Safety & Security

Student Code of Conduct

Student Code of Conduct

Violations of the Rights of Others (extract from the Student Code of Conduct)

Physical Abuse:
Physical abuse or injury to oneself or others. These acts include, but are not limited to, assault, battery, personal abuse, and non-consensual sexual acts. Acts of physical abuse and violence may result in suspension, expulsion or residence hall removal.

Harassment/Intimidation:
Harassment, threats, intimidation, coercion, or use of physical force, or the threat of physical force, in a manner which causes another person to be reasonably apprehensive or endangers the health or safety of another person. No student shall engage in conduct that limits or restricts the freedom of a person to move about in a lawful manner without consent. No student will participate in conduct or nuisance actions that may prevent or distract other students from their University studies or legitimate pursuit of their personal affairs. No student shall use a telephone, computer, or other electronic media to carry out any harassing offences.

Instigation:
Requesting, encouraging, initiating, or assisting another person to commit any act which would violate this Code, or University, local, or federal laws, regulations or ordinances.

Discrimination Based Violations:
The commission of any offence that is motivated by the race, gender, colour, religion, national origin, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation of another individual or group of individuals.

Alcoholic Beverages:
The consumption, distribution and/or abuse of alcoholic beverages in common areas on University property except in specific cases which are clearly defined and authorized is in violation of this section. Common areas include but are not limited to corridors and common rooms. Students may drink in moderation in their own rooms in such a way that does not adversely affect others. Alcohol must be transported to student rooms in closed, sealed containers.
The legal age for alcohol in Great Britain is 18 years of age. Students of this age are allowed to drink on this basis. But again, the University does not condone the effects of excessive alcohol use.

Illegal Drugs/Controlled Substances:
The use, consumption, possession, sale, distribution or abuse of illegal drugs or controlled substances or drug paraphernalia, including the sale of prescription drugs is in violation of this section. The University enforces a strict drug policy in conjunction with British Law which prohibits both the recreational use and supply of any illegal drugs ranging from cannabis to harder substances such as cocaine and heroin. Residence Life staff and Security will respond to any indication of use or possession of illegal substances and are authorised to carry out room searches where such activity is suspected or where the health or safety of the resident(s), other persons or property seem threatened. Students who are present in the immediate environs where such materials are used or found, may also be presumed to be in possession and may be charged with possession of those materials, but may rebut the presumption by clear evidence. The presumption of possession is highest when drugs are found in a student’s room, even if the room is shared with roommates. Incidents of drug use may result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

Emergency Procedures:
Failure to evacuate University buildings during all fire alarms and emergency evacuations of any kind according to established procedures violate this section. Tampering with emergency and/or safety equipment, falsely reporting a fire, activating emergency warning equipment, or communicating false information regarding the existence of explosives on University property are also in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Students will be in violation of this section for failure to obey all reasonable directives from authorised University personnel during a fire drill or other emergency procedures.

Disorderly Conduct:
Acts against public order and decency including, but not limited to, criminal mischief, trespassing, fighting, unreasonable noise, public intoxication resulting from the use of alcohol or controlled substances, lewd or indecent conduct, a breach of the peace, or aiding, abetting, and/or procuring another to do the same, and all other acts of disruption or disturbance is also a violation of this section.

Weapons:
Possession, transportation, improper storage, use, or manufacture of firearms, fire crackers, guns, knives, explosives, weapons, or any item which is intended to be used as a weapon or has been modified or adapted so that it can be used as a weapon is in violation of this section.

Violations of UK Law:
The University recognizes UK Law as the law of the land and will follow the law and sanctions made to violators without reservation. Students found guilty of violating UK law risk expulsion and deportation (where applicable) as well as prosecution by the UK justice system.

Hazing:
Student organizations are prohibited from hazing applicants for membership and from hazing persons who are already members to maintain their memberships in organisations. The University also prohibits such activities and violations, which will be adjudicated under this section. Any organisation found to have engaged in hazing may have its official recognition permanently revoked. Any student who participates in hazing may be fined, suspended or expelled from the University. Persons who may be found in violation of hazing can include those who implement or initiate hazing, anyone in a leadership role in the chapter or organisation, any new member who wilfully participates in hazing activities during new member education, and/or any other victims agreeing to the hazing.

The following provides a definition and description of hazing:

An organization and its members are engaged in hazing if it engages, for purpose of initiation or continuing membership, in an action which recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical or mental health of a student. This means any potentially dangerous forced activity; any activity which could cause a student to suffer extreme mental stress; as well as any other form of forced activity potentially harmful to the mental health or dignity of a student.

An organization and its student members are also engaged in hazing if potential or current members engage in activities that cause the wilful destruction or removal of public or private property.