/Institutions/Elon-University/json/2022-2023/Student-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/Elon-University/json/2022-2023/Student-Handbook.json

Social Policies

Alcohol Policy:

Alcohol-related conduct prohibited by the university Code of Conduct includes:

• Possession and/or Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages by Students Under 21 Years of Age: Possessing and/or consuming alcoholic beverages by any student, on- or off-campus, by a student less than 21 years of age. (At this level there may not be visible signs of intoxication.)Note: Possession of empty beverage containers or packaging may be considered evidence of possession.
• Being Under the Influence of Alcoholic Beverages: Exhibiting signs of intoxication and/or experiencing any loss of the normal use of mental and/or physical faculties. Examples include, but are not limited to: slurred speech, vomiting, stumbling or needing assistance walking, loss of motor coordination, aggression, brief loss of memory, or abusive behavior.
• Extreme Intoxication: Exhibiting signs of significant and/or dangerous intoxication. Examples include, but are not limited to: blacked out, loss of consciousness or limited responsiveness, no withdrawal from painful stimuli, loss of bladder/bowel functions, excessive vomiting, or severe physical depression (slow or shallow breathing, pale or blue-tinged skin, or reduced heart rate).
• Rapid Consumption of Alcohol or Actions that May Endanger the Well-being of Self or Others: Any form of rapid consumption of alcohol or participation in drinking games that may create a risk of danger to self, others or the university community. Examples include but are not limited to: bongs, shots, keg stands, beer pong, flip cup, and the like.
• Public Possession and/or Consumption of Alcohol: Possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages on public or university property, except for events/locations formally approved. Note: Possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed by students who are 21 years of age or older only in their housing assignment (room, suite or apartment) and other locations formally approved by the university. Alcohol is not allowed in the common areas of residential buildings, in non-residential buildings, or outdoors except for events where alcohol use has been formally approved.
• Provision and/or Distribution of Alcohol to Students Under 21 Years of Age: Purchasing, providing or distributing alcohol to any individual below the age of 21 years.
• Sponsorship of an Activity Involving the Unauthorized use of Alcoholic Beverages by Individuals or Organizations: Sponsoring of any activity or event involving the use of alcoholic beverages without specific university approval to do so, said sponsorship being carried out by an individual or organizations. Sponsorship may include, but is not limited to, organizing, promoting, providing a location, acquiring resources, or otherwise endorsing an activity or event.
• Possession of a Keg, Common Alcohol Beverage Container or Excessive Amounts of Alcohol on University-Owned Property or by a Student Organization on or off the Campus: Possessing a keg or any common container of alcohol, including buckets, pony kegs and other bulk containers. This includes kegs and multi-serving containers that are empty. Students may not have more than the equivalent of 12 drinks per number of legal age residents in campus housing. (Example: one drink is a 12-ounce beer, 4-ounce glass of wine or 2 ounces of liquor.) NOTE: As with all other alcohol violations, kegs and multi-serving containers that are confiscated will not be returned to the student and all claims to deposit refunds are forfeited.
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a motor vehicle during or following consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs that creates a risk of danger to self, others or the university community.

  Outcomes – See the Alcohol and Other Drugs Outcomes Framework in the section on Code of Conduct Outcomes

Drug Policy:

Drug-related conduct prohibited by the university Code of Conduct includes:

• Use or Possession of Controlled, Illegal or Prohibited Substances: Possessing or using of controlled, prohibited, or illegal substances or using (or intending to use) substances for purposes or in manners not as directed. Examples include, but are not limited to: possession or use of illegal substances; possession or use of prescription drugs without a valid/current medical prescription; use of prescribed medication not as directed (over-use, snorting prescribed medication, and the like); huffing, snorting, smoking or otherwise possessing or using legal substances not as intended. Substances such as JWH-018 (K2, “Spice”), salvia and pyrovalerone derivatives (found in substances marketed as “bath salts”) are not intended for human consumption and are prohibited for possession or use by any Elon student.
• Manufacturing, Distribution or Sale of Prohibited, Controlled or Illegal Substances: Manufacturing, distributing, or selling of controlled or illegal substances or any substances prohibited by the Elon University Drug Policy (including sharing of prescription medication). This policy applies regardless of financial gain.
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Possessing and/or using drug paraphernalia. Examples include, but are not limited to: roach clips, bongs, hookahs, blow tubes, papers, scales or any material or apparatus containing drug residue.
• Being in the Presence of Drug Use, Possession or Sale: Being in the presence of the use, possession, or sale of prohibited, controlled or illegal substances.

Outcomes – See the Alcohol and Other Drugs Outcomes Framework in the section on Code of Conduct Outcomes

Affiliation
To support the educational integrity of co-curricular activities on campus and to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, Elon University has established expectations, policies, and processes for recognized student organizations. When an organization or group has had its university recognition denied, suspended or withdrawn, students and student organizations are prohibited from affiliating with this group.  Examples of affiliation include, but are not limited to: joining, accepting an offer of membership, or hosting social activities with the group. 

Outcomes – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible permanent separation, based on the severity of the violation; and educational and/or restorative program or project.

Behavior that Endangers the Health & Safety of Self and/or Others

Engaging in behavior that creates a risk of danger to one’s self, others or the university community. Examples include, but are not limited to: creating a disturbance that may lead to a dangerous situation; propping doors to residence halls; not calling for medical assistance when a fellow student is at risk due to alcohol or drugs; throwing objects from windows or balconies; disclosure and/or use of residence hall or fraternity/sorority house combinations or door access cards by an individual other than a resident of the community; intentionally obstructing egress or exit of a room or building, failure to evacuate a building during a fire alarm; and being on the roof or unapproved balcony of any buildings.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension for one year; $150 to $300 fine, restitution, educational program or project, and mental health and/or certified substance abuse assessment and compliance with recommendations.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension with possible permanent separation; $200 to $400 fine, restitution and educational program or project.

Third Offense – normally, not less than permanent separation.

Bias-Related Conduct

Conduct directed toward a person, or persons, that is intimidating or hostile in nature based on actual or perceived age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran’s status. Bias-related conduct may be in verbal, written, electronic, online, graphic, or physical form. The determination as to whether this policy has been violated takes into account the totality of the circumstances. This policy is not intended to undercut the free exchange of ideas even on sensitive topics, but rather to prohibit personal threats and hostile conduct motivated by bias. Behavior based on an individual’s or group’s gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity will be addressed under the university’s Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Note: Please visit www.elon.edu/u/inclusive-excellence for more information on Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement at Elon, the Inclusive Community Team, and bias reporting and response processes

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation, with possible disciplinary suspension; educational and/or restorative program or project; possible loss of social and/or housing privileges.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension; with possible permanent separation.; educational and/or restorative program or project; possible loss of social and/or housing privileges.

Bullying

Ongoing behavior directed at or about a person, or persons, that is degrading, humiliating, malicious or defamatory. Behaviors may occur in person, in print, via electronic means or through social networking (cyber-bullying). Examples include, but are not limited to: ongoing pranks or ridicule directed against an individual, graffiti, posting insults against a student in a public setting or on any website.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension, educational and/or restorative program or project; mental health assessment, and compliance with recommendations

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension with possible permanent separation; educational and/or restorative program or project; mental health mental health assessment and compliance with recommendations.

Complicity

Knowingly aiding, facilitating, promoting, or encouraging a Code of Conduct violation or crime by another person, or persons. Failing to report a crime as may be required by law.

Outcomes – normally, not less than official warning with possible permanent separation, based on the severity of the violation; educational and/or restorative program or project, and additional outcomes based on the cumulative effect of all policy violations.

Destruction or Defacing of Property

Destroying, damaging or defacing personal, public, or university property. Examples include, but are not limited to: defacing structures, bulletin boards, equipment and facilities; tampering with or damaging thermostats; parking/driving on grass and sidewalks; grinding or rail sliding with skates or skateboards; littering; and removing window screens.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than official warning with possible disciplinary suspension; $150 fine, restitution, and housing relocation or loss of university housing.

Second Offense –normally, not less than disciplinary suspension; $300 fine, restitution, housing relocation or loss of university housing, mental health assessment and compliance with recommendations.

Discrimination

Conduct which is discriminatory and an individual suffers an adverse academic, employment, or educational opportunity on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived age, race, color, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran’s status 

Outcomes

Individuals – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible permanent separation and educational and/or restorative program or project

Organizations – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible suspension of official university recognition with possible permanent removal of official university recognition.

Note: Discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation is addressed in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX policy.

Disorderly Conduct

Disrupting the rights of others. Examples include, but are not limited to: intentionally preventing others from listening or presenting their ideas in class; use of cell phones in classrooms or during campus events; excessive noise; public urination, defecation, or exposure (without sexual misconduct); horseplay, practical jokes; hiding from university officials or resisting police/security officers; hall sports; and general annoyances. Offenses that occur in the classroom may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the class, pending the outcome of a hearing.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than official warning with possible disciplinary suspension; $150 fine, educational program or project. Temporary or permanent suspension from a class may result when the offense occurs in a class or is class-related.

Failure to Comply with the Directive of a University Official

Disobeying an instruction of a university official. Examples include, but are not limited to: failure to evacuate a building, campus, or area of campus when so ordered by a university official; refusing to present an ID upon request; failure to comply with a reasonable request of a faculty or staff person; or failure to complete prescribed outcomes as given by an administrative hearing officer or hearing board. University officials include, but are not limited to Residence Life student staff, Student Life staff, lab supervisors, dining hall personnel, faculty, and Campus Safety and Police.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than official warning with possible disciplinary suspension, educational programming, and $50 fine.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension, educational program, and $100 fine.

Fighting or Acts of Physical Aggression

An encounter with physical contact or aggression towards physical contact between two or more persons. Examples include, but are not limited to: actual or attempted pushing, hitting, kicking, spitting, wrestling, and pulling hair.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than official warning with possible disciplinary suspension; $100 fine, mental health assessment and compliance with recommendations, and a restorative and/or educational program.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension with possible permanent separation; $200 fine, and mental health mental health assessment and compliance with recommendations.

Fire Safety

Violating local, state, federal or campus fire safety policies. Examples include, but are not limited to: improper use of University fire safety equipment; tampering with, covering or removing smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, exit signs or other life safety equipment, as well as the breaking of pull station or fire extinguisher covers unless the situation warrants such action and/or causing a false fire alarm to be pulled; failure to exit a building during a fire drill or fire alarm; lighting or igniting any item inside of a university building (including candles, incense, tobacco products, etc.);

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension loss of campus housing, $100-500 fine, and educational and/or restorative program or project.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension with possible permanent separation, permanent loss of campus housing, and mental health assessment.

Fire Setting/Arson

Fire setting – intentionally or recklessly starting a fire without authorization; and
Arson – setting fires with the intention of destroying property;

Outcomes 

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension with possible permanent separation; loss of campus housing, $100-500 fine, and educational and/or restorative program or project.

Firearms and/or Weapons

Possessing or using, whether openly or concealed, any weapon or ammunition. Firearms are strictly prohibited (even if the student has a concealed handgun license) while on university-owned property or at university-related events. Examples include, but are not limited to: the possession or use of any object as a weapon or in a threatening manner; guns, rifles, pistols, bullets, explosives, stun guns, BB guns, air soft guns, paint pellet guns, bow and arrows, sling shots, bowie knives, daggers, switch-blade knives, metallic knuckles, throwing stars, knives of more than six inches when opened and any other weapon of any kind.

Outcomes – Possession of firearms or weapons

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation (for possession without use of non-lethal items such as slingshots or air soft guns) with possible permanent separation (for any possession of lethal weapons/firearms or use of weapons; weapon confiscated, $200 fine, and immediate loss of campus housing.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension and possible permanent separation; weapon confiscated, mental health assessment and compliance with recommendations.

Outcomes – Use of firearms or weapons

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension and possible permanent separation.

Second Offense – permanent separation.

Fireworks

Possessing and/or using fireworks on university-owned or leased property or at university or student sponsored events (unless properly permitted and approved).

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than fireworks confiscated, official warning (for possession without use) with possible disciplinary suspension (for use indoors or other high-risk activities); $100 fine; and loss of university housing

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension or permanent separation; $200 fine, and loss of university housing

Fraud/Lying

A statement, action, or representation that is false, misrepresents the truth, and/or is intended to deceive another. Examples include, but are not limited to: falsifying statements, records, forms, computer applications, cable television or telecommunications equipment; manufacturing, altering or falsifying an official identification card or possession and/or use of another person’s ID or a fake identification card; or presenting another person’s Phoenix Card, name or ID number for identification, meals or purchases, or allowing another person to use one’s Phoenix Card for fraudulent purposes.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than official warning, with possible disciplinary probation or suspension; $100 fine, and restorative or educational program or project.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension or permanent separation.

Gambling

Playing or gaming for money or other valuable stakes with the hope of gaining something significant beyond the amount an individual pays.

Outcomes – not less than official warning with possible disciplinary suspension, educational program or project, mental health assessment and compliance with recommendations.

Guest Behavior

Inviting or hosting a guest who engages in prohibited conduct. Students will be charged with violating this policy and all other policies their guest(s) violate, as if the student(s) violated the policies themselves. Non-student guests are also subject to criminal prosecution for violation of campus policies and state and federal laws. Guests with repeat or serious violations of campus policies may be permanently trespassed from campus and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Outcomes – Outcomes will be determined by the cumulative effect of all related social policy violations.

Harassment

Conduct (including verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct) that is pervasive and/or persistent, that denigrates or shows hostility against an individual/group/entity when such conduct has the purpose or effect of:

• unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance, or
• creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive working, living or learning environment.

Behavior that occurs during a class setting (including virtual/remote or requirements outside of the classroom) may result in temporary or permanent suspension from a class, pending the outcome of a hearing.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible permanent separation; educational and/or restorative program or project, and mental health assessment with compliance with recommendations. Temporary or permanent suspension from a class may result when the offense occurs in a class or is class-related.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension with possible permanent separation. Temporary or permanent suspension from a class may result when the offense occurs in a class or is class-related.

Note: Harassment based on sex, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation is addressed in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX policy.

Hazing

Expecting, encouraging, or endorsing any activity related to organization membership or ongoing affiliation that interferes with academic progress, humiliates, degrades, or risks harming that person emotionally or physically, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Subtle hazing – behaviors that are based on a power imbalance; may involve activities that ridicule, embarrass, humiliate, or interfere with academic progress or other educational experiences
• Harassment hazing – behaviors that cause emotional distress, mental anguish, or physical discomfort in order to feel like a part of the group; or confuses, frustrates, and causes undue stress for new members/rookies.
• Violent hazing – behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional or psychological harm.

Outcomes

Individuals – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible permanent separation; educational and/or restorative program or project, mental health assessment and compliance with recommendations.

Organizations – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible suspension of official university recognition; educational/change program or project, and restorative program or project.

Note: Hazing prevention information and resources are located at:  https://www.elon.edu/u/hazing/

Host Responsibility (University Owned- or Operated-Housing)

Students residing in University-owned or managed residences are responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being and conduct of their guests, whether invited or uninvited. This includes hosting events or gatherings where alcohol is available for underage students, students drink to excess, or use illegal drugs.

Note: Student hosts may be held responsible for damages to the community, students jumping from windows, etc. In addition, students are not allowed to host more guests than is reasonable for each type of “living unit” or which violates fire code. (Two person rooms may have no more than six total at any time – four person suites may have twelve total – eight person flats/apartments may have 20 total, etc.)

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than official warning with possible disciplinary suspension; alcohol/drugs confiscated and disposed of, $150 fine, restitution, alcohol or other education program or project, and possible substance abuse assessment with compliance with recommendations.

Second Offense – normally, not less than   disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension; alcohol/drugs confiscated and disposed of, restitution, $300 fine, and possible substance abuse assessment with compliance with recommendations.

Host Responsibility (Off-Campus or other Non-University Facilities)

Students residing in off-campus residences are responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being and conduct of their guests, whether invited or uninvited. This includes hosting events or gatherings where alcohol is available for underage students, students drink to excess, or use illegal drugs. Students should also familiarize themselves with state social host liability laws, to which they are subject.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than official warning with possible disciplinary suspension;  $150 fine, restitution, alcohol or other education program or project, and possible substance abuse assessment with compliance with recommendations.

Second Offense – normally, not less than   disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension; alcohol/drugs confiscated and disposed of, restitution, $300 fine, and possible substance abuse assessment with compliance with recommendations.

Laws of the Wider Society and Student Behavior at Off-Campus Sites

Off-campus behavior that violates any local, state, or federal law. All students are required to abide by the laws of local, state and federal governments and may be subject to university action for failing to act in accordance with any local, state, or federal law, including Town of Elon ordinances.

Note: University action does not preclude the possibility of civil or criminal charges being placed against an individual nor does the filing of civil or criminal charges preclude action by the university.

Outcomes – normally, not less than official warning with possible permanent separation, based on the severity of the violation; educational and/or restorative program or project, and additional Outcomes based on the cumulative effect of all policy violations.

Misuse of University Brand or Property

Actions that impair the University’s purpose or its reputation. Examples include but are not limited to: unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of the university’s logo or brand; unauthorized use of university property (including misuse or duplication of university keys, university vehicles, or university equipment/furniture).

Outcomes – normally, not less than official warning with possible disciplinary suspension; restriction or removal of privileges, restitution, and educational program or project.

Possession of Lost or Stolen Property

Possessing property reported or known to be lost or stolen, regardless of the item’s place of origin. Examples include, but is not limited to: possession of traffic cones, signs, markers, and/or other Department of Transportation materials are strictly prohibited.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than official warning and restitution with possible disciplinary suspension, and educational program or project.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension with possible permanent separation; restitution, and educational program or project.

Retaliation

Any threatening or harassing behavior directed against another individual or entity who has, in good faith, reported a potential violation of university policy or the law; or against an individual or entity involved in the student conduct or legal process (witnesses, student conduct advisors, etc.).

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible permanent separation; educational and/or restorative program or project, mental health assessment and compliance with recommendations, loss of university housing.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension and possible permanent separation.

Note: Retaliation based on reported violations of sexual misconduct or gender-based violence are addressed in the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX policy.

Stealing (Social Policy)

Unauthorized taking of property from the possession of another person or the University. Examples include, but are not limited to: taking another’s personal property; unauthorized possession of parking decals; and taking/consumption of food.

Note: See the Academic Prohibited Conduct section for the policy on Academic Stealing or Vandalism.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension; restitution, loss of campus housing, and educational program or project.

Second Offense – permanent separation.

Swimming or Wading in Restricted Areas

Unauthorized swimming or wading in any body of water on the Elon campus. Examples include, but are not limited to: Lake Mary Nell, Lake Verona, Boney Fountain, Chandler Fountain, Fonville Fountain, or Francis Center Fountain.

Outcomes – normally, not less than an official warning and possible disciplinary probation; fine and/or restitution for cleaning, educational program or project.

Threatening Behaviors

Any (direct, indirect, conditional or veiled) expression of intent to cause physical or mental harm. Any communication of a threat is presumed to constitute a statement of intent without regard to whether the student communicating the threat has the present or future ability to carry out the threat.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension; mental health assessment with compliance with recommendations, educational and/or restorative program or project, and loss of incident-related privileges.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension and possible permanent separation.

Unauthorized Entry or Access of University or Personal Property

Unauthorized entry or access to university or personal property, or misuse of access privileges to University facilities. Examples include, but are not limited to: occupancy of university when university housing is closed, use of electronic devices or software to obtain or attempt to obtain private data; entering or opening a student’s private property without express consent; use of another person’s password or ID to attempt to gain access to personal information.

Outcomes

First Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension, loss of university housing and restitution.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary suspension and restorative educational program or project. Upon return from suspension, student may not live in campus owned or operated housing.

Second Offense – normally, not less than disciplinary probation with possible disciplinary suspension; educational program or project, $300 fine. Temporary or permanent suspension from the class may result when the offense occurs in the class or is class-related.

University Policies Governing Student Organizations

Student organizations and its members are responsible for abiding by all university, national, and departmental polices which may govern student organizations on and off campus. In addition to all Student Code of Conduct Policies, these may include (but are not limited to): policies published in the Student Organization Handbook, van and transportation policies, event/ risk management policies, and departmental policies for organizations, fraternities, sororities, and club sports.

Outcomes – official warning with possible loss of university recognition, based on the severity of the violation; educational and/or restorative program or project, and additional outcomes based on the cumulative effect of all policy violations.

University Policies, Regulations, or Rules

Engaging in conduct prohibited by written university, department, or program policies, regulations, or rules.

Outcomes – outcomes consider the cumulative impact of all policy/rule violations, including educational, restorative, and reflective programs.