Rider University Code of Social Conduct

Rider University has adopted a code of social conduct that establishes rules and regulations that dictate how students and visitors to the institution are required to behave while on campus, including residence halls. The Lawrence Township Criminal Lawyers that make up the defense team at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have obtained a copy of these rules for your guidance and assistance. If you or your child has been charged with a criminal offense or are the subject disciplinary charges by the university, we encourage you to contact our Lawrenceville Office at 609–683–8102. Initial consultations with an attorney at the firm are free. The following is the Rider University Code of Social Conduct:

Section One

Personal Integrity– Integrity is expected of each student in his or her interactions with other members of the campus community. Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated and is not permitted. This section of the Code of Social Conduct pertains to personal integrity on the part of students. The following actions are prohibited:

1.1 Personal Misrepresentation – Knowingly misrepresenting oneself or others either in person or on any document or instrument; knowingly submitting falsehoods about oneself for personal benefit or for use in documents; knowingly manufacturing or altering any documents or instruments including identification cards; the false use of any documents or instruments. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 5.)

1.2 Misrepresentation of Items or Services– Knowingly misrepresenting items or services to deceive another, to ridicule another or to gain personal benefit from another’s ignorance or naiveté. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 4.)

1.3 Failure to Produce Identification– Refusal to show proper identification(s) to authorized personnel in the performance of their duties, or the inability to show identification(s) as a result of failing to carry/possess identification. Proper identification for Rider students is defined as the Rider University ID card. (Consequences may range from levels 3 to 5.)

1.4 Misuse of Identification Card– Transferring or lending one’s ID card to another person to obtain dining privileges or for any other reason. Any other improper use of the ID card. (Consequences may range from levels 4 to 5.)

1.5 Solicitation Without a Permit– Non-compliance with the University’s solicitation policies. See page 107. (Consequences will be at level 5.)

1.6 Violation of Law– Violation of federal, state or local laws. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 5.)

Section Two

Individual Interaction– Respect for the dignity, rights and personal safety of the individual is expected from all members of the campus community. The following actions are prohibited:

2.1 Attempted or Actual Physical Abuse/Restraint of University Personnel– Any action designed to result in injury to or restraint of University personnel, while in the performance of their duties, by attempted or actual use of force; or the attempted or actual touching of another in a manner intended to be offensive and/or threatening. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 2.)

2.2 Attempted or Actual Physical Abuse/Restraint Committed with Force, or with Objects Used in an Offensive Manner– Any use of force on another with the intent to cause serious injury, or any attempted or actual abuse/restraint committed with an object used in a seriously offensive manner. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 2.)

2.3 Reckless Endangerment– Any conduct which is marked by utter thoughtlessness or disregard for oneself or others and provides a substantial risk to persons or property. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 3.)

2.4 Attempted or Actual Physical Abuse/Restraint of Another– Any action designed to result in injury to or restraint of another by impending or actual use of physical means, or the attempted or actual touching of another in a manner intended to be offensive and/or threatening. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 3.)

2.5 Failure to Comply/Interference with or Obstruction of University Personnel in the Performance of Their Duties– Failing to comply with policies/directives issued by University personnel in the performance of their duties including, but not limited to, Public Safety officers, Residence Life staff, Bart Luedeke Center managers and assistants, pub managers, with the intent to or which results in obstruction or interference with their duties. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 4.)

2.6 Hazing– Within the context of a person(s) attempting to join, or retain “membership” in a group or organization: any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally risks the mental, psychological or physical well-being of a student with or without the consent of the student; which requires or encourages violation of public law or University policy; or which may tend to ridicule, mistreat, degrade, humiliate or harass any individual. Hazing also is a violation of New Jersey law and could result in criminal prosecution. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 4 and may include withdrawal of recognition by the University of a Greek or student organization or group.)

2.8 Disorderly Conduct– Conduct which may provide a clear threat to another’s well-being, disrupt the orderly functioning of the University, or disturb another. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 5.)

2.9 Indecent Conduct– Conduct or utterances marked by extreme disregard for the feelings and values of another by utter lack of respect for acceptable community standards or by the causing of serious discomfort or embarrassment to any member of the University community. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 4.)

2.10 Anti-Discrimination/Harassment/Sexual Assault/Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment– Students should refer to Rider’s Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy at www.rider.edu/thesource for information regarding harassment, discrimination, sexual assault, sexual misconduct and sexual harassment complaints.

Section Three

Property– Respect for property belonging to an individual, a group or the University is a prime requisite for any individual who is a member of the community. The following actions are prohibited:

3.1 Attempted or Actual Abuse or Unauthorized Use of the Computer–

1. Giving or gaining unauthorized access to computing resources; unauthorized use of computer space.
2. Unauthorized duplication, downloading or distribution of copyrighted material (software, MP3s, authored literature, etc.) using the University network or a University computer. For a thorough explanation of student responsibilities, see page 102, under “Rights and Responsibilities of Users of the Rider University Computer Network.”
3. Deliberate, unauthorized alteration or destruction of any computer resource, system, or network, including but not limited to programs known as “viruses.”
4. Using the University network or a University computer to gain unauthorized access to, or to bypass security measures of any computer resource.
5. Forging electronic communications to make them appear to originate from another person.
6. Using the University network or email to harass, threaten, or intimidate any person. (See Also Section 2.10 – Harassment)
7. The use of University computing resources for commercial solicitation and/or economic benefit. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 3.)

3.2 Attempted or Actual Misappropriation of Property– Attempted/actual unauthorized taking or possessing of property without intent to return to owner. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 5.)

3.3 Unauthorized Use of Property – The use of property belonging to another without the permission of the owner(s) or the person(s) responsible for the property. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 5.)

3.4 Unauthorized Possession or Use of a Master Key or Other Unlocking Device – The unauthorized possession or use of a master key, skeleton key, key to another’s room, apartment or area, or other unlocking tool. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 4.)

3.5 Vandalism– Attempted/actual physical abuse, destruction or defacement of property belonging to another which impairs its utility or diminishes its material or aesthetic value. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 5.)

3.6 Attempted or Actual Unauthorized Entry or Presence– Attempted/actual unauthorized and/or unjustified entry or presence in a room, area, or facility and/or the unauthorized propping open of exterior building doors designed or intended to remain closed. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 5.)

3.7 Littering– Disposing of litter, garbage or other debris in other than authorized containers. (Consequences at level 5.)

Section Four

Public Safety– Preserving the safety of the students, faculty and administrative staff as well as visitors to the campus is one of the paramount duties of the University. Responsible membership in the community is exemplified in close attention to the safety of one’s fellow members. The following acts are prohibited:

4.1 Threatened or Actual Use of Explosives– The written or spoken threat of damage or harm by the use of any explosive device, or the actual use of any explosive device. Note:The term “explosive device” as it is used here does not include those smaller explosives generally sold or known as “fireworks.” See

Section 4.10. (Consequences at level 1.)

4.2 Discharge of a Firearm– Unauthorized discharge of a firearm (as defined by New Jersey statutes). (Consequences at level 1.)

4.3 Use of a Weapon– Attempted/actual unauthorized or offensive/reckless use of any weapon (as defined by New Jersey statutes) or any object used as a weapon. See Section 4.7 for a list of possible weapons included. (Consequences at level 1.)

4.4 Setting of Fire– Deliberately attempting or actually setting a fire which may provide substantial risk of damage to person(s) or property. (Consequences at level 1.)

4.5 Deliberate Activation of a False Fire Alarm– Attempted/actual unauthorized deliberate activation of a fire/smoke alarm by any means. (Consequences at level 1.)

4.6 Destruction and/or Abuse of Fire/Smoke Alarm– Attempted/actual intentional destruction or abuse of an alarm system so that all or any part of it is rendered totally or substantially inoperable. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 3, with a $100 fine for the first offense and removal from residency for the second offense.)

4.7 Possession of a Weapon– Unauthorized possession of a firearm or any other object designed to be commonly seen or used as a weapon (as defined by New Jersey statutes), regardless of whether the weapon is actually operable. Note: This provision includes possession of axes, hatchets, large knives, antique weaponry, BB, pellet or paintball guns, bows and arrows, brass knuckles, martial arts weaponry, among other objects. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 4.)

4.8 Emergency Evacuation– Failure or delay – Refusal to evacuate a building or area during a fire alarm; intentional delay in evacuation; or causing or attempting to cause another to be delayed in evacuating an area during a fire alarm. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 3, with a $100 fine for the first offense and removal from residency for the second offense.)

4.9 Misuse of Emergency Vehicles and Equipment–

1. Attempted/actual vandalism of emergency vehicles including public safety vehicles.
2. Delaying or incapacitating of emergency vehicles.
3. Attempted/actual misuse or abuse of fire hoses.
4. Partial or total discharge of fire extinguishers.
5. Misuse or abuse of any other emergency/safety equipment. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 3.)

4.10 Possession, Distribution or Use of Fireworks/Ammunition– Possession, distribution or use of “fireworks” or other similar explosives including live ammunition. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 4.)

4.11 Fire Safety Violations/Fire Hazard– The reckless blocking of exits, the possession and/or burning of candles, incense, or similar open-flame-producing items, the unsafe and/ or unauthorized storage of flammable materials, smoking in unauthorized areas, operating appliances which are not in compliance with the residence policies, the making of or using a bonfire/campfire, hoverboards, or the creation or maintenance of other unsafe or hazardous conditions. (Consequences may range from levels 2 to 4.)

Section Five

Health/Drugs and Abuse– The freedom and well-being of the community rests in the control exercised by each of its members. Abuse or loss of control endangers the freedom of the community and the health of the individual. The following are prohibited by this section:

5.1 Intended or Actual Making, Selling and/or Distribution of Illegal Substances– Making, growing, distributing, sharing, or selling illegal or synthetic substances (as defined by New Jersey statutes) and/or the possession of illegal or synthetic substances with the intent to make, distribute, share or sell such substances. (Consequences at level 1.)

5.2 Unauthorized Possession and/or Use of Harmful and/or Illegal Substances– Unauthorized possession, use, or knowingly being in the presence of inhalants, illegal drugs, designer drugs labeled as bath salts, or narcotics (including but not limited to marijuana, LSD, Ecstasy, GHB, or any other illegal substance as defined by either state or federal statute). Possession or use of prescription drugs belonging to another. Also, being under the influence of any such substance while in a public place. NOTE: Although New Jersey state law permits the use and/or cultivation of medical marijuana in limited circumstances, federal laws prohibit such use, possession, and/or cultivation. Accordingly, the use, possession, and/or cultivation of marijuana (medical or otherwise) is a violation of this section. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 2).

5.3 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Intended for Use with Illegal Drugs– Possession of drug paraphernalia (including bongs, pipes, filters, cigar blunts, etc.) on University premises for the purpose of using such items with illegal or synthetic substances. (Consequences may range from levels 1 to 3.)

5.4 Alcohol Policy Violation/Misuse of Alcoholic Beverages– Students should refer to Rider University’s website for the latest information regarding this code violation; www.rider.edu/currentstudents.