Violation of any of the regulations listed below by any student or student organization, whether the occurrence is on or off campus, may lead to serious disciplinary action and/or criminal arrest, pursuant to local, state, and federal laws.
A. Academic Integrity- Incidents of plagiarism and cheating violate the code of conduct and are handled by the appropriate faculty member. (See Academic Integrity Policy)
B. Alcohol - Possession, consumption or transportation of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on campus, in any university-owned buildings, or on university property, (except in the private residence of those university officials and employees required to live on university property). The alcohol policy also prohibits public intoxication, driving under the influence, furnishing/selling alcohol to minors, hosting a social activity in which alcohol is made available to others (regardless of age) or other alcohol related misconduct on university property. Off campus violations of this policy include underage consumption/possession/transportation of alcohol, driving under the influence, public intoxication, furnishing/selling alcohol to minors and hosting a social activity in which alcohol is made available to persons underage and/or being an active party participant. An active party participant can include, but is not limited to, those responsible for the purchasing, funding, transportation, distribution (i.e., providing alcohol, cups, cans, etc.) of alcohol. This provision may also include assisting in the party's organization and/or being present at the party. Students who are cited by law enforcement, or confronted by university staff, for furnishing/selling alcohol to minors will be charged with a violation of the alcohol policy by the Office of Student Standards. This will initiate a campus judicial hearing that, if the student is found responsible, will result in a suspension for no less than one semester. Additionally, students whose actions in relationship to possessing or providing alcohol are deemed at risk to the Bloomsburg University community and are subject to interim suspension pending a judicial hearing in accordance with the provisions in the Code of Student Conduct. (See the expanded Alcohol and Drug Policies and affiliated sanctions.)
C. Breaking and Entering - It is a violation to force open or enter without authorization, any locked facility, university or individually owned or rented property. Violation includes entering a residence hall through any door other than the main entrance to the building at any time.
D. Complicity - Failure to make reasonable effort to discourage actions that violate the Code of Conduct shall imply association with or participation in the violation. For example, if a violation of policy is occurring, as a student you should discourage this action, remove yourself from the situation, and/or report the situation to an individual of authority (i.e., residence life staff, police officer, etc.).
E. Controlled Substances/Drugs - It is a violation to possess, use, sell, manufacture or transfer controlled substances or similar drugs or to illegally dispense or transfer prescribed medications, drugs or drug paraphernalia. Students whose actions in relationship to possessing or providing controlled substances are deemed at risk to the Bloomsburg University community and are subject to interim suspension pending a judicial hearing in accordance with the provisions in the Code of Student Conduct. Students who are cited by law enforcement, or confronted by University staff, for furnishing/selling drugs, controlled substances and/or prescribed medications will be charged with a violation of the controlled substances/drugs policy by the Office of Student Standards. This will initiate a campus judicial hearing that, if the student is found responsible, will result in a suspension for no less than one semester. Additionally, students whose actions in relationship to possessing or providing controlled substances/drugs are deemed at risk to the Bloomsburg University community and are subject to interim suspension pending a judicial hearing in accordance with the provisions in the Code of Student Conduct. (See the expanded Alcohol and Drug Policies and affiliated sanctions.)
F. Creating Safety Hazards - Misuse of safety equipment or procedures is a violation. This section includes, but is not limited to, dropping objects from high places; tampering with fire equipment, exit lights, guard rails, elevators or fire alarms; refusal to obey fire alarms; initiating false alarms.
G. Disorderly Conduct - Behavior that is disorderly or disruptive in nature, on or off campus, which subsequently threatens, harms or interferes with individuals or groups persons or orderly processes is a violation. This section includes but is not limited to fighting, public intoxication, disturbing the peace, unreasonable and/or disturbing noise, and indecent or obscene conduct.
H. Disturbing the Peace - The obstruction or disruption of any university activity by any means, including any physical or auditory methods that interfere with the on-going operation of the university or the rights of individuals violates the Code of Student Conduct.
I. Failure to Comply - Refusal to honor direction of, or to present identification to university officials (including Resident Advisors) acting in the performance of their duties, or refusal to respond to a request to report to an administrative office is a violation. This section includes noncompliance with university sanctions, directives and/or official university behavioral contracts.
J. Firearms/Weapons - The unauthorized possession, transfer or use of firearms, weapons or other dangerous objects or dangerous substances on university owned or controlled property is prohibited. This policy includes but is not limited to the following: firearms, ammunition, explosives, billy clubs, martial arts weapons, bows and arrows, sabers, swords, daggers, switchblades, knives used primarily for hunting purposes, fireworks, pellet guns, air guns, BB guns, stun guns, paint ball guns, dangerous/flammable chemicals/fuels. This policy also prohibits the possession of firearms for individuals who are licensed to carry such items. This policy shall not prohibit persons from possessing, storing, or using weapons at approved locations for the purpose of meeting the requirements of a recognized educational program and/or student groups sponsored by the university. Personal firearms and hunting equipment may be stored in the Bloomsburg University Police Department. The brandishing of any object or item used in a threatening or violent manner, such as a butane lighter, lit tobacco products, baseball bat or other blunt instrument or razor blade that inflicts, or is intended to inflict, bodily harm or cause property damage is a violation of this policy.
K. Forgery - Violation includes alteration, destruction, or misuse of university or individually owned documents, records, identification cards, or papers.
L. Gambling - Any act of illegal gambling on campus is prohibited except for those sanctioned by Bloomsburg University and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
M. Harassment - Badgering, annoying, stalking, threatening or otherwise repeatedly disturbing another individual by physical, verbal, mental, racial, communications (ie., computer, phone, etc.), social, and/or sexual means is prohibited. (See Harassment and Discrimination Policy.)
N. Hazing - Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization. (See the expanded Hazing Policy)
O. Laws - Students who are cited/arrested by a law enforcement agency will be subject to university disciplinary proceedings.
P. Physical Abuse - Physical abuse of any person is prohibited. Allegations of physical abuse may warrant an interim suspension pending a campus judicial hearing.
Q. Human Rights and Dignity - Any verbal, physical, or written acts, taken by or asserted against any individual, group or office on the basis of race, sexual orientation, religion, handicap, national origin, gender or other protected groups is prohibited.
R. Residence Hall/Apartment Policies - Violations of Residence Hall/Apartment policies may lead to sanctions under the Code of Conduct. For more information, contact a Residence Life staff member or read the "Residence Hall Handbook."
S. Sexual Misconduct - Assault or attempted assault that is sexual in nature including but not limited to all forms of rape or forcible sexual contact upon any person, is prohibited. Individuals under the influence of a substance (i.e., alcohol or controlled substances) are deemed unable to provide consent. Failure to gain consent for any and all forms of sexual and/or intimate contact is a violation of this policy. (See the expanded Student Harassment policy.)
T. Telephone/Network Misuse - Making improper or unauthorized telephone calls and/or misuse of the university's computer network, as a means of conveying obscene or indecent language, images, or to harass another person by calling/e-mailing repeatedly, anonymously, or at inconvenient hours to annoy such person. (See the expanded Computer and Network Use Policy}
U. Theft/Stolen Property - Theft, attempted theft, or possession of university or individually owned/rented property is illegal. Persons in possession of stolen property will be presumed to have committed the theft until evidence proves the contrary. Being in possession of stolen/unauthorized property is a violation.
V. Vandalism - Any acts of abuse or destruction of university or private property by any means is prohibited.
W. Pledging Greek Social Organizations - Pledging or joining a social Greek organization without fully complying with all university requirements regarding eligibility is prohibited. Recognized fraternities and sororities may only pledge students who have accumulated at least 12 credit hours and matriculated during either the fall or spring semesters. Executive board officers of Greek organizations that fail to adhere to this requirement will face a campus judicial hearing and will be subject to disciplinary actions, which may include probation, suspension or expulsion. Students with fewer than 12 credit hours are not permitted to pledge or join either a recognized or unrecognized social Greek organization. Students who fail to adhere to this requirement will face a campus judicial hearing and will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include probation, suspension or expulsion.
Bloomsburg University, following the guidelines established by the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education regarding student discipline and due process requirements, has established a hearing procedures system. Its primary intent is educational in nature, attempting to create behavioral changes in students while simultaneously protecting their rights and the rights of the community-at-large. The hearing procedures exist to review complaints against students for alleged violations of the university regulations and/or federal, state, and local ordinances.
In cases where incidents occur off campus, a subcommittee of the Student Life Standing Committee may be asked to determine if the alleged violation adversely affects the substance or reputation of the university and/or its personnel. This group will convene within 72 hours of the time the charges are presented to the student by a duly constituted campus authority. Professional staff members may require a student to report for a discussion relative to an alleged infraction. During this conference, the allegation will be reviewed and the student will be apprised of his/her options within the university hearing process. Possible actions that may occur if civil/criminal ordinances have been violated will also be discussed.
Students have the right to a formal judicial hearing or informal administrative hearing before a designated hearing officer or board. Students/organizations can waive their rights to a formal hearing at any time when guilt is admitted by the student/organization to the designated hearing officer (Graduate Hall Director, Area Coordinator, Director of Student Standards) in regards to any violation of the Code of Conduct. A waiver form must be completed when an informal hearing is requested.
Failure to appear at a scheduled informal/formal hearing could result in the hearing being held without the student having the opportunity to respond to the alleged violation and could be subject to additional disciplinary action, i.e. failure to comply.
When a student wishes to file charges against another student, he/she must submit in writing a detailed account of the incident which resulted in the charges being filed, along with the names of the individuals charged, witnesses who were present and the specific violations as outlined in the student handbook, the Pilot.
Alleged violations considered "major", as determined by the Vice President for University and Student Affairs or designee, might warrant a hearing before a three-member panel of administrators, one to be designated a chairperson. Hearing officers will be faculty members or Student Life administrators selected by the Vice President for University and Student Affairs.
Note: Due to the sensitivity and complexity of some violations, the Student Complaint Board may be utilized.
The following procedural guidelines are established for the direction of all formal disciplinary hearings:
Student judicial hearings are part of the overall educational process and are intended to help students understand both their rights and responsibilities as members of the university community. When students are involved in a judicial hearing, it is important that both the complainant and accused be afforded every opportunity to understand the alleged violations and the principles of due process under which the hearing will be conducted.
Complainants and accused students may be assisted during a judicial hearing by an advisor or advocate, who may be an attorney. The role of an advisor or advocate will be limited to the following:
In consideration of the limited role of an advisor, and of the compelling interest of the university to expeditiously conclude the matter, the work of the hearing board will not - as a general practice - be delayed due to the unavailability of an advisor.
3. Pending action of the charges, the status of the student should not be altered or his/her right to be present on campus and to attend classes except for reasons relating to his/her physical or emotional safety and/or safety or well-being of students or faculty. The Office of the Vice President for University and Student Affairs or designee upon appropriate evidence, and/or professional advice will decide if the continued presence of such a student would adversely affect the ability of others to pursue their educational goals. This could result in a 10 day interim suspension until a judicial board can be convened and/or limitations to student's access to university owned and/or operated property.
4. The Hearing Officer/Chairperson shall be responsible for maintaining order and room decorum while following these procedural guidelines. ALL HEARINGS ARE CLOSED AND CONFIDENTIAL PROCEEDINGS. Any student who displays disorderly or disruptive behavior and refuses to comply to the request of the hearing officer during an administrative hearing will be asked to leave the hearing and could be subject to disciplinary action.
5. Hearing officers, the University Conduct Board, the Conduct Appeals Board, and Special Interim Boards have full delegated authority from the President of the University for hearing student disciplinary cases.
Appeals must be filed in writing to the Office of Student Standards 72 hours after receiving an official written notice of sanction.
Appeals of disciplinary warning and disciplinary probation will be decided by the Director of Student Standards or designee.
Appeals of suspension or expulsion will be reviewed initially by the Vice President for University and Student Affairs, or his/her designee, to determine if the appeal criteria are met. If any one of the three criteria are met, the appeal will be forwarded to the Conduct Appeals Board, which will conduct a hearing. The appellant has a right to appear in person to present information/evidence regarding grounds for appeal. At that time the student has the right to be assisted during the appeals hearing by an advisor or advocate. The role of an advisor or advocate will be limited to the following:
In consideration of the limited role of an advisor, and of the compelling interest of the university to expeditiously conclude the matter, the appeal hearing will not, as a general practice, be delayed due to the unavailability of an advisor.
Appeals may be heard for the following reasons:
The appeal must indicate in detail what new evidence exists which was not considered in the initial hearing; the grounds for claiming unfair disciplinary action; and/or procedural errors made in the initial hearing.
Responsible for adjudicating all off-campus violations and major on-campus violations of the Code of Conduct which could result in suspension or expulsion.
The university reserves the right to establish an interim board composed of one or more persons (appointed by the Vice President for University and Student Affairs).
After an informal or formal hearing is held, the hearing administrator or board who heard the case may render one of the decisions listed below:
A. Not a Violation - No violation of policy occurred.
B. Violation - A violation of policy occurred and was proven. In this case, the administrator or judicial body which heard the case may select from the following sanctions which can be imposed upon a student or organization for a stated specific period of time.
In addition to the above, a student may be restricted from participating in extracurricular activities for a specified time to be determined by the hearing officer or board. Volunteer service, counseling referral, participation in an educational program, community service, and restitution may also be recommended.
Note: Students/organizations failing to complete the provisions of a given sanction will be subject to further disciplinary proceedings and possible additional or more severe sanctions.
In addition, the individual may be subject to one or more of the following:
When this sanction is imposed, the following may apply:
Individuals who are representing the group risk suspension from the organization. Also, the organization will be subject to the following:
Also, the organization will be subject to all of the following:
Note: Activities of the organization for past years will be taken into account when applying the above sanctions.
Due to the illegal nature of these violations, students and organizations found in violation of the drug policy will be sanctioned as follows:
The procedure to follow for appeal to sanctions issued under the violation of the Alcohol and Drug Policies is listed under the Code of Conduct.
The current version of the student handbook "The Pilot" will always supercede in the event of a discrepency between the printed document and the website transcription.
