Important University Policies
Stanford expects students, faculty and staff to comply with all institutional policies and guidelines, some of which have been part of the university since its founding. Stanford believes students are accountable for their actions and the consequences of those actions in and out of the classroom. Civility and integrity in all areas of academic and community life are Stanford hallmarks. Visit http://judicialaffairs.stanford.edu.
Sections:
The Fundamental Standard
"Students at Stanford are expected to show both within and without the university such respect for order, morality, personal honor and the rights of others as is demanded of good citizens. Failure to do this will be sufficient cause for removal from the university." The Fundamental Standard has been applied to a variety of situations, including physical assault; theft; forgery; sexual harassment; misuse of university equipment, funds or computer accounts; illegal file-sharing; using false IDs to obtain services to which the student is not entitled; and misrepresentation in seeking student housing or other university benefits. There is no single penalty that applies to all violations of the Fundamental Standard. Infractions can lead to disciplinary sanctions ranging from a formal warning to expulsion, through a student-based judicial system. Depending on the nature of the violation, and in addition to any action taken by the university, students also may be subject to prosecution by external authorities. Go to top
The Honor Code
Both faculty and students at Stanford agree to abide by the Honor Code, which is essentially the application of the Fundamental Standard to academic matters. The Honor Code is a collaborative effort between professors and students to create an academic environment based on trust. It is an agreement by students that they "will not give or receive aid in class work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other work that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of grading," and "that they will do their share and take an active part in seeing to it that others as well as themselves uphold the spirit and letter of the Honor Code." Examinations at Stanford are not proctored, and students have a responsibility to ensure that academic work is their own. The standard penalty for a first Honor Code offense generally is a one-quarter suspension from the university and community service. In addition, most faculty members issue a "No Pass" for the course in which the violation occurred. The most frequent cases of Honor Code violations are those in which a student submits another's work as his or her own or gives or receives unpermitted aid. Go to top
Acts of Intolerance
Stanford defines an act of intolerance as conduct that adversely and unfairly targets an individual or group on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality and/or age. The university is committed to providing a safe living and learning environment in which every person is valued and respected, inclusion is assured and free expression and debate are encouraged. The Acts of Intolerance Protocol establishes a mechanism for addressing situations involving a real or perceived act of intolerance. See http://www.stanford.edu/dept/vpsa/intolerance/index.html. Go to top
Policy on Controlled Substances and Alcohol
The University Policy on Controlled Substances and Alcohol states: "It is the policy of Stanford University to maintain a drug-free workplace and campus. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession and/or use of controlled substances or the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol is prohibited on the Stanford campus, in the workplace or as a part of any of the university's activities. The workplace and campus are presumed to include all Stanford premises where the activities of the university are conducted. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination of employment or expulsion of students. Violations may also be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution."
California law makes it illegal for persons under 21 years of age to drink alcohol. It is also illegal to buy or serve alcohol to anyone under 21. Stanford is not a sanctuary from laws related to drinking, and university policy reflects California law. While sensitive to the concerns that are unique to a college campus, Stanford's Department of Public Safety can and will act to enforce the drinking-age requirement. Go to top
Hazing
Stanford defines hazing as any activity done in connection with a student organization, regardless of whether the organization is officially recognized at Stanford, that causes or is reasonably likely to cause another student to suffer bodily danger, physical harm or significant personal degradation or humiliation, even if no bodily danger, physical harm, or significant degradation or humiliation in fact results. Hazing is not permitted at Stanford. Individuals, recognized student organizations, clubs, teams or any other Stanford-affiliated student group may not plan, engage in or condone hazing activities on or off the Stanford campus. See http://www.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/bulletin/4784.htm. Go to the top
Sexual Violence and Harassment
Sexual assault, relationship abuse and sexual harassment are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Stanford University. Each member of the Stanford community is expected to be part of creating a safe and respectful community for all. The university responds to allegations of sexual violence and harassment under applicable policies, and separate prosecution by external authorities may also result. Go to top
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment, is a federal law granting students access to their educational records and limiting the information universities are allowed to give out about individual students. University bills and other official university correspondence are sent directly to students. Except in those situations outlined in the section "Stanford's Relationship with Students and Their Parents," university faculty and staff are allowed to share students' grades or any other personal business with parents only when the student has given specific permission to do so. Approaching Stanford explains how students may give permission for university personnel to release details of financial accounts to parents or others. Go to top
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act, Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) allows copyright owners to legally challenge alleged unlawful sharing of copyrighted materials over the Internet. The DMCA requires that an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as Stanford respond to copyright infringement complaints and establish procedures to terminate repeat infringers. The use of file-sharing networks to download and share copyrighted works without permission from the copyright owner-like software, music, movies, TV shows, games and images-for personal enjoyment violates copyright laws. Stanford policy also prohibits copying or distributing copyrighted materials without permission. Both the person who makes an illegal copy of a copyrighted work and the person who receives or downloads an illegal copy have violated copyright laws and Stanford policies. Stanford disconnects students from the Stanford network for failing to respond to a single DMCA notice or for receiving multiple DMCA notices. Stanford may charge students substantial fees-up to $1,000-to reconnect back to the Stanford network. For more information, refer to the Residential Computing file-sharing website, http://rescomp.stanford.edu/info/dmca. Go to top
Last updated on May 14, 2009
