About Title IX

Definition: Intentionally or recklessly endangering, threatening, or causing reasonable apprehension of physical or mental harm to any person.

This section also includes stalking or harassing behavior that includes, but is not limited to, threatening language, bullying, and/or physical, verbal, or written intimidation, including cyber harassment. The behavior in question is typically such that, if left unaddressed, the person would be denied the ability to participate in or benefit from some educational or other experience.

The use or possession of fireworks is prohibited.

Knowingly helping or encouraging violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Knowingly violating terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with this Code.

The unauthorized use, possession, or storage of any weapon, whether a federal or state license to possess it has been issued to the possessor, is prohibited. Persons who are licensed and obligated to carry firearms should obtain written permission from the Chief of Police at Clark University. The possession of the facsimile of a weapon or use of a facsimile weapon is prohibited.

The Student Code of Conduct applies to both individual students and student organizations. The Student Organization Conduct Standards, a subsection of the Student Code of Conduct, ensure that all student organization officers and members:

• Acknowledge and accept responsibility for their actions and those of their members, alumni, and guests.
• Understand the responsibilities associated with official University recognition.

The Student Organization Conduct Standards are designed to:

• Protect the rights of recognized student organizations.
• Ensure accountability for violations of University policy.
• Guarantee due process in the adjudication of complaints concerning student organizations.

Additionally, student organizations must adhere to Office of Student Leadership and Programming policies.

The University expects student organization members to:

• Be good citizens and engage in responsible behaviors.
• Positively represent their student organization and the University.
• Treat others civilly and contribute constructively to student life.

Members are responsible for their conduct individually and collectively when acting as part of a student organization. Organizations may be held accountable for the misconduct of their leaders, members, representatives, or guests. Individuals acting as part of a student organization may be referred to the Office of Community Standards for adjudication of their behavior alongside the organization’s accountability under the Student Organization Conduct Standards.

Student organizations may be held accountable for violations when any of the following conditions apply:

• The violation was sanctioned by an officer of the organization or known to officers beforehand.
• Organization funds financed the venture.
• The organization substantially supported, sponsored, or endorsed the violation.
• The violation occurred during or was related to any student organization-sponsored activity.
• Members knew of the violation and did not attempt to prevent it.
• The organization failed to report the incident or chose to protect its members.
• A reasonable person would understand the behavior to fall within the organization’s activity scope.
• The violation demonstrated a pattern of misconduct by organization members.
• The behavior undermined the University’s reputation, integrity of the educational process, or community safety.

The Office of Student Leadership and Programming oversees all registered student organizations, including club sports. A representative from the Office of Community Standards, in partnership with the Office of Student Leadership and Programming, coordinates adjudication of misconduct.

Responsibility determinations are based on a preponderance of the evidence (whether it is more likely than not that the student organization violated University policy). Records are maintained according to the University’s retention schedule.

Student organizations must be aware of possible infractions found within the documents below:

• Student Leadership and Programming Policy or Procedure Violation: Policies governing student organizations are published yearly and accessible online.
• Student Code of Conduct Policy Violation: The University identifies unacceptable behavior in the Student Code of Conduct and holds individual students and organizations accountable.
• Federal, State, or Local Law Violation: Violations may lead to University charges and criminal or civil court actions.

The Student Organization Conduct Standards process includes the following steps:

1. Incident Reported: Reports are filed with the Office of Community Standards, which informs the Office of Student Leadership and Programming.
2. Investigation: An investigation gathers information to determine whether the incident report has merit.
3. Student Organization Charged: If merit is found, the organization is notified, and an initial conversation is scheduled.
4. Meeting or Hearing: The adjudication type is determined based on the investigation.
5. Sanction Process: If responsible, appropriate sanctions are determined.
6. Decision Shared: Outcomes and sanctions are communicated to the organization.

Appeal: The organization may appeal the decision based on new information, procedural error, or severity of sanctions. See the Appeal Process.

In significant violation cases, the University may impose interim measures, including suspension from the University or residence, prohibition of activities, suspension or dissolution of a club or organization, or prohibition of using University facilities.