Standards of Conduct
Unless otherwise noted, the standards of conduct, policies, procedures and regulations described in this web-based student handbook apply to all Notre Dame students — undergraduate, graduate, and professional, full or part-time, on and off campus. Responsible behavior is expected of Notre Dame students wherever they may be.
The University may investigate and/or resolve through the University Conduct Process any report of alleged misconduct that occurs from the time an individual first attends the University until the individual graduates (or otherwise completes a University program) or is permanently dismissed.
Generally, a student may not withdraw or take a leave of absence from the University after the Office of Community Standards receives a report of an alleged violation of the University’s Standards of Conduct. The University reserves the right to proceed with the University Conduct Process regardless of a student’s request for a withdrawal or for a leave of absence from the University. At any time, the University may place an administrative hold on the student's University academic transcript, make a transcript notification, or withhold the award of a student's degree. In cases where the University permits a student to withdraw from the University after the Office of Community Standards receives a report of an alleged violation of the University's Standards of Conduct (including while the University Conduct Process is pending), this withdrawal may be considered permanent and the student’s academic transcript may be held or noted “withdrawal pending investigation.” Even if a student withdraws from the University, the Office of Community Standards may decide to proceed with the University Conduct Process. At the conclusion of the University Conduct Process, the student’s transcript will be updated with the appropriate notation or removal of notation as prescribed by the University’s Conduct Records Reporting Policy. The University reserves the right to address off-campus misconduct or violations of law. Judgments about these matters will depend on the facts of an individual case. The following factors are among those that will be considered:
- whether the conduct occurred at an event sponsored by the University
- whether the student involved was acting as a representative of the University
- whether the conduct has a negative impact on the University community or interferes with the pursuit of Notre Dame’s mission
- whether the conduct has a negative impact on the local community.
In addition to complying with the University’s standards of conduct, policies, procedures, and regulations, students are expected to abide by local, state, and federal laws, including any applicable foreign laws if studying abroad. Students may be accountable to criminal authorities and to the University for acts that violate local, state, or federal laws, and they can be referred to the University Conduct Process concurrent with criminal action. As a general rule, the University Conduct Process will proceed normally during the pendency of a criminal action. The University operates under different policies, procedures and standards, and therefore it is not necessarily bound by the findings of a court of law. If a student is charged with a felony, the University, through the Office of Student Affairs or its designee, reserves the right to take summary action and dismiss a student with the opportunity to apply for readmission. Similarly, the University may take summary action to dismiss a student with the opportunity to apply for readmission or permanently dismiss any student convicted of a felony (see Emergency Actions).
Articulation of the University's Standards of Conduct
The following actions and behaviors are clearly inconsistent with the University’s expectations for membership in this community.
- Abusive or harassing behavior, including unwelcome communication
- Actions which seemingly affect only the individual(s) involved but which may have a negative or disruptive impact on the University community and/or concern a student’s personal and academic growth
- Alcohol possession and use [read more]
- Behavior which causes a serious disturbance of the University community or infringes upon the rights and well-being of others
- Failure to follow the directive of a University official aimed at protecting life, health or safety, or necessary for the good order and proper functioning of the University community
- Responsibility for guests [read more]
- Sexual activity [read more]
- Undergraduate residence hall visitation (parietals) [read more]
- Willful damage to the reputation or psychological well-being of another
Depending upon the circumstances, violations of these behavioral standards will call into question a student’s continued full participation in the University community.
- Actions which compromise the safety of the University community [read more]
- Demonstrations [read more]
- Dishonesty, forgery or taking advantage of another
- Drugs and controlled substances [read more]
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs [read more]
- Hazing and hazing-like initiation [read more]
- Retaliation [read more]
- Sexual and Discriminatory Harassment [read more]
- Theft or unauthorized possession of property
- Vandalism or damage to property
- Unauthorized possession of explosives, incendiary devices, firearms or other weapons
- Violence or the threat of violence against another person, or any action which causes injury to another
Other University Policies and Regulations
In addition to the University Standards of Conduct outlined above, the following codes, policies and regulations are applicable to Notre Dame students.