General Policies

Announcements and Official Notices

Announcements and official campus notices are most often published through mass emails. The information contained in the mass emails must pertain to all-campus events or College-related items, or are of an urgent or time sensitive nature.

Students wishing to promote club and/or student organization activities need to do so through Student Development who generates a daily email to all faculty, staff and undergraduate students listing announcements and activities for the day. These daily emails are the official announcement publication of the College and include important information for the College community. Students, faculty and staff are responsible for knowing its contents. To have an activity or notice listed in the daily email, information must be sent to the Administrative Assistance for Student Development a minimum of 24 hours prior to the date of the event.

Announcements involving items for sale, job opportunities, lost and found, or personal invitations should utilize the general advertising bulletin board in the Mail Center and Facility Management hall.

Other campus announcements and student information may be found at our.crown.edu.

Campus Safety

Safety personnel patrol the campus buildings, roads, and parking lots routinely. Every resident is asked to promote campus security through keeping his/her room door locked, reporting suspicious matters and maintenance needs to the College Reception/Safety Staff, and keeping building entrance doors secured.

Unauthorized use of keys or security ID cards and/or propping open of locked doors compromises the security of the campus and its residents. Students should respond immediately and respectfully to the RA on duty and Resident Life staff on call 24/7 or safety personnel in the exercise of their duties. See the Crown College website for fine amounts.

Conduct of Sports Spectators

Crown College students may be the only Christ that some opposition schools ever see.
Therefore:

1. As spectators, we will refrain from booing or yelling at officials during a game because we are aware of the following:
   • Such behavior on our part sets a poor example of sportsmanship and our Christian witness.
   • Such behavior reflects negatively on our community, our team, our players and yourself.
   • If officials do make incorrect calls during a game, the following circumstances usually apply:
     • The number of poor calls usually balances out for both teams.
     • No one is perfect.
     • The officials don’t have the same observation point afforded spectators sitting in the bleachers.
     • An occasional incorrect call seldom affects the outcome of the game.
     • There are more effective channels for correcting poor officiating than verbal abuse during the contest.
2. During a game we will refrain from yelling at players on either team because we are aware of the following:
   • They are young people, not sports professionals, who due to limited playing experience and great enthusiasm may make mistakes.
   • Encouragement and praise should be made in public, and constructive criticism is best made in private.
   • The coach is the best equipped to analyze and correct deficiencies in sports skills. Our attempts to be helpful in this respect may only confuse the players.
   • The golden rule applies: treat other players with the courtesy, respect and consideration with which we want other supporters to show our players.
3. At athletic events we will refrain from being argumentative or using abusive language toward supporters of players on the opposing team because we are aware of the following:
   • We are being judged by our actions and our words. We will always strive to insure that the result of this judgment is the verdict of sportsmanship.
   • We will conduct ourselves in such a courteous and restrained manner, that if called upon to do so, we could line up in front of the bleachers after the game and shake hands with each supporter of the opposing team in the same way the players are expected to do after each contest.
4. If our team loses, we will demonstrate our ability to cope with the loss in both deed and word because we are aware of the following:
   • In athletics, as in other aspects of life, it is not always possible to win, no matter how supreme the effort.
   • When victory eludes us, we must learn to accept it as graciously as we do our triumphs.
   • It may just be possible that a loss is due to the fact that the opposing team played the game better than our team.
   • The real purpose of sport competition is to have fun, to be able to participate to improve skills, to learn sportsmanship, to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, to develop a group loyalty and comradeship, to learn to compete within established rules, to accept decisions of authorized officials, to seek interpretation or change through the proper channels, and to develop sound minds and bodies.

Students who choose to violate this code of conduct will be subject to College disciplinary action and may be referred to local law enforcement authorities.

The NCAA, UMAC and Crown College promote good sportsmanship by student athletes, coaches, and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. Negative comments or intimidating actions directed at officials, student athletes, coaches or team representatives are grounds for removal from the site of competition and other disciplinary actions.

Disciplinary Policies

Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs

Crown College is operating in conformity with the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997. The following summarizes Crown’s policy and program:

1. It is the policy of Crown that the College be free of alcohol and illicit drugs. The unlawful use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs by students of Crown is prohibited and violates this policy as well as the College’s standard of conduct.
2. Crown College students will abstain from all possession or use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and non-medicinal narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs (including marijuana).
3. The Crown College Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Information can be found online at: www.crown.edu/admissions/consumer-information.html
4. The Crown College Counseling Services office provides individual treatment and counseling programs for drug and alcohol abuse to students of the Crown community. Referrals of students, faculty, and staff are also made to external organizations providing substance abuse programs.
5. Students violating this policy are subject to disciplinary actions up to, and including, dismissal from the College in accordance with College policies and procedures.

Entertainment

Crown College encourages students to practice discretion and exercise discernment in their choice of entertainment. This includes but is not limited to the use of playing cards, choice of music, television, movie viewing, social dancing, and attire. It is understood that entertainment will honor Jesus Christ and edify the individual Christian and the College community. Members of the community will not participate in any kind of entertainment that could be considered unethical, immodest, overtly sexual, or harmfully violent. This includes but is not limited to gambling, attending casinos, bars and nightclubs. The College reserves the right to rule on the suitability of any music, television, video games, movies (only G, PG, PG-13 movies and movies found in the Crown College Library are allowed on campus), and internet shown, played, or performed anywhere on the campus.

Hazing/Pranks

The Crown community has a primary goal of helping one another grow into genuine Christ-likeness. Members of the community have covenanted together to promote intentionally supportive, encouraging relationships that are helpful and edifying. Therefore, pranks and hazing are not permitted at Crown College.

A prank is defined as any willful act by one or more students directed against any other student(s) that endangers their mental health and/or physical safety, or damages, destroys, or removes property. A prank is considered hazing if the act is intended as an initiation into, or as a requirement for, on-going affiliation with a group, team, or organization.

Pranks and hazing can include (but are not limited to) any physical activity that can be deemed dangerous, requiring the consumption of unusual, non-edible items, nudity or degrading dress, “kidnappings,” or any act that may compromise the dignity or cause embarrassment or shame to the targeted student. Any organizers and/or participants in such activities will be subject to disciplinary action.

Pornography

Pornography is pervasive in our society and is one of the more addictive and destructive forces impacting young men and women. Statistically, a high percentage of college students will have been exposed to pornography prior to their first year at college. Given the immoral, addictive, and destructive nature of pornography, students should refrain from using, possessing, distributing, or purchasing pornography, pornographic materials, or materials that objectify men or women in any way. This includes but is not limited to, movies and television programs, video and computer games, print materials (books, magazines, comic books, photographs), and posters. This includes the use of the College’s computing and networking resources in the viewing or communicating of inappropriate materials in any form.

Students who violate this policy will receive an official warning and may be placed on probation. A second offense will result in probation and require verification of internet accountability software placed on all personal devices which can access the internet. Continued violation of this policy may result in loss of internet privileges, suspension, and possibly dismissal from the college.

We encourage students who struggle with addiction to pornography to seek support, guidance, wise counsel and accountability from pastors, counselors, mentors, and peers. The Campus Chaplain and Counseling Services are prepared to help and support students who struggle in the area of pornography.

Pregnancy Policy

Scripture urges believers to seek wise and godly counsel when faced with significant or difficult life choices. Therefore, should a Crown College student become pregnant while unmarried, she is encouraged to communicate with Residence Life staff, Counseling Services, or Health Services. The College wants to assist those involved in an unplanned pregnancy while at Crown to consider the options available to them within the Christian moral framework. These include marriage of the parents, single parenthood, or offering the child for adoption.

Student Development personnel stand ready to help those involved as they consider the meaning of their actions, deal with the consequences, and experience the forgiveness that comes from repentance. The College is committed to responding in a redemptive manner, seeking to balance compassion with accountability. Students can be expected to be treated with Christian love as they deal with their new circumstances.

Every effort will be made to ensure confidentiality, but the life and health of the mother and child and the spiritual well-being of the parents and the Crown College community are our primary concerns. Continuity of on-campus residency and/or enrollment as a student at Crown College will be considered in light of what is best for all those involved.

Sexual Assault Policy

Sexual assault conflicts with Crown College’s community standards and is prohibited by law. Therefore, such behavior will not be tolerated, and all reported cases of sexual assault will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.

A report of an alleged sexual assault should be reported to Student Development or Campus Safety as soon as possible. The report will be investigated, appropriate persons interviewed, and information assembled regarding the alleged incident. Victims of sexual assault also have the option of notifying the civil authorities either through help from Student Development, Counseling Services, Campus Safety, or on their own. Resources of existing counseling options both on campus and in the community can be obtained at the Counseling Services Office, Health Services Office, and Student Development. Victims will also be told of the option of changing academic or living arrangements, if necessary.

If you have been the victim of sexual assault, it is important to preserve any evidence surrounding the incident. It is recommended that the victim not clean herself/himself (it is important that no baths, showers or douching take place until medical personnel have treated the victim), or change clothes. It is also recommended that the specific area where the assault took place not be disturbed. Evidence is crucial as it may be necessary for the proof of criminal sexual assault. For any on-campus disciplinary action, the victim and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding. Both shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding alleging a sexual assault.

Students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or dismissal and possible referral for prosecution.

Sexuality

Crown College strives to enhance and strengthen a biblical sexual identity for its students. The College does not tolerate involvement in, participation in, or promotion of sexually immoral behavior such as premarital sex, cohabitation, adultery, homosexual behavior, or the use or display of pornographic, obscene, or suggestive materials of any kind (including materials found on the Internet).

Disciplinary Procedures

Challenge of Discipline

As members of the body of Christ, and as those designated to uphold the community standards of the College, we seek to be people who equally value the Biblical call to truth and justice with the mandate to extend mercy and grace to all people. Justice calls us to hold those accountable who violate community standards and the law of the land. Justice also calls us to protect the innocent. Mercy calls us to see ourselves as fellow sinners in need of God’s grace who encourage the community to remember Christ’s example of offering hope rather than condemnation. Therefore, it is with these mandates held in tension that the College seeks to provide a disciplinary process that values truth and justice while offering hope to individuals who find they need to be restored to the community.

Disciplinary Actions and Outcomes

While the faculty and staff at Crown College seek to foster growth in students, ideally this growth will also take place with peers holding each other accountable. In most cases, accountability will begin at the level closest to the infraction. Each infraction is handled contextually and may involve the Resident Assistant, Assistant Resident Director, Resident Director or Vice President for Student Development. Decisions made by the Vice President of Student Development may be appealed in writing and submitted to the Student Affairs Committee within two (2) business days of the receipt of the decision by the student. Final disciplinary authority and responsibility for misconduct is delegated to the Student Affairs Committee.

The following discipline terms represent the various categories of disciplinary sanctions. Implementation of a student disciplinary decision shall be delayed until final disposition of the case, except in extraordinary circumstances.

Warning - A statement of the regulation is made to the student(s) with an official warning concerning future behavior.

Fines - In addition to paying assessments for damages, students may be required to pay fines for deliberate and/or continued disregard for school policies, delinquency in meeting deadlines, and/or violating the community covenant.

General Probation - Any student involved in the disciplinary process will automatically be placed on general probation. Students on probation may be dismissed from the College if involved with any further infractions.

Community Service - As a disciplinary sanction, a student may be asked to perform community service. Failure to complete community service hours in the allotted time will result in a classroom suspension for the next semester. A student will not be able to attend classes until the community service is completed. If a student does not plan on returning to Crown College for the next semester, including those who may be graduating, any hour of community service not completed by the last day of classes will be converted to a fine. As a result, a financial hold will be placed on the student’s academic records and the student will not be able to receive any official academic records, including transcripts and diplomas, until he/she has fulfilled this financial obligation to the College.

Suspension - The student must leave the campus and is not allowed to attend classes for any time period between one day and one semester. The suspension will be followed by a period of probation.

Dismissal - The student is terminated from the College and restricted from the College premises. Students dismissed from the College for student life reasons, whether before or after the last day to drop classes, will receive grades of W, WP, or WF. (See the Crown College Catalog for more details.) In the event a dismissed student wants to return as a student, he or she must re-apply to the College.

Goal and Guidelines for Discipline

Community standards of behavior are essential in maintaining order and creating an environment that is conducive to the educational process and personal transformation. As a God-centered community, we are mandated to confront inappropriate behavior with the goal of correction and restoration. To that end, any violation of the law or behavioral standards supported by witnesses and/or evidence will be addressed by faculty/staff. Scripture is the guide for establishing standards of behavior, and Scripture must direct our response to individuals who violate these established standards. 

Consequences will be applied to inappropriate behavior. Faculty/staff seek to deliver consequences that are commensurate with the misconduct. Consequences received by a student will contain an educational element, an opportunity for restoration to the Crown College community and, should it be necessary, restoration to the Body of Christ.

Student Affairs Committee

The purpose of the Student Affairs (“SA”) Committee shall be to serve as the final appeals committee regarding any decision made by Student Development. The SA Committee shall hold hearings and render decisions regarding any student who appeals the decision of the Vice President of Student Development. All appeals must be made within the two (2) days of the Vice President of Student Development disciplinary decision.

1. The SA Committee is composed of five members a Crown Vice President (Chair), one faculty, one staff and two students.
2. The student, the Vice President of Student Development and the Committee shall have the right to call witnesses and to cross-examine witnesses brought by another party. The Chair may limit the number of witnesses to be called.
3. At least 24 hours in advance, the student accused of misconduct shall be informed in writing of the time and place of the hearing, of the charges being brought, and of the student’s due process rights. By mutual consent, this time period may be shortened.
4. Only Committee members have the right to be present during deliberations and decision making. The decision of the SA Committee is reached by a simple majority vote of those members present.
5. The decision of the Committee shall be reported to the student in writing by the Chair within two (2) days of the Committee hearing.
6. The decision of the SA Committee shall be final.

Complaints and Grievances

Student Appeal Policy

An appeal is a request to waive a decision that has been or will be properly applied. The central focus of an appeal is the institutional policy and the considered merits of its waiver.

Appeals may concern academic and student life, financial affairs policies and regulations, admission to and retention of students in academic programs, academic inequities, and forms of academic discipline. At each level of appeal, both the appeal and the decision must be in writing on the appropriate form. The investigation may include personal appearances by parties involved in the appeal.

For specific policies on appeals regarding participation in commencement activities, class absences, and general academic policies, students should refer to those sections of the College Catalog. For policies on appeals regarding disciplinary procedures, please refer to the Disciplinary Policies and Disciplinary Procedures sections of the Student Handbook.

Student Grievance Policy

A grievance is a complaint of alleged unfair or discriminatory practice or decision by faculty, administration, or administrative staff. The central focus of a grievance is not a policy, but rather the action of the one against whom the grievance is filed. A grievance must be supported by evidence that the unfavorable decision is in violation of institutional policy or practice, or that the person has been treated in a different way than other persons in similar circumstances have been treated.

General Procedures for Grievances

A student wishing to file a grievance may do so by requesting reconsideration of the unfavorable decision in the form of a letter stating the grievance and submitting the letter to Student Development. After receipt of the letter, a written response will be given to the student no later than five class days after receipt of the form.

If the student is not satisfied with the response, the student may resubmit the grievance to the appropriate Vice President of the faculty or staff member involved. The Vice President may then choose to take the grievance to the Academic Affairs Committee or the Student Affairs Committee. The committee will then make a recommendation to the appropriate Vice President for their consideration. A written response will be given to the student no later than five class days after receipt of the form.

If the student does not receive a response within five class days at any level in the grievance process, the student may appeal to the next higher level. Those hearing the grievance at the higher level shall secure the written opinion of those who failed to respond at the lower level.

Academic Appeals and Grievances

Appeals concerning academic policies, procedures, and regulations are most appropriately handled on an Academic Petition, available from the Registrar’s Office. This form requires both the approval of the student’s department chairperson and the Vice President of Academic Affairs. If the department chairperson does not approve the petition, the student has the option of submitting the request directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Students not satisfied with the results may submit the original appeal to the Academic Affairs Committee for consideration. The Academic Affairs Committee may accept or reject the appeal. The decision of the Academic Affairs Committee is final.

Dress Statement – Modesty Guidelines

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God – even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many.” I Corinthians 10:31-33

Crown College has created a set of guidelines that are an attempt to make sure everyone can dress with their own sense of taste and style without anyone feeling uncomfortable or uncertain as to what to wear, or with what others are wearing. Based on Scripture, these guidelines seek to incorporate the following principles: a desire to bring glory to God and grow in His image, love and consideration for others, responsibility to and for fellow Christians, and a desire to not cause others to stumble in any way.

Members of the Crown community should make every effort to dress modestly and appropriately in all settings. Shirts and shoes should be worn in all public areas. Both men and women should avoid shorts shorter than mid-thigh, pants and tops which expose undergarments, midriff, and chest. Tights and leggings must be accompanied by mid-length or longer shorts or skirts. Some examples of inappropriate clothing are: shirts that are too tight or too short, have spaghetti straps or open-backs; skirts and skirt slits above mid-thigh; pants worn below the hips; clothing with inappropriate wording or images; pajamas and slippers.

All members of the Crown community are asked to abide by the following guidelines.

Athletic/Recreational Guidelines

While the general modesty guidelines are in effect for all of campus, the unique requirements of sports and recreation call for more relaxed and specific standards. During the school day, athletic shorts should only be worn when participating in athletic events or outdoor recreation. Tank tops may be worn to, from, and during participation in athletic and recreational activities – including the fitness center, weight room, gym and athletic fields. Tights and leggings should be accompanied with shorts, sweat pants, or skirts. For the occasional event that may entail water activities, modest one-piece swimsuits are required for women, and modest swim trunks for men. Men’s nylon racing suits are not acceptable. Sunbathing is allowed behind residence halls.

Banquet Guidelines

Varying standards among students from different backgrounds and genders can lead to a great deal of confusion and concern when choosing what to wear for a formal event such as the Homecoming, Christmas, and Spring Banquets. Crown students are expected to strive for modesty in appearance and are encouraged to wear formal attire for such events. Formal attire for women may include spaghetti straps, strapless, and open-back gowns.

Residence Life staff reserve the right to determine what apparel or style is appropriate.

Classroom/Chapel/Office Guidelines

The unique requirements of the classroom, Chapel, and College offices also require specific guidelines. Crown College views both campus classrooms and offices as places of work. Therefore, students are expected to dress for these settings in a “relaxed business casual” wardrobe. Clothes should be neat and clean. Pajamas, slippers, and tank tops are considered inappropriate for professional workplaces and therefore are to be avoided in these areas. Shorts must be at least mid-thigh in length. Athletic shorts are not acceptable. Jeans and T-shirts are fine as long as they are not tattered or stained. While some churches today encourage extremely casual dress, Crown College expects students to keep the same standards in Chapel as in the classroom.

Emergency Procedures

 Dial 911. When the dispatcher answers, state “THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.” Be prepared to give the dispatcher your name, nature of the emergency, location, and phone number. Whenever you dial 911, or there is an emergency on campus, notify the Reception Desk immediately (ext. “0” or 952-446-4100) so that College personnel are better able to respond to the situation. If possible, send someone to the Reception Desk to help direct the emergency personnel. On weekends, holidays, or overnight, follow the recorded message directions to reach Campus Safety or Residence Life Staff.

Fire

• If you hear a fire alarm, evacuate the building immediately.
• If you discover a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm then evacuate the building immediately.
• Do not use an elevator.

Gas Leak

• Open the windows. Do not light matches or turn on lights. 
• Notify the Reception Desk and a Residence Life Staff member (RD, ARD or RA) immediately.

Medical Emergencies

• Call 911 for a medical emergency
• Do not move the victim, unless unavoidable.
• If you are trained, administer First Aid.
• Notify the Reception Desk and a Residence Life Staff member (RD, ARD or RA) immediately.

Tornado/Severe Weather 

• If you hear the Civil Defense siren, remain calm and proceed immediately to the lowest level of the building you are in.
• Do not use the elevator. 
• Walk rapidly and stay away from windows. 
• Once at the designated area, remain calm, listen for any special instructions, and remain there until the danger is past and College personnel give an “all clear” signal.

Fire Safety

Fire safety equipment such as fire alarms, extinguishers, and smoke detectors are located in all buildings on campus and should be used only in emergency situations. Tampering with fire equipment, disconnecting smoke alarms, resetting an alarm and/or ringing a false alarm constitutes a violation of local and state laws. Anyone caught doing this, or any other act that might infringe on the safety of campus, will face disciplinary action and fines. Malfunctioning fire safety equipment should immediately be reported to Facility Management Services personnel.

In the event of a fire alarm, students, faculty and staff must evacuate all buildings. Notification will be given when re-entry is permissible.

Fireworks and Weapons

No fireworks or weapons are allowed on campus, in buildings, or stored in vehicles. This includes all forms of fireworks, shotguns, rifles, ammunition, knives (except pocketknives with blades smaller than three inches), paint ball guns, splat ball guns, pellet, BB guns, air soft guns or compatible devices, hunting equipment, etc.

No hunting is permitted on the campus. Violators are subject to legal prosecution and/or fine, and additional disciplinary action from the College. Students possessing and/or using fireworks may be subject to fines, legal prosecution, and additional disciplinary action from the College.

Keys/Security ID Cards

Students will be issued keys and security ID cards to their assigned room, residence hall, and/or main building for the duration of the academic school year and/or summer session. An individual issued a College key/security ID assumes responsibility regarding the use and handling of them. The key and security ID card is for the assigned individual’s use only. All losses should be reported immediately to security (resident students should also report to their Resident Director, and faculty/staff members to their immediate supervisor). Students will be responsible for the replacement cost incurred for lost keys and security ID’s.

Lost and Found

Lost and found articles, as well as inquiries about lost articles, should be directed to Facility Management Services. Clothing and less valuable items go in a bin across from the weight room entrance. More valuable items such as electronics, keys, and jewelry are kept in the Facility Management Services office. After 30 days, any unclaimed items are discarded.

Off-Campus Promotion, Publicity, and Announcements

All articles and/or materials for release to off-campus media must be submitted in advance to the Marketing and Media Relations Office for approval.

Offensive Behavior Policy

Policy Statement

It is the policy of the College to make every effort to provide a an environment free from discrimination and from offensive, inappropriate or degrading remarks or conduct. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to; inappropriate remarks about or conduct related to any individual’s race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, disability, age, and status with regard to public assistance. Offensive behavior prohibited by this policy includes requests to engage in illegal, immoral, or unethical conduct or retaliation for the making of a complaint.

While all forms of offensive, inappropriate and discriminatory behavior are prohibited, it is the College’s policy to emphasize that sexual harassment is strictly prohibited.

The harassment of any undergraduate students in the School of Arts and Sciences at Crown College is demeaning to both the victim of the harassment and to the College. It can result in withdrawal, absenteeism, low morale, and an unsafe and uncomfortable learning environment. The College will not tolerate the harassment of any of its students and will take immediate, positive steps to stop it when it occurs.

A student of the College found to have acted in violation of this Offensive Behavior Policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to, a warning, probation, suspension, and dismissal.

This policy is not intended to deny the right of any individual who feels s/he has been sexually harassed or harassed in any other manner in violation of the Offensive Behavior Policy, to contact government enforcement agencies, or to replace legal recourse for any actions which violate federal or state law.

Definition

The following definition is intended to define sexual harassment, one form of offensive behavior.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, or communication of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when:

1. Submission to such conduct or communication is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment;
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct or communication by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or
3. Such conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s employment or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

The following kinds of conduct may, depending upon the circumstances, be examples of sexual harassment:

Verbal Harassment

• Sexually oriented verbal kidding or abuse.
• Use of offensive or demeaning terms which have sexual connotations.
• Whistling, catcalling, or leering.
• Unwelcome vulgar or obscene jokes or language.
• Commenting on the appearance of an individual in a sexual way.
• Recounting one’s sexual exploits for the people in the office or workplace.
• Starting or spreading untrue rumors about the sex life of an employee.
• Subtle or overt pressure for sexual activity.

Physical Harassment

• Soliciting or pressuring someone to sit on your knee, hug you, kiss you, or be friendly.
• Objectionable physical proximity or physical contact.
• Physical contact such as patting, pinching, or brushing against another’s body.
• Unwelcome touching gestures.
• Impeding or blocking movement or any physical interference with normal work or environment.
• Grabbing or tearing someone’s clothing.
• Physically forcing sexual activity on someone (assault).

Visual Harassment

• Displaying offensive, sexually oriented jokes and pictures, which may include pinups or posters.
• Revealing parts of your body in violation of common decency.
• Offensive or intimate personal gestures or touching.
• Displaying offensive, sexually oriented letters, poems, graffiti, cartoons, or drawings.

Responsibilities

All students are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the spirit and intent of this policy. The Offensive Behavior Policy applies to all students of the College including, but not limited to: full-time and part-time students, on campus and commuting students.

This policy, as a part of the Student Handbook, will be distributed to all undergraduate students in the School of Arts and Sciences. Every student will be required to acknowledge his or her receipt of the Student Handbook and this policy in writing. Student Development staff and supervisors shall be responsible for ensuring that all staff and student staff under their direction are familiar with this policy.

Department heads and supervisors are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the spirit and intent of this policy. They shall establish and maintain a climate in Student Development which encourages students to communicate questions or concerns regarding this policy; recognize incidents; and notify the College’s designated officers in the event of offensive behavior allegations so that consistent investigatory procedures may be implemented.

Student Development which encourages students to communicate questions or concerns regarding this policy; recognize incidents; and notify the College’s designated officers in the event of offensive behavior allegations so that consistent investigatory procedures may be implemented.

Remedial Action

Any student who feels s/he is being subjected to offensive behavior should immediately contact one of the persons below with whom the student feels most comfortable. Complaints may be made orally or in writing to:

1. A Resident Assistant, Assistant Resident Director or Resident Director
2. The Vice President of Student Development
3. The Human Resources Department.

All complaints of offensive behavior will be taken seriously and responded to in a timely and appropriate manner. The College will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the College’s legal obligation to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations.

1. Investigation
   When making a complaint, the student should be prepared to provide the following information:
   
   1. The student’s name
   2. The name of the person or persons committing the offensive behavior, including their status at the College, if known;
   3. The specific nature of the offensive behavior and how long it has gone on.
   4. Witnesses to the offensive behavior; and
   5. Whether the complainant has previously reported or discussed such offensive behavior and if so, when, to whom, or with whom.

When an allegation of offensive behavior is made by any student, the person to whom the complaint is made shall immediately prepare the Unwelcome Behavior Investigation Form according to the preceding section and submit it to their supervisor, or in the event the offensive behavior complaint is against their supervisor, to the Human Resources Department.

The Human Resources Director and Vice President of Student Development are the persons designated by the College to be the investigators of complaints of offensive behavior against a student. The Human Resources Director and Vice President of Student Development may delegate the investigation to another the College employee at his/her discretion. In the event the offensive behavior complaint is against either the Human Resources Director or the Vice President of Student Development, the investigator shall be a person designated by the College.

2. Corrective Action
   
   1. Involving Students or Employees
      

      Based upon the investigation, the Human Resources Director and Vice President of Student Development shall, within a reasonable period of time, determine whether the conduct of the person against whom a complaint of offensive behavior has been made constitutes offensive behavior. In making that determination, the Human Resources Director and Vice President of Student Development shall look at the situation as a whole and at the totality of the circumstances. The determination of whether offensive behavior occurred shall be made on a case-by-case basis.

      If the Human Resources Director and Vice President of Student Development determines that the complaint of offensive behavior is founded, they shall take immediate and appropriate disciplinary action against the student or employee guilty of the offensive behavior, consistent with his/her authority.

      The disciplinary action shall be consistent with the nature and severity of the offense, the rank of the employee and any other factors the Human Resources Director and Vice President of Student Development deems appropriate including, but not limited to: the effect of the offense on student morale, public perception of the offense, and the light in which it casts the College. A determination of the level of disciplinary action shall also be made on a case-by-case basis.

      A written record of disciplinary action taken shall be kept, including, verbal reprimands.

   2. Involving Non-Students or Non-Employees

      In cases of offensive behavior committed by a non-student or non-employee against a College student at the college, the Human Resources Director and Vice President of Student development shall take lawful steps to halt the offensive behavior.

Obligation of Students

Students are not only encouraged to report instances of offensive behavior, but are urged to make such reports. Offensive behavior places other students at risk and exposes the College to liability.

Students are obligated to cooperate in every investigation of offensive behavior. This includes, but is not limited to: coming forward with evidence which may be favorable to the accused person, as well as, fully and truthfully making a written report or verbally answering questions when required to do so by an investigator during the course of an investigation of offensive behavior.

Students are also obligated to refrain from filing bad faith complaints of offensive behavior.

Retaliation

The College prohibits retaliation against the person making the complaint of offensive behavior, witnesses, a person who associates with or supports a person making a complaint, or any other persons connected with the investigation. Individuals who engage in retaliation will be subject to immediate discipline up to and including dismissal.

Process

If, for any reason, you believe your complaint has not been responded to in a timely or appropriate manner, refer the problem to any other manager of the College.

Consensual Relationship

Consensual or voluntary romantic relationships between students have the potential for charges of sexual harassment. A charge of sexual harassment arising out of this relationship will be investigated under these policies and procedures in the same manner as any other charge.

Posters

All posters must be approved and stamped by Student Development prior to posting. Posters should only be placed in approved locations (not on doors, windows, restrooms, fire doors, near emergency equipment, or the elevators). Unauthorized materials will be removed. The day after the event, all posters must be removed. More information concerning how many and where posters may be placed is available from the Student Development office.

“Stability of Students” Assessment Policy

Student Development personnel reserve the right to contact parents or guardians in situations where a student’s behavior or condition indicates he/she is not in control of his/her behavior or emotions. Student Development personnel may remove any student from campus who is actively or passively placing him/herself or others at physical or emotional risk until arrangements can be made for a safe return to campus. In addition, Student Development personnel reserve the right to activate a Coordinated Care Committee for the sake of the student.

This Committee, and/or Student Development personnel, reserves the right to also make decisions regarding the feasibility of the continued enrollment of an emotionally or physically unstable student. Students who have withdrawn for medical reasons (including psychiatric or psychological care) may be required to provide documentation that the medical condition has been adequately treated and that any necessary accommodations have been prepared to enhance the future academic success of the student. Documentation may include, but is not limited to: 1) reports of treatment from attending professionals; 2) letters of recommendation from attending professionals and/or parents; and in some instances, 3) a personal interview with the attending professionals.