Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct
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.
Our community is 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).
The Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct Process
- Complaints — You will be notified of a complaint with a letter to your residence room and/or an email to your student email account.
- Collaborative Sanctioning Meeting (CSM) — You have the right to resolve the matter by meeting with the Coordinator, Student Conduct and Community Support for a CSM. You will be invited to participate in a Collaborative Sanctioning Meeting (CSM) as an opportunity to take responsibility for your actions and acknowledge any harms these actions have caused. The process is intended to result in sanctions that are agreed upon by both parties. Sanctions may be imposed in the event that a CSM does not result in an agreement or is not appropriate.
- Appeal — Sanctions agreed upon as part of a Collaborative Sanctioning Meeting (CSM) may not be appealed. In the event that a student feels that a sanction they agreed to as part of this process is no longer fair, they may request that a second meeting be scheduled to review the agreement. Decisions or sanctions imposed under the Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct, may be appealed by the respondent in writing.
About the Code of Conduct
Acadia’s Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct is a document that outlines individual and community expectations regarding student actions and behaviour and the process for handling violations of the Code of Conduct when they arise. The Code of Conduct defines that students are responsible for acting in a manner that respects others and promotes their well-being and safety within the community. The Code is complemented by other policies, including the Sexual Violence Policy, and the Discrimination/Harassment Policy.
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.
- Violence, Threats, Harassment, and Intimidation
- Compromising the Safety of Others
- Possession of Dangerous Objects
- Misuse of Alcohol or Drugs
- Damage to Property
- Theft or Removal of Property
- Disruptive Behaviour
- Unauthorized Access
- Tampering With Safety
- Attack on the Dignity or Security of an Individual or Group
- Providing False Information or Identification
- Failure to Comply
- Interference With the Conduct Process
- Laws, Statutes, and Policies
The Code of Conduct applies to all current registered Acadia students. It applies as a response to student behaviour and conduct that is non-academic in nature that takes place both on and off campus.
The Non-Academic Judicial Student Code of Conduct applies in the following circumstances:
- Conduct that occurs on the Acadia University campus or any other University owned or affiliated property;
- Conduct that occurs at an off-campus event or activity that is sponsored or sanctioned by the University, the Acadia Alumni Association, the Maple League of Universities, and/or the Acadia Students’ Union;
- Conduct that occurs while representing the University during an approved activity such as, but not limited to co-op, work-term placement, field school, practicum, athletic competition, or study abroad/exchange program;
- Conduct that occurs through the use of technology or technology-based media and is directly linked to the university or carried out using Acadia University’s network, equipment, or technology;
- Conduct by a guest of an Acadia University student occurring on the university campus or any other University owned or affiliated property and/or;
- Conduct referred by the Town of Wolfville and/or RCMP to Acadia University.
Acadia University investigates and responds to off-campus violations by one or more current Acadia University students where the complainant is a member of the Acadia community and/or the matter has been referred by the Town of Wolfville and/or RCMP.
- 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.
Student Code of Conduct
Contact
Olivia Lynch
Coordinator, Student Conduct and Community Support
Residence Life Office, Room 631
Student Union Building
Wolfville, NS
B4P 2R6
olivia.lynch@acadiau.ca
902.585.1825