Community Standards & Accountability

The Vice President of Student Affairs, or their designee is primarily responsible for the overall supervision of the Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the “Code of Conduct” and/or the “Code”). These responsibilities include training of the administrative conduct officers, maintenance of records for community standards matters, conducting meetings as an administrative conduct officer, and general
supervision of the Community Standards Process.

Any actions that violate the College’s Code of Conduct are unacceptable and will subject the student to the Community Standards Process. While it is not possible to list every type of conduct that is unacceptable, the following is a non-exhaustive description of some prohibited behaviors. Additionally, a student who aids, encourages, permits, or conspires with other students or guests in violation of the Code or College rules and regulations may also be subject to the community standards process.

1. Harming or Endangering

Curry College values an environment where students are fully able to participate in their educational and living experience without fear of being physically, verbally, or emotionally harmed. Harming or Endangering violations can include but are not limited to:

1. Physical Force: The use of physical force or violence
2. Threats: Threatened use of physical force, violence, or intention to harm
3. Weapons: The use, possession or storage of firearms, ammunition, and any weapon. Weapon is defined as any object or substance designed, or used to inflict a wound, cause injury, or incapacitate, including, but not limited to the following:
   • Knives
   • Martial arts weapons
   • Replica, ornamental, or decorative weapons
   • Guns and ammunition (including BB, pellet, Orbeez, and paintball)
   • Police defensive equipment (including tazers)
   • Sling-shots and launching devices,
   • All firearms and other weapons prohibited by M.G.L. 269, Section 10. This also extends to any projectile objects, gunpowder, and other explosives or potentially dangerous objects
4. Endangerment: Endangering or threatening the health or safety of any person, including oneself
5. Driving or Operating Under the Influence: Driving or operating any motor vehicle, motorized vehicle, or micromobility device while impaired by or under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, controlled substances, prescription medication used outside the parameters of a valid prescription, over-the-counter medication used in a manner that impairs safe operation, or any other intoxicating substance is prohibited
6. Damage or Destruction of Property: The damage/destruction of property, misuse, or defacement of property by acts committed deliberately, or in reckless disregard of possible harm to property is prohibited. The unauthorized removal of college property or property of another student, staff, or guest is prohibited
7. Disruptive Conduct: Conduct that is disruptive, lewd, indecent, or infringes upon the rights of others is prohibited
8. Non-Bias-Related Harassment: Harassment, which includes but is not limited to, conduct whether verbal, visual, written, electronic, physical or otherwise, that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive so that it adversely affects, or has the purpose or logical consequence of interfering with an individual’s education or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, is prohibited. For more information on the College’s anti-harassment policy, see Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Equal Opportunity, and Retaliation Policy
9. Unauthorized Recording or Distribution: Photographing, audio recording, video recording, livestreaming, or otherwise capturing another person without consent in locations or circumstances where that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy is prohibited. Making, sharing, posting, distributing, threatening to distribute, attempting to distribute, or otherwise disclosing images, videos, audio recordings, livestreams, screenshots, or other digital content in a manner that violates privacy, safety, dignity, consent, College policy, or law where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy without their knowledge and consent is prohibited.
10. Courtesy or Quiet Hours: All students are expected to be considerate of their neighbors and their surrounding areas during all hours of the day and help keep an atmosphere conducive to both sleep and study. More information can be online on the Living at Curry webpage.
11. Retaliation: Retaliation against any individual for reporting in good faith behavior that violates the Code of Conduct or other College Policy, or for assisting in an investigation of or providing information related to a report of alleged misconduct is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliatory acts constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct and may include, but are not limited to, intimidating, threatening, or taking adverse actions against an individual for attempting to or bringing forward a good
    faith complaint, or for assisting in an investigation or providing information related to a report of alleged misconduct. The College’s investigation of reported acts of retaliation shall proceed independent of the College’s investigation of any related report(s) of alleged misconduct
12. Stalking: Stalking is defined as a course of conduct directed at a specific person whether that person is a total stranger, acquaintance, current or former intimate partner, or anyone else that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her or his safety, for the safety of a third person, or to suffer substantial emotional distress. Such behavior is prohibited. Stalking behaviors include, but are not limited to:
    • repeatedly pursuing, following, waiting, or appearing uninvited at or near a residence, workplace, classroom, or other places frequented by the person
    • surveillance or other types of observation, including but not limited to staring or watching an individual without their consent (which may be referred to as voyeurism, or “peeping”)
    • repeated unwanted communication, including, but not limited to, face-to- face communication, telephone calls, e-mails, voice messages, text messages, written letters, gifts, social media outreach, or any other communications that are not welcomed by the recipient of the communication
13. Hazing: Curry prohibits acts of hazing. Curry defines hazing to include any conduct or method of initiation and/or membership to any student organization or athletic team which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Persons who bear witness to such conduct are obligated to report it to a member of the College’s Residence Life & Housing staff, Public Safety, or the Vice President of Student Affairs Office. Prohibited conduct may include, but is not
    limited to, the following:
    • Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between members of the group or team. This form of hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place members on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics
    • Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort, or behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional, or psychological harm to feel like a part of the group/team/organization. This form of hazing confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress and risk of physical and emotional harm for members

The Massachusetts Anti-Hazing law

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed anti-hazing legislation in November 1985. In compliance with Massachusetts law, the College issues a copy of the Massachusetts anti-hazing statute to the leadership of every registered student organization and athletic team. Any questions about Curry’s anti-hazing policy should be directed to the Dean of Students’ Office.

M.G.L. 269 § 17: Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined

Section 17: Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment. The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

M.G.L. 269 § 18: Failure to report hazing

Section 18: Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to themself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

M.G.L. 269 § 19: Copy of §§ 17-19; issuance to students and student groups, teams and organizations Section 19: Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post-secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.

Each student group, team, or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full-time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post- secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full-time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of higher education and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report.

2. Fire & Community Safety

The importance of fire safety and prevention is a responsibility for all members of the Curry College community. Below is a list of prohibited items and/or practices for the campus. The Residence Life & Housing department has a list of additional prohibited items and policies specific to the residence halls.

1. False activation of emergency warning equipment: Knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly activating emergency warning equipment when there is no emergency is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, false activation of fire alarms, emergency call boxes, security alarms, panic buttons, blue light phones, or other emergency notification systems
2. Inappropriate tampering with fire safety equipment: Tampering with, misusing, disabling, covering, damaging, removing, obstructing, or interfering with fire safety, life safety, emergency warning, or building security equipment is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, exit signs, automatic door closers, emergency lighting, AEDs, security cameras, card access systems, and other safety or security equipment.
3. Failure to evacuate: when an alarm sounds or unauthorized reentry into a building during evacuation
4. Setting or attempting to set a fire: the intentional or reckless setting of fires on campus, regardless of size or location, is strictly prohibited
5. Obstruction of egress: blocking hallways, stairwells, or exits with furniture, bicycles, personal belongings, or other items that may impede emergency evacuation
6. Possession or use of open-flame items: candles, incense, or any item with an open flame, including decorative candles not in use, are prohibited in all residence halls and campus buildings
7. Possession or storage of flammable materials: this includes, but is not limited to, charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, and other combustible fuels
8. Improper possession or storage of batteries relating to micro mobility devices: for full details please see the Micro Mobility policy above.
9. Possession or use of fireworks: fireworks, including sparklers and similar items, are illegal under Massachusetts law and are prohibited on all College property.
10. Smoking or vaping inside campus buildings: smoking or vaping any substance, including tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis is strictly prohibited in all indoor spaces, including residence halls and common areas.

3. Tobacco, Drugs, and Controlled Substances

Curry College has the expectation that all students will comply with federal, state, and local laws with regards to controlled substances and the possession and use of all prescription medication. In accordance with Massachusetts state law, the use or possession of tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vape pens, and e-cigarettes is permitted only for individuals who are 21 years of age or older. Smoking outdoors is permitted only outside and at a minimum of twenty-five feet from all campus buildings.

The possession and use of cannabis, medical or recreational, is prohibited on campus. All prescription medication must be stored in the original container with the original label affixed by the pharmacist showing all details as described in M.G.L Chapter 94, Section 21, including patient’s name, name of medication, and directions for use. Any other method of storage of prescription drugs may be considered to constitute abuse of the medication or intent to distribute.

Cannabis use and possession remains prohibited at Curry College. In 2016, Massachusetts legalized the growth, possession, and personal recreational use of cannabis by adults 21 years of age or older. As a recipient of federal funding, however, Curry College must comply with current federal drug laws that classify cannabis as a controlled substance and prohibit use and possession. Accordingly, Curry continues to
prohibit the use, possession, cultivation and sale of cannabis on all College property and at all College-sponsored activities, whether on or off- campus.

A prescription for the use of medical cannabis does not serve as an exemption from the College's policy. If a student has a written medical certification from a qualified physician pertaining to the prescribed use of medical cannabis, the student may schedule an appointment with the Office of Accessibility Services to engage in an interactive process regarding reasonable alternatives to the use of cannabis on campus.

Additionally, the possession and/or use or attempted use of prescription drugs by persons for purposes other than those prescribed by a licensed physician or being in the presence of such activity is prohibited.

As a community of care, Curry College has outlined a protective policy for students who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and experience an emergency. For information on the Curry Can Call Policy, a resource for individuals in need of medical assistance for any reason, including consumption of alcohol or other drugs, see section the Curry Can Call policy.

Drug policy violations include but are not limited to:

1. Possession and/or use of tobacco or nicotine products by individuals under 21: In accordance with Massachusetts state law, the possession or use of tobacco or nicotine products, including but not limited, to cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, hookah, vape pens, and e-cigarettes is prohibited for any individual under the age of
2. In the presence of illegal drug use or possession: Students are expected to remove themselves from situations involving the use, possession, or distribution of cannabis, controlled substances, prescription medication used in a manner inconsistent with a valid prescription, or other prohibited substances. Knowingly remaining present during such activity may result in disciplinary action,
   regardless of personal use.
3. Drug paraphernalia: Possession, use, or display of items used or intended for use in consuming, preparing, storing, or distributing cannabis, controlled substances, or other prohibited substances is prohibited. Materials that are commonly associated with cannabis, controlled substances, or other prohibited substances are also prohibited.
4. Possession and/or use: Possession, use, or attempted use of cannabis, controlled substances, or prescription medication used in a manner inconsistent with a valid prescription is prohibited. Information that may be considered when determining whether possession or use occurred includes, but is not limited to, odor associated with cannabis or other prohibited substances, smoke or vapor, residue, paraphernalia, student statements, staff observations, or other relevant information
5. Possession with intent to sell or distribute: Possession with intent to sell or distribute, the sale, attempted sale, distribution, or attempted distribution of cannabis, controlled substances, prescription medication, or other prohibited substances is prohibited, regardless of whether money or other compensation is exchanged.

4. Alcohol

Curry College expects all students to comply with federal, state, and local laws with regards to the possession, use, and distribution of alcohol. The possession and use of alcohol is only permitted in specific locations on the Curry College campus, even for students who are of the legal drinking age.

North Side of Campus: Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the North side of campus, with the exception of Resident Assistants over the age of 21 possessing and/or consuming alcohol in their assigned room.

Mid Campus and South Campus: Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted on Mid Campus and in non-suite style rooms on South Campus where every resident assigned to the room is at least 21 years old. If guests are present in the space, each guest must be at least 21 years old. Alcohol may not be possessed and/or consumed in the presence of a person under the age of 21. For suite style living on South campus, alcohol may only be consumed and/or possessed in the suite if every resident in the assigned suite and their guest are at least 21 years old. A 21 year old living in a suite with a resident under the age of 21 may not possess and/or consume alcohol in their personal room or in the common room of their suite

The amount of alcohol permitted in an approved room or suite is limited. A student of legal drinking age may possess no more than one of the following amounts of alcohol at any given time:

• twelve 12-ounce cans of beer;
• one 750 ml bottle of wine; or
• one 750 ml bottle of liquor up to 100 proof.
• The total amount of alcohol permitted in a room or suite is based on the number of assigned residents of that space who are at least 21 years old and present at the time. Guests do not increase the amount of alcohol permitted in the space. For example, if a suite has six assigned residents who are all at least 21 years old and all six residents are present, the maximum amount of alcohol permitted in the suite at that time would be 72 beers, even if additional guests are present. If fewer assigned residents who are at least 21 years old are present, the permitted amount is reduced accordingly.

Students and guests who are 21 years of age or older and permitted to possess or consume alcohol under this policy are expected to do so responsibly and in a manner that does not endanger themselves or others, disrupt the community, or negatively impact College operations or activities. Intoxicated students and guests may be denied entrance to or removed from College-sponsored activities. When appropriate,
students or guests who appear to need emergency medical care may be transported for medical evaluation or treatment. Students are responsible for any costs associated with transportation or treatment.

As a community of care, Curry College has outlined a protective policy for students who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and experience an emergency. For information on the Curry Can Call Policy, a resource for individuals in need of medical assistance for any reason, including consumption of alcohol or other drugs, see the Curry Can Call policy.

Alcohol policy violations include but are not limited to:

1. In the presence of illegal alcohol use or possession: In the presence of any activity involving alcohol that is in violation of local, state, or federal law, or college policies. Students are expected to remove themselves from situations involving alcohol when they are not of the legal drinking age
2. Possession and/or use of alcohol for individuals under 21: The possession and/or use of alcoholic beverages is restricted to those persons age 21 or older. Students under the age of 21 and their guests, regardless of age, may not possess, use, or distribute alcoholic beverages or be in attendance where alcohol is present
3. Alcohol paraphernalia: The possession, use, or display of items relating to alcohol, including but not limited to empty alcohol containers, alcohol brand merch, beer bongs, or similar drinking devices is prohibited in rooms where students are under the age of 21 and will be viewed as evidence of possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages
4. Possession of alcohol on campus over approved limit: Possession of alcohol in excess of the amount permitted by college policy is prohibited.
5. Misuse of alcohol for individuals who are over 21: Intoxicated behavior by a student who is 21 years of age or older that endangers self or others, disrupts the community, or negatively impacts College operations or activities is prohibited.
6. Possession or use of common source alcohol containers: Possession or use of common source alcohol containers and related items is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, kegs, beer balls, funnels, beer bongs, flasks, nips, borgs, or similar containers or devices
7. Open containers: Possession of open containers and/or consumption of alcohol in public or shared campus spaces including bathrooms, hallways, lounges, outdoor areas, and other common areas is prohibited.
8. Alcohol at College-Sponsored Events or in Academic Settings: Alcoholic beverages are generally prohibited at college-sponsored activities and academic spaces such as classrooms, unless approved in writing in advance by the Vice President of Student Affairs
9. Providing alcohol to persons under 21: Providing, distributing, or otherwise making alcohol available to persons under the age of 21 is prohibited. The delivery of alcoholic beverages to the College mailroom or any campus address is also prohibited, including for students who are 21 years of age or older.
10. Drinking games: Participation in, facilitation of, or possession/use of items associated with drinking games or rapid alcohol consumption is prohibited, with or without the presence of alcohol

5. Misuse or Theft of Property

All students are expected to respect the property of each other, faculty, staff, the college, and campus community. Campus property can only be utilized in the manner which it is intended, and the inappropriate use of property can lead to unsafe conditions for the student and campus community. Theft or misuse of property violations include but are not limited to:

1. Misuse of the College Name: Unauthorized use of the College’s name, seal, logo, mascot, or any other words or symbols implying affiliation with the College
2. Theft: Attempted or actual theft of property or services and possession of stolen property is prohibited. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or misuse of college property or the property of any person is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to all College owned property in the residence halls, the dining hall, and the Student Center, such as plates from the dining hall. Any student that finds a lost item must return the item to the owner, if known, or to Public Safety or the Student Center information desks
3. Unauthorized Use of or Entry into College Property: The use or access of any College property including, but not limited to, vehicles, office equipment, letterhead, college seal, and campus facilities without permission from a college official is prohibited. The unauthorized entry, use, or occupancy of college facilities is prohibited. The unauthorized use or misuse of furniture is prohibited. Tampering with locks to college buildings, unauthorized possession or use of college keys or keycards, and alteration or
   duplication of college keys and/or keycards is prohibited (such as student, staff, or faculty IDs)
4. Unauthorized use of Windows: Students are prohibited from placing, throwing, or suspending items out of windows such as banners, clothing, and signs. Students are prohibited from using windows as a means for attaching items to the outside of campus buildings. Students are not to climb through or pass objects through windows. The removal of a screen from a college owned window is prohibited
5. Littering or Improper Disposal of Trash: Littering is prohibited, including but not limited to disposing of trash on the ground or throwing it out of vehicle or room windows

6. Failure to Comply

To ensure the health and safety of the Curry College campus community, it is the expectation that all members of the Curry Community will cooperate with college directives. These directives, both verbal and published, are essential to creating and maintaining successful learning environments for students, faculty, staff, and the greater campus community. Failure to comply and interference violations include but are not limited to:

1. Failure to comply with a college official acting in their capacity: Students and their guests are expected to comply with requests or directions of all Public Safety, residence hall staff, faculty members, administrators, student employee staff acting in performance of their duties, and college officials acting in performance of their duties i. Students are expected to comply with the terms of any sanctions imposed on them as an outcome of a Community Standards Meeting
2. Failure to comply with published college policies: Violation or attempted violation of any College policy, rule, or regulation published in hard copy or available electronically on the portal or College website is prohibited
3. Falsification of Information or Misrepresentation: Intentionally or knowingly providing false information or making misrepresentation to or providing a false form of identification to or withholding identification from, a college official, including but not limited to Public Safety, residence hall staff, faculty members, administrators, student employee staff acting in performance of their duties, or any member of the College community acting on behalf of the College is prohibited. This policy also applies to a law enforcement officer

7. Other Prohibited Conduct

Outlined below is additional behavior that is prohibited on campus to help ensure a safe and healthy campus community. Other prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:

1. Drones: and similar devices throughout campus, including use or storage within the residence halls, is prohibited
2. Gambling: of any sort is prohibited on college property or in connection with any of the activities of its students. Raffles are not permitted by individuals or organizations, unless permitted by law and must be registered and approved by Student Activities
3. Guests and visitors: Students are responsible for the conduct of and adherence to policies by any guest or visitor. Inappropriate behavior and damage caused by the guest becomes the responsibility of the host student. The host student must be with any guest at all times. Occupants of a room should not exceed that as outlined in the Residence Life & Housing section. Curry staff may deny access to any guest or may ask a guest to leave if deemed necessary. Additional guest policy information for residential students can be found in the Residence Life & Housing section of this handbook
4. Pets and animals: of any kind (except for non-carnivorous fish kept in a maximum 10-gallon tank) are prohibited in all campus buildings for health, safety, and sanitation reasons. This policy does not prohibit individuals with disabilities from seeking reasonable accommodations from the Office of Accessibility Services to permit the presence of an assistance animal on campus in accordance with applicable disability laws
5. Unauthorized Sales, Solicitation, and Business Activity: Conducting, promoting, advertising, or supporting personal business, sales, solicitation, or vending activity on campus or through college resources is prohibited unless expressly approved through a college-sponsored process.

The Community Standards & Accountability Process

This section outlines how the College will address reports of misconduct that could constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct or College Policy and determine what, if any, interim measures are appropriate. Reports of sexual misconduct and discrimination are addressed through the College’s Sexual Misconduct and Non-Discrimination policies. Reports of academic misconduct are addressed through the College’s Academic Integrity process.

This section represents the College’s guidelines for handling matters involving violations of the Code of Conduct or College Policy. The sole and absolute discretion to invoke a process or an administrative action to address, investigate, and resolve violations of the Code of Conduct or College Policy or related disciplinary or behavioral matters lies ultimately with the College. The College has the right to determine if the circumstances of particular matters are such that the College must address them in a manner different than the process set out in these guidelines. This process does not constitute contractual promises by the College. Therefore, the student should understand that the College may not follow this process, and its non-adherence to any of these guidelines will not invalidate its determinations.

Additionally, students should note that the Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee, may impose an interim administrative action, including College Suspension, Removal from Housing, Loss of Recognition, and/or other necessary restrictions on a Respondent prior to initiating, or during a Community Standards Process. Such action may be taken when the information available to a College official, in their professional judgment, reasonably indicates a threat of harm to persons or property exists, to protect the safety of any person, or any other legitimate purpose related to College operations.

Interim administrative actions are not a sanction, nor is it predictive of a final determination of responsibility. It is taken to protect the safety and well-being of the Complainant, Respondent, and other members of the College Community, the College, or property. Interim administrative actions are preliminary in nature; they are in effect only until a Community Standards Meeting has been completed. Violations of interim administrative actions may result in additional violations and sanctions including Suspension, Dismissal, or Loss of Recognition.

Any reported violation of the Code of Conduct motivated by the age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political belief/affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, family medical or genetic information of the victim, or any other protected status included in the College’s Statement of Non-Discrimination will be referred to the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging (Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator).

Statement of Student Rights

All students at Curry College have certain rights afforded through the Community Standards Process. The Community Standards Process is intended to be educational, fair, and respectful while supporting student accountability, community wellbeing, and the values of the College. Students participating in the Community Standards Process have the right:

1. To be treated with respect and to participate in a process that is fair, educational, and consistent with the procedures outlined in this Handbook.
2. To be informed in writing of any alleged violations of the Code of Conduct or College Policy.
3. To receive information about the Community Standards Process and to ask questions about the process before or during their participation.
4. To request an opportunity to review relevant Public Safety report(s), Student Affairs incident report(s), Share a Concern Report form(s), or other relevant information that may be considered in the matter. The College may need reasonable time to prepare and redact materials before reviewing. Records may be redacted to protect privacy, confidential information, information not directly
   related to the matter, or information otherwise protected by college policy or law. Records must be reviewed in person with a college staff member present and may not be copied, photographed, removed, or otherwise reproduced.
5. To be given a meaningful opportunity to respond to the alleged violation(s), share their perspective, and provide relevant information within the parameters of this process.
6. To provide the names of witnesses with direct knowledge of the incident who may be interviewed by the Community Standards Educator. Character witnesses, including individuals speaking only to a student’s personal qualities, are not permitted.
7. To have a Support Person accompany them consistent with the Support Person role defined in this Handbook. The Support Person may provide support and guidance but may not directly address the Community Standards Educator, question witnesses, or otherwise actively participate in the process.
8. To request reasonable accommodations if needed to participate in the Community Standards Process.
9. To have privacy maintained to the extent possible, consistent with college policy, applicable law, and the College’s need to review and respond to reported concerns.
10. To be informed in writing about the outcome of a Community Standards Meeting.
11. To request an appeal of the decision in accordance with the appeal process set forth below.

Students participating in the Community Standards Process are expected to engage honestly, communicate respectfully, check their Curry email regularly, comply with reasonable requests from college officials, and submit information that is truthful and their own work. A student’s decision not to participate does not prevent the College from moving forward with the information available.

Reporting an Incident

In an effort to promote a culture of reporting, the College encourages anyone to report potential violations of the Code of Conduct or College Policy. Community Members can utilize a number of reporting options which include, but are not limited to:

Public Safety: Public Safety is located on the north side of campus and is reachable via telephone at (617) 333-2222 for emergencies, (617) 333-2232 for non-emergencies, and (617) 391-5280 to leave a voicemail on the anonymous tip line.

Residence Life & Housing Staff: Residence Life and Housing is located in 1016 Brush Hill Road with satellite offices located in different residence halls across campus. The main line during business hours is (617) 333-2289. Each residence hall/residential area is comprised of a staff of Resident Assistants (RA) and a Community Director (CD) who can help work through the issues associated with living in a community. All Residence Life & Housing Staff are responsible employees and must report concerns related to the College’s Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Equal Opportunity, and Retaliation Policy.

Share a Concern Report: Any Curry College community member can submit a Share a Concern Report available on the MyCurry Portal main page. These reports may not be reviewed outside of business hours, so please use the other options above for night and weekend reporting.

For any emergencies, please contact Public Safety immediately at (617) 333-2222 and/or dial 911.

Any student found to have violated or attempted to violate College policies is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in the sanctions section. If a student is aware of or in the presence of a violation of Curry College policy and fails to report it, the College may make the determination that the student is passively participating in the incident and the student will be subject to disciplinary action. Students may also face disciplinary action for failure to report an incident to proper authorities, depending on the nature of the incident and the circumstances involved.

Curry College is committed to creating and maintaining a community that fosters the health and safety of every student, as well as personal responsibility and decision making. If a student is experiencing an alcohol or drug related emergency, the health and wellness of that student is the most important concern. Curry College encourages students to call for help for themselves or on behalf of others when they witness or are made aware of such an emergency.

As such, any individual who calls for help in a medical emergency related to alcohol or drug use, or who discloses any incident of violence to Curry College officials or law enforcement, and remains with the individual until help arrives, will not be subject to Curry's Community Standards Process for alcohol or drug use policy violations occurring at or near the time of the reported incident. This policy also applies to student organizations and their members involved in the reported incident.

Any person who makes a good-faith report either as a Complainant, Respondent, or a third-party witness, will not be held accountable through the college’s Community Standards Process related to alcohol or drug use with respect to the reported incident, but may be required to meet with an administrator for an educational conversation. An administrator may also encourage the student to attend an educational program or utilize on-campus resources. Failure to participate in an educational conversation will result in the student being documented for a Failure to Comply policy violation.

This policy does not apply to individuals who did not seek assistance for a medical emergency related to alcohol or other drugs, but instead, were found to be in need of assistance by college officials (including but not limited to Resident Assistants, Public Safety officers, faculty members, etc.).

This policy is not intended to shield or protect those students or organizations in cases of extreme, flagrant, or repeated violations of the Code of Conduct. In cases where extreme, flagrant, or repeated violations occur, the college reserves the right to implement the Community Standards Process on a case-by-case basis, regardless of the manner in which the incident was reported. For such cases, the Vice President, or designee will make the final determination as to the applicability of this policy.

This policy will not exempt students and organizations from being held accountable for violations regarding other behaviors including, but not limited to, assault, vandalism, domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and stalking.

Please note, this policy does not exempt students from the cost of transportation to the hospital via ambulance.

In any emergency, Curry College strongly encourages students to call Public Safety at 617- 333- 2222 or 911 for immediate assistance.

This policy is not intended to address possible violations of criminal laws or their consequences outside the college. This policy only applies to the College’s Community Standards Process. Criminal or police action may still occur separately from Community Standards and Accountability.

Appeals Process

A Respondent subject to a sanction for a violation of the Code of Conduct or College policy may only appeal the sanction on one or more of the following grounds:

1. New and relevant information: significant information that was not available at the time of the
   Community Standards Meeting has been revealed or discovered which alters the facts of the matter
   and may alter the outcome. It is not information that the Respondent had at the time but did not
   share with the Community Standards Officer at the original Community Standards Meeting (this
   includes suggesting witnesses)
2. Procedural error: A claim of error in the Community Standards Meeting procedure that substantially
   affected the decision.
3. Review of Sanctions: The respondent requests a review of the imposed Sanction(s), citing undue
   hardship caused by sanctioning
4. A Respondent who does not participate in the process cannot appeal on the basis of new information or procedural error

Appeals must be submitted by the Respondent via the online appeal form available on the myCurry Student Portal (Under Student Life, Community Standards) within five business days of the date of the outcome letter to the Respondent. The appeal submission must identify on which of the above three reasons the appeal is based.

• If appealing on grounds of new information the submission must include the new information that supports the Respondent’s position and explain the specific relevance and credibility of that new information
• If appealing on a procedural error, the submission must state what the specific error was and how it substantially affected the outcome of the Community Standards Meeting
• If appealing due to a sanction of suspension or expulsion, the submission must include reasons why the Respondent thinks this outcome was not appropriate and state what discipline (if any) the Respondent believes to be appropriate and why

The Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee, will serve as the appeal reader and review the Respondent’s appeal. The Vice President of Student Affairs, or designee, may ask to recuse themselves if they believe that they are not in a position to be impartial. Under such circumstances, an impartial appeal reader will be identified to decide the appeal and the Respondent will be notified. Respondents are not
permitted to meet with the appeal reader while the appeal is under review. If the appeal reader believes the Respondent’s appeal raises new issues of fact or questions of fairness which were not addressed before the determination was made, they will make further inquiry as they deem appropriate in order to evaluate the appeal. The result of the appeal may be a confirmation of the original outcome, or a change of the outcome, either in whole or in part. In most all cases, the College will endeavor to inform the Respondent who submitted the appeal of the result of the appeal within 10 business days from the receipt of the appeal (unless the complexity of the matter creates the need for additional consideration). The appeal decision is final.

Maintenance and Review of Community Standards Records

Releasing Student Information

The College complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), which provides students with the right to provide written consent to the release of information in the student record, subject to several exceptions. Situations in which the College may disclose information in the student record without student consent include, but are not limited to the following circumstances:

• To school officials with a legitimate educational interest: A school official is a person employed by Curry College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom Curry College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing their tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibility
• To other schools to which a student seeks or intends to enroll
• To accrediting organizations
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• To appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies

For more information on FERPA, please refer to the Curry College Course Catalog.

Record Retention

In cases involving probation or in which the College has federally mandated reporting requirements, the Office of Community Standards & Accountability will keep community standards’ records for seven years. In cases involving Suspension or Expulsion, the College will keep the records for a period of time in accordance with applicable law.

Requests to Review Community Standards Records

A student who is looking to review their community standards record must put the request in writing and submit it to the Office of Community Standards & Accountability which can be done via email at communitystandards@curry.edu. The Office of Community Standards & Accountability or their designee will contact the student to set up an appointment.

Before reviewing the record, students must show proper form of identification. The student may not remove or copy any material from the record or make changes to it. A student may request an amendment to student records in accordance with Curry’s FERPA policy. The amendment process is described in the College’s FERPA policy. If the student decides not to amend a record, the student may write a statement providing their view on any contested information which will be added to the record. Any such statements should be sent to the Office of Community Standards & Accountability in writing.

The Department of Education, Office of the Chief Privacy Officer(“OCPO”) enforces FERPA. For more information regarding FERPA please visit the OCPO website.