Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Rules of University

Conduct

Columbia University in the City of New York

Free Expression • Demonstrations • University Functions • Enforcement •

Judicial Process

Latest Policy Revision: September 27, 2025

Chapter XLIV of the Statutes of Columbia University

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

Contents

§440

Affirmative Statement

§441

Definitions

§442

Jurisdiction

§443

Violations

§444

Enforcement

§445

Administrative and Judicial Personnel

§446

Rights of the Respondent

§447

Prehearing Procedures / Investigation

§448

Hearing Process

§449

Sanctions and Other Remedies

§450

Appeals

§451

Records Disclosure

§452

Office of the Provost

Reference

Key operational principles and process map

This handbook follows the current published Rules of University Conduct and organizes the statutory provisions into a readable

institutional-document format.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§440 Affirmative Statement

The Rules of University Conduct are intended to ensure that members of the Columbia community may

engage in free expression and open debate. Columbia describes the University as a forum for pursuit of

knowledge and free inquiry, where ideas may be tested, values questioned, and minds changed.

Free expression

• The University does not rule subjects or forms of expression out of order merely because they are

objectionable, offensive, immoral or untrue.

• Members of the community retain the right to demonstrate, rally, picket, circulate petitions, distribute

ideas, participate in debates and invite outsiders to participate.

• The University may regulate the time, place and manner of certain public expression in a content-neutral

way to protect the rights of others to speak, study, teach and conduct research.

• Expression may be restricted when it constitutes a genuine threat of harassment, unjustifiably invades

privacy, or falsely defames a specific individual.

• All demonstration activity is subject to University anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.

The balancing principle

The Rules expressly place freedom of expression alongside the rights of others to participate in academic

and University functions. Demonstration rights therefore operate within the framework established by the

Rules.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§441 Definitions

University

Columbia University in the City of New York.

University facility

A place where a University function occurs.

University function

University charter or statutory operations and activities, including instruction,

research, study, administration, habitation, social life, space allocation and

control, food supply, and related functions.

Delegate

A person appointed under the Rules with authority for enforcement; Deans and

Deans of Students are automatically Delegates.

Day

A calendar day, subject to the stated working-day extension for specified

procedures.

Student

A person registered in a University division, including certain persons on leave,

suspended or continuing matriculants.

Faculty

Officers of instruction appointed to a University division, school or department,

including officers on leave.

Staff

Administrative, research, library and supporting staff and other non-instructional

officers.

Violation

An act proscribed by the Rules; inadvertent or accidental behavior is not treated

as the substance of a violation.

Respondent

A person against whom a charge for violation of the Rules has been filed.

Rules Administrator

The person appointed under §445a to administer the Rules.

Rules Clerk

The person responsible for coordinating submissions and information between

the respondent, Rules Administrator and adjudicatory bodies.

University Official

A University administrator, including from Public Safety, or a designee.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§442 Jurisdiction

The Rules apply to administrators, administrative staff, research staff, library staff, supporting staff,

faculty and students. Visitors, licensees and invitees on a University facility may also be subject to the

Rules and may be ejected when they violate them and do not comply with a warning.

Demonstrations covered

• The Rules apply to demonstrations, including rallies and picketing, at University facilities or

University-sponsored activities.

• Facilities include campuses, research laboratories, maintenance shops, business offices, athletic fields,

dormitories, classrooms and meeting halls.

• Demonstrations inside academic buildings and places where academic activities take place are identified

as unacceptable under the Rules because of the likelihood of disrupting academic activities.

• The Rules apply regardless of employee status or collective-bargaining representation, except where the

Rules expressly recognize a bona fide protected concerted activity under the National Labor Relations Act.

Scope note

For this policy, the University means Columbia University only and does not include affiliate institutions

such as Barnard College or Teachers College.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§443 Violations

The Rules distinguish between simple and serious violations. The following categories summarize the

conduct identified in §443.

Category

Examples

Safety and bodily harm

Placing another in danger of bodily harm; causing or clearly attempting to cause

physical injury; threatening bodily harm in a clear and present danger situation.

Property

Minor property damage or loss; substantial damage or destruction of University

or other property on a University facility.

Access and passage

Interfering briefly with entry, exit or passage; physically preventing or clearly

attempting to prevent unimpeded use of a facility and thereby interfering with a

University function.

Closed facilities

Entering or remaining in a University facility after it has been declared closed

without authorization.

Private offices

Unauthorized entry into a private office or occupying a private office for one's

own purposes.

Academic activity

Noise that substantially hinders normal academic activities; briefly interrupting a

University function; disrupting a University function or making its continuation

impossible.

Weapons

Illicit use, attempted use or threats involving firearms, explosives, dangerous

chemicals or other dangerous instruments or weapons.

Identification

Failing to self-identify when requested by a properly identified Delegate or

University Official.

Official duties

Preventing a properly identified Delegate or University Official from carrying out

official responsibilities, except through mere refusal to self-identify.

Orders and dispersal

Failing to obey reasonable orders concerning time, place and manner, or failing

to disperse when a properly identified official orders dispersal under the

conditions specified in the Rules.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§444 Enforcement

Enforcement begins with the identification and assessment of conduct believed to violate the Rules.

Delegates and University Officials have defined responsibilities for warnings, information gathering,

demonstration areas and dispersal.

Summoning a Delegate

Members of the community may notify the Office of Rules Administration and/or Public Safety. Delegates

or University Officials may proceed to the demonstration and gather information for possible transmission

to the Rules Administrator.

Warning and Advice

Properly identified officials shall warn parties whose actions they consider to violate the Rules. A prior

warning is not required for a charge to be filed; the University Judicial Board determines whether conduct

violated the Rules.

Separate Areas

When practicable, officials should make reasonable efforts to create separate areas for demonstrators

believed to be violating the Rules and those demonstrating permissibly or observing.

Information Flier

When a demonstration believed to violate the Rules continues beyond a short period, officials should

consider distributing information describing warnings, areas and access to the Rules.

Self-identification

Anyone at a protest or demonstration must present valid identification when asked by a University

Delegate or Public Safety Officer. Masking for the purpose of concealing identity while violating a policy,

rule or law is prohibited; medical and religious masking are addressed by the Rules.

Outsiders

Visitors, licensees and invitees who violate the Rules and do not comply with warnings may be ejected.

Community members should not take enforcement into their own hands.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§445 Administrative and Judicial Personnel

Rules Administrator

The Rules Administrator has primary responsibility for administration of the Rules, including maintaining

records, serving notices, accepting and investigating complaints, filing charges, organizing informal

settlements and presenting evidence to hearing panels.

Rules Clerk

The Rules Clerk coordinates information sharing among the respondent, Rules Administrator, University

Judicial Board, Appeals Board and Office of the President. Submissions generally go through the Rules

Clerk.

University Judicial Board

The UJB hears charges under the Rules. The current framework provides for a five-member Board

composed of faculty and staff, with staggered three-year terms and training in the Rules and adjudication

precedents.

Appeals Board

The Appeals Board hears appeals from UJB decisions and sanctions and consists of three Deans of School

or Division. Its authority includes affirming, overturning or revising a decision within the limits of the

Rules.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§446 Rights of the Respondent

The Rules provide respondents with procedural rights intended to support accessible, prompt and fair

investigation and adjudication.

• Respect, dignity and sensitivity.

• Appropriate support from the University.

• Privacy to the extent possible under law and University policy.

• Information about the Rules.

• One or two advisors throughout the process.

• The choice to participate or decline to participate, while understanding that the process may continue

without participation.

• A reasonably prompt and thorough investigation.

• Adequate time to review documentation and prepare for a hearing.

• An opportunity to introduce evidence and call witnesses, subject to the Rules and panel procedures.

• A narrowly tailored request for specified University documents or camera footage that may be used in

defense.

• An opportunity to challenge participants in the process for conflicts of interest.

• The right to refrain from self-incriminating statements.

• The right to appeal decisions and sanctions.

• Written notice of investigation, charges, resolution, findings, sanctions and appeal outcomes.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§447 Prehearing Procedures and Investigation

Complaints

Any University member who believes a violation occurred may submit a written complaint to the Rules

Administrator. A complaint is not required for the Rules Administrator to begin an investigation.

Investigation

• The respondent receives written notice of allegations when an investigation proceeds.

• The Rules Administrator may conduct interviews and gather relevant information and documentation.

• Relevant evidence may be subject to preservation directions.

• Character witnesses are not interviewed solely to provide character information.

• Prior conduct violations are generally excluded unless the Rules' stated exceptions apply.

• The University process may continue during a law-enforcement investigation, although the University

may temporarily delay evidence gathering when appropriate.

Informal resolution

Certain cases may be resolved informally if the respondent and Rules Administrator agree to the terms.

Educational sanctions may be included. Failure to reach an agreement does not create a negative

inference.

Charge filed

When charges are filed, the charging document, investigation report and evidentiary appendices are

submitted through the Rules Clerk, and the respondent receives an opportunity to review materials used in

the hearing.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§448 Hearing Process

Hearing panel

When administrative resolution is not available, the Rules Clerk submits the case to the University Judicial

Board. The UJB determines whether the respondent is responsible and, when appropriate, provides the

sanction.

Written submissions and hearing

• Both the Rules Administrator and respondent may submit written responses to the investigation report

and relevant information.

• The hearing is closed and generally includes panel members, Rules Administrator, respondent, advisors,

witnesses when called and necessary University personnel.

• The UJB determines whether the hearing is in person, by video conference or another method.

• The panel controls questioning and may set reasonable time limits.

• The respondent's refusal to participate does not prevent the panel from proceeding and does not itself

create an adverse inference.

Standard of proof

The UJB uses a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. A respondent is found responsible when the

panel is convinced that the respondent was more likely than not to have engaged in the conduct at issue.

Decision

The panel determines responsibility by majority vote and generally renders a decision within ten business

days after the hearing. The decision includes an explanation of its basis.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§449 Sanctions and Other Remedies

Sanctions are determined according to the facts and circumstances of the case. The Rules state that

sanctions should be fair and appropriate, consistent with handling of similar cases, and adequate to

protect the safety of the campus community.

Sanctions listed in the Rules

• Private reprimand or warning

• Disciplinary probation

• Restricted access to University facilities

• Community service

• Educational sanctions, assignments, workshops or related exercises

• No-contact order in cases involving bodily harm or threats of bodily harm

• Dismissal or restriction from University employment

• Removal from University housing

• Suspension, limited or indefinite, with conditions for return

• Expulsion

• Revocation of degree, limited or indefinite, with conditions for reinstatement

Interim measures

The Rules Administrator may impose interim measures when imminently necessary to protect physical

safety and security or prevent further substantial and persistent disruption of academic activities. A

respondent may appeal an interim measure to the UJB chair. Unless extended for good cause, interim

measures automatically expire after 30 business days.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§450 Appeals

Either the Rules Administrator or respondent may appeal a UJB decision by submitting an appeal within

ten business days after receiving the sanctioning notice. The Rules specify three grounds for appeal.

Ground

Description

Procedural error

A procedural error that affected the determination or sanction.

New information

Information unavailable during the investigation or hearing that may change

the determination or sanction.

Excessiveness

The sanction is excessive.

• Disagreement with a finding or sanction, by itself, is not an appeal ground.

• The non-appealing party receives notice and may submit a written response within ten business days.

• The Appeals Board may affirm, revise, reconvene the panel or return the matter for additional

investigation.

• The Appeals Board generally issues its final written decision within ten business days after receiving the

written appeal.

• A respondent may appeal a sanction; the Appeals Board may affirm or reduce the sanction but may not

increase it.

• A final appeal may be made to the President for clemency or review at the President's discretion.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§451 Records Disclosure

Disciplinary proceedings are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which

generally limits disclosure of student information outside the University without consent while providing

exceptions for certain circumstances.

Records and legal process

• Information gathered during an investigation may be subpoenaed by law enforcement authorities in a

parallel investigation.

• Information may be required to be produced through other compulsory legal process.

• University personnel participating in an investigation or hearing are expected to maintain the privacy of

the process consistent with applicable law and University policy.

Privacy in the disciplinary process

The Rules state that information will be shared internally only with individuals who need it to carry out

their duties and responsibilities, subject to applicable legal requirements.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

§452 Office of the Provost

The Office of the Provost prepares materials that facilitate operation of the Rules' procedures. The Rules

also provide that changes to the Rules must be approved by the Trustees.

Current governance structure

• The Rules are located in Chapter XLIV of the Statutes of Columbia University.

• The Office of the Provost has appointment and oversight responsibilities described in the Rules.

• The Rules Administrator administers investigations and charges.

• The Rules Clerk coordinates case submissions and information flow.

• The University Judicial Board adjudicates charges.

• The Appeals Board reviews eligible appeals.

• The President may exercise final discretionary review or clemency as provided by the Rules.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

Operational Reference: Demonstrations

The following reference sheet summarizes the main operational boundaries in the current Rules. It is

intended as a quick-reading aid; the statutory text controls.

Area

Current rule framework

Expression

Peaceful expression, debate, rallies, picketing and distribution of ideas are protected

within the Rules' framework.

Academic buildings

Demonstrations inside academic buildings and places where academic activities

take place are identified as unacceptable because of disruption risks.

Access

Physical interference with passage or unimpeded use of University facilities can

constitute a violation depending on duration and impact.

Noise

Noise that substantially hinders normal academic activities is identified as a simple

violation.

Identification

Failure to self-identify when requested by a properly identified Delegate or

University Official is a simple violation.

Official orders

Failure to obey reasonable time, place and manner orders can constitute a simple

violation; failure to disperse after an order can constitute a violation under specified

conditions.

Safety

Conduct causing or attempting bodily harm and certain dangerous weapons conduct

are identified as serious violations.

Property

Damage, destruction or substantial threat to University or other property can

constitute a serious violation under the specified circumstances.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

Operational Reference: Disciplinary Process

The current Rules describe a structured process from investigation through possible appeal. The timeline

can be extended when the Rules permit, and the full statutory provisions control.

1. Complaint /

Investigation

A complaint may be filed, or the Rules Administrator may initiate an

investigation. The respondent receives notice when an investigation

proceeds.

2. Interim

Measures

Where the stated safety or substantial-disruption criteria are met, interim

measures may be imposed and appealed.

3. Resolution

The matter may be dismissed, resolved informally, or proceed to formal

charges.

4. Charge

A charging document, investigation report and evidentiary appendices

are provided through the Rules Clerk.

5. Response

The respondent may accept responsibility, decline responsibility or

provide no response under the administrative-resolution framework.

6. UJB

If a hearing is required, the University Judicial Board determines

responsibility using the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard.

7. Sanction

If responsible, the UJB determines sanctions consistent with the Rules.

8. Appeal

Eligible appeals proceed to the Appeals Board on the specified grounds.

Presidential

Review

A final appeal may be made to the President for clemency or review at the

President's discretion.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

Key Administrative Contacts and Governance

Office of Rules Administration

• Administers the Rules and receives complaints and other submissions.

• Coordinates investigations, charges, notices and informal resolutions.

• Works with the Rules Clerk and University Judicial Board throughout the process.

Office of the Provost

• Appoints or fills vacancies on the UJB and Appeals Board as specified by the Rules.

• Supports administration of the Rules and related procedural materials.

• Participates in the governance structure established by Chapter XLIV.

Office of Public Safety

• University Officials from Public Safety may enforce the Rules and request identification.

• Public Safety may provide information or expertise concerning safety when contemplated by the Rules.

Current policy information

Latest Policy Revision: September 27, 2025. Responsible University Office: University Life / Office of the

Provost. Audience includes students, officers of instruction and research, officers of administration,

visitors and consultants, faculty, librarians, researchers and support staff.

Columbia University | Rules of University Conduct

Institutional Notice

The Rules of University Conduct are part of Chapter XLIV of the Statutes of Columbia University. The

University Policies site identifies the Rules as governing Columbia faculty, students and employees, with

additional jurisdiction over visitors, licensees and invitees on University facilities as provided in §442.

Columbia's Office of Rules Administration maintains additional current guidance, including FAQs and

updates concerning administration of the Rules. The University states that the full Rules control in the

event of an inconsistency with explanatory guidance.

Official policy reference

Policy

Rules of University Conduct

Statutes

Chapter XLIV

Latest policy revision

September 27, 2025

Responsible offices

University Life; Office of the Provost

University

Columbia University in the City of New York

Because University policies can be amended, the live Columbia University Policies site

should be consulted for the current governing text.

Columbia University in the City of New York • New York, NY 10027

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