Student Life

The Office of Judicial Affairs is responsible for coordinating and adjudicating all college policy violations related to students. The Office of Judicial Affairs staff assists in the development of responsible student behavior which is fostered by example, counseling, guidance, admonition and adherence to College policies. Students are expected to be responsible community members, have integrity in their decision making, and practice civility. The disciplinary process educates students as to the purpose and importance of abiding by policies and promotes a safe educational environment. Student misconduct is addressed through a fair and impartial process which is overseen by the Director of Judicial Affairs. The staff issues sanctions, that are appropriate and necessary, to ensure continued and/or future adherence to the standards of conduct and to protect the general population from disruptive behavior.

Many commonly asked questions about what happens when you are referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs are answered below.

How does your office know when and who violates the Code of Conduct?

The Office of Judicial Affairs receives various incident reports from different sources, e.g., Department of Public Safety, Office of Residence Life staff, faculty or administrative offices, and other students.

How do I file a complaint?

Anyone who thinks s/he is a victim of or a witness to an alleged violation may submit a statement form with Department of Public Safety, or the Office of Judicial Affairs. One must realize that the accused student(s)/organization will have a right to review the statement and call into question any allegations. You must be prepared to possibly give an account of your complaint in a judicial proceeding if needed.

What are my rights in the discipline process?

Your rights are outlined in the Code of Conduct, Section J, "Rights in all Disciplinary Proceedings"

How do you make your decision about if I violated a College policy?

A Standard of Evidence is the measuring stick by which we make a decision. Ramapo College uses a Preponderance of Evidence in order to find a student in violation of policy. The student is not responsible for violating policies unless proven otherwise; however, unlike a court of law, the standard of evidence which must be met in order to prove that a student violated policy is less stringent. If you imagine weighing the evidence on some imaginary scale, it must be more than 50% convincing that a policy was violated. Another way of stating it is "Is it more likely than not that a policy was violated?"

Does a student who has been charged with a violation need an attorney?

Any student (Accused, Victim, Witness) who appears at a disciplinary proceeding may have an advisor accompany him/her. The advisor may provide advice but will not be permitted to question witnesses or to present information at the meeting. (Having an attorney serve as an advisor does not change the role of the advisor.) A student who wishes to have an attorney as an advisor must inform the Office of Judicial Affairs in writing or by telephone at least three business days prior to the scheduled proceeding.

What about an incident occurring off-campus, e.g., a drug arrest, DUI, fights, theft, assault, etc.?

As a citizen of the RCNJ Community you are expected to represent the institution in the best possible manner. RCNJ reserves the right to deal with violator’s off-campus for incidents that would normally be considered violations of the Code of Conduct had they occurred on-campus.

If an incident is being handled in the courts, may the College also take action?

Yes, students sometimes find that their involvement in an incident is reviewed by two or more jurisdictions (e.g., the College discipline system and the civil and criminal justice systems.) The fact that an incident is being examined from more than one perspective does not mean that the student has been placed in "double jeopardy." The purpose of the student discipline process is to determine if a person shall remain a member of this academic community and, if so, under what conditions.

If I did violate the rules, maybe I can just lie about it, sound very sincere, and get away with it.

This is a bad idea for two reasons.

First, people almost always get caught in their lies. One lie leads to another and another. Eventually, everything comes crashing down, and what was a single violation at the start is compounded by additional dishonest acts.

Second, even if one is successful in deceiving others, it is much harder to fool oneself. The individual must live with his/her conscience, and with the knowledge of that deception. It is best to tell the truth right at the beginning, face one’s mistakes and take responsibility for the consequences, learn from the experience and develop positive, ethical ways of solving problems in the future.

Maybe I can just talk my way out of it …

Again, this is a bad idea. The meeting with a Hearing Officer/College Judicial Review Board is an opportunity to talk about what happened in a non-threatening environment. Trying to avoid responsibility for one’s behavior usually results in more severe sanctions, and may establish a pattern of dishonesty and evasion that will create bigger problems in the future.

But admitting a violation will ruin my life – I’m afraid the violation will go on my record and keep me from going to professional or graduate school, or from getting a job!

A single violation will NOT ruin one’s life. As an educational institution, a primary goal of the campus disciplinary process is to help students learn from their mistakes. Usually, no permanent records are retained, and nothing goes on a student’s transcripts regarding the disciplinary action. Only if the sanction involves Expulsion is it noted on transcripts. In all but a very few cases, a student discipline record will not prevent one from applying and being admitted to medical, law, dental, or other professional or graduate schools.

But I was not aware of the rules; I did not mean to do anything wrong!

Every student is responsible for knowing what the rules are. This is why it is important to ask questions if one is unsure of the standards that apply. For example, if a student does not know the proper rules for citing sources in a paper, or do not know whether or to what extent students can work together on a homework assignment, the student must ask questions about the rules BEFORE completing and submitting the assignment. Ignorance is not an excuse. If you find yourself worrying about whether something is OK or not, don’t ignore your instincts-ask for clarification.

And if I did do it?

A referral to student judicial system, regardless of the outcome, can be a learning process. The goals of a disciplinary inquiry are to find the truth, to be fair, and to treat all those involved with respect.

If a student has violated the rules, we know that it is not easy to admit mistakes. Our experience has been, however, that most students have the courage to admit their mistakes. The act of taking personal responsibility empowers the individual and allows him/her to get beyond a bad decision and move forward with his/her life.

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Most answers to questions about the student judicial process can be found in the Student Handbook. If you do not find the information you are looking for, you can send an e-mail to: mvanderw@ramapo.edu, or you can call the Office of Judicial Affairs at (201) 684-7869.

Tips for Accused Student in a Disciplinary Proceeding Tips for the Complaintant in a Disciplinary Proceeding Tips for the Witness in a Disciplinary Proceeding Tips for the Advisor of a Student in a Disciplinary Proceeding Justifiable Excuses for Non Appearance Judicial Charges Flowchart

A. Tips for Accused Student in a Disciplinary Proceeding

This information was developed to help you prepare for a disciplinary proceeding. It is meant to supplement the Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook, which details the judicial process you will go through. You should read the section thoroughly as well as follow these tips when preparing to appear. Questions about the process should be referred to Melissa Van Der Wall, Director of Campus Judicial Affairs.

You have been charged with a violation of the Ramapo College Code of Conduct. Although you have been charged with a violation, you are presumed "not responsible" until proven "responsible." It is the responsibility of the complainant to present and "prove" the case against you. The standard of proof that a Hearing Officer/Judicial Board will use to reach a decision will be whether it IS MORE LIKELY THAN NOT that the violation occurred.

As you prepare for the disciplinary proceeding, you should keep in mind the following pointers:

1. Tell the truth. Failure to tell the truth is itself a serious charge and can result in further disciplinary action even if you are found not in violation for the charge against you.
   
   
2. You will be allowed to submit documents or statements for use at the proceeding. They must be submitted to the Office of Judicial Affairs prior to the proceeding so that copies can be made and distributed to the appropriate persons. Statements should be submitted, signed, dated, and typed or clearly written in ink.
   Statements should be recollections of the incident and answer who, what, where, when, and why questions. Only individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the incident should submit them. These individuals may also be called as witnesses at the proceeding. Written statements will generally be requested during the investigation and should be turned into the Office of Judicial Affairs. Character witnesses will not be permitted to appear as they are not needed and have little, if any, relevance to the charges against you.
   
   
3. You are entitled to review the submitted written statements and incident reports that will be used by the complainant in the case. Please contact the Office of Judicial Affairs at 201-684-7869 to set up an appointment to view the file. You may not duplicate these materials. Read the materials carefully and think of any questions you will want to ask at the proceeding. Write the questions down in advance. When reviewing these documents, look for missing information, gaps in time that are not explained well or fully, and misinformation or inconsistencies among statements. This approach will probably be used by the complainant in preparing the case against you.
   
   
4. You are permitted to have an advisor present for the proceeding. The advisor in a disciplinary proceeding may be anyone of your choosing (including an attorney.) The advisor is not permitted to speak during the proceeding. The advisor may confer and speak privately to you. The advisor may not be included in the list of witnesses. S/he may only function in the capacity of an advisor. The advisor can assist you with the following:
   
   
   1. Reviewing the charge(s) and the student judicial process
   2. Preparing the Presentation of the case
   3. Thinking of questions to ask the witness(es) called to testify at the proceeding
   4. Taking notes during the proceeding
   5. Suggesting additional questions to ask witnesses and the other party based on their testimony
   6. Helping keep you calm and in control
   7. Providing you with moral support during the proceeding
      
      
5. Your presentation of the case and closing statements are important. If you engaged in prohibited conduct, you may say this up front then speak to mitigating factors surrounding the incident that the person(s) writing the reports may not have been aware of. If you are not responsible for the charge, you should also state this up front and be prepared to show why the complainant is wrong in bringing the charge against you. If you prefer not to read a prepared statement, you may want to prepare an outline to ensure that you do not forget any major points. Your closing statement is always presented last and will allow you to summarize the findings of the case from your perspective.
   
   
6. During the proceeding the complainant and the Hearing Officer/Judicial Board may ask you questions. Answer only the questions asked of you and do so in a clear, concise and direct manner. Do not be evasive.
   
   
7. When you question parties at the proceeding you may ask "open" or "closed" questions. A "closed" question can usually be answered with a one-word response. Asking an open ended question will draw out more information. Ask concise, specific questions to the other parties at the proceeding. Seek general information first; then move to more specific questions. Do not badger others while questioning.
   
   
8. Eye contact should be made with the Hearing Officer/Judicial Board when they address you. They are not the enemy! They are there to do three things: hear the information, formulate an opinion regarding whether it is more likely than not that you engaged in prohibited conduct and if so, impose a sanction. Do not allow yourself to become defensive or argumentative with the Hearing Officer/Judicial Board.
   
   
9. You may appeal certain sanctions. The appeal process is explained in the Student Handbook. Your advisor may be helpful in formulating your appeal letter if you choose to appeal the decision.
   
   
10. Do not hesitate to consult with the Director of Judicial Affairs if you have any questions on how to prepare for the proceeding or an appeal. In general, you should take the process seriously and prepare carefully.

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B. Tips for the Complaintant in a Disciplinary Proceeding

This information was developed to help you prepare for a disciplinary proceeding. It is meant to supplement the Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook, which details the judicial process you will go through. You should read the section thoroughly as well as follow these tips when preparing to appear. Questions about the process should be referred to Melissa Van Der Wall, Director of Campus Judicial Affairs.

Preparation

1. Read all witness and incident reports
2. Prepare a short outline that identifies key players. Identify which individuals will be needed to testify at the proceeding.
   1. Identify sequence of events
   2. Identify special circumstances associated with the incident (i.e., alcohol or other drug use, harassing or provoking speech or actions).
   3. Be sure to have a clear understanding of the specific rule, regulation or standard of conduct the accused student has allegedly violated as stated in the Student Handbook.
3. Clarify discrepancies in and between statements.
4. Anticipate questions the Hearing Officer/Judicial Board and the accused may ask.
5. Identify questions you will want to ask of the accused and the witness(es).
6. Upon request you will be provided an opportunity to view the file for the case. Please contact the Office of Judicial Affairs at 201-684-7869 to set up an appointment to view the file.

Judicial Board Process

Please review the Student Handbook, Section L. "Judicial Board Hearing Format." The hearing can be divided into four segments.

1. Presentation of case – Complainant then Accused
2. Questioning of the Parties
3. Questioning of the Witnesses
4. Closing statement – Accused then Complainant

Presentation of case

Prepare and write out an outline for the presentation of your case. The presentation should begin with a brief and sharp statement of what you will show. The rest of the presentation is a narrative about the incident and the key facts.

Questioning

When responding to questions, avoid providing unnecessary information. Short, direct responses are preferred by the Judicial Board. Do not make personal comments about the accused student. Ask questions of the accused and witnesses that will highlight discrepancies in testimony.

Closing Statement

State what you have shown throughout the hearing. Point out any discrepancies you have discovered during the hearing. Explain the impact of the incident on the complainant and the College Community. Suggest to the Judicial Board how sanctioning the accused student will protect the interests of the complainant and the College Community.

Reminders

1. The use of alcohol or other drugs may not be used as a defense.
2. In cases of sexual violence, the alleged victim's past sexual history may not be revealed unless said activity was with the accused and can be shown to be relevant to the case at hand.
3. The hearing and all materials associated with it (incident reports, statements, etc.) are to be considered confidential. You may not discuss this case with anyone, including any member of the Judicial Board following the hearing except the Director of Campus Judicial Affairs.
4. Character witnesses are not permitted in the hearing since they have little if any relevance to the charges.

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C. Tips for the Witness in a Discipline Proceeding

You have been called as a witness in a disciplinary proceeding before a Hearing Officer or Judicial Board. This is not a court of law, but rather a part of our student discipline system for addressing complaints about student behavior. The fact that allegations have been made and are taken seriously does not mean that they are true.

The role of a witness is not that of an advocate or helper for one side; a witness’s obligation is simply to tell the truth. You have been asked to be a witness because you know something about the incident or about matters directly related to the incident in question. You are asked to share that information at the proceeding.

The parties involved and the Hearing Officer/Judicial Board may ask you questions. You are asked to give truthful, thoughtful answers. You will be given ample opportunity to tell what you know about the case. Upon entering the proceeding you will be sworn in and then asked to testify. When the Hearing Officer/Judicial Board excuses you, you may leave. As student judicial records are confidential, you are not to discuss the case outside the proceeding unless authorized to do so by the Office of Judicial Affairs.

If you anticipate a scheduling conflict notify the Office of Judicial Affairs. You are advised to consult the Student Handbook and familiarize yourself with the student judicial system and the Code of Conduct. Questions about the process should be referred to Melissa Van Der Wall, Director of Campus Judicial Affairs.

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D. Tips for the Advisor of a Student in a Disciplinary Proceeding

This information was developed to help you prepare to serve in your role as ADVISOR for a student in a disciplinary proceeding. It is meant to supplement the Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook, which details the student judicial process. You should read the section thoroughly as well as follow these tips when preparing for the proceeding. Both accused and complainant students have access to similar "Tips" documents to assist in preparing for the proceeding. Questions about the process should be referred to Melissa Van Der Wall, Director of Campus Judicial Affairs.

The advisor in a disciplinary proceeding may be anyone of the student's choosing (including an attorney.) The advisor is not permitted to speak during the proceeding. The advisor may confer and speak privately to the advisee. The advisor may not be included in the list of witnesses. S/he may only function in the capacity of an advisor. The advisor should assist the advisee with the following:

1. Review and understand the charge(s) and the student judicial process
2. Prepare the Presentation of the case
3. Think of questions to ask the witness(es) called to testify at the proceeding
4. Take notes during the proceeding
5. Suggest additional questions to ask witnesses and the other party based on their testimony
6. Help keep the advisee calm and in control
7. Provide moral support to the advisee during the proceeding

The advisor's assistance may also be needed in preparing a letter of appeal (if advisee is the accused student), should the student choose to appeal the decision.

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E. Justifiable Excuses for "Charged" Students not to Appear at Judicial Board Hearing or Disciplinary Conference

1. Serious illness or hospitalization. Physician's letter required within five business days attesting to inability of charged student to be present for reasons of illness or injury.
2. Death of member of immediate family of charged student or in domicile with family. Copy of death notice in newspaper or death certificate required.
3. Serious physical emergency at student's permanent home (i.e., fire, flood, etc.). Local Police Department verification in writing required.
4. Charged student under arrest and incarcerated. Written court or police verification required.
5. Charged student involved in unavoidable transportation delay. Must be documented in writing by police in locale where delay took place.

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Judicial Charges Flowchart (PDF)

F. Judicial Charges Flowchart

This information was developed to help educate you about the judicial process. It is meant to supplement the Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook, which details the student judicial process.

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What happens if I do not complete my judicial sanction? How do I complete my Alcohol Innerview sanction? How do I complete my Checkpoint, Alcohol Assessment, or Drug Assessment sanction? How do I complete my Community Restitution sanction? How do I complete my Fire Safety Education Class sanction? Where can I find additional information about judicial sanctions? Who do I contact if I still have questions about my judicial sanction?

This information is intended to support you through the process of completing your judicial sanctions. By now, you have had the opportunity to attend a disciplinary proceeding and received a judicial hearing result. If sanctions were imposed in your case, the final step is to complete what is required in a timely manner so that you can focus on moving forward from this matter. The responsibility is with you to be aware of the steps you must take to be considered in good standing with your judicial sanctions.

A. What happens if I do not complete my judicial sanction?

Failing to complete your judicial sanction may result in a registration hold on your account until you are in compliance with your sanction. While in this hold status, you will not be able to register for courses or make adjustments to your course schedule. You may also receive additional judicial charges and have to attend another disciplinary proceeding for failing to comply with the terms of your sanction. In the end, it is always to your advantage to complete your sanctions on time. This prevents any potential difficulties when registering and demonstrates that you value the importance of making amends with the College.

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B. How do I complete my Alcohol Innerview sanction?

Alcohol Innerview

1. Go to http://www.alcoholinnerview.com. You must type address exactly as it appears, including the http://www.
2. Under NEW USER, enter the Login ID: 11A186201VIEW then click “Submit.”
3. Enter your name, birth month/year, and RCNJ email address and create a password.
4. Click “Next” to begin taking Alcohol Innerview. You must complete all 5 sections.
5. At conclusion of survey click “Feedback Report”. Click “Email” at top of report. An email with your Personal Report will be automatically sent to you.
6. You must forward the Personal Report email to Cory Rosenkranz at crosenkr@ramapo.edu. BE SURE TO PUT YOUR NAME IN THE SUBJECT LINE.
7. Print a copy of your results for your records.

If I have a registration hold because this sanction is outstanding, how is it removed?
When Cory Rosenkranz, the College’s Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, reviews your Alcohol Innerview and confirms your completion, the registration hold will be removed by the Center for Health and Counseling Services.

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C. How do I complete my Checkpoint, Alcohol Assessment, or Drug Assessment sanction?

Checkpoint, Alcohol Assessment, Drug Assessment

You must email checkpnt@ramapo.edu for an appointment with the Center for Health and Counseling Services. Be sure to include your name and R# in the message, along with your telephone number and your availability to meet.

If I have a registration hold because this sanction is outstanding, how is it removed?
It will be removed by the Center for Health and Counseling Services when it is confirmed that you scheduled your appointment. If you fail to attend your scheduled appointment, the hold will be placed back on your account.

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D. How do I complete my Community Restitution sanction?

Community Restitution

You must complete your hours with the Community Restitution site indicated on your judicial hearing result.

To arrange your hours:
Bradley Center – contact Kathy Finnegan at (201) 684-7683 or email her at kfinnega@ramapo.edu.
Cahill Center – contact Debra Stark at (201) 684-7221 or stop into the Cahill Center (C-209).
Facilities – contact the Facilities Service Desk at (201) 684-7660.
Library – contact Madel Tisi in the Library at (201) 684-7510 or email her at mtisi@ramapo.edu.

If I have a registration hold because this sanction is outstanding, how is it removed?
First, contact your assigned Community Restitution site to arrange completion of your hours. Once your hours are arranged, contact Matthew McMahon at mmcmaho2@ramapo.edu or by phone at (201) 684-7869 to address the registration hold.

Why can’t I complete my hours with an off-campus organization or a group I am affiliated with?
While involvement in service elsewhere may lead to greater personal development and make a positive impact, it would not satisfy the requirement for your judicial sanction. We differentiate the community restitution sanction from community service because the purpose of community restitution is to make amends – compensate for exhibiting conduct that is inconsistent with expectations set forth by the College. The intent is to make a positive contribution to the College because this is the community your conduct directly impacts. In addition, we rely on our campus partnership with supervisors from each of our restitution sites to monitor a student’s work and inform us of the completion status – this accessibility and communication is not an established expectation with outside groups.

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E. How do I complete my Fire Safety Education Class sanction?

Fire Safety Education Class

The fire safety education class is held twice each semester. This one-hour class is conducted by the College’s fire marshal. In addition to your judicial hearing result, you will receive an email from a Judicial Affairs staff member alerting you of the date/time and location of the next scheduled class.

What happens if I do not attend the fire safety education class?
You may be placed on Suspension of Activities Privileges (see Code of Conduct, Section O: Sanctions) until you complete this class. You may also face additional disciplinary actions.

What happens if I have an academic conflict during the time a fire safety education class is scheduled?
Contact the Office of Judicial Affairs as soon as you are alerted of the details of the class. Conflicts are addressed on a case by case basis.

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F. Where can I find additional information about judicial sanctions?

There are a number of sanctions that may be imposed singly or in combination for violations of prohibited conduct. The Code of Conduct (Section O: Sanctions) within the Student Handbook contains descriptions of common sanctions.

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G. Who do I contact if I still have questions about my judicial sanction?

Contact Matthew McMahon, Assistant Director of Judicial Affairs, via email at mmcmaho2@ramapo.edu or via phone at (201) 684-7869.

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Alcohol Violations Drug Policy Violations Failure to Comply with the Directions of College Officials, Public Safety Officers, or Officers of the Law Fire Safety Violations

The information below is intended to provide broad recommendations for common violations. Factors considered in deciding sanctions include present demeanor and past disciplinary record of the student, the nature of the offense, and severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from it as perceived by the victim and/or appropriate College officials. Refer to the Code of Conduct (Section O: Sanctions) within the Student Handbook for descriptions of common sanctions.

A. Alcohol Violations

1st violation – not less than a $200 fine, attendance at Checkpoint (an alcohol education program) or completion of Innerview (an online alcohol education program) and possible Parental Notification (refer to Parental Notification policy).

2nd violation – not less than a $400 fine, Parental Notification, attendance at Checkpoint, Residence Probation and possible Suspension of Activities Privileges.

3rd violation – not less than a $800 fine, 10 Community Restitution hours, Parental Notification, referral to Counseling Services for a Substance Abuse Assessment and possible outside treatment, Disciplinary Probation, Suspension of Activities Privileges, Loss of Campus Housing and possible Suspension from the College.

4th violation – Suspension from the College and Parental Notification.

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B. Drug Policy Violations

Drug Possession/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
1st violation - not less than $300 fine, 20 Community Restitution hours, Parental Notification, formal drug assessment through Counseling Services, possible Suspension of Activities Privileges, possible Loss of Campus Housing and possible Suspension from the College

2nd violation – Parental Notification, Suspension from the College or possible Expulsion.

Distribution of Drugs (Without Intent of Financial Gain)
1st violation - Parental Notification, Suspension from the College or possible Expulsion

2nd violation - Parental Notification and Expulsion.

Distribution of Drugs (With Intent of Financial Gain)
1st violation – Parental Notification and Expulsion.

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C. Failure to Comply with the Directions of College Officials, Public Safety Officers, or Officers of the Law

$100 fine and 20 hours of Community Restitution

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D. Fire Safety Violations

Inadvertently setting off a fire alarm (due to unattended cooking)
1st violation - $150.00 fine & attendance at a fire safety education class

2nd violation - $300.00 fine & Residence Probation & possibly moved to a non-cooking facility

3rd violation – Removal from housing
  
Inadvertently setting off a fire alarm (due to non-cooking related issues, i.e. blow drying hair right under the heat sensor, spraying aerosol into air, hot showers)
10 hours community restitution & attendance at a fire safety education class

Tampering with fire alarm equipment
1st offense - $500.00 fine & attendance at a fire safety education class

2nd offense – College Judicial Review Board

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The Role of the College Judicial Review Board

The College Judicial Review Board's function is to investigate the issues raised in the disciplinary hearing and determine whether the student charged is responsible for the conduct alleged. Board members play an active role in listening to all testimony and evidence presented, and they have an opportunity to question all witnesses to gain a better understanding of the issues related to the allegations. If members of the College Judicial Review Board decide, through deliberation, that the student(s) is responsible for the allegation(s), they then determine an appropriate sanction.

Board Selection for Hearings

Hearings usually last from one to two hours. Five persons (three faculty/professional staff, two students) serve on each Board. You may be asked to be a member of a Board several times per semester, but you can serve when it is convenient for you. You will be notified by email about the convening of a Board several days before the hearing. Hearings are scheduled at various times, from 8:30am to 4:30pm and on different days of the week depending on the class schedules of the student(s) charged and of the witness(es). A confirmation is then sent back to you if you have been selected to serve on the Board.

Students who serve on College Judicial Review Boards must have 28 credits earned, maintain a 2.5 cumulative G.P.A., be in good social standing with the College as determined by the Office of Judicial Affairs, and agree to keep all case information in strict confidence.

Please fill out the appropriate application below completely and feel free to contact Melissa Van Der Wall at x7869 if you have any questions.

Word DOC and PDF Format Downloads

Student Application for Board Membership (DOC)
Faculty/Staff Application for Board Membership (DOC)

Procedures for Interim Suspension from Campus or Residence Areas Only

1. A student may be suspended from the campus as a whole or from residence areas for an interim period not less than 48 hours, pending disciplinary proceedings; such interim suspension to become effective immediately without prior notice whenever there is evidence that the continued presence of the student on the College campus may pose a significant threat to herself/ himself, others in the College, or to the stability and/or continuance of normal College functions.
   
   
2. The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, the Residence Life Staff, and the Director of Judicial Affairs (or designee) are generally authorized to impose Interim Suspensions.  Under unusual circumstances, the Residence Life staff may authorize that an Interim Suspension be issued by a Tour Commander in the Department of Public Safety. (See also procedures for immediate suspension from individual classes in Section N of the Student Handbook.)
   
   
3. If a student wishes to return to the campus, he or she is required to make an appointment to appear personally before the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or designee within five (5) business days from the effective date of the suspension.  The purpose of this Interim Suspension appointment is to determine the following:
   1. The reliability of the information concerning the student's conduct, including the matter of his/her identity.
   2. Whether the conduct and surrounding circumstances reasonably indicate that the continued presence of the student on the College campus likely poses a significant threat to herself/himself, to others, or to the stability and/or continuance of normal College functions.

A disciplinary proceeding will be scheduled at another time to hear the substantive issues involved.  This follows the Interim Suspension appointment with the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or designee and employs the procedures outlined earlier. An Interim Suspension, in and of itself, does not become part of a student's permanent disciplinary record.

To make an Interim Suspension appointment, contact the Office of Student Affairs at (201) 684-7457.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.  The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.  FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their student’s education records.  These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.  Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.” (Source: U.S. Department of Education, www.ed.gov)

FERPA provides for the right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to student educational records.  With a student’s written consent, the Director of Judicial Affairs, or designee, may disclose confidential information on file to the individual(s) or agency named by the student on the consent form.  Usually, inspections and/or disclosure of these records require authorization; however, there are certain stipulations and exceptions in FERPA whereby this information may be released without this written consent.

A FERPA waiver may be procured in the Office of Judicial Affairs, C-216 or downloaded from this website.

FERPA Waiver (PDF)                   FERPA Policy Website

Organizational Chart (PDF)

Office of Judicial Affairs Contacts
Office C-216
judicial@ramapo.edu

Melissa Van Der Wall; Director of Judicial Affairs
mvanderw@ramapo.edu, C-216, Academic Wing, 2nd Floor
The Director interprets and administers the College’s student conduct.  The Director initiates cases that are then heard by Judicial Boards/Disciplinary Conferences and also serves as a hearing officer for serious violations of the Code of Conduct.  The Director supervises professional staff in the residences and elsewhere as they administer the Code of Conduct through their role as hearing officers.  The Director supervises staff, serves on College committees, and ensures compliance with Federal laws through a complete and thorough knowledge of laws likely to have an effect upon college students.  The Director serves as the chairperson for the College’s Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT).

Melissa joined Ramapo College in 2004 following a career in Residence Life at Seton Hall University.  She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Higher Education.

Matthew McMahon; Assistant Director of Judicial Affairs
mmcmaho2@ramapo.edu, C-217, Academic Wing, 2nd Floor
The Assistant Director, reporting to the Director, administers and implements the Code of Conduct by serving as a hearing officer and working with the Director to make determinations concerning follow-up actions to be taken of a disciplinary or non-disciplinary nature.  The Assistant Director recruits and oversees the selection of volunteers to the College Judicial Review Board – as well as supervises the training and development of new members.  The Assistant Director serves on various College-wide committees, manages special projects for the departments, gives presentations, and provides leadership to the Office in the Director’s absence.

Kristine Deluccia; Assistant for Judicial Affairs Operations
kdelucci@ramapo.edu, C-216, Academic Wing, 2nd Floor
The Assistant is responsible for providing support to the Director in an administrative capacity.  Further responsibilities include compiling materials associated with campus disciplinary proceedings, maintaining accurate case file information, and managing various projects.  The Assistant supervises all local, State, and Federal background checks related to behavioral issues.  The Assistant supervises the office’s Student Aide.

Kristine joined the Office of Judicial Affairs in 1999.  She says about working in Judicial Affairs that she enjoys working in a fast paced environment where she utilizes her multi-tasking and organizational skills.