The University Assembly recently wrapped up its final feedback session on the Student Code of Conduct. This meeting aimed to gather thoughts and concerns from the Cornell community about how the code is structured and enforced.
About 18 people attended, including faculty, Student Assembly members, and university administrators. This feedback process started in Fall 2025 to review the clarity and fairness of Cornell’s Student Code of Conduct.
This session followed a strong student vote in December that opposed a proposed overhaul of the disciplinary process. An impressive 93.5% of voters supported making the judicial process independent and restoring a campus-wide code of conduct.
During the session, Prof. Ashleigh Newman, a member of the Code and Procedures Review Committee, emphasized the committee’s goal: to listen and gather input on the code and its procedures. The committee will offer recommendations but does not have disciplinary power itself.
Participants watched an 11-minute video prepared by the Office of Student Conduct that explained how to file complaints and what to expect during investigations. Afterward, community members shared their thoughts.
Prof. David Bateman raised specific concerns about temporary suspensions used in disciplinary cases. He argued that these suspensions often exceeded the intended guidelines, leading to an “overcharging” of students. He noted that the alternative resolution process felt more coercive than collaborative, which he felt was a significant issue.
Bateman suggested implementing safeguards, such as capping temporary suspensions at 30 days and requiring independent reviews. These measures would mirror previous policies before the 2021 overhaul of the code.
Prof. Jonathan Butcher echoed similar concerns, highlighting inconsistencies in how students are treated compared to faculty and staff for similar offenses. He warned that such discrepancies can create tension within the university community.
Wendy Treat, an Exempt Employee Representative, mentioned that feedback can still be submitted via email, and committee discussions will continue in future meetings.
Lombardi, a university leader, acknowledged that since the current code was introduced in 2021, both the campus and broader education landscape have changed. He stated that the approach to student accountability needs to adapt accordingly.
This review process is expected to take several months, and recommendations will ultimately be sent to university leadership.
For more insights into trends in student conduct codes and their impacts, check sources like the American Association of University Professors and relevant educational reports.
