Student Conduct

The student conduct code and student conduct process are outlined in the Student Handbook, a copy of which is given to all full-time undergraduate students each academic year and is available to all students on the University website.

The following list of questions and answers are meant to complement, but not be totally inclusive of, the information in the Student Handbook:

What happens if I am involved in an incident where University policies may have been violated?

How will I be notified if I have to resolve a student conduct matter?

How do I make an appointment?

What about incidents off-campus?

How do I pay a student conduct fine?

How do I fulfill community service obligations?

How do I fulfill alcohol/drug education requirements?

Will my parents be notified of this incident?

Can I appeal a decision if I do not agree with it, especially the sanctions?

Will student conduct violations or sanctions appear on a student's transcript or other official records?

1. What happens if I am involved in an incident where University policies may have been violated?

For violations of the student conduct code, students will be notified or contacted by the Office of the Dean of Students to make an appointment to speak with a member of the staff about the matter. If necessary, a student conduct hearing/meeting will take place. If the student is responsible for a policy violation, a sanction or set of sanctions will be assigned. For easy reference, the Student Handbook contains a flow chart of the student conduct process.

It is important to note that the Office of the Dean of Students determines if an incident rises to the level of a student conduct matter or necessitates further action. Public Safety officers or residence life staff, who typically document alleged policy violations, submit their reports to the Office of the Dean of Students who, in turn, reviews such reports. In some instances, the reports may be sent back for clarification or additional information.

2. How will I be notified if I have to resolve a student conduct matter?

Generally, students will be notified in writing. If the matter is more urgent, the student may receive a phone call from the Office of the Dean of Students. E-mail may also be used. A student's failure to check his or her campus mailbox, StagWeb e-mail account, or campus voicemail is not an excuse for missing a meeting or faiing to schedule a meeting by a required date.

3. How do I make an appointment?

Students can make appointments with the Office of the Dean of Students by calling ext. 4211.  Most appointments will be with Mrs. Jennifer Sayre, assistant director in the Dean of Students' Office. However, some appointments will be with Mrs. Kimberly Nickolenko, assistant dean of students. Who a student will meet with is determined by the office in advance. However, a student may request a particular person, and the office will take that request under advisement.

4. What about incidents off-campus?

The student conduct code applies equally both on campus and off campus. Admittedly, violations of the student conduct code are more likely to be observed on campus than off campus. However, reports of misconduct off campus will be received from the local police or any University official who observed the behavior in question. Off-campus infractions which are also violations of the law may require the student to appear in the local court or pay a fine. The student conduct process is separate and distinct from the criminal or civil justice systems.

5. How do I pay a student conduct fine?

Student conduct fines, which are levied for violations of the alcohol and/or drug policies must be paid to the Office of the Dean of Students. Mrs. Madeline Minerly generally accepts these payments, which can be made by check or cash. (Towards the end of the academic year, cash only is accepted.) Student conduct fines are not the same as parking fines or other charges. They are deposited into a restricted account and are used to support student activities or other student life initiatives.

6. How do I fulfill community service obligations?

Community service that is assigned as part of a student conduct sanction may be completed on campus or off campus, unless a specific requirement has been made as part of the final determination in the case. A list of potential community service options is available from the Office of the Dean of Students or by clicking here.

Upon completion of the required service hours, a verification form must be submitted to the Office of the Dean of Students. That form is also available from the office or by clicking here.

Students who intend to complete compulsory service at an off campus location not directly affiliated with Fairfield University or an on campus location that is not part of the standard list of opportunities may do so but should seek approval before doing so. Contact the Office of the Dean of Students.

7. How do I fulfill alcohol/drug education requirements?

Alcohol/drug education classes are offered by Mrs. Jeanne DiMuzio and the wellness/prevention office located near the Health and Counseling Centers. A schedule of classes is available from the Office of the Dean of Students and require the student to sign-up for a class in advance. Additional information is available online, as well as by calling Mrs. DiMuzio at ext. 3098.

8. Will my parents be notified of this incident?

Parents of students under the age of 21 will be notified of violations of the alcohol and/or drug policies. They will be notified after it has been determined that a violation occured.

9. Can I appeal a decision if I do not agree with it, especially the sanctions?

Student conduct decisions may be appealed in accordance with the appeal process articulated in the Student Handbook. There are strict criteria under which an appeal can be made. Disagreement with the sanctions alone is not sufficient for an appeal.

10. Will student conduct violations or sanctions appear on a student's transcript or other official records?

No. Student conduct records are education records maintained by the Office of the Dean of Students that are considered privileged records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and since amended. The transcript contains only academic course credit information, as well as the date of graduation or withdrawal.