Student Code of Conduct

• I: Overview of Community Standards
• II: Guidelines for Public Gatherings (Demonstrations, Protests, Vigils)
• III: Prohibited Conduct
  • Health and Safety
  • Guest Policy
  • Computer Policy
  • Social Media Guidelines
  • Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Use Policy
• IV: Registered Student Organizations
• V: Reporting, Resolving, and Appeals
  • Reporting Violations
  • General Process Expectations and Rights
  • Appeals
  • Record Retention
• VI: Sanctions
• VII: Code of Conduct Annual Review Process

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I: Overview of Community Standards

Pratt’s mission is to educate students to become creative, responsible professionals who will contribute fully to society. To that end, the Institute upholds values and community standards that support that mission and holds high expectations regarding student conduct. 

Above all, we respect one another and behave in ways that advance the free association of people and ideas. We cherish the diversity represented by members of our community and their disparate values and ideas. At the same time, we expect each “Student” to value and uphold the ethical behaviors and standards essential to pursuing academic excellence and social responsibility.

“Student” means an individual who is properly matriculated, full or part-time, in a degree or diploma-granting program at Pratt Institute. Individuals registered and attending a course at Pratt as a visiting or non-matriculated student must abide by the standards set forth in this policy during their enrollment period. This policy remains in effect throughout matriculation and until graduation, including during breaks and between enrollment periods.

Incoming students to the Institute shall generally be considered students upon moving into a residence hall or on their first semester’s first day of classes. In the event an incoming student violates community standards that substantially disrupt the regular operation of Pratt or threatens the health, safety, or security of the Pratt community, Pratt may mandate a meeting to outline future conduct expectations with the incoming student before arrival to campus or rescind admission.

If Pratt Institute determines it is necessary to rescind admission, the incoming student will be provided notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision by notifying the Chief Conduct Officer in writing. The Institute will designate an individual not otherwise involved in the case to consider the challenge to the removal and determine if the removal was reasonable.

The Institute believes that any action by one person that causes harm to another person should not be tolerated. Bullying, harassment, or any behavior that causes disruption to a community member’s ability to learn or perform their work conflicts with the values of Pratt Institute and violates the community member’s right to feel protected, nurtured, and valued. The Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX enforces Pratt’s policies on nondiscrimination and anti-harassment. Individuals wanting to file a complaint can do so at https://www.pratt.edu/administrative-departments/student-affairs/office-of-institutional-equity-title-ix/

The Board of Trustees reinforced these ideals by passing a resolution on freedom of expression in 1992:

“It is resolved that Pratt Institute supports and upholds freedom of speech and other forms of expression because these freedoms are essential to an educational mission and to ideas, values, and opinion. At the same time, Pratt recognizes that such freedoms exist in the context of law and responsibility by one’s actions and, therefore, the exercise of these rights must not deny the same rights of others.”

Such is the spirit in which our Community Standards have been articulated and promulgated. 

II: Guidelines for Public Gatherings (Demonstrations, Protests, Vigils)

At Pratt Institute, we value open discussion and free discourse in our quest for truth.

These guidelines are not intended to discipline students or student organizations for exercising their rights, participating in scholarly classroom dissent, or engaging in civil discourse. It also does not aim to hinder organized, nonviolent, peaceful protest. However, such conduct is expected to adhere to the standards outlined in these guidelines and other relevant Institute policies.

For more information on the Guidelines for Public Gatherings (Demonstrations, Protests, Vigils) please visit:

III: Prohibited Conduct

Pratt Institute community members are expected to uphold/respect the integrity and/or safety and security of the Institute property, community, and its members, whether on or off campus. The Institute reserves the right to take action regardless of the location of an incident. Therefore, Pratt Institute students are expected to refrain from the following:

• Bullying: Bullying, spreading misinformation on social media platforms, sharing others’ personal or personally identifiable information, or other behavior that disrupts a community member’s ability to learn, work, and teach.
• Invasion of Privacy: Exploiting the use of any electronic device to surreptitiously make an audio, video, or photographic record of any individual for purposes of extortion, harassment, intimidation, bullying, hazing, or any other purpose prohibited by this policy or contrary to any other Pratt policies.  
• Threat or intimidation: Any form of physical or verbal intimidation, restriction, coercion, or altercation (fighting)
• Physical assault: Any deliberate action that does or might cause injury to another person.
• Dangerous conditions: Engaging in behavior deemed dangerous to self or others or creating conditions that cause potential danger to others
• Weapons: Possession or use of any firearm ( real or fake), explosive, firecracker, incendiary material, or other weapon
• Fire Safety Hazards: Lighting or attempting to light a fire or creating a condition in which a fire or combustion may put community members or property at risk
• Disruptive Activities: Participation in or encouraging any effort to disrupt a class or other Institute function or prevent other students from accessing a class or other Institute function. This can include creating a public inconvenience, annoyance, alarm, or blocking access to a building or path.
• Theft: Theft of property or services including stealing, hiding, or defacing of library materials
• Property destruction: Defacement, damage, destruction, or other misuses of property that belongs to the school or others, including buildings, grounds, and trees
• Unauthorized access: Unauthorized use of keys or forcible entry to any Institute room or facility, or restricted area, including roofs
• Solicitation: Commercial activities, fundraising, or soliciting, including canvassing or doing business within Pratt facilities or on Pratt’s property without the written authorization of the Director of Student Involvement or the Directors of Residential Life and Housing. Solicitation of credit cards, which includes advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards, is prohibited.
• Gambling: Illegal gambling anywhere on the premises or at any official affair sponsored or sanctioned by the Institute or any of its groups or organizations
• Hazing or collusion: Participating in or encouraging any action or situation that could endanger another person’s mental or physical health. This includes hazing for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization
• NCAA violation: Non-compliance with NCAA rules and regulations
• Law violation: Violations of federal, state, and local laws committed by members of the Pratt community
• False Information: Providing false testimony or furnishing information to the Institute with intent to deceive
• Misrepresentation: Misrepresenting oneself with the intent to obtain benefit including, but not limited to, embezzlement or fraud
• Document Misuse: Forging, alteration, misappropriation, or misuse of academic or non-academic documents, records, or identification cards. Violations of the Academic Integrity Code will be referred to the Academic Integrity Standing Committee managed by the Office of the Provost.
• Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. A course of conduct means two (2) or more instances including, but not limited to, unwelcome acts in which an individual directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish.
  • Stalking includes the concept of cyber-stalking, a particular form of stalking in which electronic media such as the internet, social networks, blogs, cell phones, texts, or other similar devices or forms of contact are used.
• Failure to Comply: Failure to comply with the instructions of Institute personnel, acting within the scope of their duties. Failure to abide by orders set forth by the Institute, including No Contact Orders and similar expectations. This includes failure to present valid Institute identification when Institute officials request that it be done. Please note that Pratt identification cards are the property of Pratt Institute, must be carried at all times, and must be presented for identification upon request by any official of Pratt Institute.
• Unapproved posting: Posting in unapproved areas as stated in the Posting policy. Registered Student Organizations should follow all guidelines listed in their respective RSO Handbook for approval guidelines.
• Violation of Pratt policy: In addition to the articulated standards for acceptable community behavior, Pratt community members are expected to abide by the requirements of all other Institute policies. 
• Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence: Any conduct that violates the policies set by the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to sexual violence and sexual misconduct (sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, sexual coercion, and sexual exploitation) and unlawful discrimination or harassment based on any of the protected categories. Protected categories include race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other category or characteristic protected or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law. Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence can be reported and resolved via the procedures detailed on the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX website. 
• Retaliation: Any materially adverse action taken against an individual because they were involved in or participated (or refuses to participate in) the disclosure, reporting, investigation, or resolution of a report of prohibited conduct under this or any Institute policy.  Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, discrimination, violence, or any other conduct against any person by the Institute, a student, or an employee or other person authorized by the Institute to provide aid, benefit, or service under the Institute’s education program or activity, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this policy or by law. Adverse action does not include perceived or petty slights or trivial annoyances. 

In general, the Institute will not interfere with a student’s rights about conduct that occurs off-campus, online, over social media, or outside the context of a Pratt program or activity. However, the Institute may take student disciplinary action for conduct outside the campus context when it substantially disrupts normal operations or threatens the health, safety, or security of a member of our community.  When conduct violates the Pratt Student Code of Conduct and federal, state or local laws, a student may be subject to both student conduct action and public sanctions. Conduct that occurs off-campus, online, over social media, or outside the context of a Pratt program or activity should generally be subject only to the consequences of the applicable authority and/or public opinion. However, Pratt may take student disciplinary action for conduct occurring outside the campus context, which substantially disrupts the regular operation of Pratt or threatens the health, safety, or security of the Pratt community. When conduct constitutes violations of the Pratt Student Code of Conduct  and relevant laws, a student may be subject to Pratt student conduct action and public sanctions.

Health and Safety

Pratt community members must comply with all Institute, federal, state, and local health policies and requirements to monitor health and adhere to any protocols enacted to protect our community’s health and well-being.

Pratt Policies, as well as Federal, State, and Local Health And Safety Regulations, Prohibit:

• Failure to provide proof of vaccinations, comply with the use of face coverings, and failing to follow guidance on quarantine and isolation when applicable
• Tampering with or misusing fire alarms and/or other fire safety equipment
• Refusal to observe safety regulations or procedures, including environmental regulations
• Unreasonable noise outside of the community-established quiet hours
• Irresponsible use, storage, or charging of bicycles or other transportation vehicles, such as scooters or skateboards, indoors
• Reckless driving
• No animals are allowed on campus grounds except Service Animals. Pets are not permitted in residence halls with the exception of fish. The maximum aquarium capacity permitted is 15 gallons. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are allowed only within a student’s living space and must be approved by the LAC and Residential Life and Housing. Please visit the Service Animal and Emotional Support Policy to learn more about how to obtain this accommodation. 

Guest Policy

As responsible community members, students and RSOs must inform their guests of all Pratt Community Standards and expectations for good conduct. This includes alumni, campus visitors, family members, and guest speakers. Therefore, Pratt students and RSOs may be held accountable for the misconduct of their members and guests and incidents that occur at sponsored activities. 

Specifically, the Guest Policy outlines the following rules:

• Guests may only use Pratt facilities with explicit written approval or the presence of a current Pratt student, staff member, or faculty and will be required to show proper identification to access any Pratt facility
• Guests and alumni must comply with all Pratt policies
• Alumni must present a proper alumni ID to access Pratt facilities
• A Pratt host may be held responsible for the behavior of guests or policy violations
• Residential students must sign in their guests according to the residential life policy. For instructions, please visit the Resident Student Living Guide. 

Computer Policy

Community members can find the full policy regarding Computer Users Rights and Responsibilities on our website. 

All members of the Pratt community are expected to use Pratt’s computer and network resources in a responsible manner. 

In the event of institutional policies, codes, or state or federal law violations, the Institute reserves the right to limit or restrict computing privileges and access to its computer resources and stored data.

All users are expected to understand and abide by the regulations as a condition for receiving an authorized account with the Institute. 

The Pratt Computer Policy prohibits:

• Unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of computers, computer networks, and/or software
• Use of computing facilities contrary to local, state, and federal laws or other Pratt policies

Social Media Guidelines

Community members can find the full guidelines regarding Computer Users Rights and Responsibilities and complete Social Media Guidelines on our website. 

Social networks play a major role in how we communicate and connect. These platforms provide students with a unique way to stay informed about campus events, while also fostering a sense of community. 

Students are advised to engage with faculty and staff via social media within the context of professional development only.

However, students must remember that something published on the Internet remains there forever. In the future, posts may be contextualized beyond the original intent through others’ online activities. Community members are responsible for their online behavior and must act in a responsible way online. 

Violations of these guidelines include using comments to spread misinformation or express bias, including about the Institute. The Institute monitors its social media accounts and moderates comments that clearly violate the Institute’s Student Code of Conduct. The Institute uses careful consideration before deleting any comments.

Although social media may be used to express grievances, community members are encouraged to engage and confer with on-campus resources to address concerns regarding life at Pratt before posting grievances online. Urgent concerns can be addressed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by contacting Campus Safety.

Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Use Policy

Pratt Institute is committed to creating a positive living and learning environment for its students free of substance and alcohol misuse. To uphold this commitment, the Institute has adopted standards of conduct concerning the use of illicit substances and alcohol. Pratt Institute is also committed to clean air and is a smoke-free campus.

Information on counseling and treatment resources for students is available by contacting Health Services and the Counseling Center.

The Pratt Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Use Policy outlines that:

• Only community members aged 21 or older may possess or consume alcohol
• Community members aged 21 and older are prohibited from providing individuals under the age of 21 with alcohol
• Community members who provide underage individuals with alcohol, along with anyone under the age of 21 found to possess, sell, or consume alcohol, will be subject to disciplinary action
• Possession or use of alcohol at Institute-sponsored events both on- and off-campus or within student-sponsored events in residence halls must follow the procedures for serving alcohol at events outlined in the Alcohol and Drug Use Policy
• Pantas, Stabile, and Emerson Place residence halls are alcohol-free buildings. Alcohol consumption and possession is prohibited in these buildings, regardless of age
• Bulk alcohol (such as kegs) is prohibited in any residence hall
• Consumption of alcohol or possession of open containers is prohibited in public. This includes but is not limited to, the Pratt Main Lawn, classrooms, studios, or residence hall common areas, except where special permission is granted
• Students may only possess and use a controlled substance, including prescription medications, with a proper prescription from a licensed physician
• The sale or distribution of prescription medication is prohibited
• Students may not consume alcohol or other substances off-campus in a way that impacts the on-campus community or affects student behavior on campus
• The possession, sale, or use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited
  • Note:  Although New York State law now permits the use of cannabis, federal law prohibits all use, possession, and/or cultivation/sale of cannabis at U.S. educational institutions. Federal law also requires any institution of higher education that receives federal funding to have policies in place that prohibit the possession and use of cannabis on campus. Therefore, the use, possession,  cultivation, and/or sale of cannabis is not allowed at Pratt. This includes all areas of campus, including, but not limited to, residence halls, academic or support buildings, or any public spaces within the confines of campus, both in Brooklyn and Manhattan.  No exceptions can be made for any student based on their possession of a medical cannabis certification, registry ID card, or any other proof of medical cannabis eligibility.
• All smoke, vape, and tobacco products are prohibited on campus. This includes all Pratt buildings grounds and vehicles as well as personal vehicles parked on campus grounds
• Use of smoke, vape, and tobacco products is prohibited within 25 feet of all Institute campus entrances, exits, or building exterior walls containing windows or intake vents

IV: Registered Student Organizations

All Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) at Pratt Institute are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct outlined above, as well as the guidelines in the Undergraduate and Graduate RSO Handbooks. Whether acting in an official or unofficial capacity, RSOs and individuals within those organizations may be held accountable for violations of this policy. Community members may explore available RSOs on the Pratt Engage website. 

All eligible students must have the opportunity to participate in an RSO at Pratt. It is a violation of this policy to intentionally interfere with or deny participation in RSOs in circumvention of established Pratt policies or processes governing conduct or otherwise impose a sanction that may only be imposed as a result of such processes. Students are prohibited from independently investigating and adjudicating allegations covered under the Pratt Student Code of Conduct.

Students linked to organizations not registered at the time of an alleged violation will follow the general code of conduct and its process as individual students. 

V: Reporting, Resolving, and Appeals

All members of the Pratt community are responsible for upholding the Community Standards and abide by the Student Code of Conduct set forth above. Each community member can file a complaint when they believe these standards have been violated. However, it is recommended that conflicts between or among individuals be resolved informally by dealing directly with the person(s) involved, with the help of a mediator if necessary.

When it is impossible to resolve a conflict by dealing directly with the person(s) involved, an individual may rely on procedures established by the Institute to address violations of our Student Code of Conduct. Many Pratt policies provide a specific process for reporting and addressing policy violations.  These include: 

• Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX policies
• Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures

Reporting Violations 

The Student Code of Conduct process is overseen by the Chief Conduct Officer (Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students) and the designated student conduct coordinators (Director of Residential Life and Assistant Director for Outreach and Community Standards or their designees) for the institute to uphold the institution’s policies and oversee the conduct process. The Chief Conduct Officer manages conduct violations for all students, while the Director of Residential Life handles residential hall infractions. The Assistant Director of Outreach and Community Standards focuses on conduct violations for commuter students and infractions occurring outside the residence halls.

Members of the Institute community can file a concern of alleged prohibited conduct through our Community Concerns reporting form through Maxient. Reports will be reviewed within 48 business hours during normal institute business hours. For assistance or to be connected to a conduct officer, please email reslife@pratt.edu (for residential hall violations) or student affairs for all other matters at studaff@pratt.edu.

Urgent concerns, including those outside of business hours, must be reported to Pratt Institute Campus Safety at 718.636.3540 or 718.646.3541 on the Brooklyn Campus or at security@pratt.edu.

24/7 crisis counseling is available after hours by calling the counseling center’s main number at 718.687.5356. During regular office hours, please email (therapy@pratt.edu). 

The adjudication of infractions of the Student Conduct Code is not a formal legal process, although fundamental fairness applies. The process, which is educational in nature, aims to protect each person’s rights while providing an experience from which those involved can learn.

Alleged infractions of the Conduct Code or Residential Life policies that occur in residence halls by a resident or a non-resident are referred first to the Director of Residential Life or their designee. The Student Conduct Coordinator may apply two types of adjudication models to the potential violation, which are described below. Staff in Residential Life may be designated as adjudicators for conduct conferences within Residential Life. Other staff may be designated to adjudicate cases, as appropriate, based on training, capacity, and potential policy infractions. 

General Process Expectations and Rights

All students alleged to have violated Pratt Community Standards, the Student Code of Conduct, or other policies will be communicated to their Institute email address. The Institute expects all students to review and respond to their emails promptly. Adjudication will proceed in a reasonable fashion following notice sent by the Institute to a student’s email account. Failure to review, retrieve, or respond to communication regarding any potential policy violations will not constitute an error in this process, nor will any process be delayed solely because of this failure to review and respond to outreach.

All students have the right to bring a support person to any meeting about a student conduct process. A support person is limited to supporting and advising the student they are accompanying privately and in a non-disruptive manner. No person can represent any student in the process or speak for them. Disruptive parties may be asked to leave the meeting or the process. Students may choose any party to support them in their meetings, but meetings are not scheduled around the needs of a specific support person. Support persons cannot present questions about the substance on behalf of the student. 

Students who benefit from the presence of their L/AC advisor to access the conduct process can also have their L/AC advisor present. This advisor will ensure that the student is able to access the conduct process and may serve a more participatory role in doing so. They are not able to testify on behalf of the party or question other parties. 

Conduct Conference

In cases where the alleged prohibited conduct involved a violation by an individual that did not involve another individual directly affected by the incident and, as a result, would only result in probation or warning, a Conduct Conference meeting is appropriate. The Student Conduct Coordinator or their designee will email the student, stating that they have allegedly violated the Student Conduct Code, and provide a time by the student’s academic calendar no sooner than five (5) business days. In this meeting, the Conduct Coordinator Housing staff, or their designee, will meet with the student who may have violated this Code. In this meeting, the student will have the opportunity to present information to the Conduct Coordinator, discuss the incident report, and discuss any additional information. After this meeting, the Conduct Coordinator will contact any additional parties with information that helps decide whether there was a violation of the preponderance of evidence standard. Failure to appear for this Campus Conduct Conference may result in a decision based on available information, which may lead to a determination of responsibility, imposition of sanctions in absentia, and forfeiture of the right to appeal. 

Investigation Process

In cases in which multiple parties are involved, which include alleged threats or harm to others or campus property, or for cases that otherwise may result in an outcome of removal from housing or the campus for any amount of time, the Conduct Coordinator will initiate the conduct investigation process. This process collects fact-based information and evidence about the alleged violation or incident. The information, including witness interview summaries, will be synthesized into a report after the investigation, and the next steps will be determined based on a determination by the Conduct Coordinator or their designee. The potential adjudication processes are defined below.

• Single Adjudicator
  • In cases where the student respondent is the only participating party in the investigation process or when any involved complainant also agrees with this process, the investigator can make recommendations for finding outcomes and sanctions if a responsible finding is applicable. The student respondent can accept the recommended outcomes or choose to have the case reviewed in one of the two decision-maker processes. The case will be final if the student accepts responsibility and the outcomes. The only opportunity for appeal will be if new information not reasonably known to the parties that may affect the outcome is available during the appeal window. The appeal process is described below.

• Written Hearing Process
  • When a student respondent does not accept the recommended finding outcome and applicable sanctions, a separate decision-maker will review the investigation report and the respondent’s written response. The decision maker may be one or more parties designated by the institution to adjudicate the case based on the preponderance of the evidence, considering the investigation report, all collected information and evidence, and the response from the respondent and complaint, if applicable. Once an investigation report has been finalized and a decision maker has been assigned, the party or parties will have 10 business days to respond to the report in writing to be considered by the decision maker(s). The decision maker(s) will determine the finding outcome and any applicable sanctions within 10 business days of receipt of the investigation report. The outcome may be the same as that recommended by the investigator or may be increased or decreased based on the review of the behavior’s information, precedent, and seriousness. The outcome of this decision will be communicated to the respondent. In very limited circumstances, a complainant may also be informed of applicable case outcomes that apply to them directly. No other information will be shared in this case with any other parties involved, including complainants, witnesses, and reporting parties, without an educational need to know to ensure compliance with outcomes. After the decision-making process, the respondent will have the opportunity to appeal the outcome. The appeal process is described below.
• Live Hearing Process
  • In cases in which a student respondent does not accept the recommended finding outcome and applicable sanctions, and the case involves a direct complainant who the alleged violation may have harmed, the case will progress to a live hearing with one or more hearing officers. The investigation report and the complainant and respondent’s written responses will be reviewed by a separate hearing officer or officers. The hearing office(s) may be one or more parties designated by the institution to adjudicate the case based on the preponderance of the evidence, considering the investigation report, all collected information and evidence, and the response from the respondent and complaint, if applicable. Once an investigation report has been finalized and a decision maker has been assigned, the party or parties will have 10 business days to respond to the investigation report in writing to be considered by the hearing officer(s). The case will then progress to a live hearing, either held virtually or in person. At this hearing, the parties will have the opportunity to respond to questions presented by the hearing officer(s), and have questions considered to be presented to the other parties involved. These questions must be presented in writing by the parties, and will only be asked if the hearing officer(s) deem the question relevant. Parties in this process may be accompanied by a support person. The role of the support person is limited to assisting their party in a non-disruptive manner to the proceedings. No party can or will be represented by another person, nor will questions be presented by the support party directly. Parties may also have the opportunity to make a limited opening and closing statement in the live hearing.
  • At the conclusion of the live hearing, the hearing officer(s) will determine the finding outcome and any applicable sanctions, within 10 business days of receipt of the investigation report. The outcome of this decision will be communicated to the respondent, and in very limited circumstances, a complainant may also be informed of applicable case outcomes that apply to them directly. No other information will be shared in this case with any other parties involved, including complainants, witnesses, and reporting parties, without an educational need to know to ensure compliance with outcomes. At the completion of the live hearing process, the respondent will have the opportunity to appeal the outcome. The appeal process is described below.

Appeals

At the conclusion of the above adjudication models, an appeal may be considered. The notice of outcome will include instructions on how to submit the written appeal. Appeal requests must be submitted within five (5) business days of the date of outcome notice, regardless of the day the notice was retrieved. Appeal requests are reviewed within ten (10) days of receipt of the request; any delays will be communicated to the requesting party. To be considered, the appeal must meet one or more of the following grounds, and the party must indicate the grounds on which they want the appeal considered, along with any information that needs to be considered in reviewing the grounds.

The limited grounds for appeal available are as follows: 

• Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter (i.e. a failure to follow the Institute’s own procedures); 
• New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of the matter; 
• The Conduct Coordinator, Investigator(s), or Adjudicator, including a hearing panel member, had an actual conflict of interest or demonstrated bias for or against an individual party, or for or against complainants or respondents in general, that affected the outcome of the matter. 
• The sanction is objectively unreasonable in light of the facts and circumstances. 

The appeals process is documentary only, and no hearing is held. Students who are submitting a request for appeal must also include all information they wish to be considered at the time of the request. No further outreach will be conducted to clarify or further collect information for consideration of the appeal. Failure to submit such information at the time of request will not constitute new information or grounds for further appeal. 

The appeal will be reviewed by the designated appeal officer, who will not be the hearing officer(s), decision makers(s), or have otherwise decided on the outcome of the case. The appeal officer may be the Conduct Coordinator, provided they did not hold another outcome-based decision in the matter. The appeal officer will decide whether the grounds cited by the appellate party have been met with the provided information. If the grounds have not been met, the appeal request will be denied with no further opportunity to appeal. If one or more of the selected grounds have been met, the appeal officer will determine the final steps to remediate the issues brought forth in the appeal. The appeal officer may remit the case back to the investigation or adjudication officer(s), or to a new decision maker. The decision in this case will be decided upon, and the party will be notified of that decision and the rationale, and the case will be closed with no further appeal. The outcome of the appeal, including the rationale for the decision, will be provided in writing ten (10) business days from the date submissions were due from the parties. 

For students who fail to participate in the conduct process, the only ground upon which they may appeal is error in the process such that they were logistically unable to access the process. Failure to respond to outreach by the institution, failure to retrieve emails delivered by the institution, and failure to attend scheduled meetings will not constitute errors in this process. 

For students who accept responsibility for a violation, they may only appeal on the ground of new information not previously available to them. 

When an appeal is submitted, any sanction is placed on hold until the appeal is resolved. Interim Measures remain in effect and Supportive Measures remain available while the appeal is pending. 

Record Retention 

Student Conduct Records become a part of the student’s educational record for the duration of the record retention policy. As such, no information provided by employees, staff, or faculty that are considered in determining an outcome in of an alleged policy violation will be kept confidential from the student themselves, with the limited exception as determined by consultation with the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX, Campus Safety, or other offices to protect the safety of others. Thus, after the conclusion of a conduct investigation, or after collection of relevant information from the respondent, a student is able to review the files related to their case. Student Conduct Records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and are only shared with individuals with an educational need to know, such as to ensure compliance with sanctions. If a student is under 18 years of age at the time when a serious penalty is imposed, parents or legal guardians will be notified. A serious penalty defined as suspension or dismissal from either the residence hall or the Institute. 

In 1999, FERPA was amended to allow, and, in fact, encourage the Institute to inform parents or legal guardians of students under the age of 21 who have been involved in disciplinary action in which the use of alcohol and/or other drugs was a factor. In this regard, the student conduct officers make determinations on a case-by-case basis.

Records are retained in a secure, confidential database for seven (7) years, and are able to be requested for review, within a reasonable period of time, by the student during that time. Expulsion or Dismissal records will be retained in a secure, confidential database permanently.

Transcript Notation

As required by New York State Legislation Article 129­B, effective October 5, 2015, Pratt Institute will denote conduct outcomes on academic transcripts of students found in violation of any policy violation that is deemed a violent offense as defined by Clery Act reportable crimes. Crimes of violence are criminal homicide, rape, incest, fondling, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Transcript notations are applied at the conclusion of the conduct proceedings and appeals processes. The following are examples of language that may appear on an academic transcript:

• Expelled after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation 
• Suspended after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation 
• Withdrew with conduct charges pending 

Transcript notations for students expelled are permanent and cannot be appealed. 

Transcript notations for a student suspended or who chooses to withdraw pending conduct investigation will remain on a transcript for a minimum of one (1) year. After one year’s time, a student may request to have the transcript notation removed by filing an appeal with the Vice President for Student Affairs. If an appeal is not filed, the notation for a suspension or withdrawal will be removed after seven (7) years.

Suspension and Withdrawal Transcript Notation Appeals Process 

To file an appeal to have the transcript notation removed from an academic transcript, a student must submit in writing to the Vice President for Student Affairs (or their designee) the following:

• A statement describing the incident and what was learned over your time away from the Institute
• Documentation of successful completion of an in-/outpatient program or therapy to address the conduct

Withdrawal Prior to Conduct Case Adjudication

A student who withdraws from the Institute prior to an outcome of a pending conduct case should understand that the investigation will continue without their participation. A student can still be found responsible in their absence. Withdrawal from the Institute will not protect a student from possible criminal or civil action(s).

Students who withdrew from the Institute prior to resolution of the conduct process will need to fulfill the sanctions found in absentia before being permitted to appeal.

VI: Sanctions

The following are sanctions that may be imposed. Please note: Under the Housing License, any student removed from campus housing due to a student conduct decision will be ineligible for a refund of room fees and responsible for all amounts owed.

• Written Warning
  • A written warning indicates that a student has committed a violation of Institute policy and that continued or repeated violations of Institute policy will result in further student conduct action.
• Restitution
  • Restitution for violations against Institute property may include the restoration or replacement cost of the lost or damaged property.
• Special Restriction or Loss of Privileges
  • Students may be restricted from participating in specified events or activities, entering specific areas of the campus, or entering specific facilities and/or offices. Students’ access to specific services may also be restricted.
• Residential Probation
  • Students may be placed on residential probation for a specified period of time. During this time, students can continue residing in Institute housing. However, violations of Institute policy during the probationary period may result in additional and more significant sanctions, including, but not limited to, housing suspension or expulsion.
• Institution Probation
  • Students may be placed on Institute probation for a period of time. Violations of Institute policy during the probationary period may result in additional and more significant sanctions. Upon completing the probation period, the student may be required to attend periodic meetings with an Institute official. The terms of the probation will be tailored to fit the individual circumstances. They may include a recommendation for additional conditions to be met before the end of the probationary period. 
  • Students placed on Institute probation may not hold student staff or student leadership positions for the duration of the probationary period. Student supervisors or advisors will contact any students in these positions who a student conduct matter may impact. 
• Institute Service
  • Students may be assigned projects, programs, and services to the Institute or affiliated entities. Institute Service will work at a stipulated location within the Institute and with a stipulated supervisor. The Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, or designee, will arrange and administer Institute service sanctions. Failure to complete the assigned Institute Service or Educational Project within the specified time period may increase the assignment or result in additional sanctions. 
• Educational and Restorative sanctions
  • Based on the concerns being addressed, additional sanctions may include alcohol/drug/behavioral assessment or satisfactory attendance at a substance education course, prevention workshop, program, or group, or the completion of other projects.
• Suspension from the Residence Halls/Apartment
  • A student may be required to move out of the residence halls for a given period. The student may apply to be readmitted to the residence halls following the suspension period. No preference shall be given to such students in the readmission or re-entry process. Any individual under suspension from the residence halls is prohibited from entering all campus residential facilities. Any individual violating these terms of suspension from the campus residential facilities may be suspended from the Institute and subject to prosecution under the law.
  • EXCEPTION: If the student needs to access offices/services in residential facilities, the student must contact the Director of Residential Life for approval and then follow appropriate instructions for access.
• Expulsion from the Residence Halls/Apartments
  • A student may be required to leave the residence halls completely and permanently. Any student expelled from the campus residential facilities is prohibited from entering all campus facilities. Any individual found violating these terms, such as expulsion from the campus, may be subject to prosecution under the law.
  • EXCEPTION: If the student needs to access offices/services located in residential facilities, the student must contact the Chief Conduct Officer or their designees for approval and then follow appropriate instructions for access.
• Suspension from the Institute
  • Upon suspension from the Institute, a person loses all the rights and privileges of a student of the Institute for a stipulated period and is prohibited from using or entering the campus or its facilities. Any suspended individual found on campus during the suspension period will be subject to arrest. Any student suspended will be blocked from registering for classes and must schedule a meeting with the Chief Conduct Officer or their designee before registering/returning to the University. 
  • EXCEPTION: If the student needs to access offices/services located in Institute facilities, the student must contact the Chief Conduct Officer or their designee for approval and then follow appropriate instructions for access.
• Expulsion from the Institute
  • Upon expulsion from the Institute, a person loses all of the rights and privileges of a student and is prohibited from using or entering the campus or its facilities. Any expelled individual found on campus will be subject to arrest. Expulsion from the Institute will result in a notation on the student’s academic record. After ten years, an expelled student may petition for reinstatement. 
  • EXCEPTION: If the student needs to access offices/services located in Institute facilities, the student must contact the Chief Conduct Officer or their designee for approval, then follow appropriate instructions for access.
• Restriction from Personal Contact
  • A student may be restricted from having any personal, verbal, electronic (email, instant message, text message, social media, etc.), written, phone, cell phone, or third-party contact with another person. Intentional contact with the other party is a violation of Institute policy and may result in additional student conduct action.

VII: Code of Conduct Annual Review Process 

The purpose of this policy is to promote education and procedural fairness for students. The Division of Student Affairs is committed to keeping this policy current and in line with current laws and best practices. The Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, along with student conduct officers and senior administrators, will review the policies and procedures annually and make recommendations for any necessary modifications to the student code of conduct.