A Dean of Students convened committee has instated a new sexual misconduct policy, making significant changes to the student handbook.

The new policy expands areas previously consolidated into a more generalized charge of "sexual misconduct," refines and clarifies definitions of consent, shifts the burden of proof in sexual misconduct cases to a "more likely than not" standard and provides a hearing body with clearly delineated guiding questions to help determine responsibility.

"Input from various hearing bodies tasked with upholding the policy suggested the need for a more educational and informative sexual misconduct policy," said Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Director Daniel Swinton. "One that would both help educate students as to appropriate and expected behavior, and facilitate the proper disciplinary processes."

The charge of "sexual misconduct" will now be expanded into three overlapping realms: non-consensual sexual intercourse, non-consensual sexual contact and other forms of sexual misconduct. The idea of "consent" is also clarified, especially in relation to substance abuse, incapacitation and sexual misconduct.

The handbook explains the burden of determining the capacity of a potential sexual partner is on the person wishing to engage in the sexual activity. Furthermore, the handbook stresses that intoxication is not the equivalent of incapacitation and cannot be used as an "excuse for a violation of sexual misconduct policy."

"There wasn't one specific incident that directly caused the changes," Swinton said.

Some students are worried about the changes in policy, specifically the limited immunity policy that allows witnesses of violations to testify without being punished for alcohol violations. While the policy does not say anything about the importance of the testimony from an intoxicated witness, senior Clare Fernandez and first-year student Sam Fischer said it might be an issue of reliability.

"If you're intoxicated, you can't verify it's true. When you're drunk, you could be seeing Michael Jackson," said Fernandez. "You might put someone who didn't do anything under a lot of negative controversy."

"I don't know how I feel about it," said Fischer. "I'd say people might not view a situation (in the same way)."

According to Swinton, the broader definition of sexual misconduct should not lead to increase in false accusations.

Samantha Smith contributed reporting to this article.