St. Bonaventure University summarily suspended 28 students today (Sept. 6) for violating the university’s Community Compact that obligates students to abide by COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Students had to sign the compact upon arrival to the university last month.

A large party was held Saturday night at the Garden Apartments on campus, violating the visitor restriction and social distancing policies the university spelled out in its fall semester reopening plan.

“I was hoping we could avoid the missteps other colleges have made,” said Dr. Dennis R. DePerro, university president.

“I want to be clear that I still believe the vast majority of our students have been doing and continue to do what’s necessary to give us the best chance to stay in session until Thanksgiving. That’s why this is so upsetting,” DePerro said. “These students prioritized their own self interests over the collective interests of their classmates and the campus community.”

The students must turn in their keys and ID cards and leave campus by 7 p.m. today. Students will remain enrolled in their courses but cannot attend class in person until the judicial and appeal processes are concluded.

During an interim (summary) suspension, a student is denied access to all campus facilities — including but not limited to academic buildings, residence halls, library, dining facilities, and sporting events — and any university-sponsored functions. Judicial hearings will be conducted this week.

The university may impose interim sanctions up to and including a summary suspension upon notification of alleged violations where the interim sanctions are advisable to protect and maintain the safety of the university community.