General Conduct

1. General Conduct Standards

Flagrant disrespect for persons, flouting of common standards of decency, behavior unbecoming of a Middlebury student, or continued behavior that demonstrates contempt for the generally accepted values of the intellectual community is prohibited.

2. Respect for the Educational Function of the College

Any disruption of the educational function of the College is prohibited.

3. Respect for Persons

The College expects all members of the College community to respect the dignity, freedom, and rights of others. Violence in word or deed against another; incitement or provocation to violence; conduct that exploits or coerces another; prevention of another's free expression of ideas by intimidation, abuse, or physical force; defamation; violation of another's privacy; unauthorized entry and, specifically, uninvited hostile presence in another's room or office, are prohibited.

4. Respect for Property

We strive to create a community of trust, safety, and respect for others and for our shared resources. Theft of or damage to College property or the property of others is therefore prohibited; fines are associated. Additionally, unauthorized access to College property or that of others, or undermining authorized access to College property, is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to unauthorized use of services, and disposition of College property to another under the pretense that it is one's own. Other examples of prohibited activities are provided below.

a. College Facilities: Unauthorized entry into closed or restricted areas of the College, including roofs of buildings, is prohibited.

b. Library Resources: The Middlebury College library collections exist as common resources to be shared, preserved, and respected in a manner guaranteeing protection for future users. The ethical use of library materials, including all technological resources, involves acceptance of this principle and appropriate conduct regarding library collections. Middlebury’s Library and Information Services policies outline community expectations and prohibited behaviors regarding electronic and library resources. Other examples of disrespect for library resources include, but are not limited to:

i. writing upon, defacing, tearing, cutting, mutilating, or destroying books or other library property;

ii. removing or attempting to remove library property from the library without formal borrowing through the circulation desk;

iii. the willful concealment of library property within the library;

iv. the willful retention of library materials beyond their stated loan periods.

c. College Equipment: Failure to maintain and/or return on time instructional and/or other College equipment is prohibited.

d. Furnishings: College furnishings provided in lounges and other public spaces belong in those spaces. The presence of such furnishings in a student's room is prohibited; fines are associated.

e. Vandalism and Physical Damage to College property: The minimum sanction for damage or vandalism, whether in a dormitory or other College facility, is payment of the cost of repair or replacement. Fines may be associated. If an individual voluntarily turns himself or herself in to their Commons dean, the sanction may be lessened.

f. Dining Hall property: Removal of food, dishes, utensils, etc., from any College dining facility is prohibited; fines are associated. Students are prohibited from eating in a College dining room without a board contract and without having paid for the particular meal, or providing food from the dining hall to individuals without board contracts; fines and meal charges are associated.

Theft or destruction of property may also constitute a criminal offense, and may be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

5. Respect for the Authority of College Officials

Middlebury College vests many employees with specific duties and authority to effect the purposes of the institution. Faculty; deans; administrative, custodial, dining, and library staff; Public Safety officers; and residential life staff are all College officials with authority commensurate with their duties. Students are expected to identify themselves by showing their College identification card upon request of College officials. Failure to respect the authority of College officials is prohibited.

6. Providing False or Misleading Information

Middlebury’s community standards include fostering integrity, honesty, and respect for all individuals. Therefore, providing information to any member of the College staff or faculty that an individual knows or reasonably should know is false or misleading is prohibited.