General Information/Mission

The discipline system of the College is designed to promote individual student development and to uphold the community standards of conduct that are necessary to create and sustain a social and educational environment that supports the academic mission of the college. The rules governing student behavior – known as “The Community Standards of Conduct” - exist to create an atmosphere in which all members of the College community-- students, faculty, administrators, staff and other citizens-- may feel secure in the constitutional and civil rights granted to them in the society at large, and that the conditions necessary for freedom of inquiry and expression which are at the core of any academic community are protected. The College's disciplinary system seeks to facilitate student ethical development through education, behavioral consequences, developmental exercises, and when necessary, separation from the College.

The Office of Community Standards maintains the discipline system and is geared toward building student understanding of the rights and responsibilities of students as members of the Purchase College community.  Community Standards of Conduct are necessary to meet the fundamental requirements of an academic/ professional learning environment." (Student Handbook & Academic Planner). 

The campus discipline process is an administrative, rather than a legal process.  In making determinations of responsibility, the standard of proof that is used in campus discipline proceedings is "... what is 'more probable than not' to have occurred. This standard of proof is more similar to the one used in 'civil' than in 'criminal' proceedings."  (Student Handbook & Academic Planner).  Procedures are fair, respectful of student rights, and applied equally and consistently.

Things parents usually ask questions about:

• The Student Handbook is located online at /Departments/JudicialAffairs/, and all students are responsible for the information contained within.  Students needing clarification of policies or information in the code of conduct can contact the Office of Community Standards, their Resident Assistant (RA) or their Residence Coordinator (RC).
  
• As a parent, you will not be notified of any allegations or disciplinary actions taken with your student.  All records are considered confidential and, as such, are fully protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This means that by law we are unable to discuss discipline actions, cases, or status with parents without a signed release from the student.
  
• Although we cannot discuss actions, cases, or status, we are available and able to provide information about the process, policies, or any other question related to general disciplinary concerns.
  
• Campus disciplinary proceedings are not open to the public.  This means that parents, lawyers, etc. are not permitted in campus hearings.  An exception for lawyers may be made for cases in which a student is facing pending concurrent legal action in addition to campus discipline.  In those cases, lawyers do not represent the student or interact with the hearing board, but serve as advisors to the student.
  
• You can contact the Office of Community Standards as follows:

Sandee Maung, Assistant Director for Community Standards
Phone: (914) 251-6027
Fax: (914) 251-7996

Melissa Jones, Conduct Officer
Phone: (914) 251-6033
Fax: (914) 251-7996

Office: Student Service Building, 3rd Floor
Email:  judicial@purchase.edu