Policies and Expectations

DePaul University is a learning community that promotes the intellectual development of each individual within the community. The university seeks to maintain and enhance the educational environment of the community in a variety of ways including through the development of and promotion of standards for academic honesty. The university believes that all members of the community are responsible for adherence to these standards for academic honesty, and that all violations of academic integrity are detrimental to the intellectual development of individuals within the community and to the community at large.

 

• Providing or distributing alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 is prohibited. 
• Students, even those 21 years of age or older, may not possess or consume alcohol in common or non-reserved areas on university premises.
• Alcohol consumption that results in behavior that infringes on the rights of others in the community is prohibited.
• Alcohol consumption that creates a risk of harm to self, including requiring a transport to the hospital for intoxication, is prohibited.

The Dean of Students Office is committed to partnership in the educational mission of DePaul University. This mission is enhanced by a Code of Student Responsibility, which includes policies that outline expectations and standards of behavior for the student community. Any community of more than 22,000 people needs rules. As a DePaul University student, the policies in the DePaul Code of Student Responsibility are not a list of things you can do wrong; it is a code designed to protect your rights and those of all DePaul students. Any student who feels that another student in the community has violated their rights is encouraged to use this Code and the Dean of Students Office as a resource.

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DePaul is committed to maintaining student records privacy, in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Students are responsible for setting and maintaining their FERPA directory release preferences in Campus Connect. Students have access to all of their records maintained by the university except those considered to be confidential under the act. Students have access to view and print information from their academic record through Campus Connect. The university does not release this information to anyone other than the student.

Students are encouraged to maintain open communication with their parents and/or family members regarding academic progress and other important issues. For additional information, please visit Student Records or visit the federal government website. Any questions concerning FERPA should be directed to DePaul Central at dpcl@depaul.edu or (312) 362-8610.

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DePaul prohibits hazing as defined under applicable laws. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any action taken or situation created to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, ridicule or endangerment of a student or group of students for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or admission to, or as a condition for continued membership in a group, team, club or other organization. Falsely leading an individual or individuals to believe that they will be inducted/initiated by participating in particular activities may also be considered hazing. Acceptance of the activity on the part of a new member or individual does not excuse sponsorship of the activity.

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Students may not illegally use, sell, possess, manufacture or distribute any substance prohibited by local, state or federal law. This includes but is not limited to illegal drugs and controlled substances (including marijuana, narcotics, cocaine, heroin, prescription medications, synthetic cannabinoids or other drugs, and any chemical substantially similar to a controlled substance). Students should be aware that it is unlawful to distribute prescription medication to other students for whom the medication was not prescribed.

Use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of drug paraphernalia is also prohibited.

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DePaul University strictly prohibits sexual and relationship violence and threats of sexual and relationship violence, which includes sexual assault, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.

DePaul University is concerned about the safety and well-being of its faculty, staff and students, and about incidents of sexual misconduct, harassment or violence, whether on- or off-campus. If you experience any type of sexual or relationship violence, please know that you have rights, you have options, and support is available for you. Read DePaul's entire institutional policy regarding Sexual and Relationship Violence Prevention and Response here.

Any individual experiencing any type of sexual and/or relationship violence is encouraged to consult this policy. This document is intended as an overview of various policies, procedures, resources and supports. Survivors are encouraged to speak directly with DePaul's Title IX Coordinator or Survivor Support Advocates in DePaul's Office of Health Promotion and Wellness, or other resources, for more information.

Consent, or lack thereof, is critical to the definition of sexual assault. At DePaul:

• Consent is the unambiguous and voluntary agreement to move forwad with a specific sexual request, act or experience.
  
• Consent cannot be obtained from individuals who are asleep or who have a temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity, including as a result of drug or alcohol use, or because of age.
• Consent is an affirmative act, not a lack of action.
• Lack of resistance or submission as the result of force, coercion, duress, or threat therefore does not constitute consent.
  
• The absence of "no" or "stop" should never be interpreted as implicit consent, if consent is otherwise unclear.
• Resistance is not required to demonstrate lack of consent.

The Office of Health Promotion and Wellness' website for Sexual and Relationship Violence also contains more information.

The Student Handbook describes university policies that support both academic and behavior expectations. 

The university reserves the right to change programs, courses and requirements; and to modify, amend or revoke any rules, regulations, policies, procedures or financial schedules at any time during a student's enrollment period.

In addition to the policies and information included in this handbook, your college or school may have specific guidelines, policies, and procedures for which you are responsible.  Please consult their college section in the handbook.

The handbook also includes sections on general information and university resources.

Read the Student Handbook here.