At Syracuse University, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming campus environment for all. We value diverse experiences and viewpoints, believing this enhances the quality of the educational and broader student experience.
Syracuse University is an academic community, and all persons—students, faculty, administrators and staff—share responsibility for its growth and continued welfare. As members of the University community, students should reasonably expect that all members of the University community will respect the following rights:
1. SPEECH/EXPRESSION/PRESS
Students have the right to express themselves freely on any subject provided they do so in a manner that does not violate the Student Conduct Code, including the prohibition of harassment of others. Students in turn have the responsibility to respect the right of all members of the University to exercise these freedoms, even when we may disagree with the viewpoint being expressed. Students are urged to read the “Syracuse Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry,” to further understand our goals in this important area.
2. NON-DISCRIMINATION
Students have the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of what are often termed “protected characteristics,” including: creed, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, age, race, color, veteran status, military status, religion, domestic violence status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender. Targeting an individual for disparate treatment because of, or based upon, a protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. Such actions are also contrary to the goal of being a welcoming and inclusive community.
3. ASSEMBLY/PROTEST
Students have the right to assemble in an orderly manner and engage in peaceful protest, demonstration, and picketing which does not disrupt the functions of the University, threaten the health or safety of any person, or violate University policies, including the Campus Disruption and Demonstration Policy and Events on University Property Policy.
4. RELIGION/ASSOCIATION
Students have the right to exercise their religious convictions and associate with religious, political, or other organizations of their choice in University facilities provided they do so in a manner that respects the rights of other members of the community and complies with the Student Conduct Code. Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of other members of the University community to engage in the free exercise of their religious convictions and to free association with organizations of their choice. Hendricks Chapel serves as an important resource to many faiths represented on campus.
5. PRIVACY/SEIZURE
Students have the right of a reasonable expectation of privacy in certain limited access/private spaces and to be free from unreasonable searches or unlawful arrest on University property. Students have the responsibility to respect the privacy of other members of the University community in their person and in their place of residence.
6. ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Students have the right to accurate and plainly stated information relating to maintenance of acceptable academic standing, graduation requirements, and individual course objectives and requirements. Students can expect instruction from designated instructors at appointed class times and reasonable access to those instructors. Students have the responsibility to attend class and know their appropriate class requirements. Students are encouraged to engage with their assigned academic advisor, their instructional faculty, and career services staff in mapping out desired educational objectives.
7. QUALITY ENVIRONMENT
Students have the right to expect a reasonably safe environment supportive of the University’s mission and their own educational goals. Students have the responsibility to protect and maintain that environment and to protect themselves from all hazards to the extent that reasonable behavior and precaution can avoid risk. Students should promptly report any hazards or unsafe conditions they observe by contacting the Department of Public Safety or Residential Living.
8. GOVERNANCE/PARTICIPATION
Students have the right to establish representative governmental bodies and to participate in University governance in accordance with the rules and regulations of the University. Students who accept representative roles in the governance of the University have the obligation to participate responsibly.
9. FUNDAMENTAL FAIRNESS
Students have the right to fundamental fairness in any formal disciplinary processes of the University for violations of the Student Conduct Code; as provided in the published procedures of the University’s Conduct System or other official University publications. Students have the right to written notice and the opportunity for a formal or informal hearing before any change in status is incurred for disciplinary reasons unless a significant threat to persons or property exists.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
Students have the right to access their educational records as set forth in the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. This includes the right to review educational records, and control disclosure of personal and academic information to third parties.*
*The above statement is also true for international students and scholars, except where specified by the legislation, rules, and regulations governing the particular visa status.