Building and Roof Access
Students may not access buildings after closing hours (hours vary per building). Should a student have permission to access a building after closing hours, campus safety & wellbeing should be contacted to grant access. Students are not permitted on roofs except as necessary for emergency evacuation.

Sewers and Underground Electrical Conduits
Students may not access sewers and underground electrical conduits on the Hampshire College campus. Due to OSHA policies and safety concerns, students are not permitted to enter these spaces and only trained and qualified College staff and contracted third party vendors are authorized to enter sewers and underground electrical conduits.

Summer Access to Campus Facilities and Grounds
Students may visit campus offices during summer business hours following the office’s procedures for appointments or drop-ins. Students wishing to access academic spaces at any time during the summer need permission of the faculty overseeing their work. Students wanting access to other campus facilities at any time, or campus grounds outside of business hours need authorization from the appropriate office or department in advance. Offices granting access should notify campus safety and wellbeing [7]that permission has been granted for the student, including the approved date(s) and time(s) for which access has been approved. Hampshire does not provide guaranteed housing for students over the summer as residences are closed.

Hampshire College students may not have access to the following services during the summer: media services, TV studio and editing facilities, Dining Services, Health & Counseling Services, student activities, and more.

Access to Five College Physical and Recreational Facilities
Physical and recreational facilities at each of the Five Colleges are available year-round to Five College students only if they are registered in a physical education class at that college. These classes will be arranged through administrators of each program and limited to class time only. Arrangements for fee-funded courses and use of special facilities such as ice rinks, swimming pools, stables, and tennis courts will be made through the proper authorities at each school, and the rules and regulations for use will be determined by the host school.

Camping
Camping on Hampshire College property is not allowed without the express written permission of the assistant director of campus safety and wellbeing [7]. Those allowed to camp on College property must have proper working knowledge of, and training from, the Hampshire College Environmental Health and Safety Director. Individuals are responsible for providing all necessary fire and personal safety equipment that may be required by the College.

Chalking Policy
Chalking is permitted on any outside ground surface that is exposed to the elements (i.e. horizontal walking surfaces that rain and snow fall on). Chalking is prohibited inside campus buildings and outside on non-ground surfaces including, but not limited to, walls and windows of campus buildings, signs, trees, poles, and other structures. The College reserves the right to remove chalking that is not related to college sponsored activities or events or that are deemed to cause harm to the community or community members.

Postering Policy
Posters are permitted only on bulletin boards not designated for other purposes. Students are encouraged to use the bulletin boards under the walkway along the west wall of Franklin Patterson Hall and the north wall of the Harold F. Johnson Library Center, underneath the bridge, and in the RW Kern Center vestibule. Posters placed anywhere but upon designated bulletin boards may be removed regardless of content. Students are expected to remove posters after an advertised event has taken place. Posters that do not pertain to an event that occurs on a specific date will be removed on the last working day of each month. The College reserves the right to remove any posters that are not related to college sponsored activities or events or that are deemed to cause harm to the community or community members.

Project Review
Student projects that may impact the physical campus, pose a health, safety or environmental hazard, or otherwise increase the College’s institutional risk require review and approval by applicable campus offices. Please visit the student project approval [8] HampEngage page to view the updated online project review process. Examples of projects requiring approval: installations of art or other structures on campus (other than gallery approved exhibits), creating new garden space, and performances in other than regular theater spaces. 

Removal
Installations, art works, posters, writings, and other projects that have not been approved through the student project approval [8] process may be removed by the College at any time.

In Massachusetts the drinking and marijuana use age is 21. Though marijuana has been legalized, marijuana is not permitted at any educational institution that receives federal funding, including Hampshire College. Hampshire is committed to providing support and assistance to students struggling with issues related to alcohol or other drug use. Students who come forward to actively seek help when they are concerned about their own use or that of their friends and/or acquaintances may qualify to earn Alcohol & Other Drug Amnesty [9] or educational and restorative accountability measures if found responsible for a violation. Students will still be expected to work with the College to develop a plan to address these issues, and to take responsibility for any negative impact their behaviors have had on others or the environment (e.g., property damage, noise complaints, medical transports). Students are not absolved of responsibility for violations of community standards committed under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Both on- and off-campus support and informational resources are available for students seeking help for substance use issues, and a listing of these resources can be found at www.hampshire.edu/slresources [10].

Within the Alcohol and the Other Drug Policy, you will find guiding information about violations of policies as well as the range of outcomes for single and recurrent violations.

Bullying is the repeated use by one or more people of a written, verbal or electronic (cyber bullying) expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a another person that: (i) causes physical or emotional harm to another person or damage to the person's property; (ii) places the person in reasonable fear of harm to self or of damage to personal property; (iii) creates a hostile environment at the College for the person; (iv) infringes on the rights of the person at the College; or (v) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of the College.

Any accusations of violation of the College's bullying policy will be addressed through the community standards process in situations where the identity of the student engaging in this behavior can be clearly identified. In incidents where the identity cannot be determined, the College will attempt to intervene and discussed the matters with the student who has been alleged to engage in this behavior to determine if they are responsible.

Any bullying and/or cyber-bullying related to sex and/or gender will be reviewed in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Title IX grievance policy [21].

All students have the right to an educational environment that is supportive of the learning process. Behavior that causes substantial disruption of College operations including obstruction of teaching, research, administration, events, activities, or other authorized non-College activities which occur on campus is prohibited. Reported disruptive incidents are subject to referral for review under the community standards process. Behaviors and actions that may be a violation of the community standards and academic policies, but are not limited to:

• exhibiting little or no control in adhering to College policies
• inability to carry out the normal routine of campus life
• threatening to harm[1]
• rioting and/or disrupting the living and/or learning environment on campus
• placing consistent unrealistic expectations on the time and energy of other students, faculty, and/or
 staff

[1]Hampshire College recognizes that certain life threatening behavior (e.g. suicide threats, gestures or attempts; eating disorders; substance abuse; threats, gestures or attempts to harm others) are signs of personal distress. The College is committed to helping students reduce whatever stress factors are precipitating life-threatening behavior by providing support and/or referral through use of appropriate resources. However, since it is critically important to maintain civility and respect for all members of the College community, it is recognized that referral to the community standards procecss must occur when such behavior and action is considered by the College to be disruptive and unacceptable in the academic and/or social/ living environments. Students will always be afforded the opportunity to engage with resources and work with the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability to establish clear expectations for future behavior.

Hampshire College does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy or related conditions, or any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any of its educational programs and activities, in employment and application for employment, and in admission and application of admission.

Hampshire College's Notice of Non-Discrimination is available here [22].

Hampshire College has designated a Title IX coordinator for purposes of Title IX compliance:
Amy Fabiano
Interim Title IX Coordinator
afSA@hampshire.edu [23] or Title IX@hampshire.edu [24]

Complaints and inquiries about Title IX or the College’s Title IX Policy & Grievance Procedures can be directed to the College's Title IX coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

Complaints and inquiries regarding all other forms of discrimination and harassment involving students can be directed to:
Sheila Lloyd, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Justice, Equity, and Antiracism
srlPR@hampshire.edu [25]

Complaints and inquiries regarding all other forms of discrimination and harassment involving employees or third party vendors can be directed to:
Donna-Rae Kenneally
Senior Director of Human Resources
dkHR@hampshire.edu

Complaints and inquiries of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation regarding federal laws may be directed to:

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
5 Post Office Square, 8th floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
617.289.0111

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
New Sudbury Street, Room 475
Boston, MA 02203
800.669.4000

Complaints and inquiries of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under Massachusetts laws may be directed to:

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
436 Dwight Street
Room 220
Springfield, MA 01103
413.739.2145

Harassment, Other Forms of Discrimination, and Retaliation

Discrimination
Discrimination is the adverse treatment of any individual based on one or more protected characteristics or status of that person. Such treatment can occur via direct evidence of discriminatory animus or circumstantial information such as that an individual is being treated differently from peers who are not in the person's protected class. Protected characteristics and statuses are race, color, age, sex, gender, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, pregnancy/pregnancy related conditions, or any other protected category.

In employment, discrimination or harassment may begin with adverse actions that may include using different standards of evaluation for employment, promotion or job performance on the basis of protected categories; denying an employee’s request for reasonable accommodations; denying employment opportunity or terminating on the basis of protected categories; retaliation against an employee participating in an investigation of discrimination and harassment.

For students discrimination and harassment may begin with differential treatment in their education program or activity on the basis of their protected category. This may include using different standards to evaluate academic performance on the basis of the protected category; denying academic, social, recreational, health services and housing on the basis of the protected category; retaliation against a student participating in an investigation of discrimination and harassment.

Harassment

Harassment is unwelcome conduct directed toward a person based on one or more protected characteristics or statuses of that person, when either of the following conditions are met:

(1) Submission to or rejection of such conduct is either an explicit or implicit term or
condition of an individual’s employment, academic standing, evaluation of academic
work or advancement in an academic program is used as the basis for College
decisions affecting the individual (often referred to as “quid pro quo” or “this for that”
harassment.

(2) The conduct is severe or pervasive that it interferes with an individual’s employment, academic performance, participation in College programs or activities and creates a working, learning, program or activity environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile or offensive.

Examples of such conduct:

• Offensive or degrading remarks, verbal abuse, or other hostile behavior such as insulting, teasing, mocking, degrading or ridiculing another person or group;
• Racial slurs, derogatory remarks about a person’s accent, or display of racially offensive symbols;
• Unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact, comments, questions, advances, jokes, epithets or demands;
• Physical assault or stalking;
• Displays or electronic transmission of derogatory, demeaning or hostile materials; and
• Unwillingness to train, evaluate, assist, or work with an employee.

Retaliation

Retaliation is any adverse action taken against an individual for making a good faith report of discrimination or harassment or participating in any investigation or proceeding under this policy. Retaliation includes threatening, intimidating, harassing or any other conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging in activity protected under this policy. Retaliation does not apply to good faith actions lawfully pursued in response to a report of discrimination or harassment.

Please refer to the grievance procedures in this policy for guidance on how to report allegations of discrimination or harassment. Please note, however, that alleged harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on sex, gender, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity is handled under Hampshire's Title IX Policy & Grievance Procedures (and not this policy) and should be referred to Hampshire's Title IX Coordinator.

The College has as responsibility and obligation to ensure students are held accountable for their actions and behavior, as well as provided the necessary support and guidance that promote their involvement in the community and overall student success. Therefore, to facilitate this accountability and support students are required to respond, adhere, and complete all requests or instructions by a College employee who is carrying out the assigned duties of their position. This includes but is not limited to:

• Responding to email or written notice in the amount of time specified.
• Discontinuing a particular behavior, action, or inaction.
• Completing an accountability measure or sanction within the time specified in the notification received.
• Complying with terms of an intentional avoidance notice or no contact directive.
• Attending meetings where your attendance is requested or required, which includes meetings related to community standards reviews, bias response intake meetings, Title IX intake meetings, academic advising appointments, restorative process intake meetings, campus safety and wellbeing meetings and investigations, accommodation appointments and requests, and other administrative meetings and interventions related to a student status as a member of the Hampshire community.
• Providing false or no identification when asked by College officials, including your name and student ID.
• Not following published instructions and policies in print or online.

Failing to response or participate in processes, may result in a student being referred for community standards review or being subject to interim administrative measures being put in place, such as holds or college service restrictions.

Fire Alarms
When a building fire alarm activates on campus, residents must leave the building immediately and remain at the designated gathering point until their presence is recorded. Both campus safety and wellbeing [14] assistants and the Amherst Fire Department [43] respond. Students who are found responsible for failure to leave a campus building when a fire alarm is activated is a violation of policy. No one may enter the building until the fire department determines that it is safe to return. Campus safety and wellbeing [14] may open and enter locked rooms to ensure that no one is inside and to check for the source or cause of the fire alarm.

Campus safety and wellbeing and residence life staff conduct fire drills at least one time per semester in each residence area. All occupants of a residence hall must leave the building immediately any time the alarm sounds. These drills are not announced and staff may enter each apartment, hallway, and room to ensure compliance with proper evacuation procedures. If staff discover fire safety or other violations, students will be contacted by a staff memeber regarding the violation(s) and any prohibited items will be confiscated.

If a fire alarm activates and an individual knows the cause, this individual is required to call campus safety and wellbeing [14] from a safe location and explain what happened. If the fire alarm is activated inadvertently (cooking smoke, shower steam, etc.), the individual responsible must be available to talk to campus safety and wellbeing [14] and the fire department [43].

Tampering with Fire Safety Equipment
Fire extinguishers and fire detection and alarm systems are in place to protect the community. Tampering with fire safety devices is a serious violation and is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

• disabling smoke detectors
• covering smoke detectors with any materials whatsoever
• activating an alarm when no hazard is present
• hanging items from sprinkler pipes
• discharging, tampering with or moving fire extinguishers

Tampering with fire safety equipment will result in a student being referred for a community standards review, which will result in a accountability adn community restoration plan, which could range from an educational warning to administrative notice or even removal from campus housing.

When responsible individuals cannot be identified, all residents of that particular area may be found responsible.

Open Fires
Open fires (inside or outside) are prohibited anywhere on campus or College property, including fire pits, woods, and fields unless prior written approval is granted by the director of campus safety and wellbeing [14] and the town fire department [43]. Please contact residence life and student engagement staff for safety information and expectations for registering to use the enfield fire pit at 413.559.5453.

Use of grills (charcoal and gas) is not permitted inside, on balconies, or exterior stairwells. Charcoal and gas barbecues are permitted on the grounds, but must take place at least 25 feet (7.62 meters) from buildings. Propane gas containers must be stored outside, at least 3 feet (0.915 meters) away from building openings such as doors, windows, dryer vents and air intakes. Barbecue grills must not be left unattended and must be totally extinguished before leaving. The College may confiscate any barbecue grill that is used inappropriately and any container of propane gas or other flammable liquid without notice.

Other open burning, including sage and other cleansing rituals, are not permitted in residence halls without the explicit written permission of the Senior Director for Student Success & Engagement or Senior Director for Community Care and Wellbeing.

Additional Fire Safety Regulations
The College may confiscate any fire safety hazard, including but not limited to prohibited items listed below, from any place, including student rooms and lockers, at any time, with or without notice. The College has no obligation to identify the owner of confiscated property,  notify the owner of any confiscation,  or reimburse the owner of confiscated property for any loss or damage to said property.

• Halls, entrances, and egresses, including egress routes through common spaces, must be kept clear of all items at all times. This includes entryways to buildings, center rooms in greenwich area, and all stairwells. Bicycles, skateboards, or other items, may not be stored in hallways or entryways.
• No more than 40 percent of wall space may be covered by combustibles, such as tapestries or posters. Nothing can be hung from ceilings. No combustible holiday decorations such as trees or wreaths are allowed. 
• Student door postings are limited to the existing bulletin board or a 2’ x 2’ area (60.96 cm x 60.96 cm).
• Light fixtures may not be covered by any materials (such as bedspreads, scarves, paper shades) nor may they be painted or darkened.
• Combustibles, such as furniture, recycling, clothing, curtains, and garbage, must be kept at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) away from heaters.
• No combustibles are permitted in hallways, stairwells, or egresses.
• All gas-powered vehicles must be parked in student parking lots.
• Other activities or items that pose an increased risk of fire or impede fire response will be prohibited upon discovery.

Prohibited Items
(Visit the prohibited items [44] section for a full list of items prohibited in addition to fire safety prohibited items.)

• Candles and incense are not permitted anywhere inside residential buildings.
• Space heaters are not permitted in student rooms, with the exception of those provided by the College in response to a problem with the heating system.
• Use of non-College alarm systems or other than College-issued locks, including locks on storage closets.
• The storage and use of flammable liquids (e.g. gasoline, paint thinner, spray paint, air brushes) and flammable gases (e.g. propane, acetylene), fireworks or other materials that pose an increased fire hazard.
• Halogen lamps are a significant fire safety hazard if there are combustibles too close to the bulb. The use of these lamps is prohibited. Lamps with plastic shades must use compact fluorescent or 40 watt or less bulbs.
• Extension cords are not permitted unless UL-approved with surge protection. Electrical cords should be kept at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) away from heaters.

Toaster ovens may be used only in kitchens or lounges. Small microwaves and hot pots with auto shut off are permitted in student rooms. Appliances must be kept clean at all times and unplugged when not in use.

Pursuant with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 269, Sections 17, 18, and 19 (below), the College prohibits hazing. Hazing is defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under sanction of a college. Hazing shall include, but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity, that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual. Hazing shall also include any activity that could subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the individual. Any of these activities upon which the initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, a college organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a forced activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.

Some ways to tell if an activity is hazing:

• A selected group is singled out for ritual
• It results in behavior or pictures that you would not share with your parents, coaches, or professors
• The activity is humiliating, demeaning, intimidating, and exhausting, and/or results in physical or emotional discomfort, involves harassment or ridicule, or which endangers the health or safety of any person whether on or off campus.

Remember: what may seem like harmless "fun" to you may be deeply humiliating to another person.

Any activity organized by a student group or members of a student group that involves a member in practices that are injurious or potentially injurious to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological wellbeing (as determined at the sole discretion of the College) shall be cause for community standards review. It shall not matter whether such practices were mandatory or voluntarily entered into by any of the student group members in question, including new and initiated members.

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 269, Sections 17, 18, and 19
Section 17. Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.

The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean 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. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

Section 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

Section 19. Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.

Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of higher education and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report.

All campus space must be used only for its intended purpose unless appropriate permissions are obtained. Any use of a space that creates a hazard is prohibited. Students are required to comply with all health and safety policies, procedures, corrective actions or instructions by college personnel. This includes but is not limited to:

• Dangerous pranks such as, hanging out of or climbing from/on/in windows, balconies, roofs.
• Not following current public health or College health guidelines or policies.
• Possession of hazardous materials or not disposing of biohazard material appropriately 

All community members shall maintain their areas (including residences and common spaces) in a clean and orderly condition in consideration of others’ use of the space and in accordance with health and fire codes. Rooms, lounges, and offices must be cared for in a manner that maintains their condition for future use.

Specific information on fire safety policies [45] and upkeep of residence hall rooms [46] can be found by clicking the associated links.

Pet Policy
Pets and other animals, with the exception of service animals and emotional support animals [47] approved in accordance with the College’s policy for disability disclosure and accommodation [48], are prohibited in all residence buildings. Residents are also prohibited from keeping or providing for animals on College property. Visiting animals are not permitted in any campus facility and must be under the control of the owner (i.e. on a leash or harness) at all times. Hosts are responsible for cleaning up after any visiting animals. Visiting is defined as temporary, short term (less than one (1) day), and occasional (no more than three (3) times per semester) and not overnight. This differs from the policy for human guests [49].

Violation of the pet policy or any relevant animal policies will result in immediate removal of the animal from campus. Students will bear any associated cost to the College or any of its employees or agents, whether because of damage to property owned by the College [50] or others, or because of any claim brought against the College by any person because of injury, illness, or other reason as a result of the student having brought an animal onto campus, regardless of whether the animal is in violation of policy. 

DEFINITIONS
Pet: A pet is an animal kept for ordinary use and companionship. A pet is not considered a service or emotional support animal and is not allowed in campus residences, buildings, and other facilities. 

Hampshire College is committed to creating a welcoming environment through the use of commonly accepted guidelines and procedures that allow animals to be on-campus for specific purposes. These purposes include reasonable accommodations for employees, students, and visitors with disabilities in compliance with applicable Massachusetts state and federal laws. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended [51] and related laws, rules and regulations, including the Fair Housing Act [52], Hampshire College will reasonably accommodate requests for service animals and emotional support animals to reside with their owner/handler in College provided housing. 

Disability:  Defined as a physical or mental condition or impairment that is medically recognizable and diagnosable, and substantially limits one or more of an individual’s major life activities.  These limitations may include performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and learning.  An individual is substantially limited in major life activities if they are unable to perform the activity, or is significantly restricted as to the manner in which they can perform that activity when compared to the average person.  Acceptable documentation of a disability will be from either a licensed medical or mental health provider and must verify the disability and describe the need for a service or emotional support animal.

Service Animal Access
Service Animal: Any dog* that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition, however the College will consider other animal species on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Federal regulations. The tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability.

*Dogs are specified due to the unreasonable nature of providing any larger animals (such as miniature ponies) access, care, and use on a college campus. Therefore we focus on dogs in the context of service animals at Hampshire College and commensurate language is used throughout our materials. Any need for consideration of exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Examples of work or tasks include, but are not limited to, assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing non-violent protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.

Students requiring use of a service animal as a means of access may utilize their service animal as needed throughout campus. It is important that, if a student resides on campus that they connect with the office of accessibility resources and services (OARS) [53] to ensure they are placed in a residence which does not conflict with their disability. In order to maintain equal access for other residents, it is also important the the presence of an animal does not conflict with the disabilities of others. [54] If this is the case, either or both parties should engage in the grievance process for disability-related access [55].

Service Dogs in Training: These animals are considered to have the same public accommodation rights as service animals. However, service dogs in training are expected to behave to the same level of expectation as a trained service animal and must abide by the expectations for animals on campus [56] at all times.

It is highly recommended that students partner with a reputable training organization to facilitate animal training and ensure that an animal is ready to meet behavioral expectations.

Emotional Support Animals (ESA): Animals that provide assistance and/or emotional support to its owner by its very presence but are not trained to perform specific tasks in response to the disability. These animals (not limited to dogs) do not meet the ADA definition of a Service Animal, but may qualify under the Fair Housing Act [52] and Hampshire College’s Policy on emotional support animals.

Because emotional support animals are not required to perform a specific task for a student and do not need to be with the student at all times, they are only permitted in the student’s residence. As such they are considered a housing-based accommodation and requests for emotional support animals are handled as any other request for housing-based accommodation [20].

Students with a disability may apply to have an emotional support animal as a reasonable accommodation in housing facilities that otherwise impose restrictions or prohibitions on animals.  Students requesting an emotional support animal as a reasonable accommodation must register with the office of accessibility resources and services [57] (OARS) and pursue the disability disclosure and accommodation request process [58]. 

Students may submit a request for accommodation at any time. However, if approved for an emotional support animal, students will not be permitted to bring the animal to campus until the beginning of the following academic semester. 

In order to qualify for such an accommodation, the emotional support animal must be necessary to afford the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling or to participate in the housing service or program and there must be a relationship between the individual’s disability and the assistance the animal provides, documented by a medical professional competent to address the need for the accommodation and the requirement of the specific accommodation requested.

Students going through the request process should note that all emotional support animals must be spayed or neutered. In addition, all animals must be housebroken or live within a contained habitat, and may not weigh more than 88 pounds. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Students whose requests are approved will generally be permitted to have one emotional support animal, due to the health and safety considerations and space limitations of a residential college setting.

It is highly recommended that emotional support animal handlers pursue relevant training, such as "good citizen training" for dogs, to ensure their animal meets behavioral expectations.

RESOURCES

• U.S. Department of Justice, Information about the Americans with Disabilities Act [59]
• Town of Amherst bylaws for dog licensing [60] 
• Guidance on Service Animals in Public Places [61]

Physically endangering behavior is acting in a manner that exerts control over another person through the use of physical force and/or puts the greater community in physical danger.

Actions that endanger any person’s physical well-being are unacceptable. These actions include but are not limited to:

• physical violence include hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, pushing, restraining, choking, and brandishing
• use of fireworks or weapons (see Weapons, Firearms, & Explosives policy [66]) on campus
• the malicious setting of fires
• the sale of illegal drugs (see Drug policy [67])
• reckless driving or speeding on campus
• the throwing of objects out of windows, off roofs, or in any other dangerous manner

All campus spaces must be used only for their intended purpose unless appropriate permissions are obtained. Any use of a space that creates a hazard for the user or other occupants of the building is prohibited. No student is allowed on the roof of any building on campus, except in those instances when it is a secondary egress route in the event of a fire. No student is allowed to scale the exterior of any building on campus. 

Campus safety and wellbeing [14] should be contacted regarding any physically endangering behavior.

Physically endangering behavior may result in immediate suspension and other accountability measures up to and including removal from the College.

Political and Campaign Activities Policy
Hampshire College has a longstanding tradition of free and open inquiry, and values and protects the freedom of students, faculty, and staff to express political views, to exercise their right to vote, and to participate in the electoral process. At the same time, to retain our status as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code, the College must not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.  The prohibition applies to all campaigns including campaigns at the federal, state and local level.  Violation of this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.

Faculty, students, and staff taking political positions for themselves or groups with which they are associated should clearly indicate, by words and actions, that their positions are not those of the College and are not being taken in an official capacity on the College’s behalf.  Because this may restrict certain uses of institutional resources as well as prohibit certain types of statements made on behalf of the College, here is a set of guidelines for Hampshire College community members.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive description of every possible scenario in which the political campaign intervention issue may arise, so if you have any questions about these or other situations, please contact the President’s Office.  In addition, students and student groups planning political or campaign activities should discuss their plans with Student Engagement [16].

Members of the Hampshire College community may not:

• Hold fundraisers for political candidates on College property.
• Provide a candidate for public office an opportunity to speak on campus or use College-owned facilities unless authorized by the President or designee.  In most cases, all legally qualified candidates for that office must be offered equal access and opportunity to speak.
• Allow a candidate or political party to conduct a rally or other political event on campus unless authorized by the President or designee. Candidates running for office and/or members of a campaign staff wishing to use college facilities for appearances must comply with established college policies and rental fees, and must go through the event services office for further information and reservations.  No political fundraising is allowed at such an event.
• Cause the College to make, or to appear to make, an endorsement of, comment on, contribution to, or expenditure for a political candidate or party.
• Use message boards and forums affiliated with the College’s website to support particular candidates, if the statements can be reasonably attributed to the College, or provide links on Hampshire College websites to the web pages of a political candidate or party.
• Conduct voter registration or education activities in a partisan manner that favors or opposes certain candidates.
• Use the Hampshire College letterhead, logo, or seal on materials intended for partisan political purposes.
• Use College-owned telephones for phone banking on behalf of a candidate or for other similarly significant partisan political uses.  (However, campus residential telephone services, such as in student residence hall rooms, may be used for these purposes.)
• Use College resources or services, such as interdepartmental mail, e-mail, mailing lists, and equipment such as photocopy machines, computers, and fax machines, or supplies for partisan political purposes.
• Request that a College employee, as part of their job, perform tasks in any way related to partisan political purposes.
• Lobby or attempt to influence federal, state, or local legislative action or a legislative or administrative official or staff member on behalf of the College unless authorized by the President or designee.  
• Use federal funds, including contract or grant money, received by the College for lobbying activities. 

Notification of Jury Duty Law
According to the Office of the Jury Commissioner of the Commonwealth  [68]of Massachusetts [68], “Every U.S. Citizen 18 years of age or older who is a Massachusetts resident or an inhabitant for more than 50% of the time is eligible to serve as a juror. If you are a resident of another state but a student at a Massachusetts college, you are an inhabitant for more than 50% of the year and, therefore, eligible to serve as a juror in Massachusetts.” There are no student exemptions from jury duty.

Students should read carefully all materials they receive with their summons to service, which contain helpful information about confirming, postponing, rescheduling, or relocating service, and address many of the most frequently asked questions. Jury duty is an important legal obligation, and those who fail to respond are subject to criminal prosecution. Students who miss class in order to fulfill their jury service requirement should notify each of their instructors of the summons and make arrangements to complete any missed work.

If you have any questions about jury duty, including confirming, postponing, rescheduling, or limiting your service, contact the Office  [68]of the Jury Commissioner [68] (1.800.THE.JURY/1.800.843.5879).

Voter Registration
As a part of the Higher Education Amendment, Hampshire College must provide you with the opportunity to register to vote. You may request a  [69]mail-in voter registration form [69] online. The Massachusetts form can be used only to register to vote in Massachusetts.

Out-of-state students who want to vote in their home state must use either a mail-in form supplied by an election official in the home state or the federal mail-in affidavit of voter registration. Affidavits may be obtained by writing or calling the Massachusetts Elections Division [70], Room 1705, McCormack Building, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108; 617.727.2828 or 800.462.8683.

A number of items are prohibited in the Hampshire College buildings. These prohibitions are in place to support the health and safety needs of all community members. Some of the prohibited items are specific to students living in the residences. This listing is not all-inclusive of specific items, but gives a comprehensive description of types of items not permitted and does include some specifics to guide student understanding of prohibited items.

An additional list of fire safety prohibited items can be found at the end of the fire safety policy [71].

Quiet Hours
Campus-wide quiet hours begin at 11:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and at 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday and are in effect until 7:30 a.m. each day. Noise that infringes on a person’s working environment at any time cannot be tolerated.

Courtesy Hours
Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. All students are expected to show consideration for other residents. Residents are expected to honor reasonable requests by any resident or staff member when asked that stereos, musical instruments, televisions, etc. be satisfactorily turned down or turned off. Residence Life may designate particular residence hall floors “quiet floors” where quiet hours are in effect 24 hours a day.

Noise
Members of the Hampshire community have the right to a quiet environment. Unlike areas surrounding other buildings, noise made outside of residence halls can interfere with the ability to sleep, study, or socialize. The same expectations regarding courtesy that apply inside residence halls also apply to the area surrounding them. The use of amplified instruments, DJ equipment, and drums in the residences, indoor or outdoors, and the placing of stereo speakers in windows facing outward are prohibited.

Since our founding, Hampshire College has been envisioned as a residential learning community. This has meant that not only does Hampshire strive to provide safe, secure, and comfortable living areas for students, but we also strive to provide a dynamic, intellectual environment outside the classroom. The residence life system encourages students to assume community responsibility and to respect the diverse backgrounds and lifestyles of our community members by providing opportunities for residents to learn about differences and to intentionally create a community that embraces those differences.

For more information about the student and professional staff who work and live in the residence halls, visit the residence life website. [72] 

The following policies and associated subsections outline residence life and housing policies. If you have additional questions about these policies, please contact your residence life coordinator or another member of the residence life staff [73].

Residential License

Every student must complete a housing form which includes the College’s residential license. 

Room Selection

Residence life staff will communicate each year’s continuing room selection process to eligible students. All mods must be filled at the time of selection. Any vacancies in mods (or residence hall double rooms, if applicable) must be filled by the assigned residents or residence life staff will administratively fill the vacancies.     

Health & Safety
Residence life staff and/or health and safety staff may enter common spaces and rooms as needed, and at least once during each term, to conduct fire, health, and safety inspections. Residence life staff also enter each room, as part of the December shut-down process, to check the heat and make certain windows and doors are secure. Students are required to comply with the required corrective action of all fire, health and safety inspections carried out by college personnel.

All campus spaces must be used only for their intended purpose unless appropriate permissions are obtained. Any use of a space that creates a hazard for the user or other occupants of the building is prohibited. No resident is allowed on the roof of any building on campus, except in those instances when it is a secondary egress route in the event of a fire. Additionally, no resident is allowed to scale the exterior of any building on campus.

Liability
Hampshire College assumes no responsibility or liability, directly or indirectly, for damage, loss, or destruction of any personal property by fire, water, theft, etc. Students are strongly encouraged to carry personal insurance to cover their belongings (see student insurance [74]). It is the responsibility of each student to safeguard their personal belongings and keep bedroom and apartment doors locked. Most property crimes on campus are crimes of opportunity. The simple step of keeping doors locked provides enormous protection.   [7]Campus safety and wellbeing [14] has electric engravers available for loan. It is a good practice to engrave valuable items with some identifying marks. Marking of personal property will help in identifying the rightful owner of recovered property.

Room Changes
Although students are expected to live in the same room for an entire academic year, there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that may warrant a move. Students who experience difficulties in their residence should consult their resident assistant or residence life coordinator to discuss how they can improve and tolerate their current environment. Students who feel their current living situation is untenable can meet with their residence life coordinator to discuss these circumstances. All requests for room changes are reviewed, and ultimately approved or denied, by the residence life professional staff.

An administrative move may be determined as necessary by a member of the residence life staff or designated adminstrator. In such cases, these staff reserve the right to move students to any vacancy on campus.

Retaliation means any adverse action taken against an individual for making a good faith report of a violation of policy or participating in any investigation or proceeding as a part of the student conduct process. Retaliation includes threatening, intimidating, harassing or any other conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging in activity protected by the Hampshire College Student Handbook and Resource Guide. Retaliation may be present even where there is a finding of “no responsibility” on a reported violation of policy. Retaliation does not include good faith actions lawfully pursued in a legal process outside of the community standards process [41].

Based on federal changes to Title IX, the communtiy standards policy and charge of Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking for any incidents that happen on or after August 1, 2024 will fall under the Title IX policy and grievance procedure.

Please Review Important Title IX policy and grievance procedure [89] information updated August 1, 2024.

A Hampshire College ID (One Card) is necessary for use of the Library facilities at Hampshire and the other colleges in the Five College Consortium. It is also used for external door access such as Dakin, Merrill, Greenwich, and Prescott. Dining in the Dining Commons [112], Kern Cafe and Bridge Cafe. Books, groceries and supplies at the Hampstore. Access to athletic facilities, Robert Crown Center and Multisports. Campus Safety [7] & Wellbeing Assistants/Advocates or other college employees may ask you to produce identification to verify that you are indeed a student at Hampshire College. Students must comply with such a request. Failing to produce your ID is a a violation of the Mandated Response and Action policy [113]. 

If you need to replace your student ID (OneCard), the replacement ID fee is $25.00. 

Email onecard@hampshire.edu [83] for a replacement or for questions.

Hampshire College supports and encourages student entrepreneurship that meets legal and ethical expectations of the College's established community standards and policies [41]. Fundamental expectations of this policy are:

1. Student entrepreneurial initiatives must not jeopardize the College's tax-exempt status.
   (a) Hampshire College receives tax exemptions as an educational institution, which can be jeopardized when individuals in the campus community operate a business enterprise on College premises. Campus-based activity, which can result in the distribution of profits to individuals, is inconsistent with the College's tax-exempt status.
2. Entrepreneurs shall not use their student status to compete unfairly with local merchants or campus services.
3. Students are not to harass others, including their fellow students, in their commercial endeavors.
   (a) Advertising within the residence halls and mods is not permitted unless approved by the area coordinator for the area.

The entrepreneurship program through the School for Interdisciplinary Arts was established to provide a structure for student-run businesses invested in through the Seed Fund. Those who wish to start or participate in a commercial venture through the entrepreneurship program either through the Seed Fund or an entrepreneurship course should consult with the program coordinator. Students establishing a campus-based venture not associated with the entrepreneurship program must consult with Five College risk management [114] before implementation of a business. All campus-based businesses must comply with the following provisions:

(a) Students who act as commercial agents, sell merchandise, or distribute goods or advertising on campus are prohibited from using College facilities or services, including residence hall rooms, campus telephone numbers, computing and/or network services or College postal facilities, for the purpose of commercial activities.
(b) Use of the Hampshire College name or insignia must be cleared in advance of such use in all instances by the College's Director of Communication and Marketing and/or Vice President for Institutional Support and Chief Advancement Officer.
(c) Use of the Hampshire College name, insignia and trademarks on products and merchandise requires prior approval and vendor licensing by the College. Information regarding Hampshire College product licensing and Hampshire's code of conduct for licensees is available through the Office of Marketing and Communication.
(d) Students providing on-campus services may be required to enter into a contract with the College before commencing services.

Theft of College or personal property of others, defined as taking, carrying, leading or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another is considered unacceptable behavior. This includes the moving or removal of furniture and other College property from their appropriate location in public places including student lounge spaces and outdoor areas. 

For additional information about how these policies apply in the residence halls, see the residence life policies [115] section of this handbook.

Threatening and intimidating behaviors are words, actions, or implied threats that cause reasonable fear of injury to the health and safety of any person or property. 

These actions include but are not limited to:

• threats of physical assaults
• possession of fireworks or weapons (see weapons, firearms, & explosives policy [66]) on campus
• the intention to sell or sale of illegal drugs (see drug policy [67])
• threats to do violence
• psychological intimidation
• harassment of any person

Campus safety and wellbeing [14] should be contacted regarding any threatening and/or intimidating behavior.

Threatening and intimidating behavior may result in immediate suspension and other accountability measures up to and including removal from the College. All students alleged to have threatned or intimidated another community member will be subject to community standards review or administrative action.

Maintaining and preserving the private property of individuals as well as the resources of the College (including its grounds, academic buildings, residences, furnishings, dining facilities, associated structures and infrastructure) are the responsibility of all members of the College community. College resources are provided to benefit the entire community, and must be maintained so that no one is denied their right to the proper resources. This right is possessed not only by those who are students now, but also by those who will be students in the future.

Damage, destruction, or defacement of College or personal property of others (due either to malice or to extreme carelessness) is unacceptable behavior. Some of this behavior may also be consider vandalism, defined as willfully or maliciously destroying, disfiguring, and/or defacing any public or private property, without the consent of the owner or College.

Students will be assessed the cost of any vandalism or damage, and that cost will be charged to the student’s College account. Students may also be subject to community standards review as a policy violation.

Students, student organizations, and athletic teams in all types of hearings have the right to:

• Be provided with an opportunity to review any documents submitted to the community standards administrator, community standards review board (CSRB), Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability, or Office of Residnece Life that will be used to determine responsibility, findings, and outcomes.
• Appear before a community standards administrator or CSRB and have an opportunity to discuss the alleged policy violations being addressed and reviewed through the formal resolution process.
• Receive timely notification of when the formal resolution hearing will occur, which will be received at least seven (5) business days.
• Meet with a community standards administrator before the formal resolution hearing to ask questions to help prepare for the hearing and seek guidance and/or to be connected to campus student support services and resources.
• Have a support person [119]with them for all pre/post hearing meetings and during the hearing.
• Receive timely notification of the outcome of their hearing, which will be received at least two (2) to three (3) business days after the hearing, unless notified by a community standards administrator or CSRB that additional time is needed to conduct a review. If so, be provided an updated timeline of when you will receive the outcome and findings.
• Appeal on appropriate grounds as explained in the Appeals Policy [118]

Reporting Individual Rights
Students, faculty, and staff who report an alleged community standards policy violation have the right to request to be active participants in matters and incidents in which their rights may have been violated through conversation with the community standards administrator reviewing the matter and through the Community Standards Review Board (CSRB) [117] should the individual reporting the community standards violation choose that option. Rights for the reporting individuals specific to CSRB hearings are listed in that section. Administrative hearings do not involve active participation by the reporting party during the meeting, however, a community standards administrator may choose to contact a reporting individual for further information in determining their findings.

Additional Rights and Responsibilities
Depending on the alleged violation and the process for which the incident and/or matter is being addressed and resolved, the reporting individual and the student(s), student organization, or athletic team may have additional rights. Please review each of the processes - administrative hearing [116], CSRB hearing [117], Title IX grievance policy [21] (NOTE: Title IX cases will be managed by the Title IX Office versus the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability unless referred by the Title IX Office fo resollution) for a full understanding of rights and responsibilities.

The formal resolution process comprises two methodologies for reviewing and addressing alleged violations of community standards and College policies. Student(s), student organizations, or athletic teams participate in a one-on-one administrative hearing with a community standards administrator or a hearing convened by the Community Standards Review Board (CSRB). Reported Title IX violations will be addressed and review based on the Title IX grievance policy [21].

The formal resolution process seeks to review, address, and resolve incidents and matters of alleged violations of community standards and consist of the following methods:

Administrative Hearing: Matters and the alleged policy violations are reviewed, discussed, and conducted in a hearing with a designated community standards administrator within the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability and Residence Life. The designated community standards administrator will oversee the hearing and make a final decision based on information presented from all reports and individuals involved. See Administrative Hearing [116] for more information.

Community Standards Review Board (CSRB): Matters and alleged policy violations are reviewed, discussed, and conducted before a three-member Community Standards Review Board (CSRB) consisting of one of each of the following representatives: student, faculty, and staff members. See Community Standards Review Board and Hearing [117] for more information. 

In circumstances where a report is submitted, and there is reasonable cause to modify the process, including but not limited to before commencement when a student is a candidate for graduation, the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability will use their discretion to determine the appropriate process for resolution while maintaining the rights [121] afforded to all students, student organizations, or athletic teams in the community standards process.

Suppose a student leaves the College for any reason while the formal or informal resolution process is underway. In that case, the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability have the authority to determine whether or not the process should continue or be held should the student return or be readmitted to the College. 

DETERMINING OUTCOMES & DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Outcomes are what are determined as a result of the formal or information resolution process. If a responsible outcome is determined, students will be assigned an accountability and community restoration plan. These plans are comprised of accountability measures that focus on addressing behavior and actions utilizing an accountability framework that is centered around providing care and support for individuals and the campus community, engaging in educational opportunities and dialogues, and participating in transformative experiences and interactions.

The standard used at Hampshire College and other colleges and universities across the country to determine whether or not a student is responsible for a community standards violation is ‘preponderance of evidence’. Preponderance of evidence means that based on the information available to the staff member addressing the violation or the community standards review board (CSRB) that the reported actions more likely occurred than not. Determining responsibility is also called determining a finding, and a designed staff member or CSRB will either come to a finding of “responsible” or “not responsible" based on the information presented at the time the matter is address either through the informal or formal resolution processes. 

The college's method of addressing student accountability and use of preponderance of evidence is different from criminal proceedings where the standard is 'beyond a reasonable doubt'. The community standards process is not a criminal proceeding, and the terms “guilty” or “innocent” are not used. Students are not considered "responsible" until an informal or formal resolution meeting has occurred[1], however interim administrative actions [3] may be put in place at the discretion of the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability until alleged policy violations or community concerns can be address through the community standards process.

ACCOUNTABILITY & COMMUNITY RESTORATION PLANS

Accountability measures are assigned as part of a students accountability and community restoration plan when they are found responsible for a community standards policy violation. Some accountability measures are assigned that provide notice to a student and others may require students to complete specific assignments and engage in educational opportunities and interactions. Accountability measure definitions can be found in the accountability measures [42] section.

Some community standards violations have accountability measure guidelines defined within the policy. For policies that do not have specified guidelines, designated staff members or the CSRB will consider the outcomes in similar cases as well as any previous community standards violations that students may have been involved in within the past. In determining whether or not a student’s behavior and actions meets the expectations defined in the Student Handbook and Resource Guide, a “reasonable person” standard may be applied. The term “reasonable person” takes on a different meaning, often depending upon the situation at hand. The reasonable person standard compares an individual’s behavior in a situation with the behavior of a hypothetical reasonable person in the same set of events. This is not the standard used for determining responsibility in a situation, however the reasonable person standard may be considered in determining an accountability and community restoration plan when a student is found responsible for a community standards policy violation.

COMPLETING ACCOUNTABILITY & COMMUNITY RESTORATION PLANS

Students who do not complete their assigned accountability measure(s) by the deadlines provided may have a community standards hold placed on their student account and will be referred through the informal or formal resolution process for a community standards violation of the Mandated Response and Action Policy [113]. If a student is determined to be responsible for failing to comply with the Mandated Response and Action Policy [113], they will be assigned additional accountability measures with the goal of addressing their behavior, action, or inaction.

If a student leaves the College for any reason before completing their accountability and community restoration plan, the Division of Justice, Equity, and Antiracism (JEA) and office of community standards and student accountability have the authority to determine next steps; which typically consists of students being required to complete their accountability and community restoration plan upon return to the College.

If a graduating student has not fulfilled their accountability and community restoration plan, a notation will be made on a student's record in JEA and depending on the severity of the situation the student’s degree may be withheld and official transcripts may not be released. In this type of situation, the student will be issued an unofficial transcript, which will be stamped “issued to student” and “outstanding obligation.” Transcripts will not be issued to third parties. 

The student, student organization, or athletic team or reporting individual may appeal the determination by submitting a written appeal within five (5) working days of the date of the outcome letter. The outcome letter is sent to a student's email and will notify the participants to whom they may submit a written appeal. Students, student organizations, or athletic teams have the right to appeal both findings (decision of responsible/not responsible) and accountability and community restoration plans, however findings may only be appealed on the basis of procedural error. Reporting individual have the right to appeal based on procedural error. As reporting individuals are not permitted under FERPA to receive the outcome of a hearing or community standards violation, except in relation to violence and incidents related to Title IX violations (sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking [129]), reporting individuals will only be able to appeal findings (on the basis of procedural error) and accountability and community restoration plans in those instances. The College will share findings and accountability and community restoration plans with the reporting individuals in accordance with FERPA requirements. For appeals of academic integrity violations heard by the CSRB, students and reporting individuals should follow the processes outlined in the ethics of scholarship [130] section.

1. Appeals of procedure and/or appeals of accountability and community restoration plans by the students and/or the reporting individual must be submitted in writing within five (5) working days after written notification of the outcome and must meet the criteria below to be accepted.[1] A late appeal will not be accepted.

• Appeals based on procedural grounds must outline a material procedural error that substantially impacted the outcome. 
• Appeals of sanctions must outline why the accountability and community restoration plans is substantially disproportionate to the violation.  An appeal of the assigned accountability measures should also detail any alternate accountability measures the student, student organization, or athletic team would suggest as more appropriate and that align with the violation.

2. Appeals of removal from housing, suspension, or expulsion
   (a) Students removed from housing, suspended, or expelled must vacate housing within the time frame specified in the outcome letter (typically within 48 hours, however this may vary at the discretion of the College).
   (b) If a student intends to appeal a removal from housing, suspension or expulsion, a written intent to appeal must be submitted within 48 hours of the decision. The intent to appeal must include a summary of the grounds for the appeal.
   (c) If an intent to appeal is submitted in the specified timeframe, the student may be permitted to remain in housing, at the discretion of the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability, for the duration of the appeals period until an appeal decision is made. A late intent to appeal does not exclude an student from the appeals process, but does mean they will not be permitted to remain in housing during the appeal period. If an appeal is denied, the original accountability and community restoration plan and its assigned accountability measures will be effective immediately unless otherwise specified by the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability.
   (d) If a student submits an intent to appeal and a full appeal is not submitted by the appeal deadline, additional accountability measures may be applied and may include suspension, expulsion, transcript holds, and permanent trespass from the College.
   (e) Additional details regarding how to submit an appeal, intent to appeal, and submission deadlines for the appeal process will be included in the outcome letter.
3. Appeals may be heard by an assigned administrator within the College. This individual will have appropriate training and experience to serve as an impartial decision-maker. Whether heard by an administrator or panel, appeals are only reviewed in writing and the students(s) do not appear in person. The student may be asked to meet in person to review the outcome of the appeal. 
4. After an appeal is submitted, the student, student organization, or athletic team and the reporting individual will be informed who will review their appeal and who is their assigned appeal administrator.
5. If a student or reporting individual does not plan to appeal, they still have the right to submit a letter to have their perspective included in the event that the other individuals appeals. Deadlines for submitting a letter will be included in the outcome letter and will likely follow the same timeline as the deadline for appeal.
6. In all cases of an appeal, the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability shall review the appeal and pertinent facts relative to the appeal, determine if further investigation is warranted, and render a decision. The administrator or panel will make a determination based on the written record.  Appeals are not intended to be a de novo review, i.e., they are not intended to be a review from the beginning. The appeal administrator's responsibility in reviewing an appeal includes: 
   (a) affirming the findings;
   (b) altering the findings only where there is clear error based on the stated appeal grounds; or 
   (c) altering the accountability and community restoration plan only where there is clear evidence that the accountability measures were substantially disproportionate to the violation.
7. If a situation requires further investigation an additional appeal option may apply after a new decision is rendered.
8. The original accountability and community restoration plan will be in effect throughout the duration of the appeals process unless otherwise specified in the outcome letter. The accountability measure will be altered only if and when the student is informed by the Division of Justice, Equity, and Antiracism (JEA) that such a decision has been made.
9. In the rare event that the Senior Vice President for Justice, Equity, and Antiracism serves directly as the communtiy standards meeting administrator, the appeal will go directly to the President of the College or other designee of the President.

The assigned appeals administrator will make a final decision within ten (10) working days of receiving the appeal. This timeframe may be extended for good cause as necessary to ensure the integrity and completeness of the review.  Any extension of the timeframe, and the reason for the extension, will be shared with the individuals involved in writing. The appeal administrators findings and decision is final.

Community Standards Review Board (CSRB) hearings, administrative hearings, informal resolution meetings, nor the incident review, investigation and determination by a hearing board for a sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking policy complaint are a substitute for civil or criminal courts; students pursuing complaints through any of the afore mentioned pathways do not waive their right to pursue external remedies. External proceedings, including both civil and/or criminal actions may not delay internal processes.

The Senior Vice President for Justice, Equity, and Antiracism, the Senior Director for Student Success and Engagement, or designee may assign restrictions and/or separate a student from the community pending the scheduling of an informal or formal community standards resolution meeting or hearing on alleged violation(s) of the Standards for Student Accountability and Norms for Community Living [2]. These restrictions may occur when a student poses a serious threat to an individual or the community, creates a disturbance to the normal operations of the College or educational environment, or to preserve the integrity of an investigation. 

Interim actions can include separation from the institution or restrictions on participation in the community for no more than ten (10) business days pending the scheduling of an informal or formal community standards resolution meeting or hearing on alleged violation(s) of the Standards for Student Accountability and Norms for Community Living [2]. Students are not considered responsible for violation of policy until such time that a finding of responsibility be determined and the student is notified in writing (via email and/or hard copy).

FERPA requires that schools obtain written permission from students before releasing education records. Exceptions to this include a health or safety emergency, to provide information to schools to which a Hampshire student is transferring, in certain student conduct cases, and in other circumstances described in FERPA [131]. In addition, in well-defined circumstances, some information may be released without written permission from the student. College officials with a legitimate educational interest may also have access to a student's education records without prior consent.

Records pertaining to the informal and formal community standards resolution process and meetings or hearings will be maintained in private files (as part of a student’s education records) by the College for a period of seven (7) years and then destroyed or no longer reported with the exception of suspensions and expulsions, which remain a permanent part of a student's educational record.

If a student chooses to provide written consent for disclosure of information, they may do so by submitting a written request to the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability by emailing deanofstudents@hampshire.edu [132].

For further information regarding FERPA [131] and Hampshire College FERPA and Privacy of Records [133].

The Five College consortium provides an enhanced learning environment with access to an almost unlimited variety of academic, social, and cultural resources. We are all well aware of the importance of maintaining good relationships among the Five Colleges. For that reason, the Five College deans of students have adopted the following resolution for maintaining standards of conduct at each of their institutions:

If a breach of discipline or good conduct is committed by a student from one of the colleges while visiting another of the Five College campuses, that violation will be treated as though it occurred on the student’s home campus. The student will then be subjected to their own institution’s applicable and appropriate conduct or community standards procedures.

DETERMINING OUTCOMES & DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Outcomes are what are determined as a result of the formal or information resolution process. If a responsible outcome is determined, students will be assigned an accountability and community restoration plan. These plans are comprised of accountability measures that focus on addressing behavior and actions utilizing an accountability framework that is centered around providing care and support for individuals and the campus community, engaging in educational opportunities and dialogues, and participating in transformative experiences and interactions.

The standard used at Hampshire College and other colleges and universities across the country to determine whether or not a student is responsible for a community standards violation is ‘preponderance of evidence’. Preponderance of evidence means that based on the information available to the staff member addressing the violation or the community standards review board (CSRB) that the reported actions more likely occurred than not. Determining responsibility is also called determining a finding, and a designed staff member or CSRB will either come to a finding of “responsible” or “not responsible" based on the information presented at the time the matter is address either through the informal or formal resolution processes. 

The college's method of addressing student accountability and use of preponderance of evidence is different from criminal proceedings where the standard is 'beyond a reasonable doubt'. The community standards process is not a criminal proceeding, and the terms “guilty” or “innocent” are not used. Students are not considered "responsible" until an informal or formal resolution meeting has occurred[1], however interim administrative actions [3] may be put in place at the discretion of the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability until alleged policy violations or community concerns can be address through the community standards process.

ACCOUNTABILITY & COMMUNITY RESTORATION PLANS

Accountability measures are assigned as part of a students accountability and community restoration plan when they are found responsible for a community standards policy violation. Some accountability measures are assigned that provide notice to a student and others may require students to complete specific assignments and engage in educational opportunities and interactions. Accountability measure definitions can be found in the accountability measures [42] section.

Some community standards violations have accountability measure guidelines defined within the policy. For policies that do not have specified guidelines, designated staff members or the CSRB will consider the outcomes in similar cases as well as any previous community standards violations that students may have been involved in within the past. In determining whether or not a student’s behavior and actions meets the expectations defined in the Student Handbook and Resource Guide, a “reasonable person” standard may be applied. The term “reasonable person” takes on a different meaning, often depending upon the situation at hand. The reasonable person standard compares an individual’s behavior in a situation with the behavior of a hypothetical reasonable person in the same set of events. This is not the standard used for determining responsibility in a situation, however the reasonable person standard may be considered in determining an accountability and community restoration plan when a student is found responsible for a community standards policy violation.

COMPLETING ACCOUNTABILITY & COMMUNITY RESTORATION PLANS

Students who do not complete their assigned accountability measure(s) by the deadlines provided may have a community standards hold placed on their student account and will be referred through the informal or formal resolution process for a community standards violation of the Mandated Response and Action Policy [113]. If a student is determined to be responsible for failing to comply with the Mandated Response and Action Policy [113], they will be assigned additional accountability measures with the goal of addressing their behavior, action, or inaction.

If a student leaves the College for any reason before completing their accountability and community restoration plan, the Division of Justice, Equity, and Antiracism (JEA) and office of community standards and student accountability have the authority to determine next steps; which typically consists of students being required to complete their accountability and community restoration plan upon return to the College.

If a graduating student has not fulfilled their accountability and community restoration plan, a notation will be made on a student's record in JEA and depending on the severity of the situation the student’s degree may be withheld and official transcripts may not be released. In this type of situation, the student will be issued an unofficial transcript, which will be stamped “issued to student” and “outstanding obligation.” Transcripts will not be issued to third parties. 

The student, student organization, or athletic team or reporting individual may appeal the determination by submitting a written appeal within five (5) working days of the date of the outcome letter. The outcome letter is sent to a student's email and will notify the participants to whom they may submit a written appeal. Students, student organizations, or athletic teams have the right to appeal both findings (decision of responsible/not responsible) and accountability and community restoration plans, however findings may only be appealed on the basis of procedural error. Reporting individual have the right to appeal based on procedural error. As reporting individuals are not permitted under FERPA to receive the outcome of a hearing or community standards violation, except in relation to violence and incidents related to Title IX violations (sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking [129]), reporting individuals will only be able to appeal findings (on the basis of procedural error) and accountability and community restoration plans in those instances. The College will share findings and accountability and community restoration plans with the reporting individuals in accordance with FERPA requirements. For appeals of academic integrity violations heard by the CSRB, students and reporting individuals should follow the processes outlined in the ethics of scholarship [130] section.

1. Appeals of procedure and/or appeals of accountability and community restoration plans by the students and/or the reporting individual must be submitted in writing within five (5) working days after written notification of the outcome and must meet the criteria below to be accepted.[1] A late appeal will not be accepted.

• Appeals based on procedural grounds must outline a material procedural error that substantially impacted the outcome. 
• Appeals of sanctions must outline why the accountability and community restoration plans is substantially disproportionate to the violation.  An appeal of the assigned accountability measures should also detail any alternate accountability measures the student, student organization, or athletic team would suggest as more appropriate and that align with the violation.

2. Appeals of removal from housing, suspension, or expulsion
   (a) Students removed from housing, suspended, or expelled must vacate housing within the time frame specified in the outcome letter (typically within 48 hours, however this may vary at the discretion of the College).
   (b) If a student intends to appeal a removal from housing, suspension or expulsion, a written intent to appeal must be submitted within 48 hours of the decision. The intent to appeal must include a summary of the grounds for the appeal.
   (c) If an intent to appeal is submitted in the specified timeframe, the student may be permitted to remain in housing, at the discretion of the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability, for the duration of the appeals period until an appeal decision is made. A late intent to appeal does not exclude an student from the appeals process, but does mean they will not be permitted to remain in housing during the appeal period. If an appeal is denied, the original accountability and community restoration plan and its assigned accountability measures will be effective immediately unless otherwise specified by the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability.
   (d) If a student submits an intent to appeal and a full appeal is not submitted by the appeal deadline, additional accountability measures may be applied and may include suspension, expulsion, transcript holds, and permanent trespass from the College.
   (e) Additional details regarding how to submit an appeal, intent to appeal, and submission deadlines for the appeal process will be included in the outcome letter.
3. Appeals may be heard by an assigned administrator within the College. This individual will have appropriate training and experience to serve as an impartial decision-maker. Whether heard by an administrator or panel, appeals are only reviewed in writing and the students(s) do not appear in person. The student may be asked to meet in person to review the outcome of the appeal. 
4. After an appeal is submitted, the student, student organization, or athletic team and the reporting individual will be informed who will review their appeal and who is their assigned appeal administrator.
5. If a student or reporting individual does not plan to appeal, they still have the right to submit a letter to have their perspective included in the event that the other individuals appeals. Deadlines for submitting a letter will be included in the outcome letter and will likely follow the same timeline as the deadline for appeal.
6. In all cases of an appeal, the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability shall review the appeal and pertinent facts relative to the appeal, determine if further investigation is warranted, and render a decision. The administrator or panel will make a determination based on the written record.  Appeals are not intended to be a de novo review, i.e., they are not intended to be a review from the beginning. The appeal administrator's responsibility in reviewing an appeal includes: 
   (a) affirming the findings;
   (b) altering the findings only where there is clear error based on the stated appeal grounds; or 
   (c) altering the accountability and community restoration plan only where there is clear evidence that the accountability measures were substantially disproportionate to the violation.
7. If a situation requires further investigation an additional appeal option may apply after a new decision is rendered.
8. The original accountability and community restoration plan will be in effect throughout the duration of the appeals process unless otherwise specified in the outcome letter. The accountability measure will be altered only if and when the student is informed by the Division of Justice, Equity, and Antiracism (JEA) that such a decision has been made.
9. In the rare event that the Senior Vice President for Justice, Equity, and Antiracism serves directly as the communtiy standards meeting administrator, the appeal will go directly to the President of the College or other designee of the President.

The assigned appeals administrator will make a final decision within ten (10) working days of receiving the appeal. This timeframe may be extended for good cause as necessary to ensure the integrity and completeness of the review.  Any extension of the timeframe, and the reason for the extension, will be shared with the individuals involved in writing. The appeal administrators findings and decision is final.

FERPA requires that schools obtain written permission from students before releasing education records. Exceptions to this include a health or safety emergency, to provide information to schools to which a Hampshire student is transferring, in certain student conduct cases, and in other circumstances described in FERPA [131]. In addition, in well-defined circumstances, some information may be released without written permission from the student. College officials with a legitimate educational interest may also have access to a student's education records without prior consent.

Records pertaining to the informal and formal community standards resolution process and meetings or hearings will be maintained in private files (as part of a student’s education records) by the College for a period of seven (7) years and then destroyed or no longer reported with the exception of suspensions and expulsions, which remain a permanent part of a student's educational record.

If a student chooses to provide written consent for disclosure of information, they may do so by submitting a written request to the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability by emailing studentsuccess@hampshire.edu [128].

For further information regarding FERPA [131] and Hampshire College FERPA and Privacy of Records [133].

The reporting individual and the student(s), student organization, or athletic team who are alleged to have violated a community standards policy may be accompanied at both informal resolution meetings and formal resolution hearings by one support person who is a current faculty, staff, or student member of the Hampshire College community.

Multiple support persons may attend any pre- and post-meetings and hearings at the discretion of the community standards administrator facilitating the meeting. Students can identify their support person as a current student, faculty, or staff member at Hampshire College or may request a support person be identified and appointed for them by submitting a written request to the Office of Community Standards and Student Accountability. In the appointment process, a staff member in either office will connect with the student to identify and secure a support person. Additional support persons can be available outside of the meeting and hearing room for consultation during a hearing.

Supporters are expected to respect the rights to privacy of the student they support and any others involved. If a supporter is a responsible reporter, they must still report as required.

During an Administrative Hearing and Informal Resolution Meeting

During an administrative hearing and informal resolution meeting, the supporter's role is to support the student, student organization, or athletic team and play a passive role in the discussion. The supporter may not speak on behalf of a student, student organization, or athletic team nor be disruptive to the hearing or meeting. The primary discussion in a hearing and informal resolution meeting is with the student; however, there may be space for the supporter to ask questions at the discretion of the community standards administrator.

During a Community Review Board Hearing

The supporter's role is to support the student(s), student organization, or athletic team and may not question the other party or any witnesses brought forth in the hearing. The supporter may not speak on behalf of a student, student organization, or athletic team nor be disruptive to the hearing. Supporters are not permitted to talk at a hearing, except to the student, student organization, or athletic team they are supporting, and to state their name and role for an audio record. The student, student organization, or athletic team can request a break if additional time to talk privately with their supporter is needed. A supporter may be required to leave the proceedings if that supporter fails to follow the board's procedures.

For more information on how to prepare to be a support person visit Student Success and Engagement.

Hampshire College is committed to providing appropriate accommodations to students with disabilities so that all students have meaningful access to all College programs and services, including the student conduct process. This includes accommodations provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation.

All students with disabilities who are involved in the community standards process, including reporting individuals, students alleged to have violated policies, supporters, and witnesses may seek accommodations for any stage of the community standards process, including community standards review board (CSRB) hearings, administrative hearings, informal resolution meetings, incident reviews or investigations, and any pre- or post-hearing meetings.

Any student requesting an accommodation [120] must do so far enough in advance to allow the request to be reviewed and an appropriate accommodation identified and implemented. Although there is no firm deadline beyond which an accommodation cannot be requested, the student will be held accountable for making any request in a timely fashion, and the College may not be able to provide an accommodation which is not requested with reasonable advance notice before the accommodation is needed to allow time for review and implementation. Accordingly, each student seeking an accommodation is strongly encouraged to do so as early as possible in the student conduct process.

A request for accommodation [58] must be made to the office of accessibility resources and services (OARS). OARS may consult with the Division of Justice, Equity, and Antiracism (JEA) or designated administrator to determine, based on appropriate legal standards and College policy, what accommodation, if any, is appropriate. The student will be required to provide appropriate documentation from qualified health care professionals to support the request. OARS will make their determination in light of the student’s particular disabilities and the nature of the conduct process, as informed by any consultations, relevant documentation, and relevant previous accommodations provided to the student.  Accommodations cannot be applied retroactively; students must arrange for accommodations. The student will be given an explanation of the determination.

The Senior Vice President for Justice, Equity, and Antiracism Senior Director for Student Success and Engagement, or designee may assign restrictions and/or separate a student from the community pending the scheduling of an informal or formal community standards resolution meeting or hearing on alleged violation(s) of the Standards for Student Accountability and Norms for Community Living [2]. These restrictions may occur when a student poses a serious threat to an individual or the community, creates a disturbance to the normal operations of the College or educational environment, or to preserve the integrity of an investigation. 

Interim actions can include separation from the institution or restrictions on participation in the community for no more than ten (10) business days pending the scheduling of an informal or formal community standards resolution meeting or hearing on alleged violation(s) of the Standards for Student Accountability and Norms for Community Living [2]. Students are not considered responsible for violation of policy until such time that a finding of responsibility be determined and the student is notified in writing (via email and/or hard copy).

Community Standards Review Board (CSRB) hearings, administrative hearings, informal resolution meetings, nor the incident review, investigation and determination by a hearing board for a sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking policy complaint are a substitute for civil or criminal courts; students pursuing complaints through any of the afore mentioned pathways do not waive their right to pursue external remedies. External proceedings, including both civil and/or criminal actions may not delay internal processes.