University at Buffalo (UB)
Supporting Inclusion for all
The University at Buffalo can take measures to protect students from unwelcome contact, and to avoid situations that could result in harassment or feelings of unsafety.
A No Contact Order is a directive to a student that requires them not to contact another student. In most cases, No Contact Orders are issued mutually to both students to ensure there is no communication between them. A No Contact Order directive is given when, in the judgment of the issuer, it is in the best interest of all parties and the UB community for there to be no further contact in order to promote peace and safety.
A No Contact Order is a supportive measure to promote students’ comfort on campus. It is not a disciplinary action. The No Contact Order is not reflected on a student’s transcript and will not be disclosed by UB in responses to reference checks or requests for disciplinary records.
No Contact Orders are common supportive measures for people who disclose sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. A student may obtain a No Contact Order whether or not they decide to pursue criminal or conduct charges. No Contact Orders can also be obtained for other reasons, including physical assault, intimidation, coercion, menacing, harassment, or other behaviors that would cause a student to feel fear or alarm.
No Contact Orders can be issued by the Office of Student Conduct or the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, which serves as UB’s Title IX and Title VI Office. No Contact Orders may be delivered in the quickest way possible, including Maxient notification, email, or hand delivered. In some instances, a UB official may contact a student by phone to advise them that a No Contact Order is being issued.
Campus Living may issue No Contact Orders for students who live on campus in order to minimize conflicts and promote a sense of safety. Campus Living No Contact Orders apply only to Campus Living properties.
A No Contact Order requires the recipients to no longer have any contact with each other. This includes contact in person, electronically (including phone, text, social media, and all other digital applications), in writing, or in any other manner. It includes written, verbal, and non-verbal communication (ex. gestures, prolonged staring). Each party cannot communicate with the other directly, and they are not allowed to have a friend, family member, or other person (except for a UB official, as necessary) attempt to communicate on their behalf. If there is a need for one party to communicate with the other, UB officials in EDI or Student Conduct can relay communications as appropriate.
The No Contact Order does not require that parties drop academic classes, resign from UB clubs and activities, or leave a dining hall, recreational area, Stampede bus, concert, or other public activity or area where the student otherwise has a right to be present. The parties are expected to avoid interactions or close proximity with each other to the extent possible – for example, choosing to sit at the opposite side of a dining area instead of at a table right next to the other party.
There are times when students who have been issued No Contact Orders may be enrolled in the same course, or engaged in the same student club or activity. EDI or Student Conduct will explore whether there are options to separate the parties without unfairly burdening either party. Academic options may include exploring other course sections or, if this is not possible, having assigned seating arrangements in the class, as well as ensuring that the parties are not placed together in group activities (ex. labs, projects, presentations). For clubs and activities, EDI or Student Conduct may explore whether there are measures or restrictions that can promote the comfort of both parties while still allowing both to participate.
In some circumstances, the No Contact Order may prohibit a party from entering a campus building or area of the building (for example, a person’s dorm or floor of the dorm). Restrictions may be limited to particular days and times (for example, when a student is accessing athletic facilities for team practices, or will be present on a floor of an academic building to attend class). If a No Contact Order interferes with a student’s access to UB programs or activities, the student may request a prompt review of the terms of the order through the process outlined in the No Contact Order.
No Contact Orders apply to all UB campuses and activities, and all online and electronic interactions. Individuals may report potential violations of the No Contact Order to University offices such as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (716-645-2266), Student Conduct (716-645-6154), or University Police (716-645-2222) by phone or email. Please note that University Police is the only University office that is available to provide emergency and immediate response outside of standard University operating hours.
Campus Living No Contact Orders apply only to Campus Living properties and areas.
No Contact Orders are not recognized by agencies outside of the University and as such, cannot be enforced by agencies outside of the University. However, individuals who receive a No Contact Order may report unwelcome off campus contact to Student Conduct or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for appropriate follow-up action.
Either party may request a prompt review of the No Contact Order to the head of the office that issued the order. Each No Contact Order will include contact information for the review.
No Contact Orders will generally stay in place for the duration of the time the parties attend UB. UB will modify or rescind a No Contact Order under limited circumstances that include the following:
UB will address violations of the No Contact Order based on the specific facts and circumstances.
Unintentional or incidental communications may result in a reminder, warning, or clarification. Repeated violations will be considered for disciplinary action.
Purposeful violations with the intent to harass, intimidate, or annoy the other party will also be considered for disciplinary action.