A.    The term “University” means Slippery Rock University. 

B.     The term “student” includes all persons taking courses at the University, both full-time and part-time.  Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term, but who have a continuing relationship with the University, are considered students. 

C.     The  term “student organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for University recognition; or is any number of persons comprised primarily of students who use University facilities or services; or any organization which identifies itself with the University and presents programs or activities in the University community directed primarily to students. 

D.    The term “University official” applies to faculty members, administrators, Residence Coordinators, Community Assistants, facility managers, and University police officers or other representatives employed by the University performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities. 

E.     The term “University community” refers to the greater Slippery Rock area including the local citizens, businesses, and law enforcement agencies serving the University and surrounding borough and township. 

F.     The term “preponderance of evidence” characterizes the burden of proof in disciplinary proceedings.  A preponderance of evidence means a greater weight of evidence or more likely than not.  Even in cases which make reference to federal, state, or local criminal statutes or ordinances, the burden of proof in University proceedings remains as a preponderance of evidence. 

G.     The term "Hearing Authority" is used to refer to the powers and functions of both the Administrative Hearing Officers and the University Hearing Board. 

H.     The term "Appeal Authority" is used to refer to the powers and functions of both the Appeal Board and the Assistant Vice President for Student Services, or designated alternate, when acting in their appeal capacity. 

I.        The term “weapons” includes but is not limited to any firearm, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, BB/pellet gun, paintball gun or any weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind or any stun gun, taser, bow and arrow or any switchblade knife, field knife, sword or any other knife having a blade of three or more inches, straight edge razor, batons, metal knuckles, blackjack, or any martial arts weapon.  Other items may be considered weapons if used or brandished in a threatening manner such as lighters, baseball bats, hockey sticks, tire irons, etc.   

J.       The phrase “furnishing alcohol to minors” is defined as any situation where an individual gives alcohol to someone under the age of 21, purchases alcohol for someone under the age of 21, or allows anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol on the premises owned or controlled by that person.   

K.     The term “harassment” includes when with the intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person, via verbal communication whether in person or through means of electronic communication. Physical contact meaning such as if for example: he/she strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise subjects others to physical contact, or threatens to do the same or; follows a person in or about a public place or places, or; engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy such other person and which serve no legitimate purpose.  Depending on its severity, a single act may constitute harassment. 

L.      The phrase “crime of violence” includes the following offenses: arson, assault, criminal homicide-manslaughter by negligence, criminal homicide-murder and non-negligent manslaughter, destruction/damage/vandalism of property, kidnapping/abduction, robbery, forcible sex offenses and non-forcible sex offenses as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).