Niagara University has a comprehensive collection of resources, training, policies, and procedures to address sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. 

If you are the target of or witness to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking on campus or in connection with Niagara University programs, you are entitled to:

1. Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault treated seriously;
3. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by the institution;
4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful healthcare and counseling services, where available;
6. Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
7. Describe the incident to as few institution representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
8. Be protected from retaliation by the institution, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
9. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and
11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the institution.

The university is committed to updating and informing the campus community with respect to sexual assault cases and preventative measures. The following avenues are used to disseminate this information:

• offices of the vice president for student affairs
• the dean of students
• campus safety

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination, and is not allowed at Niagara University. Sexual harassment consists of behavior, based on gender, that excludes or makes someone so uncomfortable that they no longer have equal access to their education.

Sexual harassment could be in the form of bullying, jokes, intimidation and exclusion made on the basis of gender, or it can consist of “quid pro quo” bargaining of dates and sexual favors for grades.

Substance Abuse

Niagara University shares public concern about irresponsible drinking and the socially unacceptable behavior that may result from alcohol abuse. While social gatherings can enhance the quality of life at Niagara, we recognize and respond to the challenge of responsible alcoholic consumption. The university’s policy pertains to all members of the campus community and visitors.

Policy violations subject students to formal judicial action and the imposition of sanctions, to include fines and mandated referrals for related counseling.

The possession, sale, use or distribution of any type of controlled substance, illicit or “bootleg drug” and/or drug paraphernalia is considered a serious violation of the university’s student code of conduct. The prohibition against controlled substances does not apply to those medications prescribed for the user by a physician when used according to directions.

Niagara students are expected to abide by all federal, state, local, and foreign laws. Noncompliance with these and institutional policies regarding controlled substances can jeopardize a student’s continuing attendance at the university. Alleged violations of the university’s drug policy will result in judicial action and can include sanctions up to and including expulsion from the university.

All student policies can be found at policies.niagara.edu.