Student Bulletin – University Policies

School of Law Student Bulletin

University policies, procedures, and standards are designed to foster a climate in which students can succeed during their time at the University. All law students are expected to familiarize themselves with these policies, procedures, and standards and adhere to them as well. University policies on the following topics can be found online in the Student Handbook: https://www.scu.edu/osl/policies-and-protocols/.

– Academic Integrity (Law students, please also refer to School of Law Academic Integrity Policy.)
– ACCESS Credential Policy
– Office of Accessible Education
– Alcoholic Beverage Policy
– Responsible Hosting of Events Where Alcohol is Served
– Alcohol Policy Within University Housing
– Alcohol & Controlled Substance Violations: Parental Notification Policy
– Bereavement Resources
– Bias Incident Reporting
– Building Evacuation and Fire Safety
– Communicable-Diseases Policy
– Computing and Electronic Resources Policy
– Contraception Availability Policy Statement
– Crime Reporting
– Death of a Parent or a Student
– Drug-Free Policies
– Eating Disorders
– Eligibility Policy for Participation in Student Activities: Academic Standing and    Discipline Status
– Hazing Policy Statement
– Health and Well-Being and Conditional Health and Well-Being Withdrawal Policy
– Marijuana Policy
– Missing Person Notification Policy
– No Contact Directives
– Nondiscrimination Policy
– Posting Printed Material & Chalking
– Pregnancy Resources
– Gender-Based Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy Purpose Statement
– Sexually Transmitted Infections
– Smoke-Free and Tobacco-Free Policy
– Solicitation Policy
– Speakers Policy
– Student Organizations
– Student Records and FERPA
– Transportation
– Housing and Residence Hall Policies, Procedures, and Standards
– Student Conduct System

For information on the Parking Policy, please visit https://university-operations.scu.edu/campus-safety/parking-and-transportation-services/parking-services/

Clery Act

Santa Clara University values the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and faculty, and visitors. The University community can only remain safe and secure through the cooperation of community members. By working together, we all can continue to make SCU a safe and welcoming university.

Under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents as defined by the law. This information is made available to assist current and potential students and employees in making informed decisions regarding their attendance or employment at the University. It is the policy of Santa Clara University that the campus community will be informed on a timely basis of all reports of crime and other information affecting the security of our campus and the personal safety of our students, faculty, staff, and guests.

For more information about campus safety policies, procedures, and statistics concerning campus crime, please see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (https://university-operations.scu.edu/campus-safety/clery-act-compliance).

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA)

The University strives to safeguard the well-being of all children and encourages all members of the University community who observe, have actual knowledge of, or reasonably suspect child abuse or neglect at a University facility or perpetrated by University personnel to promptly report the concern to appropriate law enforcement, external officials, and university officials. 

The Child Abuse Neglect and Reporting Act (CANRA) requires that employers of mandated reporters promote identification and reporting of child abuse or neglect. Mandated Reporters under CANRA are responsible for reporting the incident themselves. They are not required to investigate any known or suspected cases of abuse. 

It is the policy of Santa Clara University that all university employees (as well as volunteers and independent contractors) who, in the course of their business or volunteer activity, have reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect are required to make a report. This policy applies to all Santa Clara University locations and all University-sponsored or hosted programs, events, and activities, including study abroad programs. Please note that information learned through any confidential communications made to a clergy member subject to the clergy-penitent privilege is not required to be reported. For more information or questions related to this policy, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (https://www.scu.edu/title-ix).

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

The University does not discriminate in its admissions practices except as permitted by law, in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex or gender.

As a recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities, the University is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that all of its education programs and activities do not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender. Sex includes sex, sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or parenting status. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX and by University policy. The University also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internal or external to the institution.

To review the University’s complete policy, as well as more detailed information regarding Title IX-related procedures, please see the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website (https://www.scu.edu/title-ix).

Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

In both practice and policy, Santa Clara University adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended 2008 (ADAAA); Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and all other federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. 

The University is committed to providing individuals with disabilities, including (but not limited to) those with learning disabilities, ADHD, chronic health conditions, traumatic brain injuries, hearing impairments, physical disabilities, psychological disorders, visual impairments, and other health impairments, equal access to the academic courses, programs, activities, services, and employment opportunities, and strives in its policies and practices to provide for the full participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of University life.

For information concerning policies and procedures for students with disabilities, see the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) website (https://www.scu.edu/oae). Students with disabilities who are registered with the OAE office may be qualified to receive accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services based on supporting documentation. To register with OAE, students should contact the Director of OAE at 408-554-4109 or by email at oae@scu.edu

Faculty and staff should contact Human Resources to request employee disability-related accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services. For more information, please see the Human Resources website (https://www.scu.edu/hr/). 

Students, faculty, and staff who have questions or concerns about (1) disagreements or denials regarding requested services, accommodations, or modifications to University practices or requirements; (2) alleged inaccessibility of a University program or activity; (3) alleged harassment or discrimination on the basis of a disability, and (4) any other alleged disability discrimination should contact the Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. 

For more information or questions related to these policies, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (https://www.scu.edu/title-ix).

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University’s fundamental principles of academic excellence through diversity and inclusion are central to our Jesuit, Catholic values. These principles and values require us to provide a workplace and educational environment free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. In its admission, educational and employment practices, programs, and activities, the University does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination against any individual based on race, color, ethnicity, nationality, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, registered domestic partner status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), medical condition (including cancer related or genetic characteristics), pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The Director of Equal Opportunity serves as the University’s designated Title IX Coordinator and Affirmative Action Officer. The Director coordinates and oversees the prompt response, impartial and thorough investigation, and equitable and timely resolution to all instances of discrimination and harassment, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct involving students, faculty, and staff. The Director also tracks incidents and trends involving sexual misconduct and serves as the principal contact for government and external inquiries regarding civil rights compliance and Title IX. 

For more detailed information regarding policies and procedures related to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination, please review the information included in the Santa Clara University Student Handbook (https://www.scu.edu/osl/policies-and-protocols) and on the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website (https://www.scu.edu/title-ix). Inquiries regarding the University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies should contact: 

Aaron Zisser, Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office and Title IX Coordinator
Santa Clara University | Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX
500 El Camino Real | Santa Clara, CA 95053
Office Location: Loyola Hall, Suite 140, 425 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053
Main Office: 408-551-3043 | Direct Line: 408-551-3521
Email: azisser@scu.edu 
Web: www.scu.edu/title-ix

Claims of discrimination or other inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations may also be directed externally to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) (https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/index.html). Inquiries regarding civil rights compliance and employment discrimination may also be made externally to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (https://www.eeoc.gov) and/or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) (https://www.dfeh.ca.gov).