COMMUNITY STANDARDS

Alcohol Violations

Misconduct related to alcohol and alcoholic beverages, including the following:

• Use or possession of alcohol, or containers that previously contained alcohol, by individuals under the age of 21 (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction);
• Providing or distributing alcohol to individuals under the age of 21;
• Severe intoxication resulting in disruptive behaviors or concern for the student’s well-being, regardless of age;
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated; 
• Possession of open containers of alcohol in public buildings, parks, beaches, highways, streets, alleys, sidewalks, parkways, and public parking lots (except as specifically authorized by legal authority); and 
• Possession of kegs or other large storage devices, quantity-dispensing containers, or common sources of alcohol (except as specifically authorized by the University), regardless of age;
• Drinking practices or games that encourage participants to consume alcohol or promote intoxication and any paraphernalia that supports such activities, regardless of age;
• Use or possession of alcohol, regardless of age, in any dry or alcohol-free spaces on campus including, but not limited to, all fraternity/sorority houses, and designated areas in the residence halls and academic buildings (except as specifically authorized by the University);
• Possession of open containers of alcohol on University property, in University facilities, or in University vehicles or transportation (except as specifically authorized by the University). Approval for alcohol in outdoor spaces can be obtained through the Events Planning Office at Norris University Center; 
• The use or possession (except as specifically authorized by the University) of alcohol by
  students or their guests in any dry or alcohol-free areas on campus. This includes most
  areas in administrative, athletic, and academic buildings, as well as common spaces
  within on-campus housing facilities, inclusive of fraternities, sororities, and cooperative
  living environments. Exceptions to this policy are available for some spaces and must
  be explicitly authorized via the University’s Alcohol at Undergraduate Events process or
  other approved University policies. Additionally, residents of graduate housing aged 21
  or older are permitted to consume alcohol responsibly in graduate hall common lounges,
  excluding designated children’s play areas.
• Students living on-campus who are 21 years of age or older may consume alcohol in the
  privacy of their personal rooms so long as the only individuals present are at least 21
  years of age, with the exception of the student’s roommates, or in the case of students
  in graduate housing, family members, and the number of individuals present meets the
  occupancy guidelines of the room;
• For students under the age of 21, being present in the personal rooms of any on-campus
  housing in which an alcohol policy violation is occurring, inclusive of fraternities, sororities, and cooperative living environments. Students under the age of 21 are expected to
  leave the location in which the alcohol policy violation is occurring or notify appropriate
  staff members to stop the violation;
• The sale of alcohol on campus without explicit permission from the Events Planning Office at Norris University Center and an Evanston liquor license; and
• Manufacturing alcoholic beverages on University property, premises, or facilities (except
  as specifically authorized by the University) or off-campus by individuals under the age
  of 21.

Students and student organizations who wish to plan an event for undergraduate students at which alcohol is available for individuals over the age of 21 must comply with the Policy Regarding Alcohol at Events for Undergraduates. The University will only authorize events with alcohol within a group housing facility if such events are consistent with the organization’s inter/national policies and processes. Student organizations applying to hold these types of events will be expected to provide documentation of those expectations. Note that the University would share allegations of student organizations violating any substance-free facility policies with the organization’s inter/national governing organization, in addition to investigating any violations of University policy. 

Cannabis Violations

Misconduct relating to cannabis, including the following:

• Possession, use, distribution or cultivation of cannabis on campus or at a University-sponsored event;
• Possession, use, distribution or cultivation of cannabis by those individuals off campus under the age of 21 or above levels determined by Illinois state law;
• Severe cannabis intoxication resulting in disruptive behaviors or concern for the student’s well-being, regardless of age;
• Driving under the influence of cannabis; and
• Being in the presence of the use of cannabis on campus.

“Cannabis” means the parts, products, and derivatives of the plant cannabis sativa, indica, ruderalis and hybrid strains, regardless of the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol level. Federal law prohibits the possession, use, manufacture, cultivation, distribution, and storage of cannabis for any purpose by students, faculty, staff, and visitors on all of Northwestern’s campuses and properties and at University-sponsored events.

Other Drug Violations

• Possession, use, or misuse of illegal drugs or controlled substances (except as expressly permitted by all levels of legal authority);
• Possession, use, manufacturing, or distribution of drug paraphernalia;
• Manufacturing or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances;
• Driving under the influence of any illegal drug or controlled substance; and
• Being in the presence of the use or misuse of illegal drugs or controlled substances on campus.

“Other drug” means illegal drugs and controlled substances, including, but not limited to narcotics, cocaine, heroin, prescription medication, synthetic cannabinoids, and/or any chemical substantially similar to a controlled substance. Resources for students experiencing alcohol and/or drug related concerns or who have alcohol and/or drug related questions can be found here.

Conduct prohibited by Northwestern’s Demonstration and Display & Solicitation Policies. An overview of these policies, including definitions and requirements, is outlined below.

Demonstration Policy

The Demonstration Policy governs parameters for free expression and peaceful demonstration at Northwestern.

For purposes of this Policy, “demonstration” is defined as any public speech or other expressive activity by an individual or group occurring either (i) on or adjacent to Northwestern property or (ii) at University-sponsored events off campus. Examples of demonstrations may include but are not limited to assemblies, picketing, protests, counter-protests, rallies, parades, marches, teach-ins, or sit-ins.

These requirements protect the rights of others:

• No community member or third party may intimidate, threaten to use force, or use force against any community member or third party.
• No community member or third party may deprive (or attempt to deprive) others of the ability to participate in a University activity.
• No community member or third party may prevent or obstruct (or attempt to prevent or obstruct) the speech or other expression of another community member, except that University officials may act consistent with this and other Northwestern Policies to ensure the speech or other expression of community members is consistent with the guidelines in this and other Northwestern Policies, including but not limited to those linked at the bottom of this Policy.
• Placards, banners, signs, and other displays may not impede the participation of those assembled, endanger other community members, or violate University Policies, including but not limited to those linked at the bottom of this Policy. Displays, including but not limited to banners, signs, installations, light projections, and sound amplification are subject to restrictions detailed in the Display and Solicitation Policy.

These requirements protect University operations:

• No community member or third party may disrupt, prevent, or obstruct, or attempt to prevent or obstruct (i) the regularly scheduled activities of the University, such as classes, research, learning, meetings, interviews, ceremonies, emergency services, or operations of the University; (ii) co-curricular activities; (iii) University or public events; or (iv) medical center access or business.
• No community member or third party may use or occupy campus facilities in a manner that impedes University operation of activities or events.
• No community member or third party may obstruct movement around the campus (including but not limited to preventing entrance to or egress from any campus building or campus facility, or obstructing any University-owned and maintained roadway or pathway) unless authorized by a University official.
• On weekdays on the Evanston campus, demonstrations at the Rock may not occur until after 3:00 pm, when most classes in adjacent buildings have concluded. Amplified sound, including the use of bullhorns, loudspeakers, and similar devices, is prohibited on weekdays before 5:00 pm at the Rock and is subject to reservation and approval processes. The tradition of painting the Rock is permitted. Tabling and other events reserved through the University may continue to be held at the Rock at their reserved time. See the Display and Solicitation Policy for additional information on amplified sound, tabling, and other displays.

These requirements ensure the physical safety of community members and third parties and compliance with applicable policies and other rules governing use of University facilities:

• Overnight demonstrations, between 12:00 am/midnight and 6:00 am, are not permitted in any University location regardless of space (indoor or outdoor). All materials associated with a demonstration must be collected and/or removed during the overnight hours. One small camping tent at the Rock will continue to be permitted for guarding and painting it.
• All events and demonstrations are subject to the requirements and limitations of the event or demonstration’s location (e.g., school, college, or facility), including room occupancy and hours of operation. All events and demonstrations must comply with applicable building safety codes and University Policies.
• Demonstrations cannot take place in areas where the presence of participants would compromise physical safety or a reasonable expectation of privacy, or violate laws, regulations, or Northwestern policies (e.g., laboratories and/or other research areas, residential spaces, dining halls).
• These requirements affirm that community members and third parties must comply with direction from Northwestern University Police and other University officials when they (police and officials) are enforcing this Policy and/or other University Policies. The role of Northwestern University Police during a demonstration is to maximize the physical safety and security of community members as well as protect University property.
• Community members and third parties must identify themselves upon request by University officials.
• Community members and third parties must remove placards, banners, signs, installations or other displays that violate this Policy and/or other University Policies upon request by University officials. g. Community members and third parties must leave University locations when instructed to do so by a University official or Northwestern University Police. When possible, participants will be first given a warning to leave unless a physical safety issue prevents that step.

The University may impose additional time, place, and manner restrictions to achieve the purposes of this and other University Policies. Instances in which the University may enact time, place, and manner restrictions include but are not limited to during major University events (e.g., Commencement, sporting events) and in areas of the University where there is a need to balance free expression with the continuity of University operations.

Participants in demonstrations are subject to other Northwestern policies, city ordinances, and state and federal law in addition to this Policy.

Display and Solicitation Policy

The Display and Solicitation Policy governs the parameters for expression through displays and/or solicitation on University property. The policy defines what constitutes a display and sets requirements for the types, locations, and content of displays. Please follow the link for the most up-to-date version: https://policies.northwestern.edu/docs/ display-and-solicitation.pdf.

Display is defined as any sign, flyer, installation, or other material, including but not limited to advertising or informational signs or posters, affixed to or placed on Northwestern’s property. Other examples include banners; chalking; painting; leaflets/handbills; tabling on campus property; and tents, art installations, flags, and other 3D materials with a physical footprint on campus property. Displays also include projection of light onto a campus building and amplification of sound on campus property (e.g., using bullhorns and similar devices, loudspeakers, etc.).

Display Types and Locations

• Flyers can be posted to bulletin boards made available by most academic and other campus buildings. Individuals and groups should consult with relevant schools, departments, or facilities offices for additional guidance and/or restrictions before adding a display to a board that is managed by a specific office. Permitted outdoor locations for flyers are University-provided bulletin boards and kiosks. Flyers may not be affixed to other outdoor locations, including but not limited to trees, benches, fences, lampposts, exteriors of campus buildings, campus sidewalks, and roadways. Every flyer must include the date on which it was posted and/or, if applicable, the date of an upcoming event being promoted.
• Banners to be attached or affixed to University property must be approved and consistent with rules for the specific building or space (e.g., academic department, Residential Services, etc.) or Northwestern University Facilities. Norris Event Management facilitates reservation of banner space between Weber Arch and the Rock. Individuals and/or groups must obtain a reservation from Norris Event Management before displaying a banner at the Arch or trees near the Arch. The banners hung on Weber Arch and affixed to the top of light poles on the Evanston and Chicago campuses are managed by the Office of Global Marketing and Communications. These fixtures are only for official use by University departments. On the Chicago campus, banners hung on light poles must be approved through the City of Chicago. For other banner locations on campus, community members seeking to display a banner must consult with the administrators responsible for the individual location or facility.
• Chalking is permitted on Evanston campus sidewalks that are not covered by any overhangs. Chalking on campus property other than the sidewalk is not permitted, including on building exteriors or other vertical surfaces and on horizontal surfaces covered by permanent structures such as covered walkways, tented entryways, and covered terraces.
• Painting any campus property—other than the Rock, the short wall around the Rock, and lakefront rocks— including any part of the sidewalks, trees, benches, and/or plaza around the Rock, is strictly prohibited. The Rock is an Outdoor Event Space. For more information on painting the Rock, contact Norris Event Management.
• All outdoor tabling activities on campus require a confirmed reservation through the Outdoor Event Request Process. For spaces not included in this process, community members must consult with the administrators responsible for the location or facility and ensure they have documented approval available at the table. More information is available on the Norris Events website. 
• Any installation of a 3D display on University property must be reserved through the Outdoor Event Request Process, whether the installation is meant for art, advertisement, viewpoint expression, demonstration, or another purpose. Outside of University-sponsored events, installation of tents is prohibited. One small camping tent at the Rock will continue to be permitted for guarding and painting it. In addition to reserving space through the Outdoor Event Request Process, students and/or student groups must also provide advance notice to Student Organizations and Activities, or the relevant Student Affairs office in Chicago, for any 3D display. Installations meant for demonstration must comply with the Demonstration Policy.
• The University owns and controls the lighting in and on its buildings and properties. Only authorized University officials are permitted to alter or project light onto University buildings or properties. Requests to alter or project lighting will not be considered.
• The University prohibits sound amplification using any device including bullhorns, loudspeakers, and similar devices that would disrupt operations of the University, including but not limited to classes. Amplified sound is prohibited on weekdays before 5:00 pm at the Rock. At all other times, sound amplification on the Evanston campus requires a space reservation through the Outdoor Event Request Process. In some instances, sound permits may be required from the City of Evanston. While the City of Evanston does not require a permit for bullhorns, their use must adhere to this and other University Policies and cannot disrupt University operations. In Chicago, sound must comply with the Chicago Municipal Code.
• Displays are not allowed on Rebecca Crown Plaza, Technological Institute Plaza, or under the overhangs of any buildings, including but not limited to the Jacobs Center, the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, any part of Weber Arch, and the west main and south ground entrances to Norris Center.
• Individual schools, units, and certain University facilities may have additional display policies that are more restrictive than the Policy set forth here, in which case the more restrictive display policy will apply. Individuals should consult with relevant schools, units, or facilities offices before adding a display in a space that may be under the control of a specific unit (e.g., classroom, residence hall, whiteboard/chalkboard, hallway, door).

Content

• All displays must comply with the University’s Trademark Licensing Policy.
• Prohibited Content Display content that is deemed by the University to be in violation of University Policies, including Use of University Facilities for Political Activities, the Student Code of Conduct, and the Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, is prohibited and may subject the group or individual to disciplinary action.

Display Removal

The University reserves the right to remove displays, including but not limited to between academic terms, in advance of major University events (e.g., Reunion, Commencement), and when they contain prohibited content and/or violate this and other University Policies. Securing a reservation for a display does not indicate that a display is compliant.

A Northwestern student organization, unit, or individual should remove their own displays in a timely fashion. The University may remove flyers after an event has passed and/or after a week from the date of posting. In addition, individuals whose displays damage University property may face disciplinary consequences, including restitution, to restore the property to its normal condition.

Northwestern community members may remove or cover a display under certain circumstances:

• If an event being promoted has passed, then displays may be removed or covered.
• If multiple displays for the same event, organization, or subject are in the same location, then some (but not all) may be removed or covered to make way for others.
• If a display meets the conditions of unapproved solicitation (as discussed below), then displays may be removed or covered.

Solicitation

The policy includes several types of solicitation and sets requirements for solicitation on campus: Third Parties and Solicitation

Northwestern University is a private institution and the University’s property is private property. Persons or groups that are not community members as defined above have no right or privilege to post, engage in, or remove displays on University property as outlined in this Policy, unless they receive the proper sponsorship from a recognized student organization, campus unit, or University official. Violators may be reported to Northwestern University Police. 

Any community member or third party must obtain permission to solicit on campus. Permission must come from the appropriate unit officer or University official responsible for the area or building where the solicitation occurs, as well as observe applicable solicitation policy for that building. Not withstanding anything in this Policy to the contrary, University employees may engage in protected activity under the National Labor Relations Act, except that no employee should: engage in solicitation of any kind during work time or engage in solicitation of any kind targeted at an employee during that employee’s working time. Distribution of materials by employees must only be engaged in during non-working time and in non-working areas. Commercial solicitation is prohibited at the Rock, door to door within University buildings, or in residence halls. Northwestern community members and third parties must comply with the Policy on Use of University Facilities for Political Activities.

Destroying, damaging, defacing, tampering with, or vandalizing property.

Conduct prohibited by Northwestern’s policies on discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, all of which are enforced by the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (NU-OCR). Current versions of these policies can be found in full here. An overview of these policies, including definitions of prohibited conduct, can be found in the NU-OCR policies section of the Student Handbook.

Disorderly conduct or disruptive acts, including the following:

• Significantly interfering with the functioning of the University or a University class, program, or activity.
• Causing or allowing excessive or disruptive noise, including but not limited to violations of residence hall quiet hours or Evanston noise ordinances.
• Urinating or defecating in public view or public space, or in any space not intended for such purpose.

Any action (or threat of action) that endangers or threatens to endanger the health, safety, or wellbeing of any person (including oneself). Severity and/or persistence may be considered. Examples include but are not limited to: 

• Alcohol, cannabis or other drug use resulting in assessment for hospitalization or transport for hospitalization;
• Alcohol distribution resulting in severe intoxication;
• Acts that endanger human life, or threaten physical injury;
• Unwanted physical contact with any person that reasonably places that person in fear of physical injury or danger (e.g., physical restriction, fighting, pushing, punching, slapping, spitting on, and/or kicking any person).

Students are required to comply with the requests, directives, and instructions of University officials acting in performance of their duties. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to: 

• Interfering or refusing to comply with University law enforcement, administrators, faculty, staff, and emergency rescue personnel when they are addressing law or policy violations and health or safety concerns.
• Failing to identify oneself by name and with a photo identification card (Wildcard or government-issued ID) when requested by an authorized University official. University officials must also provide identification if requested by students to do so.
• Refusing to remove or adjust a mask or face covering if requested to do so by an authorized University official for identification purposes.
• Failing to dispose of or relinquish prohibited items when directed to do so by an authorized University official.
• Fleeing the scene of an incident when directed to stay on site by an authorized University official or staying on site when directed to disperse/leave the scene of an incident by an authorized University official.  

Acts that jeopardize the safety or security of the University, the University community, or any University facilities, building, or premises, including intentionally damaging or destroying property by fire or explosives. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Causing, creating, or maintaining a fire or fire hazard; this includes the misuse or unauthorized use of appliances or heating devices prohibited within the residence halls that cause damage, partially or totally, to any University property;
• Misuse or tampering with fire safety equipment, including but not limited to fire alarms, smoke or fire detection devices, emergency call devices, fire exits or doors, automatic sprinkler systems, or extinguishers;
• Failing to immediately exit any facility or building when an emergency or fire alarm or notification has been sounded; this includes hindering, impairing, or stopping the orderly evacuation of any University facility, building, or premises;
• Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or hookahs, in any enclosed University facility, designated smoke-free outdoor area, or within 25 feet of a University facility or building entrance, open window, or ventilation intake system or similar feature; and
• Violation(s) of state or local fire or fire-related ordinances.

Knowingly allowing one’s visitors or guests to violate this Student Code of Conduct or other University policies and/ or failing to monitor the behavior of guests and visitors to assure they adhere to Northwestern policy standards.

Hazing is any intentional or unintentional situation created, or action committed, that:

• a reasonable person would consider to cause mental, physical, or emotional discomfort, and;
• is for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or admission to, or as a condition for continued membership in a group, team, or other organization.

This applies to situations and actions that occur on or off University premises and whether the situation or action is presented as optional or required.  Acceptance or consent by incoming, new, or continuing members of said group, team, or organization does not then authorize the situation or activity to occur. Members in positions of leadership or power within the group, team, or organization who fail to report an act of hazing committed aganist another individual may be held accountable for violating the hazing policy.  

Situations and actions causing mental, physical, or emotional discomfort include, but are not limited to, those encouraging or requiring servitude, degradation, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. A non-exhaustive list of situations or behaviors that would reasonably cause such discomfort is provided below.

Examples:

• Encouraging or requiring individuals to participate in activities that are illegal or unlawful or
  are not consistent with the group’s mission or values, or the policies of the University, including the Student Code of Conduct.
• Servitude or placing another in a position of servitude, including asking, encouraging, or
  requiring a new member to do the tasks of, or to do tasks for, another individual or member,
  or to address members with honorary or formal titles.
• Falsely leading an individual to believe that they will be inducted or initiated by participating
  in particular activities.
• Encouraging or requiring individuals to wear uniforms, costumes, or apparel that is conspicuous or reasonably unsuitable for the given situation.
• Depriving an individual of any privileges of membership or affiliation to which one is entitled.
• Engaging in degrading or humiliating games, activities, stunts; including requiring, encouraging, or expecting individuals to carry, possess, or maintain objects or items.
• Periods of silence, social isolation, or confinement to a small space.
• Kidnapping, road trips, abandonment, scavenger hunts, or any other involuntary excursions.
• Creation of excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, or interference with scholastic activities,
  including late night work sessions, meetings, or sleepovers.
• Taking, withholding, or interfering with an individual’s personal property.
• Removing, stealing, taking, or damaging public or private property.
• Requiring or compelling the consumption of liquid (including alcohol), food, drinks, or other
  substances considered edible or inedible.
• Physical and psychological shocks, including lineups, berating, verbal abuse, threats, and
  name calling.
• Any strenuous physical activity expected of or inflicted upon another, including calisthenics
  or physical training as punishment.
• Prolonged exposure to the elements, including severe or inclement weather.
• Any physical abuse expected of or inflicted upon another, including, but not limited to, whipping, beating, striking, electronic shock, tattooing, branding, placing a harmful substances or
  objects on someone’s body, or similar activity.
• Sexual violations or other required, encouraged, or expected sexual activity, whether actual
  or simulated.
•  

Hazing may violate the Illinois Hazing Act (720 ILCS §5/12C50), carrying penalties of up to three
years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Organizations found responsible by the University for hazing
will be listed in the annual Campus Hazing Transparency Report under the federal Stop Campus
Hazing Act, which mandates public disclosure of the organization’s name, the violation details,
and key dates of the incident, investigation, and findings. This public disclosure does not include
individual student information.

For additional resources and information about hazing, including guidance on how the University determines severity when hazing violations are alleged, visit Northwestern's Hazing Prevention website.

Reporting Hazing

Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Dean of Students Office (847-491-8430), the Office of Community Standards (847-491-4582), or online at www.northwestern.edu/hazing-prevention/reporting/how-to-report/index.html.

An individual who makes a timely good faith report of hazing and/ or participates in good faith in an investigation will not be subject to disciplinary action by the University for conduct or policy violation(s) related to and revealed in the report or investigation (i.e. underage consumption of alcohol or use of drugs), with limited exceptions, such as, if the reporter's own behavior placed the health, safety, or well-being of others at significant risk.  For more information on good faith reporting and its exceptions as noted in the Student Handbook Appendix, see page 7. 

Conduct prohibited by Northwestern’s Housing Policy, which is outlined on page 21 of the Student Handbook.

Misconduct related to University computer, network, or telecommunications systems or resources, including the following:

• Unauthorized use of facilities, services, equipment, account numbers, listservs, or files,
  including but not limited to using University listservs for personal business ventures or
  pranks, using a NetID or account assigned to another user, or providing another user with
  access to your NetID or account;
• Additions to, modifications of, and unauthorized connections to existing University electrical, telephone, data, wireless access points, routers, or television/radio ssignal wiring
  and distribution systems, which will be removed at the student’s expense;
• Reading, copying, changing, deleting, tampering with, or destruction  of another user’s files, software, programs, and accounts (including  monitoring  another  user’s data communications) without permission of the owner;
• Use of University resources to interfere with the work of another student, a faculty member, or a University official, or that otherwise interferes with normal operation of University systems; and
• Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws (including unauthorized downloading or sharing of copyrighted files).

Students must also abide by other University policies regarding computers, networks, or electronic
communications. Links to a full listing of the University’s Information Technology policies are listed
in the Other Policies section on page 54 in the Student Handbook.

Subjecting another person or group to abusive, demeaning, harassing, humiliating, intimidating, threatening, or violent behavior that substantially affects the ability of the person or group to learn, work, or live in the University environment.

Intimidation may occur in person, via written or electronic means, or through a third party. For purposes of this policy, the defined behavior must meet both a subjective standard (i.e., does this person or group believe they were subject to Intimidation that substantially limited their ability to engage in the named ways?) and an objective standard (i.e., would a reasonable person in the same or similar circumstances believe they were subject to Intimidation and react in similar substantially limited ways?). A single severe incident or a pattern of persistent behavior may constitute Intimidation. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Acts of physical violence against any person or group (e.g., slapping, hitting, biting, punching, shoving, kicking, restraining, or spitting at others).
• Using words, symbols, graphics, or other forms of communication to threaten violence against any person or group.
• Throwing, hurling, or firing of projectiles without regard for the safety of others.
• Verbal and/or written abuse or other forms of hostile behavior directed towards another person or group (e.g., insulting, teasing, mocking, degrading, or ridiculing others).
• Deliberately damaging or defacing another’s property, including the desecration of religious objects and places. 
• Using force, threat, or coercion to compel a particular course of action or participation in support of a cause or activity
• Engaging in abusive, demeaning, harassing, humiliating, intimidating or threatening behavior that excludes a student from joining or participating in a student organization 
• Acts of doxing, i.e., publicly revealing someone’s private or personally identifiable information, such as their phone number, home address, or private medical information, online for malicious purposes.
• Abusive behavior toward a university official or agent acting in performance of their duties.

Offensive conduct that does not, by itself, meet the definition of Intimidation under this policy may still be the basis for educational or other non-punitive interventions; the goal of such interventions is to prevent behavior from escalating and becoming a future policy violation.

Conflicts among roommates and suitemates do not typically meet the definition of Intimidation under this policy; resident assistants (RAs) and professional staff in Residential Services are trained in conflict mediation and serve as valuable resources to help students resolve conflicts in their on-campus living environments.  

Misconduct related to the student conduct process (University Hearing and Appeals System) or an Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance investigation, including the following:

• Failing to fully cooperate with a student investigation process, including by individuals with information pertaining to an allegation. Failing to respond to multiple attempts by an administrator to contact or meet with a member of the University community may be considered a refusal to cooperate;
• Knowingly falsifying, distorting, or misrepresenting information during the investigation, hearing, or administration of a student conduct proceeding;
• Filing a report or appeal that lacks good faith or is malicious (i.e., intended to harass or
  cause harm). A complaint made in good faith is not a violation of this policy, even if the
  allegations are later determined to be unfounded.
• Any action that attempts to retaliate against, intimidate, threaten, coerce, discriminate against, or improperly influence any student for reporting alleged violations of policy or concern for the health or safety of a Northwestern community member, assisting another  in making such a report, or participating  in an investigation  or resolution of such matters;
• Unauthorized release or disclosure of information  related to a student conduct proceeding;
• Failure to comply with the sanctions or outcomes imposed for violations of this code or other University policies;
• Failure to comply with the interim actions or informal resolution put in place by a University conduct administrator, including, but not limited to, failure to comply with a no-contact directive.

The University’s “good faith” reporting and participation definitions can be found within the Student Handbook Appendix, under Reports and Initial Inquiry on page 7.

To knowingly affiliate with or provide assistance to any groups, teams, or organizations that have had their University recognition withdrawn, suspended or permanently revoked by the University for disciplinary reasons or not meeting the registered student organization annual requirements is prohibited. The definition of affiliation includes joining, rushing, pledging or being involved in any activity that would normally be associated with being a member of such an organization.

This applies to organizations or social clubs that were created, even under a different name by members of a de-recognized organization, in an attempt to continue its presence in the community. Students perpetuating and/or affiliating with these organizations are subject to disciplinary action.

For a list of student organizations that are currently not recognized by the University due to disciplinary reasons, visit https://www.northwestern.edu/communitystandards/data-statistics/student-organization-conduct-status-report.html.

Acts of fraud, misrepresentation, or dishonesty, including the following:

• Knowingly furnishing false, forged, or inappropriately altered  information to the University, any University official, or emergency response personnel;
• Intentionally misrepresenting the University, any University official, your status at the University or utilizing the University’s brand (name and/or other marks, logos, insignias, seals, designs, and symbols) without permission;
• Possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of identification cards or devices that are false or fraudulent or that misrepresent an individual’s identity, age, or other personal characteristics, including using another individual’s identification;
• Intentionally initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning, or threat emergency or crisis.

• Taking (e.g., stealing, theft) of property or services of another without the permission from the owner;
• Knowingly possessing, selling, collecting, or distributing stolen or misappropriated property, materials, or funds.

Unauthorized presence in, entry to, and access/use of University facilities, property, systems, services or space. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Unauthorized access to athletic fields or facilities, construction sites, or any other University building or property;
• Presence on roofs, balconies, or fire escapes of any University building or facility for any purpose except in cases of emergency;
• Hosting, attending, or participating in an event in University-owned or University-operated facilities, property, or space that violates the policies governing that space, including rules related to occupancy, opening/closing times, or other use restrictions;
• Possessing, duplicating, distributing, or using keys, access codes, access cards, or other means of entry or access to any University property, amenity, premises, or location without authorization; this includes loaning and/or giving one’s own University key/access card to anyone for any reason.

Actions that violate federal, state, or local laws or ordinances or that violate other University policies.

Misconduct related to firearms, weapons of any description, fireworks or explosive devices, or dangerous substances and materials (see listing at www.northwestern.edu/up/docs/Weapons-on-Campus-Policy_5-14-15final.pdf), including the following:

• Possession of any such item on University premises or at University activities or events (except as specifically authorized); and
•  Use or brandishing of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens, causes fear to, or otherwise endangers others.