A. Academic Integrity:
Slippery Rock University is an academic community. The value of a Slippery Rock education is determined by the quality and character of Slippery Rock University students and graduates. Therefore, students and student organizations are expected to uphold academic integrity.
1. All academic work, including, but not limited to, papers, computer programs, assignments, and tests, must consist of the student's own work.
2. Students are expected to learn and practice proper techniques for accurately citing resource material.
3. Students are expected to be honest in all academic work, refraining from all forms of cheating.
4. Students are expected to function as students including, but not limited to, attending class regularly and completing all assignments and examinations.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty may take many forms. Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, the following:
1.buying, selling, or trading papers, projects, or other assignments;
2. using or attempting to use any unauthorized book, notes, or assistance from any individual during a quiz or examination;
3. plagiarizing and/or submitting the work of another as your own;
4. fabricating information or citations;
5. facilitating dishonest acts of others pertaining to academic work;
6. possessing unauthorized examinations;
7. submitting, without instructor permission, work previously used;
8. tampering with the academic work of another person;
9. taking a quiz or exam in place of a student or having any person take a quiz or exam in your place;
10. any attempt to falsify an assigned grade on an examination, quiz, report, or program or in a grade book, document, or other record;
11. any attempt, or actual, computer program theft; illegal use of software; inappropriate use of the internet, such as, but not limited to, illegal or unauthorized transmissions; or improper access to any computer system or account;
12. any attempt, or actual, collusion - willfully giving or receiving unauthorized or unacknowledged assistance on any assignment (both parties to the collusion are considered responsible).
B. Respect for Others
Students are expected to act with regard for the well being of others and to cause no harm to others.
1. Students and student organizations must not endanger the safety, health, or life of any person including themselves.
2. Students and student organizations must avoid the use of violence or threats of force or violence.
3. Students must obtain the full and knowing consent of all persons involved when engaging in physical acts of a sexual nature.
4. Students and student organizations must show respect for members of the University community and avoid all forms of harassment including, but not limited to, stalking, ethnic intimidation, and discrimination based on sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, or any legally protected class. (Use of the term “sexual orientation” is not to be taken as meaning that it is viewed by the University as a legally protected group.)
5. Students and student organizations must not participate in sexual harassment.
6. Students and student organizations must conduct all membership activities and any other activities free from hazing.
Sexual Assault
Slippery Rock University considers sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking to be reprehensible activities, especially within the university community. When these incidents occur, the University will assist and encourage the filing of criminal charges.
Any student who feels she/he is a victim of sexual assault, dating violence and/or stalking is encouraged to access campus resources for support. Slippery Rock University provides a variety of free and confidential services including medical care, counseling and advocacy and will make reasonable adjustments to alleviate related problems with academic class schedules and housing arrangements.
The University recognizes sexual assault, dating violence and stalking to be actions of power and control, and believes that anyone can be a victim regardless of age, sex, race or sexual orientation. The acts described below can be committed by a person you have no relationship with and have never met before (a stranger) or by someone you know: a classmate, friend, dating partner, etc. Regardless of the relationship that exists, if you felt uncomfortable, frightened, intimidated, or forced into participating in a sexual activity, you are encouraged to contact one or more of the offices listed in the reporting section of this policy.
The following definitions of physical acts of a sexual nature are provided as examples and to assure a thorough understanding of unacceptable behavior. The definitions are not all inclusive nor limiting to this document. Neither are these legal definitions, but definitions designed to be easily understood by the reader.
DEFINITIONS
Consent: The willingness to engage in a sexual activity agreed upon by those involved. Intentions must be understood by both parties. Consent obtained through the use of fraud or force (actual or implied) whether it is physical force, threats, intimidation, or coercion, is ineffective consent. An individual who is not of legal age, mentally disabled or under the influence of alcohol or drugs is unable to provide informed consent.
EACH OF THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: FORCE; THREAT OF FORCE; WITHOUT CONSENT; AND/OR IMPAIRED JUDGMENT:
Indecent Assault: Any touching of the intimate parts of a person without his/her consent.
Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse: Oral or anal intercourse obtained through force or threat of force without the victims consent.
Sexual Assault/Rape: Sexual intercourse occurring by force or threat of force without the victim’s consent. Intercourse includes vaginal, anal and/or oral sex. Ejaculation is not necessary, but there must be some penetration. The perpetrator(s) can be stranger(s), someone you just met, someone you are dating, a friend or a family member. Perpetrators commit sexual assault by way of violence, threats coercion, manipulation, or pressure.
Dating/Domestic Violence: Bodily injury, placing another reasonable person in fear, or holding someone against his/her will. Acts of manipulation, verbal threats/mistreatment, and causing emotional trauma are also considered abuse. This may include but is not limited to: assault; kidnapping; unlawful restraint or other such actions.
Stalking and Harassment: Repeated acts, with intent to place a reasonable person in fear of bodily injury or causing substantial emotional distress. All types of communication can be used including: internet chat rooms, telephones, cellular phones, webcams, pagers, email, voicemail, written communications, verbal communications, pursuit, etc.
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
a. a submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of an individual's employment or education; or
b. a submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting the individual; or
c. such conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to have the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment, which unreasonably interferes with work or educational performance or negatively affects individuals’ employment or educational opportunities.
Sexual harassment may include verbal, written, and electronic communication, harassment or abuse; subtle pressure for sexual activity; sexist remarks about a person's body or sexual activities; unnecessary touching, patting, or pinching; leering or ogling of a person's body; demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning one's job, grades, letters of recommendation, etc.; and/or physical assault.
Hazing Policy
1) Hazing as Public Display consists of any and all forms of public appearance which may result in adverse publicity to the organization or the University.
2) Hazing as Physical Abuse means any practice, whether internal or external, which could be detrimental to the health or well-being of any person.
3) Hazing as Scholastic Interference consists of any and all practices, which place a person in the position of being unable to attend, or properly prepare for, academic practices.
Actions that may be considered hazing include, but are not limited to, the following:
• whipping, beating, or paddling,
• running or calisthenics,
• exposure to the elements,
• forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or any other substance,
• sleep deprivation,
• forced exclusion from social contact,
• coerced sexual activity,
• physical restraint or confinement,
• mental harassment,
• coerced participation in any activity that violates University policy; federal, state, or local laws,and/or organizational policies
• destruction or removal of public or private property,
• nudity,
• kidnapping.
Act 175 of 1986 prohibits fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations from hazing applicants for membership and from hazing persons who are already members to maintain their membership in organizations. Act 175 provides that NO STUDENT MAY CONSENT TO BEING HAZED. Therefore, any activity falling within the definition of hazing activities is considered to be a forced activity, subjecting the organization and its members to disciplinary action.
C. Respect for Property:
Students must respect the property of others and take reasonable care when using University or personal property.
1. Students and student organizations must act so as not to destroy or damage property owned or controlled by the University, the personal property of any individual, or other public or private property.
2. Students and student organizations must obtain proper permission prior to using or removing property owned or controlled by the University, the personal property of any individual, or other public or private property.
3. Students and student organizations must use library and other academic materials, equipment, and supplies appropriately, causing no damage or loss. This includes using technology resources appropriately and in a manner consistent with the acceptable use policy developed by the Information Technology Department and available through the SRU Student Information Page.
4. Students and student organizations must make proper payment for the use of any service.
D. Right to Student Assembly:
Students have the right to peacefully assemble and to protest issues of concern. Such rights are balanced with the need of the University to continue daily functions. Students and student organizations are expected to keep the peace and to abide by general guidelines for peaceful assembly. (Information on holding demonstrations or peaceful assemblies may be obtained from the Assistant Vice President for Student Services.)
1. Students and student organizations will allow classes, lectures, meetings and other University functions to be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
2. Students and student organizations will respect the rights of others, including invited speakers, to express their views.
3. Students and student organizations will respect the rights of others to move freely, allowing access of persons and vehicles through designated passages.
4. Students and student organizations must obtain proper permission prior to entering any office or residence of an administrative officer, faculty member, employee, or student.
5. Students and student organizations must utilize University premises in accordance with their authorized purposes and posted hours.
6. Students and student organizations must leave any premise after being ordered to do so by an authorized member of the University community or University official.
E. Understanding the Administrative Processes of the University:
The University is a large institution that requires the cooperation of students, faculty, and staff to effectively operate in support of the educational process. Students can learn about the various resources available at the University by reading written and/or on line materials and asking questions. Students are expected to participate in the administrative process to help insure the success of all students.
1. Students and student organizations must complete all University records and documents and any other documents presented to a University office honestly and accurately including but not limited to Admissions application and other officially submitted documents.
2. Students and student organizations must comply with the reasonable requests of any University official acting within the scope of his or her official responsibilities. This includes the request to show identification and the request for students to make and keep appointments. Students and student organizations must respond to the requests of University officials involved in the investigation and adjudication of violations of the Code of Conduct.
3. Students and student organizations must cooperate with, and give accurate and honest information to, University officials and hearing authorities.
4. Students and student organizations must learn and abide by all published rules, regulations, and policies issued pursuant to a specific University function. Such rules would include, but not be limited to, regulations applicable to Residence Life, food services, student activities, social events, the library, health center or parking on campus. Any questions pertaining to specific policies and/or requests for copies of specific policies may be addressed to the Office of Judicial Programs, 008 Old Main.
5. Students and student organizations must meet the financial obligations incurred at the University.
6. Students and student organizations must utilize administrative and disciplinary processes appropriately and not bring charges through this or another process which are spurious, or which are intended primarily to harass or maliciously defame, or which are designed to intentionally overburden the adjudicatory or grievance systems.
F. Respect for the Law:
Slippery Rock University students are expected to be good citizens of the community. Regulations of the University, laws and ordinances of the Borough of Slippery Rock, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and United States of America apply to all students. This includes, but is not limited to:
1. Students and student organizations must refrain from disorderly conduct, consensual physical fighting and/or assault, or disturbing the peace.
2. Students and student organizations must obtain written permission from the Chief, or designee, of the Slippery Rock University Police Department in order to possess any firearm, other weapon, dangerous chemicals or explosive, regardless of whether a license to possess the same has been issued, on University property or at a University related event or activity.
3. Students and student organizations must comply with all public laws.
4. Students and student organizations must adhere to all laws and University regulations governing the purchase, use, sale, furnishing, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages. The possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited on the campus and in any facility owned or leased by the University except by permit through the Alcohol Request Committee (University Food Services) or in the on-campus residence of a University professional staff member.
5. Students and student organizations must comply with all laws governing the possession, use, sale, or exchange of prescription, illegal or controlled drugs, substances and drug paraphernalia
6. Students who choose to consume alcoholic beverages must do so in compliance with all laws and University regulations and in a manner that does not subject individuals to harm or injury, destroy property, disturb others, or endanger themselves.
