Campus Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) has stated that a fundamental purpose of SUNY is to provide quality education for all those who enroll. In pursuit of this objective, the university encourages the development of independence, maturity, and ethical sensitivity within students. The university, in fulfilling the mission, must establish standards of conduct essential to the orderly pursuit of its function as an educational institution.

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) accepts this doctrine. To implement it, FIT students prepared and support the following basic code of conduct to guide all members of our college community. All who become members of our community have an obligation to support and obey college regulations, and all local, state, and federal laws. Those who cannot or will not comply will be subject to disciplinary action, as subsequently set forth, and the privilege of continued attendance at FIT may be withdrawn.

ACADEMIC CONDUCT

Academic Integrity
FIT prepares students for professional excellence in design, fashion, and business by providing a premier educational experience that fosters creativity, career focus, and a global perspective. Students who plagiarize, falsify, or cheat fail to master the knowledge and skills that they need for careers in design, fashion, and business. Such conduct will subject students to serious penalties.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s ideas, words, or work as your own. Students using someone else’s work, ideas, intellectual or artistic property must identify and acknowledge the source within their work.

Examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to submitting as one’s own:

• papers, works of art, or written or design material created in whole or in part by someone else;
• written or design material that has been taken or copied from a website or bought;
• sentences, phrases, key words, or ideas used without acknowledgement;
• someone else’s ideas or work paraphrased without acknowledgement.

Cheating
It is cheating to copy and submit the work of someone else or to use a textbook, notes, or other unauthorized source during an exam without prior permission from the instructor.

Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:

• using notes without permission;
• using a copy of an exam obtained by any means prior to the exam;
• obtaining information during an exam through any electronic device without permission.

Falsification
Falsifying is misstating information—such as a source, numerical data, dates, or entries in logs or journals—and representing it as accurate.

Examples of falsification include, but are not limited to:

• changing answers on an already-graded exam and resubmitting it with a request for a change of grade;
• having another person take an exam or sign in for a student at a required meeting, class, or other course activity.

Collusion
Collusion occurs when one student knowingly helps another student cheat, plagiarize, or falsify.

Penalties
Students who are found to have engaged in acts of plagiarism, cheating, falsification, or collusion are subject to penalties for breach of academic integrity.

If an instructor believes that a student has committed a breach of academic integrity, the instructor will inform the student and the department chair. The instructor will discuss the conduct with the student, determine a penalty applicable to the particular course(s) involved—which is a failing grade on the project or exam, or a failing grade in the course—and inform both the student and the department chair of the penalty. The department chair may refer the matter to the dean of the school in which the course is offered for further penalty considerations—which may include, but are not limited to, dismissal from the program, or suspension or expulsion from the college.

If the instructor is unable to contact the student because the student is absent from his or her usual residence due to an emergency, a holiday break, or a semester break, the instructor will assign a grade of incomplete and will address the matter with the student when he or she returns. If the instructor is away from FIT when the student returns, the department chair will act in the instructor’s place.

Plagiarism Appeals Process
If the student is dissatisfied with the penalty determined by the instructor, the student may request the department chair to review the matter. The department chair will provide the student with a written statement of the charge. The student will have 15 calendar days from the date the student receives the charge to respond in writing to the department chair. The department chair will communicate his or her decision to the student in writing in a timely fashion.

If the student is dissatisfied with the determination of the department chair, the student will have 15 days from the date the student receives the department chair’s decision to refer the matter to the dean of the school in which the course is offered. The dean of the school will communicate his or her decision to the student in writing in a timely fashion.

If the student is dissatisfied with the determination of the dean of the school in which the course is offered, the student will have 15 days from the date the student receives the dean of the school’s decision to refer the matter to the vice president for Academic Affairs. The vice president will appoint a five-person Appeals Committee to be drawn from members of the college community. The Appeals Committee will consider information and materials provided by the student and the instructor and will make a recommendation to the vice president. The vice president will communicate his or her decision to the student in writing in a timely fashion.

If the student is dissatisfied with the decision of the vice president, the student will have 15 calendar days from the date the student receives the decision to seek review by the president of FIT.

Grade Change Appeal Process
Students may appeal a grade they believe is unfair by following the Academic ¬Grievance Appeal Procedure.

Academic Grievance Appeal Procedure
Students who have an academic grievance should adhere to the following procedures in the order outlined below:

1. Appeal in writing to the faculty member teaching the course in question.
2. Appeal in writing to the appropriate department chairperson.
3. Appeal in writing to the appropriate dean.
4. Final appeal in writing to the vice president for Academic Affairs.

Distribution or Sale of Course Materials
Students may not sell or distribute course lecture notes, handouts, readers, or any other information provided by an instructor, or use any of them for a commercial purpose, without the express written permission of the college.

Attendance Policy
Attendance shall be taken in all classes. The general policy with regard to student attendance in any class is determined by the instructor and is announced to the class at the beginning of each semester.

On occasion, students are unable to attend a class session due to illness, accident, or some other emergency situation. Students should contact their individual instructors directly, through phone or email, from the information in their class syllabus. If students are unable to reach their instructors, they should contact the appropriate academic departments. Extended absences from class should be substantiated by appropriate documentation. The office of the dean for Student Development will notify the student’s instructors and department chair. This notification is not to be construed as an “excused” absence for the student who will still be responsible for following up with instructors and arranging to complete missed work.

A student who believes that an instructor has (a) established an unjust attendance policy, or (b) unfairly penalized the student for absences, should abide by the academic grievance procedure.

STUDENT CONDUCT

Every student shall conduct himself/herself in a manner consistent with his/her respective positions within the academic community. Every student shall comply with the directions of faculty and staff members who are acting in the performance of their duties. In particular, students shall comply with the following:

Conduct That Threatens or Endangers Health or Safety

• Physical abuse of any person, including, but not limited to, sexual misconduct, rape, criminal sexual acts, forcible touching, sexual abuse, and aggravated sexual abuse.
• Threatening or intimidating a person, either verbally, in writing, or through electronic or other means.
• Theft or damage to personal property; theft or damage to college property and buildings.
• Unauthorized or improper use of, or entry into, college facilities.
• Possession, consumption, sale, distribution, or use of illicit drugs or alcohol.
• Obstruction or disruption of college activities.
• Disruptive behavior in the classroom or on college property.

Electronic Devices
Cellular phones, digital cameras, iPods, video cameras, pagers, and other electronic devices shall not be used without authorization or in a manner that causes disruption in the classroom, library, or any college-owned or college-operated facilities. This includes abuse of cellular devices with photographic capability. Utilizing these devices for the purposes of photographing test questions, classwork, or projects, or for other forms of academic misconduct or illegal activity is prohibited, as is photographing individuals in secured areas such as restrooms or locker rooms. Taking photographs of any individuals against their will is strictly prohibited.

Food and Beverages
Eating and drinking are permitted in designated areas only and are prohibited in classrooms.

Hazing
The Rules and Regulations of the Fashion Institute of Technology (adopted June 30, 1969) comply with chapter 676 (Laws of 1980) of Section 6450 and Article 129-A of the Education Law, prohibiting any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization. The penalties for violations of such rules and regulations in the case of a student will result in appropriate disciplinary actions including suspension or expulsion from the college. In the case of any organization that authorizes such conduct, penalties will include recision of permission for that organization to operate on campus property.

A copy of such rules and regulations, which prohibit reckless or intentional endangerment to health or forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization, will be given to all students enrolled in FIT and will be deemed to be part of the bylaws of all organizations operating on the FIT campus, which will review annually such bylaws with individuals affiliated with such organizations.

A person is guilty of hazing when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he/she intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person, and thereby causes such injury. Hazing is a Class A misdemeanor.

ID Card Policy/Unauthorized Persons on Campus
Students must present a valid FIT ID card to enter campus buildings. A person is guilty of loitering and trespassing when he or she remains in or about a building without written permission to do so or with no legitimate reason for being there.

Misrepresentation
Lying, dishonesty, or materially misrepresenting information to any college
official, faculty member, or office—including members of Security—is strictly prohibited. Lying, misrepresentation, or furnishing false information that inhibits or interferes with an official college investigation or hearing will be considered a serious offense.

On-Campus Demonstration or Protest
All demonstrations/protests must be registered and scheduled with Student Life. Designated locations and times will be authorized by the department to avoid disruption to the college. Although FIT supports students’ rights to dissent peacefully, any form of on-campus protesting that violates the laws of the City or State of New York or prevents the college from performing its function as an educational institution will not be tolerated.

Pets
Pets are not permitted inside college buildings.

Skates, Bicycles, and Skateboards
Skating, bicycling, and skateboarding are not permitted inside college buildings.

Stealing
Anyone who steals on campus will be subject to college discipline.

Unauthorized Use of College Name
Unauthorized use of the college name and logo in connection with off-campus organizations is prohibited.

Weapons
All firearms and/or weapons, including firecrackers, are prohibited on campus, including dormitories.

JUDICIAL PROCEDURES

FIT has an obligation to uphold the laws of the larger community of which it is a part. While the activities covered by the laws of the larger community and those covered by FIT’s rules operate independently, they do not substitute for or replace each other. FIT may pursue enforcement of its own rules whether or not legal proceedings are under way or in progress.

All infractions of the Campus Code of Conduct are handled by the dean for Student Development. A hold may be placed on a student’s record during an investigation and/or prior to an informal hearing. The hold will be removed promptly after the completion of disciplinary sanctions or informal meetings in cases in which no disciplinary sanctions are imposed.

The dean for Student Development may initiate or receive charges. All charges are to be put in writing by the individual(s) pressing charges. Upon receipt of the charges, the dean will notify the student(s) charged and the individual(s) pressing the charges stating the nature, time, and place of the violation charged. In addition, the place and time or arrangements for scheduling of a preliminary meeting with the dean or appointee are to be included. A student called to a meeting by dean must attend. At this preliminary meeting with the dean or appointee, the student(s) have an opportunity to present a case, any witnesses, or pertinent evidence. Either party (the student(s) charged or individual(s) pressing the charges) may have counsel present with one week advance notice to the other party. The dean may then impose disciplinary sanctions.

Appeals Process
The student(s) may appeal the decision of the dean to the vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success.  The appeal must be in writing and made within ten calendar days of the date of the decision.  The decision of the vice president is final. 

A student who admits guilt, and agreement of any sanction, also agrees not to appeal.

Judicial Council Procedures
If the vice president sees justification for suspension or expulsion, a formal hearing before the Judicial Council of the Student Affairs Committee will be scheduled. Pending this hearing, the vice president may temporarily suspend the student(s). However, student(s) should not be suspended prior to a hearing unless there is imminent danger involved. If a formal hearing is to take place, the vice president must notify the Student Affairs Committee of the charges in writing. The Student Affairs Committee will notify the student(s) in writing of the time and place of the formal meeting (including Judicial Council hearing procedures). In cases where the Judicial Council cannot be convened because of a break in the academic calendar, the case will be held until the first available meeting of the Student Affairs Committee during the next semester.

The Student Affairs Committee shall appoint a Judicial Council made up of three faculty members and three students from the Student Affairs Committee, and the chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee, who shall serve as chairperson of the Judicial Council. There shall also be one ad hoc non-voting member approved by and on the Judicial Council to be determined case by case, as needed.

The student(s) will be accorded a reasonable amount of time to prepare for the formal hearing (ordinarily one to two weeks). The hearing will be closed, and release of records will conform to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. The Judicial Council may consider a case against a student while charges for the same or associate acts are pending in city, state, or federal courts. In addition, the hearing can be held even if charged student does not show. Either party (the student(s) charged or individual(s) pressing the charges) may have counsel present with one to two weeks advance notice to the other party and the Judicial Council. In addition, either party may present his/her case, any witnesses, and/or pertinent evidence at the hearing.

The Judicial Council will make and retain a record of the hearing. After all presentations are complete, the council will deliberate and arrive at a decision.
The Judicial Council may uphold or dismiss the charges and/or impose disciplinary sanctions, case by case, as listed on the following page.

The decision must be reached by a 2/3 vote of the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council will promptly send the student(s) charged a written copy of the final decision. The student(s) charged may appeal the Judicial Council decision to the president of FIT or his/her designee within seven calendar days by submitting a written request that the president review the record of the hearing and the decision.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Admonition
A verbal warning that a student’s conduct is improper or violates the college’s rules or regulations coupled with a direction to cease and desist.

Reprimand
A formal written notice that the student has engaged in improper conduct and warning that subsequent violations may result in more severe disciplinary action.

Restitution
Reimbursement by transfer of property, money, or services to the college or member of the college community in an amount not in excess of the damage or loss incurred.

Fine
A monetary amount assessed as a penalty for improper conduct or violation of college rules and regulations. Fines for specific violations are enumerated in applicable college publications (i.e. catalogues or student and resident handbooks).

Educational Sanction
Community service or required participation in a project or activity, either within or outside the college, during a period and in a manner consistent with the nature and severity of the violation(s) as determined by the authorized college officer.

Restriction or Revocation of Privileges
Alteration, limitation, or revocation of certain privileges associated with membership or participation in the college community for a specified or indefinite period of time. Examples of such privileges include, but are not limited to: entering college property or facilities; use of or participation in programs, activities, events, and services on or off campus; membership, election to, or holding office in a club, organization, or society; representing the college on a committee or in a program or activity; visitation by guests; participation in recreational, intramural, or varsity athletic programs; use of college technology resources; etc.

Suspension
A suspended student will be temporarily deprived of all rights and privileges normally accorded an enrolled student. Separation from a residence, class or classes, and/or college facilities or premises and revocation of rights and privileges is for a specified period. Conditions may be placed on the student’s return. Annotation of this sanction on the student’s academic record is permissible in the case of separation from the college. A student may be suspended from residence and not from FIT.

Expulsion
The most severe form of disciplinary action. An expelled student may not return to residence and/or the college. The student is permanently separated and loses all rights and privileges associated with membership in the college community. Annotation of expulsion on the student’s academic record is permitted.

INVOLUNTARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE

FIT offers a wide range of services to support and address the mental and
physical health needs of students, including assessment, short-term care as appropriate, and referrals. Under some circumstances, that concern may require that a student whose psychiatric, psychological, or other medical condition causes him or her to pose a threat to himself or herself, or others, or causes them to significantly disrupt the educational activities of the college community, be required to take a leave of absence from FIT.

When those circumstances occur, the student will first be given the opportunity to take a voluntary leave. If the student declines to take a voluntary leave, the college may determine that the student’s health and welfare, or the needs of the community, require the student to take a leave of absence involuntarily.

The following policy establishes the protocol under which an involuntary leave of absence may occur and the process for return from leave.

Withdrawal Process
When the dean for Student Development is informed that a student exhibits any of the behaviors described above, the office of the dean will seek an immediate assessment of the student’s psychological, psychiatric, or other medical condition from the Counseling Center, Health Services Office, or other appropriate professionals regarding the student’s circumstances. When reasonably practicable, the student will be given the opportunity to confer with the dean or designee and to provide additional information for consideration.

Based upon the information reasonably available, including the circumstances of the student’s condition, the dean for Student Development may take any of the following actions: (a) the student remain enrolled with no conditions; (b) the student remain enrolled subject to conditions that the dean or designee will describe in writing. The dean or designee shall also, in the same writing, inform the student of the effective date on which the conditions must be met and, if appropriate, the date on which the conditions will no longer be imposed; or (c) the student be placed on an involuntary leave of absence. If the dean requires the student to take an involuntary leave of absence, the dean will issue a written determination indicating the length of leave and, in consultation with the student’s program, describe the conditions (if any) under which the student may seek to return from leave. The student shall be informed promptly in writing of the decision, the effective date of the leave, and conditions for return (if applicable). The student’s department of study will also be notified in writing of this action. A student may appeal to the president of FIT or his/her designee the involuntary leave of absence by submitting a written request that the president review the decision.

Process for Return from Leave
A student seeking a return from leave must apply for permission in writing to the dean for Student Development. The application must provide facts demonstrating that the student’s return would not pose a threat to the health or safety of the student or the community.

Confidentiality
The college complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). All records concerning involuntary leaves of absence will be kept in accordance with FERPA as well as with the college’s confidentiality policy and other applicable policies.

FIT STUDENT COUNCIL POLICY FOR CLUB DISMISSAL

The Fashion Institute of Technology Student Association (FITSA) Student Council, which grants recognition to clubs, also has the power to withdraw recognition. Should any club violate FITSA’s club rules and policies as outlined in the FITSA Constitution, or violate FIT’s Code of Conduct, the club will be subject to the following procedure:

• First violation: A verbal warning will be issued through the club advisor to the club president by the director of Student Life and the FITSA first vice president.
• Second violation: A written warning placing the club on six months probation will be issued through the club advisor to the club president by the director of Student Life and the FITSA first vice president. The club in question should use this probationary period to evaluate and correct the problem(s) resulting in their probationary status. If the probationary period is completed without incident, the club will remain in good standing with FITSA.
• Third violation: Should a third violation occur during the probationary period all club activities will be suspended and all funds will be frozen pending a hearing before the Judicial Council of the Student Affairs Committee.

At the hearing, the Judicial Council of the Student Affairs Committee will make a recommendation to the Student Council as to what action should be taken.