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New York University is committed to the overall educational and personal development of the student, and views the unique experience of living in a residence hall as contributing greatly to such development.

The purpose of the student conduct process is to educate students about the importance of abiding by the policies of the University and Residence Hall community. The process is an established procedure designed to provide fundamental fairness to all students.

The student conduct process typically occurs as follows:

  • An incident occurs and a complaint or report is filed.
  • The Residence Hall Director (RHD) or designee reviews the report and conducts a preliminary investigation into the matter to determine if there is any alleged violation of Residential Life and Housing Services policy. After the investigation, the RHD will either dismiss any allegations or conclude that a student conduct meeting is necessary.
  • If a meeting is necessary, the staff member may respond to the matter him/herself or refer the case to another staff member in Residential Life and Housing Services, or refer the case to the Office of Community Standards and Compliance.
  • After the meeting, the student is notified in writing of the outcome, including any sanctions imposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

I received a letter saying I need to meet with a staff member.  What does it mean?

This letter is very important.  The letter tells you that an incident report or complaint has been filed, which alleges that you may have violated NYU Residential Life and Housing policies.  This letter will tell you the date of the report/complaint, and the policies in question.  The letter also tells you that a meeting has been scheduled with a staff member to discuss the incident.  If you have an academic conflict at this time (class), you must contact the staff member immediately to schedule another time.  If you fail to attend the meeting, the staff member will determine a course of action based only on the available information.  Therefore, your attendance is important.

What happens at this meeting?

Most hearings are a one-one meeting with your Residence Hall Director (RHD) or Residence Hall Assistant Director (RHAD). This meeting is a more informal discussion between yourself and a staff member.  At the meeting, the staff member will want to hear your side of the story.  He or she will also ask you questions about the incident and seek to clarify discrepancies.  The overall goal of this meeting is to gather facts and also provide a meaningful discussion about the alleged behavior.  After discussing the facts and listening to your information, the staff member will determine if your behavior constitutes a violation of any Residential Life and Housing Services policies.

I'm not meeting with my RHD OR RHAD.  Why was my case sent directly to the Office of Community Standards?

Incidents of a more serious nature, or those involving individuals with a disciplinary history, may be referred to the Office of Community Standards.  These cases may be referred immediately or after an initial fact-finding meeting with the RHD or RHAD.  A meeting with the Director or Assistant Director for Community Standards is also a more informal discussion.  If the case is referred to a University Hearing Board, you will be meeting with a hearing panel.  (Your letter will clearly state if you will be appearing in front of a hearing panel.)  If you are scheduled to appear before a hearing panel  you can learn more about those procedures by clicking here.

Can I bring witnesses to this meeting?

Yes.  You may bring witnesses with you if they were present during the incident or have relevant information regarding the matter.  Character witnesses are not permitted.  Witnesses are only present in the room when called upon.   

Can I bring my best friend with me?

If desired, a student may bring one advisor to provide advice and support.  If you choose to bring an advisor, he/she MUST be a current student at NYU.  Parents, attorneys, counselors, etc. may not attend a judicial hearing.  Remember that the staff member is interesting in speaking with you about the incident.  The purpose of the advisor is not to speak for you.  

What happens if I'm found responsible for violating a policy?

If a student is found in violation of a policy, the staff member will consider appropriate sanctions, including the nature of the violation, mitigating circumstances during the incident, and any prior conduct record of the student.  If you are not informed of the decision at the meeting, you will receive a letter within five business days informing you of the finding and any sanctions that have been levied.    

What else can I do to help prepare for the meeting?

You can learn more about the student conduct process in the Residential Life and Housing Services Handbook.  If you would like to speak with a neutral party prior to your meeting about your rights and responsibilities as a student, you may contact the Office of Community Standards at (212) 998-4887.