has been gathered and the hearing concludes, the Hearing Administrator will review the information to determine if a violation of the Code occurred based on a preponderance of the evidence. If the Hearing Administrator determines that a student violated the Code, the student will be found responsible, and sanctions will be imposed.

Failure to Appear

If a student fails to appear for the scheduled meeting, the Hearing Administrator has the option to dismiss the charges; set a new hearing date; or make a decision and impose sanctions, if appropriate, based on the information available.

The Decision Letter

Charged students will receive a decision letter via their university email account that includes the rationale for the finding(s), sanctions (if applicable), and information on the appeal process (if applicable). In certain circumstances, other parties or members of the university community may also be informed of the decision to the extent permitted by law and university policy. Unless otherwise noted in a student’s records, the university reserves the right to notify a student's parents where permitted by university policy and applicable law.

Description of Student Conduct Board Hearings

When the severity of the alleged violation(s) could result in sanctions of suspension or expulsion, or if the facts of the incident are so complex that an administrative hearing is not appropriate, involved students will receive a hearing notice requesting their attendance at a prehearing, which precedes a Board hearing. In a Board hearing, the complainant and charged student come before a panel of three or five trained Board members to provide their account of the incident, answer questions, and provide information relevant to their case.

Notification

A prehearing meeting notice is sent to the student at their university email account. This notice will provide them with the date and location of the incident; the complainant and/or reporting party (where permitted by law and university policy); the alleged violation(s); and the date, time, and location of the prehearing meeting.

The PreHearing

The prehearing meeting is a one-on-one meeting between the student and Hearing Administrator to:

  • Review the incident and written documentation (from which information about or identifying others may be redacted) that forms the basis of the complaint
  • Explain the charges filed against the student
  • Review the Board hearing process and its possible outcomes

In addition, students will have the option to review a list of current Board members and request the exclusion of potential Board members from the hearing panel. An explanation for this request must be supplied by the student and will be reviewed by the Hearing Administrator, who has discretion to resolve the request based on relevant considerations such as the reasons for the request and the interests of fairness and efficiency.

Third parties including but not limited to witnesses, lawyers, parents, guardians, and friends are not permitted to attend the prehearing meeting. Hearing Advisors may attend at the request of the student.

During the prehearing meeting, the charged student can either accept responsibility or contest responsibility for the charges. Upon request, a charged student can delay this decision for no more than two business days after the prehearing meeting. Students should note that accepting or contesting responsibility does not necessarily lessen or increase the sanctions that could be imposed.

  • Accept responsibility—Students who accept responsibility for all charges proceed to an admitted responsibility meeting, scheduled for a later date. During the admitted responsibility meeting, the Hearing Administrator presents the case to at least two members of the Board who will ask questions to determine the most appropriate sanctions. The student may provide a verbal statement as well as additional written documentation to the Board.
  • Contest responsibility—Students who contest responsibility for at least one of the charges proceed to a Board hearing, scheduled for a later date. Students will have an opportunity to clarify which charges they are contesting or accepting during the introductory statements of the hearing.

OSCCR reserves the right to refer all students from the same incident to a Board hearing for a resolution, regardless of an individual student’s preference regarding acceptance or contesting of responsibility.

Preparing for the Student Conduct Board Hearing

Attendance at hearings is limited to parties involved and university officials as deemed necessary by the Board and/or by OSCCR. Members of the Northeastern University Police Department or other law enforcement agency may be present at hearings. Attorneys, parents, or guardians are not permitted in Board hearings unless given express permission by OSCCR. Hearing Advisors may attend at the request of the student.

Written documentation—All parties involved have the opportunity to submit written documentation for the Board to review no later than two business days prior to the hearing.

Witnesses—Witnesses who have direct information regarding the incident may be presented by the complainant or the charged student, provided that the witnesses are identified in a list submitted to OSCCR two business days prior to the hearing. OSCCR staff may issue a written request requiring the appearance of an individual before the Board if it is determined that the person’s appearance is likely to provide important information for the Board regarding a student’s case.

Failure to appear—If the complainant, charged student, or witness(es) fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the Board or hearing  administrator may dismiss the action; set a new hearing date; or continue the hearing without that party present and determine the finding and impose sanctions, if appropriate, based on available information.

Information Regarding the Student Conduct Board Hearing

  1. The Board typically consists of three or five students representing undergraduate, graduate, online, law, and/or professional studies students. In cases involving graduate and professional studies students, a simple majority of the Board members will be graduate and/or professional studies students. Where deemed appropriate at the discretion of the director of OSCCR or designee, a Board hearing may instead proceed before a panel composed of three members of the OSCCR staff.
  2. The chair will typically be a student and voting member of the Board whose responsibilities during the hearing will be to act as presiding officer at hearings and in all voting procedures.
  3. A Hearing Administrator from OSCCR will be present during the hearing and all deliberations to provide information on applicable university policy and procedures. The Hearing Administrator does not vote or represent either party.
  4. Board hearings are audio or video recorded for the purpose of appeals only. Parties to appeals may request to listen to the recording of the hearing in the OSCCR. Recordings are not to be removed from the OSCCR and are destroyed upon completion of the appeal process. Recordings do not become part of any student’s record or any conduct file maintained by OSCCR.
  5. Determinations of responsibility are made based on a preponderance of the evidence, or a “more-likely- than-not” standard, as determined by simple majority vote by the Board.
  6. All records of a case will be treated as confidential and disclosed only to the extent permitted under applicable law and university policy.
  7. All decisions made by a Board are subject to final approval or modification by the senior vice chancellor for student life, or designee.

Presentation of Information

  1. Complainant’s opening statement and perspective (the complainant is the individual(s) or the office affected by or representing the complaint issued to OSCCR).
  2. Charged student’s opening statement and perspective (a charged student is the individual(s) charged with a violation of the Code).
  3. Questioning of complainant (charged student and SCB members).
  4. Questioning of charged student (complainant and SCB members).
  5. Statements from complainant’s witnesses.
  6. Questioning of complainant’s witnesses (complainant, charged student, and Board members).
  7. Statements from charged student’s witnesses.
  8. Questioning of charged student’s witnesses (charged student, complainant, and Board members).
  9. Scheduled break to attend to personal needs and prepare for final statements.
  10. Final questions from the Board.
  11. Complainant’s closing statement.
  12. Charged student’s closing statement, including any statement as to mitigating circumstances were the student to be found responsible.
  13. Complainant and charged student are excused so the Board can engage in closed-door deliberation and sanctioning, if necessary.
  14. The Board may ask questions at any time during the hearing.

The Decision Letter

After the Board makes a determination and applies any appropriate sanctions, the charged student will receive a decision letter. The letter will include the rationale for the finding(s), sanction(s) (if applicable), and information on the appeal process (if applicable). OSCCR shall make reasonable efforts to issue the decision letter within 10–15 business days of the hearing. In certain circumstances, other parties or members of the university community may also be informed of the decision to the extent permitted by law and university policy. Unless otherwise noted, the university reserves the right to notify a student's parents where permitted by university policy and applicable law.


Procedures for Student Appeals

Students have five business days from the date of their decision letter to appeal the decision of either the Hearing Administrator or the Board.

All conduct hearing appeals will be heard by the Appeals Board, which consists of three voting members: one representative from Academic Affairs, one representative from Student Life, and a trained student representative.

The director of OSCCR, or designee, will serve as an advisor of the Appeals Board. When a current participant of a Global Experience Office program or a student organization files an appeal, a staff member of those respective programs will join the Appeals Board.

Appeals must be made in writing using the electronic Appeal Request form and must demonstrate one of the following grounds for appeal:

Procedural error—The student asserts a procedural error impaired their right to a fair opportunity to be heard.

New information—Information has arisen that could not reasonably have been made available during the original hearing and may have been sufficient to alter the Board/Hearing Administrator’s decision.

Review of sanctions—The student requests a review of the imposed sanction(s), citing undue hardship caused by sanctioning or individual extraordinary circumstances.

The appeals process is primarily a paper process and will not involve a meeting with the charged student or other persons unless requested by the Appeals Board.

The Appeals Board will review the electronic appeal submitted by the appealing party, the documentation from the original case, and any other information deemed necessary by OSCCR. The audio or video recording of the original hearing (in the case of Board hearings) will be made available to the Appeals Board.

PLEASE NOTE: The submission of an Appeal Request form will not stay the effect of sanctions imposed by the Hearing Administrator or the Board/Title IX/Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Board. The Appeal Request form may request that sanctions imposed be stayed, or modified, pending the determination of the appeal, and the reasons for such request are to be set forth within the Appeal Request form. The senior vice chancellor for student life, or their designee, at their discretion may suspend, stay, or modify sanctions imposed, subject to such conditions as they may deem appropriate.

The Appeals Board will take one of the following actions:

  • Concur with original decision.
  • Refer the matter to the appropriate hearing body if based on a procedural error. In this case, the entire case will be reheard, as if it had not been heard before.
  • Refer the matter back to the original hearing body if based on the grounds of new information. The original body; complainant; charged student; and, if required, witnesses, will be reconvened to review only the new information. The hearing body will then render a decision considering the new information.
  • Mitigate the sanction. Students should understand that this option is exercised only in rare circumstances. The university reserves the right to take any action necessary to corroborate the student’s statements.

All decisions of the Appeals Board may be recommended to the senior vice chancellor for student life, or designee, for final approval.


Standards of Conduct

Potential student conduct charges are listed below. Students are required to be familiar with applicable standards, policies, and regulations, as well as with all university, campus, program, and departmental requirements, and must comply with them. Violations of any of these standards will be handled in accordance with the appropriate university procedure.

The use and/or abuse of alcohol and/or drugs will not be considered a mitigating circumstance for any violation of the Code. Rather, individuals may be additionally charged with the appropriate alcohol or drug violation. For information regarding standards of conduct related to sex-based harassment and misconduct, including the definition of consent and the definitions of prohibited offenses, please refer to the university’s Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX.

Violations are listed in alphabetical order; the order of violations is not indicative of the seriousness of each violation. Repeated violations, multiple violations, or the severity of the misconduct may heighten the university’s response, which could include suspension or expulsion from the university and/or cancellation of the Residence Hall and Dining License Agreement.

Where permitted by applicable law and university policy, the university reserves the right to notify parents when a student has been referred to OSCCR.

Academic Integrity

As defined in the Academic Integrity Policy.

Aiding and Abetting

Knowingly assisting with or cooperating in an act or action that violates the Code. A student may be held responsible as though the student were a direct participant in the violation, even if information indicates the student was not directly involved in the perpetration of the violation.

Alcohol, Marijuana, Other Drugs, and Medical Amnesty

The university expects that all of its students, whether on or off campus, abide by the law and university regulations concerning alcohol and drug use.

Alcohol

  1. A person under the legal drinking age as defined by local law is prohibited from being in the presence of alcoholic beverages in the residence halls and housing provided and/or arranged by Northeastern, with the following exception: An individual under the legal drinking age who has a roommate of legal drinking age may be in the presence of an open container of alcohol in the room only if the roommate of legal drinking age is also present. Non-roommates who are under the legal drinking age may not be in the room when alcohol is being consumed by the of-age roommate.
  2. A person under the legal drinking age is prohibited from possessing empty alcohol containers.
  3. For non-university-sponsored events at which alcohol will be served or consumed, no postings, announcements, promotions, or ticket sales may be made, placed, or distributed on university-owned or -leased property.
  4. On-campus possession of a keg, beer ball, alcohol by the case, other central sources of alcoholic beverages, or other unauthorized quantities of alcohol is not permitted. Personal possession of alcoholic beverages is limited to one 12-pack of beer (144 ounces/4.26 liters) OR one-half gallon (64 ounces/1.89 liters) of wine OR one pint (16 ounces/470 milliliters) of hard liquor.
  5. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in locations or under conditions prohibited by university policy or by law:
    1. A person must be of legal drinking age to possess or consume alcoholic beverages.
    2. An individual of legal drinking age may possess and/or consume alcohol only in the student’s residence hall room or in the residence hall room of another resident who is of legal drinking age and present in the room, provided alcohol is permitted in that residence hall for students of legal drinking age.
    3. Prohibited locations include but are not limited to hallways, lobbies, lounges, stairwells, classrooms, studios, technical facilities, auditoriums, bathrooms, outdoor areas, vehicles, or any other public areas without authorization.
  6. The possession or use of items that encourage heavy alcohol consumption is prohibited (examples could include alcohol funnels, AWOL or Alcohol Without Liquid, generators or vaporizers, BORGs, etc.), regardless of age. 
  7. Providing alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age and/or allowing anyone under the legal drinking age to consume alcohol in on- or off-campus residences.
  8. Distribution, sale, or manufacture of alcohol.
    1. Manufacturing alcohol on university-owned or -leased property.
    2. Selling alcohol without a liquor license, including but not limited to the sale of cups and/or any other form of container for the distribution of alcohol.
    3. Distributing alcohol includes providing a central source or large quantity of alcohol.

Drugs

  1. Knowingly being in the presence of illegal drugs.
  2. Possession or consumption of  illegal drugs (including marijuana), salvia divinorum, prescription medications belonging to another individual or over-the-counter substances, nitrous oxide, or other available substances to “get high” or induce a mind-altering state.
  3. Possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or sale of drug paraphernalia or other items used in preparing or consuming illegal drugs (including marijuana).
  4. Promotion of illegal drugs (including marijuana).
  5. Providing or sharing drugs.
  6. Distribution, sale, or manufacture of drugs (marijuana, mushrooms, prescription drugs, etc.).
    1. Manufacturing or cultivation of drugs, on or off campus.
    2. Sale or distribution of drugs or intention of sale or distribution.

Medical Amnesty

In cases of a drug or alcohol emergency, the primary concern is the health and safety of the individual(s) involved. Students/organizations are strongly encouraged to call the appropriate campus safety or emergency resources for medical assistance for themselves or for another student who they observe to be or feel is dangerously intoxicated/under the influence of drugs. If a student/organization calls on behalf of another student, that student/organization is required to remain with the student experiencing the emergency until medical assistance arrives. Neither the caller nor student requiring medical assistance for an alcohol or other drug-related emergency will be subject to university disciplinary action for the violation of possession or consumption of alcohol or drugs. This policy shall extend to the parties actively involved in proactively calling for medical assistance and is determined at the discretion of the director of OSCCR.

The student requiring medical assistance (and possibly the referring student(s)/organization) will receive medical amnesty and will have a confidential “check-in” meeting with a staff member from the Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern. The student may also be contacted by various campus departments (e.g., WeCare and Northeastern University Police Department) for an optional follow-up conversation regarding the incident. As long as the student(s)/organization complies with all directives, there will be no disciplinary action taken related to the violation of possession or consumption of alcohol or drugs and no disciplinary record of the incident kept in the OSCCR. This policy applies only to those students or organizations who seek emergency medical assistance in connection with an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency and does not apply to individuals experiencing an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency who are found by university employees (e.g., Northeastern University Police, faculty, administrative staff, or residence hall staff) or where the reporting student(s)/organization did not stay with them.

The Medical Amnesty Policy is not intended to shield or protect those students or organizations that repeatedly violate the Code. When repeated instances of drug or alcohol emergencies occur, the university reserves the right to take disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis regardless of the manner in which the incident was reported.

Medical amnesty applies only to alcohol or other drug-related emergencies, but it does not apply to other conduct violations such as but not limited to assault, property damage, or distribution of illicit substances. If other violations occur, then a student may face disciplinary charges for those violations. The use or abuse of alcohol or drugs is not considered a mitigating circumstance for any other violations of the Code. Medical amnesty applies only to the university response to a medical emergency. The Medical Amnesty Policy applies only to OSCCR proceedings and does not affect any separate law enforcement actions or criminal proceedings.

Bias-Related Incidents

Conduct prohibited by this Code may include but is not limited to harassment, bullying, abuse of others, disorderly conduct, and vandalism that is motivated in whole or part by prejudice toward an individual’s or group’s real or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed, genetics, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, or disability.

Breaking and Entering

Attempted, actual, or forcible access to property.

Bullying

A verbal, electronic, or physical act or gesture or the repeated use of written, verbal, or electronic expression or communication or any combination thereof that  causes or is intended to cause physical, psychological, and/or emotional harm to another person or damage to property; places a university community member in reasonable fear of harm or damage to property; or  creates a hostile, threatening, intimidating, humiliating, or abusive environment for a university community member or substantially interferes with academic performance, opportunities, or benefits. For purposes of this section, bullying may include but is not limited to social exclusion or isolation, humiliation or degradation, threats, intimidation, harassment, stalking, theft and/or damage/destruction of property, or the perpetuation of any of the conduct listed in this section by inciting, soliciting, or coercing others to demean, embarrass, humiliate, or cause emotional, psychological, or physical harm to a member of the university community.

Dangerous Weapons

Possession or use of items that could be used or are used to threaten another individual with physical harm in violation of the university's Policy on Weapons on Campus. Those items include but are not limited to nunchakus (karate sticks), switchblades, knives, fake guns, tasers, BB guns, fireworks, ammunition, explosive devices, or firearms, except under official supervision as part of a recognized student activity.

Disorderly Conduct

Conduct that is disorderly or disruptive in nature and negatively affects the campus community, the neighborhood, and/or community members.

Disruptive Gatherings

Hosting or attending a disruptive gathering, whether on or off campus. Examples include but are not limited to gatherings that result in a noise complaint and/or police response, those that are disruptive to neighbors in any way, and/or excessive attendance beyond what is safe and/or reasonable.

Doxing

Publishing or distributing personal identifying information about another person with intent to place the other person in reasonable fear of harm to themselves or their family or for the purpose of causing or encouraging unwanted physical contact, injury, or harassment of the person by others.

Endangering Behavior

Conduct demonstrating that the student constitutes a threat to self or others, or to the proper functioning of the university, including but not limited to threats, excessive consumption of drugs and/or alcohol, intoxication, bypassing security measures, dropping items from a window, and using any item to cause fear and intimidation and/or injury to another.

Excessive Consumption

Excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited regardless of age. Being under the influence of and/or the abuse of drugs is prohibited.

Behavioral symptoms frequently associated with excessive consumption or intoxication may include but are not limited to impaired motor-skill coordination, difficulty communicating, vomiting, glazed/red eyes, the smell of alcohol on one’s breath, verbal and/or physical aggressiveness, destructive and/or disruptive behavior, and engaging in any behavior that may endanger oneself or others.

Failure to Comply

1 . Failure to comply with or violation of the terms of an imposed disciplinary sanction.

2 . Failure to follow the reasonable directions of university officials (including Northeastern University Police Department officers and faculty and staff at Northeastern), law enforcement agents, cooperative work assignment employers, or officials at other colleges and universities that are necessary for the proper conduct of the university and university community.

Failure to Produce Northeastern Student Identification

All students must identify themselves by showing a Northeastern University Husky Card upon request by any university personnel or authorized personnel, including Northeastern University Police Department personnel. The Husky Card is the official identification card at Northeastern and is issued to all students. Students wearing a mask may be asked to adjust their mask for identity verification.

Fire Safety

Breaching campus fire safety or security through:

  1. Setting a fire (including charring, burning, lighting of papers, or any other act that could cause a fire), making a bomb threat, causing or creating a false alarm, or other such intentional or reckless conduct that causes harm or reasonable fear of harm to persons or property.
  2. Misusing, tampering, or damaging fire safety equipment (including alarm systems, alarmed fire safety doors, smoke detectors, or fire extinguishers).
  3. Failure to vacate university buildings during or after a fire alarm.
  4. Entering or reentering a building during a fire alarm.

Forgery

Falsification, alteration, or misuse of documents or records (including but not limited to parking permits, software, computer databases and/or systems, and/or email).

Gambling

Unlawful engaging in, playing, operating, or assisting in operating a game of chance for money (or some other stake) or the sale of lottery or raffle tickets, as prohibited by applicable law.

Harassment

Repeated and/or continuing unwanted behavior, coercion, or intimidation of an individual or group, either directly or indirectly.

Hazing

Violation of the university's Policy Prohibiting Hazing, or engaging in hazing as defined by Chapter 269 of the Massachusetts General Laws or as follows: any action taken or situation created, whether voluntary or involuntary, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student; creates risk of injury; causes mental or physical fatigue or distress, discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule, or intimidation; causes damage to or destruction of property; or which is a violation of law, university policy, or the Code. Such activities include but are not limited to striking another student by hand or with any instrument; requiring or advocating alcohol or other drug use; late sessions/meetings that interfere with academic activities; tattooing, branding, or piercing; physical or psychological shocks; wearing of apparel in public that is embarrassing, humiliating, or degrading; or games/activities causing or resulting in fatigue, sleep deprivation, mental distress, panic, embarrassment, or humiliation. Agreeing to maintain a specific GPA, comply with a dress code for a team/organizational function, participate in volunteer community service, participate in a team/organizational trip, take an oath, or sign a contract of standards is not considered hazing.

Inappropriate Identification

1 . The manufacturing, production, and/or distribution of any fake identification.

2 . Use of identification other than your own or possession of a false or altered ID.

3 . Representing yourself as someone other than who you are.

4 . Duplicating, lending, or borrowing of any official identification including but not limited to Husky Cards, student identification numbers, and driver's licenses.

5 . Impersonating a university official.

Misrepresentation of Information

Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information to the university or its officials (including Northeastern University Police Department officers and faculty and staff at Northeastern), law enforcement agents, cooperative work assignment employers, or officials at other colleges and universities that is intended to mislead in investigations or administrative processes or could adversely affect the mission or operations of the university.

Misuse of Electronic Resources

Misuse of electronic systems or methods (for example, email “hacking”) to steal, misrepresent, threaten, harass, or bully (including online aggression or cyberbullying) or violations of the Policy on Appropriate Use of Computer and Network Resources and/or any other computer or system use restrictions.

Noise

Disturbances in residence halls, on campus, or in neighborhoods caused by a loud or disruptive sound.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse of others, including but not limited to fights and/or injury caused by endangering behavior.

Retaliation

Any intentional or attempted act that results in an adverse or negative effect on a person who in good faith makes a report, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation or hearing regarding a violation of the Code or other university policy.

Rioting

Inciting, participating in, or encouraging any disturbance for purposes of committing any action that presents a clear and present danger to self or others, causes physical harm to persons, or vandalizes or destroys property.

Smoking

Smoking of any tobacco products is prohibited at Northeastern.  Refer to the university Policy on Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus.

Theft

1 . The taking of property not owned by oneself.

2 . Attempted or actual theft of property.

3 . Attempted or actual theft of identity or services.

4 . The unauthorized use of ATM, phone, or credit cards; checks; Northeastern ID cards; or computer systems (including violation of the Policy on Appropriate Use of Computer and Network Resources).

Unauthorized Access or Use

Unauthorized access or entry to, into, or onto any property owned or operated by the university or any private or restricted property.

Unauthorized Use/Possession of Other’s Property

Unauthorized use or possession of another’s property.

Unauthorized Use of University Identification Marks

Unauthorized use of the university’s name, or other identifying mark, including but not limited to postings, letterhead, websites, pamphlets, social media, etc. Please refer to the university Policy on Endorsements and Use of University Identifiers

University Guest Policy

Failure to control guests on campus or at university-sponsored events. Refer to the Residence Hall and Dining License Agreement and/or Guide to Residence Hall Living for specific regulations regarding guests in residence halls. If a guest violates university policy, the host may be held accountable for actions of the guest. The level of sanctioning for the host may be dependent upon the nature of the incident(s).

Vandalism

Destruction or defacement of public or private property.

Violation of Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service Guidelines 

Failure to abide by the Guidelines and Policies set forth by the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service.

Violation of Center for Student Involvement Guidelines

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the Center for Student Involvement and/or included in the Student Organization Handbook.

Violation of Guide to Residence Hall Living 

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations set forth for all residential students and stated in the Guide to Residence Hall Living.

Violation of Law 

Any action or behavior that violates federal, state, or local law.

Violation of Professional Conduct in Degree Program 

Failure to fulfill the guidelines and/or expectations of an academic degree program. Examples include but are not limited to failing to complete an internship, acting in an unprofessional manner (as defined by the degree program), etc.

Violation of the N.U.in Program Policies

Failure to abide by the rules and regulations set forth for all N.U.in participants and/or established in conjunction with N.U.in partner institutions.

Violation of University Policies

Violation of any university policy, rule, or regulation published in hard copy or available electronically on the University Policies website.


Sanctions

Sanctions are imposed to strengthen learning and assist students/organizations in adopting behaviors in order to avoid repeat violations.

In determining appropriate sanctions, Hearing Administrators and/or boards look at the totality of the incident(s)/situation and its impact on the community rather than looking at individual violations. In addition, they consider/weigh the impact of the following:

1 . Nature of the violation(s)—what happened?

2 . Severity of the impact caused (damage, injury, or harm, etc.) from this incident.

3 . Charged student’s student conduct record, which could increase the severity of sanctions imposed for incident in question.

4 . Mitigating circumstances.

5 . Aggravating circumstances, which may include bias motivation.

Once these factors have been taken into consideration, Hearing Administrators and/or boards will look to impose at least one inactive sanction and at least one active sanction. In many instances, more than one active sanction will be imposed. A list of possible sanctions follows. Hearing administrators and/or boards reserve the right to create active sanctions not included on this list if they determine that the sanction better addresses the concern and provides an appropriate opportunity for learning.

Inactive: May affect students’ good standing with the university and may not require any sort of action on the part of the student.

  1. Expulsion is the permanent separation of the student from the university. Students are permanently banned from entering all university property and prohibited from participating in any university-sponsored activities. A permanent notation, “Withdrawn Expelled (WE),” will appear on the student’s transcript. 
  2. Suspension is the separation of the student from the university for a specified period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. During the period of suspension, students are banned from entering all university property, may not live in university housing, and are prohibited from participating in any university-sponsored activities. Students are expected to adhere to all university policies while on suspension and will be held accountable for any violations during the period of suspension. Students will not be granted credit for any academic work during the period of suspension (including a cooperative work assignment). A student will continue on disciplinary probation for a specified period of time following the completion of suspension.
  3. Deferred suspension is the most serious formal warning for violation of university rules/regulations that affects the student’s good standing with the university. Students on deferred suspension may be limited in their ability to attend university programs, including those outside the country, during the period of deferred suspension. Deferred suspension is for a designated period of time. If the student is found responsible for violating any additional university policy, rule, or regulation during the period of deferred suspension, suspension may become effective, and the student may be subject to additional sanctions for the additional violation. Restrictions and/or conditions regarding participation in university-sponsored activities may be imposed. Students on deferred suspension may be members of organizations but may not hold any elected or appointed position in any recognized student organization or group, represent the student body on any university committee, or serve the university in other leadership positions. A student will continue on disciplinary probation for a specified period of time following the completion of deferred suspension.
  4. Disciplinary probation is a formal warning for violation of university policies, rules, or regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the likelihood of imposing more severe sanctions if the student is found to have violated any university policy, rule, or regulation during the probation period.
  5. Letter of warning is a formal warning for violation of university policies, rules, or regulations and cautions students that continuation or repetition of prohibited conduct may result in more serious sanctions.
  6. Cancellation of the Residence Hall and Dining License Agreement results in the separation of the student from university residence facilities either permanently or temporarily. Upon the cancellation of the agreement, the student is banned from entering all university residence facilities during the specified period of separation. PLEASE NOTE:  Students required to leave the residence halls and/or the campus as a result of disciplinary action will not be eligible for a refund of tuition, housing, board, or other charges regardless of date of removal. 
  7. Loss of privileges and restriction on activities is the loss and/or withdrawal of services or privileges as a student or member of the community or the loss of the privilege to participate in an activity or event. Examples include but are not limited to restriction from holding positions of leadership in university-recognized student groups, clubs, and/or organizations or from being hired by programs/departments to serve in leadership roles;  restriction from attendance at university events or activities, including but not limited to campus programs, commencement, sporting events, etc.; restriction from the use of university resources; restriction of entry or access to particular locations, premises, or events; restriction on ability to study abroad, including but not limited to traditional study-abroad programs, Dialogues of Civilization, mobility programs, co-op participation, etc.
  8. Restriction of guest privileges results in students' privileges with respect to hosting guests on campus, including in a residential facility, may be restricted or revoked for a specified period of time.
  9. Other appropriate and alternative outcome information may include but is not limited to interim action pending a hearing and/or investigation, assignment of educational projects, referral to other offices or departments for ongoing guidance and support, specialized restorative projects, and additional restriction of university privileges including but not limited to the restriction from university facilities or programs. These sanctions will not be notated on a student’s transcript.
  10. Northeastern reserves the right to delay the awarding of a degree, certificate, badge, or other credential pending the resolution of the student conduct process.
  11.  Northeastern reserves the right to withhold the awarding of any degree for academic and nonacademic misconduct.
  12. Northeastern reserves the right, at its discretion, to revoke a degree.

Active: Requires student to take action.

  1. Loss of membership in teams, clubs, and/or officially recognized organizations.
  2. Loss of ability to hold any elected or appointed positions in any recognized student organization or group, represent the student body on any university committee, or serve the university in other leadership positions. Students may be members of organizations and may run for office while on this status but may not take office while it is in effect.
  3. Loss of access to university buildings, facilities, or resources for a specified period of time or permanently.
  4. Mandated service.
  5. Restitution, which requires the student to make payment to the university or to specified individuals, groups, or organizations for costs incurred as a result of violation of university rules/regulations.
  6. Loss of guest privileges on campus or in residence halls.
  7. Submission of letter of apology to complainant/affected party.
  8. Counseling evaluation.
  9. Educational sanction, which may include but is not limited to attending a program, developing a program, and/or writing a paper. Students may be charged a fee to attend an educational program.
  10. Fines for alcohol and drug cases. At the student's request, mandated service may be completed in lieu of paying the fine.

The university also reserves the right to sanction any student who is found responsible, pleads no contest, or is found guilty in a court of law for a violation of law. In these instances, disciplinary action will be administered through OSCCR and will not be processed by the Board.

In addition, students should review their financial aid and scholarship information to get clarification on those policies.

While the Hearing Administrator and/or the Board have discretion to impose sanctions they determine most appropriate based on the considerations described above, the Code provides sanctioning guidelines for drug and alcohol violations. The sanctions set forth below provide Hearing Administrators with a starting point for sanctioning cases involving alcohol and/or drugs. Depending on the information obtained through the hearing and the severity of the harm, the imposed sanctions may be enhanced or lessened. Students found responsible for violating the Code risk the cancellation of their Residence Hall License and Dining Agreement.

Sanction Guidelines for Possession/Consumption of Alcohol

First violation:

  • Disciplinary probation
  • Mandatory completion of an alcohol education program
  • Fine of $100 or 10 hours mandated service

Second violation:

  • Deferred suspension from the university
  • Mandatory completion of an alcohol education program
  • Fine of $200 or 20 hours mandated service

Third violation:

  • Suspension from the university
  • Mandatory alcohol counseling to be completed off campus

Sanction Guidelines for Possession/Consumption of Marijuana

First violation:

  • Disciplinary probation
  • Mandatory completion of a marijuana education program
  • Fine of $100 or 10 hours mandated service

Second violation:

  • Deferred suspension from the university
  • Mandatory completion of a marijuana education program
  • Fine of $200 or 20 hours mandated service

Third violation:

  • Suspension from the university
  • Mandatory drug counseling to be completed off campus

Sanction Guidelines for Possession/Consumption of Other Drugs

First violation:

  • Deferred suspension from the university
  • Mandatory completion of a drug education program
  • Fine of $200 or 20 hours mandated service

Second violation:

  • Suspension from the university
  • Mandatory drug counseling to be completed off campus

A letter may be sent home to a parent/legal guardian when a student is found to have violated laws or policies concerning the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances.

Parent/Guardian Notification

Northeastern reserves the right to notify parent(s)/ guardian(s) about aspects of student conduct matters to the extent permitted by university policy and applicable law. The university may notify parent(s)/guardian(s) in matters including, without limitation, certain cases involving alcohol or drugs and matters that pose a threat to the health or safety of the student and/or other individuals.

Interim Suspension

The senior vice chancellor for student life, or their designee, may impose an interim suspension on a student if sufficient facts indicate that the student presents a threat to the university community. In most instances, a student who has an interim suspension from the university will be immediately banned from the university community. Interim suspension may include restrictions on class attendance, access into residence halls, and/or access to or use of university-owned or -operated property. The senior vice chancellor for student life, or their designee, may remove the interim suspension.

Students who have an interim suspension from the university will have a hold placed on their record and will need to make advance arrangements with OSCCR for approval any time they may need to be on campus to take care of university-related business during the period of the interim suspension.

In cases involving interim suspension, efforts will be made, if practicable, to conclude the hearing and obtain a decision on the charges within 10 business days after the interim suspension was imposed.

Other Interim Action

If upon review of a report Northeastern determines that an individual(s) is considered an imminent threat to the community, or when advisable to protect the physical, social, or emotional well-being of the university community, the senior vice chancellor of student life, or designee, may invoke interim administrative measures that can include but are not limited to loss of privileges and restrictions on activities, immediate residence hall relocation or suspension, and any other action deemed necessary to support students and/or this campus community or university community pending the outcome of the conduct process.

No Contact Order

When the university determines the severity of an incident rises to the level where continued contact between the involved parties could lead to further incidents and/or the creation of an unhealthy, unsafe, and/or hostile environment, OSCCR may impose a no contact order on the parties involved with the incident. Communication of the order will be made via email to the student’s Northeastern email account.

Temporary Measures Administrative Directive

If a student or student organization is acting in such a way that may prove to be a violation of the Code, the senior vice chancellor for student life, or designee, may issue an administrative directive prohibiting the continuation of such behavior. It is not necessary for there to be current ongoing proceedings or even charges against the student or student organization when an administrative directive is issued.

A designated university administrator may issue an administrative directive, according to the guidelines listed, when harm is deemed to be occurring and immediate action is deemed necessary. OSCCR will enforce the directive.

  1. A designated university administrator may issue an administrative directive:
    1. To prevent a student or student organization from acting in specified ways that may result in violations of the Code. The designated university administrator may also prevent a student or student organization from committing an act that would negatively impact or interfere with OSCCR proceedings or any other similar proceedings.
    2. To restrain a student or student organization from assuming or exercising privileges granted to them by the university, pending action, until a final judgment can be rendered.
  2. In order to receive an administrative directive, the prohibited action must be within the jurisdiction of the administrator, or designee, issuing such an order.
  3. The designated administrator determines the date that the administrative directive expires, a period that initially will not exceed 10 days. The 10-day period may be extended, in consultation with the designated administrator’s immediate supervisor, or if the restrained party consents to an extension.
  4. Administrative directives will specify the reasons for the directive, the act or acts that are prohibited, and the student or organization bound by such directive.

Maintenance of Student Conduct Records

  1. The university will permanently maintain the conduct records of those students separated from Northeastern by suspension or expulsion. A notation will be placed on the transcript of any student expelled from the university. A hold will be placed on the account of any student that withdraws, takes a leave of absence, or becomes inactive prior to the resolution of disciplinary charges. Such hold may not be lifted until the pending charges are resolved.
  2. The university will expunge the conduct records of those students who received sanctions other than suspension or expulsion three years after the student’s withdrawal or immediately upon their graduation date from Northeastern.
  3. Written warnings are maintained in student conduct records as provided above for internal use by OSCCR. The university does not consider such warnings to constitute disciplinary records.
  4. Students have the right to submit any documentation in their conduct file to amend a record they believe to be inaccurate or misleading.
  5. If Northeastern notes a sanction on a transcript, this notation will not describe the violation or incident that resulted in the sanction. If a student voluntarily takes a leave or withdraws with an OUEC compliance complaint pending against them or a Code violation pending for conduct that reportedly harmed other individual(s) or the community, Northeastern will note the following on the student’s transcript: “Voluntarily withdrew [day/month/year], with disciplinary charges pending. This notation does not constitute a finding or admission of responsibility.” This notation will remain on the student’s transcript until the charge or complaint is resolved.
  6. Please refer to the university’s privacy information and Policy on Student Rights Under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for more information regarding the disclosure of student records.

Interpretation and Application

  1. Any question of interpretation or application of the Code shall be referred to the director of OSCCR, or designee.
  2. The Code and its related procedures do not preempt or supplant any similar rules and regulations maintained by individual colleges, programs, departments, or offices. For example, student-athletes and members of student organizations must also abide by the policies of the Athletics Department and the Center for Student Involvement, respectively. Any proceedings under such policies may run concurrently with those described herein.
  3. Nothing in this handbook limits the university’s right to take any action it deems necessary to comply with applicable local, state, and federal law.