Nazareth College Policies

Student Conduct Code, Statement of the Conduct Code, Disciplinary Sanctions and Judicial Procedures

Please note that these policies are subject to review and change.

Student Conduct
Campus Policies
Advisors for Concerns of Discrimination and Victimization 

Student Conduct

I. Student Conduct

The college views its students as adults and assumes they will act with the requisite maturity and responsibility.

1. The College prohibits any conduct on college property which is not in conformity with federal law, New York state law, or local ordinances and regulations. In general, any conduct which infringes upon the rights of others or which adversely affects the academic or administrative activities of the college is prohibited. It should also be noted that, in addition to being subject to any internal action that the college may initiate, any alleged violator shall also be subject to the same procedures and consequences before the law as if the alleged conduct had occurred off college property. The college reserves the right to proceed in response to actions committed other than on college property, provided that the conduct relates to the security of the persons and property of the college, of the college community, the integrity of the educational process, the good name of the college, or the discipline or general welfare of the college. It is not intended that the actions described below constitute a complete enumeration of all conduct which may be subject to disciplinary procedures. Students may be disciplined for any conduct that includes, but is not limited to the following acts of misconduct:
   1. Conduct which is prohibited by the criminal laws of the United States of America, the State of New York, or local ordinances and regulations.
   2. Academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, and/or the aiding and abetting of a dishonest act. The Vice President for Student Development will make a referral to the appropriate academic department or the Vice President for Academic Affairs for adjudication.
   3. Knowingly furnishing false information to the college; unauthorized alteration and/or use of college or student documents, records, and instruments of identification such as a student identification card or a key/access card to campus buidlings.
   4. Knowingly giving false testimony as a complainant, witness, or accused person in any proceeding conducted under the judicial procedures of the college as described in Section III of this code.
   5. Any action which endangers a student, the college community, or interferes with or disrupts the academic process.
   6. Unauthorized taking or possession of college property or services, or the property or services belonging to others.
   7. Unauthorized use of college property or the college name.
   8. Actions which obstruct, disrupt, or physically interfere with the use of the college premises, buildings, rooms or passages, or refusal to vacate a building, roadway, sidewalk or other facility of the college when directed to do so by an authorized official of the college.
   9. Use of, or threatened use of, physical force or violence; endangering the health or safety of any person; or acting with violence, or aiding, abetting, encouraging or participating in a riot, commotion, disturbance or other disorderly conduct.
   10. Failure to comply with direction of the college officials and authorized agents acting in performance of their duties.
   11. Misuse of fire control or alarm equipment or initiation of a report, alarm, or warning of an impending bombing, fire or other crime, emergency, or catastrophe, knowing that such report, alarm or warning is false.
   12. Possession, storage, or use of a firearm, deadly weapon, or ammunition on college property.
   13. Possession, storage, or use of illegal fireworks, incendiary devices, explosives, candles, halogen lamps, or other dangerous articles or substances.
   14. Possession or use of illegal drugs and paraphernalia.
   15. Damage to or destruction of college property or property on college premises that belongs to others.
   16. Physical or verbal abuse or harassment of any person on college premises (including messages or materials transmitted electronically), or at events sponsored and supervised by the college or in which a college-sponsored organization is participating, including a violation of the harrassment policies of the College.
   17. Any action or the causing of a situation which endangers the mental or physical health of any person, or has as its object the intimidation or coercion of any person, including the forced consumption of any substance for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
   18. Violation of the Nazareth College alcohol policy as stated in this handbook. (See “Alcohol policy.”)
   19. Violation of the Hazing policy as stated in this handbook.
   20. Violation of residence hall rules, by residents or visitors, as set forth by the Office of Residential Life (See “Residential Life-policies and procedures.”), the Residence Hall Contract and Guidelines for Community Living.
   21. Violation of the parking and traffic rules and the fire safety rules set forth by the Campus Safety Department.
   22. Failure to present a student identification card, or presentation of false identification, upon request by a college official or agent.
   23. Violation of the rules and regulations governing recognized student organizations as stated by the director of Student Activities and/or the Undergraduate Association of the College.
2. The scope of disciplinary sanction which may be imposed on students is as follows: administrative warning, loss of campus privileges, community service, fine, restitution, residence hall probation, loss of housing contract, disciplinary probation, suspension, and expulsion. In addition, academic misconduct may be punishable by an academic sanction.
3. The process for imposing academic and disciplinary actions shall be designed to accord students substantive and procedural fairness as outlined in the Student Conduct Code. The college judicial procedures are described in Section III of this code. Students will be presumed innocent until proven otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence.

II. Disciplinary Sanctions

The Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board or the College Judicial Hearing Board has the authority to impose, but is not limited to, one or more of the sanctions listed below. When determining the appropriate sanction, the disciplinary authority will consider previous action or sanctions taken for similar offense, the severity of the offense, any prior offenses committed by the student and the presence, if any, of factors in mitigation. These actions are final, subject only to the student’s right of appeal to the Vice President for Student Development.

1. Expulsion: The student’s status in the college is terminated, and the student is declared ineligible to reapply for admission.
2. Suspension: The student’s status in the college is terminated, and the student is not permitted to register at Nazareth College for a designated period of time. At the end of the suspension period, the student may reapply for admission through the regular channels.
3. Deferred Suspension from Nazareth College: The student is expected to refrain from all further campus violations for a designated period of time. Further violations of college policy or the student code of conduct will result in the student’s status in the college being terminated. The College may impose conditions during the deferral period.
4. Disciplinary probation: The student is expected to refrain from all further campus violations for a designated period of time. The student may also incur loss of privileges such as college employment, continued holding of or eligibility for any elected office, use of specified campus facilities and membership on athletic teams. Further violations may result in suspension or expulsion from college.
5. Disciplinary probation with deferred removal from the residence halls: The student is expected to refrain from all further campus violations for a designated period of time. Further violations of college policy or the student code of conduct will result in immediate removal from on-campus housing.
6. Loss of housing contract: The housing contract, which provides for resident student room and board privileges, is revoked for a specified period of time. Renewal is at the discretion of the Office of Residential Life.
7. Residence hall probation: The student is expected to refrain from all further violations of the residence hall rules for a specific period of time. Further violations may result in loss of housing contract and/or other sanctions.
8. Restitution: The student is required to reimburse the college and/or individual parties for replacement or repair of damaged property. Notification of the amount due and the expected date of payment will be given in writing. Failure to make timely restitution may result in further disciplinary action.
9. Fine: The student is penalized by the imposition of a fine, which is payable within a specified period of time. The fine shall not exceed $200. Failure to comply may result in further disciplinary action.
10. Community restoration: The student is required to perform a certain service to the college or community. The nature and amount of such service will be described in the notice of disciplinary action. Failure to complete the service assignment satisfactorily may result in further disciplinary action.
11. Loss of campus privileges: The student is required to forfeit certain privileges, such as visitation, having a car on campus, and attendance at college-sponsored activities for a specific period of time.
12. Administrative warning: The student will be issued an official written warning, which becomes part of the student’s disciplinary record. Further violations may result in more severe disciplinary action.

Judicial Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Policy Offenses

Students who violate the alcohol or drug policies will be referred for adjudication to the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board. Sanctions may include any or a combination of the following:

• a fine (kegs result in larger fines);
• probation;
• deferred removal from residence halls;
• parental or guardian notification by student (when deferred removal is imposed);
• alcohol education;
• substance abuse referral;
• suspension or expulsion from the college.

III. Judicial Procedures

The judicial system described in this handbook is based on the following premises: The relationship between the students and the college is basically a fiduciary one; the aim of judicial proceedings are not just to punish offenders or deter potential violators, but to promote the welfare of students who participate in the process; the College Judicial Hearing is not a a trial, but rather a hearing, with all its attendant connotations; faculty, staff, and students are participating members of all judicial boards; the hearing conforms to the guidelines for hearings described below.

The Chair of the Judicial Board, appointed by the Vice President for Student Development, is responsible for ensuring the enforcement of regulations and the maintenance of good order on campus. Commensurate with this responsibility, the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board has the authority to investigate and take action on violations of the Nazareth College Student Conduct Code in accordance with the procedures described below.

College judicial proceedings are administrative in nature and are held independent of any criminal and/or civil proceedings that may be concurrently in process. College judicial proceedings are intended to enforce the Student Conduct Code at Nazareth College although the conduct in question may be simultaneously in violation of federal, state, or local laws. The college may notify local and federal authorities when a serious violation of a criminal nature has occurred, but such notification will not modify the College’s responsibility to adjudicate the alleged misconduct through its own judicial system.

Judicial Referral

1. Any member of the Nazareth College community may refer a student for judicial action when it is believed that the student has violated one or more of the College Conduct Code regulations stated in Section I of the Code or has participated in other conduct which may be subject to disciplinary procedures.
2. Complaints are directed to the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board through the Office of the Vice President for Student Development, Department of Residential Life, or Campus Safety Department, after submitting a written complaint in which each alleged violation is described in detail. Complaints originating from the offices of Campus Safety and Residential Life may be made on departmental Incident Report forms.
3. The student charged with a violation of the Student Conduct Code is referred to herein as “the accused”.

Victim’s Rights

In all cases, charges are brought by the college against a student accused of an offense; in many cases, the college is in fact the only identifiable alleged victim of an alleged offense. However, there are cases in which there is an identifiable victim other than the college. When the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board agrees that an alleged victim can be identified, that person, referred to herein as “the victim”, is entitled to the following:

1. The victim may be present to hear all testimony.
2. The victim is entitled to learn the decision of the Hearing Panel after the accused is notified of the Panel’s decision.

College Judicial Hearing Board

The College Judicial Hearing Board has the responsibility to administer all non-academic discipline involving undergraduate and graduate students.

When a complaint of alleged misconduct is presented to the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board, and it is determined that there may be sufficient cause to believe the alleged misconduct may have occurred, the accused will be contacted to appear before the College Judicial Hearing Board. The College Judicial Hearing Board will include at least one student recommended by the Undergraduate Association when concerning an undergraduate, or if a graduate student, then one student recommended by the Associate Vice President for Graduate Studies in consultation with the college/schools’ deans, one faculty member, and one administrative staff member selected by the Chair. The Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board shall act as the Chairperson of the Hearing Board unless another board member is appointed.

Notice of charges:

1. At least five (5) days before the scheduled hearing date, a written notice of the nature of the charges shall be mailed to the accused, or the written notice may be personally given to the accused at least two (2) days before the hearing date in lieu of the mailing.
2. The notice of the charges shall advise the accused of the time and place of the hearing.
3. A copy of the Policies containing the “Student Conduct Code, Disciplinary Sanctions and Judicial Procedures” shall be provided to the accused together with the written notice of charges.

Administrative Hearing in Lieu of Hearing Board:

If the accused admits to the charges, the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board can hold an Administrative Hearing in lieu of the College Judicial Hearing Board. If the accused does not admit the charges, the Chair may recommend that an Administrative Hearing be held in lieu of the College Judicial Hearing Board as an expedited procedure. If the accused has admitted the charges or agrees to an Administrative Hearing, the hearing shall be held before an Administrative Team comprised of the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board and a full-time Residential Life staff member. The only parties permitted to attend the Administrative Hearing are the accused, any witnesses, and any alleged victims.

If the Administrative Hearing determines that an alleged violation is not supported by evidence, such allegation shall be dismissed, and the student immediately notified. If the accused admits to the alleged violation or the Administrative Team is satisfied that the student is responsible for the violation, then a disciplinary sanction, appropriate to the type of violation, will be imposed. The Judicial Coordinator may also recommend an alternative means of resolution described later in this section.

The Disciplinary Hearing Shall Include the Following:

1. The Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board shall read the charges brought against the accused by the college. The accused shall be informed if the hearing is being taped.
2. Incident Reports filed by the Campus Safety Department or the Residential Life staff describing the violations shall be read to the accused. The Hearing Panel, the accused, or the victim may request that any person filing incident reports be called to be questioned as a witness. Requests for witnesses must be submitted in writing to the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time of the Hearing. Exceptions to this would only be made when there are extenuating circumstances preventing the names of witnesses to be submitted in a timely fashion.
3. The Hearing Panel may call any other witnesses it deems appropriate to ascertain the validity of the charges.
4. One at a time, a witness who is to testify shall be administered the oath and asked to describe the incident. Other witnesses shall remain outside the Hearing Room.
5. Only members of the Hearing Panel may ask questions of any person testifying. However, the accused shall be given the opportunity to ask the Chairperson of the Hearing Panel to ask additional questions of the witnesses.
6. The accused shall be given the opportunity to answer the charges and to offer any additional information which might be helpful in resolving the case.
7. The accused shall be given the opportunity to present witnesses in the accused’s behalf.
8. Students will be presumed innocent until proven otherwise by a preponderance of the evidence. Decisions of the College Judicial Hearing Board are based on the vote of the majortiy.

The Accused Shall Have the Following Rights:

1. The accused shall have the right not to answer any questions which may be asked during the hearing.
2. The accused shall have the right to be accompanied at the hearing by an advisor from the Nazareth College community. The advisor may be any member of the College faculty, staff, or student who is not an attorney, relative, or significant other. The advisor may confer with and assist the accused, but may not speak for him or her as an advocate. Legal counsel may not be present at the hearing.
3. The parents, guardians, or significant other of the accused are not allowed in the vicinity of the Hearing Room.
4. The accused shall have the right to be advised in writing of appropriate procedures for requesting an appeal as contained in the Student Handbook Policies. Such notice may be included with the written decision sent to the accused.
5. The accused shall have the right to be present and to hear all testimony of any witnesses, including the victim. If, however, the accused fails to conduct himself or herself in a proper civil and respectful manner, the accused may be removed from the Hearing Room during the testimony of any witness. In such event, the accused shall be allowed to hear an electronic live broadcast or a tape recording of the testimony and may request the Chairperson of the Hearing Panel to ask additional questions of a witness.

In the event that the accused, without due cause, does not appear at the appointed hearing, the hearing will be conducted in the accused’s absence.

A decision will be rendered not later than two weeks following the Judicial or Administrative Hearing, a letter containing the decision and, if applicable, the disciplinary sanction, shall be prepared and made available for the accused to pick up from the Office of Residential Life. In addition, a copy of the decision shall be mailed to the accused. Unless shown otherwise the decision shall be deemed received by the accused three days after the date it was mailed.

Alternate Means of Resolution

If, in the judgment of the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board, the alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code by the accused against the victim could be better resolved through an alternate means such as counseling or mediation, the Chair may make a recommendation to that effect. In such a case, and provided the accused and the victim both agree, the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board shall refer the matter to an appropriate counselor or mediator. A Judicial Hearing shall be scheduled, but may then be adjourned for up to thirty (30) days pending counseling or mediation. If the accused and the victim receive counseling or mediation prior to the adjourned hearing date, and agree that the matter pertaining to the violation is resolved, the Judicial Chair may dismiss the alleged violation.

Grounds for Appeal

The student shall have the right to direct an appeal to the Vice President for Student Development. Should the student desire an appeal, the request must be received by the Office of the Vice President for Student Development on or before a date, specified in the disciplinary sanction(s), which shall be no later than five days after the receipt of the written sanction(s). In the absence of the Vice President for Student Development, a designated individual from the College senior administrative staff will be appointed by the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board to hear the appeal. An appeal may be requested if the student believes one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. If the student was denied rights or an improper hearing was conducted.
2. If relevant evidence has become available since the hearing that was not available at the time of the hearing.

If the Office of the Vice President for Student Development receives a request for an appeal, the Vice President for Student Development will initiate one of the following actions:

1. Reject the request for appeal due to insufficient reason(s).
2. Modify the decision of the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board or the College Judicial Hearing Board.
3. Refer the matter to the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board or the College Hearing Board, if substantial reason for such action has been presented.

All decisions based on the action of the Vice President for Student Development are final, except when sanctions of suspension or expulsion are involved. These sanctions may be appealed to the President of the College. However, such an appeal shall be entertained solely at the discretion of the President.

If such an appeal is entertained by the President, an informal meeting of the principals involved will be arranged. After the President is satisfied with the content and extent of the information presented the meeting will be adjourned. The President’s findings will be announced within five working days of the appeal hearing. Decisions of the President are final.

Disclosure to the Alleged Victim

FERPA provides that an institution may disclose, to an alleged victim of a crime of violence (as defined in the statute and regulations) or a nonforcible sex offense, the final results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by an institution, whether or not the institution concluded that a violation was committed. Final results is defined as the name of the student, the violation committed, and any sanction imposed by the institution on that student. Sanction imposed is defined as a description of the disciplinary action taken by the institution, the date of its imposition, and its duration. Therefore, Nazareth College may exercise this right of disclosure to the alleged victim as described here.

Disclosure Beyond the Alleged Victim

If it is determined that the charged student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a nonforcible sex offense AND the instiutution finds that the alleged perpetrator violated the institution’s rules or policies with respect to the allegations made, the institution may disclose the final results of the disciplinary proceeding to others in addition to the alleged victim. Therefore, in accordance with statute, regulations, and college policy, Nazareth College may exercise this right of disclosure beyond the allenged victim as described here.

Disciplinary Records

Disciplinary files of the college judicial system are retained by the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board. Disciplinary files are confidential in nature and are maintained until one year after a student’s graduation from the college. Disciplinary files for students who withdraw from the College or are suspended/expelled for disciplinary reasons are maintained for an indefinite length of time depending upon the circumstances. The College reserves the right to notify parents of dependent students when judicial action has resulted in a suspension or expulsion or loss of housing privileges.

Summary Action

Summary suspension of a student and exclusion from college property may be imposed without application of the procedures outlined above, but only by the President of the College (or his or her designee). Pending a hearing which shall be scheduled within ten days from notice to the student of the summary action, the President may summarily suspend a student and exclude him or her from College property if the President is first satisfied that the continued status of the individual as a student seriously threatens harm to the student, to any other person or to the property of the College or of others. In no event shall the judicial procedures, outlined in this Student Conduct Code, limit the President’s authority (or that of his or her designee) to suspend or expel a student from the College under the described circumstances. A student notified of such a suspension may, within 10 days of receipt of such notice, appeal to the President as described above.

Dangerous or Life-Threatening Behavior

Students may be subject to summary dismissal or asked to take a medical leave of absence by the Vice President for Student Development if they are not functioning well enough to appropriately meet their academic and/or communal living obligations (e.g. are using illegal drugs; are unable to maintain physical and/or emotional health or safety; or are deemed dangerous to themselves or others).

Nazareth College recognizes that certain behaviors (e.g. suicide threats, suicide attempts, severe eating disorders, substance abuse) require professional help, and the College provides services which address these problems as well as others. However, if the student’s behavior becomes disruptive to and unacceptable in the academic and social/living environment of the college community, the student may be asked to leave the college after undergoing appropriate assessment by the college Counseling Services and/or off-campus professionals. In some cases, students may also be required to attend therapy as a condition of their remaining in attendance at the college.

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Campus Policies

1. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on campus grounds and in buildings except where noted below.
2. The sale and/or distribution (including the giving away) of alcoholic beverages to persons under age 21 on the Nazareth College campus is prohibited.
3. It is a violation of Nazareth College policy for any persons under age 21 to procure or possess alcoholic beverages.
4. Procedures for obtaining college approval to use campus facilities for events where alcoholic beverages will be served are available at the Information Center, Shults Center, and the Office of Sodexho Food Service.
5. Alcoholic beverages in serving containers greater than 32 ounces (e.g., beer kegs and beer balls) are prohibited except at Sodexho catered events and at the discretion of the Vice President for Student Development.
6. The College recognizes Sodexho as the sole possessor of a catering/liquor license. Therefore, the public selling and/or dispensing of alcoholic beverages anywhere on campus is restricted to Sodexho personnel only.
7. Open containers of alcoholic beverages are prohibited from all corridors, lounges, stairwells, lobbies, parking lots, and grounds unless College approval was previously attained.
8. Student fees collected by the College and/or student organizations and distributed through the Undergraduate Association will not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
9. Non-alcoholic beverages and food items must be made equally available at any program or event where alcoholic beverages are sold, distributed or consumed.
10. During all College or student sponsored events on campus, alcoholic beverages, where permitted, will be served only in an enclosed environment designated for each occasion.
11. Campus events which involve only persons 21 years of age and older and are catered by Sodexho personnel do not need prior approval from the Vice President for Student Development or his designee.
12. Any person under the age of 21 is prohibited from presenting or offering any licensee under the alcoholic beverage control law, or to the agent or employee of such licensee, any written evidence of age which is false, fraudulent, or not actually his own, for the purpose of gaining admission to an event where alcohol is being served or purchasing or attempting to purchase any alcoholic beverage.
13. Nazareth College members - faculty, staff, and students - who are found in violation of New York State law and campus policy pertaining to the sale, distribution, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages will be subject to possible parental notification, disciplinary action, and/or criminal prosecution.

Alcohol Policy

The unauthorized possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages on or in college property is a violation of the Student Conduct Code. College policy, consistent with State laws, confines on-campus use of alcoholic beverages by persons of legal age (21 years and older in the State of New York) to specified areas. This Code also prohibits misrepresentation of age to obtain alcoholic beverages.

The College enforces all state laws or regulations that regulate and control the sale or use of alcohol as follows:

Alcohol Beverage Control Law

Section 65. Prohibited Sales. No person shall sell, deliver, give away or cause or permit to procure to be sold, delivered or given away any alcoholic beverage to:

1. any person, actually or apparently, under the age of 21;
2. any intoxicated person or to any person, actually or apparently, under the influence of alcohol;
3. any habitual drunkard known to be such to the person authorized to dispense any alcoholic beverages.

Section 65A. Procuring alcoholic beverages for person under the age of 21.
Any person who misinterprets the age of a person under 21 for the purpose of inducing the sale of any alcoholic beverage, as defined in the alcoholic beverage control law, to such person, is guilty of an offense and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200, or by imprisonment for not more than five days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Section 65B. Offense for one under the age of 21 to purchase or attempt to purchase an alcoholic beverage through fraudulent means.

No person under the age of 21 who presents or offers to any licensee under the alcoholic beverage control law, or to the agent or employee of such licensee, any written evidence of age which is false, fraudulent, or not actually his own, for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase any alcoholic beverage. Section 11-100 of the General Obligation Law Compensation for injury and damage caused by the intoxication of a person under the age of 21.

Any person who shall be injured in person, property, means of support or otherwise by the reason of the intoxication or impairment of ability of any person under the age of 21, whether resulting in his death or not, shall have a right of action to recover actual damages against any person who knowingly causes such intoxication or impairment of ability by unlawfully furnishing to or unlawfully assisting in procuring alcoholic beverages for such person with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that such person was under the age of 21.

Summary

These sanctions of the state laws make it illegal for persons under the age of 21 to acquire alcoholic beverages.

There are also state and local regulations concerning open beverage containers in public areas. Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not permitted in motor vehicles. Area parks have special ordinances that prohibit open containers on roadways and in parking lots. Amounts of beverages allowed in parks are limited. If you are planning an event for one of the parks, be sure to check with the appropriate agency (city or county parks department) before assuming that you may have alcoholic beverages at the event. Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not permitted in or around public schools. Additionally, state and county enforcement of the law related to driving while intoxicated (DWI) is among the most stringent in the nation. First-time offenders can expect to be prosecuted fully as misdemeanor criminals with all the attendant fines, penalties, and civil ramifications.

In compliance with this law, Nazareth College recognizes the freedom of choice of each community member - student, faculty and staff - to exercise personal responsibility with respect to making informed decisions regarding the use or non-use of alcoholic beverages. With this in mind, the campus policies shall apply in relation to the law.

Controlled Substance Policy

(This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and student employees of Nazareth College.)

I. Policy

The College is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment. In accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance (drugs) in and on Nazareth College owned or controlled property.

II. Guidelines

1. Sanctions for Violation on Non-compliance: The College will impose action in accordance with its discipline policy and/or require satisfactory participation in a drug rehabilitation program by any faculty member, staff member, or student employee who has violated any provision of this policy.
2. Compliance as a Condition of Employment: Compliance with the provisions of this policy shall be a condition of employment at Nazareth College.
3. Employee Obligation for Notification of Conviction: In order to comply with federal law, any faculty member, staff member, or student employee convicted of any criminal drug statute violation occurring in or on the workplace premises is required to notify the employer within five (5) calendar days following such conviction.
4. Employer Obligation for Notification: The college is obligated to notify the appropriate federal contracting agency within ten (10) days of having received notice of an employee conviction as described in C above.
5. Maintenance of a Drug-Free Workplace: Good faith efforts on the part of the College to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace will include providing ongoing drug awareness educational programs and dissemination of drug awareness information for all members of the college community, as well as implementation and strict enforcement of this policy.

III. Procedures

1. The College will notify each faculty member, staff member, and student employee of this policy, as well as those newly hired, emphasizing the obligation for compliance as a condition of employment.
2. Any faculty or staff member convicted of any criminal drug statute violation which has occurred in or on the workplace premises will provide the appropriate academic officer or supervisor with notification, preferably written, of such conviction indicating any resultant conditions, within five (5) calendar days of conviction. Student employees shall notify the Vice President for Student Development.
3. An academic officer, supervisor, or student employment official having knowledge or receiving notification of a conviction, as described in B above, shall immediately provide, in writing, notice to the Director of Human Resources (or designee).
4. The Nazareth Substance Abuse Education Committee, in conjunction with the Human Resources Department, will offer on-going drug education and awareness programs for the college community, as well as provide drug informational materials. Faculty, staff, and students are expected to avail themselves of these programs.
5. This policy will be maintained as a permanent part of the Staff Personnel Policy Manual, Faculty Policy Manual, and Student Handbook for Undergraduate Students.
6. Questions concerning this policy should be referred to the Human Resources Department. Student employees should refer questions to the Office of Student Development.

Policy on Computer Use

Each student who has an account on a Nazareth College computer system, or uses a computer system at the college, must follow these general guidelines. A more complete policy on computer use is available from the Department of Information Technology (Smyth Hall room 85) or on the Department of Information Technology web page. Computer users are expected to read and comply with all aspects of this complete policy.

You are not permitted to:

• give out your password;
• use another person’s account;
• use any system for personal profit or gain;
• create or distribute chain letters;
• send/distribute threatening/harassing electronic messages; or
• duplicate software/other intellectual property of another.

Violation of any of these policies can result in loss of computer privileges, academic suspension, or other disciplinary action, or action by outside law enforcement agencies.

Guidelines for Posting (notices, posters, signs)

Notices, posters, or signs may be placed only on bulletin boards, approved posting areas on walls, or similar locations designated for such purposes. Notices, posters, or signs may not be placed on poles, posts, signs, trees, walls or buildings, doors, windows, glass, transparent partitions, or painted surfaces not marked as posting areas. Notices, posters, signs, etc. shall not be placed in a manner or location that may obscure or mark exit signs, fire alarm boxes, safety rails, fire extinguisher cases, hand rails, and like devices installed as safety equipment in a building.

Banners may not be hung outdoors without the permission of the Director of Student Activities or the Director of Residential Life. Banners may not be hung in a manner which damages or defaces trees, shrubs, or buildings. Banners may not be placed on the exterior of buildings without specific approval of the building manager. It is the responsibility of the individual or organization hanging the banner to take it down by the date agreed upon.

Policy regarding Elected Officials and Candidates for Public Office

As an education institution, Nazareth College encourages opportunities for candidates running for political office to visit the campus. These visits often provide our students with information and a view of the political process, which can be uniquely described by candidates. It is important, however, for all members of the campus to be aware of, and to abide by, the College’s guidelines concerning political activities on campus. These guidelines stipulate the types of events and activities that are permissible, the kinds of activities that are proscribed and the appropriate institutional office that must be involved and consulted in the planning of any activities in which elected officials and or candidates for public office are involved.

Federal regulations pertaining to the College’s status as a tax-exempted organization restrict persons acting on its behalf from certain activities. Individual members of the faculty, staff and student body of Nazareth College are entirely free to support candidates of their choice for elective office, or to express their personal views on political issues as long as they are not acting in an official capacity as a representative of Nazareth College. This means therefore, it precludes the use of Nazareth College letterhead, telephones, e-mail or use of any other property owned by Nazareth College on behalf of any political party or candidate for public office. With appropriate organization sponsorship and/or faculty vision, the use of College facilities for political discussions or debates is encouraged. Student organizations, for example, may sponsor such an event on campus or conduct a voter registration drive. Classroom activity may also include discussions or debates on political issues as a legitimate part of the educational process.

College facilities may be used for public events such as legislative hearings and topics of general or educational interest. College facilities may not be used for partisan political functions such as fund raising events or similar activities that could be construed as an endorsement of a particular candidate or political party.

Whenever there are plans for an elected official or a candidate for public office to visit the Nazareth campus, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement should be notified during the planning time. This includes academic conferences, tours, any type of meeting as well as student sponsored events. This will enable the Office of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement to assist in determining that the College is following the federal guidelines. Details such as a copy of the invitation to the public, who is paying for the event and the content of the program, should be outlined briefly.

No outside groups may rent any Nazareth facilities for activities that are part of a campaign for public office.

Smoking Policy

Nazareth College has the responsibility of providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Effective May 10, 1993, Nazareth College adopted the following policy:

Smoking is prohibited in all College vehicles and buildings. In addition, smoking is prohibited in the tunnel system as well as the Cloister Walk between Smyth Hall and the Shults Center or within 20 feet of exterior building doors. In March 2003, New York State passed new legislation that increases the prohibitions on smoking. The policies of the College will change as necessary to comply with the law.

Posting Requirements (smoking policy)

Signs are posted at all College building entrances or as required by local regulations, advising that smoking is prohibited in all areas of the facility. Departments should post this policy, and provide a copy of the detailed policy statement to prospective staff or faculty members.

Responsibilities

Self-enforcement is expected in complying with these regulations; if necessary, supervision and management are responsible for the administration of this policy. Questions or additional information concerning the smoking policy should be referred to the Human Resources Department.

Disciplinary Process

Faculty, staff, and students who fail to comply with the smoking requirements of both Monroe County and Nazareth College will be subject to appropriate disciplinary procedures.

Peer Harassment Statement

The Nazareth College community is dedicated not only to learning but also to the development of sensitive and responsible persons. Because the college prepares individuals for participation in an increasingly diverse world and its institutions, the climate of college life must be one in which academic freedom prevails along with respect for and tolerance of cultural, ethnic and racial differences, religious preferences, sexual orientation, variations in age, and people with disabilities.

Nazareth College seeks to achieve these goals through educational programs and policies. Harassment based on these differences is clearly in conflict with the general mission of the College, and is strictly prohibited. In addition, some forms of harassment may violate New York’s criminal statutes and, depending on the situation, may violate other state and federal laws as well.

Peer harassment includes verbal, physical, or written abuse directed toward an individual or group on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religious preference, sexual orientation, age or disability. This includes using remarks, language, illustrations, or electronic messages in cyberspace that deprecate or offend a person based on his or her ethnic background, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability. All are damaging.

While some examples of harassment such as physical and verbal assaults are easily identified, more frequent and generalized instances such as blatant and subtle graffiti and insensitive use of language including epithets and humor often go unacknowledged. All types of harassment based on individual differences are unacceptable and will be subject to disciplinary sanctions.

Any member of the college community who feels he or she has been harassed should contact the Director of Human Resources, the Vice President for Student Development, or any of the Advisors for Concerns of Discrimination and Victimization.

Hazing Policy

New York State law and Nazareth College policies forbid hazing, and any violations will be reviewed by the Chair of the Judicial Hearing Board. Behavior prohibited under this law includes actions threatening substantial risk of physical or mental injury; actions exposing the individual to distressing, repulsive, or alarming situations or sensations; forced consumption of liquor or drugs; actions insulting or embarrassing another individual; and actions in the form of social pressure which might cause harm to an individual, regardless of their willingness to participate.

Generally, New York State law provides that (1) A person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation into or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person and thereby causes such injury, and (2) A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.

Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of Nazareth College not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, carrier status, genetic predisposition or any other protected status in the admission of students to the College; in any of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the College; in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other programs administered by the College; or in the employment practices of the College.

Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of Nazareth College, in keeping with efforts to establish an environment in which the dignity and worth of all members of the institutional community are respected, that sexual harassment of students and employees is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment may involve the behavior of a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex, when the behavior falls within the following definition:
Sexual harassment of employees and students at Nazareth College is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, or
2. submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment or other decisions affecting that individual, or
3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or educational experience, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.

Other Forms of Harassment

Stalking

Stalking is expressly prohibited by New York State law. In addition, it violates College policies. It occurs when a person engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific individual that is likely to cause such individual to have a reasonable fear of harm to his or her physical or emotional health, safety, or property. Under the College’s policies, such conduct may include, but is not limited to: repeatedly engaging in contact or communication (included, but not limited to, face-to-face communication, telephone calls or messages, electronic mail, written letters, unwanted gifts, or threatening or obscence gestures); surveillance; following; trespassing; or vandalism.

Discriminatory Harrassment

Harassment or intimidation of another person, limiting another person’s right to equal opportunity or otherwise denying another person equal treatment because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, carrier status, genetic predisposition or any other protected status is prohibited.

Grievance Procedures for Discrimination, Harrassment and Victimization Complaints

Faculty, staff, and students who want further information or assistance in discussing or filing a complaint of harassment, discrimination, or vitimization on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, carrier status, genetic predisposition or any other protected status should contact any of the Advisors for Concerns of Discrimination and Victimization. These advisors will assist in trying to resolve the problem informally and/or explain the steps of the formal grievance procedure. You may also contact the Department of Human Resources for assistance, and/or to obtain copies of the written Grievance Procedure Concerning Discrimination Complaints, the Confidential Discrimination Complaint (Formal) Grievance Form, and/or the Confidential Discrimination Summary (Informal) form.

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Advisors for Concerns of Discrimination and Victimization

Dr. Frederica Amstey
Director of Counseling Services, Assistant to Vice President for Student Development, ext. 2887

Dr. Joseph Schaller
Associate Professor, Religious Studies Department, ext. 2764

Ms. Lisa Durant-Jones
Assistant Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, ext. 2775

Mrs. Jane Kelly
Director of Student Activities, ext. 2320

Mr. Mitchell Messina
Associate Professor, Art Department, ext. 2530

Mrs. Gaynelle Wethers
Director of Multicultural Affairs, ext. 2008

Dr. Edward Wiltse
Associate Professor, Chairperson of the English Department, ext. 2646

Student Advisors:

Danielle Baker, dbaker5@orion.naz.edu

Nkechi Jelks, njelks1@orion.naz.edu

Gavin Thomas, gthomas1@orion.naz.edu

Inquiries concerning the application of this policy prescribed by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 may be directed to the Director of Human Resources, Nazareth College, 4245 East Avenue, Rochester NY, 14618-3790, (585) 389-2060, who has been named to coordinate the responsibilities under Title IX and section 504.

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