II. Applicability

Tufts students are responsible to the University for their conduct from the time they accept an offer of admission until they graduate or permanently withdraw. This Code of Conduct and all University policies apply to all undergraduate, graduate, and special students in the School of Arts and Sciences, including the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and the School of Engineering. The Code of Conduct and other policies apply throughout a student’s entire academic affiliation with Tufts, including regular academic terms; during academic breaks, like the summer or winter break; and while students are on personal, medical, or other leave. The Code of Conduct and all policies apply to behavior that occurs on any of Tufts' campuses, off campus, and online; and applies to students who are cross-registered at other universities or who are studying abroad. They also apply to all non-matriculated students enrolled in Tufts courses.

The Code of Conduct and other University policies also apply to all student organizations registered with, recognized by, or affiliated with the Tufts Community Union, Office for Campus Life, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Office of Residential Life and Learning, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, or School of the Museum of Fine Arts; club sports teams and intramural teams recognized by the Athletics Department; and other Tufts student organizations designated by the Dean of Students.

In the event of serious misconduct allegedly committed while the accused student was still enrolled but reported after the accused student has graduated, the University may use the Student Conduct Resolution Procedures to resolve and address the allegations. Should the former student be found responsible, the University may revoke that student’s degree.

In some instances, an action that violates Tufts policy may also violate local, state, or federal law. Such violations of law may be pursued in civil or criminal court simultaneous with and separate from the resolution of a complaint within the University. A pending legal action usually shall not delay University action, nor shall the outcome of a civil or criminal case determine the outcome of University proceeding.

In instances when an unaffiliated or unrecognized group engages in behavior that violates or attempts to violate Tufts policy, any individual student and/or student organization that has played a role in the behavior, including but not limited to organizing, supporting, or participating in the behavior, may be sanctioned in accordance with our policies and processes.

Attempted Policy Violations

Students and student organizations may be held responsible for attempted violations of University policy, even if the student is prevented from or otherwise does not complete the act of misconduct. Such attempted misconduct may be sanctioned to the same extent as completed misconduct.

Interpretation and Revision

The Dean of Students determines the applicability of these policies and their interpretation. Policies regarding student behavior are updated regularly by the Dean of Students Office with recommendation from the Committee on Student Life. The most updated version is published online and free printed copies are available in the Dean of Students Office (Dowling Hall, Suite 701).

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct or Non-Discrimination Policy Violations

Because of the very personal nature of sexual misconduct and other forms of discrimination, the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) investigates and resolves all such allegations in accordance with the university-wide Sexual Misconduct Policy, the Non-Discrimination Policy, and the Relationships with Students Policy. The Non-Discrimination Policy is available online, and the Sexual Misconduct Policy is available online. The Sexual Misconduct Adjudication Process (SMAP) is available online.