Saint Joseph's University Student Handbook - 2024-2025

This handbook has been prepared for all students, administrators, faculty and staff at Saint Joseph’s University and others wishing to know more about University policies, procedures, programs, and activities. It is intended to be for informational purposes only. References to “the University” or “University” or “SJU” or “Saint Joseph’s” in this handbook refer to Saint Joseph’s University.

This handbook includes most policies in full, as well as hyperlinks to other policies available online and excerpts from lengthier policies. Students having questions about any of the policies should contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Life/Associate Provost. 

Students are responsible for reading and adhering to the contents of this handbook and should also familiarize themselves with all policies available in the University Policy Library. This handbook includes all content contained within the linked policies (or policy statements) outlined below. 

Saint Joseph’s University reserves the right, without prior notice, to correct errors and to make changes in policies, procedures, programs, and/or activities as it deems appropriate and in the best interest of the University. Additionally, this may include discontinuing services, programs, and/or activities described in this handbook. This handbook is not a contract, and any information provided in this handbook, along with any referenced policies and procedures, are not intended to be all-inclusive or otherwise reflect the totality of all University policies, procedures, rules, and guidelines. This handbook remains in effect during holidays, breaks between academic terms, and any other periods of the academic year when classes are not in session. 

Please note that, where applicable, relevant policies and information pertaining specifically to the Lancaster campus have been included. Otherwise, the cited SJU policy prevails.

A PDF version of the Student Handbook is available upon request by emailing communitystandards@sju.edu.

Overview

• Office of Community Standards
• Mission Statement
• To Whom Do the Community Standards Apply?
• What Conduct Would Violate the Community Standards?
• Community Relations
• Off-Campus Address Information
• Non-Retaliation Statement

Conduct Details

• What if Conduct May Also be a Violation of Law?
• What Should Be Done if Present During a Violation?
• What Should Be Done If You or Others Need Help?

Process Overview

• How does the Community Standards Process Begin?
• Can the University Impose Interim Remedial Measures?
• Withdrawal During Community Standards Process
• What is the Community Standards Process?
• Serving as an Alternative Resolution or Administrative Hearing Officer
• What is the Community Standards Board?
• How Can a Respondent Accept Responsibility & Sanction(s) Without a Hearing?

The Hearing Process

• What Happens Before the Hearing?
• What are the Hearing Procedures?
• What is a Community Standards Advisor?

Sanctioning

• What are Possible Sanctions for Community Standards Violations?
• How are Sanctions Decided? What Factors are Considered in Sanctioning?

Appeals

• What is the Appeals Process?
• Timing of Appeal
• The University’s Evaluation of An Appeal
• Appeal Grounds
• Responding to an Appeal
• Only One Appeal

Additional Information

• Are there Accommodations for Students with Disabilities?
• Reviewing Student Discipline Records
• Subsequent Information
• How is the Outcome of a Hearing Disclosed?
• What is the Policy on Retention and Disclosure of Discipline Records?
• Interpretation

Academic

• Academic Honesty Policy
• Confidentiality of Student Records
• Interim Intellectual and Tangible Property Policy and Procedures
• Student Background Check and Screening Policy

Conduct

• Alcohol Policy
• Anti-Hazing Policy
• Bullying Policy
• Drug Policy
• Drone Policy For Student Use
• Hoverboard Policy for Student Use
• Off-Campus Address & Emergency Contact Information Policy
• Interim Smoke-Free Policy
• Sports Wagering Policy

Nondiscrimination

• Interim Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
• Chosen Name Guidelines

Student Activities

• Policy on Assembly and Expression
• Campus Posting Policy
• Political Activities on Campus Policy
• Policy on Student Sponsorships of Speakers and Performers on Campus
• Statement on Student Groups and Organizations
• Use of the Saint Joseph's University Brand and Guidance on Co-Branding

Student Services & Resources

• Student Health Policy and Procedures
• Medical Absence Guidelines
• Temporary Separation from the University
• Email Statement on the Expected Student Use of SJU Email Account
• Office of Information Technology Policies & Procedures
• Disability Services
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Athletics
• Campus Ministry
• Career Center
• Financial Aid
• Library

Administrative

• Commercial Solicitation on Campus
• Prohibition of Credit Card Marketing To Students
• Facilities Use Policy
• Hazardous Materials on Campus Policy
• Liability Disclaimer

• Overview
• Housing Policies
• Room Condition, Facilities & Maintenance
• Community Behavior & Disciplinary Action
• Health & Safety Policies
• Solicitation & Posting Policies
• Release of Information Policy
• Security, Room Access & Search Policies
• Key Policy
• Guest Policy
• Pet Policy