The Student’s Guide was created to centralize and make accessible important information, policies, and procedures. The information within the Student’s Guide is often subject to changes, so please contact the appropriate person(s) and/or office(s) to obtain the most up-to-date information.

Basic Rights and Processes

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, Haverford College abides by a Student Records Policy with respect to education records. For more information about FERPA, and to learn about students’ options and rights, visit the Registrar’s FERPA page.

The majority of student disciplinary issues are adjudicated by the student-run Honor Council. However, in cases of violence or threat of violence, or other violations committed by Haverford College students that are deemed to potentially compromise the safety of the community or any individual, a Dean’s Disciplinary Panel may be convened after an investigation. Allegations of sexual misconduct, though, are referred through a separate process, called a Dean’s Panel. As a result of these or other adjudication processes, a student may be subject to Suspension or Separation from the College.

Haverford College does not discriminate in education or employment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, age, religion, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For the full non-discrimination policy, as well as other policies and resources, visit Discrimination, Harassment, and Hazing Policies.

Academic Freedom

Haverford College holds that open-minded and free inquiry is essential to a student’s educational development. Thus, the College recognizes the right of all students to engage in discussion, to exchange thought and opinion, and to speak or write freely on any subject.  To be complete, this freedom to learn must include the right of inquiry both in and out of the classroom and must be free from any arbitrary rules or actions that would deny students the freedom to make their own choice regarding controversial issues.

Further, the College endeavors to develop in its students the realization that as members of a free society they have not only the right, but also the obligation to inform themselves about various problems and issues; and that they are free to formulate and express their positions on these issues. Finally, the College reaffirms the freedom of assembly as an essential part of the process of discussion, inquiry, and advocacy.  Students, therefore, have the right to join existing organizations or to create new organizations, on or off the campus, which advocate and engage in lawful actions to implement their announced goals. Student actions such as those here involved do not imply approval, disapproval, or sponsorship by the College or its Student Body; such actions do not in any way absolve a student from their academic or other community responsibilities, nor may any such actions impede the conduct of College business.  Similarly, students are expected to make clear that they are speaking or acting as individuals and not for the College or its Student Body. The freedom to learn, to inquire, to speak, to organize, and to act responsibly with conviction are held by Haverford College to be a cornerstone of education in a free society.

For more information, consult the Expressive Freedom and Responsibility Policy.

Academic Policies, Procedures, and Resources

The responsibility for knowing and meeting the applicable degree requirements as well as the academic regulations of the College rests with each student. All students should carefully review the Academic Regulations. If there are any questions regarding these regulations, or Special Academic Programs, they should be raised with the student’s academic advisor or dean.

Additional academic policies not found in the Academic Catalog pertain to Transfer of Credit, Credit Hour, Medical Leave, and Veteran’s Readmission.

It is crucial that students learn to understand and avoid plagiarism, by consulting the policies, including the Statement on Plagiarism by the Faculty of Haverford College, as well as educational resources.

Alcohol & Drugs

The Alcohol Policy, Drug Policy, and Haverford College Policy on Drug-Free Schools clearly articulate the College’s stance, as well as the responsibilities of all community members. More information about local laws can be found in the assembled Pennsylvania Crimes Code and Haverford Township Ordinances.

Events, Parties, and Advertising

The Student Engagement Office has clearly articulated policies for Sponsoring an Event, and for the Use of the College’s Name.

Students’ Council shares responsibility for the Business Venture Policy and the Bulletin Boards, Posting Notices, Banners, and Installation Policy. All banner or installation applications can be submitted via the Students’ Council approval form.  

Health and Safety

Campus Safety is open 24 hours a day, and can always be reached at (610) 896-1111. Campus Safety's Policies page covers Fire Safety, Fireworks, Firearms, Ammunition, Weapons and Explosives, One Card Access, Parking, Roof Safety, Search and Seizure, and more.

For information on what to do in health emergencies, including strange or upset behavior, eating disorders, severe injuries, or suicide threats, review the procedures from Health Services.

Residential Life

The Office of Residential Life Handbook covers a wide variety of information, including Fire Safety, Housing Accommodations, Room Decorations, Smoking, and Storage. Residential Life policies and rules apply to all campus residence halls unless otherwise noted.

Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct will not be tolerated at Haverford College. Sexual misconduct is a broad term that includes but is not limited to sexual harassment, sexual assault (non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse, and forced sexual intercourse), sexual exploitation, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, and retaliation. Such behaviors are anathema to Haverford’s foundational principles that underscore human dignity, promote equality, and repudiate violence in any form.

The goals of this policy are to create a community free from sexual misconduct of all kinds, to provide avenues for those affected by sexual misconduct to obtain assistance and provide a prompt and equitable complaint and investigation procedure.

Student Health Insurance

All Haverford students are required to have personal medical insurance. Health Services provides information about the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and all relevant policies and deadlines.

Student Complaint Resolution

Haverford College makes every effort to resolve student complaints internally, using informal processes as well as formal policies and procedures. Students should fully utilize these avenues to address their complaints or concerns.

Student Self-Governance

Students' Council is an elected body that advocates on behalf of students, serves as representatives to the Board of Managers, appoints students to all major committees at the College, and distributes the activities budget to all student clubs and groups. Students’ Council, and all of the Students’ Association, is governed by the Constitution.

Honor Council’s responsibility within the community is to take care of administrative and outreach aspects of the Honor Code. Honor Council is the body that considers potential violations of the Honor Code and decides how to proceed.

The Joint Student-Administration Alcohol Policy Panel (JSAAPP) is a body organized to oversee and address issues concerning the Alcohol Policy at Haverford. Our organization strives to educate the community, as well as to ensure that students adhere to the rules and regulations of the Alcohol Policy.