No Contact Orders

No Contact Orders

Marymount University’s Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution and Campus Safety are authorized to issue a No Contact Order (NCO) prohibiting contact between students when a reasonable concern that physical or psychological harm exists from such contact, or when an NCO is requested as a supportive measure through the Title IX Office. The terms of a NCO will be reasonably tailored to each case when assessing the risks of harm. NCOs are a protective measure and are typically non-punitive.

Scope of NCOs

When assessing whether a NCO should be issued, the University will consider all facts and circumstances for the particular case, including, but not limited to, the following factors:

  • When there are allegations, threats, or evidence of physical violence;
  • When there are allegations, threats, or evidence of harassment;
  • When there is a substantial risk of harm from contact between parties;
  • When contact between parties has a material impact on student conduct proceedings;
  • When requested as a supportive measure from the Title IX Office.

NCOs do not ensure that parties will not see each other on campus nor be in close proximity to one another. NCOs serve to limit potential interactions between parties.

All NCOs are typically mutual providing that neither party has contact with the other. Contact includes any intentional contact, direct or indirect, through any means, including but not limited to personal contact, email, telephone, social media, other means of electronic communication, and third parties.

A request for a NCO does not automatically result in the issuance of a NCO. There may be instances where parties are referred to other forms of conflict resolution, such as mediation with their Resident Assistant (RA) or a professional staff member.

A NCO may be imposed by the University without a student’s request, including when there is an ongoing investigation. Students seeking modifications or removals of a NCO shall contact the contact Campus Safety, the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, or the Title IX Office. The appropriate office will consult with all parties before determining whether or not to modify or remove the NCO. NCOs remain in effect indefinitely.

Direct and Indirect Contact

The following is a non-exhaustive list of behaviors that are and are not covered by an NCO.

Behaviors that are permissible:

  • Two parties being in the same location as one another including the dining hall, elevator, club/organization, or other area on campus;
  • Attending the same events on or off-campus (athletic events, speaking events, university or private gatherings);
  • Attending the same class;
    • Parties may request to not be assigned group work with one another
  • Discussing the situation that led to the NCO privately with a faculty or staff member or trusted advisor;
  • Participation in online class discussions boards.

Behaviors that are prohibited:

  • Enter any residential or shared living spaces that the other occupies, whether or not the other party is present;
  • One party speaking directly to the another, regardless of tone or content;
  • Using a third party to communicate with one person on the other’s behalf;
  • Posting about or contacting the other party on any form of social media;
  • Texting and/or calling the other party for any reason, including using a blocked number;
  • Excessive discussion of the NCO or the alleged acts that lead to its issuance with other Marymount students.

Authorized Authorities

  • Director of Campus Safety and Transportation;
  • Assistant Director for Community Standards, Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution;
  • Title IX Coordinator

Violations

Violations of NCOs are subject to discipline under the Student Community Code of Conduct or the retaliation provision of the Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct Policies, as appropriate. The NCO includes both on-campus and off-campus activities including online activity. To report a potential violation of a NCO, students should contact Campus Safety, the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, or the Title IX Office.