Student confidentiality is protected by the 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, commonly referred to as the "Buckley Amendment" after its sponsor, Senator James Buckley of New York.  In accordance with the Buckley Amendment, Colgate policy states: "the university will...deal with students as adults and will expect them to take responsibility for their academic and personal lives at Colgate. However, when, in the judgment of the student’s administrative adviser, the student’s Colgate career may be in jeopardy for health, academic, or disciplinary reasons, the university will normally contact the student’s parents, guardian, or next of kin."

Student confidentiality as mandated by the Buckley Amendment is far-reaching. Nearly all information is closely guarded and can be released only with written consent of the student. These records include: (1) the general education file maintained by the Dean of the College and administrative advisers, (2) official academic records, (3) disciplinary records, (4) medical records, (5) counseling records, (6) financial records, and (7) placement records such as those maintained by the Career Services Center. The only information that the university can release without prior student consent includes the student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.

The university expects members of the Colgate community to comply with the laws of New York State pertaining to alcohol and drugs.

The abuse of alcohol and drugs is inconsistent with the aims of an academic community. The university will continue to provide information about the dangers of substances and will take prudent measures to eliminate substance abuse at Colgate. Students who violate university standards regarding alcohol and drugs are subject to disciplinary action. Assistance with alcohol or drug related questions or problems is available from a variety of sources.

The Academic Honor Code will go into effect at the start of the Fall semester 2000. The Code is printed below in its entirety to allow students to become familiar with the philosophy, requirements, procedures and expectations of the new Code.

At Colgate University, we believe honesty and integrity are fundamental in a community dedicated to learning, personal development, and a search for understanding. We revere these values and hold them essential in promoting personal responsibility, moral and intellectual leadership, and pride in ourselves and our University.

As Colgate students we will represent ourselves truthfully, claim only work that is our own, and engage honestly in all academic assignments.

Since articulated standards and expectations can influence attitudes, and because each of us shares the responsibility for maintaining academic integrity, we are committed to upholding
the Academic Honor Code.