Student Code of Conduct

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The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) strives to provide a quality of life and an environment that helps students grow both personally and professionally. The CIA requires students to conduct themselves in ways that exemplify the mission statement of the college and uphold the core values of the college. The Student Code of Conduct promotes the necessary order, safety, and security of the college community and safeguards the individual and collective rights of everyone on campus. Actions by individuals or groups that interfere with the orderly functions of the CIA or actions that endanger any member of the college community will not be tolerated.

Article I: Judicial Authority

The vice president and dean of student affairs in New York or their appointed conduct officers at each campus location have judicial authority to assess penalties and sanctions found in Article III, Section B in accordance with this code.
Any member of the CIA community may report violations of the code directly to an appropriate conduct officer at each CIA campus location or through the Reporting Toolkit or online reporting form landing page. Violations of the code will also be considered when information is provided from one who is not a member of the college community.
Appeal: See Article III, Section A (3).

Note: Violations involving harassment, sexual misconduct, or discrimination must follow the process outlined in the Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination Policy to address, adjudicate, and appeal such violations.

Article II: Jurisdiction and Proscribed Conduct

A. Jurisdiction of the CIA

Any student who engages in conduct contrary to the CIA's Student Code of Conduct either on or off a CIA campus, including criminal activity for which they may or may not be arrested (by local law enforcement), may be subject to disciplinary action. The Student Code of Conduct is applicable to a student during the time of admission through the awarding of a degree or certificate and applies to all behavior while on any CIA campus; during CIA-sponsored programs, trips, or events; off campus; and during externship, internship, or intersession periods. When a standard of conduct violation occurs in a classroom, the student may be subject to sanctions under academic policies and/or the Student Code of Conduct. The code of conduct remains in effect when a student withdraws from the CIA while a disciplinary matter is pending.

Students who register to participate in a semester-away or study-abroad opportunity are subject to a disciplinary review and clearance prior to the trip.

B. Conduct: Rules and Regulations

Violations of the code include, but are not limited to, the behavior outlined below. At its discretion, the administration may bring charges against any student whose conduct violates the CIA's rules or regulations. Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article III, Section B:

Section 1: Endangering Behavior. Verbal and/or physical conduct and any form of retaliation that threatens or endangers the health or safety of oneself or others, whether actual or implied, or results in personal injury to oneself or others.

Section 2: Weapons or Contraband. Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of any type of firearm, including, but not limited to, BB or other pellet/air guns, paintball guns, explosive fireworks, martial arts weapons, combustibles, open flames, tasers, or knives (except for small pocket knives and knives specifically required by the CIA for laboratory classes) or the possession of any other weapon or instrument that could be used to inflict injury, or that might cause a person to believe there may be a danger of being harmed. Novelty or collectible items that simulate or imitate weapons are also prohibited.

Section 3: Drugs. Violation of the campus Alcohol and Drug Policy, including, but not limited to, the following:

the possession, solicitation, sale, distribution, or use of any illegal drugs or substances on campus, even in cases where a student may have a medical prescription for the use of such drugs or substances (e.g., medical cannabis);
the possession of drug-related paraphernalia (e.g., bongs, pipes, syringes) or the use of hookahs;
the use of legal substances and/or paraphernalia in an illegal manner;
being in the presence of paraphernalia or anyone using illegal drugs or legal substances in an illegal manner;
or arrest for drug-related activity on or off campus.

Regardless of any local or state laws, and in compliance with federal law, the use, possession, manufacture, or cultivation of an illegal drug or substance, or being under its influence, is not permitted in or on any CIA campus, facility, or property; nor is it permitted at any CIA-sponsored event or activity that takes place in an off-campus environment.

Section 4: Damaging CIA Reputation. Behavior, on or off campus, that would tend to damage the reputation of the CIA or its students, or that may cause any injury or hardship to anyone.

Section 5: Theft/Unauthorized Use. Possession of contraband items prohibited by law or CIA policy (e.g., official street signs, CIA owned furniture or equipment, dishware, etc.). Attempted or actual theft of CIA property or property of a member of the college or local community. This includes theft of services or unauthorized use of CIA property, equipment, facilities, or services(see Property Pass Policy).

Section 6: Vandalism or Misuse of Property. Vandalism, defacement, or misuse of, or damage to any part of CIA premises/property or the personal property of any member of the college community.

Section 7: Violation of Law. Violations of any federal, state, or local law or regulation. These may result in prosecution and sanctions by civil authorities. However, violations that adversely affect the interests and reputation of the CIA may result in disciplinary action being taken against any student by the college itself, independent of civil authorities. (Please refer to Article II, C, for additional information.)

Section 8: Alcohol. Violation of the campus Alcohol and Drug Policy, including, but not limited to, the following:

Consuming alcohol in a public or communal area (e.g., parking lots, gazebos, athletic fields, halls, lounges, kitchens, alcohol-free CIA-sponsored events, etc.)
Providing someone under 21 with alcohol
Consumption of alcohol by a student under 21
Possession of alcohol by a student under 21
Engaging in inappropriate behavior involving alcohol including, but not limited to, public intoxication or any intoxication resulting in a transport to the hospital
Possession of, or being in the presence of, a beer keg/tap system, or drinking games (e.g., beer pong, flip cup, funneling), or being involved in any activity that promotes mass consumption of alcohol
Consuming or possessing an excessive amount of alcohol (not to exceed twelve 12-ounce containers of beer or pre-mixed beverage alcohol [144 oz], or two 750ml bottles of wine, or one-fifth of distilled alcohol) per resident; guests may not bring additional alcohol that would exceed the permitted amount for a resident
Students over 21 may not be in the presence of a person under 21 if alcohol is being consumed (open container); the exception is if one roommate is under 21, as long as the other roommate(s) are the only people in the room at the time the alcohol is present
Students over 21 may not consume alcohol if there is a person under 21 present
Students under 21 may not be in the presence of alcohol, except if one roommate is over 21 as long as both roommates are the only two people in the room at the time the alcohol is present
Hosting a party (defined as more individuals than permitted by fire code) in campus housing in which alcohol is present
Possession of empty containers of alcohol
Other violations of alcohol policies not outlined within this code

Section 9: Fire Safety System. Tampering with or damaging any mechanism that is part of the fire alarm or fire suppression system (fire extinguisher, smoke detector, sprinkler, etc.), including willfully, or through negligence, causing a fire alarm to sound, or failing to immediately evacuate the building when an alarm sounds; and willfully or maliciously causing a fire. (Please note: the violations listed above are profoundly serious, potentially endangering all campus residents. Thus, sanctions can include fines, expulsion from the college, and criminal prosecution by civil authorities.) Please see Residence Hall Fire Safety for additional information.

Section 10: Providing False Information/ Withholding Information. Furnishing false information to the CIA or making false statements or false reports to CIA officials; engaging in forgery, alteration, or improper use of any CIA record, key, identification card, or other document; or withholding information a student knew or reasonably should have known to disclose to the college, or information that has been requested by a member of the CIA community who is authorized to request such information. The use of false identification may be a crime under state law.

Section 11: Failure to Comply. Failure to comply with directions of, or interference with, any CIA official, faculty member, or staff member, including the failure to properly identify oneself or to produce an identification card when requested to do so; failure to complete required programs as assigned; unauthorized attendance at or attempting to obtain access to a CIA-sponsored event (e.g., conference, commencement, or reception) without a CIA-issued ticket or permission to do so.

Section 12: Housing/Residence Hall Violations. Violation of the Residence Hall License Agreement or code of conduct violations found within this code whether the student is present or not present in the student's CIA contracted or controlled housing, including, but not limited to, the following:

Violation of guest policy
Violation of a CIA policy by a guest (student hosts are responsible for ensuring their guests' compliance with CIA policy)
Violation of quiet hours and/or disturbing others during courtesy hours both inside and/or outside of housing
Unauthorized alterations of a room including, but not limited to, painting, construction of lofts, installing hooks in the ceilings or walls, or use of a personal door lock
Possession of pets not otherwise permitted by the CIA
Unauthorized refrigerator or microwave
Violation of Residence Hall Fire Safety regulations
Having a dart board with steel-pointed darts in campus housing
Improper disposal of trash and recycling including, but not limited to, accumulation of bottles, boxes, trash, or other debris
Failure to prepare the room for incoming student(s) or occupying both sides of the room
Participating in hall or courtyard sports
Unauthorized room change or failure to complete scheduled room change
Failure to follow proper check-out procedures
Tampering with and/or damage to room, facility, or personal or CIA-owned property
Engaging in commercial activities in a residence hall or solicitation on behalf of an outside party, such as distribution or posting of leaflets or flyers
Failure to follow proper closing policies for approved college breaks, including but not limited to, summer, winter, or spring breaks
Failure to maintain appropriate cleanliness in your housing or bathroom (see Housekeeping)
Other violations of Residence Life policies not outlined within this code (Including but not limited to violation of the Emotional Support Animal Policy)

Section 13: Dress Code. Violations of the Professionalism, Uniform, and Hygiene Policy in the CIA Academic Catalog.

Section 14: Unprofessional Conduct. Unprofessional conduct, including, but not limited to, the use of foul language, bullying, demeaning, rude, or insulting behavior, or other personal conduct (such as spitting in public areas, or discarding cigarette butts or litter on the ground, in wooded areas and ponds, or otherwise not in proper receptacles) that would tend to demean the reputation of CIA students, staff, faculty, visitors, or guests.

Section 15: Obstruction. Participation in a campus activity or demonstration that disrupts the normal operations of the CIA and infringes upon the rights of other members of the college community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; or intentional obstruction that unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus.

Section 16: Computer or Phone Violations. Theft or other abuse of computer time or phone service including, but not limited to, the following:

Unauthorized entry into a file for any purpose, including to use, read, or change its contents
Unauthorized transfer of a file
Unauthorized use of another person's identity, password, and/or personal access code number
Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or college official
Use of computers or personal electronic devices to send inappropriate messages or view inappropriate content
Use of computing facilities to interfere with the normal operation of the CIA computing system
Fraudulent use of phone service

Section 17: Building Security. Tampering with, damaging, or compromising any equipment part of the door access system or campus surveillance system (doors, card readers, locks, closed-circuit TV cameras, etc.). These systems are in place to help protect the safety and security of all residents. Students are cautioned not to allow access to residence halls by anyone they do not know personally. Immediately report all suspicious persons or activities to Campus Safety or Security. Violation of this policy can include, but is not limited to, the following:

Improper entry or exit into or out of a building without permission, or without using properly issued keys or ID card access (see Identification Cards)
Improper use of an access card or key (your own or one belonging to another person)
Propping open a door to prevent it from closing and/or locking properly
Forcing open a door or window by any means other than proper use of a door access card or key

Section 18: Impeding the Conduct Process. Abuse of the conduct process, including but not limited to the following:

Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information during a conduct meeting
Disruption or interference with an orderly conduct proceeding
Initiating a conduct proceeding without just cause
Attempting to discourage an individual's proper participation in, or use of, the conduct process
Attempting to influence the impartiality of a CIA official prior to, and/or during, the course of the conduct proceeding
Engaging in inappropriate verbal or physical conduct towards a CIA official prior to, during, and/or after a conduct proceeding
Failure to comply with sanction(s) imposed under this code
Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the conduct process

Section 19: Camping on Campus (amended May 2, 2024)- The CIA is committed to maintaining a healthy, safe living and learning environment to carry out its educational mission. To that end, camping is prohibited on CIA property. Furthermore, the CIA prohibits using campus property or buildings for purposes unrelated to the CIA's regular programs and activities.

For this Policy, Camping is defined as:

The establishment of, or attempt to establish, temporary or permanent living quarters at any location on CIA property other than authorized assignment to residence halls, lodges, townhouses, or other CIA-managed housing;
Sleeping outdoors with or without bedding, tent, or similar device, structure, protection, or equipment;
Sleeping at any time during the day or overnight, in or under, any parked vehicle, camper trailer, motor home, gazebo, or covered spaces including, but not limited to walkways, sheds, and parking garages.

Section 20: Campus Policy Violations. Violation of any college policy not outlined in this code, including, but not limited to: Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination Policy; Campus SaVE Act Addendum; Service Charge (Tipping) Policy; Smoking and Tobacco Policy; Traffic and Parking Violations and Fines; Student Employment Policy; Student Guest Policy; and Hazing Policy.

C. Violations of Law and CIA Discipline

If a student is charged with an off-campus violation of a federal, state, or local law or regulation, but not with any other violation of the Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary action may be taken, and sanctions imposed for misconduct that demonstrates a disregard for the college or local community.
The CIA's disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law or regulation that is also a violation of this code. Proceedings under this code may be conducted regardless of outcome, prior to, simultaneously with, or following any civil or criminal proceedings off campus.
When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the CIA will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of their status as a student. If the alleged offense is also the subject of a proceeding under this code, however, the college may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of this code and of how such matters will be overseen within the CIA community. The college will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the punishment and/or rehabilitation of student violators. Individual students and faculty members, acting in their capacities, remain free to interact with government representatives as they deem appropriate. The CIA reserves the right to defer or pursue any disciplinary proceeding during a related criminal or administrative proceeding.

D. Amnesty from Drug, Alcohol, and Other Conduct Violations

The health and safety of the CIA community is of utmost importance. The CIA recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence—including, but not limited to, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault—occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their conduct. The CIA strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to CIA officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith who discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to CIA officials or law enforcement will not be subject to the CIA's code of conduct for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

In addition to amnesty for alcohol and drug violations, an individual who participates in good faith as a complainant, a witness in an investigation, or a bystander in relation to an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking will not be subject to disciplinary sanctions for any violation of the CIA's student conduct policy at or near the time of the incident, unless the institution determines that the violation was egregious, including, but not limited to, an action that places the health or safety of any other person at risk or involves plagiarism, cheating, or academic dishonesty.

Further, when a student assists an individual who is intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol/drugs in procuring medical or safety assistance, that student may be granted amnesty from formal disciplinary action by the college for violating the alcohol or drug policy, at the discretion of the conduct officer.

Article III: Student Conduct Processes

A. Charges and Hearings

Any member of the CIA community may file a report against any student for misconduct. Any report will be prepared in writing and directed to an appropriate CIA official/conduct officer.
An alleged student will be notified within 30 calendar days of CIA awareness and/or discovery of the alleged violation, exclusive of holidays. Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination and Title IX matter have their own schedules.
An assigned conduct officer will direct an investigation to determine whether the charges merit sanctions.
The finding of “in violation” of policy is rendered on the basis of a more likely than not standard of proof—or preponderance of evidence—where a reasonable belief exists that a violation has occurred and is deemed sufficient to issue sanctions. If this is found to be the case, the conduct officer will issue a finding and sanction. The college does not operate under the auspices of beyond a reasonable doubt. This legal precept is reserved for the criminal courts of the local, state, and federal judicial systems.
Cooperation from students is expected. No college official may promise that a sanction will be reduced or modified if a student cooperates with the official or provides any additional information when asked. Disciplinary sanctions are issued according to the particular violation, severity, past practice, and aggravating and/or mitigating circumstances.
All decisions related to a charge or charges against a student will be presented to the accused student in writing. At any point within the investigation, if additional information arises that results in new charges and/or modification to sanctions, students will be made aware in writing.

B. Appeals

A decision reached by a conduct officer may be appealed by the student within three (3) business days of the issuance of the sanction, exclusive of holidays or breaks. Such appeals must be submitted in writing via this linked report.
Written warnings and administrative violations (including, but not limited to, residence hall closing, announced room inspections, lockouts) cannot be appealed.
There are three justifications upon which an appeal will be considered.
1. The decision reached was NOT based on substantial evidence; that is, the facts of the case were insufficient to establish that a violation of this code occurred.
2. The conduct procedures were improperly followed.
3. New evidence is available to alter the original determination.
An appeal officer will decide whether an appeal will be granted based on the above criteria, and the student will be informed of the appeal status.
1. If a student fails to justify the appeal, then the appeal will be denied.
2. If a student successfully justifies the appeal, an appeal officer will review the original case, as well as the student's rationale for appealing the decision, and render a decision in writing based on this information.
Should additional information be required, the appeal officer is empowered to (re)interview the adjudged student and/or witness(es).
An appeal officer is empowered to eliminate or alter the findings and/or sanctions previously decided.
Students will be presented with the outcome of their appeal in writing.

B. Sanctions

The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated this code or as an interim measure pending the outcome of any charge(s) brought pursuant to this code. Any combination of sanctions listed in this section may be imposed for any single violation.

Verbal Warning: A verbal warning may occasionally be given to allow a student to correct a violation promptly.

Written Warning: A written notice informing a student of a violation, and a warning that repeat violations will result in more severe disciplinary sanctions.

Demerits: Demerits may be assessed for verified violations of this code. A student is subject to suspension or expulsion from the CIA for an accumulation of 12 demerits within a 12-month period. Demerits may disqualify a student from becoming a resident assistant, participating in the Manager-in-Training (MIT) program, living in specific residence halls, participating in intercollegiate athletics, or holding certain student offices.

Probation: Probation for a designated time may be assigned. Probation may include specific directives that the student is instructed to follow, as well as a warning that additional sanctions may be assigned for further violations or a signed behavioral contract agreement.

Loss of Privileges: There may be a denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time. This includes, but is not limited to, any and all privileges pertaining to campus housing, operating and parking motor vehicles, campus visitation, student employment, or use of any campus facility or service.

Fines: Fines may be assessed. The amount will reflect the degree of seriousness of the violation. All fines are considered legitimate debts to the CIA, and non-payment may result in any stated penalties, dis-continuation of classes, and/or not attending the commencement ceremony, not receiving the diploma, and/or not receiving copies of student transcripts and records.

Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage, or injury may be required. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary payment or material replacement.

Community Restitution: Work assignments for a specified number of hours may be given to provide a useful service to the college or local community.

Residence Hall Suspension: There may be a separation of the student from the residence halls for a defined period of time. Students with serious disciplinary records are not permitted to reside in or visit residence halls as deemed appropriate.

Loss of Housing: Permanent separation of the student from the residence halls may occur. Students expelled from the residence halls may not be allowed to visit the residence halls.

Completion of an Alcohol Education or Rehabilitation Program: Successful completion of an approved alcohol or substance abuse rehabilitation or educational program may be required as a condition for continued matriculation if the violation(s) involves alcohol, illegal drugs, or the abuse or misuse of any legal drugs.

Required Assessment or Educational Sessions: A completed assessment or educational session by a licensed counselor or medical doctor may be required for students exhibiting behavioral concerns that compromise the safety of oneself or others.

Involuntary Separation: Significant concerns regarding health and wellness may require the college to place a student on an involuntary withdrawal or leave of absence, per college policy, until said concern is addressed.

Suspension: Suspension from the CIA often lasts for 15 weeks to one year but may be for lesser or greater periods of time. Suspension may take effect immediately, including suspension from classes, residence halls, and all campus visitations, unless specifically authorized. Any student arrested and charged with a felony may be immediately suspended from classes, pending further decision by the CIA.

Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from the CIA. Prior to June 1, 2016, disciplinary "Dismissal" was equivalent to "Expulsion."

No Contact Orders: No Contact Orders (NCOs) are temporary directives issued by a conduct officer prohibiting communication between or among designated students when, in the judgment of the CIA, there is reason to believe that such an order would be in the best interest of all parties. NCOs are not similar to court-imposed orders of protection and do not guarantee that designated parties will avoid sightings or interactions in class, on the campus, or in the local community. If you find yourself in a public setting where you are unable to avoid contact, please ensure your interaction is strictly professional. In some circumstances, an NCO may restrict a student from parts of the campus where the student would not have to engage in required academic activities. Measures may be enacted to prevent or limit contact between designated students.

No Trespass or Persona Non Grata Order: An official notification that an individual is not permitted on The Culinary Institute of America property or campus. This directive includes all campus buildings, grounds, parking lots, and roads. If violated, law enforcement will be notified, and the individual may face charges of criminal trespass pursuant to state law. This notice shall remain in effect for a specific time period at the discretion of the conduct officer.

Registration Hold: A restriction placed on a student's account that prevents future registration for classes until other sanctions or requirements are met.

In addition to the sanctions above, loss of all privileges—including loss of CIA recognition for a specified period of time—may be imposed upon groups or organizations that violate policy(ies).

NOTE: Other than suspension or expulsion from the CIA, disciplinary sanctions will not be made part of the student's permanent academic record. All disciplinary sanctions, however, are a part of the student's educational record maintained electronically with final oversight by the vice president and dean of student affairs. After a period of six years from the student's date of last enrollment in any degree program, all sanctions—except loss of campus housing, suspension, and expulsion from the college—are removed from the confidential record.

C. Immediate or Interim Suspension or Expulsion

Under the following circumstances, the vice president and dean of student affairs or designated conduct officer may impose an immediate or interim CIA suspension, expulsion, residence hall suspension, or loss of housing.

Immediate or interim suspension or expulsion may be imposed only:

To ensure the safety and well-being of members of the college community or preservation of property
To ensure a student's physical or emotional safety and well-being
If a student poses a threat of disruption to, or interference with, the normal operations of the college

If a student has additional violations of this code while engaged in the appeal process for an earlier sanction of loss of housing, suspension, or expulsion. During a suspension or following an expulsion, students will be denied access to the residence halls, the campus (including classes), and/or all other CIA activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible, as a CIA official may determine to be appropriate.

Article IV: Interpretation and Revision

Any questions of interpretation regarding this code will be referred to the vice president and dean of student affairs or his/her designee for final determination.
This code of conduct will be reviewed annually under the direction of the vice president and dean of student affairs or his/her designee.