No Contact Order (NCO)
The College strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for all members of our community. As part of that commitment, the College offers No Contact Orders (NCOs) which formalizes this expectation in the College that students involved in an NCO refrain from all contact with each other.
An NCO is a supportive measure offered and upheld by OAISC. It is a non-conduct matter that is considered mutually exclusive. No matter who requests an NCO, all parties involved must adhere to the expectations set forth by the College.
Quick Facts:
- Prohibits contact between parties as long as they are enrolled at the College, and/or until at least one party graduates.
- Can be requested with or without a formal report or complaint and does not require a determination of whether a policy violation occurred. They are therefore not disciplinary in nature, and mutual, meaning the terms of the Order apply equally to both parties.
- Applies to all contact, including in person, on campus, off campus, on social media, and through third parties.
- Can be administered between students involved in the same student organization or live in the same area.
- Is not intended to impact a student’s access to their educational opportunities.
What is a No Contact Order (NCO)?
An NCO is designed to effectively separate any and all communication between two or more parties, both directly or indirectly. Any faculty, staff, or student member may request an NCO.
Outside of a reported incident, all requests for an NCO will be assessed by OAISC to determine if an NCO is an appropriate response for the reported circumstance. If the College is made aware of two or more students posing a direct disturbance to the community through harassing or threatening behaviors, as evidenced through concerns raised by Harvard community members, and independent of any outside protective orders placed by a judge or magistrate, OAISC reserves the right to impose an NCO.
Failure to comply with an NCO, by anyone involved, may result in a formal disciplinary process through OAISC, and the Administrative Board, in which the Order itself will also be considered.
How can I request an NCO?
- You may formally submit a request for an NCO through OAISC by selecting the following link: Submit a Request
- A member of OAISC will outreach to you directly to schedule an implementation meeting. Following that meeting, the receiving party will also be required to connect with a member of OAISC to be notified of the NCO.
- If you are seeking an NCO as a supportive measure through the Title IX Office, please click this link here: Supportive Measures Title IX.