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General Campus Policies
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol Policy
The University of Saint Francis supports a student life
environment where the absence of alcohol is evident. The
possession, consumption, serving, and selling of alcoholic
beverages on university premises is limited to University of
Saint Francis sponsored functions in restricted areas. When
the university sponsors an event where alcohol is sold or
served, all participants must be of legal age as governed by
the laws of Indiana. The University of Saint Francis will
not tolerate drunkenness or public intoxication on
university premises or university-related premises.
Drug Policy
In order to foster the personal health and development of
students and to support an environment that is wholesome and
supportive of the growth of students, the University of
Saint Francis supports an environment where there is
abstinence from illicit drugs. The use of illicit drugs is
harmful and potentially life threatening. The use of these
substances at a minimum can lead to an impairment of
physical and mental capacities and at a maximum may lead to
addiction and death.
Therefore, in order to
support the current environment, the University of Saint
Francis does not permit the possession, manufacture, sale,
use, or sharing of illicit drugs or other controlled
substances as defined in the Indiana Criminal Code by
students on university premises or university-related
premises. Students will be subject to prosecution by civil
authorities as well. All individuals in a room where drugs
are present, whether they have been engaged in the use of
the drugs or not, will be held responsible for the actions
taking place. It should be further noted that a host or
hosts of a party are subject to more severe sanctions. Host
is defined as the resident(s) of the room(s) who is/are
present in the room at the time the party was being held.
Description of the Law -
Federal Sanctions
A person may not knowingly or intentionally manufacture,
distribute or dispense a controlled substance without
federal authorization. It is also illegal to create,
distribute or dispense, or possess with the intent to
distribute or dispense a counterfeit substance. 21USCA S841
Under federal law, a person
may not knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled
substance unless that substance was obtained directly or
pursuant to a prescription from a practitioner.
Any person who attempts or
conspires to commit any offense defined by these federal
laws is punishable by imprisonment or a fine or both. The
penalties for the violation of the federal statutes include
imprisonment and fines.
Description of the Law -
State Sanctions
Like federal law, Indiana law provides sanctions for the
unlawful possession, use and distribution of illicit drugs
and alcohol. Indiana bases legal sanctions on its
classification of the substance. This classification is
based on potential for abuse, the existence of a medical use
and the possibility of dependency upon the drug. Therefore,
sanctions may range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class A
felony. Violations become more serious and the penalty more
severe if the person the drug was delivered to is under 18
years of age and at least three years younger than the
deliverer, or if the delivery occurred on or near school
property or on a school bus. The amount in question and an
individual's past record are also considered.
Indiana makes it a Class D
felony to deliver a substance represented to be a controlled
substance, or to manufacture a substance represented to be a
controlled substance.
Under Indiana law it is a
misdemeanor for a person to be in a public place or a place
of public resort in a state of intoxication, or to operate a
vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol while
intoxicated. It is a Class C infraction for a minor to make
a false statement of his or her age, or to possess or
present false or fraudulent evidence of majority or
identity. It is also a Class C misdemeanor for a person to
sell, barter, exchange, provide or furnish an alcoholic
beverage to a minor. Finally, inducing a minor to unlawfully
possess alcoholic beverages is a Class C infraction.
Health Risks
Many areas of a person's life can be affected by drug or
alcohol use/abuse. The negative physical and mental effects
of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented.
Some of the health risks include the following:
Abusers have higher than
normal incidents of illness, ranging from lethargy,
depression, irritability, malnutrition, high blood pressure,
blackouts, deterioration of brain cells, cirrhosis of the
liver, heart collapse, damage to major organs, and sexually
transmitted diseases including HIV complex (AIDS). The onset
of these effects can be immediate. The withdrawal from
chemical dependency may also cause serious physical and
psychological problems.
In addition to the physical
risks, drug or alcohol use is often associated with
increased social isolation, public embarrassment,
date/acquaintance rape, vandalism, financial problems, and
the deterioration of personal relationships and work or
school performance. Alcohol use/abuse is also associated
with poor academic performance.
Treatment Available
Students may seek help for drug or alcohol problems through
the Office of the Dean of Students. Referrals are made to
outside agencies such as Catholic Charities. Additional
sources of help are: Park Center (481-2800), Alcoholics
Anonymous (471-6262), and Washington House (432-8684).
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Automobile Policies
All students and employees of the university are issued
numbered vehicle identification tags to be displayed on the
rearview mirror of the vehicle to be operated and parked on
the campus. All resident students must register their
vehicles and will be issued an ID tag specific to their
resident status (see Vehicle Registration and Parking, page
60).
- Vehicle tags must be displayed on the rearview mirror
when the vehicle is on campus.
- The campus speed limit is 15 mph.
- Resident students are to use the parking areas provided
for their specific residence hall and are to refrain from
driving to class.
- Students are not to use areas marked for staff, faculty
or visitors.
- Parking is not allowed on lawn areas, driveways, walkways
or any marked or posted areas such as fire lanes and
handicapped spaces (without proper authorizations).
- Driving is not allowed on the causeway and posted service
drives.
- Parking is restricted to one vehicle per marked space.
- Violation of any of these regulations can result in the
issuance of a warning ticket or a fine. Fines are to be
paid, or an appeal filed, within seven days at the Business
Office.
- Refusal to pay fines, repeated offenses, or parking in
posted tow areas can result in your vehicle being towed from
campus. When a vehicle is towed, the owner is responsible
for all towing fees, incidental damage, and all storage
fees.
In the event that you
should cause damage to an automobile, please notify the
owner personally, in writing, or call a security officer to
report the damage. If a vehicle has been damaged or broken
into, call security immediately (434-3222). Damage reports
will not be taken more than 24 hours after the event and
will not be taken after the vehicle has left the scene of
the accident.
The University of Saint
Francis assumes no responsibility for the care and/or
protection of any vehicle or its contents at any time it is
operated or parked on university property. Please keep your
vehicle locked and remove any valuables or store them in the
trunk.
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Fishing Policy
Students, employees, alumni, and their immediate families
are welcome to fish the south basin of Mirror Lake. A
University of Saint Francis fishing permit is required and
can be obtained at the Security office. A valid student,
employee or alumni identification must be presented before a
permit will be issued.
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Harassment
Commission of any act, or conspiring to commit any act that
taunts, injures, degrades, disgraces, or tends to injure,
frighten, degrade or disgrace any person including, but not
limited to, unwelcome phone calls, obscene or not, is
considered harassment. The University of Saint Francis
reaffirms the principle that its students, faculty, staff,
and administrators have a right to be free from harassment,
sexual, racial, handicapped, or otherwise by any member or
practice of the University of Saint Francis community.
Harassment is clearly inconsistent with the nature of an
academic community and is a violation of state and federal
law. Harassment on the part of students is prohibited. Cases
of harassment on the part of faculty, administrators or
staff will be handled under appropriate personnel policies.
Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students for
advice. The right to confidentiality of all members of the
community will be respected, in so far as practical, given
the need for a thorough and complete investigation.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment is
defined as any offensive sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors and other conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to the
conduct is made a term or condition of employment or
education.
- Submission to or
reflection of the conduct is used as the basis for a
decision affecting an individual's employment or
education, including, but not limited to, employment or
academic evaluation.
- The conduct has the
purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the
individual's work performance or education, or creating
an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or
educational environment.
This definition will be interpreted and applied
consistent with accepted standards of mature behavior,
academic freedom and a reasonable person.
Community Members'
Responsibility
All members of the university community are covered by this
policy. This includes faculty, staff and students.
University community members are expected to conduct
themselves so that the employment and educational
environment is free of sexual harassment and intimidation.
Individuals must realize that a person who does not object
to sexual comments or jokes may still be offended by them.
University community members are expected to use common
sense and good taste in their working relationships and to
treat one another with courtesy and respect. As examples,
the following conduct could violate this policy:
- Making offensive sexual
comments directed at particular individuals.
- Making offensive
comments about another person's body.
- Making any offensive
sexual advances.
- Engaging in offensive
touching of another person.
- Having or attempting to
develop a romantic or sexual relationship with an
individual who is a supervisor or who is in a less
powerful position.
Complaint Procedure
If you feel that you have been the victim of sexual
harassment, the following individuals are designated by this
policy to receive both verbal and written complaints of
harassment on behalf of the university: the Vice President
for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Student
Services and the Director of Human Resources. In the event
that all of the above persons are of the same gender, a
senior faculty or staff member of the opposite gender will
be designated by the President to insure that persons have
the option of reporting to either a man or a woman.
Disciplinary Action
Appropriate corrective action will be taken if an allegation
is confirmed. This action can range from verbal counseling
to termination of employment or suspension.
This policy explicitly
prohibits retaliation against individuals for bringing a
harassment complaint to the attention of the university.
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Hazing
Indiana Law prohibits hazing. Hazing means forcing or
requiring another person, with or without the other person's
consent, to perform an act that creates a substantial risk
of bodily injury as a condition of association with a group
or organization. Like any other state law, this one applies
at the University of Saint Francis. The university supports
this law and sets it forth in order to educate its students.
The responsibility for complying with the hazing law and
other laws rests with the students and the organizations
they create. Any violation of the hazing law of which the
university becomes aware can be the basis of disciplinary
action, up to and including expulsion.
Our Franciscan values call
upon us to create a trustful, affirming community through
living consistent with the Gospel. It is inconsistent with
our Franciscan values for one student to subject another
student, with or without the other student's consent, to
physical, mental, emotional or psychological abuse or
intimidation as a condition of association with a group or
organization. Responsibility for compliance with these
Franciscan values rests with the students and organizations
they create. Any violation of these Franciscan values of
which the university becomes aware can be the basis of
disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
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Information Technology
Acceptable Use Policy
(Please refer to http://www.sf.edu/acc to obtain the
official policy in its entirety.)
Computers, computer files,
e-mail, and software furnished to students are university
property intended for facilitating the educational process.
Students should not use a password, access a file, retrieve
and/or store communication without authorization. To ensure
compliance with this policy, computer and e-mail usage may
be monitored.
The University of Saint Francis strives to maintain an
environment free of harassment and sensitive to the
diversity of its students. The university, therefore,
prohibits the use of computers and e-mail in ways that are
disruptive or offensive to others or harmful to morale. For
example, the display or transmission of sexually explicit
images, messages and cartoons is not allowed. Other such
misuse includes, but is not limited to, ethnic slurs, racial
comments, off-color jokes, or anything that may be
constructed as harassment or shows disrespect for others.
Students may only use
software on local area networks or on multiple machines
according to the software license agreement. The University
of Saint Francis prohibits illegal duplication, downloading,
and/or altering of software and its related documentation.
Interactive activities (IRC
or chatting) over the Internet and game playing while the
lab or other campus computers are in heavy use is
inappropriate and you may be asked to logoff.
Intentional use of the
system in such a way as to impede the computing activities
of others is also a violation.
Students who violate this
policy or intentionally use the system in such a way as to
impede the computing activities of others are subject to
sanctions up to and including expulsion. Upon learning of a
violation, students are asked to notify the USF Help Desk by
calling 434-7564 or by submitting an e-mail to
help@sf.edu.
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Medical Withdrawal
The University of Saint Francis seeks to establish a
community environment that is safe, orderly and conducive to
its students' personal and intellectual growth. Students
enter and remain at the university on the condition that
they accept and comply with the university's Franciscan
values, principles, policies and standards of conduct.
Consequently, the university may ask a student to withdraw
voluntarily or a student may be withdrawn involuntarily if
the Dean of Students (the "Dean") concludes that
the student possesses a physical, emotional, or
psychological condition which:
- has a significant danger
of causing imminent harm to him/herself or to others.
- substantially impedes
the lawful activity of other members of the campus
community.
- reasonably indicates
that he/she is unable to meet minimal standards of
academic performance and/or accepted social norms.
- cannot be effectively
treated or managed while the student is a member of the
university community.
Procedure.
Investigation. Except in the case of Emergency Action, the
Dean of Students will conduct an investigation before
imposing an involuntary medical withdrawal. The Dean of
Students will request a statement of physical and emotional
well-being regarding the student from a qualified health
care professional of the Dean's choosing (the
"Statement"). The student (or his or her parent or
guardian if the student is a minor) shall execute the
university's form of waiver and release so that the Dean of
Students may receive all medical records and consult with
any health care providers as necessary to investigate and
decide the matter, including but not limited to a waiver and
release regarding the professional who prepares the
Statement. If the student refuses to execute the waiver and
release, the Dean of Students may immediately expel the
student.
Informal Meeting. During
the investigation, the Dean of Students will conduct an
informal meeting with the student; in the Dean's sole
discretion, parents or other appropriate persons (such as
faculty or roommates) may be included in the informal
meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to determine whether
the student is able to continue at the university prior to
the Dean's receipt of the Statement. If the Dean of Students
determines that the student is unable to continue at the
university prior to receipt of the Statement, the Dean of
Students will impose appropriate conditions including, but
not limited to, immediate suspension pending receipt of the
Statement and completion of this procedure.
Decision. Based upon the
information gathered during the investigation, the informal
meeting, the Statement, other comments or recommendations of
health care professionals, and any other information the
Dean of Students deems relevant, the Dean of Students will
determine whether an involuntary medical withdrawal is
required and communicate that decision to the student in
writing. Instead of imposing an involuntary withdrawal, the
Dean may, in his or her sole discretion, (a) impose
appropriate conditions for continuance at the university or
(b) impose no conditions if none are required. A student
upon whom an involuntary withdrawal is imposed may elect a
voluntary medical withdrawal. The Dean of Student's decision
regarding all matters respecting Medical Withdrawal is
final; there are no appeals.
Re-admittance. If a
medical withdrawal occurs, conditions for re-admittance may
also be imposed. In addition, any student hospitalized for
psychiatric care, whether or not that hospitalization
occurred as the result of a medical withdrawal under this
policy, may be asked to submit prior to resuming classes or
on-campus residence a letter to the Dean of Students from
his/her psychiatrist/psychologist indicating that he/she is
emotionally capable of resuming academic course work and, if
applicable, the responsibilities of on-campus residency.
Such a student must also respond to any request for
information by the Dean of Students to the Dean's
satisfaction, including but not limited to, release of any
necessary health care information, health care records, and
any other information required to make an informed decision.
Refunds. A student
withdrawn from classes under this policy is eligible for
tuition and fee refunds and residence hall refunds according
to the refund policies stated in the university Catalog and
Student Handbook.
Emergency Action. The
Dean of Students may impose an involuntary medical
withdrawal immediately without prior consultation with
physicians, counselors, the student or any other person if
necessary to protect the student, other members of the
university community, or university property
("Emergency Action"). In that event, the procedure
described above will occur within ten (10) business days of
the Emergency Action.
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Right of Inspection
The university reserves the right to open and inspect any
university-owned locker, desk or cabinet and examine any
package, purse, bag, or containers on campus including
electronic media. The university also reserves the right to
open and inspect vehicles on campus.
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Sexual Misconduct Policy
(This policy applies to student-to-student conduct. The
University of Saint Francis affirms respect, responsibility
and caring between students.) See also Harassment.
Sexual misconduct on the
part of students is clearly inconsistent with the purposes
of an academic community and thus is a violation of the
Standard of Conduct as well as a violation of state and
federal law.
Sexual misconduct includes
but is not limited to:
- unwanted verbal
(including telephone), written (including electronic
media),
pictorial, or physical conduct of sexual nature which a
reasonable person would
consider intimidating, hostile, offensive, and/or which
adversely affects the learning or living environment of
any student.
- non-consensual touching
of any sexual or intimate part of the body.
- unwanted forceful sexual
contact. The use of force may include, but is not
limited to, use of body weight, pushing or hitting,
coercion or threats.
- the use of force (body
weight, hitting or pushing, use of a weapon, threats to
kidnap or kill, for example) to overcome earnest
resistance to engage in sexual intercourse.
Earnest resistance may be verbal or physical, or lack of
express consent.
- sexual intercourse with
an individual under the age of 16, with or without
consent.
- sexual intercourse when
the victim is incapable of consent by reason of mental
incapacitation or physical helplessness and force is not
used (see Commentary on
Consent below).
Commentary on Consent
Because sexual misconduct between students often occurs in
the context of the use of alcohol or other controlled
substances, it is important to stress the critical
significance of clear communication and levels of
responsibility for behavior while under the influence. Under
theories of consent, when an individual is intoxicated to
the point of physical helplessness, and is unable to
communicate consent or lack thereof, that individual can
no longer be responsible for himself/herself, and the other
individual must assume the responsibility not to have sexual
contact. Therefore, if an individual is severely
intoxicated, and unable to consent or to indicate lack of
consent, having sexual contact will be considered sexual
misconduct by the university.
Programs
For incoming students, the University of Saint Francis has
an orientation program, freshman seminar classes and
programs offered by groups such as the Women's Bureau and
the USF Peer Educators for the purpose of promoting
awareness of sexual assault, date rape, and other types of
sexual misconduct. In addition, the Residence Life staff
receives training before the beginning of the semester to
assist students who may encounter problems in residence
life.
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Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in University of Saint Francis
buildings. This includes private staff and faculty offices,
residence hall rooms and all public areas. In accordance
with local law, smoking is also prohibited within 20 feet of
all building entrances. Please help maintain the beauty of
the campus by using the receptacles provided.
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Solicitation Policy
No student or student
organization may sell goods or services or solicit for any
purpose whatsoever on University of Saint Francis property
without prior written permission from the Office of the Dean
of Students. Non-student and non-university related
organizations may not solicit or sell to University of Saint
Francis students on campus property without written
authorization from the Office of the Dean of Students. No
door-to-door solicitation is permitted.
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Student Educational
Records
The University of Saint
Francis supports and is subject to the provisions of the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This act
affords students certain rights with respect to their
educational records. The rights afforded by FERPA are:
1. The right to inspect and
review the student's education records within 45 days of the
day the university receives a request for access. A student
wishing to review the student's education records must make
a written request to the Registrar's Office listing the
specific records the student wishes to inspect and review.
The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify
the student of the time and place where the records may be
inspected.
2. The right to request the
amendment of any part of the student's education records
that they believe is inaccurate. Students may ask the
university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate
or misleading. They should write the university official
responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the
record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate
or misleading. If the university decides not to amend the
record as requested by the student, the university will
notify the student of the decision and advise the student of
his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for
amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing
procedures will be provided to the student when notified of
the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to
disclosures of personally identifiable information contained
in the student's education record, except to the extent that
FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception,
which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to
school officials with legitimate educational interests. A
school official is a person employed by the university in an
administrative, supervisory, academic or support staff
position (including law enforcement and health staff); a
person or company with whom the university has contracted
(such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person
serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an
official committee, or assisting another school official in
performing his or her tasks. A school official has a
legitimate educational interest if the official needs to
review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her
professional responsibility. Upon request, the university
may disclose education records without consent to officials
of another school in which a student seeks or intends to
enroll. Another exception is release of the student's
educational record to parents of a dependent student.
4. The right to file a
complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning
alleged failures by the university to comply with the
requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office
that administers FERPA is available from the Registrar's
Office.
In addition, the university
may disclose directory information about a student without
prior consent of the student. "Directory
information" means information contained in an
education record of a student that would not generally be
considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed
and includes the student's name, addresses (local and
permanent); e-mail address, telephone number, date and place
of birth, photograph, major field of study, dates of
attendance, grade level, enrollment status (e.g.
undergraduate or graduate; full-time or part-time), degrees
and awards received, participation in officially recognized
activities and sports, and weight and height of members of
athletic teams, and the most recent educational institution
attended. A student has the right to withhold the release of
directory information. Students may withhold directory
information by notifying the Registrar in writing. The
university will honor these requests for one academic year;
therefore, authorization to withhold directory information
must be filed by students annually in the Registrar's
Office.
If a student wishes to
grant someone else, such as a parent, access to information
contained in the student's educational record (i.e.
financial aid, billing, grades, etc.), the student must fill
out and sign an Authorization for Release of Information
form. These forms are available in the Registrar's Office
and the Business Office.
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Survey Policy
No one may survey students without first obtaining the
written approval from the Office of the Dean of Students.
Surveys that are a part of an academic requirement must
first have the instructor's written approval before
authorization will be given by the Office of the Dean of
Students.
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