Conduct
Code of social conduct and community standards
Basic College regulations are vital to community welfare, student safety, and supporting high standards of ethical integrity. Skidmore College expects all members of the community to conduct themselves in a manner supportive of its educational mission. The College considers violations of these regulations that may lead to various sanctions, up to and including expulsion. In addition to following basic College regulations, community members are also obligated to observe the laws and ordinances of local, state, and federal governments. The College may press charges against community members engaged in criminal activities on or off the campus.
Respect for the person, property, ideas, and perspectives of others and a commitment to intellectual and personal growth are values essential to membership in the College community. The policies listed below are illustrative only, not exhaustive; the College has the right and obligation to act upon conduct not in accord with the informing principles of the Code of Social Conduct, whether or not expressly proscribed below.
Students are provided a copy of the Student Handbook annually in the form of a link on the Skidmore College website. Students are responsible for having read and abiding by provisions of the expectations for Academic Integrity and the Code of Social Conduct.
Code of social conduct
Skidmore College expects students to conduct themselves with the guiding principles of fairness, respect, and honesty. Considering how we ourselves would like to be treated will usually provide guidance on how to interact with other members of the community. The social policies listed below cannot capture all of the values of a respectful and cooperative community. The items listed do, however, state some of the more serious issues that sometimes confront our community.
Culpability is not diminished for acts in violation of this Code that are committed in ignorance of the Code or under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or improper use of controlled substances.
Students shall abide by the Code of Social Conduct as outlined below. Students found to have committed, or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct are subject to the College’s student conduct process.
Abuse of conduct process
Abuse or interference with, or failure to comply in, College processes including student disciplinary processes, including, but not limited to:
- Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information;
- Failure to provide, destroying or concealing information during an investigation of an alleged policy violation;
- Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the campus conduct system;
- Influencing, or attempting to influence, another person to commit an abuse of the campus conduct system.
Alcohol and other drugs (AOD)
Drug free campus
Illegal use, possession, purchase, distribution, manufacture or sale of alcohol, drugs or controlled substances, or any other violation of the College Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy (AOD).
Skidmore College, in accordance with federal and New York state law, regulates the use and possession of alcohol and other drugs on campus. The College’s main objective in this regulation of AOD is to provide a safe environment that promotes academic success as well as physical and psychological health on both the individual and community levels. The College understands that students make their own choices about AOD and, when appropriate, utilizes a harm reduction framework to encourage responsible choices and safety. The College also believes that students should be held accountable for their choices. AOD sanctions are designed to educate students about AOD use and encourage informed decision-making while deterring illegal and unsafe behavior. Specifically:
Education encourages students to discuss, reflect on, and receive support around issues that may contribute to AOD abuse and/or addiction.
Educational fees cover the cost of evidence-based educational programming for individuals as well as for the entire Skidmore community. In the event that a student is required to complete an off-campus AOD assessment, additional fees, payable directly to the provider, will apply.
Parent/guardian notification aims to establish a partnership with parents/guardians in reducing high-risk drinking and drug use. The College notifies parents/guardians because repeated violations of the AOD policy indicate risk both to the student personally and to the student’s academic career at Skidmore. This sanction may be levied when the responsible student is under 21 years of age, or a dependent for tax purposes.
Points are designed to discourage high risk AOD use. The number of points assigned correlates with the riskiness of the behavior in which the student was engaging. Points were developed in order to make the conduct sanctioning process clearer and more consistent for students. A student found responsible for v Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)
Further, points are designed to educate students about AOD use and encourage responsible choices and safety. Points and/or other sanctions are assigned at the conclusion of the administrative conference process. Points will expire one year after the incident provided the student is not found responsible for any additional violations of College policy during that time, and all sanctions are complete.
Point chart
| Behavior | Point range |
|---|---|
|
A - Underage possession/consumption of alcohol, possession of an open container in a public place on campus, or unauthorized possession/consumption of alcohol at a College event |
2 |
|
B - Possession of alcohol paraphernalia |
1-2 |
|
C - Possession/consumption of alcohol in a residence hall |
1 |
|
D - Possession or use of marijuana or drug paraphernalia (less than 3 ounces |
2 |
|
E - Alcohol possession/consumption posing a substantial risk to one’s health or safety/health or safety of others |
3-5 |
|
F - Disorderly conduct due to Intoxication |
3-5 |
|
G - Public intoxication |
3-5 |
|
H - Games of mass consumption |
2-4 |
|
I - Social hosting (hosting behavior in violation of this policy in your living space, providing alcohol to underage individuals, occupancy requirements in the apartments |
2-4 |
|
J - Possession of a criminal amount of marijuana (3 ounces or more) |
3-5 |
|
K- Possession or use of an illegal substance or the use of any substance in a way that was not intended for the purpose of altering mood, perception and/or performance without medical advice |
4-7 |
|
L - DUI/DWI |
7-10 |
|
M - Production, sale, or distribution of any illegal substances, e.g. marijuana, stimulants, and prescription drugs, etc. |
6-10 |
Status
A student’s total number of accumulated points corresponds with a status, as well as additional sanctions, restorative outcomes, and/or restrictions.
- A total of 1-4 points equates to a warning status
- A total of 3 or more points will result in parent/guardian notification when the responding student is under the age of 21, or a dependent for tax purposes.
- A total of 5-9 points equates to a Disciplinary Probation status. This status also applies to a student’s housing. Being on disciplinary probation may impact a student’s eligibility to participate in the housing selection process, remain on campus during break periods (including early arrival and late departure), and may result in an administrative housing reassignment.
- A total of 7 points or more may result in removal from housing
- A total of 10 points will result in suspension or expulsion (depending on the student’s comprehensive student conduct history).
Please be advised that in addition to points, violations of the College AOD Policy may result in the following: educational sanctions, educational fee, or parent/guardian notification. Please see the text above for additional information regarding these sanctions.
Meeting with College administrator aims to foster a supportive relationship between students and administrators on campus. Administrators can help students articulate their goals, and identify opportunities for positive engagement with the community in pursuit of those goals. Further, administrators can make referrals to resources on and off campus.
New York State Law states that:
- No person under the age of 21 years may possess or consume alcohol.
- No person shall sell, deliver, or give away alcoholic beverages to a visibly intoxicated person.
- Providing alcohol to a person under the age of 21 is against the law.
- Possession of a forged driver’s license is a felony.
- Possession of forged college ID is a misdemeanor.
Students should also be aware of a Saratoga Springs ordinance prohibiting any person to “have in his possession any open bottle or container containing liquor, beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages while such a person is on any public highway, public street, public sidewalk, public parking area or in any vehicle or public place.” The city enforces the policy downtown, and the College prohibits “open containers” in public spaces on campus.
Students should also be aware of New York State law governing the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The College is especially concerned about the potential consequences of students driving with their ability impaired. The College will pursue student conduct charges with students ticketed—on or off campus—for driving under the influence of drugs and or alcohol.
Responsible Student Intervention
The purpose of the Statement on Responsible Student Intervention (RSI) is to minimize barriers and to encourage students to seek help whenever there is an alcohol or other drug (AOD) related emergency. The College aims to provide caring, supportive interventions in response to such incidents. In addition to making healthy choices, students are encouraged not only to look out for their own health and safety but also for that of their peers.
All Skidmore students are expected to enlist support from Skidmore Campus Safety/SCEMS in the event of a medical emergency - specifically those involving extreme intoxication or other ill effects related to the use of alcohol or drugs.
If medical assistance is sought, the Office of the Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs will not pursue conduct charges (points, fees, change in disciplinary status) against students who contact campus resources for assistance on behalf of another student or themselves, nor against any student who requires medical assistance and cooperates with resources offering support, for violations of the College’s AOD policies. This exemption is intended to allow the College an opportunity to meaningfully engage with the student, in the form of a meeting, about their responsibilities as a member of the Skidmore community, while prioritizing health and wellbeing.
The practice is informed by New York State’s Good Samaritan Law, which allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.
The RSI applies when
- A student requests medical assistance for oneself.
- Student(s) requests medical assistance for another student. This includes students in leadership positions i.e., RA, SCEMS, etc.
- A student in need of help is discovered by a student in a leadership position (i.e., RA, SCEMS, etc.) and remains cooperative in the help that is provided.
- A student remains cooperative with each step of the conduct process.
The following are not covered by the RSI
- Students waiting until Campus Safety, law enforcement, or non-student College officials arrive before seeking assistance.
- Action by police or other law enforcement personnel
- Violations of the Code of Social Conduct other than the alcohol/drugs policy
- Possession with the intent to distribute drugs.
Application to student organizations
In circumstances where an organization is found to be hosting an event where medical assistance is sought for an intoxicated guest, the organization (depending upon the circumstances) may be held responsible for violations of the College AOD Policy. However, the organization’s willingness to seek medical assistance for a member or guest will be viewed as a mitigating factor in determining a sanction for any violations of the College AOD Policy.
At sanctioned club/organization events, the hosts are expected to manage their event responsibly in part by modeling responsible behavior and paying attention to potential intoxication levels of guests.
What happens when I call
Campus Safety will immediately dispatch Skidmore College Emergency Medical Services (SCEMS) and/or local emergency medical responders. An evaluation of the student will be conducted and, if further medical assistance is deemed necessary, the College will require the student to be transported to Saratoga Hospital.
When to call
Students should call Campus Safety (518-580-5566) for help if they notice or experience any of the following:
- Someone cannot be roused with shouting or vigorous shaking or cannot be roused for more than 2-3 minutes at a time. Passing out is an alcohol emergency.
- Someone vomits while being passed out, does not wake up after vomiting, or is incoherent while vomiting.
- Breathing is irregular or slow, or there is a lapse in breathing.
- Pulse is weak, very rapid, or very slow.
- Skin is cold, clammy, or bluish.
- You have ANY concerns regarding a person’s safety.
What to do while you wait for help
- Keep the person awake – Do not let them "sleep it off."
- Stay with the person until help arrives.
- Turn the person on his/her side to prevent choking if the person vomits.
- Be prepared to give the emergency medical personnel as much information as possible, including any drugs or medications taken.
What NOT to do while you wait
- Do not leave the person alone. The alcohol may take some time to be absorbed before peak levels are reached in the brain.
- Do not leave the person lying on their back.
- Do not try to give the person anything to eat or drink.
- Do not put the person in a cold shower. They could fall or pass out from the shock.
What happens afterward
- Follow up after Incident
- The student who required medical assistance will meet with the Director of Student Conduct or designee to discuss the situation.
- The student will be exempt from receiving points and the educational fee will be waived.
- An appropriate intervention will be assigned that aims to promote safety and foster responsible decision-making through education, awareness and support.
- A parent/guardian may be notified with the goal of increasing support for the student. The student may be required to meet with staff in the Office of Health Promotions.
- Although there is typically no follow-up for a student who requests help for someone else, a meeting with the Office of Student Conduct may occur if additional information about the situation is needed or if there is concern about another Code of Social Conduct violation. A student will never be penalized for calling for help for another student.
Repeated incidents
Consistent with putting the student’s health and wellness first, the College will approach repeated incidents as a serious health risk. If there are subsequent incidents, exemptions from disciplinary action are at the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct and/or the Dean of Students/Vice President for Student Affairs. Repeated incidents will result in a higher level of intervention and possible sanctions. Students who call for help on behalf of someone else are NOT limited to one exemption from disciplinary action.
Disclosure of exempt/waived incidents
Incidents that are covered by the Statement on Responsible Student Intervention are not documented as violations of the Code of Social Conduct. Such matters will not be reported to external institutions and agencies (e.g. graduate programs) requesting information about a student’s disciplinary record.
Related Policies
Laws and policy related to drugs
Skidmore College prohibits the use, possession, and sale of illegal drugs or unauthorized prescription medications. All members of the Skidmore community are required to abide by federal, state, and local laws regarding these substances. Skidmore College does not provide students protection from the law. Students found possessing or selling illegal drugs are subject to disciplinary action and criminal liability. The College may submit the names of students it believes to have supplied or sold drugs to local law enforcement authorities.
State and federal law
- Unlawful possession of any controlled substance is a crime
- Giving another person an illegal drug or prescription-controlled substance is the same as selling it
- The sale (or giving) of any controlled substance is a felony (this statute also includes legally possessed prescription drugs that are controlled substances).
- Although possession of marijuana is permissible under New York State law, it is considered a controlled substance under federal law and therefore prohibited on campus.
- The sale of marijuana is a more serious crime than simple possession.
- Possession of gelatin caps, glassine envelopes, other packaging materials, or scales under circumstances evincing intent to use is a crime.
Marijuana and Cannabis use policy
Possible violations
Animals/pets
Unauthorized dogs, cats, mice, birds, or other animals are not permitted in residence halls, College buildings, or anywhere on College property.
Collusion
Action or inaction in concert with another or others to violate the Code of Social Conduct
Damage and destruction
Intentional, reckless and/or unauthorized damage to or destruction of College property or the property of another.
Disruptive behavior
Disruption of College operations including obstruction of teaching, research, administration, other College activities, and/or other authorized non-College activities which occur on campus; general disorderly conduct.
Discrimination
Any act or failure to act that is based upon an individual or group’s actual or perceived status (sex, gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or other protected status) that is sufficiently severe that it interferes with, limits or denies the ability to participate in or benefit from College programs or activities.
Reports involving alleged discrimination will be referred to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX for review and potential case management. The College reserves the right to sanction discrimination even if the behavior in question does not rise to the level of legally recognized or actionable discrimination; For more on campus climate and bias incidents reporting and protocols, see Reporting a Bias Incident
Failure to comply
Failure to comply with the authorized directives of College officials or law enforcement officers during the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so; failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed by the campus conduct system.
Falsification/tampering
Knowingly creating, furnishing or possessing false, falsified or forged materials, documents, accounts, records, identification, or financial instruments; tampering with the election of any College-recognized student organization; knowingly sharing false information with a College official.
Harassment
Any unwelcome conduct based on actual or perceived status, including race, color, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected category. For sexual and gender-based misconduct definitions, policy, and conduct procedures, see Equal Opportunity and Title IX.
Harm to persons
Intentionally or recklessly causing physical or emotional harm; threatening or endangering the physical or emotional health or safety of any person, including but not limited to, hazing, bullying or cyber bullying, or any other threatening or intimidating behavior;
- Threat: written or verbal conduct that causes a reasonable fear of injury to the physical or emotional health or safety of any person or damage to any property.
- Intimidation: express or implied acts that cause a reasonable fear of injury to the physical or emotional health or safety of any person or damage to any property.
- Bullying and Cyber bullying: bullying and cyber bullying are repeated and/or severe aggressive behaviors that intimidate or intentionally harm or control another person physically or emotionally.
Health and safety
Creation of health and/or safety hazards, including but not limited to, dangerous pranks, hanging out of or climbing from/on/in windows, balconies, roofs of buildings, covered walkways, trees etc. Students are not permitted to be on the balconies in Jonsson Tower.
Hosts and guests
The host of guests are expected to take reasonable precautions to ensure that their guests comply with the Code of Social Conduct, and are subject to discipline if they fail to take such precautions; hosts are required to accompany their guests on campus at all times.
Infringement of certain intellectual property rights
Unauthorized use, including misuse, of the name, images, logos, trademarks or service marks, or other infringement of intellectual property rights, of the College or an organization recognized by the College.
Residential Life policies
The Residential Life Handbook produced each year by the Office of Residential Life at Skidmore College, presents the policies and procedures concerning residential living. Each student is responsible for becoming familiar with all of the information contained in this Handbook. The Residential Life Handbook is subject to errors and omissions and may be modified as necessary throughout the Academic Year. Skidmore College reserves the right to add, delete, revise, or change the information, including all policies and procedures, set forth in the Residential Life Handbook. All students are encouraged to review the Residential Life Handbook at the start of each academic year, and as necessary throughout the academic year. Students are expected to abide by the policies outlined in the Residential Life Handbook.
Retaliation
Any intimidation, harassment, discrimination, or other adverse action against an individual as a result of that individual participating in, or cooperating with, College processes, including without limitation student disciplinary processes.
Sexual and gender-based misconduct
For sexual and gender-based misconduct definitions, policy, and conduct procedures, see Sexual and Gender Based Misconduct.
Smoking
Skidmore College is a smoke-free, vape-free, and tobacco-free campus. Smoking, vaping, and tobacco use within all buildings and throughout all Skidmore College grounds is prohibited.
Taking of property
Intentional and unauthorized taking of College property or the personal property of another, including goods, services and other valuables; or knowingly maintaining possession of stolen property.
Unauthorized access
Unauthorized access to any College building, including but not limited to access through unauthorized use of keys, cards, etc., unauthorized possession, duplication or use of means of access to any College building, or failing to report a lost College identification card or means of access (e.g., a key or card), propping of doors (of any kind) or unauthorized use of alarmed doors for entry into or exit from a College building, presence in a space without express permission from the room resident (residential spaces), or the appropriate College official (academic and administrative buildings).
Weapons
Possession, use, or distribution of explosives, including but not limited to fireworks and ammunition, guns (air, BB, paintball, facsimile weapons and pellet guns, etc.), or other weapons or dangerous objects such as arrows, axes, machetes, nun chucks, throwing stars, or knives having blades in excess of six inches in length (except for culinary knives reasonably necessary for cooking in on-campus residences), including the storage of any item that falls within the category of a weapon in a vehicle parked on College property.
Other policies
Violating other published College policies or rules, including but not limited to Information Technology Policy, Student Government Association Policies, Skidmore Shop policies, Dining Services policies, Campus Safety policies etc., as well as the following: