No Contact Order FAQs
What is a No Contact Order?
A No Contact Order is issued when a student seeks to have no communication or contact with another student due to a significant conflict between the two individuals. The purpose of the Order is to prevent the conflict from escalating.
What are the key features of a No Contact Order?
- It is bi-lateral and applies equally to both parties, regardless of whom requests it.
- It is non-disciplinary and does not assume that either party has violated University policy. It is intended to prevent escalation of tensions and potential violations of University policy from occurring between the two parties going forward.
- It remains in effect as long as both students are enrolled at the University, unless otherwise directed by the Dean of Students Office.
What actions does the No Contact Order prohibit?
- Direct communication including but not limited to verbal, written, and electronic between the two parties.
- Indirect communication between the two parties using a third party.
- Use of social media to talk to or about the other party.
- Limited access to space where the other party must be present.
Additional actions may be prohibited at the discretion of the administrator issuing the No Contact Order.
How does a student request a No Contact Order?
Any of the following individuals may issue a No Contact Order for a student:
- Housing and Residence Life staff including Residence Coordinator, Area Coordinator, or Central Office Staff.
- Title IX Coordinator
- Dean of Students Office
Are No Contact Orders punitive?
No, they are not. A No Contact Order is issued without a thorough investigation, without charges of violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and without a finding of responsibility for any violation. As a result, the No Contact Order by itself is not punitive. Separate charges through the Student Conduct process must be investigated and adjudicated for any punitive sanction to be imposed.
Again, a No Contact Order is issued bi-laterally to prevent further escalation of tensions and potential violations of policy.
Why are No Contact Orders not punitive or one-way?
The issuing of a No Contact Order does not require evidence, investigation, or the legal procedures of due process for all parties involved. They are requested and placed to keep individuals apart. When an investigation is done and the matter is adjudicated through the Student Conduct process, then not only does the No Contact Order remain enforced but so too are any other resulting disciplinary sanctions.
Is a No Contact Order recognized by the Police?
No, it is not. A No Contact Order will not be recognized by city, county, or state law as legal action. A student wanting to request a legal restraining must do so through the court. More information can be found here.
What if I believe a No Contact Order has been violated?
You should immediately inform the Dean of Students Office. They will review the matter, giving both parties an opportunity to provide relevant information, and based upon a preponderance of the evidence, decide if a violation of the No Contact Order occurred. If a violation is determined, sanctions will be imposed based upon the severity of the violation.
Are there circumstances when a student may request a No Contact Order that is not necessary or appropriate?
Except in cases alleging any act of violence, the University expects that students will first employ honest, direct, civil dialogue to resolve personal conflicts. In addition, the University will not issue a No Contact Order between two individuals sharing the same living space until one of the individuals has relocated to another living space.
If the University determines that a No Contact Order is not appropriate in my situation, what am I supposed to do?
The administrator meeting with you about your concern will advise you about steps that you can take. These may include but are not limited to blocking the other person on all social media platforms, meeting with the other person in direct and civil dialogue to resolve personal conflict, setting limits with the other person, etc.
What if I have additional questions?
Contact the Dean of Students Office ([email protected] or 973-761-9076).
12/23/22
7/27/23 – revised
9/20/23 – revised
7/6/24 - revised