Policy On Conduct And Discipline

Life in the Academic Community 

The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science within Columbia University is a  community. Admitted students, faculty, and administrators come together and work through committees  and other representative bodies to pursue and to promote learning, scholarly inquiry, and free discourse.  As in any community, principles of civility and reasoned interaction must be maintained. Thus, methods  for addressing social as well as academic behaviors exist. 

Standards and Discipline 

As members of the Columbia University community, all students are expected to uphold the highest  standards of respect, integrity, and civility. These core values are key components of the Columbia  University experience and reflect the community's expectations of Columbia University students.  Students are therefore expected to conduct themselves in an honest, civil, and respectful manner in all  aspects of their lives. Students who violate standards of behavior related to academic or behavioral  conduct interfere with their ability, and the ability of others, to take advantage of the full complement of  University life, and will thus be subject to Dean's Discipline. 

Community members may find a full description of University policies on the Student Conduct and  Community Standards website. 

We expect that in and out of the classroom, on and off campus, each student in the School will act in an  honest way and will respect the rights of others. Freedom of expression is an essential part of University  life, but it does not include intimidation, threats of violence, or the inducement of others to engage in  violence or in conduct which harasses others. We state emphatically that conduct which threatens or  harasses others because of their race, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or for any other reason is  unacceptable and will be dealt with severely. If each of us at Columbia can live up to these standards, we  can be confident that all in our community will benefit fully from the diversity to be found here. Any  undergraduate student who believes he or she has been victimized should speak with an adviser in the  James H. and Christine Turk Berick Center for Student Advising, a member of the Residential Life staff,  or a member of Student Conduct and Community Standards; graduate students should speak with an  officer in the Office of Engineering Student Affairs. 

While every subtlety of proper behavior cannot be detailed here, examples of other actions subject to  discipline are: 

  • Access, Unauthorized 
  • Alcohol, Prohibited use of 
  • Collusion 
  • Columbia University Identification Card, Unauthorized use of 
  • Columbia Identity (or affiliated organizations), Unauthorized use of 
  • Disruptive Behavior 
  • Failure to Comply
  • Entry/Egress, Unauthorized 
  • Falsification 
  • Federal, State, or Local laws, Violation of 
  • Fire Safety Policies, Violation of 
  • Illegal Drugs Policy, Violation of 
  • Hazing 
  • Information Technologies Policies, Violation of 
  • Physical Endangerment, Threats, and Harassment 
  • Retaliation 
  • Smoking Policy, Violation of University 
  • Theft 
  • Vandalism 
  • Weapons 

University Policies and Procedures 

  • Rules of University Conduct (demonstrations, rallies, and picketing) 
  • Guide to Living 
  • Gender-Based Misconduct Policy and Procedures for Students 
  • Columbia University Information Technology (CUIT) policies and procedures
  • Undergraduate Student Travel Policy 

Agreement to Uphold Academic and Behavioral Integrity 

All students are expected to understand and abide by the Agreement to Uphold Academic and Behavioral  Integrity. The agreement is listed below for reference. Students must sign this agreement upon their start  at Columbia University. 

As a member of the Columbia University Community, I understand that I am expected to uphold the  highest standards of respect, integrity, and civility. I have read and understand the policies within Student  Conduct and Community Standards and I agree to maintain the highest standards of personal integrity and  

academic honesty in all endeavors. I understand that any violation of these policies is likely to result in a  sanction from the Engineering Community Standards Committee. This sanction may include but is not  limited to disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from Columbia University. 

For more information about the discipline process for undergraduate students, please review the Academic Integrity website or Student Conduct & Community Standards.

 For more information about the discipline process for graduate students, please contact the Office of  Engineering Student Affairs.