Student Affairs

Amanda Beltran supports holistic student wellness, collaborating with members of the Student Affairs team and other staff to coordinate wellness and support services for students. Holistic student wellness includes working from a cross-functional and multidisciplinary perspective to recognize that students at CUNY Law are whole people with diverse obligations and interests that reach beyond the academic demands of lawyering.

Various wellness supports available include: case management, student success planning, counseling services, mentorship, fellowship/grant opportunities, identifying and developing community resources, and conflict resolution. Amanda welcomes collaboration from student groups, individual students, and faculty to improve outreach education and awareness initiatives on campus.is the Director of Student Activities at CUNY School of Law.

Amanda creates and implements programs aimed at addressing issues of diversity and equity and restorative justice practice in law school within her role as Conduct Officer. She has led initiatives such as creating the only non-student run food pantry in a Law School. She has also created and developed digital literacies programs and initiatives for students, faculty, and staff, and served as a co-contributor to the NYSBA Cybersecurity Hygiene Checklist.

Prior to CUNY, she served in various roles in the Office of Student Services at Columbia Law School, including as interim advisor to over 80 student organizations. She earned a BA in Sociology from The George Washington University, an MA in Sociology and Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, and is currently pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership at Saint Peter’s University. Amanda’s research focuses on understanding the integration of technology, artificial intelligence, and digital literacies in law school curricula and preparing legal professionals to practice in the AI revolution.

Michelle Davis
Associate Director of Student Activities
Office: Room 5-111
Phone:718-340-4173
michelle.davis@law.cuny.edu

Prior to joining CUNY Law, she was the Assistant Director of Student Life at the New York Institute of Technology, New York City campus. In her role, she has advised multiple clubs under the Student Government Association, the Graduate Student Association, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Honor Societies. She supported students by providing transformative and memorable experiences, different trainings that aided development and an open-door policy for the students that needed space to express themselves. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in psychology from St. Francis College and is currently completing a Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Alliance University.

Michelle will be working to support and advise our over 40+ student organizations on campus and as a higher education professional, with 15 years of experience working in Student Affairs.

Patricia Kennedy

Pat currently serves as the Director of Student Services/Disabilities Coordinator.  One of Pat’s primary roles is providing support services for students with disabilities, including advisement and reasonable accommodations in class and for examinations. Some of the other duties she provides have remained constant throughout the years: providing counseling, guidance and referrals for student problems and concerns, administration of all makeup examinations, editing the Student Handbook, and playing supporting roles in orientations, graduations and other Student Affairs-run events. As the CDO, she plays a key role in the search process for new employees, ensuring that all searches are conducted fairly and consistently and monitors the changes in the workforce to ensure CUNY Law promotes and retains its diversity. She is also responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination at the Law School.

Pat takes pride in having played a small part in the success of students she had provided accommodations for and loves hearing from them years after graduation. She is still in touch with many of the graduates from the early 90’s and throughout the years. Pat has served on many committees over the years and believes getting involved and knowing the members of the community has helped gain trust working with students on sensitive issues and with faculty in administering their exams. According to Pat, her greatest accomplishments by far are raising three wonderful humans and enjoys spending time with them, their partners, 7 grandchildren, and 5 grand pets. She is a fierce advocate for animal rights and recently adopted a special needs senior rescue dog, Georgia, to keep Spike the cat company. Adopt not shop is a theme in her family and she supports various local rescues in her community. Pat has lived in Queens for most of her life but has strong ties to the Jersey shore and Ireland. She is also an avid genealogy buff, going back many generations in the family tree. Beaches not mountains!

Nurse Practitioner

Amanda Rios

Amanda has spent 7-years working in higher education from her five years at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) within their Office for Student Affairs, Office for Student Activities, and their Women’s Resource Center as well as two years at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Queens College; and is presently working on her Master of Science in Education-Higher Ed. Administration at the Marxe School of Public & International Affairs at Baruch College.

In Amanda’s role as Student Affairs Coordinator, Amanda provides program development support to key areas of Student Affairs–organizing co-curricular programming such as stress-free zones, wellness events, orientation activities to cultivate a culture of belonging that supports new student success, and continued activities, workshops and events centered in social justice that promotes radical inclusion, radical joy, and interactive student engagement. Amanda also supports disability services, and much more, serving as a liaison across the campus community.

On her free time, Amanda is also a dancer and performer that has studied dance genres such as Salsa, Bachata, Boogaloo, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop over the last 10 years. Salsa is her favorite style, and she has dedicated the last 5 years to training for performances and competitions. Amanda hopes to merge her passions for Salsa and Higher Education Leadership in her future career endeavors.

ARTICLE XV STUDENTS

Download a pdf version of the Article XV Students – CUNY Bylaws
SECTION 15.0. PREAMBLE.

Academic institutions exist for the transmission of knowledge, the pursuit of truth, the development of students, and the general well-being of society. Student participation, responsibility, academic freedom, and due process are essential to the operation of the academic enterprise. As members of the academic community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth.

Freedom to learn and to explore major social, political, and economic issues are necessary adjuncts to student academic freedom, as is freedom from discrimination, as set forth in the university’s non- discrimination policy.

Freedom to learn and freedom to teach are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The concomitant of this freedom is responsibility. If members of the academic community are to develop positively in their freedom; if these rights are to be secure, then students should exercise their freedom with responsibility.

SECTION 15.1. CONDUCT STANDARD DEFINED.

Each student enrolled or in attendance in any college, school or unit under the control of the board and every student organization, association, publication, club or chapter shall obey (1) the laws of the city, state and nation; (2) the bylaws and resolutions of the board, including the rules and regulations for the maintenance of public order pursuant to article 129-a of the education law (“Henderson rules”); and (3) the governance plan, policies, regulations, and orders of the college.

Such laws, bylaws, resolutions, policies, rules, regulations and orders shall, of course, be limited by the right of students to the freedoms of speech, press, assembly and petition as construed by the courts.

SECTION 15.2. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS.

a. Any group of students may form a team (excluding intercollegiate athletics), student media/publications, organization, association, club or chapter by filing with the duly elected student government organization of the college or school at which they are enrolled or in attendance and with an officer to be designated by the chief student affairs officer of the college or school at which they are enrolled or in attendance (1) the name and purposes of the organization, association, club or chapter, (2) the names and addresses of its president and secretary or other officers corresponding
in function to president and secretary.

The board recognizes that students have rights to free expression and association. At the same time, the board strongly believes that respect for all members of the university’s diverse community is an essential attribute of a great university and requires viewpoint neutrality in the recognition of student teams, student media/publications, organizations, associations, clubs or chapters.

Each student leader and officer of student organizations recognized by or registered with the institution, as well as those seeking recognition by the institution, must complete training on domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault prevention and on CUNY’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct prior to the organization receiving recognition or registration.

b. Extra-curricular activities at each college or school shall be regulated by the duly elected student government organization to insure the effective conduct of such college or school as an institution of higher learning and for the prevention of activities which are hereafter proscribed or which violate the standards of conduct of the character set forth in bylaw 15.1. Such powers shall include:

1. i. The power to charter or otherwise authorize teams (excluding intercollegiate athletics), student media/publications, organizations, associations, clubs or chapters, and, when appropriate in the exercise of such regulatory power, the power to refuse, suspend or revoke any charter or other authorization for cause after hearing on notice. All such decisions must be based upon viewpoint neutral criteria as detailed in the Fiscal Accountability Handbook and must be based upon the written submissions of the student team, publication, organization, association, club or chapter, which will describe its intent to conduct activities for the benefit of students. ii. All decisions declining a charter or authorization must be in writing and are appealable to the college or school’s chief student affairs officer or designee, who shall render a final written decision on the appeal. iii. Appeals must be based upon one or both of the following two grounds: the denial was arbitrary and capricious or discriminated against the applicant based upon viewpoint.

2. The power to delegate responsibility for the effective implementation of its regulatory functions hereunder to any officer or committee which it may appoint.
c.
1. Any person or organization affiliated with the college may file a complaint with the chief student affairs officer if there is reason to believe that a student organization has violated any of the standards of conduct set forth in section 15.1 above. The chief student affairs officer shall promptly notify the affected organization, investigate any complaint and report the results of that investigation along with a recommendation for appropriate action to the complainant and the student government which shall take action as it deems appropriate, except that in the case of a complaint against the student government itself, the chief student affairs officer shall report the results of the investigation and the recommendation for appropriate action directly to the president.

2. The complainant or any student organization adversely affected pursuant to paragraph C (1) above may appeal to the president. The president may take such action as he or she deems appropriate, and such action shall be final.

d. Each college shall establish a student elections review committee in consultation with the various student governments. The student elections review committee shall approve the election procedures and certify the results of elections for student governments, and student body referenda. Decisions of the student elections review committee may be appealed to the college president, whose decision shall be final. An appeal from the decision of the student elections review committee must be made in writing to the President within ten (10) calendar days of the decision. The President shall consult with the student elections review committee and render a decision as expeditiously as possible which may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the student elections review committee.

e. Student government elections shall be scheduled and conducted, and newly elected student governments shall take office, in accordance with policies of the board, and implementing regulations.

SECTION 15.3. THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT SENATE.

There shall be a university student senate responsible, subject to the board of trustees, for the formulation of university-wide student policy relating to the academic status, role, rights and freedoms of the student. The authority and duties of the university student senate shall not extend to areas of interest which fall exclusively within the domain of the student governments of the constituent units of the university. Consistent with the authority of the board of trustees in accordance with the education law and the bylaws of the board of trustees, the university student senate shall make its own bylaws providing for the election of its own officers, the establishment of its own rules and procedures, for its internal administration and for such other matters as is necessary for its existence. The university student senate shall have the full rights and responsibilities accorded student organizations as provided in these bylaws. The delegates and alternate delegates to the university student senate shall be elected by their respective constituencies or by their student governments from the elected members of the respective student governments.

 

 

The Law School permits the consumption of alcohol under the following rules and in accordance with New York State and City laws and regulations and University policies. This policy pertains to faculty, staff, and students. The term “Law School,” when used to identify a location, includes the Law School building and the surrounding grounds.

a. The Law School requires that a New York State Liquor Authority Temporary Beer and Wine Permit (TBWP) be obtained when alcohol is served at any event. Please note: New York State Liquor Authority requires 21 business days’ notification for application processing. (More information is available at www.abc.state.ny.us.)

b. When alcohol is served, other food and non-alcoholic beverages, such as water, juice, or soft drinks, must be served in equal or greater proportions. Highly caffeinated energy drinks are not a suitable alternative and will not count towards the proportion of non-alcoholic beverages that must be served. Under Section 64-a of the Alcoholic Beverage Control law, pretzels, potato chips, and similar snack products do not meet the minimum requirement for food. Acceptable foods include “salads, soups, sandwiches, and finger foods.”

c. Alcohol may only be served or consumed during events that are sponsored by a faculty/administrator/staff member or by a registered student organization. Only one student-organized event serving alcohol may be held at the Law School on the same day.

d. All student events or gatherings where alcoholic beverages will be consumed must be registered at the Office of Student Affairs. The registration and/or reservation of facilities must be made at least twenty-one (21) business days prior to the event.

e. Alcohol may only be served or consumed on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

f. Alcohol may only be served or consumed in the following designated areas of the Law School: faculty lounge, staff lounge, and rooms approved, in advance, by the Dean of Students.

g. Only beer and wine may be served at the Law School. Mixed drinks are not permitted.

h. Beer and wine must always be dispensed from original retail or wholesale containers.

i. Only funds collected by or allocated to a registered student organization can be used to purchase alcohol for student events. The informal collection of money for alcoholic beverages that will be consumed in the Law School is prohibited.

j. Advertisement for events may not promote the abuse of alcohol.

k. Drinking contests or games are prohibited at the Law School.

l. Alcohol may be stored at the Law School only with the written permission of the Office of Student Affairs. If the permission is granted, the location will be determined by the Office of Student Affairs.

m. The Law School reserves the right, at any time, to limit the amount of alcohol purchased and/or served at any event.

n. The Law School reserves the right to prevent individuals who appear intoxicated from entering or leaving the Law School, including exiting from the building to a parking lot or garage.

o. Violation of any portion of the alcohol policy may lead to the suspension of privileges to use Law School facilities for the sponsoring student organization(s) and/or the individual student organizers of the event in question. Violators are also subject to disciplinary action by appropriate Law School and/or University officials and may also be referred to civil authorities. (According to Section 130 of the Alcohol Beverage Control Law, violations of NYS Alcohol Beverage Control Laws are unclassified misdemeanors and subject to criminal proceedings.)

p. Exceptions to this policy may only be made by the Dean or her/his designee.

Policy on Acceptable Use of Computer Resources

Download a pdf version of the Policy on Acceptable Use of Computer Resources

INTRODUCTION

CUNY’s computer resources are dedicated to the support of the University’s mission of education, research and public service. In furtherance of this mission, CUNY respects, upholds and endeavors to safeguard the principles of academic freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of inquiry.

CUNY recognizes that there is a concern among the University community that because information created, used, transmitted or stored in electronic form is by its nature susceptible to disclosure, invasion, loss, and similar risks, electronic communications and transactions will be particularly vulnerable to infringements of academic freedom. CUNY’s commitment to the principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression includes electronic information.
Therefore, whenever possible, CUNY will resolve doubts about the need to access CUNY Computer Resources in favor of a User’s privacy interest.

However, the use of CUNY Computer Resources, including for electronic transactions and communications, like the use of other University-provided resources and activities, is subject to the requirements of legal and ethical behavior. This policy is intended to support the free exchange of ideas among members of the CUNY community and between the CUNY community and other communities, while recognizing the responsibilities and limitations associated with such exchange.

APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all Users of CUNY Computer Resources, as defined in Article III below.

This policy supersedes the CUNY policy titled “CUNY Computer User Responsibilities” and any college policies that are inconsistent with this policy.

DEFINITIONS

1. “CUNY Computer Resources” refers to all computer and information technology hardware, software, data, access and other resources owned, operated, or contracted by CUNY. This includes, but is not limited to, desktop and laptop computers, handheld devices that allow or are capable of storing and transmitting information (e.g., cell phones, tablets), mainframes, minicomputers, servers, network facilities, databases, memory, memory sticks, and associated peripherals and software, and the applications they support, such as e-mail, cloud computing applications, and access to the internet.
2. “E-mail” includes point-to-point messages, postings to newsgroups and listservs, and other electronic messages involving computers and computer networks.
3. “Faculty” includes full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty.
4. “FOIL” is the New York State Freedom of Information Law.
5. “Non-Public University Information” has the meaning set forth in CUNY’s IT Security Policies and Procedures found at security.cuny.edu, namely: personally identifiable information (such as an individual’s Social Security Number; driver’s license number or non-driver identification card number; account number, credit or debit card number, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual’s financial account; personal electronic mail address; Internet identification name or password; and parent’s surname prior to marriage); information in student education records that is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and the related regulations set forth in 54 CFR Part 99; other information relating to the administrative, business, and academic activities and operations of the University (including employee evaluations, employee home addresses and telephone numbers, and other employee records that should be treated confidentially); and any other information available in University files and systems that                           by its nature should be treated confidentially .
6. “User” means a user of CUNY Computer Resources, including all current and former users, whether affiliated with CUNY or not, and whether accessing those resources on a CUNY campus or remotely.

RULES FOR USE OF CUNY COMPUTER RESOURCES

1. Authorization.
2. Users may not access a CUNY Computer Resource without authorization or use it for purposes beyond the scope of authorization. This includes attempting to circumvent CUNY Computer Resource system protection facilities by hacking, cracking or similar activities, accessing or using another person’s computer account, and allowing another person to access or use the User’s account.
3. Notwithstanding subsection 1.a. above, a User may authorize a colleague or clerical assistant to access information under the User’s account on the User’s behalf while away from a CUNY campus or when the User is unable to efficiently access the information on the User’s own behalf (including as a result of a disability), but delegated access will be subject to the rules of Section 10 – Security, below.
4. CUNY Computer Resources may not be used to gain unauthorized access to another computer system within or outside of CUNY. Users are responsible for all actions performed from their computer account that they permitted or failed to prevent by following ordinary security precautions.                                       CUNY advisories and resources are available at security.cuny.edu.

Purpose.

1. Use of CUNY Computer Resources is limited to activities relating to the performance by CUNY employees of their duties and responsibilities and by students in connection with their college courses and activities. For example, use of CUNY Computer Resources for private commercial or not-for-profit business purposes, for private advertising of products or services, or for any activity meant solely to foster personal gain, is prohibited. Similarly, use of CUNY Computer Resources for partisan political activity is also prohibited.
2. Except with respect to CUNY employees other than faculty, where a supervisor has prohibited it in writing, incidental personal use of CUNY Computer Resources is permitted so long as such use does not interfere with CUNY operations, does not compromise the functioning of CUNY Computer Resources, does not interfere with the User’s employment or other obligations to CUNY, and is otherwise in compliance with this policy, including subsection 2.a. above.  Users should be aware that personal messages, data and other information sent or received through a User’s CUNY account or otherwise residing in a CUNY Computer Resource are subject to CUNY review pursuant to Section 15 of this policy and may also be subject to public disclosure pursuant to FOIL.

Compliance with Law.

1. CUNY Computer Resources may not be used for any purpose or in any manner that violates CUNY rules, regulations or policies, or federal, state or local law. Users who engage in electronic communications with persons in other states or countries or on other systems or networks may also be subject to the laws of those other states and countries, and the rules and policies of those other systems and networks. Users are responsible for ascertaining, understanding, and complying with the laws, rules, policies, contracts, and licenses applicable to their particular use.
2. Examples of applicable federal and state laws include those addressing defamation, invasion of privacy, obscenity and child pornography, and online gambling, as well as the following:

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act  Copyright Act of 1976
Electronic Communications Privacy Act
Export control regulations issued by the U.S. Departments of Commerce, State and Treasury
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act FOIL
New York State Law with respect to the confidentiality of library records

1. Examples of applicable CUNY rules and policies include those listed below. Other rules and policies may be found in the Manual of General Policy and on the CUNY Legal Affairs website:

Web Site Privacy Policy

Licenses and Intellectual Property.

1. Users may use only legally obtained, licensed data or software and must comply with applicable licenses or other contracts, as well as copyright, trademark and other intellectual property laws.
2. Much of what appears on the internet and/or is distributed via electronic communication is protected by copyright law, regardless of whether the copyright is expressly noted. Users should generally assume that material is copyrighted unless they know otherwise, and not copy, download or distribute copyrighted material without permission unless the use does not exceed fair use as defined by the federal Copyright Act of 1976. Protected material may include, among other things, text, photographs, audio, video, graphic illustrations, and computer software. Additional information regarding copyright and file sharing is available on the CUNY Legal Affairs website.
3. False Identity and Harassment. Users may not employ a false identity, mask the identity of an account or computer, or use CUNY Computer Resources to engage in abuse of others, such as sending harassing, obscene, threatening, abusive, deceptive, or anonymous messages within or outside CUNY.

Confidentiality.

1. Users may not invade the privacy of others by, among other things, viewing, copying, redistributing, posting such data to the Internet, modifying or destroying data or programs belonging to or containing personal or confidential information about others, without explicit permission to do so.
2. CUNY employees must take precautions by following all IT Security Policies and Procedures to protect the confidentiality of Non-Public University Information encountered in the performance of their duties or otherwise.
3. Integrity of Computer Resources. Users may not install, use or develop programs intended to infiltrate or damage a CUNY Computer Resource, or which could reasonably be expected to cause, directly or indirectly, excessive strain or theft of confidential data on any computing facility. This includes, but is not limited to, programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms. Users should consult with the IT director at their college before installing any programs on CUNY Computer Resources that they are not sure are safe or may cause excess strain.

Disruptive Activities.

1. CUNY Computer Resources must not be used in a manner that could reasonably be expected to cause or does cause, directly or indirectly, unwarranted or unsolicited interference with the activity of other users, including:
2. chain letters, virus hoaxes or other e-mail transmissions that potentially disrupt normal e-mail service;
3. spamming, junk mail or other unsolicited mail that is not related to CUNY business and is sent without a reasonable expectation that the recipient would welcome receiving it;
4. the inclusion on e-mail lists of individuals who have not requested membership on the lists, other than the inclusion of members of the CUNY community on lists related to CUNY business; and
5. downloading of large videos, films or similar media files for personal use.
6. CUNY has the right to require Users to limit or refrain from other specific uses if, in the opinion of the IT director at the User’s college, such use interferes with efficient operations of the system, subject to appeal to the President or, in the case of central office staff, to the Chancellor.

CUNY Names and Trademarks.

1. CUNY names, trademarks and logos belong to the University and are protected by law. Users of CUNY Computer Resources may not state or imply that they speak on behalf of CUNY or use a CUNY name, trademark or logo without authorization to do so. Affiliation with CUNY does not, by itself, imply authorization to speak on behalf of CUNY.
2. Notwithstanding subsection 9.a. above, CUNY employees and students may indicate their CUNY affiliation on e-mail, other correspondence, and in academic or professionally-related research, publications or professional appearances, so long as they do not state or imply that they are speaking on behalf of the University.

Security.

1. CUNY employs various measures to protect the security of its computer resources and of Users’ accounts. However, CUNY cannot guarantee such security. Users are responsible for engaging in safe computing practices such as guarding and not sharing their passwords, changing passwords regularly, logging out of systems at the end of use, and protecting Non-Public University Information, as well as for following CUNY’s IT Security Policies and Procedures.
2. Users must report incidents of non-compliance with IT Security Policies and Procedures or other security incidents to the University Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, and the Chief Information Officer at the affected User’s college.
3. Filtering. CUNY reserves the right to install spam, anti-malware, and spyware filters and similar devices if necessary in the judgment of CUNY’s Office of Information Technology or a college IT director to protect the security and integrity of CUNY Computer Resources. CUNY will not install filters that restrict access to e-mail, instant messaging, chat rooms or websites based solely on content, unless such content is illegal, such as child pornography sites.
4. Confidential Research Information. Principal investigators and others who use CUNY Computer Resources to collect, examine, analyze, transmit or store research information that is required by law or regulation to be held confidential or for which a promise of confidentiality has been given are responsible for taking steps to protect such confidential research information from unauthorized access or modification. In general, this means storing the information on a computer or auxiliary hard drive that provides strong access controls (passwords) and encrypting files, documents, and messages for protection against inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure while in storage or in transit over data networks. Robust encryption and passwords must be used to protect Non-Public University Information, and is strongly recommended for information stored electronically on all computers, especially portable devices such as notebook computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and portable data storage (e.g., auxiliary hard drives, memory sticks) that are vulnerable to theft or loss, as well as for information transmitted over public networks. Software and protocols used should be reviewed and approved by CUNY’s Office of Information Technology.  In addition, the steps taken to protect such confidential research information should be included in submissions to the CUNY Institutional Review Board reviewing the research protocol.

CUNY Access to Computer Resources.

1. Copying. CUNY may copy a User’s account and/or hard drive on a CUNY Computer Resource, without monitoring or inspecting the contents of such account and/or hard drive, at any time for preservation of data or evidence, without notice to the User.
2. General Monitoring Practices. CUNY does not routinely monitor, inspect, or disclose individual usage of CUNY Computer Resources without the User’s consent. In most instances, if the University needs information located in a CUNY Computer Resource, it will simply request it from the author or custodian. However, CUNY IT professionals and staff do regularly monitor general usage patterns as part of normal system operations and maintenance and might, in connection with these duties, observe the contents of web sites, e-mail or other electronic communications. Except as provided in this policy or by law, these individuals are not permitted to seek out contents or transactional information, or disclose or otherwise use what they have observed. Nevertheless, because of the inherent vulnerability of computer technology to unauthorized intrusions, Users have no guarantee of privacy during any use of CUNY computer resources or in any data in them, whether or not a password or other entry identification or encryption is used. Users may expect that the privacy of their electronic communications and of any materials stored in any CUNY Computer Resource dedicated to their use will not be intruded upon by CUNY except as outlined in this policy.
3. Monitoring without Notice.
4. Categories. CUNY may specifically monitor or inspect the activity and accounts of individual users of CUNY computer resources, including individual login sessions, e-mail and other communications, without notice, in the following circumstances:
5. when the User has voluntarily made them accessible to the public, as by posting to Usenet or a web page;
6. when it is reasonably necessary to do so to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of CUNY or other computer resources, as determined by the college chief information officer or his or her designee, after consultation with CUNY’s chief information officer or his or her designee;
7. when it is reasonably necessary to diagnose and resolve technical problems involving system hardware, software, or communications, as determined by the college chief information officer or his or her designee, after consultation with CUNY’s chief information officer or his or her designee;
8. when it is reasonably necessary to determine whether CUNY may be vulnerable to liability, or when failure to act might result in significant bodily harm, significant property loss or damage, or loss of evidence, as determined by the college president or a vice president designated by the president or, in the case of the Central

Office by the Chancellor or his or her designee, after consultation with the Office of General Counsel and the Chair of the University Faculty Senate (if a current CUNY faculty member’s account or activity is involved) or Vice Chair if the Chair is unavailable;

1. when there is a reasonable basis to believe that CUNY policy or federal, state or local law has been or is being violated, as determined by the college president or a vice president designated by the president or, in the case of the Central Office by the Chancellor or his or her designee, after consultation with the Office of General Counsel and the Chair of the University Faculty Senate (if a current CUNY faculty member’s account or activity is involved) or Vice Chair if the Chair is unavailable;
2. when an account appears to be engaged in unusual or unusually excessive activity, as indicated by the monitoring of general activity and usage patterns, as determined by the college president or a vice president designated by the president and the college chief information officer or his or her designee or, in the case of the Central Office by the Chancellor or his or her designee, after consultation with CUNY’s chief information officer or his or her designee, the Office of General Counsel, and the Chair of the University Faculty Senate (if a current CUNY faculty member’s account or activity is involved) or Vice Chair if the Chair is unavailable; or
3. as otherwise required by law.
4. Procedures. In those situations in which the Chair of the University Faculty Senate is to be consulted prior to monitoring or inspecting an account or activity, the following procedures shall apply:
5. if the monitoring or inspection of an account or activity requires physical entry into a faculty member’s office, the faculty member shall be advised prior thereto and shall be permitted to be present to observe, except where specifically forbidden by law; and
6. the college president or the Chancellor, as the case may be, shall report the completion of the monitoring or inspection to the Chair and the CUNY employee affected, who shall also be told the reason for the monitoring or inspection, except where specifically forbidden by law.
7. Other Disclosure.
8. CUNY, in its discretion, may disclose the results of any general or individual monitoring or inspection to appropriate CUNY personnel or agents, or law enforcement or other agencies. The results may be used in college disciplinary proceedings, discovery proceedings in legal actions, or otherwise as is necessary to protect the interests of the University.
9. In addition, users should be aware that CUNY may be required to disclose to the public under FOIL communications made by means of CUNY Computer Resources whether in conjunction with University business or as incidental personal use.
10. Any disclosures of activity of accounts of individual Users to persons or entities outside of CUNY, whether discretionary or required by law, shall be approved by the General Counsel and shall be conducted in accordance with any applicable law. Except where specifically forbidden by law, CUNY employees subject to such disclosures shall be informed promptly after the disclosure of the actions taken and the reasons for them.
11. Annual Statement. The Office of General Counsel shall issue an annual statement of the instances of account monitoring or inspection that fall within categories D through G above. The statement shall indicate the number of such instances and the cause and result of each. No personally identifiable data shall be included in this statement.
12. Privacy Policy. See CUNY’s Web Site Privacy Policy for additional information regarding data collected by CUNY from visitors to the CUNY website at www.cuny.edu.

Waiver of Policy

1. A CUNY employee or student may apply to the General Counsel for an exception or waiver from one or more of the provisions of this policy. Such application may be for a single use or for periodic or continuous uses, such as in connection with a course or program. Any application for a waiver should be made prior to using the CUNY Computer Resource for the purposes described in the application.
2. The written waiver application must state:
3. the policy provision or provisions for which the User is seeking a waiver;
4. how the User plans to use CUNY Computer Resource to be covered by the waiver and the reasons why the User believes a waiver should be approved;
5. if the waiver involves confidential research information, what steps will be taken to protect such information;
6. the length of time for which the waiver is being requested; and
7. if a student, how and by whom the student will be supervised.
8. The General Counsel shall consult with the CUNY’s chief information officer and the president of the applicant’s college (or, if the applicant is a Central Office employee, the Chancellor) or their designees, prior to making a determination regarding the application.
9. Users should be aware that CUNY cannot waive federal, state or local law; for example, the contents of CUNY Computer Resources (including confidential research information) may be subject to a valid subpoena regardless of the terms of any waiver.

Enforcement.

1. Violation of this policy may result in suspension or termination of an individual’s right of access to CUNY Computer Resources, disciplinary action by appropriate CUNY authorities, referral to law enforcement authorities for criminal prosecution, or other legal action, including action to recover civil damages and penalties.
2. Violations will normally be handled through the University disciplinary procedures applicable to the relevant User. For example, alleged violations by students will normally be investigated, and any penalties or other discipline will normally be imposed, by the Office of Student Affairs.
3. CUNY has the right to temporarily suspend computer use privileges and to remove from CUNY computer resources material it believes violates this policy, pending the outcome of an investigation of misuse or finding of violation. This power may be exercised only by the president of each college or the Chancellor.
4. Additional Rules. Additional rules, policies, guidelines and/or restrictions may be in effect for specific computers, systems, or networks, or at specific computer facilities at the discretion of the directors of those facilities. Any such rules which potentially limit the privacy or confidentiality of electronic communications or information contained in or delivered by or over CUNY Computer Resources will be subject to the substantive and procedural safeguards provided by this policy.

Disclaimer.

1. CUNY shall not be responsible for any damages, costs or other liabilities of any nature whatsoever with regard to the use of CUNY Computer Resources. Thisincludes, but is not limited to, damages caused by unauthorized access to CUNY Computer Resources, data loss, or other damages resulting from delays, non- deliveries, or service interruptions, whether or not resulting from circumstances under the CUNY’s control.
2. Users receive and use information obtained through CUNY Computer Resources at their own risk. CUNY makes no warranties (expressed or implied) with respect to the use of CUNY Computer Resources. CUNY accepts no responsibility for the content of web pages or graphics that are linked from CUNY web pages, for any advice or information received by a user through use of CUNY Computer Resources, or for any costs or charges incurred by a user as a result of seeking or accepting such advice or information.
3. CUNY reserves the right to change this policy and other related policies at any time. CUNY reserves any rights and remedies that it may have under any applicable law, rule or regulation. Nothing contained in this policy will in any way act as a waiver of such rights and remedies.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on January 29, 2007, Cal. No. 4.D., with amendments approved on June 25, 2012, Cal. No. 5.A.

CUNY Drug/Alcohol Use Amnesty Policy

Download a pdf version of the CUNY Drug / Alcohol Use Amnesty Policy

CUNY’s Drug/Alcohol Use Amnesty Policy has two principal purposes. First, it is intended to encourage students to seek medical assistance related to drug and/or alcohol use without fear of being disciplined for such use. Because the use of drugs or alcohol may be life-threatening, CUNY wishes to reduce barriers to seeking and receiving medical help in those situations. Second, CUNY wishes to encourage students under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol who may be the victims of, witnesses to, or otherwise become aware of violence (including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault) or sexual harassment or gender-based harassment to report that violence or harassment. Toward that end, CUNY’s Policy is that students who seek medical assistance either for themselves or others and/or are reporting violence or harassment will not be subject to discipline under the circumstances described below.

I. Students who in good faith call for medical assistance for themselves or others and/or who receive medical assistance as a result of a call will not be disciplined for the consumption of alcohol (either if underage or if consumed in a CUNY-owned or operated residence hall or facility where alcohol consumption is prohibited) or drugs as long as there are no other violations that ordinarily would subject the student to disciplinary action. Similarly, students who may be the victims of, witnesses to, or otherwise become aware of violence or sexual harassment or gender-based harassment and who report such violence or harassment will not be disciplined for the consumption of alcohol or drugs in the absence of other violations that ordinarily would subject the student to disciplinary action. Other violations that would invoke discipline include but are not limited to (i) unlawful distribution of alcohol or drugs; (ii) sexual misconduct, as defined in CUNY’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct; (iii) causing or threatening physical harm; (iv) causing damage to property; (v) hazing.

II. The students involved will be encouraged to complete alcohol and/or drug education activities, assessment, and/or treatment, to be determined by the individual campuses or units of CUNY with which the students are affiliated. If repeated incidents of alcohol or drug use are involved, there may be issues of medical concern, which may result in parental notification, medical withdrawal, and/or other non-disciplinary responses.

III. CUNY’s Policy is intended both to implement Article 129-B of the Education Law (which mandates drug and alcohol amnesty for reporters of violence) and to complement New York State’s Good Samaritan Law, which is designed to encourage individuals to call 911 in the event of an alcohol or drug-related emergency. Generally, the Good Samaritan Law protects persons who witness or suffer from a medical emergency involving drugs or alcohol from being arrested or prosecuted for drug or underage alcohol possession after they call 911. It does not protect against arrest or prosecution for other offenses, such as the sale of drugs.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 6/30/2014, Cal. No. 7D and effective date of 7/1/2014 as ‘Medical Amnesty-Good Samaritan Policy’. Amended and changed to ‘Drug and Alcohol Use Amnesty Policy’ on 10/1/2015. Cal. No. 6D.

CUNY Policy on Drugs and Alcohol

Download a pdf version of the CUNY Policy on Drugs and Alcohol

CUNY is an institution committed to promoting the physical, intellectual, and social development of all individuals. As such, CUNY seeks to prevent the abuse of drugs and alcohol, which can adversely impact performance and threaten the health and safety of students, employees, their families, and the general public. CUNY complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol.

Federal law requires that CUNY adopt and implement a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol by students and employees. As part of its program, CUNY has adopted this policy, which sets forth (1) the standards of conduct that students and employees are expected to follow; (2) CUNY sanctions for the violation of this policy; and (3) responsibilities of the CUNY colleges/units in enforcing this policy. CUNY’s policy also (1) sets forth the procedures for disseminating the policy, as well as information about the health risks of illegal drug and alcohol use, criminal sanctions for such use, and available counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs, to students and employees; and (2) requires each college to conduct a biennial review of drug and alcohol use and prevention on its campus.

This policy applies to all CUNY students, employees and visitors when they are on CUNY property, including CUNY residence halls, as well as when they are engaged in any CUNY-sponsored activities off campus.

CUNY STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of drugs or alcohol by anyone, on CUNY property (including CUNY residence halls), in CUNY buses or vans, or at CUNY-sponsored activities, is prohibited. In addition, CUNY employees are prohibited from illegally providing drugs or alcohol to CUNY students. Finally, no student may possess or consume alcoholic beverages in any CUNY residence hall, regardless of whether the student is of lawful age, except for students living in the Graduate School and University Center’s graduate housing facilities who may lawfully posses and consume alcoholic beverages. For purposes of this policy, a CUNY residence hall means a residence hall owned and/or operated by CUNY, or operated by a private management company on CUNY’s behalf.

In order to make informed choices about the use of drugs and alcohol, CUNY students and employees are expected to familiarize themselves with the information provided by CUNY about the physiological, psychological, and social consequences of substance abuse.

CUNY SANCTIONS

STUDENTS

Students are expected to comply with the CUNY and college policies with respect to drugs and alcohol. Any student found in violation may be subject to disciplinary action under Article 15 of the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees, which may result in sanctions up to and including expulsion from the University

In addition, any student who resides in a CUNY residence hall and who is found to have violated any CUNY or college policy with respect to drugs and alcohol may be subject to sanctions under the CUNY Residence Hall Disciplinary Procedures, up to and including expulsion from the residence hall.

In lieu of formal disciplinary action, CUNY may, in appropriate cases, seek to resolve the matter through an agreement pursuant to which the student must see a counselor or successfully participate in a drug and alcohol treatment program.

In accordance with the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), CUNY may also choose—when appropriate—to contact parents or legal guardians of students who have violated the CUNY policy on drugs and alcohol.

EMPLOYEES

Any employee found to have violated this CUNY policy may be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with the procedures set forth in applicable CUNY policies, rules, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. Sanctions may include a reprimand, suspension without pay, or termination of employment. In lieu of formal disciplinary action, CUNY may, in appropriate cases, seek to resolve the matter through an agreement pursuant to which the employee must successfully participate in a drug or alcohol treatment program.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF CUNY COLLEGES/UNITS

Each college or unit of the University should make its best efforts to educate employees and students about this policy and the risks associated with the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol. The President of each college or unit may choose to ban alcohol at on-campus functions or at any particular function. This policy, together with information about the health risks of illegal drug and alcohol use, criminal sanctions for such use, and counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs available to employees or students, must be distributed annually to all employees and students. The Chief Student Affairs Officer shall be responsible for the distribution of this material to students, and the Director of Human Resources shall be responsible for the distribution of the material to employees.

The Vice President for Administration, or person performing the equivalent function at each college or unit of CUNY, shall be responsible for conducting a biennial review to determine the effectiveness of CUNY’s drug and alcohol program at its college or unit, and to ensure that sanctions for drug and alcohol violations are consistently enforced. Upon completion, the biennial review must be sent to the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer. This biennial review must include the number of drug and alcohol-related violations and fatalities that occur on the college’s campus or as part of the college’s activities, as well as the number and type of sanctions imposed as a result of drug and alcohol-related violations and fatalities that occur at the college as part of its activities.

Adopted by CUNY Board of Trustees: June 22, 2002 and amended on May 2, 2011 (BOT May 2, 2011 Calendar Minutes: Item # 5.A.).

CUNY School of Law Student Complaints Regarding ABA Compliance – Standard 510

 

The City University School of Law is an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school. As such we are subject to the ABA Standards for Approval of Law Schools – http://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/standards.html

ABA Standard 510 allows any student at the school to bring a formal complaint to the law school administration identifying any issue of non-compliance with the ABA Standards.

To lodge a formal complaint a student may submit that specific complaint in writing to the Interim Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Amanda Beltran. This may be done via email using the student’s law school email account to amanda.beltran@law.cuny.edu , via U.S. Mail (2 Court Square, Office of Student Affairs, LIC, NY 11101), or via personal delivery (Room 5/117).

Anonymous complaints may be brought to the Student Affairs reception desk or submitted anonymously directly via the “Submit An Anonymous Complaint” link below.

Submit An Anonymous Complaint

Example of Complaint Regarding Compliance with the Standards

If a student’s complaint is that the law school does not offer a Legal Ethics/Professional Responsibility course it may implicate the school’s Compliance with ABA Standards. However, a complaint regarding a grade in that class would not implicate the school’s compliance with the Standards.

Procedure for Lodging a Complaint

The written complaint will need to describe the potentially offending behavior, program, or process and how the student perceives it to violate the Standards. Please provide as much detail as possible, so the administration has sufficient information to conduct a thorough investigation.

Procedure for Reviewing Complaint

The Dean of Students will acknowledge receipt of a complaint and begin an investigation of the complaint within ten business days of receiving the complaint.

The investigation will be concluded within 30 days of the receipt of the complaint, unless more time is needed and reason for that will be noted in the record.

Upon completion of the complaint investigation, a written response will be sent to the complainant along with any necessary corrective actions.

A response cannot be personally sent to a complainant if they file anonymously.

Procedure for Appeal

If the complainant is not satisfied with the investigative findings and response, they may file an appeal in writing to the Law School Dean Sudha Setty. This may be done via email using the student’s law school email account to Sudha Setty , via U.S. Mail (2 Court Square, Office of the Dean, LIC, NY 11101), or via personal delivery (Room 5/106E). If a student would like to submit the complaint anonymously they may click the “Submit An Anonymous Appeal” link below.

The student must file the appeal within 14 business days of receipt of the response. The Dean will convene a subcommittee consisting of a faculty member, an administrator, and a student representative to review the original complaint, the investigation, the response, and the appeal in order to make a recommendation. The Dean will then determine if further action is needed.

Submit An Anonymous Appeal

Procedure for Record Keeping

All complaints, investigations, responses, appeals, decisions and resolution of the complaint will be kept on file in the Office of Student Affairs.

Non-Retaliation

The law school will not retaliate in any way against an individual who makes a complaint under this policy.

CUNY Rules of Conduct

Download a pdf version of the CUNY Rules of Conduct

The Law School protects the right of students to pursue their legal education in an atmosphere that is free from interference and is an institution that promotes academic freedom. If a student wishes to report a significant problem that directly implicates the School’s program of legal education, they may do so using the complaint form provided at the School’s Office of Student Affairs. Persons who violate the sanctuary of the Law School, in violation of Article 129A of the Education Law or other policies of the Law School or City University, may be brought before the Faculty- Student Disciplinary Committee, pursuant to the Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedures.

CUNY Rules of Conduct

CUNY School of Law Student Government Constitution

PREAMBLE

We, the students of the CUNY School of Law, affirm that we have power to effect change within our community. Our history of struggle reveals that individual, group, and class concerns impact us all and thus ought to be the concern of all; therefore, we shall create an environment that supports, respects, and thrives on the differences among us. We also affirm that the protection of our rights and freedoms as students requires an organized, active, and unified Student Government; therefore, we charge our Government with the duty to provide an inclusive forum to actively address students’ needs and concerns and with the duty to maintain an engaged, informed, and supportive law student community, which will, by its example, reverberate throughout the larger legal community.

ARTICLE I | NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Student Government of the CUNY School of Law, hereinafter referred to as the SG.

ARTICLE II | PURPOSE

The purposes of the SG shall be:

1. To provide a forum for discussion of matters affecting the student body as a whole;
2. To be an independent mechanism for unified student action and unified student voice in areas of academics, government, and political and social concerns; and
3. To coordinate and facilitate the process for selection of student representatives in the CUNY School of Law’s governance system.

ARTICLE III | PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

A. Enforcement and Legislation

The SG shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, including SG Bylaws, Rules, and Resolutions, the provisions of this Constitution.

2. Creation of Committees, Offices, and Other Entities

B. The SG may create Standing Committees, Ad Hoc Committees, Offices, or other subordinate entities, in order to facilitate the commencement and/or continuation of activities which are in accordance with the purposes of the SG, including activities of investigation and activities intended to further policies adopted by the SG.

C. Appearance Requests

The SG may hold hearings and issue requests for individuals to appear at any of its sessions or hearings for the purpose of obtaining information or performing oversight functions relevant to its purposes

ARTICLE IV | MEMBERSHIP

A. Standing for Membership

Any matriculated student, registered at the CUNY School of Law, is eligible to run for a seat on the SG as a Member of the SG.

B. Number of Members

Eight members from each full-time class and two members from each part-time class shall be elected from the student body at large during the annual General Election.

C. Voting Power of Members

1. Each member shall have the power to cast one vote for each vote called during any and all sessions at which they are present, unless that member is either chairing the session or is the subject of a current impeachment proceeding
2. The presiding officer of any session shall refrain from voting, except in the event of a tie among the other members present at that session.

D. Responsibilities of Members

Each member shall attend all General Sessions and Special Sessions and shall make good faith efforts to attend any Emergency Sessions.

Each member shall serve either as an officer, a member of one of the internal standing committees, or as a student representative on one of the external standing committees.

To the extent necessary to enable the officers to perform their required functions adequately, each member shall make himself or herself available to the officers by providing both a phone number and an email address by which the officers may reliably contact that member. The phone number and preferred email address shall be accessible only to the SG officers and shall be shared with others, only upon the express consent of the member in question.

In the event that a member reasonably anticipates not attending any General or Special Session, that member shall notify the Whip as soon as possible of his or her anticipated absence, providing an explanation for the anticipated absence that is sufficiently detailed such that the Whip will be able to determine whether the absence should be deemed excused or unexcused.

In the event that a member fails to attend any General or Special Session, that member shall, on his or her own initiative, contact the Whip within one (1) day following the absence. If he or she has not already done so, the member shall provide the Whip with an explanation for the absence that is sufficiently detailed, such that the Whip will be able to determine whether the absence should be deemed excused or unexcused.

E. Filling Member Vacancies
1. If at any time a member resigns or is removed, that member’s seat shall be declared vacant and shall be offered to the candidate who in the most recent SG General Election, received the most votes from among the remaining candidates of that member’s class. If such candidate declines to fill the vacant seat, the seat shall then be offered to the candidate with the second most votes from among the remaining candidates of that class, and so on in descending order, until either the vacant position has been filled by an acceptance or the list of the remaining candidates has been exhausted.

2. In the event that the list of the remaining candidates has been exhausted, the SG shall hold a Special Election in order to fill the vacant seat. The Special Election shall be put to the student body at large and governed by the same rules as the General Election held by the Office of Student Affairs. Any student from the class of the member whose seat has been vacated may run for the vacated seat. The winner of the Special Election shall be entitled to hold the vacant position for the rest of the academic year.

ARTICLE V | OFFICERSTypes

A. Types

There shall be four Officers who altogether shall comprise the Executive Membership of the SG:

1. the President;
2. the Vice President;
3. the Secretary; and
4. the Whip.

B. Qualifications

1. All Officers shall be duly elected Members of the SG.
2. All Student Government officers and representatives shall carry out their duties in accordance with FERPA and section 478 of the New York Judiciary Law.

C. Vacancies

In the event of an Officer’s resignation or removal, the remaining Officers of SG shall call a Special Election within two weeks of the representative’s resignation or removal by impeachment. The Special Election shall then be held during the Session immediately following the call for a Special Election.

D. Responsibilities

1. The Presidenta. Within two weeks after his or her election, the President shall propose and, upon majority approval by the other members of the Steering Committee, schedule at least six (6) General Sessions for each semester of the academic year.b. Agenda. The President, in consultation with the members of the Steering Committee, shall set the Agenda for every session.c. Sessions. The President shall preside at all sessions, unless either absent, subject to a current impeachment proceeding, or otherwise disabled from presiding. In presiding over the sessions, the President shall strive to ensure constructive deliberation, the efficient use of time, and effective decision-making among the members.d. Oversight of all SG functions. The President shall be the individual primarily responsible for the oversight and coordination of all of the standing activities of the SG.e. Student Liaison to Administration and other entities. The President shall be responsible for acting as the chief liaison of the student body to the administration, faculty, staff, and relevant individuals and organizations outside the Law School community, and to that end shall be responsible at all times for making good faith efforts to be both informed about and representative of students’ interests, positions, and concerns.f. Deans’ Forums. The President shall preside at and set the agenda for all Deans’ Forums.g. To the extent necessary to discharge all of his or her responsibilities, the President may delegate a lesser portion of the responsibilities of the Office of the President to the Vice President, provided, however, that such delegation does not impede the Vice President from discharging the responsibilities of the Office of the Vice President.h. Advice. If requested by the incoming President, the outgoing President shall provide instruction and other advice to the incoming President on the responsibilities of the Office for a reasonable period of time.
2. The Vice Presidenta. The Vice President shall attend and stand ready to preside at all properly convened meetings, including, but not limited to, General Sessions, Special Sessions, Emergency Sessions, and Deans’ Forums.b. The Vice President shall assume the responsibilities of the President should that office become vacant or in the President’s absence.c. Committees point person. The Vice President shall be responsible for informing the SG General Body of the activities of both the internal committees and the external committees.d. In the event that the Secretary is not present at a properly convened meeting, the Vice President shall prepare minutes for that meeting, provided, however, that if the Vice President is presiding at the meeting in question, then the Whip shall be held responsible for preparing the minutes.e. Appointment of replacement Chairs. In the event that a Chair fails to submit two reports to the Whip in accordance with the requirements of Article III, the Vice President shall appoint another member of that Committee to be Chair.f. If requested by the incoming Vice President, the outgoing Vice President shall provide instruction and other advice to the incoming Vice President on the responsibilities of the Office for a reasonable period of time.
3. The Secretarya. Agenda. The Secretary shall distribute the Agenda for each Session to all Members by email no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to that Session.b. Minutes. The Secretary shall attend and prepare minutes for all properly convened meetings, including, but not limited to, General Sessions, Special Sessions, Emergency Sessions, and Deans’ Forums.c. Compilation of records. The Secretary shall be responsible for compiling in orderly fashion all minutes, agendas, legislative documents, official SG communications, and other similar documents, which were either created or modified during the Secretary’s term. All documents shall be promptly archived and released as required by the Office and Records Management Committee and by the Communications Committee, respectively.d. If requested by the incoming Secretary, the outgoing Secretary shall provide instruction and other advice to the incoming Secretary on the responsibilities of the Office for a reasonable period of time.e. The Secretary shall temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Vice President should the Office become vacant or in the Vice President’s absence.
4. The Whipa. Attendance. The Whip shall be responsible for taking attendance at each Session.b. Session reminders. The Whip shall email to all Members of the SG reminders of each upcoming General or Special Session two (2) days before that Session is to take place.c. Follow-up on absences. The Whip shall contact, by phone and/or email, any and all members who were absent at the most recent session within two (2) days of the absence. The Whip shall ask any and all such members to give a reason for his or her absence for the purpose of determining whether the absence was excused or unexcused. The Whip shall record the reason(s) given by such member(s) and submit such records to the Secretary.d. Excused and unexcused absences. The Whip shall be authorized to determine whether the absence of any member at any and all General and Special Sessions is an excused absence or an unexcused absence. The Whip shall be the sole member authorized to determine whether a given absence falls within one of the following categories of excused absences:(1) Emergency illness;(2) Conflict due to work or class;(3) Conflict due to attendance at an external Committee meeting; or(4) Religious holiday or personal emergency.e. Compiling reports of Chairs. The Whip shall compile the status reports from the Chairs of all SG Standing Committees and present them to the President and Vice President within one (1) day following the receipt of the reports from the Chairs. In the event that a Chair fails to provide a report to the Whip in accordance with the requirements of Article III, the Whip shall contact the Chair and remind that Chair to submit a report immediately.
5. The Student Director of Disability Issues(a) The Student Director of Disability Issues shall attend and prepare an update on disability issues at the Law School for all convened meetings, including but not limited to General Sessions, Special Sessions, Emergency Sessions, Deans’ Forums, Student Forums, and Student Union Meetings.(b) Availability as Liaison. The Student Director of Disability Issues shall be accessible to students for the purpose of improving life for students with disabilities. The Student Director of Disability Issues shall attend all meetings, and be available in person and by email.(c) Privacy of Students. The Student Director of Disability Issues shall protect the privacy of all students with disabilities and may not disclose information about any student without that student’s consent.(d) Consent of Students. The Student Director of Disability Issues shall work with any student with a disability but only with that student’s continuing consent. The Student Director of Disability Issues may not act contrary to the will of those students that the Student Director of Disability Issues may otherwise represent.(e) Representation. The Student Director of Disability Issues shall represent, assist, and/or accompany any student with a disability in meetings with Law School administrators, staff, faculty, students, and/or others about disability issues. This provision and the following subsections are subject to the requirements of provisions (c) and (d).(i) The Student Director of Disability Issues shall attend meetings regarding disability issues between the student with a disability and administrators, staff, faculty, students, and/or others.(ii) Should a student with a disability want student representation, assistance, or accompaniment in meetings with administrators or others about disability issues, but does not want the Student Director of Disability Issues to represent, assist, or accompany the student, the Student Director of Disability Issues shall arrange for another student to represent, assist, or accompany the student with a disability provided this substitute representative meets the qualifications and requirements of provisions (c) and (d).(iii) Should a student with a disability want the Student Director of Disability Issues to assist or accompany a student with a disability in a meeting with administrators or others about disability issues, but the Student Director of Disability Issues cannot attend, the Student Director of Disability Issues shall arrange for another student to assist or accompany the student with a disability, provided that this substitute representative meets the qualifications and requirements of provisions (c) and (d).(iv) Nothing in this provision shall limit the right of a student with a disability to find individual representation without the involvement of the Student Director of Disability Issues.(f) Knowledge. The Student Director of Disability Issues shall know CUNY Law’s procedures relating to disability issues and shall have an elementary understanding of federal, state, and local laws relating to disability issues. The Student Director of Disability Issues shall also be capable of organizing students around disability issues.(g) Advice. The outgoing Student Director of Disability Issues shall provide instruction and other advice to the incoming Student Director of Disability Issues on the responsibilities of the office for a reasonable period of time. This shall include, but is not limited to, writing a brief memorandum to the incoming Student Director of Disability Issues and the incoming President regarding the disability-related issues addressed during the outgoing Student Director of Disability Issues’ term and any outstanding issues. This provision is subject to the requirements of provisions (c) and (d).

ARTICLE VI | COMMITTEES

A. Categories

1. Internal Committees. For the purposes of this Constitution, “internal” committees means:(a) all of the SG Standing Committees;(b) the SG Steering Committee; and(c) any Ad Hoc Committees created by the SG.
2. External Committees. For the purposes of this Constitution, an “external” committee means any committee in the Law School’s governance system which was not created by the SG and on which committee at least one seat is reserved for a student representative.

B. SG Standing Committees

1. TypesThere shall be six SG Standing Committees:(a) The Budget and Finance Committee;(b) The Office and Records Management Committee;(c) The Communications Committee;(d) The Polling Committee;(e) The Academic Affairs Committee; and(f) The CUNITY Committee.
2. Jurisdiction and Enumerated Responsibilitiesa. The Budget and Finance Committeei. JurisdictionThe Budget and Finance Committee shall have jurisdiction over the design and implementation of such rules and other protocols on the SG’s budget and finances, as are necessary to ensure both the adequate funding of the SG and the prudent use of SG funds.ii. Enumerated ResponsibilitiesThe Budget and Finance Committee shall:

A. Propose an SG budget within two (2) weeks after notification of the Law School Association’s tentative budget allocations and submit the proposed budget to the SG General Body for approval by majority vote;

B. Promulgate rules governing the use of SG funds;

C. Maintain accurate and orderly records of all expenditures and receipts by the SG;

D. Be responsible for overseeing any SG fundraising initiatives; and

E. Draft the SG’s budget proposal to the LSA for the upcoming academic year.

b. The Office and Records Management Committee

i. Jurisdiction

The Office and Records Management Committee shall have jurisdiction over the design and implementation of such rules and other protocols governing the use of the SG office space, the SG bulletin boards, and the SG records, as are necessary to ensure the maintenance of an office which promotes the transparency, accessibility, efficiency, and overall effectiveness of SG.

ii. Enumerated Responsibilities The Office and Records Management Committee shall:

A. Promulgate rules governing the use and maintenance of the SG office space, the SG bulletin boards, and SG records;

B. Ensure the physical maintenance of an orderly SG office, and, to that end, also remind students and student organizations to remove items stored in the SG office after a period of time, in accordance with the rules, which have been promulgated by this Committee; and

C. Archive all SG documents in a prompt, orderly, and accurate fashion.

c. The Communications Committee

i. Jurisdiction

The Communications Committee shall have jurisdiction over the design and implementation of such rules and other protocols governing SG communications, as are necessary to ensure that the student body is adequately informed of the SG’s activities and goals.

ii. Enumerated Responsibilities

The Communications Committee shall:
A. Ensure timely maintenance of the website;

B. Ensure the prompt and accurate release of SG public documents to the student body at large and/or the Law School community as a whole; and

C. Lead initiatives to utilize the unique resources of the SG website and any other web-based communications.

d. The Polling Committee

i. Jurisdiction

The Polling Committee shall have jurisdiction over the design and implementation of such Rules and other protocols governing all polls conducted by the SG, as are necessary to ensure that the SG is adequately informed of the needs and interests of the student body.

ii. Enumerated responsibilities The Polling Committee shall:

A. Design, in consultation with the officers and chairs of the Standing Committees, polls which are pertinent and relevant to the student body, and which have the intent or effect of keeping the student body informed about current events and promoting collective student action on issues or events with significant impact on the community;

B. Conduct these polls in an efficient, accountable, and reliable manner; and

C. Work together with the Officers to develop protocols for releasing the results of these polls.

e. The Academic Affairs Committee

i. Jurisdiction

The Academic Affairs Committee shall have jurisdiction over the design and implementation of such Rules and other protocols governing the measures taken by the SG to address issues pertaining to the academic life of students at the Law School.

ii. Enumerated Responsibilities

The Academic Affairs Committee shall:

A. Be responsible for soliciting and recording concerns, problems, and other comments from the student body on matters of academic policy, teaching quality, curriculum, and other matters pertaining to academic life at the Law School; and

B. Recommend any measures that it believes the SG should take on particular matters within its jurisdiction.
f. The CUNITY Committee

i. Jurisdiction

The CUNITY Committee shall have jurisdiction over the design and implementation of such rules and other protocols, as are necessary to ensure the protection and promotion of the sense of community at the Law School, which sense is both unique among schools and essential to the fulfillment of the dual mission of the school.

ii. Enumerated responsibilities The CUNITY Committee shall:

A. Organize student forums on issues and problems significantly affecting the student body;

B. Plan and execute the end of the year party; and

C. Work with different members of the Law School community, including leaders of student organizations, faculty members, and administrators, on the resolution of conflicts within the community and organize events or actions designed to help resolve such conflicts.

3. Chairsa. Qualificationsi. Each Standing Committee shall be chaired by a member of the SG.ii. The Budget and Finance Committee shall be chaired by the President.iii. The Communications Committee shall be chaired by the Vice President.iv. The Office and Records Management Committee shall be chaired by the Secretary.b. AppointmentsThe President shall nominate, and the SG General Body shall approve by simple majority at a session, the Chairs of the Polling, Academic Affairs, and CUNITY Committees.c. Responsibilitiesi. Selection of other Committee Members. Each Chair shall be responsible for recruiting and selecting other students to serve on the Standing Committee of which he or she is Chair. The total number of members of any given Standing Committee shall be proposed by the Chair of that Committee and shall take effect unless overruled by a majority of SG members at a session. In all cases, however, the total number of members of any Standing Committee shall be large enough to ensure the fulfillment of the enumerated responsibilities of that Committee. The non-Chair members of the SG Standing Committee need not be members of the SG; however, in the event that both members of the SG and students who are not SG members are willing to serve on the Committee and the Chair must choose some individuals over others, the Chair shall give preference to members of the SG over non-SG members.ii. Status Reports. Each Chair shall prepare concise written reports on the current status of his or her Committee’s tasks, deliberations, and actions. A report shall be due to the Whip at the beginning of each week for which classes are in session, provided, however, that if there is no status change, then the Chair may simply send the Whip a brief written message indicating the lack of change in status. The Chair’s status report should not be longer than three paragraphs and shall consist of the following:A. a list of the specific tasks that the Committee has been charged with performing;B. any progress made by the Committee on these tasks during the past week; andC. what measures the Committee needs and plans to take next.d. Dereliction of Duty

If a Chair fails to send two or more updates to the Whip as specified in Art. VI(B)(3)(b)(1), then the Chair shall lose his or her seat as Chair, and the Vice President shall appoint another member of that Committee to be Chair.

C. SG Steering Committee

Composition. The Steering Committee shall be composed of the Officers of the SG and the Chairs of the SG Standing Committees.

Time-sensitive decisions. The SG General Body may, by appropriate legislation, authorize the members of the Steering Committee to make decisions on behalf of the General Body on matters which are time-sensitive, but which also counsel deliberation among a body not solely comprised of the Executive Members.

D. External
Committees Qualifications

Any Member of the SG may serve on an External Committee.

Appointments

Who may Nominate. Any member of the Steering Committee may nominate a member of SG, including himself or herself, to serve as a student representative on any external Committee containing a student representative seat which is filled neither by means of election by the student body at large nor by administrative appointment.

Nomination and Approval. A valid appointment shall consist of a nomination by a member of the Steering Committee followed by simple majority approval of that nomination by the SG General Body. All such appointments shall take place by the end of the second General Session of each academic year and after the election of the Officers.

Vacancies. In the event that any student seat for any of the aforementioned external committees remains vacant by the end of the second General Session, the Officers shall be authorized to appoint students to such vacant seat(s). These appointments shall be presented to the SG General Body during the next Session, at which time the appointments may be overruled by a simple majority vote of the SG General Body at any Session, including the Session at which such appointments were presented by the Officers.

ARTICLE VII | MEETINGS

A. Definitions

1. There shall be two general categories of meetings:(a) Sessions; and(b) meetings other than Sessions which have been convened by the SG.
2. Sessions(a) Types. There shall be three types of Sessions:(i) General;(ii) Special; and(iii) Emergency.(b) General SessionsA “General” Session is any of the twelve (12) sessions scheduled by the President as required by Art. V(D)(1)(a).(c) Special SessionsA “Special” Session is a Session other than a General Session which has been proposed by a consensus of all of the officers and which has been scheduled and announced to the SG General Body at least one week in advance of the proposed date and time.(d) Emergency SessionsAn “Emergency” Session is a Session other than a General or Special Session which has been proposed by a consensus of all of the officers and which has been scheduled and announced to the SG General Body less than one week in advance of the proposed date and time. Any member who is unable, despite having made good faith efforts, to attend an Emergency Session shall not be deemed in violation of Art. IV(D)(1).
3. SG Meetings Other than SessionsMeetings other than sessions which have been convened by the SG shall include but are not limited to:(a) Deans’ Forums; and(b) Student Forums.
   B. Attendance at Meetings
4. Attendance at Sessionsa. Member Attendance Requirements.Each member shall attend all General Sessions and Special Sessions, and each Member shall make good faith efforts to attend any Emergency Sessions.b. Absencesi. A member who has accumulated three or more unexcused absences shall be deemed to have vacated his or her seat.ii. The following excuses shall qualify as excused absences:
   (A) Illness;(B) Conflict due to work or class schedule;(C) Conflict due to attendance at an external Committee meeting; and(D) Religious holiday or personal emergency.iii. The Whip shall determine whether a given absence qualifies as excused or unexcused.iv. The Whip shall provide written notification of all excused and unexcused absences to the Secretary, who shall then archive such records. The Whip shall compile and submit to the Secretary for archive all statements that were submitted to the Whip from members explaining an anticipated and/or actual absence.
   2. Attendance at Non-Session SG Meetingsa. All officers shall attend all Deans’ Forums and Student Forums.b. Any member other than an officer shall not be deemed in violation of Art. IV(D)(1) for failure to attend SG meetings other than sessions.

   C. Minimum Number of General Sessions per Month

   There shall be at least two General Sessions per month while fall and spring classes are in session.

   D. Quorum for Sessions
   A quorum shall consist of one-third of the current membership plus one and is necessary to conduct official business at any Session.

   E. Additional Rules for Sessions

   1. The presiding officer shall temporarily step down when voicing preferences regarding matters under deliberation.
   2. All sessions shall be open to all members of the CUNY community.
   3. All sessions may be conducted using any procedures that facilitate open debate and consensus-building for the purpose of moving business forward.

ARTICLE VIII | ELECTIONS

A. Accordance with CUNY Bylaws

1. SG elections shall be held in accordance with CUNY Bylaws, and pursuant to the procedures and guidelines set forth in this Article.

B. General Election

1. 2L and 3L Members. Second- and third-year members shall be students elected at-large by their respective classes no earlier than April 20 for a one-year term of office that begins July 1.
2. 1L Members. First-year members shall be students elected at-large by the first-year class no later than September 15 for a one-year term of office that begins October 1 and ends June 30.
3. Only duly enrolled students at the CUNY School of Law may vote, and each such student is entitled to cast one ballot. Each student may vote for up to eight (8) representatives from his or her graduating class.

C. Election of Officers

1. All Officers and Chairs shall be elected by a majority of the students at-large no earlier than April 20 for a one-year term of office that begins July 1. All second and third year elected representatives are qualified to run for officer positions.
2. The officer positions are as follows:(1) President;(2) Vice President;(3) Secretary;(4) Whip.

ARTICLE IX | IMPEACHMENT

A. Who May Bring an Impeachment Charge

Any member other than the President may bring impeachment charges against any other member, including the President. An impeachment charge must be presented at a session in order to take effect.

B. Number of Votes Required for Removal

Impeachment and subsequent removal from office requires a two-thirds vote of the members present at a session.

C. Procedure for Impeachment Proceeding

1. HearingBoth the accusing member and the accused member shall be called upon to present their respective cases in session. The accused member shall be excluded from subsequent deliberation and voting during the remainder of the impeachment proceeding.
2. Deliberations and Votinga. Recorded VoteThe presiding officer shall under all circumstances call for a recorded vote on any motion to remove by impeachment.b. Where the Accused is an OfficerIf the accused member is also an Officer, then the presiding Officer shall call a vote on whether to remove the accused member solely from his or her current office or whether to remove the accused from his or her seat entirely.

D. Standard for Removal by Impeachment

When voting on whether to remove the accused member by impeachment, each member shall vote to remove the accused member, only if that member has engaged in conduct that is in substantial violation of the provisions of the SG Constitution.

E. Closed Session

All impeachment proceedings shall take place in closed sessions of the SG, wherein only members and any testifying witnesses may be present during these proceedings.

ARTICLE X | AMENDMENTS

A. Who May Request an Amendment

Written requests to amend this document may be made by any matriculated student, regardless of whether he or she is a Member of the SG.

B. Procedure for Ratification of Amendments

The procedure by which a proposed Amendment to the SG Constitution shall be ratified is as follows:

1. The proposed Amendment shall be sponsored by at least one member and co-sponsored by at least two (2) other members.
2. The proposed Amendment shall be presented to the whole student body, by both paper and electronic means, a minimum of one (1) week prior to the date on which the vote on the proposed Amendment is scheduled.
3. The proposed Amendment shall be deemed ratified by either one of two methods:a. Ratification by MembershipA proposed Amendment may be ratified by the SG membership, if carried by a two-thirds majority of the membership present at the session for which the vote is scheduled.b. Ratification by Referendum
   A proposed Amendment may be ratified by the student body at large, if both of the following conditions have been met:
   (i.) More than half the currently matriculated student body at large votes in the referendum; and(ii) At least two-thirds of the students who voted in the referendum have voted in favor of the proposed Amendment.

Adopted by Student Government Spring 2009, updated April 25, 2013.

Directory Information Non-Disclosure Form

Download the Directory Information Non-Disclosure Form

This form must be filed with the Registrar’s Office if you do not wish any or all directory information disclosed without your prior consent. Directory information otherwise may be made available to any parties deemed to have a legitimate interest in the information. The instructions on this form may be changed at any time by filing a new form with the Registrar’s Office. You should initial the appropriate spaces.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use

The legislature of the State of New York and federal statues have made the possession, sale, or purchase of certain drugs, without authorization, a crime. New York law prohibits selling or giving alcohol to any “visibly intoxicated person.” The possession and consumption of alcohol is illegal under state law for those under 21 years of age. All members of the Law School community are expected to abide by the laws of the city, state, and federal government (Board of Trustees Bylaws, Article XV, Section 15.1). The Law School will not serve as a sanctuary and cannot insulate its members from the consequences of illegal acts. The Law School will not protect its students, faculty, or staff from prosecution under the law. All members of the community are expected to abide by city, state, and federal statutes that have made the possession, sale, or purchase of illegal drugs a crime. Smoking is prohibited in the Law School, and it is illegal to sell tobacco to persons under the age of 18 in New York State.

Gifts to Faculty and Staff

University policy prohibits students from giving gifts of any value to CUNY staff or faculty. The University also prohibits its employees from accepting gifts of any value, either directly or indirectly, from any student, regardless of whether the gift was intended to influence or reward the employee. (CUNY has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy regarding gifts of any value to CUNY staff.) To protect staff and faculty at the Law School from being exposed to the risk of penalty, students may not use their own money or student organization money to purchase for staff or faculty, meals, tokens of appreciation, or anything of monetary value, no matter how heartfelt. Friendliness and good wishes, however, are always welcome.

Lactation Policy

Download a pdf version of the Lactation Policy

In recognition of the importance and benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants and in compliance with state and federal law, CUNY School of Law supports the rights of nursing mothers at school and in the workplace. CUNY School of Law is dedicated to making its best effort to accommodate requests from nursing mothers for break time and a private space to express breast milk on campus.

CUNY School of Law is required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as well as New York State Labor Law, to provide certain protections and benefits to employees who are nursing mothers. CUNY School of Law also is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 from discriminating against students on the basis of sex, including pregnancy and related conditions.

Therefore, CUNY School of Law is updating its employee lactation policy to explicitly permit students to use lactation rooms.

CUNY School of Law will provide its employees reasonable break time for up to three years after they give birth to express milk. An employee may utilize her paid break periods to express milk, take an unpaid break period, or make up the time she may need by extending her workday. CUNY School of Law will also provide to employees, upon request, a room or other location, in reasonably close proximity to the work area where she can express milk in privacy. The room will not be a bathroom, and it will be shielded from view and free from intrusion from co-workers and the public. CUNY School of Law [has a room dedicated or makes rooms available upon request].
These rooms will be made available to students based on availability, on a first-come, first-served basis.

For Colleges with Identified Spaces:

CUNY School of Law has established the following space(s) as [an] available lactation room(s):

• Room 2-101, to the right of the Gift Shop. It is secured with a lock which indicates
• Occupied/Unoccupied on the exterior lock device.
• To gain access to the room, student can get a key via Student Affairs. Employees can go to HR and Public Safety will supply.
• This space is available to students and employees.

Responsibilities of Employees

Requests for time off to express milk: Discuss your request with your supervisor. You may request reasonable unpaid break time and/or use your paid breaks or mealtimes for this purpose. Time used to express milk may be made up at the beginning or end of the workday. Generally, a maximum of 15-25 minutes three times a day should be sufficient, depending on how far away the location is from your workspace.

Responsibilities of Supervisors

Supervisors should grant reasonable requests for unpaid break time and/or the use of paid breaks or mealtimes for lactation. Time used to express milk may be made up at the beginning or end of the day. Generally, a maximum of 15-25 minutes three times a day should be sufficient, depending on how far the lactation room is from the employee’s workspace. The employee should be able to tell you approximately what time she will need breaks and how long it will take. However, be prepared to be flexible.

Please consult with the Director of Human Resources should any difficulties arise in complying with the mandates of these laws. Federal and state law explicitly prohibits discrimination against an employee who chooses to express milk in the workplace.

Responsibilities of Students

Students will have access to lactation rooms based on availability and on a first-come, first-served basis, and may need to schedule access ahead of time, depending on employee use.

CUNY Policy and Prohibition of Smoking

Smoking is prohibited inside all facilities owned, leased, or operated by the City University of New York.

Procedures for Handling Student Complaints About Faculty Conduct in Academic Settings

Download a pdf version of the Procedures for Handling Student Complaints

I. Introduction. The University and its Colleges have a variety of procedures for dealing with student-related issues, including grade appeals, academic integrity violations, student discipline, disclosure of student records, student elections, sexual harassment complaints, disability accommodations, and discrimination. One area not generally covered by other procedures concerns student complaints about faculty conduct in the classroom or other formal academic settings. The University respects the academic freedom of the faculty and will not interfere with it as it relates to the content or style of teaching activities. Indeed, academic freedom is and should be of paramount importance. At the same time the University recognizes its responsibility to provide students with a procedure for addressing complaints about faculty treatment of students that are not protected by academic freedom and are not covered by other procedures. Examples might include incompetent or inefficient service, neglect of duty, physical or mental incapacity and conduct unbecoming a member of the staff.

II. Determination of Appropriate Procedure. If students have any question about the applicable procedure to follow for a particular complaint, they should consult with the chief student affairs officer. In particular, the chief student affairs officer should advise a student if some other procedure is applicable to the type of complaint the student has.

III. Informal Resolution. Students are encouraged to attempt to resolve complaints informally with the faculty member or to seek the assistance of the department chairperson or campus ombudsman to facilitate informal resolution.

IV. Formal Complaint. If the student does not pursue informal resolution, or if informal resolution is unsuccessful, the student may file a written complaint with the department chairperson or, if the chairperson is the subject of the complaint, with the academic dean or a senior faculty member designated by the college president. (This person will be referred to below as the Fact Finder.). Only students in a faculty member’s class or present in another academic setting where the alleged conduct occurred may file complaints against that faculty member.

A. The complaint shall be filed within 30 calendar days of the alleged conduct unless there is good cause shown for delay, including but not limited to delay caused by an attempt at informal resolution. The complaint shall be as specific as possible in describing the conduct complained of.

B. The Fact Finder shall promptly send a copy to the faculty member about whom the complaint is made, along with a letter stating that the filing of the complaint does not imply that any wrongdoing has occurred and that a faculty member must not retaliate in any way against a student for having made a complaint. If either the student or the faculty member has reason to believe that the department chairperson may be biased or otherwise unable to deal with the complaint in a fair and objective manner, he or she may submit to the academic dean or the senior faculty member designated by the college president a written request stating the reasons for that belief; if the request appears to have merit, that person may, in his or her sole discretion, replace the department chairperson as the Fact Finder. The chairperson may also submit a written request for recusal for good cause to the academic dean or senior faculty member designated by the college president to review such requests. If a recusal request is granted, a different department chairperson shall conduct the investigation, or, if no other chairperson is available, an administrator designated by the college president shall serve in the chairperson’s stead. Further, the college president may re-assign investigations as necessary, including but not limited to situations in which a Fact Finder has not completed an investigation in a timely manner. In addition, during any time that no department chairperson is available to investigate a complaint, the college president may assign an administrator to investigate.

C. The Fact Finder shall meet with the complaining student and faculty member, either separately or together, to discuss the complaint and to try to resolve it. The Fact Finder may seek the assistance of the campus ombudsman or other appropriate person to facilitate informal resolution.

D. If resolution is not possible, and the Fact Finder concludes that the facts alleged by the student, taken as true and viewed in the light most favorable to the student, establish that the conduct complained of is clearly protected by academic freedom, he or she shall issue a written report dismissing the complaint and setting forth the reasons for dismissal and send a copy to the complaining student, the faculty member, the chief academic officer and the chief student affairs officer. Otherwise, the Fact Finder shall conduct an investigation. The Fact Finder shall separately interview the complaining student, the faculty member and other persons with relevant knowledge and information and shall also consult with the chief student affairs officer and, if appropriate, the college ombudsman. The Fact Finder shall not reveal the identity of the complaining student and the faculty member to others except to the extent necessary to conduct the investigation. If the Fact Finder believes it would be helpful, he or she may meet again with the student and faculty member after completing the investigation in an effort to resolve the matter. The complaining student and the faculty member shall have the right to have a representative (including a union representative, student government representative or attorney) present during the initial meeting, the interview and any postinvestigation meeting.

E. In cases where there is strong preliminary evidence that a student’s complaint is meritorious and that the student may suffer immediate and irreparable harm, the Fact Finder may provide appropriate interim relief to the complaining student pending the completion of the investigation. The affected faculty member may appeal such interim relief to the chief academic officer

F. At the end of the investigation, the Fact Finder shall issue a written report setting forth his or her findings and recommendations, with particular focus on whether the conduct in question is protected by academic freedom, and send a copy to the complaining student, the faculty member, the chief academic officer and the chief student affairs officer. In ordinary cases, it is expected that the investigation and written report should be completed within 30 calendar days of the date the complaint was filed.

V. Appeals Procedure. If either the student or the faculty member is not satisfied with the report of the Fact Finder, the student or faculty member may file a written appeal to the chief academic officer within 10 calendar days of receiving the report, which time period may be extended for good cause shown. The chief academic officer shall convene and serve as the chairperson of an Appeals Committee, which shall also include the chief student affairs officer, two faculty members elected annually by the faculty council or senate and one student elected annually by the student senate. The Appeals Committee shall review the findings and recommendations of the report, with particular focus on whether the conduct in question is protected by academic freedom. The Appeals Committee shall not conduct a new factual investigation or overturn any factual findings contained in the report unless they are clearly erroneous. If the Appeals Committee decides to reverse the Fact Finder in a case where there has not been an investigation because the Fact Finder erroneously found that the alleged conduct was protected by academic freedom, it may remand to the Fact Finder for further proceedings. The committee shall issue a written decision within 20 calendar days of receiving the appeal. A copy of the decision shall be sent to the student, the faculty member, the department chairperson and the president.

VI. Subsequent Action. Following the completion of these procedures, the appropriate college official shall decide the appropriate action, if any, to take. For example, the department chairperson may decide to place a report in the faculty member’s personnel file or the president may bring disciplinary charges against the faculty member. Disciplinary charges may also be brought in extremely serious cases even though the college has not completed the entire investigative process described above; in that case, the bringing of disciplinary charges shall automatically suspend that process. Any action taken by a college, whether interim or final, must comply with the bylaws of the University and the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Professional Staff Congress.

VII. Campus Implementation. Each campus shall implement these procedures and shall distribute them widely to administrators, faculty members and students and post them on the college website.

NYS Education Law, Article 5 – Section 224-a. Students unable because of religious beliefs to register or attend classes on certain days.

1. Students requesting religious accommodation should contact the Office for Student Affairs. The Interim Dean of Student Affairs, or a designee, and the student will engage in an interactive process with the goal of finding an acceptable accommodation.

2. Consistent with New York State Education Law § 224-a, students who are absent from school because of a religious belief will be given the equivalent opportunity, without any additional fee charged, to register for classes or make up any examination, study or work requirements missed because of such absence on any particular day or days.

3. Employees and applicants requesting a religious accommodation should contact the Office of Human Resources. The Director of Human Resources, or a designee, and the employee/applicant will engage in an interactive process with the goal of finding an acceptable accommodation. Classified civil service candidates who are required to take an exam or attend a hiring pool and are seeking an accommodation should follow the written instructions provided on the exam application, hiring pool instructions, or contact the HR Advisory Services unit in University Human Resources.

4. Individuals requesting accommodations may be required to submit an intake form. In the case of requests for religious accommodations, the interactive process may include a consideration of a variety of factors, such as the individual’s religious practices and the functions and requirements of the academic program or job. Reasonable accommodations may include, but are not limited to, flexible arrival and/or departure times, permission to make up a test or lecture, leave or assignment changes, time and/or space to pray, or an accommodation relating to appearance or dress.

5. CUNY generally will not question that a request for religious accommodation is based on a sincerely held belief. However, if CUNY has genuine reason to doubt that a belief qualifies as religious, or is sincerely held, CUNY may make a limited inquiry, asking for supporting documentation. The documentation submitted may include the requestor’s first-hand explanation, or explanations from others, such as a religious official or clergy member, who are aware of the religious practice or belief.

6. A grant or denial of the request must be made as soon as practicable, taking into account the urgency of the request, and sent in writing to the individual making the request, either stating the accommodation, or for denials, the reason(s) the request was denied.

B. Appeals

Students, employees, and applicants may appeal a denial of their accommodation request by filing a complaint with the Chief Diversity Officer at their College or unit. The Chief Diversity Officer, or a designee, will mediate to try to resolve the issues between the individual and the College to find an acceptable accommodation. If a mutually acceptable accommodation cannot be determined, then the Chief Diversity Officer, or a designee, will investigate the complaint and make a recommendation to the College President, or if the employee works at the Central Office, then to the Senior Vice Chancellor for University Human Resources. The College President or Senior Vice Chancellor for University Human Resources will make the final determination concerning the complaint.If the employee is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the employee may discuss the matter with a union representative and exercise any rights available under such agreement.

Recording Device Policy

The recording of all or parts of classes may only be made with the permission of the instructor. There are no exceptions to this policy. Undisclosed or surreptitious recordings of any kind, including photos, audio, and video recordings by students without permission are not permitted on the Law School premises, or where any party is on a Law School telephone or other Law School communications device. Such conduct may be subject to disciplinary action by the Law School.

Authorized Recording

The Office of Student Affairs may request a class to be recorded by the Audio-Visual Department on behalf of a student in the following situations:

• Disability accommodation – In order to ensure compliance with applicable laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, except those that have been designated classes in which confidential information is likely to be discussed;
• Religious Accommodation – where a class is scheduled on a day of observance; and
• Extended absence due to serious medical emergency or other exigent circumstance.

Limited Student Use

Students are not authorized to copy, download, or disseminate authorized recordings to others. The making or dissemination of such recordings can violate federal, state, or other laws that restrict the involuntary recording of conversations.

Faculty Requests

Professors who do not make classroom recordings generally available may wish to make such recordings available for bad weather, religious holidays, scheduling a make-up class for a time at which a number of students have previous commitments, or other reasons. The Audio-Visual Department will tape classes at the request of faculty members.

Reasonable advance notice (at least 48 hours) is required in all situations.

Absences

The absence of individual students due to illness, appointments, social events, job-related situations, etc., typically does not serve as a cause for taping.

Tuition & Fee Manual

Purpose of this Manual

This Tuition and Fee Manual (“Manual” or “TFM”) was created to combine tuition and fee policies and procedures in one document to provide assistance to CUNY staff. Although not designed to be the definitive training document, the Manual will provide support to new and experienced staff.

Sections in the Manual are identified below. Clicking a topic will provide direct access to that section.

Sections begin with a group of policy statements, followed by pertinent definitions, and tables or charts. All information in the Manual will be periodically updated.

Suggestions for clarification or correction to the Manual are encouraged and should be submitted to:

TnFManual@cuny.edu
Office of the University Treasurer
City University of New York
230 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036

Download the CUNY residency form .

Return of Unearned Military Tuition Assistance Funds Policies and Procedures

Download a Return of Unearned Military Tuition Assistance Funds Policies and Procedures

Policy Statement: Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally awarded. To comply with the Department of Defense (DOD) policy, CUNY School of Law will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending.