• Seton Hall University
• Department of Student Life

Understanding the Code

Why does Seton Hall University have a Student Code of Conduct? What’s the purpose?
College is more than earning a degree—it's about becoming part of a community. The Student Code of Conduct helps create a campus where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Grounded in our Catholic faith, we are called to form a community that is built on mutual respect, and the Student Code of Conduct fulfills that purpose. The Code defines clear behavioral expectations which create an environment where all Pirates can flourish and grow together.

The incident didn’t ever occur on campus, why am I being charged with a violation?
Being a Pirate means being a part of our Seton Hall community wherever you are. The University may address behavior that occurs on campus, off campus, and online when it affects the safety, well-being, or rights of our community, including the extended community in which we exist, or the University’s mission.

Being Referred to Student Conduct

Someone reported me. Am I already in trouble?
No.
Being named in a report does not mean that you’ve violated the Code or that you have been found responsible. It simply means the University has received information that needs to be reviewed. You’ll receive an email requesting you to meet with a Student Conduct Administrator to discuss the matter and share your perspective.

How will I hear from Student Conduct?
All communications are sent to your Seton Hall University email address. You may also receive a text message telling you that you just received an important email from our office. To access your letter simply click the link in the email and log in with your PirateNet credentials.

If you are having difficulty with your login credentials, please contact the Service Desk ([email protected]).

How do I know the email is legitimate?
If you’re unsure if a message is authentic, contact the Dean of Students Office (973-761-9076). We’re happy to verify that a communication came from Student Conduct.

Will I get a chance to explain what happened?
Absolutely.
Your conduct meeting is your opportunity to ask questions, explain what happened from your perspective, provide additional information, and discuss the incident with your assigned Student Conduct Administrator.
Most meetings last about 30 minutes.

What if I can’t make my meeting?
If you have a conflict based upon your academic schedule, contact the assigned Student Conduct Administrator as soon as possible. You should plan to attend your scheduled meeting unless you receive written confirmation of a rescheduled meeting. Ignoring the meeting or waiting until afterward may limit your options.

Can someone come with me?
Yes.
You may bring an advisor of your choice for support.
Your advisor may quietly advise you during the meeting but may not speak on your behalf or participate in the discussion. Witnesses or other students involved in the incident cannot serve as your advisor.

What happens if I ignore the meeting request?
We strongly encourage you to participate.
If you choose not to meet, the assigned Student Conduct Administrator will have no choice but to decide the matter solely based on the reported information. In addition, if you choose not to meet, you will not have the option to appeal the Student Conduct Administrator’s decision.

What happens after the meeting?
After reviewing all available information, the Student Conduct Administrator will send you an outcome letter with their decision.
If the information shows that a policy violation occurred, your letter will explain:

• Which policies were violated.
• Any sanctions assigned.
• How to appeal the decision, if you participated in the meeting.

If no violation is found, you’ll receive a letter stating that you were not responsible.

What if people tell different versions of the incident?
That happens sometimes.
Student Conduct Administrators use a standard called “preponderance of the evidence.” This simply means that the Administrator reviews all available information and decides whether it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred.

Outcomes and Sanctions

What kinds of sanctions might I receive?
Sanctions depend upon the seriousness of the behavior, any previous student conduct history, and consistency with previous decisions in similar matters. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Formal warning.
• Disciplinary probation.
• Educational assignments.
• Restitution or fines.
• Removal from University housing.
• Suspension, a temporary removal from the University.
• Expulsion from the university.

Who will know about my conduct case?
Student conduct records are generally private. In most situations, only the people who need to know are involved in the process.
Parents are only notified in limited situations permitted by law and University policy, such as certain alcohol or drug violations.
If you participate in an NCAA sport, Athletics leadership may also receive notice when appropriate.
Conduct matters appear on your official transcript only when University policy requires it, such as cases involving suspension or expulsion from the University.

Can I appeal a decision?
Yes.
If you believe there was an error in the process or another basis for appeal described in the Student Code of Conduct, you may submit an appeal. Your outcome letter explains how to do this and includes the deadline for submitting.
Appeals are considered by a different student conduct administrator who can review the matter from a fresh perspective.

What if I don’t complete my sanctions?
Completing your sanctions is part of resolving your case. If sanctions aren’t completed by the assigned deadline, additional action may be taken, including new conduct charges for failing to comply with a University directive.

Common Questions

I was just there; I didn’t do anything. Can I still get in trouble?
Every situation is different.
Simply being present doesn’t automatically mean you’ve violated the Student Code of Conduct. However, students may be responsible if they encourage, assist, participate in, or knowingly allow prohibited behavior, or when University policy places responsibility on them for what occurs in spaces under their control, such as a residence hall room or personal residence.
If you’re unsure about your role in an incident, talk openly with the Student Conduct Administrator during your meeting.

What if I disagree with a University policy?
Students are welcome to share feedback.
The Student Code of Conduct is reviewed regularly, and comments or suggestions can be shared with the Dean of Students Office.
While you’re enrolled at Seton Hall, however, all students are expected to follow the policies currently in effect.