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Cornell University Athletics

Student-Athlete Rights and Responsibilities

When students choose to accept admission to the university, they accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in the university's academic and social community. The Cornell University Student Code of Conduct and Student Code of Conduct Procedures, The Procedures for Resolution of Reports Against Students Under Cornell University Policy 6.4: Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual and Related Misconduct and the Code of Academic Integrity detail the standard of student conduct at Cornell University, and are applicable to all students.

Student athletes are more visible than the rest of the student population. Actions and behavior will be scrutinized by the public and peers. Participation in a nationally recognized Athletics program places student-athletes in a position of responsibility; therefore, behavior should be exemplary. Certain actions will reflect poorly on yourself, your family, the team, the university, and the department's commitment to academic, athletic and social excellence. The information outlined below details the rights and responsibilities that pertain specifically to the student-athlete population, which may go above and beyond those included in the Student Code of Conduct, Policy 6.4, the Code of Academic Integrity, Ivy League and NCAA rules..
 

Student-Athlete Rights and Responsibilities

Student-Athlete Rights

The intercollegiate athletics program of Cornell University shall be conducted in a manner designed to protect and enhance the academic, physical, and social development of student-athletes. Each student-athlete has the right to be treated as a student, an individual of worth, with both dignity and respect in all aspects of the athletic experience. A student-athlete has the right to:
  1. Select, pursue, and meet the required commitments of their academic program;
  2. Be informed of termination from a team for reasons other than academic performance, and be aware that an appeal process is available for student-athletes who are removed from the team for reasons other than playing ability, as assessed by the coaching staff;
  3. Be afforded privacy and confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws and university policies which protect individual educational and medical records;
  4. Have peer representation on appropriate university decision-making committees regarding intercollegiate athletics. Such committees include the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and the Faculty Advisory Committee for Athletics and Physical Education (FACAPE);
  5. Be fully advised of all medical recommendations made by the department's athletic trainers or team physicians concerning athletic injury or illness, and be given the opportunity to accept or decline the prescribed treatment. Each student-athlete has the right to ask for additional opinions on injury or illness at the expense of the Department of Athletics and Physical Education, as long as the referral is made through the team physician. Each student-athlete also has the right to seek other medical opinions at their own expense. Student-athletes must be fully informed of the consequences of athletic injury with regard to athletics eligibility. The final decision for medical clearance to participate in athletics is the decision of the team physician;
  6. Be free to participate in campus or community organizations and activities whose events do not conflict with practice or competition schedules, team rules, or health and wellbeing as it relates to athletic performance. Please note the above provides coaches with the discretion to limit participation in fraternities, sororities or professional fraternities;
  7. Participate in the NCAA qualifying process in any events trained for if: the name of a student-athletes appears on the NCAA team roster and meets Ivy League academic eligibility standards and meets team, department and university policies regarding attendance at national championships;
  8. Be informed of all team rules, guidelines and expectations by the coaching staff at the beginning of each academic year; and
  9. Be free to participate peacefully and lawfully in protests, engage with social justice causes, or otherwise use their platform to speak up on important social issues, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, while not participating in hate speech or other derogatory statements, without the threat of being excessively penalized by coaching staff.
Cornell University is committed to cultivating an atmosphere of respect for, and sensitivity, to the dignity of every person. Cornell’s Equal Education and Employment Opportunity statement is accessible here.

Athletic Disciplinary Action Process

  1. In the event of an athletic disciplinary action, a student-athlete is entitled to a meeting with the head coach to address concerns in an efficient and timely manner. During the meeting, the head coach will clearly explain the nature of the infraction and the disciplinary action to the student-athlete. The student-athlete will then be given the opportunity to respond to the head coach. The meeting will be held as soon as is practical after receipt of the student-athletes written and/or verbal request.
  2. If, after meeting informally with the head coach, the student-athlete still disagrees with an athletic disciplinary penalty, the student-athlete may appeal by requesting a meeting with the appropriate supervising Athletics administrator. Student-athletes wishing to pursue an appeal have 20 days from the day of the informal meeting to initiate the process. After this time, no further consideration will be given and the matter will be considered closed. If the student-athlete does decide to appeal, the meeting with the administrator will take place as soon as possible after receipt of the written request. The administrator will review the disciplinary action based on information provided by the head coach and the student-athlete. The administrator has the authority to address and decide all procedural matters for considering the appeal. After consulting with the Faculty Athletics Representative, the administrator will recommend a course of action to the Director of Athletics. The director will consider implementing a more or less restrictive disciplinary action or rescinding the disciplinary action and will prepare a written decision. The decision of the Director of Athletics is final. No further appeal of athletic sanctions is available.
  3. Disciplinary action taken by the Department of Athletics and Physical Education shall not preclude disciplinary action by other appropriate university officials, including but not limited to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (link https://scl.cornell.edu/studentconduct).  Student-athletes can be disciplined separately and concurrently by other University officials and processes for the same behavior.
Student-Athlete Surveys, Senior Exit Interviews and the Department's Open Door Policy
Athletics administrators, coaches, and staff continuously strive to provide student-athletes with a quality and ever-improving experience. At any time, student-athletes are encouraged to make an appointment with an athletics administrator to discuss any issue of importance. In addition, Cornell has partnered with a third party, RealResponse, to support post-season survey administration and anonymous reporting throughout the academic year.
 
Feedback helps us to know how things are working. As with most feedback (whether positive or negative), the sooner and more directly it is delivered, the better.

Student-athletes are always encouraged to speak with coaches and sport administrators about any team-related matters. To supplement that direct communication, Cornell Athletics partners with RealResponse to provide student-athletes with an opportunity to anonymously connect with a department administrator to share feedback, ask questions, seek resources, and receive guidance. Real Response is a resource for student-athletes who have concerns or praises to share or could use advice about how to navigate a challenging issue.

RealResponse also hosts annual end-of-season anonymous student-athlete surveys. Their platform provides a more seamless and consistent administration of surveys and in some cases, facilitates benchmarking of the Cornell student-athlete experience with those at other universities.

RealResponse is not intended to replace communication with your coaches, sport administrators, sport-related staff members, teammates, captains, or SAAC representatives. These tools - both real-time reporting and survey - provide additional ways for us to understand the student-athlete experience and help inform future plans.
 
While privacy will be maintained to the greatest extent possible, Athletics will consult with appropriate University officials as required and necessary.
 

Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual and Related Misconduct (Policy 6.4)

Cornell University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning, living, and working environment for its students, faculty, and staff. Cornell does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status in its education programs and activities, including in its Athletics program. Cornell University Policy 6.4 (administered by the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX) outlines the ways in which the University addresses bias, discrimination, harassment, and sexual and related misconduct.

Protected Status Discrimination or Harassment
All Cornell students, including student-athletes, may report to the University concerns of bias, discrimination, or harassment based on protected status in the education program or activity to the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX (OIETIX). The term “protected status” includes all classes protected by federal, state, and local laws applicable to our campuses, you can find the list of protected classes here: https://policy.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/vol6_4.pdf.

If you believe you have experienced bias, discrimination, or harassment based on a protected status, you are encouraged to report the conduct by submitting a report here. You may also notify Amy Foster, the Senior Woman Administrator, by emailing her at alm7@cornell.edu. Reports of bias, discrimination, and harassment can also be made directly to OIETIX via email to Equity@cornell.edu.

Cornell Athletics abides by the NCAA guidelines for the inclusion of transgender student-athletes and with Cornell University Policy 6.4 prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on protected-status (specifically including gender identity and gender expression). Please direct questions to Amy Foster, alm7@cornell.edu.

Sex-Based Harassment (Including Sexual and Related Misconduct)
Sex-Based Harassment is an umbrella term that includes different forms of sexual misconduct, such as dating and domestic violence, hostile environment and quid pro quo sexual and sex-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and stalking. The University Title IX Coordinator in OIETIX helps community members address concerns of sex-based harassment.

 You may report to the Title IX Coordinator by:
  • Telephone: (607) 255-2242
  • Email: titleix@cornell.edu (See also contact information for Title IX staff.)
  • In person, in 500 Day Hall
  • Submitting an incident report online.
  • Reporting to a coach or employee of the Athletics Department, who will share the information with the University Title IX Coordinator. Other than sharing the information with the Title IX Coordinator, staff members will maintain your privacy to the greatest extent possible.
 For emergency assistance, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University Police Department (CUPD) at (607) 255-1111 or 911.

Prohibited Relationships
Cornell University Policy 6.3 prohibits otherwise consensual relationships between employees (faculty and staff – including coaches, trainers, and other athletics staff) and undergraduate students. To report violations of this policy, you may use the same reporting link as for potential violations of Policy 6.4 (link). Reports can be made anonymously.

Confidential Resources
The university offers confidential resources for individuals who are unsure whether to report misconduct or who seek counseling or other emotional support in addition to, or without, making a report to the University. For confidential support, one can seek assistance from:
  • Cornell Health (medical and mental health providers, students only: (607) 255-5155)
  • Cornell United Religious Work Chaplains (CURW) (pastoral counseling: (607) 255-6003)
  • The Tompkins County Advocacy Center's 24/7 hotline: (607) 277-5000
  • The Cornell Victim Advocate: (607) 255-1212, victimadvocate@cornell.edu
  • The Gender Equity Resource Center: (607) 255-0015, GenEq@cornell.edu
  • The LGBT Resource Center: (607) 254-4987, lgbtrc@cornell.edu
  • The University Ombuds: (607) 255-4321, ombuds@cornell.edu
Additional information about university policy and procedures, reporting options, and resources is available online at titleix.cornell.edu. If you are interested in learning more about Cornell's robust education and prevention programs, additional details can be found at SHARE.cornell.edu.
 

Student-Athlete Responsibilities

Student-athletes shall comport themselves with honesty and will compete with integrity at all times. Their behavior shall reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in competitive sports at Cornell University.

The student-athlete is subject to all team rules and regulations pertaining to their particular sport as established by coaches and the Department of Athletics and Physical Education. The student-athlete is responsible for reading and following the below statement:

Student-athletes are among the most visible students on campus and in the community, and are ambassadors for Cornell University. As a student-athlete, I serve as a role model and a spokesperson. This exposure brings privileges and added responsibilities. Social interactions and personal deportment of student-athletes, on and off the field and campus, becomes public knowledge.

As a student representing Cornell University in intercollegiate athletic competition, I...
  • Understand that participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege and that there is no guarantee for return to a roster upon departure or dismissal from a team.
  • Pledge to demonstrate good citizenship, sportsmanship, honesty, integrity on and off the "field," on the campus, in the local community, and to otherwise represent Cornell University in a manner that brings pride to me, intercollegiate athletics and the University.
  • Will make a positive and constructive contribution to the intercollegiate athletics program.
  • Will refrain from questionable activities that may jeopardize or demean the image of Cornell intercollegiate athletics.
  • Will respect the authority of coaches and comply with established team policies and expectations.
  • Will be available to participate in practice and contests, except in situations where academic obligations take precedence, or when declared medically unfit by the team athletic trainer or team physician, or declared ineligible by the university eligibility officer or other appropriate university official.
  • Will maintain satisfactory academic standing at the University.
  • Will not participate, in fact and/or in spirit, in hazing, as defined in the Cornell University Student Code of Conduct.
  • Will promote and maintain a safe and inclusive environment by not engaging in, promoting, or perpetuating harassment or bias behaviors through physical, digital, verbal, written or video means.
  • Will comply with all applicable University policies, including, but not limited to: the Cornell University Student Code of Conduct; Cornell University Policy 6.4: Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual and Related Misconduct; the Code of Academic Integrity; academic requirements; the Department of Athletics' Policies; NCAA, Ivy League or other governing body regulations; team rules; and with local, state and federal law.
     

Sanctions for Student-Athlete Misconduct

Student-athletes who are found in violation of the norms of conduct or outlined in team rules may be subject to disciplinary action, as described below.
Athletic Disciplinary Action
The implementation of team rules the Department of Athletics’ policies contained in this Handbook, Ivy League regulations, and NCAA regulations is the domain of the Department of Athletics and Physical Education. Student-athletes who are found responsible for behavior that violates any of these policies may be subject to disciplinary action by the Department of Athletics and Physical Education. Each case will be decided individually as outlined in the section of this Handbook entitled "Procedures for Student Athletes to Exercise Their Rights".  Examples of athletic sanctions include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Required individual reflection,
  • Harm repairing action(s),
  • Additional training or education,
  • Verbal and/or written reprimand or warning, including probation,
  • Suspension from practice or games (which can differ for team vs. individual player(s)),
  • Suspension from all athletic privileges,
  • Dismissal from the team (individual), and
  • Cancellation of season (team).
Academic Disciplinary Action
The intercollegiate athletics programs of Cornell University shall be maintained as a vital component of the educational program, and the student-athletes shall be an integral part of the student body. The admission, academic standing, and academic progress of student-athletes shall be consistent with the policies and standards adopted by Cornell University for the student body in general.

Student-athletes are responsible for maintaining acceptable academic performance and ethical standards in keeping with the guidelines set forth in their individual academic programs and with the university's Code of Academic Integrity. Student-athletes who are found responsible for violations of the Code of Academic Integrity  may be sanctioned under that Code. Student-athletes who fail to maintain good academic standing may be subject to academic disciplinary action under the applicable policies of their school or college. Code sanctions or other disciplinary action may impact a student-athlete’s ability to participate in intercollegiate athletics.
University Non-Academic Disciplinary Action
If a student-athlete is subject to proceedings through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for investigation into violations of the Student Code of Conduct, athletic department staff must be informed by the student-athlete. Accordingly, athletic disciplinary action can be taken for failure to uphold Student-Athlete Responsibilities. Separately, student-athletes who are found responsible for violations of the Student Code of Conduct are subject to disciplinary action as would be applied to any student at the University. Sanctions may include oral warning or written reprimand, educational steps such as alcohol or drug education, reflection papers, counseling, or directed study, community work, restitution, fines, restriction or loss of privileges, order to perform, cease and desist, disciplinary probation, and suspension or dismissal from the university. Procedures for such campus judicial proceedings are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Student-athletes who are found responsible for violations of Cornell University Policy 6.4: Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual and Related Misconduct are subject to disciplinary action under the Procedures for Resolution of Reports Against Students Under Policy 6.4. Sanctions may include measures similar in kind to interim measures, appropriate educational steps (such as alcohol or drug education, reflection papers, counseling, or directed study), restrictions or loss of specified privileges, oral warnings; written reprimands, disciplinary probation, suspension or dismissal from the University. The Procedures detail the procedures for student conduct proceedings pursuant to Policy 6.4.
 

Hazing

According to our Cornell Student Code of Conduct, Hazing is any act that, as an explicit or implicit condition of recruitment, admission, or initiation into, affiliation with, or new or continued membership status within a group, team, organization, living group, or academic group or cohort, does one or more of the following:
  1. Causes, encourages, or compels another person to engage in any activity that could reasonably be perceived as likely to create a risk of mental, physical, or emotional distress or harm; examples include but are not limited to:
    1.  Undertake acts of servitude or menial tasks.
    2. Undergo undue financial expenditures.
    3. Engage in acts relevant to those of the group (for example practice or training activities), but in a manner that a reasonable person would consider excessive or dangerous.
    4. Abuse, humiliate, degrade, or taunt another person or persons.
  2. Involves any of the following:
    1. Consumption of alcohol or drugs.
    2.  Consumption of unpalatable substances, or palatable substances to excess.
    3. Damage to or theft of property, or any other illegal act.
    4. Violation of any University policy. 3. Subjects any other person (including an existing member or cohort of existing members of the group) to any of the above activities. Hazing can occur on or off campus, and in person or in virtual settings. The individual subjected to hazing does not need to regard or identify the act as hazing. The fact that an individual does not object to and/or appears willing to participate in the activity, does not signify the conduct is not hazing.
  3. Subjects any other person (including an existing member or cohort of existing members of the group) to any of the above activities.
Hazing can occur on or off campus, and in person or in virtual settings. The individual subjected to hazing does not need to regard or identify the act as hazing. The fact that an individual does not object to and/or appears willing to participate in the activity, does not signify the conduct is not hazing.
 

Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs

In keeping with state and federal law, illicit drugs and the use of alcohol if less than 21 years of age are prohibited. Even though the legal age in New York State for using alcohol is 21, there are circumstances and situations as set out below where alcohol use is prohibited by students over age 21. Furthermore, the department discourages the use of tobacco and alcohol for those of legal drinking age. These substances can have detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of users and, therefore, their use is in conflict with the goals of all student-athletes. 
Further, these activities are specifically prohibited per Cornell Policy 4.8 on Alcohol and Other Drugs:
To unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use, or sell marijuana or any controlled substances, including prescription medication not prescribed to the user, as defined by state or federal law, including, but not limited to:
1. Possessing drug paraphernalia for the purposes of manufacture, distribution, or dispensation of marijuana or any controlled substances.
2. Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana or any controlled substance, including prescription medication not prescribed to the user.
Although marijuana is legal in the State of New York, it remains illegal at the federal level, and therefore it is prohibited on campus.
Other important points to remember include:
  1. Illegal possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol or other drugs (including underage drinking; providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 years; possessing, using or creating false identification; and driving while ability impaired or while intoxicated) is prohibited. Such actions violate the Student Code of Conduct, the Cornell University Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs, and this policy. Student-athletes who are found in violation of these policies may be sanctioned under the Student Code of Conduct and/or the Athletics Department Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs.
  2. Alcohol may not be provided to, or consumed with, any recruits or other prospective student-athletes under any circumstances. If you are hosting a recruit, it is required that you abstain from the use of alcohol, even if you are of legal drinking age, for the duration of the recruiting visit.
  3. Alcohol use as part of an initiation to a team is considered hazing and subject to serious disciplinary action including department, university and civil penalties.
  4. Alcohol and tobacco (including all e-cigarettes and vaping) are prohibited at practices, competition sites, team meetings, team meals, team banquets, in locker rooms, in coach offices, on or during travel by any means, on away trips, or while the student-athlete is in uniform.
  5. The department strongly encourages alcohol-free gatherings whenever and wherever student-athletes are present. The Director of Athletics and Physical Education must provide prior approval for student-athlete participation at any athletic event where alcohol is served. Student-athlete consumption of alcohol remains prohibited at these events regardless of age.
  6. Student-athletes must comply with the laws of the United States, the State of New York, the City of Ithaca and the policies of Cornell University and the Department of Athletics at all times.
  7. Coaches and other staff members are obliged to report violations of this policy to their immediate supervisor and to the Director of Athletics.
Any violation of these laws or policies of the Department of Athletics and Physical Education outlined above may result in team, department, university disciplinary action or criminal charges.
 

Good Samaritan Policy

Cornell’s Good Samaritan Protocol is part of the University’s comprehensive approach to reducing the harmful consequences caused by the use of alcohol or other drugs. It also promotes education for individuals who receive emergency medical attention related to their own use of alcohol or other drugs in order to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.

Cornell’s protocol is similar to New York State’s Good Samaritan Law. Cornell’s Good Samaritan Protocol applies to the university policies, while New York’s Good Samaritan Law applies off-campus and throughout the rest of the state.

Since the implementation of this university protocol in the fall of 2002 (formerly called the Medical Amnesty Protocol), we have found an increase in on-campus alcohol-related calls to the emergency medical services (EMS). However, the percent of these calls requiring a hospital emergency room visit has decreased. This suggests that the protocol is helping to reduce barriers to calling for assistance. For findings regarding the efficacy of the protocol, as well as suggestions for other campuses considering replicating the Medical Amnesty Protocol/Good Samaritan Protocol, please see the peer reviewed journal article, Safety first: A medical amnesty approach to alcohol poisoning at a U.S. university (CU NetID required).

If you have any questions, please contact Cornell’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (formerly the Office of the Judicial Administrator); studentconduct@cornell.edu or 607-255-4680).
 
ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING.  CALL 911 FOR HELP! If you are not sure the person is sick enough to warrant medical attention, you can call Cornell Health at 255-5155 any time of the day or night to consult with a health care provider.
 

Transgender Athlete Commitment

Cornell Athletics Policy and Recommendations for the Inclusion of Transgender Athletes
Revised February 2025

Cornell University believes participation in intercollegiate athletics is a valuable part of the education experience for all students, and the University is committed to creating and sustaining a welcoming environment for everyone. Cornell abides by the NCAA Transgender Student-Athlete Participation Policy (adopted February 2025) and Cornell University Policy 6.4 prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on protected-status - specifically including gender identity and gender expression - and related retaliation.
 
Please direct questions to Amy Foster alm7@cornell.edu. Concerns also may be reported to titleix@cornell.edu.
 

Cornell Facility Access

In keeping with the University's policy of nondiscrimination and the commitment to inclusion, the University allows students, staff, faculty, and visitors to use the restroom or facility that corresponds to their gender identity.  When requested by a transgender student-athlete, Cornell Athletics will identify private, separate locker room facilities for the student-athlete's use, though the student-athlete will not be required to use separate facilities.

For competition at other schools and when requested in advance by a transgender student-athlete, a Cornell Athletics administrator will work with the host institution to identify private, separate locker room facilities for the transgender student-athlete's use, while maintaining the confidentiality of the student-athlete as much as possible.
 

Language

Student-athletes will be referred to by their chosen name and pronouns by all Cornell Athletics staff, coaches and student-athletes.  In consultation with student-athletes, Cornell Athletics will share chosen names and pronouns with other schools and the media, as appropriate.
 

Uniforms

Any athletic training gear and uniforms provided by Cornell Athletics is sport appropriate.  When requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to allow transgender student-athletes to use uniforms that are consistent with their gender identity and if necessary, Cornell Athletics will work with the NCAA and Ivy League for permissions to allow transgender student-athletes to dress consistently with their gender identity.

Team dress policies for travel or other occasions must allow student-athletes to dress according to their gender identity.