The Tulane University Code of Student Conduct...Code of Student Conduct Office of Student Conduct...

The Tulane University Code of Student Conduct

Office of Student ConductDivision of Student Affairs2019-2020

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TableofContents

I.PREAMBLEANDTHESEVENCOREVALUES 3II.SCOPEOFTHECODE 4III.COMMUNICATION,ANDRESPECTFULANDMEANINGFULPARTICIPATION 5IV.TIMEFRAMES 5V.ADVISORS 6VI.PROCESS 6VII.RULES 17VIII.RESPONSESANDCONSEQUENCES 26IX.RELATEDPOLICIESANDPRACTICES 29X.AMNESTYPROVISIONS 30XI.PRIVACY,CONFIDENTIALITY,TRANSPARENCY,REPORTINGANDRECORD-KEEPING 30XII.NOTICEOFEQUALOPPORTUNITYANDANTI-DISCRIMINATION 32XIII.EXTERNALAGREEMENTS/DEFERENCETOEXTERNALLEGALAUTHORITIES 34XIV.INTERPRETATIONOFTHECODE 34XV.REVISIONOFCODE 34XVI.THEIMPORTANTROLEOFFAMILIES 35

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THETULANEUNIVERSITYCODEI.PREAMBLEANDTHESEVENCOREVALUES WelcometoTulaneUniversity!Weshareacommongoal—workingtomakethemostofyoureducationalexperience.OurlonghistoryofdeliveringaworldclassliberalartseducationtoadiverseandmulticulturalstudentbodyintheheartofAmerica’smostvibrantculturalcityhastaughtusthatthebestwaytoassiststudentsintheirlearningprocessiswithamanagededucationalexperience.YourlearningexperienceatTulanewillbemorethanattendingclassestaughtbydedicatedinstructors;yourlearningexperiencewillbeimmersiveandholistic,withlearningopportunitiesinsideandoutsidetheclassroom.Wewillbeheretofacilitateyourlearningprocessinavarietyofways,includingassertingtheUniversity’sexpectationsofyourtimeinthiseducationalcommunity.Tulane’sexpectationsareencapsulatedinthiscode.Wewillexpectyoutotakeprimaryresponsibilityforyourwell-beingandeducationalgrowth.Andthoughwemaybeengagedactivelyinyourlearningexperience,wewillnotmakechoicesforyouorassumeyourresponsibilities,asthisishowyoulearn.TheTulaneUniversityeducationalexperienceisavoluntaryeducationalcommunity.Aswillingparticipantsinourcommunity,werelyonyourbestefforts.Weexpectyoutoacceptthecorevaluesofourcommunity.Allofourvalues,policiesandrulesareconnectedto,andsupport,ouracademicmission.TheTulaneUniversityDivisionofStudentAffairsembracesSevenCoreValues:

1. LiveinCommunity2. LeadLivesofIntegrity3. ModelInclusiveExcellence4. EducatetheWholePerson5. BePerson-Centered6. EncourageCreativityandInnovation7. CommittoHealthyLiving

WerelyupontheSevenCoreValuesinoureducationalinterventions.OurSevenCoreValuesarenotmereplatitudes.WeutilizethemintheadministrationandfunctioningoftheTulaneCodetofacilitateyourlearningprocess.TheSevenCoreValueswillalsoguideyouinyourdecision-making.WeexpectmembersoftheTulanecommunitytounderstandandaccepttherulesoftheTulaneCodeandtheSevenCoreValues.Evenwhenthereisnoclearrulefor

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behavior,weexpectcommunitymemberstoactinaccordancewithourSevenCoreValues:Rememberthattheabsenceofaruleneverjustifiespoordecision-making.InadditiontoourSevenCoreValues,membersoftheTulaneUniversitycommunitybelievedeeplyinrespectfortheruleoflaw.Respectfortheruleoflawincludesrespectingtheimportantspacethelawcarvesoutforeducationalinteractionswithoutexcessiveexternalinterference.Wearenotacourtsystemnorwillwebehavelikeone.Someofourstandards,principles,andpracticeshavesimilaritiestothelegalsystem—andsometimesthelawactuallydictateswhatwemustdoandsay—butlegalmandatesexistintheTulaneCodeforeducationalpurposes.Ourrelationshipwithstudentsisfundamentallyaspirationalandemergent—weseektoworktogethertocreatepositiveeducationalexperiencesforthemembersofoureducationalcommunity.Ourmotto“nonsibisedsuis”—Latinmeaning“notforone’sselfbutforone’sown”—inspiresustothisgoal.Assuch,whatyouwilllearnfromyourTulaneUniversityexperiencedependsuponwhatyouputintoit,howyoutreatothers,andhowfaithfullyyouadheretooursharedcorevaluesandtherulesthatflowfromthosevalues.TheTulaneCodeisapillaroftheeducationalsystemsweusetoguideandmanagethelearningexperience,andisalivingdocument.OurCodeoperatesthroughthepeoplewhoadministerit,andyou!ThisisyourCodeandweexpectyoutooperateinaccordancewiththeCodewithoutinterventionbyus.Mosttimes,TulanestudentsfollowtheCodewithoutanyinterventionfromus.WhenchoicesdonotalignwithourCode,wewillinsistuponaccountability.Choiceshaveconsequencesandwewillaskyoutoacceptthoseconsequences.Youwillnotethatwehighlyvaluecandor,respectforourprocesses,andgoodfaitheffortsatconstructiveself-assessmentintheTulaneCodeandinourcorevalues.

II.SCOPEOFTHECODETheTulaneCodeappliesinandtomembersofourcommunitybroadly.TheCodeappliestoallfullandpart-timeUniversitystudents,graduate,professionalanddoctoralstudents,studentemployees,andstudentorganizations.Apersonbecomesastudentwhenthepersonis'inattendance'attheinstitution.AtTulane,astudentis'inattendance'whenthestudenthasdepositedandregisteredforanacademicterm.Astudentisdeemedenrolledthroughouttheirtimehere,includingduringsummersession,studyabroadprograms,academicandconductsuspensions,andotherabsenceswherethereisanexpectationofcontinuingprogresstowardaTulaneUniversitydegree.Incertaincases,graduateandprofessionalstudents,orstudentorganizationsmayalsobeheldaccountablefornon-academicmisconductthroughprofessionalororganizationalstandardsor

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codesofethics.ThisdoesnotprecludetheUniversityfromtakingactioninaccordancewiththeCodeofStudentConduct. TheTulaneCodeappliesonandoffcampus.Italsoappliestoon-lineandelectronicdomains.TulaneUniversitymaychoosetoapplytheTulaneCodeatanytimeandinanycontextinwhichtheUniversityhasanidentifiableinterest.TheDirectorofStudentConductordesigneehasdiscretion,subjecttodiscretionaryreviewbytheVicePresidentforStudentAffairs,todeterminethejurisdictionandparametersoftheCode.

III.COMMUNICATION,ANDRESPECTFULANDMEANINGFULPARTICIPATIONTheofficialmodeofcommunicationatTulaneUniversityisviaemailatyourTulaneUniversityaccount.Inorderforustoremainincontactwitheachother,allmembersofthecommunityareexpectedtouseduediligenceinmaintainingandcheckingtheiraccountsformessages,normallyonadailybasis.Failuretodosomayresultinadverseconsequences.MembersoftheTulaneUniversitycommunityareexpectedtoparticipate,whenaskedtodosobytheUniversity,inproceedingsassociatedwiththisCodeandtodosoinarespectfulandmeaningfulway.Wewelcomevigorousdisagreementinourcommunity;someeducationalconversationsarechallenging.However,contemptforTulaneUniversityCodeprocess,theadministratorswhooperatethatprocess,orindividualsinvolvedintheprocessshowslackofcongruencewithourcorevalues.

IV.TIMEFRAMES Consistentwiththegoaltomaximizeeducationalopportunities,TulaneUniversitywillseektoresolvealldisputesunderthisCodepromptlyandequitably—usuallywithinnomorethanoneacademicsemester,dependingonwhenamatterisbroughttotheattentionoftheUniversity.Specialtimeframesapplytoincidentsinvolvingdiscrimination;forexample,mattersinvolvingTitleIXoftenresolvein60(sixty)daysorless.ForpurposesofresolvingdisputesunderthisCode,a“day”isdefinedasa“businessday.”Businessdaysdonotincludeweekendsorholidays.Timeframesmaybeextendedasnecessarytoensuretheintegrityandcompletenessoftheinvestigation,complywitharequestbyexternallawenforcement,accommodatetheavailabilityofwitnesses,accommodatedelays,accountforUniversitybreaksorvacations,oraddressotherlegitimatereasons,includingthecomplexityofaninvestigation(includingthenumberofwitnessesandvolumeofinformationtobeconsidered)andtheseverityandextentoftheallegedconduct.Besteffortswillbemadetocompletetheprocessinatimelymannerby

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balancingtheneedforthoroughness,fundamentalfairness,andpromptness.V.ADVISORS Students, or student organizations, may choose to bring one advisor with them when engaging in any of the following processes. In issues involving sexual and/or gender-based harassment and violence, this advisor may be anyone of the student’s or organization’s choosing, including an attorney. In all other cases, this advisor must be a current faculty, staff, or student from within the Tulane community. For organizations, this would include advisors to their organizations. The role of this advisor is to assist the student or organization in reflecting on their choices and to assist with the learning process. Advisors may not speak on behalf of the student or organization and may not take an active role in educational conferences, administrative hearings, student hearing panels, or investigations.

VI.PROCESSTheTulaneCodereliesheavilyuponeducationalconferencesbututilizesotherprocessesaswell.Gatekeepers,describedbelowinSubsection(a),playanimportantroleindeterminingthepathwayforeducationalinterventions,includingwhetheramatterproceedstoaneducationalconference,administrativehearing,studenthearingpanelorinvestigation.InvestigationstakeplacewhenmajortransgressionofTulaneUniversityrulesmayhaveoccurred—mattersinvolvingdiscriminationagainstaprotectedclass,andmattersthatmayresultinexpulsion,suspension,orrevocationofadegreeorrecognitionofagroup.MajormattersinvolvethepotentialthatTulaneUniversitywillexerciseitsrightstoterminateorsuspendthevoluntaryassociationwithanindividualorgroup.Majormattersmayalsoinvolveserious,long-term,adverseconsequencesforanindividualorgroup.TulaneUniversityusesaninvestigativeprocedureadministeredbytrainedprofessionals,subjecttosubstantialreviewandspecifiedrightstoappeal.ThisprocessisdescribedinSubsection(e).

A.Gatekeepers

WhenasituationcomestotheattentionoftheDirectorofStudentConduct,theDirectorofStudentConductmaydetermineifasituationisproperlyhandledbytheindividualstudentconductprocessortheorganizationalconductprocess.Todeterminewhereasituationinvolvingtheindividualstudentconductprocesstravelsfrominitialnotice,theDirectorofStudentConductmayconsultwiththeTitleIXCoordinatorand/ortheOfficeofInstitutionalEquitytodeterminewhetherthemattershouldproceedtoaneducationalconferenceormovedirectlytoanadministrativehearing,orinsituationsinvolvingpotentiallymajormatters,theinvestigativeprocedure.Theprocessissimilar

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whentheorganizationalconductprocesswillbeinitiated.However,inthesematterstheDirectorofStudentConductmayconsultwiththeTitleIXCoordinator,theOfficeofInstitutionalEquity,and/ortheAssistantVicePresidentforCampusLife.MinorMattersInminormatters,theDirectorofStudentConduct,inconsultationwithothergatekeepers,asappropriate,maychoosetoreferamattertoeitheranadministrativehearinginthestudentconductprocessorastudenthearingpanelintheorganizationalconductprocess.Thesetwoprocessesaredescribedbelow.Directreferraltoeithertheadministrativehearingprocessorstudenthearingpanelwilloccurwithwrittennoticeviaemailtoeitherthestudentortheorganizationrespectively.ThenoticewillinformthestudentororganizationofconcernsrelatingtotheminorviolationsofTulaneUniversityrulesandwillspecifythetimeanddateforfurtherproceedingsundertheadministrativehearingprocessorthestudenthearingpanelprocess.MajorMattersTheDirectorofStudentConduct,inconsultationwiththeappropriategatekeepers,mayalsodeterminethatasituationmightpotentiallybeamajormatter,requiringinvestigation.Themerefactthatasituationisbeingreferredforinvestigationdoesnotindicateanydeterminationoftransgressionofanykind.Theinvestigationprocessisexactlythat—aneutralandfairinvestigationwithnopresumptionsofwrongdoing.Itwillbeuptotheinvestigatortomakedeterminationsregardinganypotentialtransgressionssubjecttoreviewandrightstoappeal.Inaddition,noinferenceoftransgressionshouldbeinferredfromthemannerinwhichindividualschoosetoframetheirsituationstoaninvestigator.B.EducationalConferencesTheeducationalconferenceisanimportantinstructionaltoolatTulaneUniversity,andstudentsandstudentorganizationsshouldexpecttoparticipateinthisprocess.WhentheUniversitybecomesawareofastudentwhomaynotbemeetingthecorevaluesandexpectationsofaTulaneUniversitystudentand/ormayhaveviolatedTulaneCodeRules(excludingsexualassault),theOfficeofStudentConductortheirdesignee,oftenResidenceLifeorCampusLife,canchoosetoresolvethisconcernthroughaneducationalconferenceinsteadofthemoreformalresolutionprocess.Theeducationalconferenceisanopportunityforastudentororganizationtodiscusscriticaldecisions,options,ortotakeresponsibilityforcorrectinganyerrorinjudgment.Theeducationalconferencemayfeaturecriticalexaminationofastudent’sororganizationsdecision-makingandadiscussionofchoicesthestudentororganizationhasmade.Itisalsoproactive,allowingstafftospeakwithstudentsaboutworrisomepatternsofbehaviorortopreventforeseeablenegativeoutcomes,likediscussionsof

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riskmanagementforevents.Itcanalsobeanopportunityforstudentstoshareconcernforothermembersofthecommunity,todiscoverresources,toseekmentorshipandguidance,andsoon.InadditiontotheOfficeofStudentConductinitiatinganeducationalconference,TulaneadministratorsandfacultymaydirectlyrequestthattheOfficeofStudentConducthaveaneducationalconferenceaboutaconcern;studentsandorganizationsmayalsorequestconferencesforthemselvesorforothermembersoftheTulanecommunitytoaddressconcernsorneeds.Tomakearequest,pleasecontacttheDirectorofStudentConductatconduct@tulane.edu.TheDirectorwilldecidewhetheraneducationalconferenceisappropriateandmayconsultwiththeTitleIXCoordinatorand/ortheOfficeofInstitutionalEquity,andiftherequestforaneducationalconferenceinvolvesorganizationalissues,theDirectorofStudentConductmayadditionallyconsultwiththeAssistantVicePresidentforCampusLife.Anydecisiononwhethertohaveornothaveaneducationalconferenceisfinalandunreviewable.Thestudentororganizationisexpectedtoparticipatefullyintheeducationalconferencewhenaskedtodoso.Refusaltoparticipateintheeducationalconferenceprocessinwholeorinpart,mayhavethesignificantconsequenceoftriggeringothereducationalinterventions,includingthepotentialofreferralofasituationtoadministrativehearing,studenthearingpanel,orinvestigation.Therearemanypotentialoutcomesinaneducationalconference.Insomesituations,astudentmaybeaskedtoagreetoalearningactionplan.AlearningactionplanmayfeaturesomeoftheconsequencesoutlinedinthesectionofthisCodedesignated“Consequences,”otherthansuspensionorexpulsionorrevocationofrecognitionofagroup.Itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttocompletethislearningactionplaninthemannerandtimeframedeterminedbytheconductofficer.Sometimesduringaneducationalconferenceitbecomesclearthatasituationwouldbebetteraddressedthroughmoreformalprocess,suchasanadministrativehearing,studenthearingpanelorinvestigation.Theconductofficerhasthediscretiontoendtheeducationalconferenceinlieuoftheseotherprocesses.

C.AdministrativeHearing(StudentsOnly)

Asituationunderthestudentconductprocessmaybereferredtoanadministrativehearing,conductedbyasingleconductofficer.Astudentwillreceivenoticeviaemailthatanadministrativehearingwilloccur,includinginformationastowhythestudentisbeingcalledtoanadministrativehearing.

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Theprecisefunctioningoftheadministrativehearingisinthediscretionoftheconductofficer,soastoallowsufficientflexibilityfortheconductofficertoproperlyassessthesituationpresented.TheconductofficerwillsharewiththestudentrelevantinitiatinginformationsuchasanincidentreportorotherinformationthatmaysupportadeterminationthatatransgressionoftheTulaneUniversitycodehasoccurred,soastoofferthestudentstheopportunitytorespondandtopresentrelevantwitnessesorinformation.Theconductofficerhasthediscretiontoconsiderwhat,ifany,relevantwitnessesorinformationmaybeintroduced,includingthediscretiontoseekadditionalinformationnotprovidedinitiallyorbythestudent.Theconductofficeralsohasthediscretiontodeterminetheweightandsufficiencyoftheinformation,andischargedwithassessingthecredibilityofwitnesses,ifappropriatetodoso,inmakingadetermination.Afterreviewingalloftheevidence,theconductofficerwillmakeadeterminationregardingwhetheranytransgressionofruleshasoccurred,andifapplicable,appropriateconsequences.Theconductofficerwillusethe“preponderanceoftheevidence”standardtodeterminewhetheranytransgressionhasoccurred.Thisstandardmeansthatthereshouldbeasufficientquantityofinformationofsufficientqualityfortheconductofficertomakearesponsibleeducationaldeterminationthat,morelikelythannot,anytransgressionofruleshasoccurred.Insomesituations,thepreponderanceoftheevidencestandardwillbeappliedinawaythattheconductofficerisunabletomakearesponsibleeducationaldeterminationthatanytransgressioneitherdidordidnotoccur.Thisdeterminationmaybetheresultwhenthereisneithersufficientinformationnorinformationofsufficientqualitytomakearesponsibleeducationaldecision.Studentsareremindedthatthisparticulardeterminationisnotavalidationofchoicesmadeornotmade,andthatoperatingaccordingtothecorevaluesofTulaneremainsimperative.TulaneUniversitystudentsarealsoremindedthattheconductofficerwillnotbeusingstandardsfortheassessmentofinformationthatareusedincourt,suchasthe“beyondareasonabledoubtstandard.”Moreover,becausetheadministrativehearingisnotalegalproceeding,rulesofevidencesuchasmightbeusedincourtorarbitrationarenotrequired.TheconductofficerwillbeevaluatinginformationfromaneducationalperspectiveinpursuitofTulaneUniversity’seducationalgoals.Theconductofficer’sdeterminationwillbetransmittedinwritingtothestudentviaemail.Thedeterminationwillincludearecitationofwhetherornottherehasbeenadeterminationofatransgressionandwhich,ifany,ofTulaneUniversityrulesareimplicated,andwillalsoprovideinformationabouttheconsequencesforanytransgression.Theconductofficerhowevermaynotassessconsequencesofexpulsionorsuspension,orrevocationofadegree.Ifatanytimeduringtheadministrativehearingprocesstheconductofficerbelievesthatamajorviolationmayhaveoccurred,

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theconductofficerwillcontacttheDirectorofStudentConducttotriggeragatekeepingassessmentofwhetherthesituationshouldbereferredtotheinvestigativeprocess.Inourexperience,studentsoftenacceptthefindingsandconsequencesofanadministrativehearingand,therefore,thedeterminationoftheconductofficerisfinal.Nothinginthissubsectionprohibitsadministratorschargedwithreviewresponsibilitiesfromreviewingthisfinaldeterminationoftheconductofficer,orconsultingwiththeconductofficer.D.StudentHearingPanel(OrganizationsOnly)

Caseswhicharedeterminedtobeminormattersinthegatekeepingprocessmaybereferredtoastudenthearingpanelconsistingoffivemembersperpanel.Thefive-personpanelwillselectachairpersonforthehearing.Thestudenthearingpanelpoolwillattendregularmeetingsduringthefallandspringsemestersandeitherconsidermattersreferredtopanelsorcontinuetheirtraining.Aspartoftheeducationalfunctionofthestudenthearingpanel,studenthearingpoolmemberswillengageinintegrityandethicsprogrammingforstudentorganizationsindependentofhearings.Afterreceiptofareferralfromthegatekeepers,awrittennotificationofthehearingwillbesenttotheorganization,incareofitsleadershipasdesignatedbytheorganization.Thenotificationwillincludethetime,dateandlocationofthehearingandprovideinformationregardingtheconcernstobeaddressedinthehearing.EachorganizationwillhaveadesigneeforpurposesofreceivingnoticeundertheCode.Thestudenthearingpanelwillalsofollowthesameproceduresasareusedinanadministrativehearingdescribedabove,withtheexceptionthatthefive-memberstudenthearingpanelwithachairpersonwillmakethedeterminationsmadebyaconductofficerinanadministrativehearing.Afterhearingrelevantinformationandfromrelevantwitnesses,amajorityofthepanelmaymakerecommendationsregardingtransgressionsofrulesrelatingtoorganizationsandmayalsorecommendconsequences.ThechairpersonwillforwardrecommendationswithabriefdescriptionoftheproceedingstotheAssistantVicePresidentforCampusLifeordesignee,whomaychoosetoacceptorrejecttherecommendationsregardingtransgressionsandconsequences.TheAssistantVicePresidentforCampusLifeordesigneereviewstherecommendationsandconsequencesfromthestudenthearingpanel,andmayadjustthembeforetheybecomefinal,subjecttoanorganization’srighttoappealassetforthbelow.

E.InvestigationofMajorMatters

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Whenthegatekeepershavedeterminedthattheinvestigationprocessshouldbeutilizedforindividualstudentsorfororganizations,thematterwillbereferredtoaninvestigatorbytheDirectorofStudentConduct.Theinvestigatorwillissueanoticeofinvestigationtonecessaryparties/persons.Theinvestigatorwillalsoprovidenecessaryindividualsandorganizationswithawrittenstatementregardingtheirrightsandexplainingtheinvestigationprocess.Theinvestigatorwilldirecttheinvestigation.Theinvestigationisdesignedtoprovideafairandreliablegatheringofthefactsbyatrainedandimpartialinvestigator,whowilldetermineconsequences,ifany.Allindividuals,includingwitnesses,willbetreatedwithappropriatesensitivityandrespectthroughouttheinvestigation.TheinvestigationwillsafeguardtheprivacyoftheindividualsinvolvedinamannerconsistentwithapplicablelawandtheTulaneCode.Duringtheinvestigation,theinvestigatorwillprovidetheindividualsafairandequalopportunitytobeheard,opportunitiestosubmitinformation,andtoidentifywitnesseswhomayhaverelevantinformation.Theinvestigatormayspeakseparatelywithindividualswhoarewillingtoparticipateandhaveinformationrelevanttothedeterminationofresponsibility.Aspartoftheinvestigation,theinvestigatormaygatherorreceiveinformationthatisrelevanttothedeterminationofappropriateconsequences,includinginformationaboutanyimpactsonanymemberoftheTulanecommunity.Theinvestigatorwillalsogatheravailablephysicalordocumentaryevidence,includingpriorstatements,anyrelevantcommunications,emailmessages,socialmediamaterials,textmessages,andotherrecordsasappropriateandavailable.IngeneralTulaneUniversitywillseektoconcludetheinvestigationwithinthirty(30)businessdaysfromtheissuanceofthenoticeofinvestigation,althoughspecialcircumstancesmayextendthistimeframe.Thetimeframeforcompletionoftheinvestigation,oranydesignatedtimeframesofstepsintheinvestigation,maybeextendedforgoodcauseasnecessarytoensuretheintegrityandcompletenessoftheinvestigation,tocomplywitharequestbyexternallawenforcement,toaccommodatetheavailabilityofwitnesses,toaccountforTulaneUniversitybreaksorvacations,toaccountforcomplexitiesofacase(includingthenumberofwitnessesandvolumeofinformationprovidedbytheparties),ortoaddressotherlegitimatereasonsasdefinedbytheinvestigator.Anyextensionofthetimeframes,andthereasonfortheextension,willbesharedwiththeimpactedindividualsinwriting.Besteffortswillbemadetocompletetheprocessinatimelymannerbybalancingprinciplesofthoroughnessandfundamentalfairnesswithpromptness.

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WheretheUniversityismadeawarethatthereisaconcurrentcriminalinvestigation,thegatekeepers,orotherindividualsasappropriate,willcoordinatewithlawenforcementsothatanyUniversityprocessesdonotinterferewiththeintegrityorthetimingofthelawenforcementinvestigation.Attherequestoflawenforcement,TulaneUniversitymayagreetodeferthefact-findingportionofitsinvestigationuntilaftertheinitialstagesofacriminalinvestigation.TheOfficeofInstitutionalEquityand/orTitleIXCoordinatorwillneverthelesscommunicatewithindividualsinvolvedintheinvestigationregardingresourcesandaccommodations,proceduraloptions,anticipatedtiming,andtheimplementationofanynecessaryinterimmeasures,describedlaterintheCode,forthesafetyandwell-beingofallimpactedindividuals.Theinvestigatorwillpromptlyresumefact-gatheringassoonaslawenforcementhasreleasedthecaseforreviewfollowingtheinitialcriminalinvestigation.Allcommunitymembers,includingstudents,studentorganizations,facultyandotherUniversityemployees,areexpectedtocooperatewiththeinvestigation.Whilestudentsmaydeclinetoparticipateinaninvestigation,aninvestigationmaypotentiallyproceedinabsentia,andstudentsororganizationsmayreceiveconsequenceseveniftheychoosenottoparticipate.Inmattersinvolvingdiscriminationagainstaprotectedclass,theTitleIXCoordinatorand/orOfficeofInstitutionalEquitywillconsultwiththeinvestigatoraboutwhetheroriftoproceedwithoutcertainindividualsparticipating.Inmajormattersinvolvingorganizations,theinvestigatorisencouragedtoconsultwiththestudenthearingpanelmembersandtheAssistantVicePresidentforCampusLife.Theinvestigatorhasthediscretiontodeterminetherelevanceofanywitnessorotherevidencetothefindingofresponsibility,andmayexcludeinformationinpreparingtheinvestigationreportiftheinformationisirrelevant,immaterial,ormoreprejudicialthaninformative.Theinvestigatormayalsoexcludestatementsofpersonalopinionbywitnessesandstatementsastogeneralreputationforanycharactertrait,includinghonesty.UnderthisCode,“characterevidence”isdefinedas:informationthatdoesnotdirectlyrelatetothefactsatissue,butinsteadreflectsuponthereputation,personality,qualities,orhabitsofanindividual.Generally,informationregardingcharacterisnotrelevanttothedeterminationofwhethertherehasbeenaviolationofthisCode.Closelyrelated,andcertainlyinvolvingmattersofsexualharassmentorsexualassault,aparty’scharacterorreputationwithrespecttoothersexualactivityisnotrelevantandwillnotbeconsideredasevidence.Similarly,aparty’spriororsubsequentsexualactivityistypicallynotrelevantandwillonlybeconsideredasevidenceunderlimitedcircumstances.

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Thosecircumstancesinclude:

1. PatternEvidence.Evidenceofanoccurrenceoroccurrencesofsexualorotherrelevantbehaviorsodistinctiveorsocloselyresemblingaversionofthefactssoastotendtoproveamaterialfact,includingwhetherconsentwassoughtorgiven,maybeadmissible.Wherethereisevidenceofapatternofsimilarconduct,eitherbeforeoraftertheconductinquestion,regardlessofwhethertherehasbeenapriorfindingofapolicyviolationbytherespondingparty,thisinformationmaybedeemedrelevanttothedeterminationofpolicyviolationorassigningofasanction.Thedeterminationofrelevancewillbebasedonanassessmentofwhetherthepreviousorsubsequentincidentwassubstantiallysimilartotheconductcitedinthereportorindicatesapatternofbehaviorandsubstantialconformitywiththatpattern.Wherethereisapriorfindingofapolicyviolationbytherespondingpartyforasimilaractofprohibitedconduct,thereisapresumptionofrelevanceandthefindingmaybeconsideredinmakingadeterminationastoresponsibilityandassigningofasanction.

2. PriorSexualHistoryBetweentheParties.Wheretherewasapriororongoing

relationshipbetweenthecomplainantandtherespondingparty,andtherespondingpartyassertsthatconsentwassoughtandgiven,thepriorsexualhistorybetweenthepartiesmayberelevanttoassessthemannerandnatureofcommunicationsbetweentheparties.Asnotedinothersectionsofthepolicy,however,themerefactofacurrentorpreviousdatingorsexualrelationship,byitself,isnotsufficienttoconstituteconsent.

3. PriorSexualHistorywithOtherParties.Aparty’ssexualhistorywithanindividual

otherthanthecomplainantorrespondingpartymayberelevantunderverylimitedcircumstancestoproveintent,motive,absenceofmistake,ortoexplainaninjuryorphysicalfinding.

AtthediscretionoftheUniversity,multiplemattersmaybeconsolidatedinoneinvestigation.

Attheconclusionoftheinvestigation,theinvestigatorwillprepareawrittenreportthatsummarizestheinformationgathered,synthesizestheareasofagreementanddisagreementamongorbetweenindividualsand/ororganizationswithanysupportinginformationoraccounts,andincludesaninvestigativefindingregardingwhetheranyrulehasbeenviolated.However,beforethereportisfinalized,necessaryindividualsand/ororganizationswillbegiventheopportunitytoreviewadraftoftheinvestigationreport,whichmaybepresentedinredactedformattoprotecttheprivacyrightsofindividualsinvolvedintheinvestigation.

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Uponreceiptofanyadditionalinformationfromindividualsand/ororganizationsinvolvedintheprocess,orafterthefive(5)businessdaycommentperiodhaslapsedwithoutcomment,theinvestigatorwillmakeafinalinvestigativedetermination,byapreponderanceoftheevidence,regardingwhetheraruletransgressionhasoccurredandwillrecommendconsequences,ifany.Inreachingthesedeterminations,theinvestigatormayconsultwiththeOfficeofInstitutionalEquity,theTitleIXCoordinator,andanydesignatedadministratorwhohasinformationrelevanttotheinvestigation.TheinvestigatormayalsoseekinformationfromtheOfficeofStudentConductregardingpriordisciplinaryhistoryandTulaneUniversityPoliceDepartmentregardingpriorcriminalhistory.ThecomplainantandrespondentwillbeprovidedtheopportunitytosubmitawrittenImpactStatement.ThesewrittenImpactStatementswillnotbeconsideredinthedeterminationofresponsibility,butwillbeprovidedtotheinvestigator,andattheappropriatestageoftheprocess,tothedisciplinaryauthorityorHearingPanelforconsiderationinthedeterminationofthesanctionandremedy.TheImpactStatementmaybesubmittedatanytimeintheprocess,providedthatitisreceivednolaterthanfive(5)daysafterthepartieshavebeengivennoticeoftheopportunitytoreviewthedraftInvestigativeReport.ThepartiesmaysubmitasupplementalImpactStatementtothedisciplinaryauthorityorHearingPanelifthereisachangeincircumstanceswarrantinganupdatedImpactStatement.TheImpactStatementswillbesharedwiththeparties,andmayberedactedatthediscretionoftheinvestigator,orinaccordancewithFERPA.

TheinvestigatormayalsoconsideracommunityImpactStatementasappropriatebasedonthenatureandfactsofthecircumstancesandtheextenttowhichtheconductatissuewasdirectedatandcreatedahostileenvironmentforcommunitymembersbeyondtheReportingParty.TheinvestigatormaylimitthesubmissionoruseofcommunityImpactStatements.IndividualswillbenotifiedofthefinalInvestigativedeterminationandinwritingatthesametime,viaemail.Thefinalinvestigativedeterminationmayberedactedinlightofprivacyrightsofimpactedindividuals.Indeterminingtheappropriateconsequences,theinvestigatorshallconsiderthefollowingfactors:

● thenatureofanybehavior,includingviolence; ● theimpactofbehavioronotherindividualsorgroups; ● theimpactorimplicationsofthebehavioronthecommunityortheUniversity; ● priortransgressions,bothattheUniversityorelsewhere,includingcriminal

convictions; ● whetherastudentorstudentorganizationhasacceptedresponsibilityforthe

conduct;

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● maintenanceofasafeandrespectfulenvironmentconducivetolearning; ● protectionoftheUniversitycommunity; ● anyapplicableprofessionalstandardsofbehavior;and, ● anyothermitigating,aggravating,orcompellingcircumstancestoreachajust

andappropriateresolutionineachmatter. Ininvestigationsofmajormattersoforganizationalmisconduct,theinvestigatorwillsubmittheirfindingstotheStudentHearingPaneldescribedinsectionIX.D.Afterreviewingtheinvestigator’sfindingsandrationale,thepanelwillrecommendconsequencesfortheorganization.Thechairpersonwillthenforwardtheinvestigator’sfindings,alongwiththepanel’srecommendationsandabriefdescriptionoftheproceedingstotheAssistantVicePresidentforCampusLifeordesignee,whomaychoosetoacceptorrejecttherecommendationsregardingtransgressionsandconsequences.TheAssistantVicePresidentforCampusLifeordesigneereviewstherecommendationsandconsequencesfromthestudenthearingpanel,andmayadjustthembeforetheybecomefinal,subjecttoanorganization’srighttoappealassetforthbelow.F.Appeals

AnystudentororganizationfoundtohavetransgressedanyrulesintheTulaneCodehasarighttoappealthedeterminationofthetransgressionand/orconsequencesdeliveredfor,andonlyfor,specificreasonssetforthbelow.Ordinarily,astudentororganizationhasfive(5)daystofileanappealfromthedeliveryofwrittennoticeoffinaloutcomefromaninvestigator,conductofficerinanadministrativehearing,orthechairpersonofastudenthearingpanel.Forappealssubmittedbyanindividualstudent,theappellatepanelwillconsistofthreemembers.Panelmemberswillbedrawnfromtheappealpanelpool,whichwillconsistofTulanefaculty,staff,andstudentswhohavebeentrainedintheprocess.StudentswillnotserveonpanelsinmattersrelatingtoTitleIX.Forappealssubmittedbyastudentorganization,theappellatepanelwillhavethesamestructureasthatoftheStudentHearingPanel.Inthissituation,individualswhoservedontheoriginalhearingpanelwillnotbeallowedtoserveontheappellatepanelforthesamecase.Astudentororganizationmaypetitiontheappellatepanel,asdescribedbelow,formodificationofthistimeframeincircumstancesunder2.below.1. ProceduralError

Materialdeviationfromproceduresthatsubstantiallyimpacteddeterminationsofresponsibilityorsanctionsapplied;

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2. NewandSubstantialEvidenceNewandsubstantialevidenceappearedthatcouldhavenotreasonablybeendiscoveredbeforethedeterminationofresponsibilitywasmade.ThetimeframeforanappealfromaninvestigationbasedonnewlydiscoveredinformationmaybeextendedatthediscretionoftheOfficeofInstitutionalEquityand/orTitleIXCoordinatorinmattersinvolvingdiscriminationagainstaprotectedclasswheretheevidencecouldnotreasonablyhavebeendiscoveredwithinthetimeframesoftheinvestigationandcompellingjustificationexistsforitsconsideration.Iftheappellatepaneldeterminesanappealiswarrantedonthisbasis,thematterwillberemandedforrehearing.Afterrehearing,theappellatepanelwillconsiderwhetherthenewlydiscoveredinformationwasfullyandproperlyconsidered,buttheappellatepanelwillnotre-hearthematterasifforthefirsttime.Iftheappellatepaneldoesbelievethatnewlydiscoveredinformationwasfullyandproperlyconsidered,aftersoordering,theappellatepanelmaytakeappropriateaction,includingdismissingamatterororderingthatthematterbereconsideredbythegatekeepersforfurtheractionundertheCode;

3. DisproportionateSanctionsWheresanctionsaregrosslydisproportionatetothefindingsofresponsibility.

Anyindividualororganizationmayappealanyoutcome,fortheabovereferencedreasons,inanadministrativehearing,studenthearingpanel,orinvestigationinwhichtheywereacomplainantorrespondent.Dissatisfactionwiththeresultsofahearingisnotitselfavalidbasisforappeal.Appealsarealsonotanoccasiontoengageincontemptoftheconductprocess,administrators,orstudentswhoparticipatedinCodeprocess.Theappealmustconsistofaplain,concise,andcompletewrittenstatementoutliningthegroundsforappealandallrelevantinformationtosubstantiatethebasisfortheappeal.TheappealmustbesenttotheDirectorofStudentConductviaemail.ReceiptofthewrittenappealwillbeacknowledgedinwritingbytheDirectorofStudentConduct.Theappropriategatekeepers—dependingontheprocessusedandissuesraised—willthenassessthewrittenappealtodeterminewhethertheappealistimelyfiledand,ifso,whethertheappealisproperlyframedbasedonthepermissiblegrounds.Ifthegatekeepersdeterminethattheappealdoesnotproperlyfitwithinoneofthethreespecificgroundsforappeal,theappealwillbedenied.Iftheappealisproperlyfiled,theappellatepanelmayofferimpactedindividualstheopportunitytoreviewthewrittenappealandoffertheirperspectivestotheappellatepanel.Typically,suchresponsesmustbesubmittedtotheappellatepanelwithinthree(3)businessdaysfrombeingprovidedtheappeal,buttheappealspanelmayextendthistimeinitsdiscretion.Ifmultipleindividualsappeal,theappealdocumentsfromeachpartywillbeconsideredtogetherinoneappealprocess.Inallappeals,theappellatepanelwill

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presumethatdecisionsweremadereasonablyandappropriately,unlessthereiscompellinginformationtothecontrary.Appealsarenotintendedtobearehearingofthematter.Mostappealsconsistofareviewofthewrittendocumentationorrecordoftheoriginalhearingandpertinentdocumentationregardingthegroundsforappeal.Theappellatepanelmayspeaktotheinvestigator,thestudenthearingpanelchair,theconductofficerwhoconductedanadministrativehearing,oranyimpactedindividuals,asappropriate.Theappellatepanelwillalterdeterminationsoftransgressionsorconsequencesonlywherethereismanifesterror.Dependingonthenatureoftherequestedappeal(s),theappellatepanelmay,bymajorityvote:

● Affirmthedeterminationoftransgressionsorconsequencesinwholeorinpart; ● Alterthedeterminationoftransgressionsorconsequencesinwholeorinpart; ● Returnthemattertotheconductofficerorhearingpanelwithinstructionsto

reconvenetocureaproceduralerrororreconsidertheconsequencesdelivered,orotherwiseactinaccordancewith2.above.Nosituationwilleverberemandedforreconsiderationmorethanonce.

Theappellatepanelwilltransmitviaemailawrittendecisiongenerallywithinfifteen(15)businessdaysfromthedateofthesubmissionofallappealdocuments.Appealdecisionsarefinalwiththeexceptionofmattersthatareremandedforfurtherconsideration,whichmaybesubjecttoappealfollowingtheremand.

VII.RULESA. GeneralMisconductThefollowingareexamplesofmisconduct;theyarenotintendedtodefinemisconductinexhaustiveorexclusivetermsandshouldbeconstruedbroadlyaccordingtothefairimportoftheirterms.StudentsororganizationswhoattempttocommitactsprohibitedbytheCodemaybeheldresponsibletothesameextentasstudentsororganizationswhoactuallyviolatetheCode,andaccomplicesinactsprohibitedbytheCodemaybeheldresponsibleasviolators.Similarly,astudenthostorstudentorganizationmaybeheldresponsiblefortheviolationsoftheCodebyaguestifthehosthasimplicitlyorexplicitlyendorsedtheconductviolationoftheirguest.Itisastudenthost’sororganization’sresponsibilitytoensurethatguestscomplywiththeCode.ThefollowingactionsoranyactionsthatviolatetheprinciplesofthePreambletothisdocumentviolateTulaneUniversitystandardsofconductandwillresultinconductactionasdescribedaboveinVIII.Process.

1. Causingphysicalharmorreasonableapprehensionofphysicalharm.

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2. InterferencewithanyeducationalprocessorotherUniversitysponsoredactivities,

includingmaterialdisruptionsintheclassroomorotherlearningenvironments.3. Use,possession,orstorageofanyweaponorammunition,useofaniteminamanner

thatposesapotentialhazardtothesafetyorhealthofothers,and/orviolationoftheUniversity’sWeaponsPolicy.

4. ViolationoftheUniversity’sTobaccoandSmokeFreeCommunityPolicy.5. Unauthorizeduseand/orpossessionofanycontrolledsubstanceorillegaldrug.6. Unauthorizeduseand/orpossessionofanydrugparaphernalia.Theterm“drug

paraphernalia”broadlyincludesanymaterial,product,instrument,oritemusedtocreate,manufacture,distribute,use,orotherwisemanipulateanydrugandincludes,butisnotlimitedto,pipes,bongs,andhookahs.

7. Distributionorpossessionforthepurposeofdistributionofanycontrolledsubstanceor

illegaldrug.8. Use,possession,ordistributionofalcoholicbeveragesinviolationoftheTulane

UniversityAlcohol&OtherDrugPolicy.9. Hazing.Hazingincludes,butisnotlimitedto,actsofservitudeand/orbehaviorthat

humiliates,degrades,embarrasses,harassesorridiculesanindividual,orotherwiseisharmfulorpotentiallyharmfultoanindividual’sphysical,emotional,orpsychologicalwell-being,asanactualorapparentconditionforinitialorcontinuedaffiliationwithanygroup.Astudentororganizationviolatesthisstandardregardlessofeitherthelackofintenttocauseharmorthehazedindividual’sownwillingnesstoparticipate.Unlessaffirmativestepsweretakenbytherespondingstudentororganizationtopreventthehazingbehavior,conductchargesmaybebroughtagainstthegroup,officersofthegroup,andmembersofthegroupwhoaredeemedtohaveencouragedthebehavior,inadditiontoanyconductactionagainstpersonswhoengagedinthehazingbehavior.

10. Initiatingorcausingtobeinitiatedafire,explosion,orotheremergency.11. Initiatingorcausingtobeinitiatedanyfalsereportorwarningoffire,explosionorother

emergency.12. Inappropriateuseofsafety,emergency,orfirefightingequipmentoranyotherviolation

ofTulane’sFireSafetyProcedures.

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13. UnauthorizedentryoraccessintoUniversitybuildingsorareas,includingconstructionsites,athleticfacilities,studentroomsoroffices,evenifunlocked.

14. UnauthorizeduseofUniversityfacilities,suchasspacesorgrounds.15. Unauthorizedaccessoruseofcomputerequipment,networks,softwareordata,

includingviolationoftheTulaneComputerServicespolicies.

16. FurnishingfalseinformationtotheUniversityortoaUniversityofficial.17. Actsoffraudorattemptedfraud,includingbutnotlimitedtoactsoffraudcommitted

byforgery,byalterationoruseofUniversitydocuments,records,oridentification,orbyothermeans.

18. Interferencewiththefreedomofexpressionofothers.

19. Theftofpropertyorservicesorknowingpossessionofstolenproperty.

20. Damagetoorvandalismofthepropertyofothers.

21. FailuretocomplywiththedirectionsofUniversityofficials,includingbutnotlimitedtocampuspoliceofficers,actingintheperformanceoftheirduties.

22. Harassment,intimidation,orcyberbullying.

23. Lewdorobsceneconduct.24. Disruptiveordisorderlyconduct.25. ViolationofotherUniversityprinciples,policies,orrules,includingbutnotlimitedto

tailgatingorgamedaypolicies,policiesoftheOfficeofFraternity&SororityPrograms,policiesoftheOfficeofCampusLife,residencehallrules,andrulesconcerningentryanduseofUniversityfacilities,saleorconsumptionofalcoholicbeverages,useofvehicles,ormisuseofidentificationcards.

26. Convictionofviolationoffederal,state,orlocallaws,whentheUniversityhasan

identifiableinterest.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto,circumstancesinwhichtheimpositionofasentencehasbeendeferredbythecourtandacourthassettheconvictionasideanddismissedtheprosecution.

27. Jointresponsibility,whichincludesactionincollusionwithanothertoviolatetheCode

ofStudentConductorinactiontoprevent,orwhichcondonesaknown,imminent

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violationoftheCodeofStudentConduct.

28. CreatingorcontributingtobehaviorswhichjeopardizetherelationshipbetweentheUniversityandthegreatercommunity.

29. Discriminationorharassmentinemploymentpracticesoreducational

programs/activitiesonthebasisofrace,color,sex,religion,nationalorigin,age,disability,geneticinformation,sexualorientation,genderidentity,genderexpression,pregnancy,maritalstatus,militarystatus,veteranstatus,oranyotherstatusorclassificationprotectedbyfederal,stateorlocallaw.

30. Actsofretaliation,intimidation,coercionagainstanypersonorgroupwhoisengagedin

activityunderthisCodeofConduct,suchasreportingaconcern,actingasawitness,orotherwiseparticipatingintheinvestigationprocess.

31. SexualAssault

SexualAssaultconsistsof(a)SexualContactand/or(b)SexualIntercoursethatoccurswithout(c)AffirmativeConsent.

a.SexualContactis: • Anyintentionalsexualtouching • Howeverslight • Withanyobjectorbodypart(asdescribedbelow) • Performedbyapersonuponanotherperson

SexualContactincludes(i)intentionaltouchingofthebreasts,buttocks,groinorgenitals,whetherclothedorunclothed,orintentionallytouchinganotherwithanyofthesebodyparts;and(ii)makinganothertouchyouorthemselveswithoronanyofthesebodyparts.

b.SexualIntercourseis:• Anypenetration• Howeverslight• Withanyobjectorbodypart(asdescribedbelow)• Performedbyapersonuponanotherperson

SexualIntercourseincludes(i)vaginalpenetrationbyapenis,object,tongue,orfinger;(ii)analpenetrationbyapenis,object,tongue,orfinger;and(iii)anycontact,nomatterhowslight,betweenthemouthofonepersonandthegenitaliaofanotherperson.

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c.AffirmativeConsentis:• Informed (knowing) • Voluntary(freelygiven) • Active(notpassive),meaningthat,throughthedemonstrationofclearwordsor

actions,apersonhasindicatedpermissiontoengageinmutuallyagreed-uponsexualactivity

AffirmativeConsentcannotbeobtainedbyForce.Forceincludes(i)theuseofphysicalviolence,(ii)threats,(iii)intimidation,and/or(iv)coercion.

i. Physicalviolencemeansthatapersonisexertingcontroloveranotherpersonthroughtheuseofphysicalforce.Examplesofphysicalviolenceincludehitting,punching,slapping,kicking,restraining,choking,andbrandishingorusinganyweapon.

ii. Threatsarewordsoractionsthatwouldcompelareasonablepersontoengageinunwantedsexualactivity.Examplesincludethreatstoharmapersonphysically,torevealprivateinformationtoharmaperson’sreputation,ortocauseapersonacademicoreconomicharm.

iii. Intimidationisanimpliedthreatthatmenacesorcausesreasonablefearinanotherperson.Aperson’ssize,alone,doesnotconstituteintimidation;however,aperson’ssizemaybeusedinawaythatconstitutesintimidation(e.g.,blockingaccesstoanexit).

iv. Coercionistheuseofanunreasonableamountofpressuretogainsexualaccess.Coercionismorethananefforttopersuade,entice,orattractanotherpersontohavesex.WhenapersonmakesclearadecisionnottoparticipateinaparticularformofSexualContactorSexualIntercourse,adecisiontostop,oradecisionnottogobeyondacertainsexualinteraction,continuedpressurecanbecoercive.Inevaluatingwhethercoercionwasused,theUniversitywillconsider:(i)thefrequencyoftheapplicationofthepressure,(ii)theintensityofthepressure,(iii)thedegreeofisolationofthepersonbeingpressured,and(iv)thedurationofthepressure.

AffirmativeConsentcannotbegainedbytakingadvantageoftheincapacitationofanother,wherethepersoninitiatingsexualactivitykneworreasonablyshouldhaveknownthattheotherwasincapacitated.Incapacitationmeansthatapersonlackstheabilitytomakeinformed,rationaljudgmentsaboutwhetherornottoengageinsexualactivity.

Apersonwhoisincapacitatedisunable,temporarilyorpermanently,togiveAffirmativeConsentbecauseofmentalorphysicalhelplessness,sleep,unconsciousness,orlackofawarenessthatsexualactivityistakingplace.Aperson

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maybeincapacitatedasaresultoftheconsumptionofalcoholorotherdrugs,orduetoatemporaryorpermanentphysicalormentalhealthcondition.

TheUniversityoffersthefollowingguidanceonAffirmativeConsentandassessingincapacitation:

ApersonwhowantstoengageinaspecificsexualactivityisresponsibleforobtainingAffirmativeConsentforthatactivity.LackofprotestdoesnotconstituteAffirmativeConsent.LackofresistancedoesnotconstituteAffirmativeConsent.Silenceand/orpassivityalsodonotconstituteAffirmativeConsent.Relyingsolelyonnon-verbalcommunicationbeforeorduringsexualactivitycanleadtomisunderstandingandmayresultinaviolationofthisPolicy.Itisimportantnottomakeassumptionsaboutwhetherapotentialpartnerisconsenting.Inordertoavoidconfusionorambiguity,participantsareencouragedtotalkwithoneanotherbeforeengaginginsexualactivity.Ifconfusionorambiguityarisesduringsexualactivity,participantsareencouragedtostopandclarifyamutualwillingnesstocontinuethatactivity.

AffirmativeConsenttooneformofsexualactivitydoesnot,byitself,constituteAffirmativeConsenttoanotherformofsexualactivity.Forexample,oneshouldnotpresumethatAffirmativeConsenttooral-genitalcontactconstitutesAffirmativeConsenttovaginaloranalpenetration.AffirmativeConsenttosexualactivityonaprioroccasiondoesnot,byitself,constituteAffirmativeConsenttofuturesexualactivity.Incasesofpriorrelationships,themannerandnatureofpriorcommunicationsbetweenthepartiesandthecontextoftherelationshipmayhaveabearingonthepresenceofAffirmativeConsent.

AffirmativeConsentmaybewithdrawnatanytime.AnindividualwhoseekstowithdrawAffirmativeConsentmustcommunicate,throughclearwordsoractions,adecisiontoceasethesexualactivity.OnceAffirmativeConsentiswithdrawn,thesexualactivitymustceaseimmediately.

InevaluatingAffirmativeConsentincasesofallegedincapacitation,theUniversityaskstwoquestions:(1)Didthepersoninitiatingsexualactivityknowthattheotherpartywasincapacitated?andifnot,(2)Shouldasober,reasonablepersoninthesamesituationhaveknownthattheotherpartywasincapacitated?Iftheanswertoeitherofthesequestionsis“YES,”AffirmativeConsentwasabsentandtheconductislikelyaviolationofthispolicy.

Incapacitationisastatebeyonddrunkennessorintoxication.Apersonisnotnecessarilyincapacitatedmerelyasaresultofdrinkingorusingdrugs.Theimpactof

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alcoholandotherdrugsvariesfrompersontoperson.

Oneisnotexpectedtobeamedicalexpertinassessingincapacitation.Althougheveryindividualmaymanifestsignsofincapacitationdifferently,typicalsignsincludeslurredorincomprehensiblespeech,unsteadygait,combativeness,emotionalvolatility,vomiting,orincontinence.Apersonwhoisincapacitatedmaynotbeabletounderstandsomeorallofthefollowingquestions:“Doyouknowwhereyouare?”,“Doyouknowhowyougothere?”,“Doyouknowwhatishappening?”,“Doyouknowwhomyouarewith?”.

Oneshouldbecautiousbeforeengaginginsexualcontactorsexualintercoursewheneitherpartyhasbeendrinkingalcoholorusingotherdrugs.TheintroductionofalcoholorotherdrugsmaycreateambiguityforeitherpartyastowhetherAffirmativeConsenthasbeensoughtorgiven.Ifonehasdoubtabouteitherparty’slevelofintoxication,thesafethingtodoistoforegoallsexualactivity.

Beingimpairedbyalcoholorotherdrugsisnodefensetoanyviolationofthispolicy.

32. SexualExploitation

SexualExploitationispurposelyorknowinglydoinganyofthefollowing:

● Causingtheincapacitationofanotherperson(throughalcohol,drugs,oranyothermeans)forthepurposeofcompromisingthatperson’sabilitytogiveAffirmativeConsenttosexualactivity;

● Allowingthirdpartiestoobserveprivatesexualactivityfromahiddenlocation(e.g.,closet)orthroughelectronicmeans(e.g.,Skypeorlive-streamingofimages);

● Engaginginvoyeurism(e.g.,watchingprivatesexualactivitywithouttheconsentoftheparticipantsorviewinganotherperson’sintimateparts(includinggenitalia,groin,breastsorbuttocks)inaplacewherethatpersonwouldhaveareasonableexpectationofprivacy);

● Recordingorphotographingprivatesexualactivityand/oraperson’sintimateparts(includinggenitalia,groin,breastsorbuttocks)withoutconsent;

● Disseminatingorpostingimagesofprivatesexualactivityand/oraperson’sintimateparts(includinggenitalia,groin,breastsorbuttocks)withoutconsent;

● Prostitutinganotherperson;or ● Exposinganotherpersontoasexuallytransmittedinfectionorviruswithoutthe

other’sknowledge.

33. IntimatePartnerViolence

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IntimatePartnerViolenceincludesanyactofviolenceorthreatenedactofviolencethatoccursbetweenindividualswhoareinvolvedorhavebeeninvolvedinasexual,dating,spousal,domestic,orotherintimaterelationship.IntimatePartnerViolencemayincludeanyformofprohibitedconductunderthispolicy,includingSexualAssault,Stalking,andPhysicalAssault(asdefinedbelow).

IntimatePartnerViolenceincludes“datingviolence”and“domesticviolence,”asdefinedbytheViolenceAgainstWomenAct(VAWA).ConsistentwithVAWA,theUniversitywillevaluatetheexistenceofanintimaterelationshipbaseduponandindividual’sstatementandtakingintoconsiderationthelengthoftherelationship,thetypeofrelationship,andthefrequencyofinteractionbetweenthepersonsinvolvedintherelationship.

Physicalassaultisthreateningorcausingphysicalharmorengaginginotherconductthatthreatensorendangersthehealthorsafetyofanyperson.PhysicalassaultwillbeaddressedunderthispolicyifitinvolvesSexualorGender-BasedHarassment,IntimatePartnerViolence,orispartofacourseofconductundertheStalkingdefinition.

34. Stalking

Stalkingoccurswhenapersonengagesinacourseofconductdirectedataspecificpersonundercircumstancesthatwouldcauseareasonablepersontofearbodilyinjuryortoexperiencesubstantialemotionaldistress.

Courseofconductmeanstwoormoreacts,includingbutnotlimitedtoactsinwhichapersondirectly,indirectly,orthroughthirdparties,byanyaction,method,device,ormeans,follows,monitors,observes,surveils,threatens,orcommunicatestooraboutanotherperson,orinterfereswithanotherperson’sproperty.Substantialemotionaldistressmeanssignificantmentalsufferingoranguish.

Stalkingincludes“cyber-stalking,”aparticularformofstalkinginwhichapersonuseselectronicmedia,suchastheinternet,socialnetworks,blogs,cellphones,texts,orothersimilardevicesorformsofcontact.

35. SexualorGender-BasedHarassment

SexualHarassmentisanyunwelcomesexualadvance,requestforsexualfavors,orotherunwantedconductofasexualnature,whetherverbal,non-verbal,graphic,physical,orotherwise,whentheconditionsoutlinedin(a)and/or(b),below,arepresent.Harassmentcanbebasedongender,sexualorientation,genderidentity,orgender

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expression,andmayincludeactsofaggression,intimidation,orhostility,whetherverbalornon-verbal,graphic,physical,orotherwise,eveniftheactsdonotinvolveconductofasexualnature,whentheconditionsoutlinedin(a)and/or(b),below,arepresent.

a.Submissiontoorrejectionofsuchconductismade,eitherexplicitlyorimplicitly,atermorconditionofaperson’semployment,academicstanding,orparticipationinanyUniversityprogramsand/oractivitiesorisusedasthebasisforUniversitydecisionsaffectingtheindividual(oftenreferredtoas“quidproquo”harassment);or

b.Suchconductcreatesahostileenvironment.A“hostileenvironment”existswhentheconductissufficientlysevere,persistent,orpervasivethatitunreasonablyinterfereswith,limits,ordeprivesanindividualfromparticipatinginorbenefitingfromtheUniversity’seducationoremploymentprogramsand/oractivities.Conductmustbedeemedsevere,persistent,orpervasivefrombothasubjectiveandanobjectiveperspective.Inevaluatingwhetherahostileenvironmentexists,theUniversitywillconsiderthetotalityofknowncircumstances,including,butnotlimitedto:

i. Thefrequency,natureandseverityoftheconduct; ii. Whethertheconductwasphysicallythreatening;

iii. TheeffectoftheconductontheComplainant’smentaloremotionalstate;

iv. Whethertheconductwasdirectedatmorethanoneperson; v. Whethertheconductaroseinthecontextofotherdiscriminatory

conduct; vi. WhethertheconductunreasonablyinterferedwiththeComplainant’s

educationalorworkperformanceand/orUniversityprogramsoractivities;and

vii. Whethertheconductimplicatesconcernsrelatedtoacademicfreedomorprotectedspeech,orislegitimatepedagogicaldesignordelivery.

Ahostileenvironmentcanbecreatedbypersistentorpervasiveconductorbyasingleorisolatedincident,ifsufficientlysevere.Themoreseveretheconduct,thelessneedthereistoshowarepetitiveseriesofincidentstoproveahostileenvironment,particularlyiftheconductisphysical.AsingleincidentofSexualAssault,forexample,maybesufficientlyseveretoconstituteahostileenvironment.Incontrast,theperceivedoffensivenessofasingleverbalorwrittenexpression,standingalone,istypicallynotsufficienttoconstituteahostileenvironment.

36.Retaliation

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Retaliationmeansanyadverseactionintentionallytakenagainstapersonformakingagoodfaithreportofprohibitedconductorparticipatinginanyproceedingunderthispolicy.Retaliationincludesintentionallythreatening,intimidating,harassing,coercingoranyotherconductthatwoulddiscourageareasonablepersonfromengaginginactivityprotectedunderthispolicy.Retaliationmaybepresentevenwherethereisafindingof“noresponsibility”ontheallegationsofprohibitedconduct.Retaliationdoesnotincludegoodfaithactionslawfullypursuedinresponsetoareportofprohibitedconduct.

VIII.RESPONSESANDCONSEQUENCESA. ConsequencesTulaneUniversitymaychoosetodeliverthefollowingconsequencestostudentsand/orstudentorganizations.Theseconsequences(someofwhicharesometimesreferredtoassanctions),whichmaybedeliveredindividuallyorincombination,includethefollowing:1. Expulsion.ExpulsionmeansthatastudentisremovedfromtheTulaneUniversity

communitypermanently.Theexpulsionwillbenotedonastudent’stranscript.2. Suspension.SuspensionmeansthatastudentmustleavetheUniversityforadefiniteor

indefiniteperiod.Astudentmayeventuallyreturnifapplicableconditionsaresatisfied.3. Probation.ProbationmeansthatastudentmayremainatTulaneUniversity,oran

organizationmaycontinuetoberecognizedbytheUniversity,butmayberequiredtosatisfyspecifiedconditionsorrequirements,orreportregularlytoadesignatedadministrator.Studentsmaybebarredfromholdinganyoffice.StudentsororganizationsmaybebarredfromparticipatinginanyactivityinwhichthestudentororganizationrepresentstheUniversity,includingathleticsorothercompetitiveteams.StudentsmaybebarredfromparticipatinginanyUniversityrecognizedstudentorganizationseitherwithinoroutsidetheUniversitycommunity.Thesanctionofprobationmayprohibitgraduationuntiltheperiodofprobationhasendedandthestudenthascompliedwithallrequirements.

4. RevocationorWithholdingofAdmissionorDegree.TulaneUniversityreservestherighttowithholdorrevokeadegreependingcompletionofspecificrequirements.

5. EducationalRequirements.Completionofprojects,programs,orothersuchrequirementsdesignedforstudentdevelopmentpurposes.

6. ContactRestrictions.Compliancewithordersofnocontactthatlimitaccessintimeand

spacetospecificUniversityareas,includingdigitalarenas,orformsofcontactwithparticularpersonsorgroups.

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7. HousingRestrictions.ExclusionfromTulaneUniversityhousingorchangeinhousing

arrangements,includingrelocation.

8. CommunityService.9. WrittenWarningorReprimand.Writtenwarninggivingthestudentororganization

noticethatanysubsequentCodeviolationsmaycarrymoreserioussanctions.

10. OralWarningorReprimand.OralwarninggivingthestudentororganizationnoticethatanysubsequentCodeviolationsmaycarrymoreserioussanctions.

11. ConsequenceWithheld.Insomesituations,theimpositionofcertainconsequencesmaybewithheldconditioneduponastudent’sororganization’scompliancewithspecifiedrequirements.

12. LossofPrivileges.Forexample,insomecircumstancesastudentororganizationmayberestrictedintheuseofuniversityfacilitiesorfromparticipationinactivities,eventsorprograms.

13. Restitutions/Fines/Costs.Astudentororganizationmayberequiredtocompensatefordamagetotangibleorintangibleproperty.Inaddition,TulaneUniversityreservestherighttoimposereasonablemonetaryfines.

14. Referralsforassessment.TulaneUniversitymayrequireastudenttobeassessed,seekcounseling,ormedicalintervention.

15. RevocationofAffiliation.RevocationofaffiliationmeansthatthestudentwillnolongerbepermittedtobeamemberofaspecificorganizationorthatanorganizationwillnolongerbeaffiliatedwithTulaneUniversity.

16. OralorWrittenAcknowledgement.Astudentororganizationmayreceiveanoralorwrittenacknowledgmentforgoodcitizenshipinfollowingthecorevaluesand/orCoderules.

B. OtherResponses1. InterimMeasures

Insomeinstances,suchasinallegedinstancesofsexdiscrimination,particularlysexualviolence,itmaybenecessaryandappropriateforTulaneUniversitytoimplementwhatareknownasinterimmeasures(atypeof“consequence”notusuallythoughtofasa“sanction”)duringaninquiryorinvestigationintothesituation.

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InterimmeasuresaretemporaryactionstakenbytheUniversitytoensureequalaccesstoitseducationprogramsandactivitiesandfosteramorestableandsafeenvironmentduringtheprocessofreporting,investigation,and/oradjudication.Interimmeasuresmaybeappliedtopersonsreportingand/orresponding(ifany)andotherinvolvedindividualsasappropriatetoensuretheirsafetyandwell-being.Interimmeasuresmayberequestedbystudentsoremployees,ortheUniversityatanytime,regardlessofwhetheranyparticularcourseofactionissoughtbythepersonbringingtheinitialreport.Interimmeasuresareinitiatedbasedoninformationgatheredduringareportandarenotintendednecessarilytobepermanentresolutions;hence,theymaybeamendedorwithdrawnasadditionalinformationisgathered.Whenareportofsexdiscrimination,suchassexualassaultisreceived,theTitleIXCoordinator,inconsultationwithotheradministratorsasisappropriate,willimposereasonableandappropriateinterimmeasureswhennecessarytoprotectthesafetyofthepartiesorwitnessesinvolved.TheTitleIXCoordinator,inconsultationwithotheradministratorsasisappropriate,willbeincontactwiththeanyandallpersonsimpactedsothatsafety,emotional,andphysicalwell-beingconcernscanbereasonablyaddressed.AllindividualsareencouragedtoreportconcernsabouttheadequacyoftheinterimmeasuresorfailureofanotherindividualtoabidebyanyinterimmeasuretotheDirectorofStudentConductand/orTitleIXCoordinator.Violationsofinterimmeasuresmayresultinconsequences.TheDirectorofStudentConductand/orTitleIXCoordinatorwilltakeappropriate,responsive,andpromptactiontoenforceinterimmeasuresand/ortorespondtoretaliationbyanotherpartyorwitness.Therangeofinterimmeasuresavailableincludesbutarenotlimitedto:

● Accesstocounselingservicesandassistanceinsettingupinitialappointments,

bothonandoffcampus ● ImpositionofContactRestriction ● Reschedulingofexamsandassignments ● Providingalternativecoursecompletionoptions ● Changeinclassschedule,includingtheabilitytodropacoursewithoutpenalty

ortotransfersections ● Changeinworkscheduleorjobassignment ● Changeinstudent’scampushousing ● AssistancefromUniversitysupportstaffincompletinghousingrelocation ● LimitingaccesstocertainUniversityfacilitiesoractivitiespendingresolutionof

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thematter ● Voluntaryleaveofabsence ● Providinganescorttoassuresafemovementbetweenclassesandactivities ● Arrangingformedicalservices ● Providingacademicsupportservices,suchastutoring ● University-imposedleave,suspension,orseparationfortheRespondingParty ● AnyotherConsequencewhichcanbetailoredtotheinvolvedindividualsto

achievethegoalsoftheCode.

2. RemedialActionInsomeinstances,whencertainCodetransgressionsoccur,itwillbenecessaryforTulaneUniversitytotakeremedialaction—beyondsimplypunishinganindividualfortransgressionsagainsttheCode—forthebenefitofanindividualand/orthegreatercampuscommunity.Remedialactionsareanotherformofconsequences.Theseother“remedies”mayresultfromruletransgressions,includingcertainformsofdiscrimination.Theseremedialactionsmayberestorativeand/orfacilitative.

TheOfficeofInstitutionalEquityand/ortheTitleIXCoordinatorwillidentifylong-termorpermanentremediestoaddresstheeffectsofdiscriminationonpersonsimpactedbythatdiscriminationandaddressdiscriminatoryimpacts,ifany,ontheUniversitycommunity.TheOfficeofInstitutionalEquityand/ortheTitleIXCoordinatorwillconsidertheappropriatenessofremediesonanongoingbasistoassurethesafetyandwell-beingindividualsimpactedbydiscriminationthroughouttheprocess.Long-termremediesmayincludeextendingormakingpermanentanyinterimmeasures.Manyoftheremediesandsupportsthatanimpactedindividualmightneedwillhavealreadybeenprovidedasinterimmeasures,includingbutnotlimitedtoacademicaccommodations,short-termcounseling,andhousingarrangements.TheOfficeofInstitutionalEquityand/ortheTitleIXCoordinatorwillconsiderwhetherthereisaneedforadditionalremedies.

IX.RELATEDPOLICIESANDPRACTICESThefollowingisanon-exhaustivelistingofrelatedpoliciesandprocedures:

• TulaneUniversityAlcohol&OtherDrugPolicyhttp://campushealth-dev.tulane.edu/node/3126

• TulaneUniversityAcceptableUsePolicyhttp://isowiki.tulane.edu/Tulane_Information_Security_Policies/Tulane_University_Acceptable_Use_Policy

• TulaneUniversityHousingandResidenceLifeCommunityLivingStandardshttps://www2.tulane.edu/studentaffairs/housing/community-living/

• TulaneUniversityEqualOpportunity/Anti-DiscriminationPolicyhttp://www2.tulane.edu/equity/upload/EO-Policy-Revised-July-2016.pdf

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X.AMNESTYPROVISIONSAnyindividual(including,awitness,orathirdparty)whosharesinformationintheinterestofanyindividual’shealthandsafetywillnotbesubjecttodisciplinaryactionbytheUniversityfortheirownpersonalconsumptionofalcoholorotherdrugsatornearthetimeofanyincident,providedthattheydidnotharmorplacethehealthorsafetyofanyotherpersonatrisk.TheUniversitymayrequireaneducationalconferencewheresupport,resources,andeducationalcounselingoptionsmaybediscussedandpotentiallyrequiredwithalearningactionplanforanindividualwhohasengagedintheillegalorprohibiteduseofalcoholordrugs.

XI.PRIVACY,CONFIDENTIALITY,TRANSPARENCY,REPORTINGANDRECORD-KEEPINGTheTulaneCodeisadministeredincompliancewiththerequirementsoftheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA),theCleryAct,TitleIX,ViolenceAgainstWomenAct(VAWA),stateandlocallaw,andTulaneUniversitypolicies. Torespectastudent’sprivacyineducationalrecordswewilltypicallysharesensitivestudentinformationwithoutastudent’sconsentinternallyamongadministratorsorotherauthorizedindividualswithalegitimateeducationalinterest;orwithothersonlywithastudent’sconsent.Inunusualinstanceswherethereisalegitimateeducation/safety/wellnessinterestorrequirementindoingso(orothersituationswherethelawrequiresdisclosure),wemaydiscloseinformationtootherindividualsinspecialcircumstances—suchasanimminentriskofharm—withoutastudent’sconsent. TheUniversityisalsocommittedtoprovidingassistancetohelpstudents,employeesandthirdpartiesmakeinformedchoicesaboutwhentoshareinformationandwithwhom. Certainrelationshipsareconfidential,likethemedicalandclinicalcareprovidersatStudentHealthServices(andthosewhoprovideadministrativeservicesrelatedtotheprovisionofmedicalandclinicalcareatStudentHealth),thementalhealthprovidersatCAPS,andordainedclergy,allofwhommayengageinconfidentialcommunicationsunderLouisianalaw.Inthecontextoftheseconfidentialrelationships,informationwilltypicallynotberevealedtoanythirdpartywithoutpermissionexceptwhenanapplicablelaworacourtorderrequiresorpermitsdisclosureofsuchinformation.However,confidentialinformationmaybedisclosedwhen:(i)theindividualgiveswrittenconsentforitsdisclosure;(ii)thereisaconcernthattheindividualwilllikelycauseseriousphysicalharmtoselforothers;or(iii)theinformationconcernsconductinvolvingsuspectedabuseorneglectofaminorundertheageof18.

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Administratorsreceivetrainingandguidanceaboutsharingandsafeguardingprivateinformationinaccordancewithstateandfederallaw,includingmedicalrecords.Theconfidentialityofastudent’smedicalandrelatedrecordsgenerallyisprotectedbyLouisianastatemedicalprivacylawandtheHealthInsurancePortabilityandAccountabilityAct(“HIPAA”),exceptinghealthrecordsprotectedbyFERPA.TolearnmoreaboutconfidentialreportingoptionsatTulaneorintheNewOrleanscommunity,pleasevisithttp://www.titleix.tulane.edu/get-help-now/. AllotherTulaneUniversityemployees,includingfacultymembers,athleticcoachesandtrainers,andStudentAffairsstaff,donotformconfidentialrelationshipswithstudents.Theseemployeesplaythecriticalroleofbeingindividualstowhomastudent(oremployee)canturntoshareinformationwiththeassurancethattheinformationwillgettoTulaneUniversitydecision-makersforappropriateinterventions.Anemployeewillreporttotheappropriateadministrator(forinstanceinTitleIXmatters,theTitleIXCoordinator)relevantdetails(obtaineddirectlyorindirectly:forexample,inanincidentofdiscriminationthatinvolvesanystudent,theResponsibleEmployeewillshareinformationincludingdates,times,locations,andnamesofindividualsimpactedbydiscriminationandwitnesses.)Outofrespectforfreeexpressionandtheintegrityofacademicresearch,ResponsibleEmployeesarenotrequiredtoreportinformationdisclosed(1)atpublicawarenessevents(e.g.,“TakeBacktheNight,”candlelightvigils,protests,“survivorspeak-outs”orotherpublicforumsinwhichstudentsmaydiscloseincidents);(2)duringastudent’sparticipationasasubjectinanInstitutionalReviewBoard-approvedhumansubjectsresearchprotocol;or(3)inacademicactivitieslikeclassroomdiscussionorassignment.

IndividualsmayalwayschoosetoreportanysituationtotheUniversity,tolawenforcement,toboth,ortoneither.Thesereportingoptionsarenotexclusive.Whereacrimemayhavebeencommitted,anindividualmaysimultaneouslypursuecriminalanddisciplinaryaction.TulaneUniversitywillsupportindividualsinunderstanding,assessingandpursuingtheseoptions.

TulaneUniversitybalancestheneedforprivacyandconfidentialitywiththevalueoftransparency.Oftenthisbalancingresultsinthesharingofinformationinaggregateand/orredactedforms.Membersofourcommunityrespecttheoften-delicatebalancingrequiredtoprotectallinterests.Spreadingfalsenarratives,orsharingsensitiveinformationimproperly,canhaveadestructiveimpactonoureducationalenvironmentandisnotconsistentwithourcorevalues.(TulaneUniversityisoftenlawfullyunabletocorrectfalsenarrativesinpublicforumsorundothedamagecausedbythereleaseofsensitiveinformation.)TulaneUniversitycannotensurethatinformationwillneverbedisclosedorobtainedbyothers.Ourrecordkeepingprocedureswillbeperformedwithduediligenceandincompliancewiththelawandbestpracticesinthefield.TulaneUniversityordinarilymaintainsconductrecordsforsevenyears.

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XII.NOTICEOFEQUALOPPORTUNITYANDANTI-DISCRIMINATIONInkeepingwithTulane’scorevaluesandasrequiredbylaw,weprovidethefollowingnoticeofnon-discrimination:Tulaneiscommittedtoandencouragesadiverseandinclusivecommunitythatrespectsandvaluesindividualdifferences.Insupportofthiscommitment,TulaneUniversityprohibitsdiscriminationandharassmentinitsemploymentpracticesoreducationalprograms/activitiesonthebasisofage,color,disability,genderexpression,genderidentity,geneticinformation,maritalstatus,militarystatus,nationalorigin,pregnancy,race,religion,sex,sexualorientation,orveteranstatus,oranyotherstatusorclassificationprotectedbyfederal,state,orlocallaw.TulaneUniversitycomplieswithapplicablefederalandstatelawsaddressingDiscrimination,Harassment,and/orRetaliationsuchasTitlesVIandVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972,theAgeDiscriminationinEmploymentAct,theAmericanswithDisabilitiesActandADAAmendmentsAct,andtheEqualPayAct.TulaneUniversitywillpromptlyandequitablyrespondtoallreportsofdiscriminationandharassmentinordertoeliminateprohibitedconduct,preventitsrecurrence,andaddressitseffectsonanindividualorthecommunity.

Individualsmustpromptlyreportdiscriminationsopromptandappropriateactioncanbetaken.Complaintsofdiscriminationmustbefiledinaccordancewiththepoliciessetforthbelow.

ComplaintProcedures:

Promptly reportDiscrimination,Harassment, and/orRetaliation so appropriate action canbetaken.ThecomplaintproceduresaredesignedtoensuretherightsoftheComplainantwhileatthesametimeaffordingdueprocesstoinvolvedparties.

FormofComplaint:

ComplaintsofDiscrimination,Harassment,and/orRetaliationwillbeacceptedorallyorin writing. Anonymous complaints will be accepted and investigated to the extentpossible.Complaintsmaybefiledonlineat:Tulane.edu/concerns.

ContentofComplaint:

AnyindividualwhowantstoreportpossibleDiscrimination,Harassment,orRetaliationbasedonaprotectedclassificationshouldpromptlyfileacomplaintwiththefollowinginformation,ifknown:thenameoftheadverselyaffectedparty,abriefdescriptionoftheoffendingbehavior includingtimes, locations,andnameor identifying information

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about the accused, and the names or descriptions of any witnesses to the reportedconduct.

ReportingtheComplaint:

ThereisnotimelimitforreportingprohibitedconducttotheUniversity,however,theUniversity’sabilitytorespondmaydiminishovertimeasevidencemayerode,memoriesmay fade, and individuals may no longer be affiliated with the University. If theRespondent is no longer affiliatedwith theUniversity, Tulanewill provide reasonablyappropriateremedialmeasures,assisttheadverselyaffectedpartyinidentifyingexternalreportingoptions,andtakereasonablestepstoeliminateprohibitedconduct,preventitsrecurrence,andremedyitseffects.Itisnotnecessaryforanindividualtoconfronttheallegedharasserprior to institutingacomplaintwith theUniversity. It isappropriate,however,topromptlyreportacomplaintsothatathoroughinvestigationispossible.Anyperson designated below to receive complaints from students, employees, or facultymustnotifytheOfficeofInstitutionalEquitywithin24hoursofreceivingacomplaint.

WheretoReport:AstudentwhowantstoreportpossibleDiscrimination,Harassment,orRetaliationbasedonaprotected status in violationofTulaneUniversitypoliciesmustreporttheallegedbehaviortooneofthefollowing:

• Onlineat:Tulane.edu/concerns• OfficeofInstitutionalEquity,(504)862-8083• VicePresidentforStudentAffairs,(504)314-2188

AThird-PartywhowantstoreportpossibleDiscrimination,Harassment,orRetaliationbasedonaprotectedstatusinviolationofTulaneUniversitypoliciesmustreporttheallegedbehaviortooneofthefollowing:

• OfficeofInstitutionalEquity,(504)862-8083• onlineat:Tulane.edu/concerns

ASpecialNoteAbouttheTitleIXCoordinator:TheTitleIXCoordinatoroverseestheUniversity’scentralizedreview,investigation,andresolutionofreportsofsexdiscrimination,includingsexualharassmentandviolence.TheTitleIXCoordinatoralsocoordinatestheUniversity’scompliancewithTitleIX.TheTitleIXCoordinatorcanbecontactedbytelephone,email,orinpersonduringregularofficehours.Students,staffandfacultymaycontact:

MeredithM.Smith,JD,MSEdTitleIXCoordinator,OfficeoftheProvost

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TulaneUniversityLavin-BernickCenter,SuiteG03NewOrleans,LA70118msmith76@tulane.edu(504)314-2160

Inquiriesconcerningtheapplicationofnon-discriminationlawsmaybereferredtotheUniversityofficialslistedaboveortotheOfficeforCivilRights(OCR),UnitedStatesDepartmentofEducation.ApersonmayalsofileacomplaintwiththeDepartmentofEducation’sOfficeforCivilRightsregardinganallegedviolationofTitleIXbycalling(800)421-3481orvisiting:www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html.ForfurtherinformationaboutOCRanditsjurisdiction,visitwww2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.htmlorcall1-800-421-3481.TolearnmoreaboutTitleIXatTulane,pleasevisitourwebsiteattitleix.tulane.edu.

XIII.EXTERNALAGREEMENTS/DEFERENCETOEXTERNALLEGALAUTHORITIESTulaneUniversitydoesnotenforceexternalagreementswiththisCode.TulaneUniversitywilldefertothedirectivesofvalidexternallegalauthoritieswhenlegallyrequiredtodoso,andreservestherighttodefertoexternallegalauthoritieswhennototherwiselegallyrequiredtodoso.

XIV.INTERPRETATIONOFTHECODETheTulaneCodeisdesignedtobeself-explanatory.Shouldadisagreementoverinterpretationarise,exclusiveauthoritytointerprettheTulaneCodelieswithintheauthorityanddiscretionofVicePresidentforStudentAffairsordesigneeandanysuchinterpretationsarefinalandunreviewable.

XV.REVISIONOFCODETheCodeofStudentConductshouldbereviewedbytheVicePresidentofStudentAffairsonanannualbasis.AllproposedrevisionsmustfirstgobeforetheCommitteeontheCodeofStudentConduct,whichshalldeterminewhethertheproposedrevisionsareminororsubstantive.ThisCommitteewillfallunderthepurviewoftheVicePresidentforStudentAffairs,ortheirdesignatedrepresentative,andshallbecomprisedofonefacultymember,onestaffmemberandthreestudentmembers,asappointedbytheVicePresidentforStudentAffairsforone-year

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terms.TheStudentConductAdministratorshallserveasthenon-votingchair.ThiscommitteeshallconvenewheneverthereisaproposedrevisiontotheCodeofStudentConductanditssolerolewillbetodeterminewhethertheproposedrevisionisminororsubstantive.Aminorchangeisdefinedasanychangethatdoesnotaffecttheintent,workings,orproceduresoftheconductprocessorthatisrequiredbyfederal,state,orlocallaworregulation.Suchminorchanges,asdeterminedbytheCommitteeontheCodeofStudentConduct,canbemadebytheStudentConductAdministratorandtheVicePresidentforStudentAffairs,basedonagreementbybothwithfinalreviewandapprovalbytheProvost. Asubstantivechange,asdeterminedbytheCommitteeontheCodeofStudentConduct,isdefinedasachangethataffectstheconductprocessorstudent’srightsunlessitisrequiredbyfederal,state,orlocallaworregulation.Therevisionprocessforsubstantivechangesisasfollows:

A. Theproposed changes are vetted among staff, students, and faculty internal to theconductprocess,GeneralCounsel,ProvostStaff,StudentAffairsseniorleadership,andtheStudentAffairsCommitteeoftheSenate(SACS).

B. SACSreviewsandmakesrecommendationstotheUniversitySenatewithrespecttotheproposedchanges.

C. TheUniversitySenatereviewsandactsontheSACSrecommendations.

D. TheactionoftheUniversitySenateisforwardedtotheProvostforreview.

E. TheProvostforwardswithcommenttherecordofSACSrecommendationsandUniversitySenateactionstothePresident’scabinet.

F. FinalapprovalofproposedsubstantiverevisionstotheCoderesideswiththePresident’scabinet.

XVI.THEIMPORTANTROLEOFFAMILIESTheUniversitymayfacilitatecommunicationbetweentheUniversityandfamiliesinsupportofstudentsuccess.Familiescancontributebesttostudentsuccesswhentheyareawareofthechallengesandopportunitiesfacingtoday’sstudents.Highereducationhasevolvedsignificantlyinthelastfewdecades,eveninthelastfewyears.Afamily’spriorexperienceinhighereducationmayormaynotbeequivalenttowhatstudentswillfacetoday.WeencourageparentsandfamiliestolearnaboutTulaneUniversity’sstudentsupportservicesandunderstandhowtheirstudentscanaccesstheseresources.FamiliesareencouragedtodiscussandembraceTulaneUniversity’sSevenCoreValueswiththeirstudent.

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WhenastudentisenrolledatTulaneUniversity,youcanexpectusto:

● Challengestudentstoidentify,define,andsolveproblemsindependently ● Encouragestudentstosetandachievepersonalgoalsandmakeresponsibledecisions

relatedtoacademics,careerplanning,socialinteractions,andcommunityengagement ● UnderstandandsupportTulaneUniversity’scommitmenttoacademicexcellence ● Empowerstudentstoexaminepersonalvalues ● Encouragestudentstolearnaboutandrespectthevaluesandbeliefsofothers ● Expectstudentstoacceptconsequencesoftheiractionsandresponsibilityfortheir

choices ● Urgestudentstoproactivelyandconstructivelyexamineundesirableorundesired

outcomesinordertoassesswhatcausedthem,whatcanbedoneaboutthem,andhowtoavoidtheminthefuture

● Makereasonableeffortstocreateasafeandinclusivelivingandlearningenvironmentforall

Ifyouareeverconcernedaboutyourstudent’swellnessinanyway,pleasecontactappropriatecampusorcommunityauthoritiesimmediately:

• StudentResourcesandSupportServices(504)314-2160

• CounselingandPsychologicalServices(504)314-2277

• TulaneUniversityPoliceDepartment (504)988-5381PleasebeawarethatTulaneUniversitymaycontactandinvolvefamiliesinordertogainassistancefromparentswhenstudentsundertheageof21haveanalcoholordrugviolationoriftheyareengagedinotherbehaviorsthatposehealthorsafetyriskstothemselvesorotherstudents.Wealsowanttoremindfamiliesthattherearefederallaws(forexampletheFederalEducationalRightsandPrivacyActof1974andtheHealthInsurancePortabilityandAccountabilityActof1996)thatplacelimitationsonparents’abilitytoaccessstudentrecords.PleasecontacttheOfficeofStudentConductatconduct@tulane.eduifyouhavequestionsabouttheselimitationsandhowwecanstillpartnerandappropriatelycommunicatewithyoutopromotethesuccessofyourstudent.Pleaserememberthatyouarealsofreetoshareinformationwithus.Forinstance,weoftenfindithelpfulwhenastudentortheirfamilydiscloseschallengesthatastudenthadpriortomatriculation,oranyspecialneeds.