Acadia University is a community founded on respect. While we may express disagreement or challenge an individual’s opinions or ideas, we must always respect each other’s personal and property rights. The Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct addresses misbehaviour and violations of University policy including harassment, violation of alcohol policies, physical violence, and property damage.

Any member or agency of the University community (student, faculty, administrator, Acadia University employee, Acadia Students’ Union employee) may lodge a complaint. Sanctions will always include an educational approach and may include fines and restorative justice approaches.

To file a complaint, receive an explanation of charges you are facing, obtain an Acadia University Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct Incident Report form, or ask questions about the Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct process, please contact Olivia Lynch, Coordinator, Student Conduct and Community Support. We also encourage you to read and review the Code (PDF).

Why we have a Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct

The University recognizes that a safe and secure learning environment is fundamental to the success of its mission. All members of the Acadia community have the right to study, live, and work in a safe community that is committed to integrity, respect, and well-being. In turn, Acadia community members also have a responsibility to uphold values and actions that contribute positively to this environment.

In situations where the actions of a student infringe upon the rights of another member of the Acadia community, the University is committed to providing a student-centered response that appropriately balances safety and harm reduction with opportunities for growth and development. Wherever possible, students will be given the opportunity to learn from and repair harms arising from these incidents.

Acadia University is committed to administering a fair and equitable student conduct process that allows for flexibility and discretion, particularly in response to the differing needs and experiences of at-risk or marginalized students participating in this process.

The University does not tolerate intimidation (which includes, but is not limited to, harassment and "silencing" of unpopular opinions). We also believe that a fundamental code of behaviour is sensitivity to the effect of one’s personal behaviour on others and respect for their personal and property rights.

Our Mandate

Acadia University is committed to providing an experience where people can thrive, where they can feel fulfilled in their work, play, and interpersonal relationships, and where life can be enjoyed without compromising the health, well-being or safety of oneself or others.

The Acadia University Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct is the standard for non-academic behaviour and conduct for students who choose to study at Acadia University and outlines the process that the University must follow in the event that one or more of these standards are violated.

The authority for the Acadia University Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct was approved by the Province of Nova Scotia to the Board of Governors under the University's Act of Incorporation in 1891. These powers are exercised on behalf of the Board of Governors by the Vice-Provost Students, Recruitment and Enrolment Management, and the Executive Director, Student Services.