Policies

I. Introduction

This Precollege Studies Program Code of Conduct exists to assist you in having a positive experience at Cornell University. All Precollege Studies Program participants are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct as well as the separate Precollege Studies Code of Academic Integrity. Both documents are adapted from the Codes used for matriculated Cornell University students, but differ from these in terms of additional regulations on behavior, modifications to protect minors, and changes to the disciplinary processes.

This document contains three parts to address the full range of options for participating in the program. Section One, Code of Conduct General Notice sets out the overarching conditions for conduct and sanctions. Section Two lists the specific regulations for participant conduct beginning with A) the 3 general regulations that apply to all participants, whether attending the program online, as commuters, or residential; B) the regulations that apply to all participants on the Cornell campus, that is, commuter and residential; and, C) the additional regulations that apply to the those participating in the residential program

In addition to the regulations listed in this document, Precollege Studies Program students are also responsible for complying with all other rules, regulations, policies, and procedures contained in official Cornell University publications and announcements that may be issued from time to time, as well as all local, state, and federal laws. These include the previously referenced Precollege Studies Program Code of Academic Integrity. Cornell University reserves the right to change its rules, policies, and procedures, including this Code of Conduct, at any time as deemed appropriate or necessary.

Note Regarding FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Further details may be found in Cornell Policy 4.5 Access to Student Information (https://policy.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/vol4_5.pdf).

Unless otherwise indicated in writing by the student at the time of course registration, or thereafter, the university will presume that a student participant in the Cornell University Precollege Studies Program is a dependent as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code. Students who are not financially dependent and do not wish to permit their parents or legal guardians access to their education records should advise the School of Continuing Education in writing and provide evidence of financial independence. For the purposes of the Cornell University Precollege Studies Program, staff from the School of Continuing Education withhold the right to disclose any and all information to students’ parents or legal guardians regarding their education record, including but not limited to grades, class attendance/participation, issues of academic integrity, petitions or withdrawals, any violations of this Code or other regulations or rules, and any information related to physical or mental health wellbeing.

II. Code of Conduct General Notice

Applicable to all Participants in the Precollege Studies Program

The Precollege Studies Program Code of Conduct is applicable to all School of Continuing Education (SCE) Precollege Studies Program participants for the duration of their enrollment in a Cornell University course or physical presence at a Cornell University campus or facility.

Participants in the Precollege Studies Program are not considered Cornell University Students per the Cornell Student Code of Conduct (Section II, D). As such, participants in the Precollege Studies Program are subject to different standards and processes regarding conduct and academic integrity than individuals defined as Cornell “students.” Note that the use of the term “student” in this and other Precollege Studies Program forms and documents does not imply that a Precollege Studies Program participant is a Cornell University student as defined by the Cornell Student Code of Conduct.

Cornell University has established these regulations and procedures to protect its educational purpose, to provide for the orderly conduct of its activities, and to safeguard the interests of the Cornell University community.

The regulations contained in this document apply to student conduct in Cornell supported electronic resources including email accounts and learning management systems, at Cornell University, at any event sponsored by Cornell University, and at any other location, on or off campus, during the duration of the Precollege Studies Program participant’s enrollment in a Cornell University course or physical presence at a Cornell University campus or facility.

Precollege Studies Program participants who violate these or other duly established regulations become subject to disciplinary action and the procedures described herein.

Precollege Studies Program participants may be accountable to both civil authorities and to Cornell University for acts that constitute violations of law and of the Precollege Studies Program Code of Conduct. When a participant has been charged by a civil authority for a violation of the law, Cornell University will neither request nor agree to special consideration for the student solely because of their status in the Precollege Studies Program.

The Precollege Studies Program Code of Conduct and its regulations are set forth in writing in order to give students general notice of prohibited conduct. The regulations should be read broadly and are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms.

The provisions of this Code are not to be regarded as a contract between the participant and Cornell University. Cornell University reserves the right to amend any provision herein at any time. Cornell University will publish such amendments on relevant websites and will announce such amendments to the SCE Precollege Studies Program community.

Any behavior that may have been influenced by a student’s mental state (irrespective of the ultimate evaluation) or by the use of drugs or alcoholic beverages shall not in any way limit the responsibility of the Precollege Studies Program participant for the consequences of their actions.

Cornell University SCE Precollege Studies Program reserves the right to discontinue the enrollment of any participant whose continuance would be, in the sole judgment of the Precollege Studies Program Director or SCE’s Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, detrimental to themselves, others, or to the SCE Precollege Studies Program learning or living environment. Discontinuance from enrollment in these cases is not considered a disciplinary action.

II. Code of Conduct Regulations

A. General Regulations: Applicable to all Precollege Participants

The content of this subsection applies to all Precollege Studies Program participants, whether they are attending online courses, commuting to campus, or living in Cornell University residence halls. Students should make themselves knowledgeable about all rules. Violations of any items in this Code are considered a serious violation of regulations and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

1. Harassment

Harassment, defined as actions, words, symbols/images, or gestures that are intended to threaten, harm, humiliate, bully, or ridicule another person or persons, either in person or online, is prohibited. Examples of online harassment include trolling activities such as email or discussion board provocations, targeted attacks, distributing or promoting sexual images or other content, and doxxing (distribution of information that is not otherwise publicly available).

2. Bias

Under Cornell’s specific definition, a bias incident is action taken that one could reasonably and prudently conclude is motivated, in whole or in part, by the alleged offender’s bias against an actual or perceived aspect of diversity, including, but not limited to age, ancestry or ethnicity, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, height, immigration or citizenship status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, religious practice, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or weight. Cornell utilizes its Reporting Bias System to track and respond to bias incidents in which the perpetrators are known, unknown, or may not be readily identifiable. Bias activity can be reported confidentially at Bias Reporting at Cornell – Diversity and Inclusion.

3. Failure to Comply

Students are expected to comply with and respond appropriately to the reasonable and lawful requests of university officials or their delegates, including residential staff members and teaching assistants, in the performance of their duties. Students are expected to appear at disciplinary hearings to respond to allegations or testify as a witness when reasonably notified to do so. A failure to properly comply with or complete a sanction or obligation resulting from a disciplinary hearing, adjudication, or hall meeting may also be considered failure to comply with an official request.

4. Misrepresentation of Conduct

Participants in the Precollege Studies Program are expected to accurately and truthfully represent their actions and the actions of others regarding prohibited conduct to Cornell and residential staff members. Intentional misrepresentations of violations to program representatives can result in sanctions at the discretion of the Precollege Studies Program Director.

5. Misuse of Computer Resources

• Copyright Law: Infringement of copyright law through the use of the Cornell University computer and internet systems is prohibited.
• Electronic Mail: Use of an electronic mail system to send fraudulent, annoying, or obscene messages is prohibited.
• Normal Functioning: Participants are prohibited from interfering with the normal functioning of the Cornell University computer and internet systems.
• NET-Identification: All participants are required to activate their NetID. Participants are responsible for all information sent to and from their Cornell email address.
• Use of Cornell Network: Participants are responsible for conduct and actions that are conveyed through Cornell-supplied networks and internet access, regardless of whether you are using a university-owned computer or your personal computer. As a result, inappropriate conduct on the university network (which would include concerning postings on media sources such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.) may be subject to disciplinary action.

B. Campus Regulations: Applicable to Commuter and Residential Precollege Participants

Regulations listed in this subsection apply to Precollege Studies Program participants who attend courses on a Cornell University campus or physical facility; i.e., both commuting students and those who attend the Precollege Studies Program residential program. These regulations are in addition to those listed in the previous subsection. As with the general regulations, commuting and residential students should be knowledgeable about these regulations because violations may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

1. Physical Violence

Participants are prohibited from threatening or engaging in acts of violence including, but not limited to, hitting, kicking, slapping, shaking, assault, or restraining.

2. Weapons

The possession or use of fireworks, explosives, firearms (including, but not limited to, rifles, shotguns, BB guns, ammunition, paintball guns), knives (including, but not limited to, swords, bayonets, and machetes), and other dangerous weapons, instruments, or substances is prohibited.

3. Sexual Contact or Conduct

Sexual Contact is defined as any intentional touching of another person’s intimate parts (including, but not limited to, genitals, buttocks, or breasts) or clothing covering those parts, whether directly or through clothing, for the purpose of sexual gratification.

Sexual Conduct is more broadly defined as any behavior, verbal or physical, that is sexual in nature, including, but not limited to: stalking, kissing or intimate physical contact; sexual gestures or simulated acts; sending, sharing, or displaying sexually explicit images or messages (including via electronic devices); or engaging in sexual acts of any kind.

The following are prohibited while on campus, during off-campus class or program activities, or whenever a Precollege Studies Program participant is under the supervision or guardianship of Cornell or residential staff.

• Engaging in any sexual contact or conduct, whether consensual or non-consensual.
• Soliciting or encouraging sexual contact or conduct.
• Sharing sexually explicit material, including images, videos, or messages, through any medium (digital or physical).
• Harassing or pressuring others to engage in sexual contact or conduct.

4. Sexually Explicit Materials

The possession or distribution of sexually explicit materials is prohibited.

5. Theft, Damage, or Misuse of Property

Unauthorized or inappropriate use of property or equipment belonging to the University or to other participants is prohibited. The intentional abuse or destruction of property or theft of property is also prohibited.

6. Unauthorized Entry or Use

Unauthorized entry into, unauthorized use of, or misuse of personal or campus property is prohibited. This includes allowing unauthorized persons access to buildings and/or property.

7. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

• Possession/Use of Alcohol and Tobacco – The possession, manufacturing, trafficking, dispensing, provision, or use of alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, vaping, smoking devices, and other drugs (including all forms of marijuana) is prohibited. Possession of empty alcohol or tobacco containers or paraphernalia is prohibited and may be viewed as evidence of possession and/or consumption of alcohol. Being on the premises where liquor or alcohol is primarily sold or served is prohibited.
• Misuse of Prescription Drugs – The use or provision/dispensing of legal prescription drugs that were prescribed to someone other than the individual in possession of/using them, or their use in a manner for which they were not prescribed, is prohibited.
• Intoxication – Intoxication, defined as being under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug, is prohibited. Some students may be reluctant to seek medical help for an individual experiencing intoxication or a serious illness or injury after consuming alcohol or drugs, however, in such a situation, it is imperative that the individual(s) present call for medical assistance, since these emergencies are potentially life-threatening.

8. Hazing

Hazing is prohibited at Cornell University. Hazing is any act that, as an explicit or implicit condition of recruitment, admission, or initiation into, affiliation with, or new or continued membership status within a group, team, organization, living group, or academic group or cohort, does one or more of the following: causes, encourages, or compels another person to engage in any activity that could reasonably be perceived as likely to create a risk of mental, physical, or emotional distress or harm; involves the consumption of alcohol or drugs, or unpalatable substances, or palatable substances to excess; damage to or theft of property, or any other illegal act; or violation of any University policy.

9. Use of Cameras, Imaging, and Recording Devices

The use of cameras, imaging, and recording devices is prohibited in areas where privacy is expected including, but not limited to, showers, locker rooms, restrooms, and bedrooms in the case of roommates.

10. Gorges

Swimming or climbing in the gorges is prohibited. Being on the rocks in the gorges is also prohibited. Students must stay on designated paths at all times. Note that Beebe Lake is considered a gorge.

11. Fraternities and Sororities

Entering fraternity and sorority houses is strictly prohibited. It is prohibited to be on the grounds of fraternity and sorority houses, including their front or back yards. Attending an event sponsored by fraternities or sororities is also prohibited.

12. Identification

Students are required to carry their Cornell ID with them at all times. Refusal to identify oneself to any properly identified (by name and position) member of Cornell University staff, acting in performance of their duties, when appropriately requested to do so, is in violation of this Code. Your Cornell ID is the property of Cornell University and must be shown when requested by a university official. This includes student staff.

The purchase, possession, or use of any altered or fake identification is prohibited. The purchase, possession, or use of any altered or fake identification will be reported to Cornell University Police. Cornell University has special concern with students using any altered forms or fake identification for the purpose of purchasing alcohol or tobacco products. Such incidents may result in the student’s immediate dismissal from the program.

C. Residential Regulations: Applicable to all Precollege Residential Participants

All listed rules in this subsection apply to Precollege Studies Program participants who attend the Precollege Studies Program residential program. As with the general regulations and campus regulations, residential students should be knowledgeable about these regulations because violations may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Residential students must also comply with all regulations in the above subsections, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Harassment
• Bias
• Failure to Comply
• Misrepresentation of Conduct
• Physical Violence
• Weapons
• Sexual Contact or Conduct
• Sexually Explicit Materials
• Theft, Damage, or Misuse of Property
• Unauthorized Entry or Use
• Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
• Use of Cameras, Imaging, and Recording Devices

The above regulations, as well as those listed below, take effect when residential students check into the program and remain in effect until student checks out of the residences or concludes their academic work, whichever occurs last.

The conduct required of residential participants is primarily monitored by the residential staff, who supervise students whenever they are not in a classroom setting or otherwise supervised by a member of the academic staff (instructors and teaching assistants). The Resident Director, Residential Coordinators (RCs), and all other residential staff serving as administrators and health care providers set the expectations for all non-academic participant behavior. Violations of the regulations presented in this document, as well as any modifications or additions that are made by the resident staff, can result in the sanctions presented in Section Three of this document.

1. Supervision

To help ensure the safety of all Precollege residential students on Cornell’s campus, we provide a 1:10 staff-to-student ratio. Students are supported by trained staff throughout the day and night, with clearly defined campus boundaries, scheduled check-ins throughout the day, and real-time attendance monitoring. Our model is designed to balance safety with age-appropriate independence, ensuring students are consistently accounted for while gaining experience navigating campus life responsibly.

During daytime hours (until 6:00 p.m.), students may move within designated campus areas in groups of three or more, following established time and location guidelines. After 6:00 p.m., students are limited to the North Campus area unless chaperoned by RCs.

To support accountability and safety, students are required to:

• Carry a charged cell phone at all times with program and emergency contacts saved.
• Download the program’s approved communication application and share their live location with staff in case of an emergency.
• Complete multiple in-person electronic check-ins throughout the day (meals, classes, activities, and evening return to the residence hall).
• Remain within approved campus zones and return to the residence hall by curfew.

These measures allow students to build independence while remaining under consistent supervision and immediate staff support if needed. At the same time, supervision is intended to be as unobtrusive as possible while still providing easy access.

SCE reserves the right to make changes to supervision protocols and expectations based on compliance, efficiency, events, conditions on campus, or the directives of Children and Youth Safety or other Cornell units that oversee institutional risk and safety.

2. Common Area Cleanliness, Usage, and Physical Damage

All residents of the community are responsible for the condition of the common areas. Common areas include, but are not limited to, hallways, lounges, laundry rooms, kitchens, elevators, stairwells, and entryways. Damages or stolen university property from these areas, for which a responsible individual is not identified, will lead to the floor, suite, unit, building, and/or complex being billed for the repairs, replacement, or cleaning.

Residential staff can close a common area for events, operational usage, or as a sanction if they judge that an area is being misused, damaged, or left unclean. Entering a space when it is closed is prohibited.

3. Access to Student Rooms and Residential Floors/Sections

Residential staff will determine rules for visiting other students in their rooms prior to nightly check-in, and which areas of a residence hall can be accessed based on the specific layout of each hall. Typically, residential students are not permitted to be on floors or sections of floors other than the floor or section in which they reside to ensure the privacy of other residents and to limit noise in these areas. Access can also be scheduled by days of the week and time of day to best ensure the ability of students to rest and to study. Both visitors and hosts can face sanctions for any violations of access rules; these can range from verbal warnings and loss of privileges to written warnings, probation, or dismissal from the program.

4. Hourly Scheduling of Resident Activities

Residential staff will determine rules for the timing of student check-ins, access to residential hall areas and facilities, and study/quiet hours. These rules can include timings for residents to be in their residence hall, in their rooms, or in a specific area of the residence hall. Nightly check-ins and limits on visiting neighbors or rules for quiet or courtesy hours can be imposed and modified by the residential staff. Procedures will be created and implemented to ensure that residential staff can ensure the consistent maintenance of these rules. Violations of the rules can result in verbal warnings by the residential staff and loss of privileges. Serious or repeat violations will be referred to the Precollege Studies Program Director for more serious sanctions, including written warnings, probation, and potentially dismissal from the program.

5. Leaving University Premises or the Program

Precollege Studies Program students are prohibited from leaving the University premises or the program location. Time away from campus outside of programming offered by the Precollege Studies Program is generally not permitted except for extenuating circumstances and will be approved only on a case-by-case basis. Residential students who wish to leave campus during their three-week or six-week program should contact the Director of Precollege Studies Program to request time away. Students and parents/legal guardians must follow the check-out and check-in process as outlined by the Director of Precollege Studies Program. Students granted permission to take time away from campus must be checked out and checked in by a parent or legal guardian. Students who leave campus without permission or properly checking out or return to campus without properly checking in will face disciplinary action.

6. Passive Involvement

Residents are responsible for the choices they make. In the presence of a violation of these regulations, residents may attempt to stop the violation, so long as it is safe to do so, contact residential staff, and/or immediately remove themselves from the situation and the vicinity of the violation. If a resident chooses to remain at the scene of the policy violation, they will be included in the resulting Incident Report and may also be held accountable for the policy violation.

7. Safety and Security

Certain actions are prohibited as they pose a safety risk or security risk to our communities. These actions could cause damage to the buildings or bypass the security systems we have in place to keep residents safe. If you see any of these actions, please report them to residential staff members:

• Residents are not permitted on roofs, ledges, overhangs, or balconies accessed through a window.
• Climbing the exterior of buildings is prohibited.
• Removing window screens is prohibited.
• Throwing items out of windows or from balconies is prohibited.
• Use of windows for entering or exiting buildings is prohibited.
• Tampering with or non-emergency use of the Blue Light or elevator emergency buttons is prohibited.
• Residents may not provide access for any other person.
• To ensure safe egress, personal items cannot be left in hallways or stairwells.
• Use of open flame is prohibited.
• Tampering with fire extinguishers, sprinklers, fire and emergency doors, pull stations, and other fire safety equipment is prohibited.
• Tampering with smoke detectors, including blocking, covering, or removing, is prohibited.
• Destruction/damage to exit signage is prohibited.
• Falsely reporting a fire verbally or by falsely pulling the fire alarm/pull station is prohibited.
• Surge protectors cannot be plugged into each other (creating a “chain”).

8. Attendance

All residential students are expected to attend class daily. If a student is feeling ill, they should visit the wellness center to be evaluated by the program nurse and/or wellness coordinator. Students are not permitted to stay in their rooms during class time.

9. Dress Code

Students must abide by the dress code listed below. Residential staff members may ask a student to change if their clothing does not abide by the dress code. If a student refuses to change and/or consistently does not abide by the dress code despite a warning, they may face disciplinary action.

• Clothing with inappropriate, suggestive, or derogatory pictures or phrases may not be worn.
• All shirts must cover shoulders, chest, and midriff.
• Clothing designed to be worn as undergarments may not be visible.
• The length of skirts, skorts, shorts, and dresses must be at least mid-thigh in length.
• Pants and shorts are to be worn at the waist, and a belt is strongly recommended.

10. Medications

All medications, vitamins, supplements, etc., including prescription and over-the-counter, must be declared on the student’s health history forms. Students are required to turn over all orally administered prescription medications to the program nurse and/or wellness coordinator at the beginning of the program. Exceptions exist for medication where self-administration in emergency situations exists for conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or allergies. Single doses of prescribed medication for acute anxiety can also be held by participants for self-administration. The program nurse and/or wellness coordinator will dispense prescription medication during the program and return any unused medication to the student at check-out.

11. Compliance with Housing Terms and Conditions

Residents must comply with Cornell University’s Housing Terms and Conditions as signed by their parents/legal guardians as a condition of entering the program. The most important topics to the expectations of the residential staff include the right of entry, permitted belongings, common area usage, restroom/facilities use, removal and storage of items, noise and disruptive behavior, motor vehicles, fire safety, and fire and safety inspections. Violations can result in sanctions including a verbal warning, loss of privileges, financial penalties (in the case of damage to Cornell property), probation, or dismissal from the program. The terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Right of Entry: The University reserves the right to enter your assigned housing at any time, without notice, in times of emergency; to make repairs; for facilities-related project work, for housekeeping purposes, to inspect for compliance with health, fire, or building codes or with University policies or regulations; for law enforcement purposes, or for any other health, safety, or security purpose as determined by the University in its sole and absolute discretion.

Permitted Belongings: Occupants may store their personal clothing, toiletries, and personal medical devices in their assigned rooms. No other personal property may be brought into University housing without the prior written consent of the University.

Cooking: Cooking is prohibited. Community kitchens are not available for use under this license. Toasters and toaster ovens are prohibited.

Common Area Usage: Bathrooms must be kept clear of personal belongings, except where cubbies and racks are provided for storage between uses. Behavior in common areas should conform to the standards of the community as a whole. Occupants should exercise good judgment and demonstrate consideration for others and common courtesy when using common areas.

Restroom/Facilities Use Guidelines: In keeping with the University’s policy of nondiscrimination and the commitment to inclusion, the University allows Occupants, staff, faculty, and visitors to use the restroom or facility that corresponds to their gender identity*. In addition, the University maintains several universal single-stall restrooms across campus to address restroom facility access not necessarily related to gender identity, such as access for individuals with children and for other attendants/caregivers. These facilities are all-gender, accessible spaces, which may include amenities for families such as baby changing stations. *Gender identity refers to an individual’s internal sense of gender. A person’s gender identity may be different from or the same as the person’s sex assigned at birth.

Decorating Rooms: Occupants may not decorate rooms, doors, or common areas.

Bed Elevating: Occupants are not permitted to use homemade or other bed lofting units.

Removal and Storage of Furnishings: You may not remove University-provided furnishings from your housing accommodations.

Noise and Other Disruptive Behavior: You may not make excessive noise or otherwise disrupt the residence community or adversely affect other Occupants, as determined by the University in its sole and absolute discretion.

Bicycles: Occupants may not bring bicycles onto University property.

Motor Vehicles: Occupants (excluding Precollege Studies Program staff who have obtained parking privileges) may not bring any type of motorized vehicle—gasoline, propane, electric, or battery-operated—onto University property. This includes hoverboards. Vehicles in violation will be impounded without notice, at the owner’s expense.

Security, Safety, Keys, and Lockout: Keys must not be duplicated or loaned. All lost or stolen keys must be reported to the Service Center staff immediately. You must keep exterior entrances to residence halls locked at all times. You may not place yourself or others at risk by offering access to any residence hall or locked building to strangers or unauthorized persons.

12. Fire Safety

Smoke detectors are located throughout residence rooms, corridors, and common areas. Do not block, cover, or tamper with any detector.

Objects may be no closer than 18 inches to the ceiling or to any fire safety device (such as sprinklers).

Fire extinguishers are located on each floor of each building and residence hall to be used only by trained personnel. Occupants should familiarize themselves with the locations of Fire Alarms and marked EXITS located throughout the buildings.

Manual pull stations are located at exit points from each floor and the building exterior doors. In the event of a fire emergency, activate the station to sound the fire alarm. This will automatically contact emergency responders.

In the event of a fire or other emergency, Occupants must exit the building following the EXIT signs that are located throughout the building.

The University conducts periodic evacuation drills to practice education and safe exiting from buildings. Occupants must exit from the building when the fire alarm is activated and cannot re-enter the building until given permission by University personnel. Evacuation plans are posted at elevators, stairs, and exit points throughout the buildings. These plans will indicate the means to exit the building safely. All persons should be familiar with the procedures for evacuating a building.

• Occupant room doors cannot be propped open if they are designed to automatically shut.
• Storing flammable liquids and gases is prohibited.
• Use of open flame is prohibited.
• Candles (wick or wickless) and incense are prohibited.
• To ensure safe egress, occupants may not leave personal items in hallways or stairwells.

Fire and Safety Inspections: the University is subject to fire and safety inspections by various agencies. If a fine is incurred as a result of the Occupant’s failure to comply with the terms of these Housing Terms and Conditions or with any request from University staff, the Occupant will be responsible for the amount of the fine.

University fire safety plans can be reviewed online https://ehs.cornell.edu/campus-health-safety/fire-and-life-safety/fire-safety-plans.

Fire Safety policies are subject to compliance changes and updates based on local and state-regulated standards. Advance notice of changes/updates will be provided whenever possible.

The University is subject to fire and safety inspections by various agencies. If the University incurs a fine as a result of your failure to comply with the terms of your Housing License or with any request from residence staff or other University staff, you will be responsible for payment of the fire safety fine and any damage incurred. Upon inspection, prohibited items will be confiscated. You will have seven days to retrieve your confiscated item(s), otherwise, they will be destroyed or donated at the end of seven days.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, extension cords, artificial plants, untreated tapestries or flags, headboards with electrical adaptors, items blocking doors or windows, and all other items outlined in these terms and conditions and the fire safety section of the Community Living Standards.

All on-campus housing facilities are equipped with fire suppression systems and/or sprinkler systems.

You must immediately evacuate the building and follow all emergency and residence staff directions if a fire alarm sounds. You are responsible for knowing where the fire alarm boxes are located in your building. Fire extinguishers are for use by trained personnel only.

All occupants of University housing are strictly prohibited from: Occupant tampering with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire and emergency doors, and other fire safety equipment; Destruction/damage to exit signage; Falsely reporting a fire verbally or by falsely pulling the fire alarm/pull station; Failure to follow evacuation procedures during an emergency or an alarm; Use or storage of fireworks of any kind.

III. Code of Conduct Disciplinary Process

Notice of Charge

At the request of any student, faculty, or staff member, or independently, the Precollege Studies Program staff may file appropriate charges against an accused student(s). Upon the filing of charges, the charged student(s) will receive a Notice of Charge and will be expected to attend a judicial meeting within 1-2 business days for minor violations. In the case of violations that may result in dismissal, the student can expect to talk with a staff member the same day as the incident to inform them verbally of the filing of charges and an accelerated timetable for a judicial meeting, typically the same day or the following day.

Judicial Meeting

At the judicial meeting, the nature of and the responsibility for an alleged offense will be discussed. The student will also be advised of their options for resolving the matter. Failure to respond to the Notice of Charge will result in an additional judicial charge.

Minor Violations

For violations that the Precollege Studies Program staff, in their discretion, consider minor, the following outcomes may occur: (a) a sanction may be imposed following the judicial meeting or (b) the charge(s) could be dropped. Minor violation sanctions may include, but are not limited to, verbal warnings, formal warnings, loss of privileges, and/or work required. Minor violations judicial meetings are held by the Precollege Studies Program staff. There is no appeal of the staff’s decision.

Repeated Violations and/or Serious Violations

For repeated violations and/or infractions that Precollege Studies Program staff, in their discretion, consider serious, the following outcomes may occur: (a) a sanction may be imposed following the judicial meeting or (b) the charge(s) could be dropped. Sanctions for repeated violations and/or serious violations may include, but are not limited to, loss of privileges, work required, probation, and/or dismissal. Judicial meetings for repeated violations and/or serious infractions will be held by the Precollege Studies Program staff. Students may appeal the decision only where the Precollege Studies Program staff have imposed a sanction of probation or dismissal. Such appeals may be made following the appeal guidelines stated below.

Parent/Guardian Notification

It is the discretion of the Precollege Studies Program staff when and if to notify parents or legal guardians prior to, or of the results of, a judicial hearing consistent with the FERPA notice located on the first page of this document. Generally, parents or legal guardians will be notified prior to a judicial meeting when a sanction could result in any formal action.

IV. Code of Conduct Sanctions

Verbal Warning

A verbal warning is a documented conversation with a student to notify the student that their behavior is unacceptable. The student is advised that any further violations of policies may result in more severe disciplinary action. A verbal warning may be given by a member of the residential staff administration team or by the Director of Precollege Studies Program.

Formal Warning

A formal warning is an official written notice to a student that their behavior is unacceptable. The student is advised that any further violations of policies may result in more severe disciplinary action. The formal warning can contain requirements that the student must comply with including, but not limited to, loss of privileges or access.

Probation

Probation is a final notice given to the student, where any further violations of policies may result in the student’s dismissal. Probation can be accompanied by specific conditions or requirements for future behavior.

Dismissal

Dismissal is a separation of the student from the Precollege Studies Program. Students can be dismissed from the Program for serious infractions, for repeated violations, or if they have clearly demonstrated, in the opinion of Precollege Studies Program staff, that they are not acting responsibly toward themselves or others (whether or not their actions are covered by specific rules set forth herein). Students may also be dismissed for violations of stated local, state, or federal law, as well as violations of other Cornell University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures contained in official University publications and announcements that may be issued from time to time.

Immediate dismissal could result from bullying or harassing behavior, either online or in person; the use/presence of alcohol or drugs; theft; sexual contact or conduct; violent or threatening behavior of any kind; possession of a weapon; swimming in the gorges; or any other serious violation. Dismissal can also result from a series of incidents that have been documented through the progressive discipline process that indicate that the behavior of the student has not changed or improved.

Students who attend in-person classes either as commuters or residential participants should expect to miss class while participating in a judicial proceeding that may result in their dismissal from the program. Residential students can have restrictions placed on their access or activities while a case is being adjudicated.

Students dismissed from the Precollege Studies Program will be withdrawn from their courses and will not be entitled to a refund. Dismissed students taking in-person courses will be barred from returning to campus for the duration of the program. Dismissed residential students will be required to leave campus within twenty-four hours of parental or legal guardian notification and may not participate in classes, trips, or events.

In cases warranting dismissal, sanctions may not necessarily follow the sequence indicated above.

Other Sanctions

Other sanctions may be imposed instead of, or in addition to, those specified above, such as restrictions upon privileges, educational service projects, restitution, or other appropriate sanctions. In cases where a student has restrictions placed upon their privileges, they will be notified of the length of this restriction and any steps that they can take to regain their privileges.

Charges may also be brought by law enforcement agencies such as the Cornell University Police Department or the Ithaca Police Department in cases involving violations of local, state, or federal laws.

Appeals

An appeal of probation or dismissal may be made, in writing, by the student to the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, or their designee, within four hours of the decision. Appeals must include new information about the incident that may change the outcome of the dismissal decision. If there is no new information, an appeal meeting will not be granted. If an appeal meeting is granted, the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, or their designee, will arrange a meeting with the student, either that day if the appeal meeting is granted during an active business day, or the next business day if the appeal is received after hours, to discuss the new information. Meetings can be either via video or in person. In the case of residential students, deadlines to leave campus will be adjusted accordingly. Students should expect to miss class as needed to participate in the appeals process; however, Precollege Studies Program staff will assist in making academic accommodations. If an appeal is granted, other sanctions may be applied, such as warnings, probation, or educational sanctions, depending on the final nature of the case.

Residential students who are appealing a decision of dismissal should be prepared to leave the campus within four hours if the appeal is denied.

I. Introduction

This document is based on the Cornell University Code of Academic Integrity, but differs from it in several important details. Because participants in the Precollege Studies program are high school students rather than matriculated Cornell students, procedures for adjudicating suspected academic integrity violations by these students involve the Academic Affairs unit of SCE. And, because participants are not considered Cornell “students,” the process does not involve an Academic Integrity Hearing Board nor an appeal process. As a general note, participants in the Precollege Studies program can be referred to as “students” in this and other documents, but this does not signify the status of these participants as Cornell “students.”

If a Program Participant is found guilty of an academic integrity violation by the instructor during the formal hearing, the outcome will be referred to the Precollege Program Director for potential follow-up action, which may include dismissal from the program.

The use of the Precollege Code of Academic Integrity is limited to participants in the Precollege Studies program.

II. Principle

Absolute integrity is expected in all academic undertakings. Integrity entails a firm adherence to a set of values, and the values most essential to an academic community are grounded in the concept of honesty with respect to the intellectual efforts of oneself and others, and free and open inquiry and discussion in the classroom. Academic integrity is expected not only in formal coursework situations, but in all University relationships and interactions connected to the educational process, including the use of Cornell University resources.

The submission of work for academic credit indicates that the work was created solely by the program participant. All outside assistance should be acknowledged, and the program participant’s academic position truthfully reported at all times. In addition, program participants have a right to expect academic integrity from each of their peers.

III. Guidelines for Program Participants

A. General Responsibilities

• A program participant shall in no way misrepresent their work.
• A program participant shall in no way fraudulently or unfairly advance their academic position.
• A program participant shall refuse to be a party to another student or program participant’s failure to maintain academic integrity.
• A program participant shall maintain the integrity of the classroom environment and not engage in unauthorized sharing of materials beyond the course environment or record classroom lectures and discussions without the prior written permission of instructors.
• A program participant shall not in any other manner violate the principle of academic integrity.

B. Examples of Violations

The following actions are examples of activities that violate the Precollege Code of Academic Integrity and subject their actors to proceedings under this Code. This is not a definitive list.

• Knowingly representing the work of others as one’s own.
• Using, obtaining, or providing unauthorized assistance on examinations, papers, or any other academic work.
• Fabricating data in support of laboratory or field work.
• Buying, selling or otherwise distributing course materials, including exams, presentations, photos, transcripts, lecture content and notes, completed assignments such as problem sets, homework, discussion board posts, and student papers, without written authorization from the instructor.
• Forging a signature to certify completion of a course assignment or a recommendation to graduate school.
• Unfairly advancing one’s academic position by hoarding or damaging library materials.
• Misrepresenting one’s academic accomplishments.

Note: the use of generative AI (GenAI), unless explicitly allowed by the instructor for a given assignment, often falls under examples 1, 2, 3, or 7. The use of translation apps and tools (often AI-aided) also generally falls under these categories. A Cornell transcript implies that the student or program participant has mastered the course material in English and is able to communicate it in English accordingly.

C. Specific Guidelines for Courses

1. Examinations

During in-class examinations no participant may use, give, or receive any assistance or information not given in the examination or by the proctor. No program participant may take an examination for another student or program participant. Between the time a take-home examination is distributed and the time it is submitted by the program participant for grading, the Program Participant may not consult with any persons other than the course professor and teaching assistants regarding the examination. The program participant is responsible for understanding the conditions under which the examination will be taken.

2. Course Assignments

Program participants are encouraged to discuss the content of a course among themselves and to help each other to master it, but no student should receive help in doing a course assignment that is meant to test what they can do without help from others. Representing another’s work as one’s own is plagiarism and a violation of this Code. If materials are taken from published sources the student must clearly and completely cite the source of such materials. Work submitted by a program participant and used by a faculty member in the determination of a grade in a course may not be submitted by that student in a second course, unless such submission is approved in advance by the faculty member in the second course. If a program participant is submitting all or part of the same work simultaneously for the determination of a grade in two or more different courses, all faculty members in the courses involved must approve such submissions.

3. Unauthorized Recording and Classroom Policy

The openness and privacy of classroom discussions is essential to Cornell’s traditions of open inquiry and freedom of learning, which include the right to explore, experiment, try out ideas, debate, and change one’s mind in the relative openness and safety of the classroom environment. Program participants are not permitted to record classroom lectures and discussions, in whole or in part, or related instructional spaces like laboratories or studios, without the prior written permission of instructors. Where such permission is given (for example, to support accommodations or second language learners) or where recordings or other materials are made available to all students and program participants by instructors, program participants may not share content created by the instructor, TA, or other students (lectures or lecture slides, photos, assignments or presentations, class discussions or discussion board postings, etc.) either within or beyond the course environment without prior instructor permission. Note that unauthorized sharing of classroom materials may also violate other university policies — for example, the University’s Anti-Doxxing Policy or the Precollege Code of Conduct.

In addition, program participants are not authorized to replicate, reproduce, copy, or transmit lectures and course materials, or materials derived from the course including class notes that incorporate the original content in new ways, for sale or general distribution to others without the written consent of the faculty or academic staff member or class participant who is the original source of such materials.

4. Classroom Misconduct and Other Behavior Disruptive to the Educational Process

A faculty member may impose a grade penalty for any misconduct. Examples of classroom misconduct include, but are not limited to, talking during an examination, bringing unauthorized materials into the examination room, using unauthorized electronic technology during an examination, and disruptive behavior in the classroom.

• The faculty member must promptly notify the program participant of the reason for the imposition of a penalty for classroom misconduct and the degree to which their grade will be affected.
• Classroom misconduct is not a violation of academic integrity.
• This section does not limit a faculty member’s prerogative to remove a disruptive program participant from a classroom under appropriate circumstances.

D. Principles for Computer Use and Network Systems

The use of computers and network systems in no way exempts program participants from the normal requirements of ethical behavior in the Cornell University community. Use of a computer and network system that is shared by many users imposes certain additional obligations. In particular, data, software and computer capacity have value and must be treated accordingly. Although some rules are built into computer and network systems, such restrictions cannot limit completely what program participants can do. Program participants are responsible for their actions whether or not rules are built in, and whether or not they can circumvent them.

Standards of behavior include:

• Respect for the privacy of other users’ information, even when that information is not securely protected.
• Respect for the ownership of proprietary software. For example, unauthorized copies of such software for one’s own use, even when that software is not protected against copying, is inappropriate.
• Respect for the finite capacity of the system and limitation of use so as not to interfere unreasonably with the activity of other users.
• Respect for the procedures established to manage the use of the system.

E. Variances

Faculty members are responsible for informing their students, program participants, and teaching assistants of variances from this Code that apply to work in their course. These variances should be clearly stated in writing at the beginning of the course or activity to which they apply.

IV. Procedures for Addressing Violations

A. Reporting

Program participants and staff members discovering an apparent violation should report the matter to the faculty member in charge of the course.

B. Informal Discussion with Student

If an instructor suspects violation of academic integrity, they are to collect as much objective evidence as possible to determine whether to proceed with a formal hearing. The evidence should be, according to Cornell University standards, “clear and convincing”, which is a step below “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The instructor may have an initial informal discussion with the student about their work, e.g., to inquire how they came up with ideas or topics, what process they used in composing their work, ask the student to elaborate on their understanding of the concepts, and make other inquiries that may shed light on any irregularities in the work that is suspected of violating academic integrity standards. If the program participant does not respond to repeated attempts to arrange an informal discussion, the instructor may proceed with scheduling the formal hearing.

C. Formal Hearing

1. Notification

If, after investigation, possibly including informal discussion with the program participant, the faculty member believes that a student has violated the Precollege Code of Academic Integrity, the faculty member shall present the program participant with the charge in writing. The charge shall include notification of a formal hearing to be held as soon as practical after the alleged infraction has come to the attention of the faculty member.

2. Holding the Hearing and its Composition

Formal hearings are to be held by the faculty member. At the hearing, the following shall be present: the faculty member concerned, the program participant in question, and the Precollege Studies Program Director or designee as a witness to the hearing on behalf of the School of Continuing Education. The Program Participant may also bring to the hearing an advisor and additional witnesses to testify to any additional relevant evidence.

If a case involves more than three program participants, the instructor may delegate the instructor’s role in one or more formal hearings to another tenured, tenure-track, emeritus, or RTE faculty member. Any formal hearing with the instructor not present must be recorded. The instructor retains responsibility for ruling on each case and therefore may wish to engage with a program participant from whose formal hearing the instructor was absent. If such engagement takes place, it will be treated as part of the hearing.

3. Procedure

• At the formal hearing, the faculty member shall present evidence in support of the charge against the program participant. The program participant shall be given the opportunity to respond and, if they wish, to present evidence refuting the charge.
• The function of the Precollege representative is to observe the proceedings impartially, to advise participants as to the procedures, and to notify the Precollege Studies Program Director and the School of Continuing Education as to the case and its outcome.
• The student’s advisor may assist the student in the presentation and questioning.
• Any witnesses will be given the opportunity to present any relevant evidence.
• After hearing the program participant and any witnesses, the faculty member may either dismiss the charge or, if there is clear and convincing evidence that the program participant has violated this Code, find the program participant guilty. (“Clear and convincing” as a standard of proof refers to a quantum of evidence beyond a mere preponderance but below that characterized as “beyond a reasonable doubt” and such that it will produce in the mind of the trier of fact a firm belief as to the facts sought to be established.) If the program participant is found guilty, the faculty member may impose any suitable grade penalty including failure in the course.
• Program participants cannot appeal the decision of the faculty member in cases of academic integrity.
• In cases of a penalty imposed for a violation of academic integrity, the SCE witness shall immediately report this action and the nature of the violation to the Precollege Program Director. In cases in which the penalty imposed is failure in the course, the Director will dismiss the student from the program unless they are concurrently enrolled in another course.
• If the program participant fails to attend the formal hearing without a compelling excuse, the hearing may proceed in their absence.
• A program participant charged with violating the Precollege Code of Academic Integrity in a course may not drop that course without the consent of the instructor unless the Program Participant has subsequently been cleared of the charges.
• If the program participant is found not guilty at the Formal Hearing, they shall be notified by the instructor in writing. No other permanent record of the Hearing will be kept by SCE.

V. Note Regarding FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Further details may be found in Cornell Policy 4.5 Access to Student Information (https://policy.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/vol4_5.pdf).

Unless otherwise indicated in writing by the student at the time of course registration, or thereafter, the university will presume that a student participant in the Cornell University Precollege Studies Program is a dependent as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code. Students who are not financially dependent and do not wish to permit their parents or legal guardians access to their education records should advise the School of Continuing Education in writing and provide evidence of financial independence. For the purposes of the Cornell University Precollege Studies Program, staff from the School of Continuing Education withhold the right to disclose any and all information to students’ parents or legal guardians regarding their education record, including but not limited to grades, class attendance/participation, issues of academic integrity, petitions or withdrawals, any violations of this Code or other regulations or rules, and any information related to physical or mental health wellbeing.