Dear Students,
Welcome back to campus, after what I hope was a restful break!
As a Jesuit Catholic community and institution, Boston College is committed to the holistic development of its students. Part of this commitment is instilling integrity, encouraging right decision-making, and fostering self-accountability in order to enhance and maintain the values of the BC community. Consistent with
Boston College's commitment to student formation, students are expected to engage in self-reflection and to grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually during their time at the institution.
During the start of this spring semester, please take a moment to review the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct provides information on community standards and articulates the process of addressing violations of these expectations and policies.
The Student Code of Conduct has many policies and procedures, and your familiarity with them is of paramount importance. However, there are a few central policies that I would like to direct your attention to:
Bias Motivated Conduct: Students are prohibited from behavior and/or language that demonstrates bias against persons or groups because of those persons’ or groups’ actual or perceived race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, ethnicity, or status as a member of any other protected class. This includes verbal, written, or physical behaviors that constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and is in whole or in part motivated by bias, or is coupled with evidence of bias motivation. A finding of bias motivated conduct may result in a more severe sanction than would be given for the conduct violation without evidence of bias motivation (refer to the Student Code of Conduct for the full policy language).
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct: All forms of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct including, without limitation, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, are prohibited by Boston College. The University maintains a Title IX Harassment Policy which addresses conduct constituting sexual harassment under Title IX as well as the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy, which addresses non-Title IX sexual harassment and misconduct. Each policy includes explanations and definitions for the conduct covered under the policy, as well as the adjudication process for conduct covered under the policy.
Help Seeking Policy: The health and safety of Boston College students is of paramount concern. Thus, all students are expected and encouraged to seek immediate assistance for themselves or others in situations where help is needed due to intoxication or drug ingestion. Students who seek help or calls for help on behalf of another student may not be subject to action through the conduct system.
Scooter Policy: Boston College prohibits the use, storage, and charging of electric scooters and similar electric transportation devices on all campus roadways, walking paths, parking lots, and green spaces, as well as all University buildings, residence halls, and facilities. Exceptions will be made for electric bicycles, provided that users follow all applicable traffic regulations, do not bring their e-bikes into any BC facility, and secure them in outdoor bike racks. Electric mobility aids for individuals with disabilities are also exempted. Electric transportation devices that are found on campus will be impounded, and users will be referred to the Student Conduct Process.
Copyright Compliance: Boston College requires all members of the University to comply with copyright laws and the provisions of licensing agreements that apply to software. Students are prohibited from the unauthorized copying or distribution of any material created by anyone other than themselves. These prohibited activities include using the Boston College network for sharing music, video, or software without copyright holder permission, whether through peer-to-peer programs (uploading or downloading) or other means.
Thank you for taking the time to review these important items as we begin the new semester. I welcome your collaboration and feedback as the semester progresses, and wish you all the best for a great semester at Boston College.
Sincerely,
Melissa Woolsey
Associate Dean, Student Conduct
Office of the Dean of Students
Division of Student Affairs