Know the Code

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Dear Great Dane:  

As we begin the 2025-2026 Academic Year, let’s work together to build a respectful and inclusive community. Every year at the start of the fall semester we highlight important information as it relates to student behavior and expectations both on and off campus. Please take a moment to review the information included below.

Community Rights and Responsibilities

Community Rights and Responsibilities is the official code of conduct outlining behavioral expectations for all University at Albany students. All students are responsible for reading and knowing the code. These regulations and the procedures for their enforcement apply to all student conduct and behavior, both on and off campus. It is important for you to understand the 28 Prohibited Conduct codes included in Section 3 and the sanctions associated with violations of these policies included in Section 6.

A copy of Community Rights and Responsibilities and additional supplemental policies are available online and can be printed for your convenience. Students can also review and obtain copies of the University’s Title IX and sexual misconduct policies.

Free Speech

We encourage you to review the University’s Freedom of Speech and Expressive Activities webpage, which includes several relevant University policies. Being a civically engaged Great Dane includes exercising your right to freedom of speech through peaceful demonstrations, assemblies and other activities. It’s important to remember that a peaceful demonstration must also follow all University policies. We are here to help you plan your expressive activity. Please let us know by filling out the UAlbany Community Led Expressive Activity form. You can find all Institutional Policies in the policy library. For more information on violations and potential sanctions, please see our Community Rights and Responsibilities.

As a community, we must respect the rights of others and ensure that University operations are not disrupted. This means, for example, if a University Official is aware of a policy violation and asks a student or group of students to stop a particular behavior or activity, or leave a space, or move to another location, we expect everyone to comply with this request.

New York State Cannabis Law

In 2021, New York State legalized the use of cannabis, also known as marijuana or recreational marijuana, for those age 21 and older. Despite this change to state law, the use and possession of cannabis on UAlbany’s campuses remains prohibited under federal law. Please review our Marijuana Policy for additional information.

Good Samaritan Policy

Lastly, UAlbany’s Good Samaritan Policy supports students who act responsibly by reaching out for assistance in the case of a medical emergency due to alcohol or drug use. Generally, the student who calls and the individual receiving assistance will not be subject to disciplinary action as it relates to the possession or use of alcohol or other drugs. Support your peers by knowing the Health and Well-being Resources that are available through the Office of Health Promotion. The Good Samaritan Policy can be found in Section 8 of Community Rights and Responsibilities.

Thank you in advance for doing your part to uphold these expectations and keep our community safe.

Sincerely,  

Craig Brewer 
Assistant Dean of Students 
Community Standards & Off Campus Student Services 

Clarence L. McNeill 
Associate Vice President & Dean of Students 
Student Affairs and Enrollment