Community Standards
Important notice regarding the Code of Conduct and COVID-19
(Updated August 20, 2021)
It is expected that students are mindful that the code of student conduct is still in place and will be followed for any behavior that may affect the educational mission and environment of Union College. Regarding Union's reopening plan, students are also expected to follow guidelines regarding COVID-19. Failure to meet the policies and procedures included in the COVID-19 Updates may result in disciplinary action. Students who are found to have violated a policy or procedure included in the Code of Student Conduct will be expected to participate in a hearing. Follow this link for more information about expectations about appropriate behavior online.
The Code of Community Standards
Students and student organizations at Union College are expected to promote the educational aims of the College through individual personal integrity and responsibility, both on and off campus. It is vital to maintain a strong system of accountability and to address issues of discipline and resulting behaviors. Through initiatives including counseling programs, strong discipline programs, and close control of social events, our goal is to strive to ensure that our students’ and student organizations’ behavior remain consistent with community standards.
By valuing a diversity of opinions and life styles, members of the College community are bound together both by respect for the individual and collective rights of others and by recognition of the primary aims of learning and development of the disciplined mind that brings us together. Judicial action will be taken against students and student organizations whose conduct adversely affects the College community or the pursuit of the College’s objectives.
Individuals who join together to share common interests; whether in a club, a Greek house, or a theme house; collectively share a common responsibility. They must ensure that fellow individual members or groups of members uphold the values of their organization. A group cannot ignore or escape its responsibility for the actions of its members. Moreover, it must be understood that while special interest groups are viewed as worthwhile components of the educational experience, Union College will recognize such groups only so long as the actions of their members are consistent with the College’s purposes, expectations, and policies.
The Union College Conduct System is designed to hold students and student organizations accountable for their behavior and that of their guests, to promote the protection of the College community and property, and to protect the rights of the members of that community to function in an environment conducive to academic pursuits. It is designed to challenge the inappropriate behavior of individuals in a supportive and educational manner that will encourage them to understand the impact of their behavior on individuals and the community.