Safety Policies and Procedures

1. Students' Bill of Rights Policy

In cases of sexual or interpersonal violence, all students have the right to:

See also: Students' Bill of Rights Policy (full page)

2. Affirmative Consent

Affirmative consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

3. Alcohol and/or Drug Use Amnesty Policy

The health and safety of every student at the New York College of Health Professions is of utmost importance. The College recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct.

The College strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to institution officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to College officials or law enforcement will not be subject to the College's code of conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

4. Transcript Notations Policy

Pursuant to the New York State Education Law Article 129-B, Section 6444(6), if a student is found responsible through the College's conduct process for crime(s) of violence, including but not limited to sexual violence, defined as crimes that meet the reporting requirements pursuant to the federal Clery Act established in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(1)(F)(i)(I)–(VIII) ("Clery Crimes of Violence"), the Chief Academic Officer will direct that a notation be placed on the student's transcript.

Violations equivalent to crimes of violence, as defined in the Clery Act (as updated by the Violence Against Women Act Final Regulations), include: murder, manslaughter, rape, fondling, incest, and statutory rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The College retains the right to determine additional serious violations that will result in a permanent transcript notation.

If a student respondent withdraws from the College while conduct charges are pending for allegation(s) related to Clery Crimes of Violence and the student declines to complete the disciplinary process, the Chief Academic Officer will direct that the following notation be placed on the student's transcript: "Withdrew with conduct charges pending."

Conduct charges are considered "pending" once a student is informed in writing that there are allegations that the student may have violated the College's Code of Conduct.

Vacating a Finding of Responsibility: The College is statutorily required to place a notation on transcripts of students when two factors are met: (1) the student is found responsible, after a process (or takes responsibility) for a code of conduct violation that is equivalent to the Crimes of Violence; and (2) the student is expelled, suspended, and/or withdraws with conduct charges pending. However, if a finding of responsibility is vacated for any reason, any such transcript notation shall be removed. If a court of competent jurisdiction vacates a finding of responsibility for a violation of College policy, the legislation requires that vacating an underlying finding also vacates the transcript notation memorializing that finding.

Further Appeals: A student whose transcript states "Suspended after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation" may appeal, in writing, to the Chief Academic Officer to have the notation removed. Appeals may be granted provided that: (i) one year has passed since the conclusion of the suspension; (ii) the term of suspension has been completed and any conditions thereof; and (iii) the Chief Academic Officer has determined that the student is once again "in good standing" with all applicable College academic and non-academic standards. This request must be in writing and include rationale for the request. The Chief Academic Officer will review the request and provide a written response within 30 days from the date the request was received.

A student whose transcript states "Expelled after a finding of responsibility for a code of conduct violation" or "Withdrew with conduct charges pending" is ineligible to appeal to have the notation removed.

5. Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Stalking Prevention Information Policy

The New York College of Health Professions is committed to preventing sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking crimes. The Office of Student Services advises and updates students about sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking crime prevention through a variety of means, including college publications, on-campus meetings and trainings, online resources, new student orientation programs, and email, as necessary.

Sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking crime prevention information includes the nature of and common circumstances related to sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking crimes; applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations; penalties for commission of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking crimes; and the availability of counseling and other support systems for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking crimes.

6. Investigation of Crimes Policy

Under New York State Education Law, Section 355, the New York College of Health Professions has implemented a violent felony offense plan. A "violent felony offense" is a violent felony offense as defined in subdivision one of Section 70.02 of the Penal Law. Any violent felony occurring at the Syosset campus will cause immediate notification to campus security and to the Nassau County Police Department by dialing 911. The Nassau County Police Department will be notified as soon as practical but in no case more than twenty-four hours after a report of a violent felony.

7. Notification of Fire Safety Standards and Measures in College Housing

The New York College of Health Professions does not own or operate any type of housing for any students or employees of the College.

The Advisory Committee on Campus Security reviews all fire safety standards and measures for the entire college community. The Committee reports their findings and recommendations to the President by the end of June of each year.

8. Prohibition on the Marketing of Credit Cards Policy

Pursuant to Article 129-A, Section 6437 of the New York State Education Law, the advertising, marketing, or merchandising of credit cards to students on campus is prohibited by the New York College of Health Professions except in accordance with the following policy:

Any financial institution or business enterprise wishing to advertise, market, or merchandise credit cards to students on campus ("Marketer") must be registered and approved in writing by the College. Approval is solely at the discretion of the College and is made by the Office of Student Services. The College's e-mail system, social media platforms, or web pages may not be used for advertising or marketing credit cards to students.

The College may assess fees upon Marketers utilizing College facilities pursuant to this policy. Presence on campus will be limited to specific scheduled dates and certain areas of campus, as designated by the College. The Office of Student Services has been designated as the coordinating office regarding the presence of Marketers on campus.

Marketers must offer information on other financial services which they provide. Marketers whose purpose is solely to solicit credit card applications will not be permitted on campus. Marketers distributing credit card applications on the approved date, time, and area of campus must have information on hand to simultaneously disseminate to students regarding good credit management practices.

No tangible items of any kind may be provided to students in order to induce them to fill out a credit card application.

Any member of the College community who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Code of Conduct. Those not associated with the College who violate this policy shall be ejected from the College and may be denied access for a specified period.

9. Bias-Related Crime Prevention Information Policy

The New York College of Health Professions is committed to preventing bias-related crimes. The Office of Student Services advises and updates students about bias-related crime prevention through a variety of means, including college publications, on-campus meetings and trainings, online resources, new student orientation programs, and email, as necessary.

Anti-bias crime prevention information includes the nature of and common circumstances related to bias-related crimes; applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations on bias-related crimes; penalties for commission of bias-related crimes; and the availability of counseling and other support systems for victims of bias-related crimes.

10. Student Athlete Compensation Policy

The New York College of Health Professions does not currently have or participate in an intercollegiate athletic program for student athletes.