Students at a resources table on the first day of classes.
Office

Office of Community Standards

A Commitment to our Community

The Office of Community Standards seeks to support all students in achieving their goals during their time at the University. Personal growth is a fundamental part of the collegiate experience, and we are here to help students navigate any challenges they may face. With an approach centered on education and respect, the Office of Community Standards plays an important role in upholding the University’s values by working directly with students who have violated University policies to educate them on the impact of their actions and give them an opportunity to make amends.

We are committed to treating every student fairly and transparently, providing a process designed to address the needs of both the individual and the larger University community. Through this balanced approach, we strive to help students learn from their experiences, grow as individuals, and contribute positively to the campus environment.

Policies and Resources

Operational Philosophy
  • Restorative Justice 
    • Restorative Justice is the key operational philosophy of the Community Standards process. This process seeks to examine the harmful impact of the alleged behavior and then determines what can be done to repair that harm while holding the student who caused it accountable for their actions. Accountability for the responsible student means accepting responsibility and acting to repair the harm done. 
    • Examples of restorative practices include but are not limited to: meeting with the other parties that were harmed, reflective practices and writing, meeting with University staff and/or faculty to discuss the behavior and associated violations, community and/or financial restitution, and projects that educate fellow students on the harm done to the community. Please note that major violations of the Conduct Code may result in separation from the campus community and/or University. 
  • Preponderance of the Evidence Standard 
    • The burden of proof standard used in determining if a violation of the Conduct Code occurred. A preponderance of the evidence standard means that it is more likely than not that a violation of the Conduct Code occurred. 
    • The Community Standards process is not a court of law, but an opportunity for students to be honest about their behavior and how it may have violated the Conduct Code. 
Rights and Responsibilities of University Students
  • Rights of Assumption University Students 
    • Right to a respectful, educational, and safe community that fosters intellectual growth in keeping with the mission of the University.  
    • Right to an academic environment that is intellectually engaging and challenging. Students have the right to class work that stimulates their minds, provided by professors who take great care and pride in the service they provide to their students. Professors will make themselves available to their students to support each student’s successful academic career.  
    • Right to pursue knowledge and the resources and staff necessary to expand that knowledge and understanding.  
    • Right to a supportive and knowledgeable staff and faculty to aid them in pursuing academic and personal success.  
    • Right not to be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or family medical history, disability, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, immigration status, or any other unique attribute of any individual.  
    • The right to live without the fear of intimidation, force, threats, or emotional, verbal, or physical abuse of any kind.  
    • Right to free expression. Community members have the right to express their ideas freely, without fear of censure or retribution.  
    • Right to a healthy environment. Community members have the right to programs and services that promote and support a healthy lifestyle including the right to well-maintained facilities as well as a healthy food selection.  
    • Right to privacy, including the right and protection from unwarranted or unauthorized searches of person, personal spaces, and property in accordance with University policy.  
    • Right to due process through the Community Standards process. This includes the right to a fair and unbiased hearing. 
    • Right to appeal. Students have the right to a fair and equitable process in conduct and academic matters.  
  • Responsibilities of Assumption University Students 
    • All Assumption University students are considered adults and therefore bear full and ultimate responsibility for their actions.  
    • Responsibility to comply with federal, state, and local laws.  
    • Responsibility to know and abide by all Assumption University policies.  
    • Responsibility to respect the rights of the other members of the Assumption University community.  
    • Responsibility to follow proper institutional protocols when exercising the right to free expression. 
    • Responsibility to respect and honor the Mission of the University.  
    • Responsibility to respect the environment, specifically the buildings and grounds of the University. 
    • Responsibility to regularly and frequently check their Assumption University email account. 
Community Standards Process

A basic outline of the Community Standards process can be found below: 

  • 1) A member of the University community submits an Incident Report indicating the student(s) involved and the alleged policy violation that took place. This is usually submitted by a member of the Residential Life staff or Campus Police. 
  • 2) A Hearing Officer reviews the Incident Report and determines which violations of the Conduct Code are alleged to have occurred. Hearing Officers at the University include the Vice President/Dean of Students, Assistant Dean for Student Development, and Resident Directors in Residential Life. 
  • 3) Charges are assigned to the relevant student(s) from the Incident Report, and a Hearing Notice is produced for the student(s). The Hearing Notice includes a list of charges, the scheduled date and time for the hearing, links to the Student Handbook, and a link to Frequently Asked Questions about the hearing. 
  • 4) The hearing takes place with a Hearing Officer and/or Hearing Board with the alleged student(s). The hearing is the opportunity for the alleged student(s) to explain their input on the related incident, take responsibility for the alleged behavior and/or violation of the Conduct Code, and discuss next steps and possible outcomes and sanctions with the Hearing Officer. A discussion on Restorative Justice takes place at all hearings. 
  • 5) An Outcome Letter is sent to the student(s) outlining sanctions for the student(s). Sanctions are in two parts: status and education. Status-based outcomes are in the form of a warning, probation, and/or suspensions based upon the behavior and violation(s). Education-based outcomes are opportunities for the student(s) to repair harm, reflect, and move forward from the behavior and violation(s). 
  • 6) All students that go through a hearing have the opportunity to appeal the outcomes and sanctions given. Information on the appeal process is present in the Outcome Letter. 
Student Handbook 

Please click here for the complete Assumption University Student Handbook  

Mission Statement 

Assumption University strives to maintain an environment consistent with its mission and respectful of the rights of all individuals within the University community. All members of this community are freely and voluntarily united by this agreement in the pursuit of intellectual growth and discovery. The rules, policies, and regulations of the University, collectively known as the Conduct Code, help foster a community worthy of our calling. The Office of Community Standards works with students who violate the Conduct Code through a restorative and educational adjudication system that seeks to holistically address behavior and repair any harm done to the University community.  

University Policies

  • a. Alcohol Consumption, Possession, or Purchase by a Minor 

    • Any person under the age of 21 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may not lawfully possess, consume, purchase, attempt to purchase, or transport alcoholic beverages. 

    b. Alcohol Provision or Sale 

    • Students of legal age may not provide alcoholic beverages to students not of legal age at any time. 
    • Students may not sell alcohol to any other student for any reason. 
    • Students of legal age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages at approved University functions and/or when served at a campus facility/event authorized to provide alcoholic beverages. 
    • All student organization sponsored events where alcohol may be served must be approved by the appropriate University official and must follow all University policies and regulations. At all times, alcohol use must be consistent with the concept of moderate and responsible consumption. Furnishing alcohol to any person under the age of 21 or enabling underage alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for student organizations. 

    c. Alcohol in a Dry Building, Open Container Policy, or Empty Container Policy 

    • Open containers are defined as: any container where the original factory seal has been broken (beer cans, wine bottles, liquor bottles, etc.) Additionally, solo cups, clear water bottles, or an unsealed bottle is also considered an open container. University officials reserve the right to inspect a student’s container upon information or belief that the student is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.  
    • Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers is prohibited in common areas of residence halls, including hallways, lounges, lobbies, stairwells, and bathrooms. 
    • Students may not transport alcohol in common areas of campus or University residence halls in open containers. Students of legal age may transport alcohol in common areas of campus or University residence halls in closed containers and in suitable packaging, consistent with the concept of moderate and responsible consumption.  
    • Students of legal age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages only in designated upper-class residential areas including Aubuchon, Authier, Bissonnette, Dion, Dufault, Living/Learning Center, Moquin, Plough, Cesareo, Young, Wachusett, and West Halls. 
    • Alcoholic beverages are never permitted, regardless of the age of the student, in Alumni, Desautels, Hanrahan, Nault, Salisbury, or Worcester Halls, or in the outside areas, public areas (hallways, lounges, etc.), athletic fields, or other campus buildings unless specifically designated (this includes alcohol containers used for decorative purposes). In addition, guests, and residents of Substance-Free Housing are strictly prohibited from possessing or being under the influence of alcohol and/or or other controlled substances while in the residence.  

    d. Drinking Games, Drinking Paraphernalia, or Forced Alcohol Consumption 

    • Participation in drinking games involving the consumption of alcohol, consuming shots of alcohol, and any type of binge drinking or forced alcohol consumption (e.g. chugging, “shot-gunning,” etc.) is prohibited in residence halls and on University property.  
    • Possession or use of binge drinking paraphernalia or any instrument of alcohol abuse (e.g. funnels, beer pong tables, etc.) is prohibited in residence halls and on University property. 

    e. Alcohol Intoxication 

    • Regardless of age, the abusive or dangerous use of alcohol is prohibited on and off campus, including but not limited to disruptive, disorderly, or dangerous conduct related to the consumption of alcohol. 

    f. Alcohol in Bulk Containers 

    • Common source containers of alcoholic beverages, including beer kegs and alcoholic punch are prohibited in residence halls and on University property without authorization from appropriate University officials. 

    g. Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol 

    • Driving on or off campus while under the influence of alcohol. 

    h. Transport Due to Alcohol Intoxication 

    • Students acting in a manner that appears to impair their ability to function due to alcohol intoxication may be assessed for intoxication by Campus Police. Students that do not meet the requirements established by Campus Police may be transported to an area hospital or urgent care for further evaluation.  

    i. Assessment Due to Alcohol Intoxication 

    • Students acting in a manner that appears to impair their ability to function due to alcohol intoxication may be assessed for intoxication by Campus Police.  

    j. Protective Custody for Alcohol Intoxication 

    • Students acting in a manner that appears to impair their ability to function due to alcohol intoxication may be assessed for intoxication by Campus Police. Students that become belligerent and/or disorderly with Campus Police or other University staff may be placed into Protective Custody by Campus Police.  

  • a. Drug Possession and/or Use 

    • Possession or use of marijuana or related paraphernalia. While individuals 21 years or older in the State of Massachusetts may purchase and possess marijuana at authorized dispensaries, marijuana is not permitted on the Assumption campus. This includes but is not limited to edibles, concentrates, tinctures, oils, and any plant matter. Please refer to Massachusetts State Law for more information. 
    • Possession of use of illicit drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia.  

    b. Drug Sale and/or Distribution 

    • Sale, distribution, or manufacture of any controlled drug, substance, or drug paraphernalia including marijuana. 

    c. Operating Under the Influence of Drugs 

    • Operating a vehicle under the influence. 

    d. Transport Due to Drug Use 

    • Students acting in a manner that appears to impair their ability to function due to drug impairment may be assessed for intoxication by Campus Police. Students that do not meet the requirements established by Campus Police may be transported to an area hospital or urgent care for further evaluation.  

  • a. Property Damage  

    • Damage to University property or another person’s property 
    • Possession, sale, or distribution of stolen University property or another person’s property. 

    b. Property Theft 

    • Theft or possession, sale, or distribution of stolen property.  

    c. Property Misuse 

    • Misuse of University property, facilities, or another person’s property without authorization 

    d. Littering and Graffiti 

    • Destruction of property including but not limited to failing to remove trash, spraying graffiti, intentional destruction of buildings or facilities. 

    e. Unauthorized Entry 

    • Entering any University premises (Building, Room, Residence Hall, Residential Room, Facilities, Bathroom, Use of Keys and/or ID Cards) without authorization. 

  • a.Threatening Conduct 

    • Acts of intimidation or coercion, whether stated or implied. 

    b. Violent or Endangering Behavior 

    • Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.  
    • Violent behavior including but not limited to fighting, verbal, or physical abuse, or contributing to the violence of others. 

    c. Sexual Misconduct 

    • Sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or sexual harassment.  
    • Relationship violence. 
    • Stalking of any sort (electronic, physical, by proxy, or other). 
    • Creation of a hostile and/or harassing environment related to sexuality. 
    • Bias related conduct regarding another person’s sexuality, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. 

  • a. Verbal Abuse 

    • Verbal abuse or willful damage to the reputation or psychological well-being of another, regardless of intent. 

    b. Bullying 

    • Systematic bullying over time by any means, including but not limited to verbal, physical, emotional, exploitative functions, electronic media, social media. 

    c. Harassment 

    • Harassment of another in any manner including written correspondence, electronic mail/media, phone, or by proxy.  
    • Bias related harassment regarding another person’s sexuality, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. 

    d. Inappropriate Expression 

    • Conduct that is lewd, indecent, obscene, or degrading or demeaning to others, including, but not limited to, based on gender, race, religion, cultural background, ability, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. 
    • Expression may be but is not limited to verbal, social, electronic, in-person, online, direct, or by proxy. 

    e. Social Media Misuse 

    • Posting social media content that is considered, including, but not limited to, a threat of violence, harmful to self or others, or a violation of any other University policy through social media or other electronic means. 

  • a. Conduct Unbecoming of a University Student 

    • Including but is not limited to inappropriate statements made to students University officials, non-compliance with University officials, or avoidance of University officials. 

    b. Disorderly Conduct 

    • Conduct that creates a community-based incident. This includes but is not limited to property damage, physical altercations, promoting violence, inciting disorderly groups of students or other individuals, verbal abuse of students or other individuals. 
    • Retaliation for any reason. Retaliation is defined as any adverse action related to participation in an education program taken against a person because a person has filed a report or participated in any in the filing of an incident report or complaint, investigation or hearing process related to community standards. 

    c. Failure to Comply 

    • Failure to comply with the directions of University officials or individuals working in conjunction with the University who are acting in performance of their duties.  

    d. Violating Privacy 

    • Use of devices, electronic or other, to violate the privacy of another person.  

    e. Failure to Adhere to University Sanctions 

    • Failure to adhere to, or complete any disciplinary sanction imposed by The Office of Community Standards or other University official. 

    f. Public Urination 

    • Any form of urination or defecation outside of restroom facilities.  

  • a. Honor Code  

    • Any form of dishonesty, including but not limited to theft, falsification of information, fraud, willful deception, falsification of identification, improper use, or disclosure of information.  
    • 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. 
    • Any violation of Massachusetts State Law regarding hazing. 
    • Smoking of any type in any building or prohibited area. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, juuls, dab pens, or vaporizers. Only tobacco products are permitted on the Assumption campus and must be used outside and at least 100 feet away from any building. 
    • Weapons are not permitted on the University campus other than by use of Campus Police officers. Possessing explosives, dangerous chemicals, and weapons including, but not limited to, firearms, bows and arrows, slingshots, hunting and other knives, blowguns, BB guns, pellet guns, air-soft guns, etc. 
    • The University fully supports the prohibition of gaming as defined under Massachusetts State Law regarding gambling. 
    • Gambling is prohibited on campus in all forms. 
    • Anyone on campus after 6:00 PM that is a non-student, faculty or staff must be registered through the on-line guest Visitor Pass system. Guests must be with their host at all times, have a valid form of ID at all times, and have their Visitor Pass 
    • Failure to be in possession of or present Assumption University ID. 
    • The verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility toward an individual on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, age, ability, or sexual orientation. 

  • Quiet Hours Policy 

    • Quiet hours begin at 12:00 AM on Sunday – Thursday of each week. Quiet hours begin at 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday. Quiet hours are 24 hours during study periods and final exams. 

    Consideration Hours Policy 

    • At all times, students are asked to respect the right to privacy and a reasonable volume within the residence halls. 

    Gathering Policy 

    • Double room, triple room, and suite-based residence halls are permitted gatherings that is double the occupancy of the room, plus two. Apartment-based residence halls are permitted gatherings that are five times the occupancy of the room, plus five. 

    Visitation Policy 

    • Visitation policy relating visiting residential students on campus. Visitation takes place between 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM on weekdays and between 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM on weekends 
    • Violations of any federal, state or local law. 

  • a. Aiding and Facilitating 

    • Promoting or encouraging the commission of any behavior prohibited outlined in the Sexual Misconduct policy. 

    b. Exploitation 

    • Any person taking non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another. 

    c. Gender Discrimination 

    • Discriminating another member of the University community on the basis of their gender, gender identity, and/or gender expression. 

    d. Hostile Environment 

    • Conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s learning, working, or living environment, or limiting or depriving an individual of the ability to participate in or benefit from the University’s employment or educational programs and/or activities. 

    e. Inducing Incapacitation 

    • Providing alcohol or drugs to an individual, with or without the individual’s knowledge, with the purpose or intent of taking advantage of that individual’s impairment or intoxication. 

    f. Relationship Violence 

    • Violent and/or endangering behavior that is verbal, physical, or psychological between partners in a romantic relationship. 

    g. Retaliation 

    • Seeking retribution against a reporting party, responding party, or any individual for exercising their rights under the Sexual Misconduct policy or making a report or complaint, testifying, assisting, conducting, participating or refusing to participate in an investigation, hearing, or other proceeding under this policy. 

    h. Sexual Assault 

    • Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the other person, including instances where the other person is incapable of giving consent. 

    i. Sexual Discrimination 

    • Treating any person unfavorably because of that person’s sex, including the person’s sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression or pregnancy. 

    j. Sexual Harassment 

    • Any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether verbal, nonverbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise. 

    k. Non-Consensual Sexual Touching 

    • Sexual touching without consent of another person including instances where the other person is incapable of giving consent. 

    l. Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse 

    • Sexual intercourse without consent of another person including instances where the other person is incapable of giving consent. 

    m. Sexual Misconduct 

    • Having or attempting to have sexual contact with another individual without affirmative consent. 

    n. Stalking 

    • Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific individual that would cause a reasonable person to: (a) fear for the individual’s safety or the safety of others; or (b) suffer substantial emotional distress. 

  • Demonstrations must be registered at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the event with the Office of Student Affairs. To register a demonstration, students will need to fill out a Demonstration Application Form. The University will then decide whether to approve the application. Those participating in the demonstration must be current members of the Assumption University campus community. All demonstrations must be peaceful and orderly, and conducted so as not to disrupt University operations. University Administration will always consider safety as the top priority in approving or handling on-going demonstrations. There is zero tolerance for violent behavior or speech that incites violence or hatred. Demonstrations or other forms of expression such as, but not limited to, rallies, protests, marches, picketing and sit-ins must not compromise the rights of other members of the Assumption University community or interfere with the operation of the University. Free speech is a cherished foundation of academia. However, forms of expression may not demean or degrade individuals based on religion, national heritage, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ability, or handicap, or any such grounds. Violations of the Demonstration Policy may result in student conduct proceedings. Those who organize the demonstration must not only comply with this policy and the Student Handbook, but must also comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. To ensure the safety of those in the Assumption Community and to ensure the ongoing operation of the University, the University reserves the right to determine the time, place, and manner of the proposed demonstration.