Nov 21, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog 
    
2023-2024 University Catalog

Campus


C O N T E N T S

The policies 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 associate vice president for Student Affairs (or their designee) if review is 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 academic facilities on-campus, provided that they show and/or swipe a valid UArts ID at an electronic, computerized card reader 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 activities of daily living 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 per day, seven days per week while classes are in session. Additionally, each resident is responsible for swiping themself into the residence hall. No other residents or non-UArts affiliates should tailgate behind a current resident or utilize another student’s ID to gain access to a building. The resident is responsible for anyone who tailgates in behind them. If you are having issues with the card reader, notify the Public Safety officer at the front desk of the building.

If, during the course of the year, a student should lose their ID card, they should contact Student Financial Services immediately.  Replacement ID cards cost $35, which can be charged to the student’s account if they do 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

I.    Purpose/Policy Statement
The purpose of this policy is to designate legal requirements and expectations of the University of the Arts community – faculty, staff and students surrounding alcohol and other drugs related to their employment. Information in this policy is provided in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act.  In accordance with the act, this policy is distributed annually to all faculty, staff and students.

II.    Definitions
Employee: any regular or temporary (non-student) employee
Student: any enrolled student 
Abuse: refers to the consumption of alcohol or any illicit substance while at work or at any other time so as to impair an employee’s ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of their job

III.    Policy Procedure/Guidelines
UArts is committed to preventing the unlawful use, possession or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by University employees and students on its premises or as part of any University activity.  The University considers the abuse of alcohol or other drugs as a health problem and treats it as such. Consumption of any controlled substances prescribed by a licensed health-care provider is subject to their direction for use. The health effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are outlined in Appendix A.

The following are examples of some, but not all, illegal activities and the possible legal sanctions:

Alcohol:
Under Pennsylvania law, a person who is under twenty‐one (21) years of age commits a summary offense if he/she attempts to or actually purchases, consumes, possesses, or transports alcohol. In addition, any person who intentionally provides alcohol to a minor may be convicted of a crime. 

Drugs: 
There are both federal and state laws which proscribe the possession, use and distribution of illegal drugs. The sanctions for offending these laws consist, in many cases, of mandatory imprisonment, coupled with substantial fines. The sanctions for any given offense vary widely, depending on the nature of the offense, the type of drug involved, and the quantity of the drug involved. See Appendix B for Federal and Pennsylvania Statutes Relating to the Unlawful Sale, Possession, Manufacture or Distribution of Illicit Drugs or Alcohol

Marijuana 
While the medical use of marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania (with a prescription from a health-care provider) and certain jurisdictions have decriminalized possession of marijuana in small amounts, USE AND POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA IN ANY FORM ON CAMPUS IS PROHIBITED.

Federal law still treats marijuana as a scheduled substance and under the terms of the Drug Free Communities and Schools Acts, cannot be possessed or used on campus.

IV.    DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
No person less than twenty‐one (21) years of age shall attempt to purchase, consume, possess, or transport any alcohol, liquor, or malt or brewed beverages during working hours, on University property, or at any University sponsored event. No University employee shall transfer a registration card or other form of identification for the purpose of falsifying age to secure any alcohol, liquor or malt or brewed beverages. Nor shall any individual sell, furnish or give any alcohol, liquor, or malt or brewed beverages to be sold, furnished or given to any person under twenty‐one (21) years of age.

No University employee or student shall attempt to distribute, sell, or furnish illicit drugs to any individual during working hours, on University property, or at any University sponsored event.

Any employee who violates this prohibition of the distribution of alcohol and/or drugs will normally be immediately discharged from employment with the University and may be referred for criminal prosecution.

Any student who violates this prohibition of the distribution of alcohol and/or drugs will normally be disciplined under the Student Conduct Policy.


V.    CRIMINAL DRUG CONVICTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES
The University is required under federal law (Drug‐Free Workplace Act of 1988) to ensure a workplace free from the illegal use, possession, distribution, dispensing, or use of all controlled substances in the workplace. As a condition of employment, all employees must abide by the terms of this Drug‐Free Policy and are required to notify the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction. Furthermore, the University is required to notify all agencies issuing federal grants to the University within ten (10) days after receiving notice of conviction from the employee or other forms of actual notice of such conviction. The University is then required to take one of the following actions within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of an employee’s conviction:
Formally warn, suspend or terminate the employee; or 
Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
It is the discretion of the University as to what action will be taken.

VI.    ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE OR POSSESSION FOR EMPLOYEES
The possession, consumption, or “being under the influence of” intoxicating beverages or drugs during working hours, on University property, or at University-sponsored activities is strictly prohibited except for the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages at official programs conducted by the University if the employee is over twenty‐one (21) years of age. An employee reasonably suspected of being under the influence or found to be using alcohol or drugs during working hours, on University property, or at University-sponsored events except as stated above may be required to consent to any scientifically approved test for the presence of alcohol or drugs in the body, and if they refuse will be disciplined or discharged.

The University values the contributions of its employees and recognizes the risks that alcohol abuse, alcoholism and other forms of chemical dependency pose to the employee as well as the University at large. Support for an employee’s assessment/treatment needs is a top priority.  Employees in need of assessment and or treatment for problems associated with alcohol and/or other drug use are encouraged to seek such help from their Primary Care Provider. In addition, University of the Arts offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Information is available in the Benefits Guide and here. 

An employee found to possess, use, or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will normally be warned for a first offense, rather than dismissed. As part of the formal warning, the University reserves the right to refer the employee to seek treatment into any one of the following programs: drug and alcohol awareness, counseling or rehabilitation. The employee will not be eligible to reenter employment until they supply the appropriate certification of completion of the program. A second incident involving drugs, alcohol use or possession will normally result in dismissal.

VII.    ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE OR POSSESSION BY STUDENTS
The following activities by students are considered violations of the UArts alcohol policy: 
Consumption by underage persons on or off campus
Consumption on campus or possession of alcoholic beverages or containers intended to contain alcoholic beverages, whether empty of alcohol or used for purposes other than holding alcohol or not, regardless of age 
The sale or trade of alcohol on campus property or to members of the University of the Arts community 

All student conduct policies, including those related to drugs and 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 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 in UArts residence halls 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 associate vice president of Student Affairs (or their designee) and the director for Public Safety.  Exceptions will only be considered with a faculty/staff sponsor and arrangements for food and beverage made through university partner Parkhurst Catering or a licensed bartender. The sponsoring faculty/staff member must complete the Alcohol Request field in the Room Reservation form in 25Live no less than two (2) weeks prior to the event. Approved events are required to have UArts Public Safety staff present. The sponsor and/or the students are responsible for all costs for the event.

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 while on campus or on a university sanctioned event or trip. 
  • The sale, distribution or trade of illegal drugs on 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, Campus Life and the Student Affairs staff) 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 the removal of attendees; closing of the event and/or the confiscation of alcohol, illegal drugs and paraphernalia; and notification of university personnel. All confiscated alcohol and drugs and their paraphernalia are turned over for disposal to the Office of Public Safety 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. 

VIII.    ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS AMNESTY FOR STUDENTS
Student health and safety are of primary concern for the UArts. 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 the Reporting Party: The university encourages the reporting of code violations and crimes. Sometimes, students 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 students who experience crime(s) notify university officials as soon as possible. To encourage reporting, the university has a policy of giving such students amnesty from policy violations involving underage drinking or drug use at the time of the incident.

Amnesty for Help Seeking: 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 in seeking assistance.

The following situations are not covered by the 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

Actions by the Office of Student Affairs
Involved student(s) will be required to meet with a member of the office of Campus Life, 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 in which an organization is found to be hosting an event where medical assistance is sought for an intoxicated guest, the organization (depending on the circumstances) may be held responsible for violations of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy. However, the organization’s willingness to seek medical assistance for a member or a guest will be viewed as a mitigating factor in determining a sanction for any violations of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.

IX.    Responsible Office/Department
The Office of Human Resources is responsible for the administration of this Policy as to employees.  The Office of Student Affairs is responsible for the administration of this Policy as to students. 

X.    End Notes
Effective: August 1, 2023

Automobiles

Students are not permitted to maintain vehicles (except bicycles and electric scooters) on campus. Students may request an exemption to this policy from the Office of Educational Accessibility.

Audio and Visual Recording

The unauthorized student recording of classroom or other academic activities (including advising sessions,office hours, or meetings with faculty or staff) is prohibited unless written permission is given by all parties. This does not include university recordings of live performances, presentations, or class sessions. Students requesting the use of assistive technology as an accommodation should contact the Office of Educational Accessibility at access@uarts.edu. The unauthorized use of classroom recordings—including distributing or posting them—is also prohibited. Students cannot copy, reproduce, display or distribute course materials. 

Behavioral Agreements

Residents may be required to adhere to behavioral agreements should circumstances warrant such an agreement. Behavioral agreements are developed by the area coordinator (AC), the community standards coordinator, the senior director for student engagement and/or the associate vice president for Student Affairs, based on the nature of the concern. These agreements may require students to meet regularly with staff members in the Division of Student Affairs and/or follow behavioral expectations while living in residences or accessing campus.

Complicity

In alignment with our core values of integrity and excellence, any act of complicity, which is defined as being knowingly present for or associated with any act that violated the Student Code of Conduct is prohibited. Additionally, any intentional behavior, actions, or statements used with the intent to deceive or conceal any act of another that is prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct is considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and is also prohibited. 

Computers & 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 associate vice president for information technology, 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 while using 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 or 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, 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 website 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

Online Behavior 

Students should be aware that their online activities are part of the public domain and, accordingly, should be handled with good judgment. The university does not actively monitor online activity outside 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 may take appropriate action, as it would if made aware through a conventional communications medium. 

Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment 

Discrimination is the act of treating someone differently or distinguishing them through preferential or unfavorable treatment.  When that conduct occurs based on the individual’s protected status—age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, mental or physical disability, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, and any other characteristic prohibited by law—the conduct may violate university policy and state and federal law. 

Conduct based on protected status that adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s education, living environment, employment, or participation in a university program or activity or is used as the basis for or a factor in decisions affecting an individual’s education, living environment, employment or participation in a university program or activity violates university policy. 

Harassment is a form of discrimination. Discriminatory harassment is unwelcome conduct based on a person’s actual or perceived membership in a protected category, as defined above, and such conduct unreasonably interferes with, limits or effectively denies an individual’s educational or employment access, benefits or opportunities by creating a hostile environment. The university does not tolerate discriminatory harassment of any employee, student, visitor or guest, and the university will act to stop and remedy all forms of harassment.

Dissent, Demonstrations and Disruptive Behavior

The University of the Arts is dedicated to maintaining and upholding a positive and peaceful educational environment to allow for the advancement of critical thinking and development within our community of artists. The obstruction and disruption of that environment through disorderly or disruptive conduct is strictly prohibited. There also 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 or acts of disruptive behavior 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; 
  • Disorderly conduct or disruptive behavior including acts which breach the peace;
  • 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. 

The student group must register its intent to demonstrate by submitting an email to the associate vice president for Student Affairs at least 48 hours prior to the demonstration. To access a university space for the purpose of demonstrations, students must file a room-reservation request in 25Live. The associate vice president for Student Affairs can assist with room reservation requests. 

Falsification and Fraudulent Activity

Any conduct which withholds relevant information from or provides false or misleading information to any University Official, Hearing Body, or non-university law enforcement officer is considered an act of fraudulent or false activity. Other acts that are considered false or fraudulent activity include but are not limited to: the misuse, reproduction, alteration, or forgery of any identification documents or cards, keys, or University property or providing or attempting to provide counterfeit documents, signatures, or any other fraudulent document to a university department or official and is strictly prohibited. Additionally, students are not permitted to misuse or possess any false identification information or allow another person to use one’s identification information.

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 or 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. Pathways to doors and emergency exits should remain clear and unobstructed.

Gambling

Any form of gambling on University of the Arts property or involving university functions, including but not limited to, extracurricular activities is prohibited. Gambling is defined as playing a game for money or property or otherwise placing a bet on an uncertain outcome.  

Harmful Behavior

Any conduct that threatens or endangers the safe working, learning, and living environment for any member of the university community is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to physical, verbal, or mental harm, threats, intimidation, bullying, harassment, or condoning harmful behavior. Harmful behavior can be conducted through a variety of media, including, but not limited to physical, virtual, written, visual, or oral means. For university purposes, self-defense is defined as use of force which is limited to sufficiently protecting oneself from another. Any use of excessive force would constitute retaliatory behavior.

Hazing

The purpose of the Hazing Policy is to protect the safety and rights of all students of 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 their 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, admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of an institution of higher education or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a minor’s or student’s membership or status in an organization. The term shall include, but is not limited to, conduct which causes, coerces or forces a minor or a student to violate federal or state criminal law; to consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug or other substance that subjects a minor student to a risk of emotional or physical harm; to endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics or exposure to the elements; to endure brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual; sleep deprivation; exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment; to endure brutality of a sexual nature; and to endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the minor or the student. The foregoing definition is based on the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law adopted by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Live Models

Working with the clothed and nude live model is essential when learning to understand the human figure. The goal is to study both the anatomy and the dynamics of human movement, as well as human form and function. Due to the importance of this educational component, faculty are not required to make exceptions or substitutions for nude and clothed model drawing as part of the college’s academic approach to figure drawing or painting requirements. No one is allowed to physically touch a live model while they are posing. Students should not address the figure model directly; any questions or concerns should be addressed to the course faculty member or program director. Students must also refrain from sitting or placing belongings on the model stand at any time, as this is the model’s personal space.

Additionally, students are not permitted to photograph or film a live model during class or any college organized life drawing session and use of such technology while a live model is present is strictly prohibited. Moreover, inappropriate conduct, remarks, or behavior towards and/or around a live model is strictly prohibited.

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 used 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

Property Damage and Misuse

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, university-owned furniture, or other public or private property. Littering, applying graffiti, public urination and/or other behavior which threatens the cleanliness and appearance of the university is prohibited. Students are prohibited from the misuse of another’s property, including but not limited to: the inappropriate or unauthorized use of another person’s identity, identification card, password(s), or personal property.

Posting in Campus Buildings

Posting any material in University of the Arts buildings and spaces without prior approval is prohibited. Approval must be obtained in writing by a full-time staff or faculty member. The Office of Campus Life serves as the universal approver for any campus space. Requests for approval must be made to Campus Life in writing to campuslife@uarts.edu. Campus Life will review the posting and provide a response in up to two (2) business days. The content of any material will be reviewed for appropriateness in accordance with the policies of the Student Handbook. The Office of Campus Life does not assist in the printing or hanging of materials.

Posting materials larger than 187 square inches are prohibited. Posting materials may not be combined to exceed the 187 square inch limit, and must convey a complete word or thought. Posting materials  may not be placed on trees, benches, tables, over campus way-finding signs and emergency exits, or over already existing signs, posters, and other posting materials. Posting materials may only be placed in designated posting areas: bulletin boards in Anderson, Student Center, and Terra Halls, next to the elevators in Terra Hall, and in the stairwells in Hamilton Hall. 

Retaliation 

The University prohibits the retaliatory acts or attempt(s) to retaliate against any individual who has reported a policy violation or grievance and/or is participating or refusing to participate in an investigation or hearing process pursuant to University policy. Retaliation may be found even when the underlying report, investigation, or grievance process made in good faith was not substantiated. Retaliation may be committed by the Respondent, the Reporting Party, or any other individual or group of individuals.The submission of good faith counter-complaints in response to a report do not constitute retaliation. Retaliatory behavior will result in disciplinary action and conduct proceedings and may result in dismissal from the university.

Sex- and Gender-Based Misconduct

University of the Arts prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including discrimination in the form of sexual harassment, which encompasses sexual violence, and includes discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity and sexual orientation in the educational environment. Sexual violence include sexual assault, dating violence,  domestic violence, stalking and sexual exploitation.   


The university’s response to reported acts of discrimination based on sex will depend on the nature of the unwelcome conduct, the severity of the unwelcome conduct, the persistence of the unwelcome conduct, the pervasiveness of the unwelcome conduct, the offensiveness of the unwelcome conduct, the location where the unwelcome conduct occurred, and the harm experienced and/or resulting from the unwelcome conduct.  


The university’s policy on Sex- and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy is contained in Appendix A. Questions about the policy, procedures and resources can be directed to the university’s director for Title IX, equity and compliance at email address titleix@uarts.edu, by phone at 215- 717-6362, by visiting Hamilton Hall, Room 151, or by filing a report through the online portal housed at makeareport.uarts.edu 

Smoking

University of the Arts maintains a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited on all university property, including outdoor building courtyards, balconies, stairwells and steps. 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. Smoking is permitted only outdoors and 20 feet from building entrances and exits. Students seeking support in smoking cessation should contact Student Health Services at healthservices@uarts.edu for assistance. 

Solicitation

In an effort to assure a productive and harmonious work environment, persons not employed by University of the Arts may not make solicitations or distribute literature at the university at any time for any purpose unless they have received prior written approval from the Office of Campus Life. 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.  

Taxing Campus Resources

Disruption of administrative duties by taxing or abusing campus resources as a result of inappropriate or unreasonable behavior, or disregard of university policy or regulations.

Theft and Possession

The possession or control of any item or items without the explicit permission or authorization of the owner or owner’s designated representative is prohibited. Additionally, knowingly taking, or attempting to take an item or items without the owner’s expressed permission is not permitted. 

Universal Waiver

In consideration of the University of the Arts providing students, guests, and community members the opportunity to participate in academic and co-curricular programs and activities, anyone on University of the Arts property, affiliated property, or participating in events associated or coordinated by the university acknowledge the receipt and sufficiency of this consideration and acknowledge that by participating in University of the Arts courses, programs, or events agree to release, relieve, discharge, and hold harmless the University of the Arts, its officers, trustees, faculty, administrators, employees, representatives, and volunteers from any and all liability or claim of liability, whether for personal injury, damage to property, or otherwise, arising out or in connection with, their voluntary participation in entering and occupying university-owned buildings, activities, programs, or travel sponsored by the University of the Arts, its departments, student groups, or other entities.

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 include, but are not limited to, firearms of any kind, tasers. 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 the performance or exhibit space.