Violations
Behavior by students that violates the Nonacademic Code of Conduct and that takes place on Thomas Edison State University premises, during University-related activities, or which adversely affects the University community, shall be grounds for disciplinary action by the University. The University reserves the right, notwithstanding anything contained herein, to refer any nonacademic offense to the appropriate civil or criminal authority, as it may deem appropriate. Violations of the Nonacademic Code of Conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Disruption of University activities - exam administration, online courses, assessment activities, studying, research, administration, and meetings. These activities may also be considered a violation of the Academic Code of Conduct. When there are academic elements involved the case will also be referred to the appropriate dean for review.
- Unauthorized Entry and Use - unauthorized entry and/or use of any University network, building, facility, room, or office. Facilities include, but are not limited to, the Trenton offices, off-site centers, and special event venues.
- Misappropriation/Misuse of or Damage to University property - including misappropriation of or possession of misappropriated University property; intentional or negligent damage of University property; intentionally misplacing resources or in any way intentionally depriving other members of the University of the property or having access to the resources; infecting networks, programs, or other electronic media or systems with viruses or otherwise causing systems to malfunction or disruptions to University technology.
- Physical Abuse and Dangerous Activity - including actual physical abuse or threat of physical abuse to another person; damage to another person’s property; causes another person to fear physical abuse or fear damage to their property; creating a condition which endangers or threatens the health, safety, or well-being of other persons, or which could cause damage to property; possession, use, or distribution of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other weapons on University property.
- Written or Oral Harassment - written or oral harassment includes words or behavior that threaten, intimidate, or demean a person. Such behaviors include but are not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, words or behavior that threaten, intimidate, or demean a person. Such behaviors include but are not limited to: offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, threats of physical assault or dangerous activity, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, interference with work performance, (including repeated communications on the same or similar topics that impede others from carrying out work or academic functions), the use of threatening or obscene language, or language that is otherwise abusive or discriminatory in the circumstances, by a student, directed to another student, a mentor, trustee, or employee of the University.
- Hazing – any action or situation, with or without consent, that recklessly, intentionally, or unintentionally endangers the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization, regardless of the person's willingness to participate.
- Sexual Harassment – sexual harassment represents a form of abuse and/or intimidation and involves actions such as unwelcome sexual conduct; requests for sexual favors and other physical and expressive behavior of a sexual nature; written or oral abuse or threats of a sexual nature; displaying or distributing pornographic or derogatory pictures or materials; unwelcome physical contact such as touching, patting, pinching, or punching; continuing to engage in certain behaviors of a sexual nature after an objection has been raised by the target of such inappropriate behavior; conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s education or work performance or creating an intimidating or hostile environment. [Sexual harassment is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and other laws. See Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment for additional information.]
- Submission of Fraudulent Documents - such as transcripts, diplomas, test scores, references, or applications that are forged, fraudulent, altered from the original, materially incomplete, obtained under false pretenses, or otherwise deceptive (collectively referred to as fraudulent documents).
- Refusal to Provide Identification - upon request by an officer, employee, or agent of the University acting on behalf of the University in the course of their duties.
- Disorderly, lewd, or obscene conduct on University property or at a University activity.
- Disorderly, lewd, or obscene conduct in the use of an avatar, or in the use of digital media (audio, video uploads, streaming video, or photo content) in the online classroom.
- Deception of or attempt to deceive mentors, staff, or other students regarding one’s personal identity within the online classroom, in testing, or in relation to any University activity or function.
- Cyberbullying, or any electronic communication that contains threatening or abusive language, to another student, mentor, or staff member.
- Invading another person’s privacy by intruding upon private communications or property.
- Unauthorized appropriation and/or use of another person’s personal data or identity.
- Misrepresentation – materially misrepresenting information to an official University body or officer.
- Provide false or misleading information in the course of a nonacademic disciplinary investigation or hearing.
- Failing to appear as a witness during a nonacademic disciplinary hearing, when directed to appear by the University.
- Other acts or activities that violate nonacademic University policies.