Fall 2021 Welcome & Reminders

August 23, 2021

Dear Undergraduate, Graduate & Professional Students,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new students and welcome back all of our returning students. While the ongoing pandemic continues to challenge all of us, we are hopeful that through our compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols and given our high vaccination rate, we will be able to lift many of the current COVID-19 restrictions at some point during this semester. In advance, I thank you for your partnership in helping to protect the safety of our campus and community.

At the start of every year, we are required to make sure every student receives a copy of the rights and responsibilities that come with being a Tulane student. These are all laid out for you in the Code of Student Conduct. Included in our code are the expectations of conduct, as well as the processes we will follow for any student who is either accused of violating the code of conduct or is the victim of a violation of our code. The staff in the Office of Student Conduct are available to answer any questions you may have about our code or processes.  

In addition, we are required to make each student aware of Tulane's hazing policy, and the state laws related to hazing in Louisiana. Students are also required to complete the hazing training located on their canvas page. Tulane has always taken a very strong position against hazing and the consequences for hazing have always included suspension and/or expulsion. However, following the hazing-related death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017, state law requires, at the minimum, suspension and significantly increases the legal consequences for those participating in statutory hazing.

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

Being a good neighbor and community member is a central conduct expectation of our students. You represent Tulane wherever you are, and your behavior off-campus directly impacts our community relationships. Please be mindful of the following things:

  • Noise in the neighborhood. You are required by law to follow the City of New Orleans noise ordinance during certain hours of the night and early morning, but we would ask that you be considerate no matter what time of day it is.
     
  • Observe parking guidelines. We regularly get complaints about students blocking driveways, parking too close to the corner and leaving their cars in the same spot for extended periods of time.
     
  • Be mindful of your trash. Don’t litter, and if you live off-campus, please make sure your trash is contained within your garbage bins.
     
  • Adhere to the COVID-19 city, state and university restrictions. We have already received a number of complaints of students not masking in businesses and being difficult about showing their vaccination status or negative tests. Many of our local businesses are grateful for your patronage and their teams are doing the best they can to manage quickly evolving restrictions. I would implore you to do your part by complying with all public health regulations.
     
  • Remember to exercise caution when venturing out into the community. While New Orleans has a small town vibe, it’s definitely a city and crime is something of which we always have to be mindful. Especially after nightfall, always go out with another person, make sure your phone is charged and trust your gut. TUPD is always available if you find yourself in an unsafe situation. You can reach them by calling 504-865-5911.

As you’ve probably heard by now in your orientation sessions, the university has an online reporting system. You can make us aware of anything from a health and safety concern to a conduct violation, incident of bias, Title IX issue and other discriminatory behavior or a general complaint through: https://tulane.edu/concerns

I would end by saying, we are always here to support you, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need assistance.

Sincerely,

Erica Woodley
Dean of Students