We endorse the principle that responsibility for campus life should be shared by all members of the community. Most issues and conflicts at Sarah Lawrence are resolved informally. The College’s first response to behavioral problems is educational rather than punitive. However, some actions are destructive to the quality of the living and learning community or to an individual student, and those require a more formal response from the College. All policies are outlined in the Student Handbook, and they cover such issues as plagiarism, drugs and alcohol, and housing regulations. The Dean of Studies Office responds to violations of academic policies. Violations of other College policies are handled by the Office of Student Affairs. Parents will be informed of disciplinary action only if sanctions affect the student’s academic or housing status; however, students are always encouraged to involve and inform parents. Parents will also be notified when a student has been taken to the hospital due to the use of alcohol or other drugs.