Student Code of Conduct

I: Overview of Community Standards

Pratt’s mission is to educate students to become creative, responsible professionals who will contribute fully to society. To that end, the Institute upholds values and community standards that support that mission and holds high expectations regarding student conduct.

Above all, we respect one another and behave in ways that advance the free association of people and ideas. We cherish the diversity represented by members of our community and their disparate values and ideas. At the same time, we expect each “Student” to value and uphold the ethical behaviors and standards essential to pursuing academic excellence and demonstrating social responsibility.

“Student” means an individual who is properly matriculated, full or part-time, in a degree or diploma-granting program at Pratt Institute. Individuals registered and attending a course at Pratt as a visiting or non-matriculated student must abide by the standards set forth in this policy during their enrollment period. This policy remains in effect throughout matriculation and until graduation, including during breaks and between enrollment periods.

Incoming students to the Institute shall generally be considered students upon moving into a residence hall or on the first day of new student orientation. In the event an incoming student violates community standards that substantially disrupt the regular operation of Pratt or threatens the health, safety, or security of the Pratt community, Pratt may mandate a meeting to outline future conduct expectations with the incoming student before arrival to campus or rescind admission.

If Pratt Institute determines it is necessary to rescind admission, the incoming student will be provided notice in writing of the cause for rescission and an opportunity to challenge the decision by notifying the Dean of Students in writing. The Institute will designate a Pratt administrator individual not otherwise involved in the case to consider the challenge to the removal and determine if the removal was reasonable.

Bullying, harassment, or any behavior that causes disruption to a community member’s ability to learn or perform their work conflicts with the values of Pratt Institute and violates the community member’s right to feel protected, nurtured, and valued. The Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX enforces Pratt’s policies on nondiscrimination and anti-harassment. Individuals wanting to file a complaint can do so by contacting the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX.

The Board of Trustees reinforced these ideals by passing a resolution on freedom of expression in 1992:

“It is resolved that Pratt Institute supports and upholds freedom of speech and other forms of expression because these freedoms are essential to an educational mission and to ideas, values, and opinion. At the same time, Pratt recognizes that such freedoms exist in the context of law and responsibility by one’s actions and, therefore, the exercise of these rights must not deny the same rights of others.”

In this spirit, Pratt Institute’s Community Standards have been articulated and promulgated along with the Institute’s Academic Standards.

II: Guidelines for Public Gatherings (Demonstrations, Protests, Vigils)

At Pratt Institute, we value open discussion and free discourse in our quest for truth.

These guidelines are not intended to discipline students or student organizations for exercising their rights, participating in scholarly classroom dissent, or engaging in civil discourse. It also does not aim to hinder organized, nonviolent, peaceful protest. However, such conduct is expected to adhere to the standards outlined in these guidelines and other relevant Institute policies.

Click here for details on Pratt’s policies on demonstrations, protests, and vigils.

III: Prohibited Conduct

Pratt Institute community members are expected to uphold and respect the integrity, safety and security of the Institute property, community, and its members, whether on or off campus. The Institute reserves the right to take action regardless of the location of an incident. The following behavior is prohibited for all Pratt students and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). Therefore, Pratt Institute students are expected to refrain from the following:

Bullying: Persistent threatening and aggressive physical behavior or verbal abuse directed toward other people, especially those who are younger, smaller, weaker, or in some other situation of relative disadvantage. Bullying can include but is not limited to spreading misinformation on social media platforms, sharing others’ personal or personally identifiable information, or other behavior that disrupts a community member’s ability to learn, work, and teach.
Dangerous conditions: Engaging in behavior deemed dangerous to self or others or creating conditions that cause potential danger to others.
Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence: Any conduct that violates the Title IX, Nondiscrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to sexual violence and sexual misconduct (sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sex-based stalking, sexual coercion, and sexual exploitation) and unlawful discrimination or harassment based on any of the protected categories as delineated in the Title IX, Nondiscrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy and applicable local, state, or federal law. Discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct/violence can be reported and resolved via the procedures detailed on the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX website.
Disruptive Activities: Participation in or encouraging any effort to disrupt or negatively affect a person’s safety, the Institute’s operations, the Institute’s relationships with the city, its community, or other institutions. This includes but is not limited to preventing other students from accessing a class, creating a public inconvenience, annoyance, alarm, blocking access to a building or path, or any interference with the daily life of our Institute community.
Document Misuse: Forging, alteration, misappropriation, or misuse of academic or non-academic documents, records, or identification cards. Violations of the Academic Integrity Code will be referred to the Academic Integrity Standing Committee managed by the Office of the Provost.
Failure to Comply: Failure to comply with the reasonable instructions of Institute personnel acting within the scope of their duties, failure to comply with terms imposed under Code of Conduct or other administrative actions. . Refusing to present valid Institute identification when requested by Institute officials. that Pratt identification cards are the property of Pratt Institute, must be carried at all times, and must be presented for identification upon request by any official of Pratt Institute. This includes campus demonstration activities, whether they are approved or not.
False Information: Providing false testimony or furnishing information to the Institute with intent to deceive. This includes falsifying information on Institute documents.
Fire Safety Hazards: Lighting or attempting to light a fire or creating a condition in which a fire or combustion may put community members or property at risk. This also includes tampering or interfering with normal operations of any fire safety equipment such as smoke detectors, fire alarms or panels or any elevator alarm systems.
Gambling: Illegal gambling anywhere on the premises or at any official affair sponsored or sanctioned by the Institute or any of its groups or organizations.
Hazing or collusion: Participating in or encouraging any action or situation that could endanger another person’s mental or physical health. This includes hazing for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
Invasion of Privacy: Exploiting the use of any electronic device to surreptitiously make an audio, video, or photographic record of any individual for purposes of extortion, harassment, intimidation, bullying, hazing, or any other purpose prohibited by this policy or contrary to any other Pratt policies.
Law violation: Violations of federal, state, and local laws.
Misrepresentation: Misrepresenting oneself with the intent to obtain benefit including, but not limited to, embezzlement or fraud.
NCAA violation: Non-compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.
Physical assault: Any deliberate action with intent to cause injury to another person.
Property destruction: Defacement, damage, destruction, or other misuse of property that belongs to the school or others, including buildings, grounds, and trees. This includes but is not limited to, defacing of library materials, unauthorized chalking, postering, papering, or removing/altering Institute property or the property of others.
Retaliation: Any materially adverse action taken against an individual because they were involved in or participated (or refuses to participate in) the disclosure, reporting, investigation, or resolution of a report of prohibited conduct under this or any Institute policy. Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, discrimination, violence, or any other conduct against any person by the Institute, a student, or an employee or other person authorized by the Institute to provide aid, benefit, or service under the Institute’s education program or activity, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this policy or by law. Adverse action does not include perceived or petty slights or trivial annoyances.
Solicitation: Commercial activities or soliciting, including canvassing, selling of items, or doing business within Pratt facilities or on Pratt’s property without the written authorization of the Director of Student Involvement or the Directors of Residential Life and Housing.Solicitation of credit cards, which includes advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards, is prohibited.
Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. A course of conduct means two (2) or more instances including, but not limited to, unwelcome acts in which an individual directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish.
- Stalking includes the concept of cyber-stalking, a particular form of stalking in which electronic media such as the internet, social networks, blogs, cell phones, texts, or other similar devices or forms of contact are used.
Theft: Theft of property or services including stealing, hiding, falsifying timecards for payment, taking (e.g., stealing, theft) of property or services without permission from the owner, regardless of intent to return the item, knowingly possessing, selling, or distributing stolen property or materials.
Threat or intimidation: Any form of physical, verbal, written or electronic intimidation, restriction, coercion.
Unauthorized access: Unauthorized use of keys or forcible entry to any Institute room facility, or restricted area, including roofs.
Unapproved posting: Posting in unapproved areas as stated in the Posting policy. Registered Student Organizations should follow all guidelines listed in their respective RSO Handbook for approval guidelines.
Violation of Pratt policy: In addition to the articulated standards for acceptable community behavior, Pratt community members are expected to abide by the requirements of all other Institute policies.
Weapons: Possession or use of any firearm ( real or fake), explosive, firecracker, incendiary material, knives, clubs, or other weapon.

In addition to the prohibited conduct listed above, students are expected to comply with the following institute policies.

Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Use Policy

Pratt Institute is committed to creating a positive living and learning environment for its students free of substance and alcohol misuse. To uphold this commitment, the Institute has adopted standards of conduct concerning the use of illicit substances and alcohol. Pratt Institute is also committed to clean air and is a smoke-free campus.

Information on counseling and treatment resources for students is available by contacting Health Services and/or the Counseling Center.

The Pratt Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Use Policy outlines that:

Only community members aged 21 or older may possess or consume alcohol.
Community members aged 21 and older are prohibited from providing individuals under the age of 21 with alcohol.
Possession or use of alcohol at Institute-sponsored events both on- and off-campus or within student-sponsored events in residence halls must follow the procedures for serving alcohol at events outlined in the Alcohol and Drug Use Policy.
Pantas, Stabile, and Emerson Place residence halls are alcohol-free buildings. Alcohol consumption and possession is prohibited in these buildings, regardless of age.
Bulk alcohol (such as kegs) is prohibited in any residence hall.
Consumption of alcohol or possession of open containers is prohibited in public. This includes but is not limited to, the Pratt Main Lawn, classrooms, studios, or residence hall common areas, except where special permission is granted.
Students may only possess and use a controlled substance, including prescription medications, with a prescription from a licensed physician.
The sale or distribution of prescription medication is prohibited.
Students may not consume alcohol or other substances off-campus in a way that impacts the on-campus community or affects student behavior on campus.
The possession, sale, or use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited
- Note: Although New York State law now permits the use of cannabis, federal law prohibits all use, possession, and/or cultivation/sale of cannabis at U.S. educational institutions. Federal law also requires any institution of higher education that receives federal funding to have policies in place that prohibit the possession and use of cannabis on campus. Therefore, the use, possession, cultivation, and/or sale of cannabis is not allowed at Pratt. This includes all areas of campus, including, but not limited to, residence halls, academic or support buildings, or any public spaces within the confines of campus, both in Brooklyn and Manhattan. No exceptions can be made for any student based on their possession of a medical cannabis certification, registry ID card, or any other proof of medical cannabis eligibility.
All smoke, vape, and tobacco products are prohibited on campus. This includes all Pratt buildings grounds and vehicles as well as personal vehicles parked on campus grounds. Smoking is also prohibited in all NYC Parks.
Use of smoke, vape, and tobacco products is prohibited within 25 feet of all Institute campus entrances, exits, or building exterior walls containing windows or intake vents.

Computer Policy

Community members can find the full policy regarding Computer Users Rights and Responsibilities on our website.

All members of the Pratt community are expected to use Pratt’s computer and network resources in a responsible manner.

In the event of institutional policies, codes, or state or federal law violations, the Institute reserves the right to limit or restrict computing privileges and access to its computer resources and stored data.

All users are expected to understand and abide by the regulations as a condition for receiving an authorized account with the Institute.

The Pratt Computer Policy prohibits:

Unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of computers, computer networks, and/or software.
Use of computing facilities contrary to local, state, and federal laws or other Pratt policies.

Guest Policy

As responsible community members, students and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) must inform their guests of all Pratt Community Standards and expectations for good conduct. This includes alumni, campus visitors, family members, and guest speakers. Therefore, Pratt students and RSOs may be held accountable for the misconduct of their members and guests and incidents that occur at sponsored activities.

Specifically, the Guest Policy outlines the following rules:

Guests may only use Pratt facilities with explicit written approval or the presence of a current Pratt student, staff member, or faculty and will be required to show proper identification to access any Pratt facility.
Guests and alumni must comply with all Pratt policies.
Alumni must present a proper alumni ID to access Pratt facilities.
A Pratt host may be held responsible for the behavior of guests or policy violations.
Residential students must sign in their guests according to the residential life policy. For instructions, please visit the Resident Student Living Guide.

Hazing Policy

Pratt Institute prohibits all forms of hazing. Hazing goes against our values and puts the health, safety, and dignity of students at risk. It is not allowed in any student organization, athletic team, or group activity—on or off campus. Hazing is any act—done on purpose or with reckless disregard—that causes harm, pressure, or fear as part of joining or staying in a group. Even if someone agrees to it, it’s still hazing. The full hazing policy can be found here.

Examples of hazing include:

Physical harm (hitting, forced workouts, exposure to the elements).
Forced use of alcohol, drugs, or food.
Threats, verbal abuse, or intimidation.
Coercing illegal, degrading, or sexual acts.

Health and Safety

Pratt community members must comply with all Institute, federal, state, and local health policies and requirements to monitor health and adhere to any protocols enacted to protect our community’s health and well-being.

Pratt Policies, as well as federal, state, and local health and safety regulations, prohibit:

Failure to provide proof of vaccinations when mandated, comply with the use of face coverings, and failing to follow guidance on quarantine and isolation when applicable.
Refusal to observe safety regulations or procedures, including environmental regulations
Unreasonable noise outside of the community-established quiet hours, this includes the use of amplification devices that cause a disruption to class, meetings or other academic or co-curricular activities and impede meetings or class standards.
Irresponsible use, storage, or charging of bicycles or other transportation vehicles, such as scooters or skateboards, indoors.
Reckless driving.
No animals are allowed on campus grounds except Service Animals or residential students with approved ESAs. Pets are not permitted in residence halls with the exception of fish. The maximum aquarium capacity permitted is 15 gallons. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are allowed only within a student’s living space and must be approved by the Learning Access Center (LAC) and Residential Life and Housing. Please visit the Service Animal and Emotional Support Policy to learn more about how to obtain this accommodation.

Personal Mobility Devices Policy (Electric bikes and scooters)

To protect community safety and comply with fire regulations, the use, storage, or charging of battery-powered personal mobility devices (e.g. e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, gas-powered mopeds) is strictly prohibited inside all Pratt Institute buildings, including residence halls and studios. These devices pose serious fire, safety, and evacuation hazards.

Permitted: Outdoor storage at designated campus bike racks.
Prohibited: Indoor use, storage, charging, or riding anywhere on campus property, including sidewalks, courtyards, and parking lots.
Devices must meet safety certifications (UL 2849, UL 2272, or ETL).

Accessibility Note: This policy does not apply to motorized mobility devices used as disability accommodations (e.g, electric wheelchairs). Students should contact the Learning Access Center for accommodation requests.

Violations may result in device confiscation, fines, loss of privileges, or disciplinary action. To report a violation or ask questions, contact Campus Safety at 718-636-3540.

Service & Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Pratt Institute supports students with disabilities in having service animals and approved Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) on campus.

Service Animals

Defined by the ADA as dogs trained to perform tasks related to a person’s disability.
Allowed in all campus buildings are allowed without prior approval, but students are encouraged to notify the Learning/Access Center (LAC)—especially if living in residence halls.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Provide emotional or therapeutic benefit for students with disabilities.
Permitted in residence halls only with prior written approval from the LAC.
ESA housing requests must be submitted by:
- March 15 (continuing students, fall)
- May 1 (new students, fall)
- November 15 (new students, spring)

Responsibilities & Expectations

Animals must be cared for properly, including food, water, grooming, and cleanliness.
ESAs must remain in the student’s room and be leashed or crated when leaving the residence hall.
Animals must not be left unattended overnight or confined to cars.
Students are responsible for cleaning waste, preventing disruptions, and any damage caused by their animal.

Students who fail to meet these expectations may face conduct action or loss of animal privileges. Pratt will work with affected students to find reasonable alternatives if needed. For more detailed information, please be sure to review the full policy here.

Social networks play a major role in how we communicate and connect. These platforms provide students with a unique way to stay informed about campus events, while also fostering a sense of community.

Students are advised to engage with faculty and staff via social media within the context of professional development only.

However, students must remember that something published on the Internet can remain there or otherwise reproduced indefinitely. In the future, posts may be contextualized beyond the original intent through others’ online activities. Community members are responsible for their online behavior and must act in a responsible manner online.

Violations of these guidelines include using comments to spread misinformation or express bias, including about the Institute. The Institute monitors its own social media accounts and moderates comments that clearly violate the Institute’s Student Code of Conduct, carefully considering the appropriate action available through the social media platform.

Although social media may be used to express grievances, community members are encouraged to engage and confer with on-campus resources to address concerns regarding life at Pratt instead of posting grievances online. Urgent concerns can be addressed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by contacting Campus Safety.

The full full guidelines can be found here.

IV: Off-Campus and Online Conduct

Pratt Institute respects the rights of students to engage in conduct outside the Institute’s programs, property, or activities without interference. Behavior that occurs off-campus, online, or via social media is typically outside the scope of Institute disciplinary processes and may instead fall under the jurisdiction of relevant legal authorities or public accountability.

However, the Institute reserves the right to take disciplinary action when such conduct outside of Pratt significantly disrupts Institute operations or poses a threat to the safety, health, or well-being of any member of the Pratt community. In cases where student behavior violates both Institute policies and public law, students may be subject to both internal disciplinary processes and external legal consequences.

V: Registered Student Organizations

All Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) at Pratt Institute are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct outlined above, as well as the guidelines in the RSO Handbook. Whether acting in an official or unofficial capacity, RSOs and individuals within those organizations may be held accountable for violations of this policy. Community members may explore available RSOs on the Pratt Engage website.

All eligible students have the opportunity to participate in an RSO at Pratt. It is a violation of this policy to intentionally interfere with or deny participation in RSOs in circumvention of established Pratt policies or processes governing conduct or otherwise impose a sanction that may only be imposed as a result of such processes. Students are prohibited from independently investigating and adjudicating allegations covered under the Pratt Student Code of Conduct.

Students linked to organizations not registered at the time of an alleged violation will follow the general code of conduct and its process as individual students.

VI: Reporting, Resolving, and Appeals

All members of the Pratt community are responsible for upholding the Community Standards and abiding by the Student Code of Conduct set forth above. Each community member can file a complaint when they believe these standards have been violated. However, it is recommended that conflicts between or among individuals be resolved informally by engaging directly with the person(s) involved, with the help of a mediator if necessary.

When it is impossible to resolve a conflict by dealing directly with the person(s) involved, an individual may rely on procedures established by the Institute to address violations of our Student Code of Conduct. Many Pratt policies provide a specific process for reporting and addressing policy violations. These include:

Reporting Violations

The Student Code of Conduct process is overseen by the Chief Conduct Officer (Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students). In addition, the Directors of Residential Life, Athletics and Recreation, and Student Involvement may serve as conduct officers upon the request of the Chief Conduct Officer.

Members of the Institute community can file a concern of alleged prohibited conduct through our Community Concerns reporting form through Maxient. Reports will be reviewed within 48 business hours during normal institute business hours. For assistance or questions related to the student conduct process please contact the Dean of Students at dean-ofstudents@pratt.edu

Urgent concerns, including those outside of business hours, must be reported to Pratt Institute Campus Safety at 718.636.3540 or 718.646.3541 on the Brooklyn Campus or at security@pratt.edu.

24/7 crisis counseling is available after hours by calling the Counseling center’s main number at 718.687.5356. During regular office hours, please email (therapy@pratt.edu).

The adjudication of infractions of the Student Conduct Code is not a formal legal process, although fundamental fairness applies. The process, which is educational in nature, aims to protect each person’s rights while providing an experience from which those involved can learn.

General Process Expectations and Rights

All students alleged to have violated Pratt Community Standards, the Student Code of Conduct, or other institute policies will be notified of the alleged policy violation via their Institute email address. The Institute expects all students to check, review and respond to their Pratt email accounts promptly. Adjudication will proceed in a reasonable fashion following notice sent by the Institute to a student’s email account. Failure to open, review, retrieve, or respond to communication regarding any potential policy violations will not constitute an error in this process, nor will any process be delayed solely because of this failure to review and respond to outreach.

Students who benefit from the presence of their L/AC advisor to access the conduct process can also have their L/AC advisor present. This advisor will ensure that the student is able to access the conduct process and may serve a more participatory role in doing so. They are not able to testify on behalf of the party or question other parties.

FORUMS FOR RESOLUTION

Upon receipt of a report of alleged misconduct, the Dean of Students shall review the matter and determine an appropriate forum for resolution based on its assessment of potential sanctions for the conduct in question and whether the nature of the conduct, taking into account the seriousness of the allegations, can be adequately addressed through an informal resolution. All forums, as outlined below, are administered to ensure that any student accused of violating Institute policy (the “respondent”) is afforded a fair and impartial process. A respondent shall not be considered responsible for any violation of policy until after the appropriate process has concluded, including any appeals as permitted by policy. Any forum for resolution may include staff from other Pratt offices, at the discretion of the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students (or a designated administrator from another office) will review the matter and work with the student toward a resolution. Outcomes in this forum may include, but are not limited to, informal discussion, mentoring and coaching, conflict mediation, restorative conferencing, non-disciplinary intervention, and no contact directives. For more serious violations, formal resolution through the following process will be initiated:

A. CONDUCT CONFERENCE

The conduct conference is a meeting between the respondent and the Dean of Students or one of the conduct administrators.

Notice. Written notice containing, to the extent known, the date and location of the incident, nature of the alleged conduct, and applicable policies alleged to have been violated. The notice shall also provide the date, time and location for an individual meeting between the respondent and an assigned conduct administrator. If despite being notified of the date, time, and location of the conduct conference, the respondent is not in attendance, the administrator may proceed with determining responsibility based on the information available and sanctions may be imposed.

Conference. The respondent will meet with the Dean of Students or a designated conduct administrator to discuss the matter and share their perspective. The Dean of Students or conduct administrator may conduct such additional investigation as they deem appropriate.

Decision. After the meeting, the Dean of Students or conduct administrator will make a determination, based on a preponderance of the evidence, as to whether the respondent violated Institute policy. The conduct administrator shall issue a written decision to the respondent generally within ten (10) business days of the conduct conference.

Sanctions. If a violation of policy has been found, the conduct administrator shall determine appropriate sanctions. The conduct administrator may consult with other relevant Institute offices, particularly to promote consistency, understand impact, and reflect Institute-wide values. Sanctions issued after a conduct conference may include the full range of sanctions, with the exception of expulsion from the Institute.

Advisor. For conduct conferences that may result in suspension the respondent may request to be accompanied at the conduct conference by an advisor of their choice, which may be an attorney, who is not otherwise a party or witness involved in the matter. Generally, conduct conferences will not be rescheduled to accommodate the availability of a chosen advisor. While the advisor may be present, they may not speak on behalf of the student or otherwise participate in the conference, may not address the conduct administrator without permission, and must comport themselves in a manner that is not disruptive to the conference. If the advisor fails to abide by these expectations, the advisor may be directed to leave the conduct conference at the discretion of the administrator.

B. PANEL HEARING

Within the discretion of the Dean of Students or their designee, panel hearings may be held where there is substantial dispute as to the facts regarding the incident(s) in question and/or where the allegations are sufficiently serious that they could result in suspension or expulsion from the Institute.

Notice. Written notice containing, the extent known, the date and location of the incident, nature of the alleged conduct, and applicable policies alleged to have been violated will be sent to the student. The letter shall also provide the date, time, and location for a hearing before a student conduct panel. In addition to the letter of notice, the respondent shall be provided with all documentary evidence to be reviewed by the panel at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing. Requests to reschedule a hearing due to substantial hardship must be made no later than 72 hours prior to the hearing and will be considered by the Dean of Students or designee. If despite being notified of the hearing, the respondent is not in attendance, the hearing may proceed and a determination will be made based on the available evidence, and sanctions may be imposed if appropriate.

Advisors. The respondent may be accompanied at the panel hearing by an advisor of their choice, which may be an attorney, who is not otherwise a party or witness involved in the matter. Generally, hearings will not be rescheduled to accommodate the availability of a chosen advisor. While the advisor may be present, they may not speak on behalf of the student or otherwise participate in the hearing, may not address the panel or question witnesses, and must comport themselves in a manner that is not disruptive to the hearing. If the advisor fails to abide by these expectations, the advisor may be directed to leave the hearing at the discretion of the chair.

Witnesses. The notice to the respondent will indicate whether the Conduct Officer has invited any witnesses to participate in the hearing. A respondent may request the participation of additional witnesses with direct knowledge of the incident. Witnesses testifying solely to character will not be permitted. The respondent must provide the names and contact information of requested witnesses to the Dean of Students no later than 72 hours prior to the hearing. The Dean of Students or Assigned Conduct Officer will review the request for additional witnesses and, in its discretion, invite witnesses to participate in the hearing. Note that the Dean of Students or Conduct Officer cannot compel witnesses to participate.

Panel Composition. The hearing will be conducted by a three-person panel, selected from a trained pool of faculty, staff and students that have been specially trained in the application of the Institute Student Code of Conduct and the administration of these procedures.

Chairperson. In addition to the three panelists, a chairperson designated by the Dean of Students will preside over and participate in the proceedings of the hearing and facilitate the panelists’ deliberation, but does not make any determination of policy violation or sanctions.

General Format. The specific format of the hearing shall be determined by the chairperson. During the hearing, the respondent shall be provided the opportunity to be present for all hearing testimony/provide their perspective on the matter, and answer questions of the chair and panelists. The respondent shall also be provided the opportunity to propose questions to be asked by the chairperson or panelists to any participating witnesses, which shall be screened by the chairperson for relevance and appropriateness, in their discretion.

Recording. An audio recording will be made of the panel hearing by the Dean of Students or their designee. The recording will be maintained by the Institute in accordance with the Institute’s Data Retention Policy . A written transcript of the hearing will not be provided. Requests to listen to the audio recording of a hearing should be made to the Dean of Students.

Decision. After the hearing, the panelists will make a determination, based on a preponderance of the evidence, as to whether the respondent violated Institute policy. If a violation of policy has been found, the panelists shall then recommend appropriate sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the Institute. The panel shall issue a written decision to the respondent and the Dean of Students within the Division of Student Affairs generally within ten (10) business days of the hearing.

IV. Sanctions

As outlined below, sanctions may be issued by the Dean of Students or their designee, a conduct administrator or panel upon the finding of a violation of Institute policy, or where the respondent has accepted a resolution by agreement.

Sanctions are not intended to be solely punitive and should be issued with thoughtfulness toward educational outcomes. Sanctions shall be crafted in consideration of (i) the seriousness of the conduct, (ii) the corrective and learning opportunities for the respondent, (iii) the prior conduct record of the respondent (if applicable), (iv) the safety and well-being of harmed individuals and the community, (v) the desirability of treating similar conduct similarly, and (vi) the behavioral standards and values of the Institute. Sanctions that may be imposed include, but are not limited to:

Written Warning: A notice to the student in writing that continuation or repetition of conduct violations shall be a cause for further disciplinary action.
Censure: A formal reprimand for violation of Institute policy which is noted on a student’s academic transcript. The notation may be permanent or for a specified period of time (see below, “Transcript Notation”).
No Contact Directive: A directive ordering a student to refrain from any effort to contact, communicate or interact with another individual or group. This includes, but is not limited to: in person, in writing, by phone, by email, by texts or other electronic messaging, through social media, or through a third-party acting on the student’s behalf.
Educational Assignment: An assignment to be completed by the student within a specified time period. The assignment will be structured with the goal of fostering continued learning in relation to the violated policies.
Mandatory Health Referral: A mandated assessment with a qualified health professional to evaluate a student’s well-being and promote responsible decision making.
Restitution: Reimbursement for damage to or misappropriation of property. Reimbursement may take the form of appropriate service to repair or otherwise compensate for damages.
Restriction of Privileges: Exclusion from extracurricular activities or other privileges for a specified period of time (including permanent restrictions). This may include restrictions on access to certain areas of campus (Persona Non Grata) or suspension of other rights and services typically afforded Institute students.
Residential Probation: A defined period of time during which further violation of policies by a residential student will result in more serious disciplinary sanctions. Residential Probation may also affect privileges associated with the student’s housing status.
Study Abroad Site Probation: A defined period of time during which further violation of policies by a Study Away Site student will result in more serious disciplinary sanctions. Study Away Site Probation may also affect privileges associated with study abroad opportunities.
Residence Hall Reassignment: Reassignment of a student to a different room or residence hall for the duration of the housing license.
Deferred Suspension from Institute Housing: Cancellation of a student’s future housing license for a defined period of time. Further violation of Institute policies will likely result in immediate suspension from housing.
Suspension from Housing: Cancellation of a student’s current housing license for a defined period of time.
Suspension from Study Abroad Site: Termination of a student’s participation at a study abroad program.
Dismissal from Housing: Cancellation of a student’s current housing license and permanent exclusion from residing in an Institute residence hall.
Institute Disciplinary Probation: A defined period of time during which further violation of any Institute policy will result in more serious disciplinary sanctions. Institute Disciplinary Probation may also restrict a student from participation in specified Institute activities, as determined by the activity’s sponsoring office or organization requirements.
Transcript Notation: A notation affixed to a student’s transcript indicating their involvement in a disciplinary proceeding. This is a separate sanction beyond the underlying sanctions and, where imposed, will be noted in any decision letter. The notation may be permanent or for a designated time period. Transcript notations include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: (a) Disciplinary Censure; (b) Suspended after the finding of a code of conduct violation; (c) Expelled after the finding of a code of conduct violation. Requests to remove a disciplinary transcript notation should be directed to the Dean of Students.

If a Student respondent withdraws from the Institute with a charge of a violation of the Policy pending, a notation may be made on such student’s transcript that they “Withdrew with conduct charges pending.” If a withdrawing respondent declines to complete the disciplinary process and the Institute elects, in its discretion, to defer scheduling a hearing until the respondent returns to the Institute, the notation of withdrawal will become permanent in the event that the respondent does not return within eighteen (18) months.

Where the conduct found to have violated the Student Conduct Policy also constitutes a “crime of violence” as defined under New York State Education Law § 6444(6) and where the sanction(s) imposed included either a suspension or expulsion, or where a respondent withdraws with such charges pending and the disciplinary process is not completed, the Institute shall impose the transcript notations as described above. In such circumstances, expulsion notations are permanent and suspension notations cannot be removed until at least one year following the conclusion of the suspension.

Suspension from the Institute: Termination of a student’s enrollment and all related student privileges for a specified period of time, including Study Abroad sites and prohibition on participation in any Institute-sponsored event or activity, whether on- or off-campus. A suspended student shall be persona non grata (PNG), prohibiting access or entry to all Institute facilities.
Expulsion from the Institute: Termination of student’s enrollment and all related privileges with permanent exclusion from future enrollment, including Study Abroad sites and a prohibition on participation in any Institute-sponsored event or activity, whether on- or off-campus. An expelled student shall be persona non grata (PNG), prohibiting access or entry to all Pratt facilities. Note: expulsion from the Institute may only be issued following a hearing panel process or in extreme cases by the Dean of Students.
Delay in Awarding Degrees: The Institute reserves the right to delay the awarding of any degree in instances in which there is a pending Student Conduct Process or other ongoing process for an Institute policy violation involving that student.
Withholding Awarding Degrees: The Institute reserves the right to withhold the awarding of any degree due to a responsible finding related to a violation of Institute policy.
Degree Revocation: The Institute reserves the right to revoke a person’s degree if the finding and/or assigned sanction from a Student Conduct Process or other Institute policy violation would have caused the student to be ineligible to receive the degree at the time of the incident.

V. APPEAL

A respondent shall have the right to appeal a decision arising from a conduct conference or panel hearing. Grounds for an appeal are limited to: (1) a material procedural error; (2) previously unavailable and relevant evidence that could affect the outcome; and/or (3) the sanction being substantially disproportionate to the violation.

Unless otherwise specified by the decision maker, imposed sanctions shall be held in abeyance (“stay of sanctions”) until any applicable appeal process has concluded.

The respondent must submit the appeal in writing to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will direct the appeal to an appropriate appeal officer as follows:

For a conduct conference decision not resulting in suspension, the appeal must be submitted within three (3) business days from the date of the decision. The appeal will be reviewed by the Dean of Students, an assigned Conduct Administrator, or conduct panel. The student shall receive a written decision from the appeal officer generally within fifteen (15) business days of the submission of the appeal.

For cases resolved by conduct administrators in the Office of Residential Life & Housing, Athletics, and Student Involvement, and those at the Study Abroad sites, appeals will be reviewed by the Dean of Students or designee. For cases resolved by the Dean of Students, the appeals will be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Affairs, their designee or a different conduct administrator. The student shall receive a written decision from the appeal officer generally within fifteen (15) business days of the submission of the appeal if the appeal goes to an appeal panel it may take a little longer.

For a panel hearing decision, or any decision resulting in suspension or expulsion, the appeal must be submitted within five (5) business days from the date of the decision. Except as provided immediately below, the appeal will be reviewed by the Dean of Students, Vice President for Student Affairs, or a conduct panel. The student shall receive a written decision from the appeal officer generally within fifteen (15) business days of the submission of the appeal.

The appeal shall not consist of a new hearing and will be limited to the documentation considered at the hearing, the written decision, and additional appeal materials submitted by the respondent. The appeal officer may accept the decision without modification; accept the decision but modify the sanction imposed; or remand the case for further proceedings. If the appeal officer accepts the decision without modification or accepts the decision but modifies the sanction imposed, the matter shall be deemed final.

Record Retention

Student conduct records are maintained in accordance with the Institute’s Data Retention Policy. Students may request to view their student conduct records by contacting the Office of the Registrar.

VII: Code of Conduct Annual Review Process

The purpose of this policy is to promote education and procedural fairness for students. The Division of Student Affairs is committed to keeping this policy current and in line with current laws and best practices. The Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, along with student conduct administrators and senior leadership at the Institute, will review the policies and procedures annually and make recommendations for any necessary modifications to the student code of conduct and will engage the Board of Trustees as needed.

Effective Date: August 17, 2025

Supersedes: All Previous Versions of the Student Code of Conduct published August 2024