Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism Community Guidelines

Purpose

As future journalists, your conduct at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism (“J-School”) sets the foundation for your professional career. These guidelines aim to foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment that our community aims to strive for and prepares you for the ethical and responsible practice of journalism.

1. Respect and Collegiality
● Treat all members of the J-School community with respect.
● Foster a welcoming environment through your words and actions.
● Be mindful of your language and tone in all communications, including emails, texts, and online discussions.

2. Diversity and Inclusion
● Embrace and respect the diversity within the J-School community.
● Approach discussions with an inclusive mindset, considering various perspectives.
● Be aware of and sensitive to different lived experiences among your peers.

3. Professional Communication
● Use professional language in all school-related communications.
● Be mindful of your non-verbal communication, including body language and facial expressions.
● Avoid sending unsolicited communications via email unrelated to CUNY business unless you have a reasonable expectation that the recipient would welcome them.
● Do not include individuals on mailing lists or similar groups without their consent, except for CUNY community members on lists related to CUNY business.

4. Constructive Feedback and Collaboration
● Offer constructive feedback to peers, focusing on ideas rather than personal attributes.
● Engage in collaborative projects with a spirit of mutual support and knowledge sharing.
● Be open to receiving feedback and use it as an opportunity for growth.

5. Conflict Resolution
● Address disagreements respectfully and professionally.
● Focus on understanding different viewpoints rather than “winning” an argument.
● Contact the student affairs department at studentaffairs@journalism.cuny.edu to seek mediation or faculty support if
conflicts escalate.

6. Professionalism in Field Work
● Represent the J-School professionally when conducting interviews or field research.
● Adhere to journalistic ethics in your reporting and storytelling.

7. CUNY and the School of Journalism’s Policies
● CUNY and the J-School strictly prohibit harassment, discrimination, and sex-based misconduct, as outlined in CUNY’s Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy and the Policy on Sex-Based Misconduct. These actions are not tolerated in any form.
● The City University of New York (CUNY) has established the “Rules for Maintenance of Public Order” to uphold academic freedom and ensure a respectful, safe environment across its campuses. These regulations prohibit actions such as obstructing others’ rights, unauthorized facility use, theft, and disorderly conduct, and they apply to all members of the academic community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
● The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY has established a Visitor and Guest Code of Conduct to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants in school-sponsored events and services. This code outlines prohibited behaviors, including actions that cause physical harm, sexual assault, interference with others’ rights, theft, non-compliance with school officials, illegal substance use, weapon possession, disorderly conduct, and misuse of computing resources. Violations may result in sanctions such as warnings, denial of access, arrest, removal, campus bans, and potential adverse actions regarding future employment or admission.
● Section 15.4 of the City University of New York (CUNY) Bylaws outlines the procedures for addressing student disciplinary matters. It details the process for filing complaints, conducting preliminary investigations, and holding hearings before a faculty-student disciplinary committee. The section also specifies the rights of the respondent and complainant, including the right to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and be represented by an advisor or legal counsel.

Reporting Concerns

● If you believe you have experienced any conduct prohibited by CUNY’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct and/or CUNY’s Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy, please do so by utilizing the CUNY Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Reporting Form.

If you need to reach Public Safety, dial 87777 from any campus phone or during regular business hours. You can also email . By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a positive learning environment and prepare yourself for a successful career in journalism.