Seton Hall University

No Contact Order FAQs

What is a No Contact/Communication Directive?
A No Contact/Communication Directive is issued when a student seeks to have no
communication or contact with another student due to a conflict between the two individuals.
The purpose of the Directive is to prevent the conflict from escalating.

What are the key features of a No Contact/Communication Directive?

  • It is bi-lateral and applies equally to both parties, regardless of whom requests it.
  •  It is non-disciplinary and does not assume that either party has violated University policy.
  • It is intended to prevent escalation of tensions and potential violations of University
    policy from occurring between the two parties going forward.
  •  It remains in effect as long as both students are enrolled at the University, unless
    otherwise directed by the Dean of Students Office.

What actions does the No Contact/Communication Directive prohibit?

  •  Direct communication including but not limited to verbal, written, and electronic between
    the two parties.
  •  Indirect communication between the two parties using a third party.
  •  Use of social media to talk to or about the other party.
  • Limited access to space where the other party must be present.

Additional actions may be prohibited at the discretion of the administrator issuing the No
Contact/Communication Directive.

How does a student request a No Contact/Communication Directive?
Any of the following individuals may issue a No Contact/Communication Directive for a student –

  • Housing and Residence Life staff including Residence Coordinator, Area Coordinator, or Central Office Staff.
  • Title IX Coordinator
  • Dean of Students Office

How does a student request a No Contact/Communication Directive?
Any of the following individuals may issue a No Contact/Communication Directive for a student:
• Housing and Residence Life staff including Residence Coordinator, Area Coordinator, or
Central Office Staff.
• Title IX Coordinator
• Dean of Students Office

Are No Contact/Communication Directives punitive?
No, they are not. A No Contact/Communication Directive is issued without a thorough
investigation, without charges of violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and without a finding
of responsibility for any violation. As a result, the No Contact/Communication Directive by itself
is not punitive. Separate charges through the Student Conduct process must be investigated
and adjudicated for any punitive sanction to be imposed.
Again, a No Contact/Communication Directive is issued bi-laterally to prevent further escalation
of tensions and potential violations of policy.

Why are No Contact/Communication Directives not punitive or one-way?
The issuing of a No Contact/Communication Directive does not require evidence, investigation,
or the legal procedures of due process for all parties involved. They are requested and placed to
keep individuals apart. When an investigation is done and the matter is adjudicated through the
Student Conduct process, then not only does the No Contact/Communication Directive remain
enforced but so too are any other resulting disciplinary sanctions.

Is a No Contact/Communication Directive recognized by the Police?
No, it is not. A No Contact/Communication Directive will not be recognized by city, county, or
state law as legal action. A student wanting to request a legal restraining must do so through the
court. More information can be found here.

What if I believe a No Contact/Communication Directive has been violated?
You should immediately inform the Dean of Students Office. They will review the matter, giving
both parties an opportunity to provide relevant information, and based upon a preponderance of
the evidence, decide if a violation of the No Contact/Communication Directive occurred. If a
violation is determined, sanctions will be imposed based upon the severity of the violation.

Are there circumstances when a student may request a No Contact/Communication
Directive that is not necessary or appropriate?
Except in cases alleging any act of violence, the University expects that students will first
employ honest, direct, civil dialogue to resolve personal conflicts. In addition, the University will
not issue a No Contact/Communication Directive between two individuals sharing the same
living space until one of the individuals has relocated to another living space.

What if I have additional questions?
Contact the Dean of Students Office ([email protected] or 973-761-9076).