Judicial Affairs

Table of Contents

About Judicial Affairs
Student Judicial Process
Academic Integrity
Forms
Background Checks
Judiciaries and Advocacy

About Judicial Affairs

The policies of Tufts University are designed to protect your ability to pursue an education and social life in a reasonable environment. The University’s code of conduct and policies define the standards for many aspects of community participation, both academic and social. But much that determines whether or not your experience here is satisfactory and enjoyable will be determined by good judgment—both your judgment and that of others.

The judicial affairs system offers mechanisms to address many issues, including informal resolution, alternative dispute resolution (mediation or arbitration), and fact-finding hearings. Issues include academic integrity, harassing behavior, violations of the code of conduct, and complaints against organizations. Anyone who feels that the behavior of others is problematic is welcome to bring the issue to the Judicial Affairs Officer.

Veronica Carter is the Judicial Affairs Officer. Her office is located in the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs Dowling Hall, Room 701, and her contact number is 617-627-3158.

Student Judicial Process

The Student Judicial Process applies to complaints or allegations about the behavior of undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering. It also addresses complaints against student organizations. This is including but not limited to issues concerning misconduct, academic integrity and the responsible use of the University’s electronic resources. The processes described in this booklet are here to protect you if you have been subjected to the behavior of other members of the community that you believe violates the community standards of behavior.

Student Judicial Process Handbook

Sexual Misconduct Adjudication Process (REVISED)

***Please note, the published version of the Student Judicial Process Handbook will be available shortly.  Please use above version until the published version is available.  (Updated 10/08/10)

Academic Integrity

Tufts holds its students strictly accountable for adherence to academic integrity. The consequences for violations can be severe. It is critical that you understand the requirements of ethical behavior and academic work. The Academic Integrity booklet provides a primer on ethical academic work. It also includes a description of computer ethics and the appropriate use of electronic resources. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the standards and policies outlined in this booklet. Alleged violations of these policies will be considered and addressed within the Student Judicial Process.

Forms

NOTE: All forms must be filled out in accordance with the instructions of the Judicial Affairs Officer, and a hard copy must be returned to the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.

Notice of Complaint
Respondent’s Statement

Background Checks

All requests for academic and disciplinary information regarding students or alumni must be made through the Judicial Affairs Officer. No information can be released (either by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs or the Registrar’s Office) without first being authorized by the Judicial Affairs Officer.

If you are conducting a background investigation on a current or former student, please fax a copy of a release form (signed by the individual authorizing the release of his/her information) to the attention of the Judicial Affairs Officer. The fax number is (617) 627-3059.

When the request and authorization form are received, you will be contacted by our office to make an appointment for you to come in. The Judicial Affairs Officer will prepare the requested information and, after checking your credentials, will release the information. The Judicial Affairs Officer is not able to make an appointment on the same day the information is received. If you come directly to campus without first sending over the information, you will be asked to drop the release form off and make an appointment to return another day.

If you have any questions concerning this policy, please contact the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs at (617) 627-3158. For Tufts University's policy concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, please consult our notification of student rights under FERPA.

Judiciaries and Advocacy

For more information on campus judiciaries and advocates, including updated lists of their members, please visit the following sites:

Office Staff
Veronica Carter, Judicial Affairs Officer

  Dean of Student Affairs, Dowling Hall 7th Floor, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155  |  Tel: (617) 627-3158  |  Email