The Office of Community Standards
The Office of Community Standards serves to provide students with a living and learning environment that reflects the values of the Stonehill community and supports the College's commitment to developing the moral, spiritual, intellectual and social competencies of our students. To achieve this goal, Stonehill looks to the students to be partners in this process with the hope of creating an environment that is respectful of the rights of all individuals within the community.
Community Standards and College Policies
Stonehill College, an academic community within the Catholic tradition, committed to its Holy Cross roots, holds high expectations for how its members live and interact with one another. At the heart of these expectations is a respect for self and others. Specifically, Stonehill is committed to developing the moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social competencies of our community. In search of this ideal, Stonehill endeavors to create an environment in which integrated learning is a shared responsibility, pursued in the classroom and laboratory, co- curricular and extra-curricular activities, athletic fields, residence halls, dining room, and chapels. These expectations and competencies are our Community Standards.
Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence
Stonehill College is committed to maintaining a respectful, professional, and nondiscriminatory academic, living, and working environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This includes having an environment free from sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, complicity, and retaliation.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students are accountable for their actions as a necessary part of community life. By voluntarily choosing to affiliate with Stonehill College, students agree to uphold these responsibilities.
The Formal Hearing Process
The purpose of a formal conduct hearing is to review statements from a respondent, complainant, or witnesses with direct knowledge of the incident. A determination will be made as to whether or not the respondent violated the Community Standards.
Informal Conferences
An informal conference is an informal meeting of a student alleged to have violated the Community Standards with a staff member and complainant for the purpose of achieving resolution with all parties agreeing to the outcome.
Possible Sanctions
In determining a sanction, the AVPSA/Dean of Students, or designee, may consider the student's present demeanor, past student conduct record, the nature of the misconduct, and the severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from the misconduct or other factors.
Appeals Process
The Appeals Board is comprised of the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee, who serves as the chairperson, a faculty or staff member. and a student (appointed by the SGA President) to consider an appeal from the formal hearing decision as to whether a student has violated the Community Standards.
The Office of Community Standards seeks to provide students with a living and learning environment that reflects the values of the Stonehill community and supports the College's commitment to developing the moral, spiritual, intellectual and social competencies of our students.