policies & Community standards

Community Standards of Conduct

The Lesley University Community Standards of Conduct stem from the University's Mission Statement and the University's policies, rules and regulations. Students are responsible for knowing and understanding all university policies, rules and regulations, for upholding the community standards, and for conducting themselves in a manner compatible with the University's mission as an educational institution. Students are expected to exercise behavior that is respectful to self, others and property in their educational and social pursuits. Illegal activity and behavior that creates an intimidating, disruptive or offensive environment for any member of the university community or in any activity related to Lesley University violate the community standards. The university reserves the right to suspend, dismiss, or otherwise discipline any student from academic or co-curricular programs and/or the residence halls, for on or off campus violations of these community standards. Such suspension or dismissal does not affect the student's financial obligation to the university or tuition, residence fees, or other indebtedness. Disciplinary procedures, including suspension and dismissal, with regard to violations or infractions of the Threshold Program rules and regulations, and of university policies, by students enrolled in the Threshold Program will be administered by the Threshold Program administration and faculty. An appeal process is available through the Dean of Students to students who meet the criteria set forth in the applicable policy.

Policy Against Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment

Lesley University stands committed to providing all students fair treatment and an educational environment free of discrimination not only to comply with local, state and federal laws, but also to provide an educationally desirable environment. Lesley University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, sexual preference, religious creed, ancestry or national origin, age, disability or veteran status in admission to, access to, treatment in its programs and activities. Unlawful harassment of any kind is a form of prohibited discrimination and will not be tolerated by Lesley University. Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination based on sex. Sexual harassment can be committed by both men and women and against both men and women. It can occur between members of the opposite sex or between members of the same sex. Any student who feels she or he has experienced or is experiencing any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, is strongly encouraged to report the incidents so that the incidents may be investigated pursuant to university policy and procedures. The university will respond to and investigate all claims of discrimination or harassment whether the incidents happen on campus or at a Lesley-sponsored off-campus activity or placement. Copies of the policy and the procedures are also available from the Office of the Assistant to the President for Affirmative Action and Diversity, where students may also seek advice and obtain assistance.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

State and federal law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of drugs for non-medical purposes, as well as the inducement of others to use, possess or sell drugs for non-medical purposes. Violations of any law relating to controlled substances are prohibited on the Lesley campus and will neither be tolerated nor ignored. In Massachusetts it is unlawful for persons under 21 years of age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Lesley University supports the observance of all Massachusetts state laws and regulations governing the sale, purchase, and servicing of alcoholic beverages by all members of its community. This includes activities on the Lesley University campus, including its residence halls, and at off-campus functions supported by or sponsored by Lesley University. All members of the Lesley University community are expected to abide by the Massachusetts laws and Lesley University policy regarding alcohol use, including the use of alcohol in the residential houses. At Lesley University, students of legal age may consume alcohol in resident rooms and common areas in the residence halls. Students who choose to consume alcohol are expected to do so in a responsible manner, respecting the rights of other Lesley University students and community members. Host students are responsible for the conduct of their guests, who must also comply with University rules and regulations.

Smoking Policy

Massachusetts state law prohibits smoking in colleges and universities generally. In the city of Cambridge, the ban on smoking is even broader and smoking is prohibited in all public areas of buildings. In compliance with state and local law, and in keeping with recognized public health concerns, all indoor campus space at Lesley University, including residential houses, is designated as non-smoking. Students who choose to smoke must do so outdoors and beyond 8 feet from any building.

Hazing Policy

Hazing is a crime under Massachusetts Law and a violation of the Community Standards of Conduct. Hazing means any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.

Right of Entry & Search

The Residence Life staff will respect the privacy of student rooms. However, the University staff, including GRAs, reserve the right to enter a student's room to provide for the health, safety and general well being of the University community and its property. Examples of occasions when the University might enter a student's room include:

• To ensure maintenance and general repair within the room
• To address an emergency or health risk
• To ensure the room is vacant during fire drills
• To provide for the health and safety of all residents

Solicitation

No solicitation is permitted on campus or within the residence halls without prior written permission from the Office of Residence Life.

Fire Safety

In the event of fire, sound the nearest fire alarm and contact Public Safety, the hall GRA or RD.  Intentional misuse of any University fire-safety equipment is prohibited. All students must promptly vacate any residence hall when a fire alarm is sounded. Intentionally delaying, obstructing, or resisting any University personnel or firefighter in the performance of his or her duty is prohibited.

For more information, please go to: http://www.lesley.edu/policies.html