Honor Code, Conduct Process, Appropriate Computer Use, Alcohol and Drug Policy, Leaves of Absence, Parental Notification
As a parent or guardian, you may have a special interest in these College policies.
The Honor Code
Connecticut College is one of the few non-military, non-religious colleges in the country with a comprehensive honor system. The code sets high standards and expectations for academic and social honor. Our Honor Code includes academic and social interactions, and creates a spirit of openness and trust on campus. All members of the campus community are expected to uphold the code.
The code has purview over academic breaches of honor and social misconduct, such as discussion of exam content, attempts to give or receive help on an exam, plagiarism, sexual assault, vandalism, stealing, harassment and misuse of a College ID.
Connecticut College encourages students to take responsibility for their actions and bear the consequences. Students charged with a breach of the Honor Code are brought before an administrator, a grievance committee or the Honor Council. If a student is found to be in violation of a policy, an appropriate sanction is levied. All proceedings are confidential.
The Honor Council is a student committee that formally hears and rules on alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The Honor Council comprises 17 students: four representatives from each class and the student chair. The associate dean of student life serves as an adviser to the council.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
In accordance with federal regulations, all financial aid recipients are required to make satisfactory academic progress.
Refer to the College Catalog for complete information on Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Alcohol and Drug Policy
Students under the age of 21 may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages on Connecticut College property. Students who are legally able to consume alcohol should understand that it is against Connecticut state law to provide alcohol to those under 21. College policy prohibits any student from possessing an open container of alcohol in any public space, even if the student is 21 or older. Drinking games promote the abuse of alcohol and are therefore prohibited on campus, regardless of age. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is a serious violation of the Honor Code as well as the Student Code of Conduct, and it is a violation of Connecticut state law.
As an institution of higher learning, Connecticut College is committed to educating its community on the dangers and destructive effects of alcohol and illicit drug use. The College expects responsible behavior to accompany the legal consumption of alcohol and offers supportive services and education toward this end. The use, possession or sale of illicit drugs or drug-related paraphernalia as defined by Connecticut state law is strictly prohibited on Connecticut College property, as is the misuse of prescription drugs. Students are responsible for securing their prescription medications.
Appropriate Computer Use
Students using the Connecticut College computer network agree to comply with the College's appropriate use policy, which is available on the Libraries/Technology section of our website. (See Computer & Technology Resources, IT Service Desk.) In recent years, illegal file sharing has been a problem at most colleges and universities. This is an issue with potentially serious consequences for students. Please make sure your student understands that he or she may not use the College network to download music or video files from the Internet without paying appropriate royalties or fees. The Recording Industry Association of America aggressively pursues copyright violators with fines and/or litigation. Connecticut College is not responsible for monitoring or enforcing compliance with copyright laws. When we are notified of an alleged violation, however, we are required to investigate. For more information, view the appropriate use policy. As with any serious issue or question, we encourage you to talk with your student and seek legal advice if you have additional questions.
Leaves of Absence
A leave of absence suspends a student's enrollment at the College for a period of time, usually for one or two semesters. Learn more about Voluntary Medical Leave and Personal Leave.
Parental Notification
The 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) establishes that students have primary ownership of their own educational records. Under FERPA, parents have no generally accepted right to access their student's records without the student's consent. The law permits the College to share information with parents if the student is claimed by the parent as a tax-dependent, but it does not require the school to do so. Learn more about parental notification and FERPA, including cases involving drugs or alcohol.