At Syracuse University, we are committed to ensuring a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible campus environment for all. We value diverse identities and viewpoints, and believe diversity and inclusion enhance who we are as students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Syracuse University is an academic community and all persons—students, faculty, administrators, and staff—share responsibilities for its growth and continued welfare. As members of the University community, students can 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. Students in turn have the responsibility to respect the right of all members of the University to exercise these freedoms.
2. NON-DISCRIMINATION
Students have the right not to be discriminated against by any agent or organization of Syracuse University for reasons of being members of a protected category, 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. Students have the responsibility not to discriminate against others.
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 the Student Conduct Code.
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 their University community to free exercise of their religious convictions and to free association with organizations of their choice.
5. PRIVACY/SEIZURE
Students have the right of privacy and to be free from unreasonable searches or unlawful arrest on University property and within their campus residences. 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.
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.
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 before formal disciplinary sanctions are imposed by 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 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 and control access to their educational records as provided by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. These include the rights 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.