Approach to Rules and Policies
The University uses policies, rules, and discipline to ensure that our campus environment supports our mission and supports our students. This is a normal and expected part of the academic environment.
At Columbia, we strive to educate future generations, create knowledge that will take humanity forward, and invest in community, both locally and globally. Our mission cannot succeed without a commitment to thoughtful, rigorous debate that respects our collective rights to learn, work, and live together, free of bigotry, intimidation, and harassment. The University uses policies, rules, and, when appropriate, discipline to ensure that our campus environment supports this mission and our students.
Policies developed by the University not only address requirements of local and federal laws such as Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX, but outline the standards we expect from all members of our community, including groups, to create a welcoming, safe experience for all. Incidents related to our discrimination and harassment policies are reviewed, investigated, and managed by our new Office of Institutional Equity.
In addition, the University expects all students to follow a set of policies that align to our values, Standards and Discipline, that is commonly referred to as Deans Discipline. We also expect students to uphold our mission when representing the University both on and off campus, and reports of individual student violations of University policy, including but not limited to violations of the University Event Policy, will be reviewed through this process. The review, investigation, and management of allegations related to these policies are overseen by Student Conduct in the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) under University Life, in consultation with the student’s school.
Our student body is currently over 36,000 students spread out across four campuses. In any given year, CSSI receives thousands of reports of alleged student misconduct, covering a wide range of disciplinary matters ranging from property infractions to academic integrity to behavioral issues. Based on the outcome of CSSI's review and investigations, typically about 15-20% of these reports advance to a hearing with a student.
“Rules” at the University has a specific meaning and importance. The Rules of University Conduct were created to ensure protection of free speech and oversee demonstrations and protests at Columbia. The oversight and implementation of the Rules of University Conduct include the Senate Committee on the Rules of University Conduct, the Rules Administrator, and the University Judicial Board.
Use this form to report a concern regarding a University policy or Rules.
Reporting and Response Process
Report
All Columbia University community members who experience or witness prohibited conduct are strongly encouraged to make a report.
All University employees have a Duty to Report any instance or allegation of prohibited conduct—discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or gender-based misconduct—that involves any undergraduate or graduate student.
Review
Upon receipt of a report, the concern will be reviewed and directed to the appropriate University office to facilitate potential resolutions. Depending on which policy a concern or incident pertains to, a case will be routed to either the Office of Institutional Equity, the Rules Administrator, or the Center for Student Success and Intervention. See policies by jurisdiction in the section below.
Acknowledge
The reporter of the incident will receive confirmation that the report has been received and is under review. After the report is reviewed, the office with jurisdiction will contact the complainant(s), and in some cases, the reporter to request additional information.
Support
During the review process, appropriate and available resources will be provided to the complainant(s) and respondent(s) including, but not limited to, academic and living accommodations and referrals to confidential resources.
Resolve
Complaints will be resolved in accordance with the policies and procedures of the office handling the complaint. This could include mediation, alternative or educational resolutions, or a hearing as outlined in each policy. If an agreement cannot be made between all parties, the office with policy jurisdiction will determine a finding along with appropriate sanctions, if any.
Track
The University will track and monitor all reporting.
Student Policies by Jurisdiction
