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Cornell University

Fall 2020 Code Revisions - Section 3: Scope and General Provisions

A. Jurisdiction:

The Code covers behaviors by all Cornell students, University-recognized and registered student organizations and living groups (including fraternities and sororities). The Code generally applies to conduct on any campus of the University, on any other property used by it for educational purposes, or on the property of a University-related residential organization.  The Code applies to conduct that involves the use of University computing and network resources from a remote location, and to online behavior. The Code will apply regardless of the location of the conduct when: (1) the behavior occurs in the context of a University program or activity; or (2) poses a threat to the University’s educational mission or to the health or safety of individuals (whether affiliated with the University or not), the University community, or to the University’s reputation.   The Code applies to Cornell students between terms regardless of whether the University is in session. The final determination as to whether conduct is subject to this Code will be made by the VP SCL, or their designee. Students are further required to inform their guests as to Cornell’s behavioral standards and expectations. B. Transcript Notations: Transcript notations related to Code proceedings, including during the pendency of a conduct matter or when a student withdraws with a conduct charge pending, will be made in accordance with the University Registrar’s transcript notation policy (https://registrar.cornell.edu/grades-transcripts). Disciplinary Record Reporting by OSCCS is based on the seriousness of the underlying violation, with recognition of the educational and rehabilitative purpose of this Code. Towards that end, the following guidelines shall generally apply to such reporting:(1) minor offenses are not reported;(2) probationary status may be reported until the student graduates; or, if the student departs the university prior to graduation, then at the time of departure if the student has incurred no further Code violations;(3) suspension is reported until it has been fully served, the student has demonstrated one-year of good conduct without subsequent Code violations, and the transcript notation of the suspension has been removed ;(4) expulsion is reported permanently. C. Interaction with Criminal Proceedings: The Code does not govern criminal conduct, though criminal conduct can violate both the Cornell Student Code as well as criminal statutes.  Accordingly, Code processes and criminal or civil processes may run concurrently where the alleged conduct implicates both the Code and local, state or federal criminal or civil statute(s) and ordinances.  The determination of whether to continue or defer Code processes or proceedings rests with the VP SCL or their designee.

**Please submit comments on the main Fall 2020 Proposed Amendments to the Campus Code of Conduct page.**