Conduct Issues and Complaints

St. Bonaventure University cultivates a campus environment that is respectful of individual dignity, community inclusiveness, and service to others. In service to this commitment, 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.

The documents referenced on this page provide the text of codes and policies relating to student and non-student conduct at St. Bonaventure University.

Should you have any questions about your circumstance, Dr. Gary Ostrower, St. Bonaventure University Ombuds Officer, can provide clarification on any of the resources available here and also offer guidance on any challenges or conflicts you may be facing.

Go to Ombuds Officer website.
 

Conduct at St. Bonaventure University 

The links below provide access to codes and policies relating to student and non-student conduct at St. Bonaventure University. The first form (Silent Witness Program) allows community members to report code violations to the proper authorities. 

1. Silent Witness Program  

This online form is used to report a crime on campus to the Security Office.

2. Code of Conduct  

The Code of Conduct previously was identified as “The Student Handbook.” The code’s table of contents provides a detailed list of topics found in its 34 pages and its 24 appendices.

3. Protection of Minors Policy  

St. Bonaventure University is committed to the protection of minors on campus and during all University-sponsored events through a combination of formal policy, training, education and appropriate response to complaints and credible suspicion of abuse.

4. Discrimination and Harassment Policy, Procedures, and Glossary: CODAH, Advocacy Officers

This includes information about university policy, as well as the mechanisms for resolving complaints by use of the Committee on Discrimination and Harassment (CODAH), and the Advocacy Officers (see p. 7) who investigate charges of discrimination or harassment.

5. Governing Documents   

This page directs the reader to more than 75 separate policies at SBU relating to academic and non-academic matters. The page includes subjects as varied as AIDS policy, casual dress policy, confidentiality and security, equal employment and educational opportunity, gender inclusive language, as well as academic integrity and academic dismissal, and student appeals.

6. Grievance Committee Procedures (from Governing Handbook)

The Grievance Committee addresses offenses identified by members of the SBU community. “An offense is a (i) violation of a policy, a procedure, or a less formal norm of operation, or (ii) an inequitable application of these policies, procedures, or norms.

The board protects individuals involved in university-related research projects. (This link accessible only to those with access to the intranet site my.sbu.edu: SBU students, faculty and staff.)

8. Ombuds Office  

The university ombuds officer hears complaints, seeks to solve routine problems, mediates disputes, and facilitates conflict resolution at SBU.

9. Diversity Action Committee 

The committee assesses all aspects of diversity on the SBU campus, including academic and non-academic issues related to racial, religious, ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation. The committee sponsors workshops to address diversity and makes recommendations to facilitate respect for differences. Contact: Professor Robert Amico, committee chair, at ramico@sbu.edu or 716-375-2292

Federal Legislation Relating to Campus Life 

10. Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 

SBU's policy regarding FERPA is found on pages 14-17 in the Code of Conduct.

11. Americans With Disabilities Act (1990)  

12. Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) Fact Sheet  

13. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Connection  

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was amended in 1992 to make it consistent with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

14. The Higher Educational Act  

Reauthorized in 2008, this mandates information about university policies and services.

15. Title IX of Educational Act of 1972: Letter from U.S. Department of Education, April 4, 2011:

Title IX mandates equality in respect to university programs and facilities, including athletic facilities, for males and females. See also: Amendments of 1972.

16. SBU Title IX flow Chart 

17. Jeanne Clery Act of 1998 regarding security on campus: Summary    Text