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C O N T E N T S
The policies described below, mandated for all students whether on or off campus, are not meant to serve as a comprehensive list and are subject to review and modification by the Assistant Vice President for Student Services (or their designee) if deemed necessary for the safety and security of the UArts community.
Access to Facilities
By way of being registered for classes and having an account in good standing, students are granted access to all of the academic facilities on-campus, provided that they show a valid ID upon entering. Every semester, identification cards issued for all students, faculty, and employees are validated by Student Financial Services or Human Resources. Public Safety Officers may deny access to University facilities for anyone not carrying a validated identification card.
During 24 hour building access, students are permitted to enter academic buildings. Students are not permitted to occupy academic spaces in a way that would disrupt the academic community, such as performing basic life functions in classrooms or other common spaces.
Each residence hall on campus is equipped with an electronic, computerized card reader. Only residents of the building can gain access by swiping their card through the card reader on each building. The system is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while classes are in session. Additionally, each resident is responsible for swiping themselves into the residence hall. No other residents or non-UArts affiliates should be tailgating behind a current resident. The resident is responsible for anyone who tailgates in behind them. If you are having issues with the card reader, please notify the Public Safety officer at the front desk of the building.
If, during the course of the year, you should lose your ID card, contact Student Financial Services immediately. Replacement ID cards cost $35, which can be charged to the student’s account if the student does not have the necessary funds available at the time of replacement.
Unauthorized entry, whether peacefully or by force, into a prohibited area or residence hall in which there is no documented reason for being present is prohibited.
Alcohol & Other Drugs
All members of the University of the Arts community are hereby notified of the primary components of the Substance Abuse Prevention Policy in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act of 1989 and subsequent amendments.
Local, State and Federal Laws
A person in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who is under 21 years of age commits a summary offense if they attempt to purchase, consume, possess or transport alcohol.
Federal and state laws prohibit the possession, use and distribution of illegal drugs.
The following are considered violations of the UArts alcohol policy:
- Consumption, on or off campus, or possession of alcoholic beverage or containers intended to contain alcoholic beverages, whether empty of alcohol, used for purposes other than holding alcohol or not.
- Being intoxicated as indicated by appearance or behavior, such as: slurred speech, unstable walk, unconsciousness, destruction of property, use of abusive language, alcohol on breath, vomiting or disturbance to others.
- Sale or trade of alcohol on the campus property or to members of The University of the Arts community.
All student conduct policies, including those related to alcohol, are applicable while a student is studying abroad. Students are expected to abide by the legal drinking age in the country or countries in which they are studying. If students choose to consume alcoholic beverages while participating in a study abroad program, the University expects responsible behavior and moderation. Students are responsible for their behavior and any misconduct that is related to the consumption of alcohol.
Resident(s) in whose UArts housing alcohol is being consumed are responsible for the behavior of non-UArts guests.
Students found to be in the presence of alcohol but not drinking will be considered responsible for condoning the violation.
Alcohol is prohibited at any University sponsored events for students with exceptions to this policy granted only by the Assistant Vice President of Student Services (or their designee). Exceptions will ONLY be considered with a faculty/staff sponsor and arrangements for food and beverage made through Parkhurst Catering. The sponsoring faculty/staff member must complete the Alcohol Permission Request for Reception form on the UArts portal no less than two (2) weeks before the event. Approved events may be required to have UArts Public Safety present. The sponsor and/or the students are responsible for all costs for the event, with the exception of Public Safety staff members which will be provided by the University at no additional cost.
The following are considered violations of the University drug policy:
- Consumption or possession of illegal drugs on or off campus.
- Being under the influence of illegal drugs as indicated by appearance or behavior, such as: slurred speech, unstable walk, unconsciousness, destruction of property, use of abusive language, vomiting or disturbance to others.
- Sale, distribution or trade of illegal drugs on the campus property or to members of The University of the Arts community.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Being in the presence of drugs.
Resident(s) in whose UArts housing drugs are being consumed are responsible for the behavior of non-UArts guests.
Students found to be in the presence of drugs but not using will be considered responsible for condoning the violation.
Any University official (including members of Public Safety, Residence Life + Conduct and the Student Affairs staffs) who has a reasonable suspicion that the alcohol or drug policy is being violated may access any University facility to determine an appropriate course of action. University officials are authorized to intervene in any situation that warrants action including, but not limited to: removal of attendees; closing of the event; and/or confiscation of illegal drugs and paraphernalia; and notification of University personnel. All confiscated alcohol and drugs are turned over to the Office of Public Safety for disposal, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police Department.
When University officials confiscate illegal drugs, such items will be turned over to the Philadelphia Police Department as required by law. Prosecution for violation of the law will be made at the discretion of the Philadelphia Police Department.
The University reserves the right to test a student for the presence of drugs in their system if necessary and may prevent a student’s return to University housing (or withhold other privileges) until compliance and/or such tests show an absence of illegal drugs.
Alcohol & Other Drugs Amnesty
Student health and safety are of primary concern of the University. As such, in cases of significant intoxication as a result of alcohol or other substance use, we encourage individuals to seek assistance for themselves or others.
Amnesty for Victims/Reporting Party: The University encourages the reporting of Code violations and crimes by victims. Sometimes, victims are hesitant to report to University Officials because they fear that they may personally face sanctions due to policy violations involving underage drinking or drug use at the time of the incident. It is in the best interests of this community that as many victims as possible choose to report to University Officials. To encourage reporting, the University has a policy of giving such victims amnesty from policy violations involving underage drinking or drug use at the time of the incident.
Amnesty for HelpSeeking: The University encourages students to seek medical assistance for those in need, including oneself. Sometimes, students are hesitant to seek medical assistance for fear that they may get themselves in trouble. The University has a policy of giving amnesty from policy violations involving underage drinking or drug use at the time of help seeking for students who actively seek medical help for themselves or others, or for students who provide help seeking assistance to victims.
If medical assistance is sought, the University will not pursue conduct charges against the individuals involved for violations of the University alcohol or drugs policies.
The following are not covered by the Medical Amnesty Policy:
- Students waiting until the police or other authority arrive before seeking assistance
- Action by University faculty, staff, or student
- Action by police or other law enforcement personnel
- Violations of the Code of Conduct other than the alcohol/drugs policy
- Possession with the intent to distribute drugs
Actions by the Office of Student Affairs:
- Involved student(s) will be required to meet with a member of the Office of Student Affairs, or their designee, who may issue educational requirements that may include, but are not limited to, alcohol and/or drug education, counseling, and/or a substance abuse assessment.
- Serious or repeated incidents will prompt a higher degree of concern/response.
- Failure to complete the educational assignments or treatment recommendations will result in disciplinary action.
- The student will be responsible for any costs associated with drug or alcohol education interventions.
Application to Student Organizations:
In circumstances where an organization is found to be hosting an event where medical assistance is sought for an intoxicated guest, the organization (depending upon the circumstances) may be held responsible for violations of the Alcohol Policy or Drug Policy. However, the organization’s willingness to seek medical assistance for a member or guest will be viewed as a mitigating factor in determining a sanction for any violations of the Alcohol Policy or Drug Policy.
Automobiles
Students living in the University’s residence halls are not permitted to maintain vehicles (except bicycles) on campus. Students may request an exemption the Office of Educational Accessibility.
Bullying
Bullying is defined as any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, directed toward a person that is intended to cause or that a reasonable person would know is likely to cause, and that actually causes, physical harm or substantial emotional distress and thereby adversely affects the ability of another person to participate in or benefit from the university’s educational programs or activities, creates a threatening environment, or substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.
This policy is not intended to and will not be applied in a way that would violate rights to academic freedom and freedom of expression, nor will it be interpreted in a way that undermines a supervisor’s authority to appropriately manage their work unit. This definition reserves to the University, in furtherance of its educational mission, the right to address conduct that would not necessarily be unlawful. It is not intended to create individual or group rights, whether contractual or otherwise, that do not exist under law.
Computer & Technology
Improper use of University computing and information resources, telephones and other equipment, whether for personal gain or profit, is prohibited. Under the auspices of the Vice President, Technology and Information Services, all University computer systems, including user files, may be monitored and/or confiscated at any time should any portion of the system be threatened, or its integrity, security, or proper use be in question. Members of the University community should understand that all computer files and communications are subject to review, and should not expect such files and communications to be private.
No user shall use the University’s email systems or services for the purpose of transmitting fraudulent, defamatory, harassing, obscene, or threatening messages, or for the promotion of non-university-authorized goods, services or personnel, or for any other communications that are prohibited by law.
The University reserves the right to restrict or rescind computing privileges, or the use of any other University facilities or resources, in accordance with this and other applicable University policies when the user has exhibited inappropriate behavior in the use of such resources.
This policy covers all types of inappropriate behavior. The following types of activities are selected examples of behaviors that are unethical, unlawful, and/or inappropriate.
• Attempting to alter system, hardware, software, or account configuration.
• Accessing or monitoring another individual’s accounts, files, software, electronic mail, or computer resources without the permission of the owner.
• Misrepresenting one’s own identity, role, or the identity of any other person in any type of electronic communication.
• Intentionally or negligently revealing passwords or permitting another to use one’s personal account.
• Altering, or destroying communications, or intentionally compromising the security of electronic information passing through the UArts network.
• Misrepresenting or implying that the content of a personal home page constitutes the views or policies of the University, or altering the University’s official Web site or related pages without prior authorization in writing.
• Misusing the University’s computing resources so as to reduce their efficiency or to affect access to the detriment of other users.
• Producing chain letters or broadcasting messages to individuals or lists of users, or producing any communication that interferes with the work of others.
• Breaching or attempting to breach computer security systems, with or without malicious intent.
• Engaging in any activity that might be harmful to systems, the network or to any stored information such as creating or propagating viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or other rogue programs, disrupting services, or damaging files.
• Wasting system resources or overloading the UArts network with extra data.
• Violating copyright and/or software license agreements.
• Using computing resources for commercial or profit-making purposes without the written authorization of the University.
• Downloading or posting to University computers, or transporting across University networks, material that is illegal, proprietary, in violation of University contractual agreements, or in violation of University policy.
• Violating local, state or federal laws.
On-Line Behavior
Students should be aware that their on-line activities are part of the public domain and, accordingly, should be handled with good judgment. The University does not actively monitor on-line activity outside of the University domain and does not progressively monitor the web for violations of campus policies. However, if made aware, via an electronic medium, of activity that violates University policy, the University will take appropriate action, as it would if made aware through a conventional communications medium.
Damage to Property
Students are responsible for any damage that results from excess negligence or intentional act. Students may not make material alterations or additions to campus spaces or University-owned furniture. Littering, applying graffiti, public urination, and/or other behavior which threatens the cleanliness and appearance of the University is prohibited.
Disruptive Behavior
Intentional obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, other University activities or activities authorized to take place on University property; Disorderly conduct including acts which breach the peace are strictly prohibited.
Dissent & Demonstrations
There may be times that students will choose to dissent with University or public policy and openly demonstrate on campus. Demonstrations may be held on campus as long as they do not disrupt the operation of the University. Specifically, disruptions will include activities which:
- Interfere with the rights of students, faculty, staff or guests of the University;
- Disrupt or obstruct educational and other activities of the University;
- Obstruct or restrict free movement of persons on any part of the University campus;
- Interfere with the proper use of offices or other facilities to the students, faculty, trustees, staff or guests of the University;
- Endanger the safety of any person at the University; and/or,
- Threaten or result in the destruction of property.
To use a campus facility for demonstration purposes, a student group must file a room-reservation form with the University’s Facilities office. The student group must also register its intent to demonstrate by submitting a letter to the Assistant Vice President of Student Services at least 48 hours prior to the demonstration.
Fire Safety
Candles, hoverboards, incense, lanterns, potpourri and other flammable items including, but not limited to, electric frying pans, halogen lamps, immersion coils, fireworks, flammable liquids, space heaters, and flammable decorations are not permitted on campus unless officially sanctioned and supervised by University officials. Tampering with alarm-pull stations, use of fire equipment, including sprinklers, extinguishers, and/or hoses, in any manner for which it was not intended and/or without just cause and failing to evacuate from a building during a fire alarm are strictly prohibited.
Gambling
Any form of gambling on the University of the Arts property or involving University functions including but not limited to extra-curricular activities is prohibited. Gambling is defined as playing a game for money or property or otherwise placing a bet on an uncertain outcome.
Hazing
The purpose of the Hazing Policy is to protect the safety and rights of all students of the University of the Arts who choose to join a club or other organization that is associated with the University. It applies to all such organizations whether its facilities are located on or off the University campus. Hazing of a student by any organization or group of its members is prohibited.
For the purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as: 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 operating under the sanction of an institution of higher education. The term shall include, but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual, and shall include any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual. For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. The foregoing definition is based on the definition cited by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Non-Academic Dishonesty
The following are prohibited:
- Aiding and abetting: knowingly encouraging, assisting and or being an accessory to any act prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct
- Eluding or evading: any statement, action, or behavior with the intent of hiding the truth, including running or hiding from University personnel.
- Forgery: the act to imitate or counterfeit documents, signatures, and the like.
- Lying: any statement, action, or behavior with the intent to deceive.
- Possession of stolen property: any items of material value possessed or controlled by an individual without the explicit permission or authorization of the owner or the owner’s designated representative.
- Possession or use of a fake ID.
- Theft: knowingly taking, or attempting to take, an item or items without the owner’s expressed permission.
Smoking
The University of the Arts maintains a smoke-free environment. Smoking is permitted only out of doors and 20 feet from building entrances and exits. Smoking is, in part, defined as carrying or holding of any lit or ignited pipe, cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette, or any other lit or battery operated smoking equipment or device.
Solicitation
In an effort to assure a productive and harmonious work environment, persons not employed by The University of the Arts may not make solicitations or distribute literature at the University at any time for any purpose. The University recognizes that students and alumni may have interests in events and organizations outside the University. However, students and alumni may not make solicitations or distribute literature concerning these activities on the University campus or by electronic mail.
Violence
The University is committed to maintaining a safe working, learning, and living environment for all members of the University community. Threats, acts of aggression, physical attack, and violence are unacceptable in the University community.
Weapons
Students are not permitted to use or possess weapons that could be considered lethal, including those weapons in which the person has a permit, while on campus. Weapons on campus including, but not limited to, firearms of any kind, kung fu sticks, shuriken, knives (other than eating utensils), cap guns, ammunition, fireworks, and explosives (or explosive chemicals), among other dangerous weapons or substances. Weapons used as props, whether real or otherwise, are not permitted in the residence halls. Weapons used as props for performances/exhibits need permission from faculty and are not permitted outside of performance or exhibit space.
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