Temple University formulates and enforces rules of conduct to ensure that all students act in a manner that is consistent with the University's educational mandate and that is respectful of all members of the university community. By registering as a student at Temple University, each student accepts the right of the university to exercise related disciplinary authority. Each student should read and understand the Student Conduct Code:

 Temple University Student Conduct Code (PDF) 

The Conduct Code incorporates by reference other university rules, regulations and policies. Each student is responsible for reading and understanding the Conduct Code and other stated requirements for the university activities in which they are engaged. The goal is for all members of the university community to be able to participate in a safe and constructive environment.

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) administrative authorities are responsible for administering the Student Conduct Code and other rules and regulations at TUJ; with respect to the Conduct Code, the Dean of TUJ acts as University Code Administrator for TUJ and TUJ's General Counsel acts as the Student Conduct Administrator. Conduct that violates the Conduct Code, such as theft, disorderly conduct, sexual assault, harassing or threatening behavior, academic dishonesty, or breach of TUJ policies, may result in a Conduct Code complaint. A finding of responsibility will result in sanctions, ranging from fines and community service to probation, suspension or expulsion. If a student has been found to be responsible for a Conduct Code violation, a disciplinary hold may be placed on the student's record until any sanctions have been satisfied in full.

The Student Code applies to conduct that occurs on university premises, within 500 meters of university premises, on vehicles owned, used by or under the control of the university, and at university-sponsored activities, and also applies to off-campus incidents or conduct that adversely affect the university community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Students are responsible for their conduct from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree, even though conduct may occur before classes begin or after classes end, as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment.


TUJ Drinking/Drugs and Smoking/Tobacco Policies

TUJ has the following explicit Drinking/Drugs Policy and Smoking/Tobacco Policy, which apply to all TUJ students. Any violation of these policies is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in the Student Conduct Code.

Drinking and Drugs Policy

  • Japanese law prohibits people under age of 20 from consuming alcohol under any circumstances.
  • Students of any age are prohibited from carrying, consuming or being under the influence of alcohol on TUJ campuses or at off-campus activities arranged by TUJ, unless they are an invitee to an official function managed by a TUJ employee where alcohol is served.
  • Students of any age are prohibited from consuming or being under the influence of alcohol within 500 meters of TUJ campuses (other than within business establishments where alcohol is served).
  • Further restrictions apply in TUJ dorms.
  • Similar prohibitions apply to the illegal use, possession, cultivation, distribution, manufacture or sale of any drug(s), including unauthorized medications, and being under the influence of such substances or of solvents, aerosols or propellants.

Any violation of these policies is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in the Student Conduct Code, which may include the notification of parents/guardians of alcohol violations involving students who are minors.

Smoking and Tobacco Policy

TUJ is a smoke-free environment and applies the Temple University Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy (policy no. 04.62.11) to TUJ campuses, except at the designated smoking area on the TUJ main campus rooftop as further explained below.

Because TUJ makes available a designated smoking area, we strongly request that all students help us maintain good relations with our neighbors by respecting Japanese ordinances that ban public smoking in the vicinity of TUJ, and by refraining from littering. As explained above, TUJ may apply sanctions under the Student Conduct Code to violations of laws and ordinances that occur within 500 meters of TUJ premises, at TUJ-sponsored activities and to off-campus incidents that adversely affect the TUJ community and/or the pursuit of TUJ’s objectives.

At TUJ:

Smoking and the use of tobacco are prohibited at all TUJ premises, both indoors and outdoors, including the main campus, outside areas (including the open plaza/“hiroba”, outdoor seating and the SWU buildings adjacent to the TUJ main campus), and on public sidewalks or streets within 6 meters of the main entrance to the TUJ campus. The definitions of “smoking” and “tobacco” are provided below.

As a limited exception, TUJ has established a designated smoking area on the rooftop above the main campus 6th floor that can be accessed by the north staircase. This outdoor and uncovered space will be open and can be used pursuant to terms of use that are posted on the door to the smoking area and on a wall in the smoking area. (The outdoor plaza that is adjacent to 6th floor offices is not a smoking area and is off-limits to students.)

Nearby TUJ:

Smoking is generally prohibited at Showa Women’s University.

Local ordinances ban the smoking of tobacco in public spaces (including streets, sidewalks and parks) in Setagaya Ward, including the area around the TUJ campus, other than in designated smoking areas. There is a city-designated smoking area at Sangenjaya Station which is the closest public place to smoke. Such ordinances presently apply only to literal smoking, defined as use of cigarettes and similar tobacco products which have been lit and give off smoke, and not to e-cigarettes/vape/heat-not-burn devices which do not burn tobacco. Similar rules may apply in the vicinity of TUJ’s Osaka campus.

At TUJ activities:

Smoking at TUJ-arranged events or activities off-campus, on TUJ-arranged transportation and at TUJ dorms is also prohibited, except to the extent expressly permissible under the rules of the respective event venue or dorm facility.

Smoking includes the burning of any type of pipe, cigar, cigarette, cigarillo, or any other smoking equipment, whether filled with tobacco or any other material. Tobacco includes (1) all tobacco-derived or tobacco-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes (e.g., clove, bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos), hookah smoked products, pipes and oral tobacco (e.g., spit and spitless, smokeless, chew, snuff) and nasal tobacco, and (2) any product that mimics tobacco products (such as electronic cigarettes and vape devices), contains tobacco flavoring, or delivers nicotine, but excludes products used for smoking cessation (such as patches, gum or lozenges or other regulatorily-approved therapies).


Protocols and Parameters – Bulletin Boards and Demonstrations

The University upholds academic freedom and civil discourse. To promote a learning environment that is welcoming to all, we direct students to the protocols and parameters listed below as well as the Temple University Student Conduct Code. As delineated in the Code, “to fulfill its functions of promoting and disseminating knowledge, the university has authority and responsibility for maintaining order and for taking appropriate action, including, without limitation, exclusion of those who disrupt the educational process.”

Bulletin Board Guidelines (PDF)

Protocols and Parameters for Demonstrations (PDF)


Questions or Complaints

For more information, contact the Office of Student Services and Engagement (OSSE) or TUJ’s General Counsel (thomas.dreves@tuj.temple.edu).

Anyone may file a complaint regarding student conduct. A complaint shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Student Conduct Administrator. Complaints that are made directly to other campus resources (staff, faculty, OSSE, etc.) may be forwarded to the Student Conduct Administrator for review. Any complaint should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place. The Student Conduct Administrator may (with the assistance of OSSE) conduct an investigation to determine if the complaint has merit and/or if it can be disposed of administratively by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Student Conduct Administrator. The Student Conduct Administrator is responsible for determining whether to charge a Student or a Student Organization with a violation of the Student Code.