Community Standards Of Conduct

(effective 1/1/07)

The Community Standards of Conduct apply to all members of the Lesley University Community including employees, students, contractors and consultants, guests and visitors. The Lesley University Community Standards of Conduct incorporate the mission statement of the University and all University policies, rules and regulations. To comply with the Community Standards of Conduct, employees are expected to exercise behavior that is respectful to self, others, and property, and to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University's mission as an educational institution. Employees are responsible for knowing and understanding all University policies, rules, and regulations, and for upholding these Community Standards of Conduct.

Employee behavior that creates an intimidating, disruptive, or offensive environment for any member of the University Community, or in any activity related to Lesley University violates the Community Standards of Conduct. Moreover, illegal activity in any University-sponsored event or on any University site is a violation of this policy. Violations of any University policy, rule, regulation, or behavior that is incompatible with the mission of the University also may be considered violations of the Community Standards of Conduct.

It is the obligation of the members of the Lesley University Community to report violations of this policy to the Director of Human Resources, Vice President for Administration, the General Counsel, the Dean of Students, or Director of Campus Services. Some violations of this policy may require immediate action, for example, if the behavior is substantially disrupting the work environment or threatening the health or safety of any employee.

The Director of Human Resources, the General Counsel, the Dean of Students, and/or Director of Campus Services will conduct an investigation. Any employee accused of violating this policy will be informed as quickly as practicable and will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations. The investigation will be conducted in as timely and confidential manner as is possible. The University may immediately remove an employee from the work site or any other University-sponsored event during the course of an investigation for safety reasons and/or administrative concerns. In the event of suspected unlawful behavior, or as deemed necessary in any other emergency situation, the University will notify and work with the Lesley University Office of Public Safety and the appropriate local law enforcement agencies.

An employee may appeal the decision through the PROBLEM SOLVING PROCEDURE, if s/he can demonstrate the availability of new information which is potentially significant and which was not available during the investigation.

The University reserves the right to suspend, dismiss, or otherwise discipline any employee for violations of this policy.