Alcohol
Alcohol is prohibited anywhere on AMDA’s campus, regardless of a student’s legal age. The consumption, possession, distribution, sale or transfer of alcohol is prohibited. Violations will result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion from AMDA. Students who are knowingly present during such a violation will also be subject to administrative review and disciplinary sanctions. The use of alcohol containers as props (whether empty or full) are prohibited.
Animals
Animals are not permitted on campus. For information regarding service and support animals, see “Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.''
Anti-Bullying Policy
Bullying is defined as the aggressive and hostile act(s) of an individual or group of individuals intending to humiliate, mentally or physically injure or intimidate, or control another individual or group of individuals. Such aggressive and hostile acts can occur as a single incident or repeated incidents, and may manifest in the following forms:
Physical bullying includes but is not limited to: pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, tripping or engaging in any unwanted physical contact of another person; assaulting or threatening a physical assault; damaging a person’s personal property; damaging or destroying a person’s work product or work area.
Verbal and written bullying includes but is not limited to: ridiculing, insulting or maligning a person or people; expressing abusive, threatening, derogatory or offensive remarks; attempting to exploit an individual’s known intellectual or physical vulnerabilities.
Non-verbal bullying includes but is not limited to: expressing threatening gestures toward a person or invading personal space after being asked to move or step away.
Cyberbullying is defined as bullying using an electronic medium, including but not limited to the internet, interactive and digital technologies and social media platforms, and mobile phones.
Bulletin Boards and TV Monitors
Students are responsible for reading all announcements and other information posted throughout campus. All postings must be approved and have the appropriate official administrative stamp in advance; unapproved postings will be removed.
Classroom Attire
Students should refer to course syllabi for a detailed explanation of required individual classroom attire. Students not meeting attire requirements will be considered unprepared and may be asked to leave the classroom.
Confiscated Items
AMDA reserves the right to confiscate any and all illicit items and substances including but not limited to, weapons, alcohol, drugs, and any related paraphernalia. Any and all illicit items and substances confiscated by AMDA will be properly disposed of, regardless of value or ownership.
Damage
Damage, destruction, or abuse of personal or school property will be subject to disciplinary review and may be subject to criminal action. Damage fees may be assessed to a student’s account.
Dangerous Objects
The possession, use, transfer, or sale of any object that may cause injury or death to oneself or others or the destruction of AMDA property, including but not limited to: firearms, knives, swords, spray paint, fireworks or explosives is strictly prohibited on AMDA’s campus and in housing areas. Violations of this policy may result in immediate expulsion from school.
Disorderly Behavior
Disorderly and indecent behavior and conduct that is disruptive, offensive, or presents a risk of physical harm to self, property, or other persons will not be tolerated. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action and possible police investigation.
Drugs
The consumption, possession, distribution, sale or transfer of controlled or illegal substances is prohibited on AMDA’s campus and housing. The possession or use of marijuana on AMDA’s campus or in AMDA buildings is prohibited under federal law and AMDA’s policies. Medical marijuana is prohibited on campus and in AMDA buildings under federal law and AMDA’s policies. The possession or use of paraphernalia that can reasonably be linked to drug activity is also a violation of this policy. Violation of this policy may result in immediate dismissal from school and may have legal ramifications. Students who are knowingly present during the commission of such a violation may also be subject to disciplinary sanctions. Proper use of and possession of medications prescribed by the student’s physician is allowed. For further information about AMDA’s drug and alcohol policy, please refer to “Drug and Alcohol Abuse Information” in the Appendix.
Electronic Devices
Smart phones, laptops and recording devices are not permitted for use in classrooms unless explicitly authorized by the faculty member.
Students are responsible for checking their AMDA email daily as it is the primary method of communication from administration to students. Class information including scheduling and room assignment changes will be emailed to students.
Fire Safety Equipment
Modifying the intended use, or intentionally misusing, disabling, or tampering with any lifesaving equipment or devices even within a student’s personal residential room (i.e. smoke detectors, pull stations, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, etc) is strictly prohibited. Violations of this policy are serious offenses and will result in a minimum $250 fine, and significant disciplinary and/or criminal action.
First Aid and AED Equipment
Each reception area has basic first aid supplies for minor injuries, including but not limited to: ice packs, bandages, antiseptic cream, etc. All AMDA buildings are equipped with at least one AED machine (Automated External Defibrillator). Tampering with these materials or devices will result in disciplinary and/or criminal action.
Free or Discounted Tickets to NYC Performances
Free or discounted tickets to Broadway, Off-Broadway or other NYC performances are regularly given to AMDA and will be made available to students via e-blast. Students who sign up for tickets and then fail to attend the performance risk losing this privilege for the remainder of the term. Tickets are for AMDA students, staff, and faculty only. The sale or distribution of tickets to friends or relatives outside of AMDA is strictly prohibited.
Gift Giving
Faculty and staff members may not accept gifts of any kind from individual students. However, a small token of appreciation to a faculty member may be given, provided it is given from the entire section of students.
Graduation Ceremony
AMDA’s graduation ceremony is a private, ticketed event for students and invited guests, held to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Students and invited guests are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with AMDA’s Code of Conduct and to conform with common sense standards of behavior, dress and speech. If a guest violates any of these standards during the ceremony, or if AMDA has a credible, good faith belief that a guest will violate any of these standards, AMDA may prohibit the guest(s) from attending the ceremony, or escort the guest out of the ceremony.
AMDA prohibits professional or documentary-style photography and/or videography at graduation by any individual or third party company, other than official AMDA contractors; parents and invited guests are welcome to take photos from their personal, handheld device. All professional photography and/or videography is the sole property of AMDA and no other party, without prior express, written consent, has legal permission to photograph or video any portion of the ceremony for professional or documentary-style usage. AMDA prohibits the use of any additional lighting or sound equipment by any student or invited guest without prior express, written consent of AMDA.
Guests
Guests are not permitted entry to any of AMDA’s academic buildings and may not visit classes, rehearsal spaces or demonstrations. Guests are permitted to attend special events including graduation performances with advanced tickets. Per the Residence Hall Guest Policy located in AMDA’s housing license, residents in good standing may have visitors in a manner that does not infringe upon the comfort or rights of other residents and maintains an appropriate level of safety and security in the building. Residents or their guests who do not abide by all building and AMDA policies and procedures are subject to disciplinary sanctions. Students are responsible for guest policies specific to their building. Guests may not loiter in any area of the lobby or in the immediate vicinity of any academic or housing facilities. Students who Withdraw or take a Leave of Absence while on disciplinary probation will not be permitted access to AMDA’s residential buildings as a guest. Should any former students like to discuss the criteria for lifting this mandate, they should contact NYhousing@amda.edu.
Harassment
Harassment is conduct that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Threats to the health, safety, or welfare of others will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary and/or police investigation.
Injurious/Self-Injurious Threats/Behaviors
Behavior that threatens to injure or endanger the health, safety or welfare of oneself or any member of the AMDA community will not be tolerated and will result in immediate medical or psychological intervention. This behavior may lead to a leave of absence or dismissal from AMDA at the discretion of senior administration.
Neutral Appearance
Students should wear comfortable, non-restrictive attire to class. Faculty may request and/or require students to cover body artwork and/or remove piercings during class time. Students who are not dressed appropriately according to the course syllabus may be asked to leave class and take an absence.
Noise
When outside of the classroom, it is expected that students conduct themselves appropriately and speak in a quiet manner, respecting classes and individuals around them. Students are responsible to comply with city and state anti-noise ordinances governing public areas, particularly during nighttime hours. If a request is made to lower volume, students must comply in accordance with both New York City law and AMDA policy.
Non-Retaliation on Good Faith Reporting
AMDA has a strict policy of non-retaliation, which protects any member of the AMDA community who has made a good faith report from acts of retaliation. Retaliation against members of the AMDA community who make good faith reports alleging institutional policy violations is prohibited. Attempted or actual retaliatory action may subject the violator to disciplinary action. Reports that are knowingly false, made with malicious intent, or with reckless disregard for or willful ignorance of facts are not good faith reports. Such reports are prohibited, and may be subject to disciplinary action.
Personal Hygiene
It is imperative that AMDA students maintain proper personal hygiene at all times. This includes but is not limited to bathing regularly, mitigating body odor, and wearing clean and laundered clothing. Students may be chemically sensitive or allergic to products with fragrance such as perfume, scented hand lotion, ets. Please limit the use of these while attending in-person commitments.
Personal Property Damage Reimbursement
Requests for reimbursement must be submitted with all accompanying documentation within one week of an incident. All requests made within this time frame will be reviewed by administration. Any incident reported after one week will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Please note that reimbursements must receive approval and are not guaranteed.
Physical Violence
Physical violence or threat of physical violence against any member(s) of the AMDA community, on or off campus, will result in disciplinary action and possible police investigation. Students are expected to avoid all physical conflicts, confrontations, and altercations. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to immediate suspension.
Plagiarism and use of AI
Plagiarism is defined as stealing someone else’s work and presenting it as your own. Those using the ideas, words, or statements of another person or source to support their ideas must always give credit to the original source. Students are also subject to violating this policy for submitting AI-generated content.
If a course instructor detects plagiarism in any submitted work, the instructor may:
Reduce a grade for the lesson or exam.
Issue no credit for the lesson, exam or grade for the course.
Recording
Students must abide by all local, state and federal laws when considering recording another person using video, audio or both. Recording classes are prohibited unless explicit consent is given by the instructor.
Rehearsal Space
Rehearsal space is available on a first-come, first-served basis via the Student Campus Portal. Students may reserve up to 1 hour of studio space and 1 hour of voice room space each day, pending availability, and may reserve space up to 3 days in advance.
Retaliation
AMDA has a strict policy against acts of a retaliatory nature where harm is done in response to harm or perceived harm. Retaliation against members of the AMDA community is prohibited. Attempted or executed retaliatory action may subject the violator to disciplinary action.
Sexual Assault
AMDA prioritizes enforcement of our policies in order to protect members of the campus community, including visitors, from sexual assault. AMDA offers any student, faculty or staff member alleging sexual assault that occurs on- and off-campus support to enable them to continue to pursue their academic or career goals. Sex offenses (including but not limited to sexual assaults, fondling, rape, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking) represent violations of criminal and civil law, and constitute serious breaches of student conduct. See the “Sexual Misconduct and Assault Policies” in the Appendix for more information.
Sexual Harassment
AMDA does not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments or behavior of a socially acceptable nature (what is socially acceptable to one person may not be to another). This refers to conduct that is unwelcome, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone from or in an educational setting. See “Sexual Harassment, Misconduct, Assault and Discrimination Policies” in the Appendix for more information.
Smoking
AMDA is a smoke-free campus. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in or around any AMDA building.
Social Networking Between Students and Faculty/Staff
Students are not permitted to extend social networking invitations (e.g., Instagram, Facebook friend requests, etc.) to faculty or staff while enrolled at AMDA.
Studio Usage
AMDA reserves the right to regulate the use of studio space and will institute disciplinary action for any use deemed inappropriate by AMDA administration. Studio space may not be used for individual profit-generating purposes. Studios must be returned to neutral after every use. Neutral studio standards are posted in each classroom.
Weapons
Students are prohibited from possessing firearms, knives, mace or any other device that has the appearance or function of a serviceable weapon. Prop weapons may be used in classes and performances with the explicit approval and supervision from AMDA faculty.
Personal Safety Device Exception: While not encouraged, AMDA students are permitted to carry pepper spray in an amount equal to or less than 2.5 ounces for use ONLY as an instrument of self-defense and personal safety. Students who wish to carry pepper spray must submit a request by emailing the Dean of Students, Robert Manganaro at rmanganaro@amda.edu. Students must receive approval prior to bringing the product on campus. Students who choose to carry pepper spray are responsible for the safe and secure storage of the product.