College Policies

Title IX, Nondiscrimination, and Anti-harassment Policy

Overview

The College’s Title IX, Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy identifies and defines discrimination, harassment and retaliation (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Prohibited Conduct”), the procedures for reporting Prohibited Conduct, and the process that will be used to respond to allegations of Prohibited Conduct. Please visit here for a full copy of the Title IX, Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy: https://assets.sfc.edu/content/uploads/Title-IX-Non-Discrimination-and-Anti-Harassment-Policy-2024-2025.pdf.

St. Francis College will act on all notices of allegations of Prohibited Conduct. It will take necessary measures to end conduct that is in violation of the Title IX, Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effect on individuals and the community. Within any process related to the Title IX, Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, the College provides reasonable accommodations consistent with state and federal law.

Situations involving other conduct that may be in violation of other student or employee conduct policies should be reported to Student Affairs for matters involving students, or Human Resources for matters involving faculty or staff. Situations involving other conduct relating to nonaffiliates should be reported to Campus Security at security@sfc.edu.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

St. Francis College does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination against any individual based on any category protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Accordingly, the College does not discriminate, and strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law. When brought to the attention of the College, any such discrimination will be appropriately addressed by the College according to the procedures below and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The protections in the Title IX, Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy apply regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction.

How to Make a Report to the College

All complaints of violations of the Title IX, Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy will be taken seriously and in good faith. The Title IX Coordinator will provide information and guidance regarding how to file a complaint with the College and/or local law enforcement, as well as information and assistance about what course of action may best support the individual(s) involved and how best to address the complaint. Every reasonable effort will be made to maintain the privacy of those making a report to the extent possible. In all cases, the College will consider the party bringing forward a report with respect to how the matter is pursued. The College may, when necessary to protect the community, initiate an investigation or take other responsive actions to a report, even when the person identifying a concern chooses not to participate in a resolution process and/or requests that the College not initiate an investigation. 

Employees, students, guests, or visitors who believe that this policy has been violated should promptly contact the Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Bill Boerner Phone: 650-383-4753 ext. 158 Email: billboerner@sfc.edu or titleix@sfc.edu, Reporting Form

Social Media Policy

Please visit here for a full copy of the Social Media Policy: https://assets.sfc.edu/content/documents/SFC-Social-Media-Policy-FINAL-2024-8-23.pdf 

SFC ID card and Email Policy

Please visit here for a full copy of the SFC ID Card and Email Policy: https://mysfc.sfc.edu/mysfc/mysfc_campus_portal/download_file?file=22279c39-76a3-486d-84b2-023d9809ae55.

SFC Campus Events and Approval Policy

Please visit here for a full copy of the SFC Campus Events and Approval Policy: https://assets.sfc.edu/content/uploads/SFC-Campus-Events-and-Approval-Policy-8.26.24_2024-08-27-191424_yhkx.pdf.

College Posting Policy

To promote communication College-wide and preserve the appearance of the campus, the Office of Student Affairs established the College Posting Policy. Note: This policy applies to all the bulletin boards and other spaces created for displaying promotional materials on the St. Francis College campus. The only bulletin boards/display spaces that are exempt are those controlled by academic or other College departments including the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Any club or organization wishing to post in the residence hall spaces must contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing.

  1. All posters (including materials of any kind such as fliers, brochures, ½ sheets, etc.) must have the Office of Student Affairs approved- stamp. The stamp must be easy to read on the poster and the date must be clear. Posters must be brought to the Office of Student Affairs to be stamped by a member of the staff. Hanging posters is the responsibility of the person/group sponsoring the poster. Each poster requires an original stamp. Posters without stamps will be immediately removed.
  2. The date on the stamp is the date on which the posters must be taken down. Individuals and offices that hang posters are responsible for taking down posters after they have passed the stamped date.
  3. Posters cannot exceed two feet by three feet (2’x3’) in size.
  4. Only two posters per event or posting will be permitted on each bulletin board/display space.
  5. Posters are only permitted on bulletin boards and designated display spaces by using push pins (No Tape) and campus provided frames. Posters are not permitted on walls, windows, doors, etc.
  6. Posters will not be approved if they contain incorrect information or if they are inconsistent with St. Francis College’s standards and policies. In addition, posters must provide duplicate information in English when another language is used.
  7. Posters advertising events where alcohol will be served are not permitted.
  8. People wishing to advertise housing must list their information with Office of Residence Life and Housing. Office of Student Affairs will not stamp fliers for housing.
  9. Quarter-sheets must be approved by the Office of Student Affairs before being distributed

Club Formation Policy

The College fosters a vibrant community life and student experience that supports the mission of the College and development of the whole student. This policy establishes required procedures students must follow to form a student club that is recognized by the College. Recognition by the College must first be obtained before student clubs can utilize College facilities, raise and receive funds, and organize and sponsor on-campus activities. The Club formation review process may take several weeks to complete, and students should plan and prepare accordingly.

To learn more about the Club Formation Policy: https://assets.sfc.edu/content/documents/Club-Creation-Policy-Final-8.7.24-NE-1.pdf.

Locker Policy

Lockers are available for all full-time, matriculated students. You must provide your own lock. You are not required to have a locker. They are made available for daily usage and are used at your own risk. All lockers must be cleaned out at the end of each academic semester. The College is not responsible for lost and/or stolen items. All lockers are the exclusive property of the College, we reserve the right to open lockers for any emergency, safety or maintenance purpose.

Visitor and Vendor Policy 

The College’s Visitor policy is located here: https://www.sfc.edu/student-life/safety-and-security/visitor-policy. Visitors and vendors must follow applicable SFC policies including, but not limited to, those related to health and safety, which may be amended from time to time.

Weapon Free Campus Policy 

The College is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our community and our guests. In support of this commitment, SFC strictly prohibits the use or possession of any Weapon or Simulated Weapon by any person in and/or around any and all College facilities (whether academic, residential, or other) regardless of whether the bearer or possessor is licensed to carry that weapon. Weapons or Simulated Weapons include but are not limited to instruments used to inflict physical harm, which are intended to inflict harm, or that could reasonably cause fear of infliction of harm, and any item that may be deemed weapons under applicable law and by College security.

SFC is a “weapon free zone”. With regard to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, which struck down a New York State law governing the carrying of firearms outside the home, we want to assure the campus community that the ruling has no impact on the College’s own rules, which prohibit the presence of firearms and other weapons on campus. As a private educational institution, the College reiterates that firearms and all other Weapons or Simulated Weapons, as defined herein, are strictly prohibited on campus and/or around any and all College facilities (whether academic, residential, or other).

All bags are subject to random security checks to ensure compliance with this policy.

Missing Student Notification Policy and Procedures 

The College is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for its students and has created the following procedures to be followed in the event a student is reported or believed to be missing.

Anyone who has reason to believe that a student may be missing should immediately contact:

Main Campus: 
Natasha Edwards,
Dean of Students, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs
Email: nedwards2@sfc.edu, 
Phone: 718-489-5220

Residence Hall:
Camille Shipman-McQueen
Assistant Dean for Residence Life & Student Conduct
Email: sfcreslife@sfc.edu
Phone: (718) 489-2044

Security: 
Phone: 718.489.2100 or 718.489.2105
Email: security@sfc.edu

The Dean of Students (or a designee) will investigate each report and make an informed determination as to whether the student is considered missing in accordance with this policy. This investigation may include, without limitation: (i) contacting the student’s cell phone or campus phone; (ii) speaking with the student’s friends, and any other known associate(s) (iii) reviewing the student’s class schedule, and access card history; and (iv) undertaking whatever other action is deemed appropriate, under the circumstances, to be in the best interest of the suspected missing student.

If the Dean of Students or a designee determines appropriate, the Dean of Students may contact, the College’s local precinct, New York City Police Department’s 84th Precinct. Additionally, the Dean of Students or designee may notify the student’s confidential emergency contact. If the student is under the age of 18 and not an emancipated minor, the College will also contact the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Nothing in this policy prevents the College from contacting other individuals if deemed necessary to the investigation, or otherwise appropriate under the circumstances.

Drug Free Policy and Resources  

Overview

The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances, prescription medication, and/or alcohol by students is prohibited on the College’s property, student-occupied housing, or any other property on which a College activity takes place, or as part of any of the College’s activities. Violation of this policy shall be addressed in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Violations may result in disciplinary sanctions including but not limited to expulsion from the College. All students are further advised that the College, in addition to imposing its own penalties, may refer violations to law enforcement.

Smoking and usage of cannabis and any tobacco product is prohibited by all persons in and/or around any and all College facilities (whether academic, residential, or other). Tobacco products include but are not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smoking devices including by not limited to e-cigarettes and vapes, chewing tobacco, and other smoking paraphernalia, as well as tobacco-related promotion and advertising.

Students should take specific note that, despite the recent passage of the New York State Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (“MRTA”), the use, possession, or sale of cannabis on College property remains strictly prohibited.  Although the MRTA changes the way New York State regulates cannabis, using and possessing cannabis in any form remains a crime under federal law. Specifically, New York colleges and universities remain bound by their federal requirements under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act. Failure to comply with federal law may result in termination of all forms of federal financial assistance, including federal student financial aid grants. Therefore, students may not, under any circumstances, use, possess, or sell cannabis on College property. Students in violation of this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs Available to Students

The resources listed below are local agencies that offer treatment and rehabilitation programs to the general public. Students who believe that they may benefit from any such services can contact these third parties directly. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement of any particular organization.  

⦁ Local Police (84th Precinct) and Emergency Assistance - Call 911
⦁ Daytop Village: (212) 904-1500
⦁ Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline
⦁ Neighborhood Counseling Center: (718) 339-4777
⦁ SAFE Horizon: (212) 577-7700

For additional information, please contact The National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline, 1- 800-662-4357, an information and referral service that distributes Department of Education publications about drug and alcohol prevention programs.

In addition, the College’s Counseling Center, 718-489-5335, and 718-489-2035, maintains literature and other materials concerning drug and alcohol abuse treatment resources frequently used by students in the vicinity of the College. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable in-house resource with the assurance that any inquiry will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Policy on Access to Student Records (FERPA)  

All College employees are obligated to protect the privacy rights of student educational records Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, students have the right to:

  • Review and inspect their own education record
  • Request an amendment to their own education record
  • Provide, at their election, prior written consent to any disclosure of education records to external parties, except where otherwise authorized without prior consent under FERPA.

To learn more about FERPA visit the College’s website at http://www.sfc.edu/student-life/registrar/ferpa. The Office of the Registrar is responsible for managing and maintaining student records.

Housing Policies 

Students living in residential facilities owned, leased, or controlled by the College are required to comply with Housing Policies set out on the Residence Life website. Failure to comply with these Housing Policies may constitute a violation of the code of conduct and subject students to disciplinary action.

The Residence Life Handbook can be found here: https://assets.sfc.edu/content/uploads/SFC-FOUND-Residence-Life-Handbook-9.29.20221.pdf

The Terms and Agreements can be found here: https://assets.sfc.edu/content/uploads/2023-2024-Terms-and-Occupancy-Agreement-FINAL.pdf

SFC Policy Regarding Copyright, Intellectual Property, And File-Sharing 

The College Copyright, Intellectual Property, and File-sharing Policy creates guidelines regarding the use of copyrighted materials. https://assets.sfc.edu/content/documents/policy/marketing-comm/Copyright-Intellectual-Property-and-File-sharing-Policy.pdf.

Electronic Use Policy 

Misuse or abuse of the College computer system, voice mail or telephone services by the College is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Unauthorized use or abuse of a student’s computer account, including failure to safeguard User IDs and passwords.
  • Sending abusive or threatening messages to students, faculty, or staff. Repeatedly sending messages with no appropriate intent.
  • Accessing a student or staff account without authorization
  • Using a College office email account to send messages without authorization. Failure to comply with College technology policies.
  • Illegal use including but not limited to illegal downloading, uploading, or use of file sharing programs with regard to copyrighted materials.

Additional IT Policies

Additional policies concerning IT are located here: https://mysfc.sfc.edu/mysfc/mysfc_campus_portal/_/technology.

On Campus Credit Card Marketing Policy 

The College strictly prohibits the advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit, debit, or similar payment or finance cards to students on the College’s campus. This includes posting or distributing applications, posters, handbills, fliers, and signage in College facilities. During the year, banks or lending agencies may set up tables outside the College for purposes of promoting their credit cards and distributing credit card applications to students. The College does not encourage or authorize this activity but cannot control what occurs on a public sidewalk. Students are reminded to carefully consider any promotions or “giveaways” offered in connection with the completion of a credit card application. Such promotions are NOT “free money!!” Every time you use a credit card, you are, in effect, taking out a loan with a very high interest rate — often at least 18%! Credit card debt can mount quickly and the long-term negative consequences to a student’s financial well-being and credit rating can become very serious. Questions and requests for more information on credit management can be addressed by the Student Financial Services Offices (718) 489-5346.

Maintenance of Public Order

Please visit this page for a full copy of the Maintenance of Public Order Policy: https://www.sfc.edu/why-sfc/office-of-institutional-effectiveness-accreditation/consumer-information