Community

Community Standards Policy

At Carleton College we celebrate both individuality and a strong sense of shared community values. Students who enter this academic and social community make a commitment to healthy exchanges of ideas and acknowledge that living in a community requires tolerance, compromise, and sensitivity to others. It is important to treat others with respect, dignity and understanding in order to create a community where civility is valued. At times each student will have to renegotiate personal boundaries and fit individual freedoms into the broader context of responsibility to the student community and the values of the College. In addition, Carleton College is not an isolated sanctuary apart from the rest of society. Consequently, all students are subject to local, state, and federal law, as are other residents of Northfield, MN.

The values, policies and procedures described below have been developed through participatory governance, including the approval of College Council and the Carleton College Board of Trustees. They reflect the continuing, actively renewed consensus of the College community.

1. Carleton's Values

   1. Student Development

      Students are recognized as adults and therefore should receive the respect and assume the responsibilities that come with this status. The journey from late adolescence to adulthood is not a linear progression. It is an exciting, confusing, and stressful developmental process unique to each individual. The mission of the College is “to liberate individuals from the constraints imposed by ignorance or complacency and prepare them broadly to lead rewarding, creative, and useful lives.” In that spirit, students are routinely challenged in the classroom and in their daily lives to test boundaries, take risks, and stretch themselves. Over time, all students engage in a wide range of developmental tasks, including:

      • Enhancing academic skills.
      • Defining and re-defining educational and career goals.
      • Formulating personal identity.
      • Adjusting to community/group living.
      • Developing appropriate self-management, health, and wellness skills.
      • Analyzing, forming or confirming values.
      • Developing a mature style of relating to others and exploring interpersonal relationships.
      • Accepting the consequences of one’s actions.
      • Understanding and developing appreciation for cultural and lifestyle differences.
      • Developing a sense of fairness and compromise.
      • Developing skills to work effectively in groups and participate in an enterprise larger than oneself.

   2. Self-Governance and Personal Freedom

      Fundamental to a Carleton experience is the value of self-governance.
      Most students come directly from home and secondary school environments
      that are much more structured than life at Carleton. Personal
      freedom is both an opportunity and a challenge. In the exercise
      of personal choices, students assume certain responsibilities:

      • Taking ownership of their actions and expressions
        of opinion.
      • Insuring that their actions or the actions
        of others do not infringe upon the rights of others or the fundamental
        integrity of the living and learning environment.
      • Respecting the rights of others to the same
        freedom of expression claimed for themselves.

      The College does not police its students nor act in loco
      parentis. We do, however, observe and respond to student behavior,
      and offer guidance, advice, and counsel to assist students in
      making good decisions for themselves and for the community. We
      expect students to comply with the community values, standards,
      and expectations set forth in this policy. At times we intervene
      in the lives of students to assist in setting boundaries, especially
      for those who are unable or unwilling to exercise personal freedom
      responsibly.

   3. A Safe and Healthy Living-Learning Community

      Carleton College has a deep commitment to providing a safe and
      secure environment, in which students can live, learn, work and
      pursue their interests. Threats to personal safety, compromises
      of the learning environment, and disruptions of students’ rights
      to live with a reasonable degree of peace are cause for concern
      and intervention.

   4. Academic Freedom

      As an institution dedicated to learning and teaching, Carleton
      College is committed to the principle of free expression and exploration
      of ideas in an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect. The
      College therefore also embraces the related principle that all
      members of its community shall have access to its educational
      facilities, activities, information resources, and employment
      without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national
      origin, marital status, sexual orientation, status with regard
      to public assistance, age, or disability. These principles guide
      the College’s relationships with individuals and should guide
      the interaction of all members of the community.

      1. Open Discourse

         A diverse student body, faculty, and staff participating in a
         learning community of civil and open discourse provide the most
         productive environment for genuine liberal learning. Carleton
         recognizes and affirms the desirability for individuals to have
         the support of others who share their backgrounds or values, as
         well as the concomitant necessity for each person to take the
         risks, and accept the challenges inherent in engaging in genuinely
         open conversation with others who are different from oneself.

      2. The Educational Process

         Although the College attempts through its policies to limit or
         eliminate certain behaviors and actions that may be hurtful to
         others, Carleton cannot guarantee that the environment will always
         be comfortable for all members of the community. Often, the educational
         process is disturbing and unsettling. When one’s ideas are under
         attack and one’s values are being challenged, the effect may be
         simultaneously painful and highly educational. Thus, behavior
         that is disturbing or unsettling to an individual or group is
         not necessarily discriminatory. In this regard, it is imperative
         that teachers and students be able to take controversial positions
         without fear, in accordance with the principle of academic freedom.

      3. Civility

         All discourse, as well as treatment of individuals–in offices,
         classrooms, residences, or any other setting or mode of communication–should
         be respectful of the individual, whether or not there is disagreement
         on matters of substance, taste, politics, or evidence. Creating
         and sustaining a climate of civility in an institution of voluntary
         membership is the responsibility of each individual.

      4. Freedom from Discrimination

         While the nature of an academic community is to provide a milieu
         for the expression, criticism and discussion of the widest range
         of opinions, it does not provide license for bigotry in the form
         of demeaning, discriminatory speech or actions. Thus, the presentation
         of a reasoned or evidenced claim about a societal group that offends
         members of that group is to be distinguished from a gratuitous
         denigrating claim about, or addressed to, an individual or group.
         The former is bona fide academic behavior while the latter may
         demean, degrade or victimize in a discriminatory manner and, if
         so, undermines the above principles.

         Discriminatory speech and actions are especially abhorrent when
         they are made anonymously, for anonymity precludes the possibility
         of an exchange and exploration of ideas; moreover, such an anonymous
         message–by the very nature of its delivery–is a threat to the
         recipient. Discrimination by one person against another is also
         particularly abhorrent when the first person is in a position
         of power with respect to the second, whether in the academic,
         administrative, political, or social hierarchy on the campus.

2. Student Conduct: Expectations, Rules, and Regulations

   Carleton accords students the opportunity to learn about life,
   to challenge their own values and the ideas and values of others,
   and, in so doing, to become responsible members of the College
   community. While the College imposes no specific moral standard
   or creed on its students, each student is responsible for living
   up to the values cited above and the policies, rules, and regulations
   detailed below. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

   The expectations, rules and regulations for Carleton College students
   and the policies detailed below pertain to students on and off
   campus, while participating in College programs and activities,
   domestic or international. Student behavior occurring anywhere
   other than on property owned or rented by Carleton will be of
   concern to the College if, in the judgment of the Dean of Students,
   there is sufficient information to determine that the behavior
   alleged would adversely and seriously affect the student’s suitability
   as a member of the College community.

   When any violation of College policy, rule or regulation is motivated
   by intolerance or hate directed toward an individual or group
   based on characteristics such as race, color, national origin,
   gender, sexual orientation, or political or religious belief,
   the sanction administered by the appropriate administrative officer
   or hearing board will be increased in severity and may include
   separation from the College.

   1. Academic Honesty and Personal Integrity

      We expect students to do their own academic work and to be honest and truthful in their interactions with College officials. The following actions are prohibited:

      1. Cheating, plagiarism, accessing unauthorized materials, sharing information on any exam with others before the end of all final exams, abuse of library or other instructional materials, misuse of library privileges, and unlawful duplication and/or distribution of copyrighted materials.
      2. Knowingly furnishing false information to the College with intent to deceive or defraud.
      3. Forgery; alteration or misuse of documents, records or identification.

   2. Responsibilities to the College

      We expect students to conduct themselves reasonably and appropriately, on and off-campus. This includes respectful responses to College officials, appropriate use of College facilities, and compliance with sanctions applied through established judicial procedures. The following conduct is prohibited:

      • Intentional obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings or other College activities.
      • Disorderly, overly aggressive, or obscene conduct, or breach of peace on College-owned or leased property or at College-sponsored or supervised functions.
      • Refusal to comply with the directions of a College official or hindering an official acting in the performance of his/her duties.
      • Unauthorized use of college facilities, including but not limited to:
        1. Unauthorized access to or use of buildings and other facilities such as tunnels, roofs, the water tower, construction zones, and other prohibited areas. 
        2. Improper possession, use, or duplication of keys or keycards; abuse of the card access system.
        3. Unauthorized access to computers, computer systems or computer accounts; deliberately attempting to disrupt the performance of a computer system/network; infringement of copyrights or license agreements; forging e-mails; illegal copying of software; breaking in or attempting to break into the College’s or another person’s system; stealing passwords or using the computing system to harass others.
      • Attempted or actual theft or damage to College property.
      • Misappropriation of College or student organization funds; tampering with a student government election or selection process.
      • Failure to observe sanctions applied through established judicial process.
      • Conduct which adversely and seriously affects the student’s suitability as a member of the College community

   3. Respect for Individuals and Personal Property

      We expect students to treat all members of the College community
      with care, respect and dignity. The following conduct is prohibited:

      • Physical, verbal or psychological abuse, harassment,
        intimidation or other conduct (whether willful or negligent)
        that threatens or endangers the health, well being, or safety
        of oneself or of any person on College-owned or leased property,
        or at College-sponsored or supervised functions.
      • Sexual misconduct, including sexual assault,
        sexual harassment, or sexually inappropriate behavior. (See Policies
        Against Sexual Misconduct)
      • Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the
        mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys
        or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation,
        admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued
        membership in a group or an organization.
      • Attempted or actual theft of or damage to personal
        property.

   4. Health, Safety, and the Law

      Students are expected to make sound decisions regarding the health
      and safety of themselves and others and to comply with laws applicable
      to all residents of Northfield. The following conduct is prohibited:

      • Alcohol: The use of alcohol except as permitted
        by law; the abuse of alcohol by any student whether of legal
        age or not. (See the College Alcohol and Drug Policy.)
      • Drugs: The use, possession, sale, transfer,
        distribution, manufacture or cultivation of any controlled substance,
        except prescription drugs used by the person for whom and for
        the purpose for which they were prescribed.
      • Dangerous implements or materials: The use
        or possession of explosives, firecrackers, firearms, BB guns,
        explosive materials, or knives with blades in excess of four
        inches on campus property. (The Dean of Students may permit a
        student to have a firearm on campus for hunting season, but such
        permission is discretionary with the Dean of Students. If permission
        is given, the firearm must be kept secured in the Security Office.)
      • Safety and Security: Misusing or tampering
        with fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers,or other security
        equipment, or compromising any College security system. (See
        also Fire Safety in the Housing and Residential Living section.)

   5. Compliance with College Policies

      Many programs and facilities have established policies and procedures
      that govern student behavior. Students are expected to comply
      with all written policies of the College, which include but are
      not limited to:

      • Motor vehicle policy.
      • Residential life policies.
      • Computing and telecommunications policies.
      • Library policies.
      • Policies governing the use of recreational
        facilities and activities.
      • Policies governing student organizations and
        club sports.
      • Dining hall and meal plan policies.
      • Smoking policy.
      • Student records policy.

3. Responses to Alleged Violations of College Policy

   1. Executive Authority

      The President of the College and executive officers of the President’s Cabinet have the obligation to attempt to ensure the safety of individuals, the protection of property, the continuity of the educational process, and the preservation of the legal status of the College. In executing these obligations, the President (or their designee) is specifically empowered to determine the status of any student at any time, may remove individuals from campus or prohibit individuals from being on campus and/or expel, suspend, or otherwise take action with respect to such individuals. If a student is expelled, suspended, withdrawn, or placed on leave of absence as a result of the exercise of executive authority, the terms upon which resumption of normal student status will be permitted, if any, will be stated at the time of the decision.

      The College resolves allegations through both informal responses and formal disciplinary action. This is often based on the seriousness of the concern and whether the actions violate the Community Standards or other College policies.

   2. Informal Response

      The system of response to allegations of student misconduct is an educational one. The very nature of a residential college creates opportunities and challenges for young adults living in community, some for the first time. It is not unusual for young adults to occasionally exercise poor judgments, act insensitively or without thinking, or engage in inappropriate behaviors. Consequently, many minor incidents (e.g., excessive noise, roommate conflicts) are handled informally through conflict resolution, mediation, or simple agreements that the parties involved will cease and desist a certain conduct. Such cases usually do not result in official disciplinary records or sanctions, but may be introduced at a later date if patterns of unacceptable behavior emerge.

   3. Formal Disciplinary Action

      When it is neither possible nor appropriate to resolve a conflict or disciplinary matter informally, the alleged violation is forwarded to the Dean of Students Office or Provost’s Office for action by staff.

      Students who violate College policies may be required to go through a formal disciplinary process.

      There are three categories of policies that are covered within the Community Standards Policy: Academic Misconduct, Sexual Misconduct, and Social Misconduct.

      Each policy has a separate and distinct method of resolution. Follow the links below for information about each process.  

      • Academic Misconduct – responses to violations of academic integrity
      • Sexual Misconduct – responses to sexual misconduct
      • Social Misconduct – responses to other policy violations and concerning behaviors

      Once an investigation is complete, the appropriate judicial authority determines whether a violation of College policy has occurred, based on a preponderance of evidence (i.e., whether it is more likely than not that a violation occurred). If a violation is found, sanctions may be assigned.
      

      1. Reports of Alleged Violations

         Any member of the Carleton College community may file a report by filling out a Community Concern Form. Reports are routed to the appropriate staff member for follow up.
         

      2. Rights and Responsibilities of the Respondent

         A student respondent has the right to:

         • A fair and reasonable process, using a preponderance of the evidence standard of proof (more likely than not).
         • Be notified of the alleged policy violation(s).
         • An opportunity to share their perspective.
         • An advisor (as each process allows).
         • Provide notice to the College of witnesses, statements, evidence, or other information pertinent to the case.
         • A written notice of the decision.
         • Reasonable accommodations for disabilities.

         A student respondent has the responsibility to:

         • Be truthful and forthcoming. 
         • Share information to help the conduct officer/hearing board fully understand their perspective of what happened.
         • Recognize the impacts of their actions on others and the community.
         • Recognize the impacts of their actions on themself.

      3. Disciplinary Sanctions

         Disciplinary sanctions may be administered to students found in violation of campus policies. Disciplinary sanctions may be imposed upon individuals, as well as groups and organizations. More than one sanction may be imposed. Prior violations of campus policies may be considered at the discretion of the College when determining sanctions. Students who are assigned educational sanctions must complete them in a timely manner, prior to deadlines. (Additional information about sanctions can be found on each of the process websites.)

      4. Appeals

         Students found in violation through formal disciplinary action may appeal the finding of a violation or the sanctions assigned, or both, to the appropriate appeal authority within the timeframe indicated for each process.

4. Disciplinary Records

   DISCIPLINARY RECORD RETENTION

   Records of disciplinary action are maintained by the Dean of Students Office (social misconduct), The VP for Inclusion, Equity, and Community (sexual misconduct), and the Office of the Provost (academic misconduct/integrity). Disciplinary records are part of the student’s education record and are therefore subject to privacy protections under the College’s Student Records Policy, as required by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

   Disciplinary actions may be taken by assigned staff members or one of the judicial boards (the Academic Standing Committee, the Judicial Hearing Board, or the Community Board on Sexual Misconduct). Written determinations may include a description of the specific violation of College policy and the resulting sanctions, which range from warnings to expulsion.

   • Records of disciplinary status up to and including disciplinary probation are maintained for seven years post-graduation or seven years after withdrawal from the College. These records are not noted on the student’s transcript.
   • Records of disciplinary suspensions are maintained for seven years post-graduation or seven years after withdrawal from the College. Suspensions are coded “withdrew” on the academic transcript.
   • Records of expulsion are maintained for ten years after the student’s separation from the College and recorded permanently on the student’s academic transcript as “disciplinary dismissal.”

   Students may request a copy of their own disciplinary records. Student disciplinary records are only shared with third-parties in accordance with College policy and applicable law. For further detail on the maintenance and disclosure of student records, see Student Records Policy.

5. Parental/Legal Guardian Notification

   Though parental/legal guardian notification is permitted under law in most cases, the College prefers to communicate directly with students. Customarily, the Dean of Students Office or the Provost’s Office does not notify parents/legal guardians concerning policy violations that do not involve suspension or expulsion from the College. However, should a student receive a sanction that suggests that any future violation may lead to suspension, the Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students (or their designee) has discretion to determine whether a college official should notify parents/legal guardians about the student’s status. There may also be decisions to notify parents/legal guardians about other serious concerns.

For: Students

Last Reviewed: February 26, 2025

Maintained by: Dean of Students Office

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