The Board of Trustees at the December 15, 2004 meeting has
approved these policies. They are subject to future revisions and
will be reviewed by the Board annually.
Section A: Purpose
The educational experience at St. John’s University is intended
to promote personal growth within a healthy learning environment,
to instill high moral values, especially of charity and justice and
to encourage the development of character and fortitude to live by
these values. In such an environment, it is essential that students
learn to look critically at their behavior and to accept
responsibility when their behavior violates the policies and
precepts of conduct at the University. The system for adjudicating
alleged violations must be fair and should involve students.
Ultimately the system of discipline at St. John’s University is
designed to promote a healthy learning environment and to promote
human dignity and human potential.
The University Judicial System is designed to adjudicate cases
of alleged violations of University policies and regulations, and
when necessary to investigate matters of student conduct in a
manner which reflects the Vincentian tradition and the educational
mission of St. John’s University. Students are responsible for
their actions as well as the actions of their guests while on the
St. John’s campus and sanctions may be imposed on the host when the
guest violates the St. John’s Code of Conduct.
This Non-Academic Judicial System pertains to University
discipline for non-academic infractions. It is not exclusive and
does not preempt or preclude independent disciplinary action that
may be taken against members of the University’s athletic teams, or
other University or student organizations with respect to
participation in such organizations, where appropriate.
Section B: Judicial Authority
- Ultimate authority over student discipline is vested in the
President of the University, who may exercise it in his discretion
whenever he believes that the interests of the University warrant
it and impose any penalty, including expulsion. In exercising such
plenary authority, the President will afford the student an
opportunity to know the charges against him/her, and to offer
his/her version of the events. Action taken by the President is
final and closes the matter. The President may designate the
Executive Vice President to exercise this authority when he deems
it necessary or convenient.
As an ordinary matter, the President has delegated authority over
student discipline to the Senior Student Affairs Officer at the
University who may exercise it consistent with these procedures.
Currently, the Senior Student Affairs Officer is the Vice President
for Student Affairs.
- The Judicial Officer administers the Judicial System. The Dean
of Students on each campus is the Judicial Officer for that campus,
except that at the Manhattan campus it is the Director of Student
Life. The Judicial Officer is responsible to ensure that all
judicial proceedings are carried out in accordance with University
policy and procedures.
Section C: Violations of Law
All members of the University community are subject to federal,
state and local laws. Students are subject to such reasonable
disciplinary action as deemed appropriate, including suspension and
expulsion, for breach of federal, state or local laws when such
conduct is likely to have an adverse effect on the University or on
the educational process at the University or affects the student’s
suitability as a member of the University community.