Community Standards

Student Handbook

The material in this Student Handbook is designed to inform students of the College’s expectations for students’ behavior, the community, and services available to students. This Student Handbook is not a contract. It merely presents the College’s policies in effect at the time of publication and in no way guarantees that the policies will not change. The policies of Union College are under continual examination and revision, and the College reserves the right to make changes in its policies as educational considerations demand. Such changes may occur from time to time without prior notice, and will be posted to the College’s website.

If a physical copy is preferred, the Handbook can be requested from the Dean of Students Office, located in Reamer Campus Center 306. Please note, however, that changes to applicable policies following publication of the print version of this Handbook will take precedence over those set forth in the print version, and students are responsible for keeping themselves informed of changes in policy that may occur over time.

Questions may arise from time to time as to the scope and meaning of policies set forth or described in this Handbook, the applicability of specific policies or provisions to particular situations, the relationship between and priority of multiple policies or provisions potentially applicable to the same situation, and similar matters. The College President, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and/or other responsible College officials have discretionary authority to interpret College policy and resolve any and all such questions that may arise from time to time.

Student Handbook 2024-25

  • Rights and Responsibilities of Students and Student Organizations
    • Statement of rights and responsibilities of students
      • Preamble
      • Freedom of Access to Education
      • Freedom of Association, Inquiry, and Expression
      • In The Classroom
      • Student Affairs
        • Board of Trustee Statement on Membership in a Non-Recognized Fraternity or Sorority
        • Student Participation in Institutional Government
        • Student Publications
  • Code of Conduct
    • Union College Policy on Alcohol and Drug Use
      • Alcohol in Residential Spaces
      • Hard Alcohol
      • Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Related Infractions
    • Standards of Conduct: Alcohol
      • Providing to Minors
      • Underage Possession
      • False Identification
      • Selling Alcohol Without a License
      • Provider Responsibility
      • Underage Consumption
      • Excessive or Unlawful Use
      • Failure to Uphold Duties as Responsible Person
      • Irresponsible Distribution
      • Common Sources
      • Social Events Policy
    • Standards of Conduct: Drugs
      • Possession or Use
      • Cannabis
      • Paraphernalia
      • Distribution
      • Prescription Medication
    • Standards of Conduct: General
      • Aiding and Abetting
      • Abuse of the Conduct System or Academic Honor Code
      • Abuse of Technology
      • Bullying, Threatening, and/or Abusive Behavior
      • Doxing
      • Dishonesty
      • Disorderly Conduct
      • Failure to Comply
      • Guests
      • Hazing
      • Identification
      • Property Theft and/or Damage
      • Smoking
      • Vandalism
      • Violation of College Policy
      • Violations of Law
      • Weapons and Dangerous Materials
    • The Conduct Process
      • Rights of Students and Organizations
      • Collective Responsibility of Clubs, Organizations and Groups
      • Students with Accommodation Needs
      • Jurisdiction
      • Reporting Procedure
      • Interim Restrictions
      • Withdrawal with Pending Conduct
      • Withholding of Diploma; Commencement Participation
      • Investigation
      • Disciplinary Procedures
      • Sanctions
        • Individuals
        • Organizations
      • Appeals
      • Maintenance and Keeping of Disciplinary Records
  • General Campus Policies
    • Academic Integrity
    • Amnesty Policies
      • Medical Amnesty & Responsible Citizen
      • Amnesty for Minor Violations and Title IX and/or Gender-based Misconduct
    • Bias Policy
    • Campus Safety Policies
    • Club & Organization Policy
    • Hazing Policy
    • Health Services Policies
    • Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
    • Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination
    • Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
    • Leave Policy
    • Posting and Solicitation Policy
      • Chalking
      • Painting the “U”
    • Rules of Public Order
    • Student Social Events with Alcohol Policy
      • Campus Safety and Dean of Students Office
      • Sanctions
      • Alcoholic Beverages on College Policy
    • Title IX and/or Gender-Based Misconduct Policy
  • Appendices
    • Appendix I: Drug Free Schools and Community Act Report
    • Appendix II: Equity in Athletics
    • Appendix III: Environmental Health & Safety: Fire Safety Reporting Information
    • Appendix IV: Health Risks of Drug and Alcohol Use
    • Appendix V: Legal Penalties for Alcohol and Drug Violations
    • Appendix VI: Title IX Statement, Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Coordinators