HAMILTON COLLEGE Student Handbook 2009-2010 Hamilton College reserves the right to change requirements, policies, rules and regulations without prior notice, in accordance with established procedures. Table of Contents Code of Student Conduct Guiding Principles………………………………………………………………………...………….. …8 Prohibited Conduct……………………………………………………………………...……………. …9 Judicial Procedures………………………………………………………………………...…………. …9 Point System……………………………………………………………………………..…………… ..14 Honor Code/Honor Court Constitution…………………………………………………...…………... ..16 Honor Code Statement……………………………………………………………………..…………. ..16 Academic Dishonesty………………………………………………….……………………………... ..16 Honor Court Constitution……………………………………………………………..……………… ..17 Appeals Board………………………………………………………………………………………… ..21 Alcohol and Illegal Drug Policy……………………………………………………...………………. ..23 Summary of New York States Laws Governing Alcohol………………………………………..…… ..23 General Policies………………………………………………………………………..…………….....23 Policy for Student-Sponsored Social Events with Alcohol……………………………..……………. ..24 Educational Programs…………………………………………………………...……………………. ..25 Illegal Drug Policy…………………………………………………………..………………..……… ..25 Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy…………………………...……………………………… ..28 Sexual Assault Compliance Statement………………………………………..……………………… ..37 Bias Crimes Compliance Statement………………………………………………..………………… ..40 Hazing………………………………………………………………………...………………………. ..41 Private Society Relationship Statement…………………………………………...………………….. ..42 Residential Life Staff, Facilities, and Regulations………………………..………………………….. ..43 Housing Agreement………………………………………………………………...………………… ..48 Residence Hall Safety Policies…………………………………………………..…………………… ..49 Smoking Policy……………………………………………………………………………...………... ..50 Weapons and Fireworks Policy……………………………………………..………………………... ..50 Identification……………………………………………………………………..…………………… ..50 Traffic and Parking Regulations……………………………………………………..……………….. ..50 Library Regulations…………………………………………………………….…………………….. ..51 Use of Information and Technology Resources………………………………...……………………....52 Use of Beinecke Student Activities Village………………………………...…………………………..54 Scheduling Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Events……………………………………..………… ..54 Advertising Posting Policy……………………………………………………………..…………….. ..55 Sales/Solicitation and Recruiting……………………………………………………..………………. ..55 Rules Relating to Undergraduate Organizations…………………………………...…………………...55 Class Attendance and Athletic Scheduling…………………………………………..……………….. ..56 Religious Observance…………………………………………………………..…………………….. ..58 2 Disability Support Services………………………………………………...…………………………...58 Health Services…………………………………………………………………………..…………… ..59 Protection of the Environment……………………………………………………………..…………. ..59 Dog Policy……………………………………………………………………………………..……... ..59 Freedom of Expression and Maintenance of Public Order Policy………………………...………….. ..59 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act…………………………..……………………………… ..61 Hamilton College Calendar 2008-09……………………………………………….…………………...63 College Purposes and Goals….………………………………………………………………………….64 Academic Departments and Programs………………………………………………………………….65 Academic Regulations ………………………………………………………………………………….66 Grades …………………………………………………………………………………………...….…..70 Academic Standing ………………………………………………………………………………….….72 Transfer of Credit to Hamilton from Study Away ………………………………………………….…..74 Leaves of Absence ……………………………………………………………………………….……...76 Suspension, Withdrawal, Readmission …………………………………………………………………77 Off-Campus Study ………………………………………………………………………………...……78 Honors ………………………………………………………………………………………...………...81 Tuition and Fees ………………………………………………………………………………...………83 Index …………………………………………………………………………………………………….86 3 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Each student brings to the Hamilton community unique skills, talents, values and experiences which, when expressed within the community, contribute to the quality of the educational environment. Students share with members of the faculty, administration and staff the responsibility for creating and maintaining an environment conducive to learning and personal development, where actions are guided by mutual respect, integrity and reason. As a residential college, Hamilton places emphasis on the total development of the student, both as a member of the College community and as a citizen in society. A residential setting creates opportunities for students to encounter and appreciate values and lifestyles different from their own, to clarify their personal values and to learn to express their own beliefs. As residents of the College community, students have the opportunity to make decisions that govern their actions, and they will be challenged to accept the consequences of those decisions, both in and outside of the classroom. By their attendance at Hamilton College, students are obligated to comply with its regulations and procedures, which they are expected to read and understand. CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT Guiding Principles Hamilton College regulations and practices are designed to promote the educational mission of the College and to encourage respect for the rights of others. Every student enrolled at Hamilton College has certain obligations and responsibilities as a member of the Hamilton College community. The general principles stated below identify College expectations regarding community living and are the principles that shape the regulations and practices outlined in these Policies and Procedures. 1. Honesty: Personal integrity is expected of all community members in all aspects of community life, both in and outside of the classroom. The Honor Code, fully adopted at Hamilton College in 1912, places responsibility for intellectual honesty upon the individual student. 2. Respect for Others: Community members are encouraged to treat all people with respect without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender or gender identity, sexual or affectional orientation, political view, physical abilities, age or intelligence. Such respect for one another promotes free and open inquiry, independent thought and mutual understanding. 3. Respect for Property: It is in the common interest to protect both College property and the private property of all members of the community. Theft and willful property damage will not be condoned. 4. Freedom of Expression: The right to express opinions may not be abridged, provided that public safety and the rights of individuals are not compromised. The College protects and encourages controversy and dissent. 5. Freedom of Assembly: Students may freely assemble, and/or form organizations subject to state and federal laws regarding discrimination. By their voluntary attendance at Hamilton College, students agree to comply with College regulations, stated here and elsewhere, and as enacted by appropriate College officials. As responsible adults and representatives of the College, students are accountable for their actions both on and off campus. Membership in the Hamilton community does not provide immunity from the laws and standards of local, state or national jurisdictions. The College may take disciplinary action, independent of civil authorities, for activities that take place off-campus when the interests of the College are adversely affected. The College may advise appropriate officials of violations of civil or criminal law committed on campus. Disciplinary action at the College will normally proceed during the pendency of criminal proceedings and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced. 4 PROHIBITED CONDUCT Behavior that violates College standards of conduct listed here and elsewhere will be subject to disciplinary action through the appropriate judicial process. If it is determined that a group is responsible for a violation, either by direct involvement or by condoning, encouraging or covering up the violation, appropriate action will be taken with respect to the group as well as to the individuals involved. Prohibited student actions include, but are not limited to: 1. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion and/or other conduct that recklessly or intentionally threatens or endangers the mental or physical health and safety of any person. 2. Harassment or sexual misconduct. The Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Board responds to complaints. 3. Theft of property or services; willful possession of stolen property. 4. Intentionally or recklessly damaging personal or College property. 5. Conduct that is disruptive, lewd or indecent. 6. Violation of College policies on possession or use of alcohol. 7. Violation of College policies on possession or use of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia. 8. Tampering with fire safety equipment or intentionally activating a false fire alarm. 9. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, illegal fireworks or other weapons in violation of the College‘s policy on weapons and fireworks. 10. Hazing, as defined in the College‘s hazing policy. 11. Abuse of the Judicial Process, including but not limited to harassment and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial body or any participant prior to, during and/or after a judicial proceeding; perjury or obstruction of an investigation; falsification, misrepresentation or distortion of information before a judicial body; failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed through the judicial process. 12. Falsification or misuse of any document, record or instrument of identification.