Dear Students,
Welcome back to Boston College for the upcoming academic year! We hope you've had a restful break and are looking forward to the 2023-2024 year on the Heights! As you navigate campus, the Office of the Dean of Students seeks to ensure that your experience here is not only enjoyable but also respectful and safe for everyone in our community.
At Boston College, our Jesuit values guide us in fostering an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and personal responsibility. To help us maintain this vibrant and inclusive community, we encourage you to 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, including how to report any misconduct experienced by you or another community member.
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. Certain behaviors, such as bias motivated conduct, may be so harmful to the University community that they may require serious sanctions, such as removal from University housing, removal from specific courses or activities, suspension, or dismissal from the University.
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.
Gambling Policy: All forms of gambling are prohibited. Under MA law, no one under the age of 21 is permitted to engage in any form of gambling or wagering. MA law also prohibits individuals of any age from participating in many gambling activities, including without limitation, betting on MA college teams, bookmaking or pool setting for profit, promoting or setting up a lottery for money or property, or winning or losing money or other valuables by play or hazard at any unsanctioned game. Further, the NCAA prohibits those associated with the Athletics Department from participating in any form of sports wagering. The University also prohibits the sharing or use of any non-public information about any student athlete, team, or University athletics competition in connection with any gambling activity, whether legal or not.
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.
Hazing: Any form of hazing is prohibited by University policy and Massachusetts law. Hazing refers to any activity or abuse of power by a member of an organization and/or group used against an individual or group of individuals as a condition to affiliate with, hold membership, or join (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the subject’s willingness to participate.
Thank you for taking the time to review these important items as we begin the new semester. We are excited to have you back on campus and look forward to witnessing your personal and academic growth in the coming year.
Welcome back, and best wishes for a successful academic year!
Sincerely,
Melissa Woolsey
Associate Dean, Student Conduct
Office of the Dean of Students
Division of Student Affairs
Office of the Dean of Students
Maloney Hall, Suite 448
21 Campanella Way
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-552-3470 / Email: deanofstudents@bc.edu
www.bc.edu/dos