No Contact Order FAQs

What is a No Contact Order?
A No Contact Order is issued when the University determines that it is in the best interest of the individuals involved and/or the wider community for the identified individuals to have no communication. The purpose of the Order is to prevent any conflict from escalating.

• 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.

• 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 Order.

Will a No Contact Order stop activity on Fizz?
Unfortunately, no, a No Contact Order does not stop or prevent anonymous activity. Even though individuals use a student email address to sign up for Fizz, it remains a completely third-party platform over which the University has no control and no way of identifying who is responsible for anonymous posts. If a student finds something on social media to be objectionable, they should use the reporting processes available on the platform to flag and report the post. They are also encouraged not to engage with the posts. If a post is deemed threatening it should be reported to Public Safety and to the local police immediately.

What behavior is considered a violation of a No Contact Order?
While the No Contact Order specifically prohibits contact, it also prohibits behavior that rises to the level of harassment, retaliation or intimidation as defined by the Student Code of Conduct. This would include but not be limited to:

• Harassment – unwelcome conduct that is so severe, pervasive or persistent that it interferes with the individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from University programs (i.e., following someone, repetitive unwanted outreach).
• Threatening Behavior – any conduct (verbal, written, electronic, or physical) that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others.
• Retaliation – taking adverse actions against someone because they reported a concern or participated in a related University process.

Note that “gossip” or expressing personal opinions about situation to one’s own friends, while potentially hurtful, does not typically constitute a violation of a No Contact Order.

Can I still talk to my friends about what happened?
Yes. You have a right to seek support from your friends. However, you may not use those friends to “send a message” to the other party. 

What if we end up in the same place by accident?
Seton Hall is a relatively small campus and “accidental” proximity may happen. A violation occurs when one party deliberately remains in close proximity or uses the situation to engage the other party. Many places on campus (i.e., the Green, the dining hall, the library) are large enough for both parties to be present but not in proximity. If the space is small, then the “first to arrive” rule applies – the person who arrived second needs to leave.

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

Are No Contact Orders punitive?
No, they are not. A No Contact Order is issued following an initial investigation, but 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 Order 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 Order is issued bi-laterally to prevent further escalation of tensions and potential violations of policy.

Does a No Contact Order mean I’m in trouble or have a “record?”
No. A No Contact Order is an administrative tool to prevent potential violations. It does not appear as a disciplinary action or measure. However, violating the No Contact Order may result in a disciplinary record and sanction.

Is a No Contact Order recognized by the Police?
No, it is not. A No Contact Order 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 should I do if the other person contacts me?
Do not respond. Save a screenshot or record the contact and immediately notify the Dean of Students Office. After business hours or on the weekend, you may file a report with Public Safety.

What if I believe a No Contact Order 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 Order 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 Order 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 Order between two individuals sharing the same living space until one of the individuals has relocated to another living space.

The University issues a No Contact Order when necessary in response to threatening or harassing behavior to prevent matters from escalating and when all other options have been exhausted.

• Establish Clear Boundaries – express clearly and respectfully the communication you wish to cease to that person.
• Voluntary Disengagement – actively choosing to disengage from one another’s social media and physical spaces.
• Mediation – The Dean of Students office can facilitate a neutral conversation or mediation to establish boundaries.

What other resources are available to me?
Students should know that Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is an important resource available to all students who are going through a difficult time or feeling stress. CAPS services are free and confidential. Just call 973-761-9500 to make an appointment. For after-hours emergency needs, students may call 973-275-HELP (4357) to be connected to a counselor.

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

03/27/2026