Student Conduct

St. Bonaventure University is devoted to the Franciscan values of investigation, wonder, knowledge, love, reflection, wisdom, understanding and humility. These values are the core components of our community.

As members of the St. Bonaventure University community, students are expected to act in congruence with not only New York state and federal Laws, but also their own personal values, and the values of our Franciscan tradition.

The Student Code of Conduct provides guidelines to students so they can make informed decisions and understand what they should expect from themselves and others. It is designed to challenge students to further develop high personal standards and virtues while growing in our community.

The judicial process is designed to educate students and encourage them to reflect upon the decisions they make. Sanctioning is intended to enhance student development.

A safe, respectful and happy living and learning community does not happen on its own. It is a mutual agreement between the university and its students, and individual behaviors and actions will have an effect on the sustainability of this community.

As set forth in St. Bonaventure University’s Student Code of Conduct, all St. Bonaventure students have the right:

to be treated respectfully as a member of the university community and be allowed the opportunity to learn, having access to ideas, facts and opinions.
to a fair and impartial academic and judicial hearing process for the review of allegations of misconduct as well as an impartial appeals process.
to an evaluation of academic performance free from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability status, marital status, veteran status and political affiliation.
to expect the university to foster an academic and living environment free from violence, harassment, or physical threats, and for the university to investigate and take appropriate measures against any member of the community who infringes on this.
to expect courteous and professional conduct from university faculty, staff and administration.
to administrative representation by the Student Government Association, comprised of student-elected and appointed representatives.
to reasonable living standards as well as appropriate and timely maintenance of on-campus living accommodations.
to reasonable accommodation and support by university faculty, staff, and administration for students with physical, mental health or learning disabilities.

As set forth in St. Bonaventure University’s Student Code of Conduct, all St. Bonaventure students have the responsibility:

to treat all members of the university community with dignity and respect, and to respect others' personal property.
to recognize and respect the rights of all members of the campus community and refrain from discriminating against anyone on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability status, marital status, veteran status and political affiliation;
to become an active learner, fully engaged in intellectual and human growth;
to cooperate, as best one is able, with all investigations involving violations of the code of conduct and/or crimes committed on campus;
to exercise these rights and responsibilities in a reasonable manner that will not offend or violate the procedures, guidelines, and regulations in the code of conduct.

ARE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO LIVE ON CAMPUS?
Students are required to live on campus their freshman, sophomore and junior years. There are certain exceptions for commuter students and nontraditional aged students. For details, see our Residence Life page.

ARE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO TAKE A MEAL PLAN?
Students living in Robinson, Falconio, Shay, Loughlen, Devereux, and Doyle residence halls are required to take one of three full meal plans (silver, gold or platinum). Students living in the apartments have meal plan options, but are not required to take a full meal plan.

ARE CANDLES PROHIBITED ON CAMPUS?
Candles, even if unlit, and other sources of open flame violate the New York State Fire Code, are strictly prohibited, will be confiscated and the owner will be fined.

WHAT IS THE POLICY ON ALCOHOL?
Students under the age of 21 are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol. Possession means knowingly being in the presence of alcohol or alcoholic beverage containers, regardless of whether they are empty or full. See the Code of Conduct for details.

DO RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS HAVE A CURFEW?
Students do not have a curfew. We encourage healthy sleep and study habits, but students make their own decisions. We suggest that if a student leaves for an overnight or an extended period of time, roommates, friends and/or staff on the floor are told.

CAN STUDENTS HAVE OVERNIGHT GUESTS OR VISITORS?
We hope students will want to share their Bonaventure experience with friends from home. Guests who are not SBU students must register and stay with a student of their same sex. Guests must be escorted at all times by their host. All policies related to guests, visitors and student inter-visitation can be found in the Code of Conduct.

WHAT ARE QUIET HOURS?
Quiet hours in residence halls are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. During those hours, noise levels should be conducive to sleep and study. We have 24-hour courtesy hours, meaning that noise levels should always be at a level that is respectful to others.

HOW ARE POLICIES ENFORCED?
The university respects students’ rights to privacy in their room, apartment or townhouse. However, when staff have reason to believe there is a policy violation, they will address the situation. Most violations of university policy are documented and processed through the Judicial Affairs Office. Oftentimes, violations are discovered by staff from Residence Life and/or Safety and Security Services.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STATE/FEDERAL LAW & UNIVERSITY POLICY?
Our policies are guided in large part by New York state law. However, as a private institution, our policies are separate and not identical to laws. University policies are also deeply rooted in our Franciscan tradition that values respect for self, others and the environment. While every policy is in line with minimum requirements of state and federal laws, our policies often provide detailed definitions that are unique to our university standards and values. University policies related to students are outlined in the Code of Conduct.

WHAT'S THE POLICY REGARDING CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
St. Bonaventure University takes issues of sexual violence on campus very seriously. You can find our extensive policies, procedures, and programs on our Gender-Based & Sexual Misconduct site.

CAN STUDENTS HAVE PETS?
Students are not permitted to have pets. A student requiring a service animal, however, may keep the animal with proper documentation through the Office of Disability Support Services.

WHAT IS THE SMOKING POLICY?
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of the university, including residence facilities and university vehicles, and all outdoor areas of the university's main campus (east and west side) property.

Title IX, gender-based discrimination & sexual misconduct

St. Bonaventure promotes respect for the dignity and integrity of each person. Members of our community, guests and visitors have the right to an environment free from all forms of gender and sex-based discrimination, including acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Members of the university community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. Reports of misconduct are taken very seriously and treated with the utmost care and urgency.

When an allegation of misconduct is brought to an appropriate administrator’s attention, and a responding party is found to have violated this policy, serious sanctions will be applied to reasonably ensure that such actions are never repeated.

For more information on Title IX administrators, policies, resources, confidential assistance and reporting options, click here.

Conduct Issues & Complaints

In keeping with our commitment to cultivating an environment that is respectful of individual dignity, community inclusiveness, and service to others, we have established policies, procedures, and support mechanisms that campus community members may access when they face conduct issues or need to express or file a complaint.

Rob DeFazio

Associate Dean for Student Life

(716) 375-2190

Send an email

Richter Center