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Student Code of Conduct: Rules and Regulations

The following is a summary and explanation of the rights, responsibilities, and rules governing student conduct at Swarthmore College. This statement serves as a general framework and is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all possible community infractions. Students violating community standards may be held accountable through the student conduct process. For a complete description of the College’s student conduct process, please see the section on Student Conduct Policies and Procedures.

Conduct expectations are outlined under the following policies:



*COVID-19/Garnet Pledge

Throughout the pandemic, Swarthmore College leadership has sought the most up to date guidance from nationally recognized health groups and consultation from infectious disease specialists to steer the decisions regarding policies and procedures on the campus to foster health and safety and to mitigate risks on campus. Please refer to the Student Testing and Protocols page for more detailed information regarding COVID-19 policies and procedures. Also, please visit Swarthmore's Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information website, for other COVID-19 related information. 

Additionally, students must also agree to stay informed and follow any updated protocols. Questions regarding the College’s residential life or student activities and social events expectations and limitations should be directed to the Office of Student Engagement (OSE). Questions regarding student health and wellness expectations or protocols should be directed to the Student Health and Wellness Office. All other questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Division of Student Affairs

Students need to recognize that all of your behaviors carry some amount of risk to yourself and the health and safety of the entire Swarthmore community. Additionally, students should agree to think before you act and to ask yourself, who might I be putting at risk? While acknowledging that the College’s Garnet Pledge and the safety expectations, precautions, and limitations in this COVID-19 policy may or may not be effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, Swarthmore College has developed the following rules and expectations for the benefit of the entire Swarthmore College community.

COVID-19 vaccine REQUIREMENTS

The College considers individuals up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines if they have received both an initial primary series of vaccinations AND a COVID-19 booster shot.

  • Students are required to provide proof of their initial COVID-19 vaccine series and booster.
  • Students must upload their updated COVID-19 vaccine documentation and dates of booster to their student health portal, for verification by the Student Health Center staff.
  • Students who have a medical or religious reason why they can not receive the vaccine must complete a waiver and upload it to the student health portal. 
  • Those students who have already received an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination that has been approved by the College, will continue to be exempt from this requirement. 

ISOLATION AND CLOSE-CONTACT MANAGEMENT

  • The College is no longer maintaining separate housing for isolation; students who test positive will isolate in-place.
  • Isolation in-place will last for a minimum of five (5) days, from either the positive result or from the onset of symptoms.
  • Students who live a reasonable distance from campus will be encouraged to isolate at home if that is a viable option. 
  • If a student is not feverish and feeling better, they can leave isolation after day five, but MUST wear a mask indoors from day 6-10.  
  • Roommates (of someone who test positive for COVID-19) will be considered a “close contact” and will need to test immediately upon being notified as well as on day 5 from their roommate’s positive test result.  
  • Roommates who are close contact must also immediately test if they develop symptoms. 
  • Students who are placed in isolation are not permitted to leave their rooms without specific permission from the Dean’s Office and/or Student Health and Wellness, nor are they permitted to have any guests, even to just drop off items.

Here is additional information on the College’s Contact Tracing Guidelines.

Personal Prevention

Masking Policy

Masks are optional in all indoor campus spaces, including classroom settings. 

Wearing proper masks continues to be an effective way to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, and we encourage you to continue masking indoors, particularly those of you who are immunocompromised or live with individuals who are at a higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19. We recognize that individuals have varying levels of comfort when it comes to masking and we urge all members of our community to respect the individual choices of your friends, peers, and colleagues. Individuals recovering from COVID-19 may be instructed to mask depending on your specific circumstances.

Countering Stigma 

Swarthmore College expressly prohibits any form of discrimination and harassment on the basis of any College-recognized protected classification, and will promptly and equitably respond to all reports of discrimination and harassment based on a protected classification in order to eliminate the discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects on any individual or the community, in keeping with its Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity policy.

During this time of great uncertainty, all College community members are expected to treat one another with the respect every human being deserves, and not promote, participate in, or allow bias to impede the access and opportunity of anyone in our community.  Managers have also been asked to remain alert to and discourage offensive or discriminatory comments regarding the coronavirus and vulnerable groups of individuals. If you experience or witness bias in our community please report it by using the following link: www.swarthmore.edu/public-safety/how-should-i-report.

Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is defined as a violation of the College’s standards of academic integrity whether these violations are intentional or unintentional. Academic misconduct consists of cheating on an exam, plagiarism on an academic assignment, or unauthorized collaborative work.

Evidence of academic misconduct may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Some of the student’s work coincides with or closely paraphrases a source that is not properly acknowledged.
  • Glaring coincidences in the work of students on exams, papers, problem sets, etc., where cooperation in producing the work was not permitted.
  • Submission of the same work in more than one course. When submitting any work to an instructor for a course, it is assumed that the work was produced specifically for that course. Submission of the same work in more than one course without prior approval is prohibited.

Sources that must be acknowledged include, but are not limited to, lab manuals, books, articles in books, journal articles, and web pages, along with graphs, charts, tables, data sets, etc., in any of the sources just mentioned. Proper acknowledgment must indicate both the source and how it served as a source for any specific portions of the student’s assignment.

The informal nature of some writing may obviate the necessity of rigorously formal citation, but still requires honest attribution to original authors of all borrowed materials. Students should feel free to consult with instructors whenever there is doubt as to proper documentation.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

The overarching priority of the College with respect to alcohol and other drugs is to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of Swarthmore students and comply with all applicable laws. The College is committed to providing guidance so that students can learn to develop a responsible approach to social challenges, including those pertaining to alcohol and other drugs. Additionally, the College is especially committed to supporting students’ decision making around whether to consume alcohol, how to do so in moderation, and how to adhere with local, state, and federal laws governing alcohol consumption.

The unlawful possession, use, purchase, or distribution of alcohol on College property or as part of any College activity is prohibited. The unlawful possession, use, purchase, or distribution of illicit drugs, controlled substances (including stimulants, depressants, narcotics, or hallucinogenic drugs), or paraphernalia—or the misuse of prescription drugs, including sharing, procuring, buying, or using in a manner different from the prescribed use, or by someone other than the person for whom it was prescribed—is prohibited on College property or as part of any College activity.

Swarthmore College recognizes that there may be situations in which students would be in need of swift medical assistance for themselves or others, as a result of alcohol and/or drug use. The College expects each student to share in the safety and wellbeing of their fellow students and to seek out assistance from College officials (Public Safety, Resident Advisors, Student Affairs staff) and/or medical emergency services through 911, without fear of College disciplinary action for the consumption of alcohol and/or use of controlled substances.

Under the College’s Alcohol and Other Drug Amnesty policy, typically neither the student in need nor the student or student organization requesting assistance will be subject to disciplinary action as a result of a violation of the Alcohol and/or Drug Policy. 

Read the full policy

Assault, Endangerment, or Infliction of Physical Harm

Physical restraint, assault, or any other act of violence or use of physical force against any member of the community, or any act that threatens the use of physical force is forbidden. Conduct—whether reckless or intentional—that a person knows, or which any reasonable person under the circumstances would know, places oneself or another at risk of bodily harm is subject to disciplinary action, whether or not the risk is realized. The Senior Associate Dean of Student Life, in consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs, will review the conduct and the circumstances in which it occurred and decide whether it falls under a minor or major adjudication, or whether to refer it to the College Judicial Committee for adjudication. The more reckless the conduct and the greater the risk of serious bodily harm and/or the greater the actual bodily harm caused, the greater the likelihood of a severe sanction up to and including expulsion.

Banners, Chalkings, and Posters

As stated in the Academic Freedom and Responsibility Policy, membership in the academic community imposes on students, faculty members, administrators, and trustees an obligation to respect the dignity of others, to acknowledge their right to express differing opinions, and to foster and defend intellectual honesty, inquiry and instruction, and free expression on and off campus. These freedoms of expression extend so far as the expression does not impinge on the rights of other members of the community or the orderly and essential operations of the College. These are fundamental norms and expectations of expression for Swarthmore College. Banners,  chalkings, and posters are subject to reasonable requirements on their display and may be removed when a violation of College policy or the requirements described below occur. Some examples of behaviors that are inconsistent with our norms and expectations include harassment or bullying; threats, intimidation, or incitement of violence; and defamation or other unlawful invasion into the privacy of others. All are encouraged to engage in the civil exchange of viewpoints, with the understanding that even where we disagree, we can still recognize that we are all valued members of the Swarthmore College community.

Students are also encouraged to read the Disorderly Conduct policy within the Student Code of Conduct.

Banners. Banners may only be hung on Clothier Hall’s façade facing Parrish Beach, in Cosby Courtyard, or in Sharples Dining Hall. Banners hung elsewhere, including on or in Parrish Hall, will be removed. The standard maximum duration for banner display is one (1) week; groups and student organizations are limited to one (1) banner reservation per month. Priority is given to student organizations or community-wide events (e.g., Winter Formal, Large-Scale Event, etc.).

Requests for banner space must be made to the Office of Student Engagement five (5) business days in advance of the requested starting display date. All banners must be reviewed by the Office of Student Engagement prior to installation. Students acknowledge that a banner is at risk of being stolen, and the College is not responsible for such loss or damage. External advertisements and solicitations of a commercial nature are prohibited.

For banners in Sharples, once approved, students may hang their banner using only tape or string, affixing with nails, hooks, or tacks is prohibited. Students are responsible for removing their banner after the five-day display period.

For banners hung on Clothier or in Cosby Courtyard, once approved, students must deliver their banner to the Facilities Service Building by 2 p.m. on the Friday before the start of the reservation to ensure their banner is properly hung and in accordance with the schedule. Installations will not occur on weekends and are subject to the availability of staff. During the first weeks of the semester and the move-out period, staff are not available to hang student banners. Banners must be no more than 8-feet wide and no more than 5-feet tall; made of vinyl or durable plastic or color-fast printed/painted fabric (hemmed); grommets should be present on the banner corners to ensure secure attachment to the wall; and a few short slits should be cut in the banner to inhibit the wind from catching and ripping the material. Banners will be removed on Monday mornings, and students must retrieve their banner from facilities no later than noon the following day. Failure to do so could result in banner disposal.

Chalkings. Chalkings are permitted only on paved, outdoor walkways that are open to the rain. Walkways under porches or archways and vertical surfaces may not be used, and such chalkings will be washed away. Science Center outdoor blackboards are meant for dynamic use while members of the community are present. Questions about particular chalkings or postings should be directed to the Office of Student Engagement.

Posters. All advertisements, flyers, notices, etc., constitute posters and may only be posted on public bulletin boards. Outdated posters must be promptly removed; anyone may remove outdated posters from public boards.

Recommended posting spots include the post office boards, residence hall bulletin boards, Sharples boards and tabling, and Clothier boards outside of Essie Mae's. Masking or painter’s tape is approved for use for securing the posters—duct tape is not allowed. Posters may not be placed on light posts, trash cans, buildings, walls, floors, doors, windows in doors, walkways, bike racks, handrails, stairs, or trees, nor may they be placed on the assigned group bulletin boards in Parrish without permission from the group.
 
Posters need to be “signed” with a recognized student organization or the individual name of a matriculated student. No mentions or images of alcohol are allowed. Posters that violate any of these rules will be removed by any College staff or faculty and the individual or group may be fined or held financially responsible for damage.

Bullying, Intimidation, and Stalking

Bullying. Bullying includes any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or a series of acts of physical, social, or emotional domination that is intended to cause, or any reasonable person should know would cause, physical or substantial emotional harm to another person or group. Bullying conduct may not only cause a negative effect on individuals targeted, but also others who observe the conduct. Bullying conduct is severe, persistent, or pervasive and has the effect of any of the following:
 

(i) substantially interfering with a community member’s education, employment, or full enjoyment of the college;

(ii) creating a threatening or intimidating environment;

(iii) substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the College; or
(iv) unreasonable actions directed towards an individual (or a group) resulting in intimidating, degrading, humiliating, or undermining behavior that creates a risk to the health or safety of individuals.
 

Bullying is prohibited, and participating in such acts will result in disciplinary action.

Intimidation. Intimidation is any verbal, written, or electronic threats of violence or other threatening behavior directed toward another person or group that reasonably leads the person(s) in the group to fear for their physical wellbeing. Intimidation is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Stalking. Stalking is engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including unauthorized following or repeatedly communicating to another person, which demonstrate either an intent to put another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or cause the person substantial emotional distress.

Anyone who attempts to use bullying, intimidation, or stalking to retaliate against someone who reports an incident, brings a complaint, or participates in an investigation will be in violation of retaliation as described within this Handbook and will be subject to disciplinary action.

When acts of bullying, intimidation, or stalking occur in the context of intimate-partner violence or when the behavior is perpetrated on the basis of sex or gender, the conduct will be resolved under the Title IX and College-Defined Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Discrimination, Including Harassment, Based On A Protected Class

Discrimination, including harassment, based on a protected class is defined as unreasonable, unwelcome conduct, based on an individual’s sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected classification, that objectively and subjectively harms the person by severely, persistently, and/or pervasively denying the person equal access to educational opportunities, residence and community life, or terms and conditions of employment.

This type of discrimination can occur in any form and can be directed at individuals or groups. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, infractions may be resolved through a variety of appropriate methods, ranging from informal, remedial steps, including training, counseling, or mediation to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion. In all cases, the College encourages individuals to seek support and assistance as soon as possible. Before any behavior can be considered for the student conduct process, it must be clear that no substantial free expression interests are threatened by bringing a formal charge of discrimination. If a person has been subject to discrimination including harassment on the basis of a protected classification, as described above, the student should consult with the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources & Deputy Title IX Coordinator, who serves as the College's Equal Opportunity Officer, for guidance

The College’s Title IX and College-Defined Sexual Misconduct Policy specifically prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, indecent exposure, intimate-partner violence, dating violence, and domestic violence, retaliation, stalking, and other misconduct that is sex or gender based, or in the context of an intimate partner relationship including: bullying and intimidation, stalking, physical assault, and discrimination. The full policy can be found here (https://www.swarthmore.edu/title-ix/title-ix-and-college-defined-sexual-...). 

If a person has been subject to sexual misconduct in any form, the person should consult with the Title IX coordinator for guidance and resolution of sex or gender based complaints under the Title IX and College-Defined Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Disorderly Conduct

Students at Swarthmore College have the right to express their views, feelings, and beliefs inside and outside the classroom and to support causes publicly, including by demonstrations and other means.

These freedoms of expression extend so far as expression does not impinge on the rights of other members of the community or the orderly and/or essential operations of the College. In light of the principles and expectations described within the policy on Academic Freedom and Responsibility, disorderly conduct is not permitted. 

Disorderly conduct is a violation that prevents the orderly operation of the College, which includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Excessive noise, which interferes with classes, College offices, residence hall neighbors, or other campus and community activities;
  2. Unauthorized entry into or occupation of a private work area or closed meeting;
  3. Conduct that restricts or prevents faculty, staff, or student employees from performing their duties, including interruption of meetings, classes, or events;
  4. Failure to maintain clear passage into or out of any College building or passageway, and/or work space;
  5. Failure to disperse when a building, office, or campus space is closed; 
  6. Other conduct that disrupts the operations of the College, such as lectures, meetings, events (such as admissions tours or job interviews), ceremonies, or other necessary business and community functions; and/or
  7. Any other action(s) that result in unreasonable interference with the learning/working environment or the rights of others.

Social Events on Campus

The College defines an event as an academic, intellectual, cultural, and/or social gathering, held by students or a student organization, in campus space(s). Events can be open to the entire campus community, open to all enrolled students, or closed events held for a smaller group of students and/or members of an organization. Usually, student events are not open to the general public without approval from either the Events Management Team, or a member of the sponsoring College office.  Student events can be categorized as either large open events, social gatherings without alcohol, or social gatherings with alcohol. All events must follow the below guidelines and policies.

Typically, guest(s) of enrolled students are permitted at campus events; student hosts are responsible for the conduct of their guests on campus and will be held accountable for any violation of the Student Code of Conduct or other rules of the College committed by a guest. Guests will be asked to sign in for large scale events on campus for safety needs. Guests must stay with their hosts for the entire duration of the event. Each host is able to check in one guest only.

Please see the guest policy for the complete information on the College’s guest policy. 

Defining Events

A College event may be on- or off-campus and may only be sponsored by Swarthmore students. All events held on-campus are automatically subject to this policy. An individual and/or organization holding an event off-campus may be subject to the Student Code of Conduct, local state law, and/or any additional expectations of the event space.

  • Open events are defined as an event where all students are permitted to attend.  Open events may or may not be open to non-student members of the campus community.
  • Closed events may be held for a smaller group of students and/or members of an organization. A guest list may be required depending on the size and scale of the event. 

Many club and organization events will fall under this category of event. All club and organization leaders should be familiar with the Club Handbook and the Student Budget Committee policies in regards to hosting events on campus. All club and organization treasurers are responsible for following the Treasurer Handbook when using their Student Budget Committee allocations.

All events on campus must be free to attend for all students. There should be no perceived entry fee or charge to attend.

If groups are looking to collaborate with other offices or clubs for funding, please contact the Office of Student Engagement staff for support in the use and coordination of these funds. 

All students are eligible to register an event during the academic year. Alcohol Registered Events (A.R.E.s) have further restrictions on scheduling.

Read the full policy

Failure to Comply

The College expects students to comply with the directions of Public Safety officers, law enforcement officers, or College officials acting in the performance of their duties. Students who fail to comply with such authority may be subject to disciplinary action.

Furthermore, the College expects students held responsible for Student Code of Conduct violations to fully comply with all disciplinary sanctions imposed by the College. A responsible student’s failure to comply with imposed sanctions will be subject to further disciplinary action.

False Representation

No student shall knowingly provide false information or engage in misrepresentation to any College office/official. Forgery, alteration, or unauthorized possession or use of College documents, records, or instruments of identification, forged or fraudulent communications (paper or electronic mail) are prohibited.

Additionally, the College expects students to accurately represent themselves beyond the College (e.g., to employers and/or graduate schools). As such, misrepresenting oneself on job applications to potential employers and/or on graduate school applications (e.g., falsified transcript, making up or largely exaggerating experiences on a resume, failure to disclose College disciplinary history, etc.) is prohibited. 

Upon request, students are obligated to provide College personnel with accurate identification and must present their OneCard when requested. The Swarthmore Police Department will accept a Swarthmore College OneCard as proof of identification, except when a driver’s license is required for operating a motor vehicle.

Fire Safety

Fire regulations prohibit the use of personal cooking appliances (hot plates, toaster ovens, or other items with open-heat elements), space heaters, candles, incense, other open-flame items, vapes, charging lithium powered motor vehicle batteries, and halogen lamps in and around residential housing and student social spaces. Open flames, including the burning of candles, incense or other unauthorized objects, are not permitted in residence halls or any other unauthorized area of campus. It is also a violation to hang items from any part of fire safety equipment including conduits and sprinkler heads. Any student with an open flame (e.g., candle, incense, etc.) may be subject to a $500 fine.

Tampering, interference, misuse, covering, removing, causing damage, and/or destruction of fire safety and fire prevention equipment (e.g. smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, etc.) is prohibited and are a violation of state law and anyone committing such acts may face criminal penalties. Any student who causes an alarm to be set off for improper purposes may be liable for the expenses incurred by the fire department(s) in responding to the alarm, in addition to any fines, charges or sanctions that may be applied for violation(s) of this policy.

If no individual or group of individuals accept responsibility when a violation of this policy occurs in a residence hall, all residents of that residence hall may be subject to fines and charges for costs incurred by the College and/or fire department(s).

Fire drills are held on a regular basis. Directions for fire drill procedures are posted in every building. Failure to vacate any College building during an active fire alarm, including drills is a violation of College policy, and may result in disciplinary action.

Hallways and stairways must be kept clear of bicycles, trunks, and furniture, and may not be used for storage. Items impinging on free movement in public spaces, including halls and stairways, will be removed (including cutting locks, when necessary) and their owners may be charged for their removal.

The propping of or tampering with fire doors in any College building is prohibited. This includes making any modifications to prevent the door from closing or locking such as taping door mechanisms, modifying or damaging hardware, using any type of door chock or wedge, or impeding the closure and/or egress through the door.

Students are financially responsible for damages resulting from reckless conduct or violation of this policy. Any student in violation of the College’s fire safety rules (e.g., unauthorized candle/incense/object burning, tampering with fire safety equipment, etc.) may be subject to restitution and replacement costs, a fine, adjudication through the student conduct process, or other reasonable resolution as deemed by the student conduct administrator.

Any student in possession of prohibited items and/or in violation of the fire safety policy may be referred to the student conduct process. The College reserves the right to confiscate prohibited items with the option of destruction or holding until they can safely be removed from campus.

Hazing

Swarthmore College prohibits any form of hazing, whether the activities occur on or off property owned or operated by the College. Additionally, the College supports and enforces the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-hazing Law, Act 80 of 2018. Failure to notify the College of an incident of hazing, may be a violation of this policy.  

Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any behavior and/or acts of servitude that is designed or intended to humiliate, degrade, embarrass, harass, or ridicule an individual, or that which a reasonable person would deem harmful or potentially harmful to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, as an actual or perceived condition of new or continued affiliation with any organization, and/or team. Hazing also includes knowingly or recklessly engaging in such behavior and/or acts.    

Engagement in any of these behaviors, regardless of the intent to cause harm or the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity, for the purpose of initiation, admission, or continued affiliation and/or membership, is a violation of this policy.

 

Housing Violations

General housing policies and regulations described below are established by the Student Life department and the Office of Student Engagement. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the policies and rules concerning conduct in the residence halls. Acceptance of space in College housing constitutes knowledge of, willingness, and agreement to abide by these housing policies. Living in College housing is a privilege and not a right. The Student Life department and/or Office of Student Engagement may, at any time and at its own discretion, withdraw this privilege due to behavior, which does not rise to the standards outlined below. In most cases, students who lose their housing privileges are not entitled to a refund of their housing and food charges for the remaining weeks of the semester.

Read the full policy.

Retaliation

Retaliation, any act or attempt to seek retribution from any person or group who makes a complaint, cooperates with an investigation, or participates in a resolution process, is a violation of College policy and will not be tolerated. Retaliation can take many forms, including continued abuse or violence, bullying, threats, intimidation, and stalking. Any individual or group of individuals, not just a complainant or respondent, can engage in retaliation. 

Retaliation should be reported promptly to the Senior Associate Dean of Student Life and may result in disciplinary action independent of any sanction or interim measures imposed in response to an underlying allegation of misconduct.

Sexual Misconduct: Title IX and College-Defined Sexual Misconduct

Swarthmore College is committed to establishing and maintaining a community rich in equality and free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. The College seeks to create an environment in which the greatest holistic academic potential of students and professional potential of employees may be realized. In order to create and maintain such an inclusive climate, all who work and learn at the College are partners in the endeavor to ensure that the community is free from discrimination based on sex or gender, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual misconduct. These behaviors threaten our learning, living, and work environments and will not be tolerated.

The College’s Title IX and College-Defined Sexual Misconduct Policy prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, indecent exposure, and other misconduct that is sex or gender based, or in the context of an intimate partner relationship including: bullying and intimidation, physical assault, and discrimination. The full policy can be found at: https://www.swarthmore.edu/title-ix/title-ix-and-college-defined-sexual-misconduct-policy-procedures

Click here to submit a Title IX Report and Concern Form

Smoking

Smoking and/or vaping of tobacco products or other substances is prohibited in all indoor spaces throughout the College, including meeting rooms, lounges, offices, and residence halls (including individual’s residential rooms). Violation(s) may result in a referral to student conduct, a fine, and/or other potential penalties, including exclusion from campus housing. Altering smoke detectors creates danger for all building occupants and may be met with disciplinary action.

Smoking is allowed outdoors at a minimum distance of 25 feet from all buildings.

Theft, Vandalism, or Property Damage

Theft, negligent, intentional, or accidental damage to personal or College property is prohibited, as is possession of stolen property. Restitution may be charged to the appropriate individual(s) and may warrant College disciplinary action. In the event that damage occurs in a residence-hall common space for which no one assumes responsibility, restitution may be divided equally among all residents of that hall. Administrative fees may be added if students do not comply by the end of the semester.

For damage that occurs during a student event in
a space other than a residence hall and for which
 no individual student(s) accept(s) responsibility, the sponsoring students and/or organizations may be held accountable for restitution for replacement or repair of the damaged property and may be subject to further disciplinary action.

Unauthorized Entry or Access

Unauthorized entry into or presence within enclosed College buildings or areas, including athletic facilities, construction sites, and student rooms or offices, even when unlocked, is prohibited. Climbing on any College building or College-owned structure or being present on building roofs is prohibited without authorization. Tampering with locks to College buildings, unauthorized possession or use of College keys, and alteration or duplication of College keys is against College policy. Participation in any of these activities may subject a student to fines and/or further disciplinary action.

Unauthorized Use of College Facilities or Services

The unauthorized use of College property, including but not limited to College buildings, spaces and grounds; College documents and records; or College furnishings, equipment and materials, is a violation of College policy and is subject to disciplinary action. The Acceptable Use Policy under Academic Policies provides guidelines for use of College computer systems and networks.

Violation of Local, State, or Federal Law

Any violation of local, state, federal, or international law may subject a student to College disciplinary action. A pending appeal of a conviction shall not affect the application of this rule.

Weapons and Other Prohibited Items

No student may possess or use a firearm on Swarthmore College property or its environs regardless of whether they may be legally permitted to possess such firearm. Firearms, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, air guns (including paint guns), and gas-powered guns and all ammunition or hand-loading equipment and supplies for the same, are not permitted. 

No student may possess or use fireworks, small motorized vehicle E-scooters, hoverboards, E-skateboards, and/or other dangerous devices, chemicals, or explosives on Swarthmore College property or its environs. Items such as knives, even if decorative, that could be viewed and/or used as weapons are forbidden. Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the College.

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