Northwestern University Alumni

On behalf of the students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Northwestern University, we are grateful for your volunteer service. The following code of conduct is to help ensure that the Northwestern alumni volunteer program and event experiences are meaningful, productive, and safe for all participants. Northwestern University requires each volunteer to read and comply with this Alumni Volunteer Code of Conduct in order to be eligible to participate in Northwestern alumni volunteer opportunities.

The Alumni Volunteer Code of Conduct only needs to be acknowledged once and is then considered valid for the duration of a Northwestern volunteer’s service regardless of role or duration. While many policies included in this document were written for the Northwestern University employee and student community, the University views alumni volunteers as representatives of the University and thus the same policies apply. 

• Northwestern University Non-Discrimination Statement: Northwestern University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services in the educational programs or activities it operates. Harassment, whether verbal, physical, or visual, based on any of these characteristics is a form of discrimination. Any behaviors in violation of this statement or that create a non-welcoming environment for students, alumni, staff, or guests are not condoned and may result in termination of the volunteer role or removal from Northwestern University volunteer programs indefinitely. All volunteers are obligated to abide by Northwestern University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment.
• Appropriate Behavior: Alumni volunteers represent Northwestern University. Any behavior deemed inconsistent with the goals and objectives of the program or the University, or that violate any applicable University policy, may result in termination of the volunteer role or removal from Northwestern University volunteer programs indefinitely. A list of University policies is available at policies.northwestern.edu.
• Policy on Sexual Misconduct: Northwestern University is committed to fostering an environment in which all members our community are safe, secure, and free from sexual misconduct of any form. All volunteers are obligated to abide by Northwestern University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment. For more information, please visit the Comprehensive Policy of Sexual Misconduct.
• Use of Confidential Information and Confidentiality: As per the Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement, all information gained while volunteering for any Northwestern University volunteer program is confidential and only to be used for legitimate purposes related to such programs. Information includes constituent data or information gained through conversations. Additionally, disclosing the academic standing or grade information of a student to anyone without the student’s consent is a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. For more information, please visit the Northwestern Office of the Registrar’s page on FERPA.
• Conflict of Interest: It is the policy of Northwestern University that members of the community conduct the affairs of the University in accordance with the highest ethical and legal standards. To avoid a conflict, alumni should be free from actual or potential influence of personal considerations or relationships when conducting business or when making recommendations or decisions regarding dealing on behalf of the NAA or University. For more information, please visit the Policy on Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment.
• Profile and Appropriate Use of Online Portals, Databases, or Messaging Functions: Volunteers should maintain accurate profile information for any Northwestern University volunteer programs and appropriately use any online portal, databases, or messaging functions that may include personal information. Do not engage in the following: distributing or promoting spam or any duplicative or unsolicited messages; harassment, threatening behavior, or any other communication that would violate the legal rights of others; posting or distributing any inappropriate or obscene material or information; harvesting or otherwise collecting information about others including phone numbers and email addresses; creating false identities or profiles for the purpose of misleading others; interfering with or disrupting the service or networks connected to the program.
• Transportation: If driving a student, staff, or alumnus, you understand that you assume personal responsibility for the safety of yourself and your passengers. The University bears no liability for use of personal vehicles.
• Alcohol: Use or possession of alcoholic beverages by individuals under the age of 21 (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction) or providing or distributing alcohol to underage individuals is prohibited. For more information please see the Northwestern Student Affairs documentation on federal, state, and local laws regarding alcohol.
• Cannabis Regulation: Northwestern University complies with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, which requires a drug-free campus community. Northwestern University policy prohibits the possession, use, manufacture, cultivation, dissemination, and storage of cannabis by students, faculty, staff, and visitors on all of the University’s campuses and properties and at University events or programs. For more information please see the FAQ about the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.

By volunteering with Northwestern University, volunteers agree to this code of conduct. Any violations of the Alumni Volunteer Code of Conduct may result in termination of the volunteer role or removal from Northwestern University volunteer programs indefinitely. Northwestern University reserves the right to modify this Alumni Volunteer Code of Conduct. Your volunteer participation in any Northwestern University program or event will constitute your acceptance of such changes.

Please report violations of the Alumni Volunteer Code of Conduct to volunteer@northwestern.edu. For resources and reporting options regarding concerns of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, please contact Northwestern University’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. 

Northwestern University may be required to update and/or modify the Alumni Volunteer Code of Conduct as needed. No additional action will be needed on the part of those that have already acknowledged the document. 

I acknowledge and agree to this Alumni Volunteer Code of Conduct to be a volunteer of Northwestern University.