The intent of our office is to uphold student rights and develop students’ ability to make responsible decisions in order to maintain mutual respect, integrity, and an environment where all students can effectively pursue their educational goals. Programs and services are student-centered, promote accountability, and are aimed to enhance students' overall academic and social experience at Rensselaer.
Rensselaer's approach to the judicial process is one that is intended to be educational rather than punitive. The Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities sets forth the Student Bill of Rights along with the national, state and city laws and Rensselaer policies that guide Institute and judicial actions in support of Rensselaer student success.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
All Rensselaer students are expected to comply with the rules and regulations set forth in the Handbook, as well as with the requirements in other Institute policies and rules. Compliance with the requirements of this Handbook includes conditions of occupancy for all residents in campus housing and contractual terms in room and board contracts. It is each student’s responsibility to be familiar with the contents of this Handbook, and other policies of the Institute.
- Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities Rev. August 28, 2024
- Graduate Student Supplement to Handbook
- Revised Alcohol and Other Drug Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Community Health and Safety Agreement
Previous Handbook Editions:
Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities Rev. May 22, 2023; Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities Rev. January 25, 2021; Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities Rev. August 21, 2020; Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Rev. Aug 14, 2019; Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Rev. May 19, 2019; Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Rev. May 19, 2019; Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Rev. Nov 2017; Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities: 2014-2016.
Student Judicial Process
The Student Judicial System is an unbiased process used to review and resolve reported student violations of the Grounds for Disciplinary Action (GDA) and/or other Institute policies and regulations. The judicial system provides opportunities for all involved parties to be heard and actively be involved in the resolution of the concern. More information about the Student Judicial System can be found in the “Components of the Judicial System” section of the Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Please note that the Student Judicial System does not review reported violations of the Institute’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. More information about Sexual Misconduct Policy complaint process can be found below.
All complaints of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, and stalking, are investigated and adjudicated pursuant to the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy of Rensselaer, NOT the Student Judicial System. For more information about reporting sexual misconduct, visit the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Adviser and Legal Resources
Students involved in the Rensselaer judicial system have the right to a Student Judicial Advisor and in some cases to Legal Counsel.
Student Judicial Advisors exist under the provisions of the judicial system which allow students to be advised with respect to Rensselaer judicial proceedings. Student Judicial Advisors advise students of the policies and procedures, as well as their rights and responsibilities within the judicial system. Advisors do not, however, investigate, prepare or present/argue judicial cases. A student may request a Judicial Advisor at the time of the inquiry, or three days before the “final” inquiry. See Amendment VI: Judicial Advisors of the Rensselaer Union Constitution.
The presence of an attorney at a judicial inquiry or hearing is at the sole discretion of the hearing officer, and/or the Senior Judicial Administrator and Board Chairperson. Requests for an attorney to be present to advise an accused student will be considered only in instances where the student has been arrested or has had a criminal complaint filed against him or her. If it is determined that a student will be permitted to have an attorney present, the student must notify the Senior Judicial Administrator, in writing, a minimum of 72 hours in advance of the hearing, indicating the name, business address and phone number of the attorney who will be in attendance. The role of an attorney is limited in the judicial process. He or she is present only to advise the accused student and can confer with the student during the judicial proceeding. However, the attorney is not entitled to address the hearing officer or board and may not communicate specific questions, responses, or statements for the student. Moreover, all correspondence, regarding the judicial matter, including the filing of an appeal, must come directly from the student(s) involved. Institute officials involved in the judicial system may elect to discuss procedural matters with attorneys. However, as a general practice, communication and inquiries from attorneys will be referred directly to Institute Legal Counsel.
Rensselaer students who are in need of legal counsel for certain civil and criminal actions off campus and have paid the Student Activity Fee may choose to use the STUDENT LEGAL SERVICE. The purpose of the Student Legal Service is to assist students in identifying and resolving their legal problems so they can make the most of their educational opportunities. Legal representation up to and including all stages of trial will, at the discretion of the program attorney, be provided in certain types of cases. Program attorneys will be available to provide general legal advice and referrals on legal issues specifically excluded from representation.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
For details on campus crime statistics, visit the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report »
Biennial Review and Annual Notification
In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) articulated through Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) Part 86, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s alcohol and other drug programs assesses the calendar years 2018-2020.
Peaceful Demonstrations
Notifications for Peaceful Demonstrations must include the following:
Step 1
A completed application for the Peaceful Demonstration.
Step 2
A letter of intent outlining the purpose and location of the Peaceful Demonstration.
- Outdoor areas can be reserved through Rensselaer's Room Reservations System.
- You will receive an email confirming your request has been received and that the reservation is tentative.
- Space requests for your event will only be approved if your application is approved.
Step 3
Signed acknowledgment of full review and understanding of all policies relating to Peaceful Demonstrations and rules for maintenance of public order outlined in the Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
For demonstrations to be considered for approval, all paperwork must be received in the Dean of Students Office at least seven (7) business days prior to the proposed demonstration date. This information follows regulations as noted in the Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Additional information and guidelines for peaceful demonstration and rules for maintenance of public order can be found in the “Rules for Maintenance of Public Order” section of the Handbook.
Notification of the decision will be made pending the outcome of a meeting with the Dean of Students and the main applicant.