This document summarizes a study on the seismic vulnerability of flat plate column joints without slab shear reinforcement. A finite element model was developed and calibrated based on an experimental test. The model was then used to analyze flat plate column joints without slab shear reinforcement subjected to combined gravity and cyclic lateral loads. The results showed that joints without slab shear reinforcement are vulnerable to brittle punching shear failure and have low ductility. Inclusion of slab shear reinforcement can improve behavior in terms of ductility, energy dissipation, and resisting punching failure.