CUinfo

The Campus Judicial System

Office of the Judicial Administrator
Cornell University
500 Day Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-2801
607 255-4680

The Office of the Judicial Administrator

The Office of the Judicial Administrator (“JA”) receives and investigates complaints that allege violations of Cornell University's Campus Code of Conduct. The JA's office is independent of the University administration and reports directly to the Cornell community on the operation of the campus judicial system.

The Code

Cornell University has standards of behavior that apply to everyone associated with the University - students, faculty and staff members, and University-registered organizations. These standards are set forth as regulations in the Campus Code of Conduct (“the Code”). The Code applies to conduct that occurs on any part of the Cornell campus, on any other property or facility used by Cornell for educational purposes, or on the property of any University-related residential organization in the Ithaca or Geneva area.*

The Code uses a system of checks and balances to ensure a fair process to people who believe that the Code has been violated, as well as to people who are accused of violating the Code. Three fundamental principles guide the handling of cases in the campus judicial system.

The principle of freedom with responsibility is central to Cornell University.

Cornell governs community conduct in order to protect and promote the University community's pursuit of its educational goals.

Cornell's governance of community conduct is distinguishable from society's regulation of conduct through criminal and civil laws, regulations, and ordinances.

*The Code does not apply to members of the Cornell community whose connection with the University is exclusively within the New York City divisions.

What Types of Conduct Are Prohibited?

Prohibited behavior includes:

  • theft
  • injury to person or property (including endangerment and harassment)
  • noncompliance with University policies (e.g., computer, residence hall, dining, library, and bicycle)
  • fraud (including possession of false identification)
  • disobeying laws and regulations related to alcohol and drugs (e.g., underage possession of alcohol)
  • demonstrations or protests that obstruct or interrupt any University function
  • hazing
  • possession of dangerous instruments (including firecrackers, fireworks, or other explosives)
  • sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape

What Types of Penalties Are Imposed?

Penalties may include community service, restitution, fines, referrals for alcohol education or other types of counseling, letters of apology, probation, suspension, or dismissal. Except in limited circumstances, the Judicial Administrator, acting on his or her own, cannot suspend or dismiss a person from the University. The JA may, however, refer serious cases to the University Hearing Board and may recommend the penalties of suspension or dismissal.

Whether a case is resolved in the JA's office or by the University Hearing Board, a finding that a violation occurred may result in a temporary or permanent disciplinary record.

Where Can I Find the Code?

The most current version of the Campus Code of Conduct is available on-line. Printed copies* of the Code are available at the Office of the Judicial Administrator

Alternative formats of the Code are available, on request, to persons with disabilities who cannot use the printed format.

*The Campus Code of Conduct is amended from time to time. Printed versions may be out of date. For the most current information, consult the CUinfo version of the Code, or contact the Office of Judicial Administrator (500 Day Hall, 255-4680).

How Does the Campus Judicial System Work?

Judicial Administrator

a. The JA's office receives a complaint that alleges a violation of the Campus Code of Conduct.

b. The JA's office investigates the case.

c. If the JA determines that no violation occurred or that Cornell has no jurisdiction, the case is dismissed. The person(s) who claim that the Code was violated (the “complainant”) may appeal the decision to the University Hearing Board.

d. If the JA determines that a violation occurred, the JA and the person(s) accused of violating the Code (the “accused person”) may agree to resolve the case informally with a “summary decision” agreement. This agreement eliminates the need for a hearing. The complainant may appeal this decision to the University Hearing Board.

University Hearing Board

a. If the JA determines that a violation occurred and a summary decision is not reached, the JA takes the case to the University Hearing Board (UHB).

b. Whether the case goes to the UHB directly or by appeal, the UHB holds a hearing. The JA presents the case and must establish by clear and convincing evidence that a violation occurred. The UHB decides whether a violation occurred and, if so, the appropriate resolution.

c. The accused person or the complainant may appeal the UHB's decision to the University Review Board (URB).

University Review Board

When a case is appealed to the University Review Board (URB), the URB holds a hearing. The URB can uphold or reverse a decision, modify a remedy, reduce a penalty, or send the case back to the University Hearing Board for a new hearing. The actions of the URB cannot be appealed.

What Are My Rights?

Complainant

  • the right to consult with the Judicial Administrator (JA) regarding the various options available
  • the right to pursue charges in the criminal and/or the civil courts, as well as through the campus judicial system
  • the right to bring a friend or counselor (who is not connected to the case) to any meeting
  • the right to request relocation to a different residence hall when you and the accused person live in the same residence hall
  • in cases involving harassment, abuse, assault, rape, or other menacing behavior, the right to request a Temporary Order of Protection
  • the right to appeal (to the University Hearing Board) a decision by the JA not to pursue charges
  • the right to appeal (to the University Hearing Board) a decision by the JA to resolve the matter with a summary decision before the Hearing Board
  • the right to be present at any relevant hearing
  • in cases involving harassment, assault, abuse, or rape, the right to request that hearings occur in such a fashion that you are never in the same room as the accused person
  • the right to keep evidence of sexual conduct out of hearings unless fairness to the accused person requires such evidence
  • the right to appeal a University Hearing Board decision to the University Review Board if your requested remedy is not given
  • the right to know the resolution of your case

Accused Person

  • the right to remain silent
  • the right to bring a friend or counselor (who is not connected to the case), including the Judicial Codes Counselor, to any meeting
  • the right to request relocation to a different residence hall when you and the complainant live in the same residence hall
  • the right to take the case to the University Hearing Board and compel the Judicial Administrator to prove allegations against you by clear and convincing evidence
  • the right to question witnesses
  • the right to confront your accuser(s)
  • the right to present evidence and witnesses on your own behalf
  • in cases involving harassment, assault, abuse, or rape, the right to request that hearings occur in such a fashion that you are never in the same room as the complainant
  • the right to appeal a University Hearing Board decision to the University Review Board
  • the right to not endure cruel and unusual punishment
  • the right to know the resolution of your case

Who's Who?

Judicial Administrator

The Judicial Administrator (JA) receives, investigates, and adjudicates complaints alleging violations of the Campus Code of Conduct.

Judicial Codes Counselor

The Judicial Codes Counselor (JCC), who is frequently a law student, provides free assistance to anyone accused of violating the Campus Code of Conduct. The JCC operates independently of the Judicial Administrator and the University administration.

University Hearing Board

The University Hearing Board (UHB) hears cases involving alleged violations of the Campus Code of Conduct that cannot be resolved informally by the JA. The UHB determines whether a violation occurred and, if so, the appropriate resolution. The UHB is made up of students, faculty, and staff members.

University Review Board

The University Review Board (URB) hears appeals of University Hearing Board decisions. The URB's decisions are final and may not be appealed to anyone in the University. The URB is made up of students, faculty, and staff members.

Complainant

Any person or entity (e.g., Cornell University) that notifies the Judicial Administrator of an alleged violation of the Campus Code of Conduct.

Accused Person

Any person accused of violating the Campus Code of Conduct.

Emergency and Information Phone Numbers

Emergency 911
Cornell University Police (business) 255-1111
Gannett Health Center 255-5155
Counseling and Psychological Services 255-5208
Judicial Administrator 255-4680
Judicial Codes Counselor 255-6492
Cornell Victim Advocate 255-1212
Advocacy Center 277-5000

In an emergency on the Ithaca campus, use the outdoor Blue Light telephones.