Frequently Asked Questions from Parents about the Conduct System
- What is the purpose of the Student Code of Conduct?
- What policies should my student be aware of?
- What happens if my son/daughter is charged with a conduct violation?
- Will I be notified if my student is charged with a violation?
- My son/daughter was a victim of an assault, harassment, or theft.
What should he/she do? - If the incident occurs off-campus, will Quinnipiac University get involved?
- How are sanctions determined?
- My student was placed on probation. What does that mean?
- I think my son/daughter has a problem with alcohol or drugs. How can the University help?
What is the purpose of the Student Code of Conduct?
- The purpose of the conduct system of Quinnipiac University is to adjudicate violations of Quinnipiac rules and regulations. The system reflects Quinnipiac’s commitment to student involvement in the conduct process. Further, it represents the concept that a disciplinary process should, in fact, be an educational experience that fosters responsibility for one’s individual actions, as well as the way the community functions. The prevailing rule in student discipline must be that of fundamental fairness and education.
- Our goal is to educate students about policies, community standards, and their responsibilities as citizens of Quinnipiac University and Hamden, while considering the safety of the entire Quinnipiac University community.
What policies should my student be aware of?
It is your student's responsibility to know and obey federal, state, and local laws in addition to the Quinnipiac University policies found in the Student Handbook. The handbook can be accessed online.
What happens if my son/daughter is charged with a conduct violation?
Students accused of committing an alleged violation are notified and given their procedural rights in writing by a conduct officer. At the time of the meeting, procedural rights may be reviewed and students are asked to plea either responsible or not responsible for the alleged violation. After the student plea is recorded, the conduct officer will proceed with the remainder of the meeting. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the associate dean of student affairs with questions about the conduct process and procedural rights.
Will I be notified if my student is charged with a violation?
The philosophy of Quinnipiac University in dealing with students who violate University policies is to work to solve the problem and focus on educating the students and holding them accountable. The University relies on the professional judgment of the student affairs staff to resolve these issues by assessing each student’s situation and proceeding with the appropriate action. The vice president and dean of student affairs has the authority to determine when and by what means to notify parents or guardians when students have committed serious or repeated violations of University policies and/or local and state laws.
My son/daughter was a victim of an assault, harassment, or theft. What should he/she do?
- Your student should contact Quinnipiac University Security Department immediately to file a complaint. The Security Department is located in Irmagarde Tator Hall and is open 24 hours a day. Call 203-582-6200.
- Your student can come into the Office of Student Affairs and meet with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Monique Drucker. She will go over your student's rights, explain the conduct process, and present additional options your student has for reporting the incident.
If the incident occurs off-campus, will Quinnipiac University get involved?
- Quinnipiac University reserves the right to address issues with students who live off-campus and are involved in activities on and off-campus that may endanger the health, safety and welfare of Quinnipiac students.
- If a student is convicted for an alcohol or drug violation or any felony in Hamden and New Haven community, they will also be charged with a violation of Quinnipiac University policy.
- Our goal in sanctioning is to educate students on policies, decision-making, and risk-reduction strategies.
- Sanctions are determined based on the violation, the student's previous conduct history (if applicable), the student's perceived needs, and the guidelines of the Student Handbook.
My student was placed on probation. What does that mean?
- Probation means that the student has a record with our office. This does not affect his/her academics in any way and is not reflected on the student's transcript.
- If a student violates University policy and found responsible while on probation then his or her sanction will be more severe. Repeated violations of Quinnipiac University policy could result in a student's suspension from the residence hall and/or the University.
I think my son/daughter has a problem with alcohol or drugs. How can the University help?
Encourage your student to contact someone in the Counseling Center and/or Gina Grubb, associate dean of student affairs, located in the Office of Student Affairs, or to seek out a resource in the local community. Below is contact information for on-campus resources:
- Quinnipiac University Counseling Center -- 203-582-8680
- Gina Frank, associate dean of student affairs -- 203-582-8736