The purpose of this policy (Code) is to outline conduct requirements of Varsity Student-Athletes and to establish the Division of Athletics and Recreation’s (Athletics and Recreation) authority regarding conduct-related matters as they relate to varsity sport participation. This policy complements the Code of Student Conduct and supports holistic student-athlete development by approaching conduct through an educational, rehabilitative and discipline lens when appropriate.

This policy applies to Varsity Student-Athletes (Athletes), coaches, and administrative staff in Athletics and Recreation.

Participation in varsity intercollegiate athletics at Brown University is a privilege extended to select undergraduate students. Accordingly, Athletes are expected, at all times, to uphold high standards of integrity, behavior and conduct that reflect well upon them individually, their coaches, their teammates, Athletics and Recreation, and the University as a whole.

Each individual Varsity Student-Athlete is accountable for their own actions, and all members of the Athletics and Recreation community are collectively accountable for upholding the standards of behavior set forth in this Code and for compliance with all applicable laws, policies, standards, and regulations that govern athletics participation.

The following are the primary standards that Athletes must uphold.

For the purpose of this policy, the terms below have the following definitions:

Conduct Administrator: Individual identified annually by the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation that is responsible for executing this Code, including but not limited to coordinating all Conduct Review Panel activities, serving as primary conduct contact with campus entities (e.g., OSCCS, Campus Life, Department of Public Safety, etc.) receiving, communicating, and cataloging all non-academic conduct cases administered by OSCCS.

Conduct Review Panel: A group of individuals, including the Conduct Administrator and other senior athletics administrators, designated by the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation to monitor the implementation of this Code.

Hazing: An act, occurring on or off-campus, by an individual or group of individuals in connection with recruitment, initiation, rite of passage, or membership in a fraternity, sorority, University-recognized group, student organization, athletic team, or other group that subjects any other member of the University community, voluntarily, or involuntarily, to activity that (a) endangers the physical or mental and emotional health of an individual, (b) creates an atmosphere for potential or actual humiliating, intimidating, degrading, or demeaning treatment, (c) damages or removes public or private property, (d) involves the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances, € compromises the academic mission and/or reputation of the University, or (f) violates any University policy.

Major Offense: Conduct or behavior that (a) results in an arrest and/or charge for a felony crime, (b) results in a Code of Student Conduct violation and discipline of probation with restrictions or higher, or (c) is deemed to be inappropriate and egregious and/or of a dangerous nature by the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation and/or the Conduct Review Panel.

Minor Offense: Conduct or behavior that (a) results in multiple Code of Student Conduct violations or (b) is deemed to be inappropriate, but not rising to the level of major violation by the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation and/or the Conduct Review Panel.

Varsity Student-Athlete: Enrolled Brown University undergraduate student who is listed on the official roster of a varsity sports team sponsored by Brown University. This status is retained during University vacation periods (e.g., summer) when classes are not in session and during periods where a student may not be an active participant, but retains team membership (e.g., study abroad, leave of absence, etc.).

All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this policy. University supervisors and employees with student oversight duties are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure and enforce compliance with it.

Varsity Student-Athletes (Athletes): Acknowledge and attest to this Code annually in order to participate on a varsity athletics team.

Head Coaches: Review this Code with respective teams at least twice annually and report any conduct-related incidents to designated sport supervisor and/or the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation as soon as practicable and no later than 24 hours following notification from a Varsity Student-Athlete and/or other entity. Additionally responsible for reporting any Clery Crimes to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and sexual misconduct to DPS and the Title IX Coordinator.

Conduct Administrator: Execute this Code, including annual education, coordination with University partners, and administration of Conduct Review Panel and provision of sanctions.

Conduct Review Panel: Review alleged Code violations, determine responsibility, and issue sanctions.

Failure to comply with this and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension without pay, or termination of employment or association with the University, in accordance with applicable (e.g., staff, faculty, student) disciplinary procedures.

Additionally, the following discipline applies for violations of this Code as indicated below. The Conduct Review Panel may uphold, increase, or decrease specified discipline within their sole discretion.

• An arrest and/or charge for a felony crime, sports-wagering related offense and/or other Major Offenses as determined by the Vice President for Athletics and Recreation and/or the Conduct Review Panel in their sole discretion will result in an immediate suspension from all athletics-related activities (e.g., practice, competition, conditioning, meetings, and travel) pending further review.
• Major Offenses
  • First Offense: Minimum suspension from 10% of athletics contests
  • Second Offense: Minimum suspension from 50% of athletics contests
  • Third Offense: Discretion of the Conduct Review Panel up to removal from varsity athletics team
• Minor Offenses
  • First Offense: No Athletics and Recreation action, defer to head coach for any related sanction
  • Second Offense: Minimum suspension from one (1) athletics contest
  • Third Offense: Minimum suspension from two (2) athletics contests
• Multiple offenses of select Code of Student Conduct violations, including conduct related to off-campus housing, will result in suspension from at least 10% of athletics contests.

A Varsity Student-Athlete who receives discipline under this Code may be entitled to an appeal review and/or hearing. An appeal to challenge disciplinary action may be requested only based on the following:

• To allege a procedural error; or
• To consider additional information not available during initial review.

Brown University is a community in which employees are encouraged to share workplace concerns with University leadership. Additionally, Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone (877-318-9184).

The following information complements and supplements this document. The information is intended to help explain this policy and is not an all-inclusive list of policies, procedures, laws and requirements.