Policies Governing Student Behavior
Loyola University as a community has established a code of conduct which encompasses certain policies and procedures to guide student behavior in such a way that an environment conducive for learning and personal development is created, the rights of persons are respected, that the values and traditions of the university as Catholic and Jesuit are preserved, and that all federal, state, and local laws are observed. This code of conduct, which has been developed over the years with the input of students, faculty, and staff, applies to students while they are on the campus of Loyola University, or when they attend functions and events off campus which are Loyola-related or when their off-campus behavior is a violation of criminal law or constitutes a hazard to the health, safety, or well-being of themselves or members of the university community.
This code of Student Conduct is contained in Chapters 3 through 9 of this Student Handbook. Any violation of this code will subject a student to university discipline, up to and including suspension or dismissal from the university, depending on the severity of the alleged offense and the student’s prior behavioral record at the university.
The university may institute disciplinary proceedings against a student for a violation of the Student Code, regardless of pending civil litigation or criminal arrest and prosecution arising out of the same factual situation. Disciplinary proceedings can be carried out prior to, and/or simultaneously with civil or criminal proceedings off campus. University disciplinary action will not be subject to challenge on the grounds that civil or criminal charges involving the same inci
Any question of interpretation regarding the student code shall be referred to the vice president for student affairs and associate provost or his or her designee for final determination. The student code shall be reviewed every three years by the Student Affairs Policy Advisory Committee and the vice president for student affairs and associate provost.
Address Change
Students changing their permanent address or their off-campus local address are required to provide prompt notification to the Office of Student Records. Resident students are not required to provide notification of room changes. Failure to provide current, correct information regarding a change of address is cause for cancellation of registration.
Administrative Summons
A summons to the office of an administrative officer is imperative and must be heeded at the times set in preference to other duties. Failure to heed such summons is cause for cancellation of registration or suspension from the university.
Administrative Instructions
All members of the Loyola community are expected to comply with the oral and written instructions of a university official acting within the scope of his or her duty in a crisis, emergency, or disciplinary situation. University officials include, but are not limited to, public safety/university police officers, faculty members, administrators, and residential life staff members. Compliance would include providing clear and factual information concerning the situation and cooperating in a polite and respectful manner.
Alcoholic Beverages Policy
Loyola’s alcohol policy reflects the university’s commitment to Jesuit education which includes viewing students holistically and providing an environment that encourages physical and emotional well being as well as opportunities for intellectual, ethical, social, and spiritual growth. Loyola’s alcohol policy works to enforce the legal obligations of individuals and the university, foster the achievement of educational goals, and maintain the quality of residential life in order to ensure the viability of Loyola’s mission. Although autonomy and freedom of choice exist within the university’s environment, there is an expectation that students will obey Louisiana state law and will respect the intellectual, physical, and emotional health of themselves and others.
Accordingly, students of legal age (e.g., age 21 in Louisiana) may consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner and in conformity with Student Handbook policies. In the event that a student is brought to the attention of Loyola faculty or staff members as a result of alcohol issues, the student may be encouraged or required to resolve these concerns with a professional counselor at an on- or off- campus site. Examples of unacceptable occurrences include, but are not limited to: a) repeated intoxication, b) behavioral misconduct while under the influence, c) being transported to the hospital for endangerment from alcohol, and d) an inability to actively pursue one’s own education. If sanctions are brought against a student for such incidents, then the student will be required to attend a judicial sanctions meeting with Loyola’s adjudicating officer and/or a substance abuse evaluation and three substance abuse group meetings with a staff counselor or psychologist at Loyola’s Counseling & Career Services Center. Depending on the severity of and circumstances surrounding the student sanction(s), the vice president for student affairs and associate provost may notify the parents or guardians of a student with an alcohol abuse or dependency issue. In some instances, a student may be suspended from Loyola and not be permitted to return until successful resolution of the alcohol abuse or dependence concern is documented to the satisfaction of the vice president of student affairs and associate provost.
The possession, consumption, and sale of alcoholic beverages on the Loyola University campus are permitted within the limits prescribed by state and federal laws and in accordance with the specific regulations that have been established by the university. The law of the State of Louisiana prohibits any person younger than 21 years of age from purchasing or publicly consuming or possessing any alcoholic beverage. Members of the university community or visitors to the campus may not carry open containers of alcohol on the university grounds or in campus buildings except in those places so designated for the consumption of alcohol, (e.g., The Underground, the Pine Street Café, an approved event, and the Residential Quad area providing a recreational sports activity or contest is not taking place in that area).
It is contrary to the law of the State of Louisiana and the university for any person under the age of 21 to present or offer to any person having a license or permit to sell alcoholic beverages any written, printed, or photostatic evidence of age and identity which is false, fraudulent, or not actually his or her own for the purpose of obtaining or purchasing alcoholic beverages. Persons found in violation on campus or at university events off campus may be subject to university disciplinary action up to and including a fine of $200, compensatory service hours in the community, and/or prosecution under state law. FOR POLICIES REGARDING THE USE OF ALCOHOL IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS, CONSULT CHAPTER 4 OF THIS HANDBOOK. FOR UNIVERSITY EVENTS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES WHERE ALCOHOL WILL BE SERVED, CONSULT CHAPTER 6 OF THIS HANDBOOK FOR APPLICABLE POLICIES.
Animals
Due to health, damage, and nuisance factors, pets are not permitted in the buildings or grounds of Loyola University. Fish in properly maintained aquariums and guide dogs for the visually impaired and a pet for the residential life professional staff who live on campus are the only exceptions. Violation of this policy can result in a $10 fine.
Behavior Inappropriate for a Loyola Student
Each Loyola student is charged with the responsibility to refrain from dishonorable conduct which would serve his or her own benefit while violating the trust of his or her peers. An offense is the act of lying, cheating, stealing, libel, or the use of obscenities and/or abusive language which so violates and weakens the community of mutual trust. Students who violate this spirit of mutual trust have committed an offense against the community. This requires that a student govern his or her own conduct in an honorable way at all times in his or her dealings with any member of the university community.
Lying is a deliberate, unjustifiable misrepresentation of the truth made with the intent to mislead another about other than trivial matters.
Cheating is an intentional act to fraudulently deceive another.
Stealing is taking another person’s property without authorization or consent.
Libel is the action of injuring a person’s reputation by something printed or written or by a visible representation.
Responsible individual behavior is a basic expectation. Such behavior must stem from a recognition of and a basic concern and respect for the dignity, rights, and sensibilities of others. Therefore, any social behavior which might offend these rights, sensibilities, and dignity or which violate university policy or civil law is clearly inappropriate and will subject a student to discipline, up to and including suspension from the university. Using a rationale of interpersonal respect, the university insists upon mature and morally sound behavior at all times.
In addition to the specific infractions of community life and civil law discussed in this handbook, shoplifting, gambling, conveying bomb threats, gross indecency, indecent exposure, and other obvious violations of civil and university law will be dealt with through the civil court and/or the university disciplinary system. In cases described above, the university may impose penalties up to and including suspension or dismissal.
Behavior on Other Campuses
In the New Orleans metropolitan area there are 12 institutions of higher education in relatively close proximity with numerous opportunity for students to visit other campuses. Because of the close proximity of the campuses, Loyola has a cooperative understanding with some institutions involving student misbehavior. Loyola students who violate host campus regulations while a student visitor or guest on other cooperating campuses may be referred to the student affairs office at Loyola for a hearing on the alleged offense, or referred to the local police at the discretion of the responsible parties on the host campus
Bias-Related Behavior Policy
Loyola University values the diversity of its students, faculty, and staff. The variety of backgrounds, interests, and values represented in the diversity enhances the opportunities for personal growth through greater awareness and appreciation of differences. Loyola intends to foster a campus community where people can work and learn with respect, dignity, and freedom from discrimination. The university remains committed to principles of equal and open access for all without regard for race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender orientation, age, marital status, handicapping condition, or status as a veteran. The university also remains strongly committed to the principle of academic freedom and the value of free expression. Respect for these rights requires a tolerance for expressions of opinions that differ from our own or that some might find abhorrent. However, any person who displays actions which would be construed by a reasonable person to manifest bias-related behavior, shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Bias-related behaviors are actions or expressions which may cause violent situations, create a clear and present danger of violent situations, or which represent an attempt to demean, degrade, or harass members of the university community. Such actions would include, but are not limited to, acts of violence, physical, and/or non-verbal threats, harassment, slurs, degrading humor, written materials such as epithets, graffiti, or other similar expression. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the university.
Computer Resources Access/Use Policy
The Office of Information Technology provides a variety of computer resources to enhance the instructional and research environment at the university. These computing facilities are intended solely for use by Loyola students, faculty, and staff in accordance with the instructional, research, community service, and administrative goals of the university. The computing facilities may not be used for profit-making, commercial, or political activities. They may not be used in any manner that attempts to violate or violates applicable state or federal laws. All users shall respect the privacy and usage privileges of others which includes not accessing or copying e-mail, data program files, etc. of others. Users shall follow appropriate standards of civility to communicate with others. Such behavior involves identifying oneself when sending personal messages and refraining from any harassing, discriminatory, obscene, fraudulent, defamatory, threatening, or coercive comments or activity. Nor may any user of Loyola’s computer resources gain or seek to gain unauthorized access to computer facilities, or to the data, programs, processes, electronic communications, or equipment of another user. Students may not have access or use the university’s administrative computer system except in the performance of their assigned duties as a student employee of a university department.
Users shall abide by all copyright laws; thus unauthorized attempts to browse, access, solicit, copy, use, modify, or delete electronic documents or programs belonging to other people, whether at the university or elsewhere, will be considered a serious violation of this policy.
The unauthorized access to or use of university computer systems is not only a violation of university policy subjecting a student to discipline up to and including suspension, but also a serious breach of law. In addition to civil penalties which might arise as a result of the improper use of computer resources, the State of Louisiana has enacted a number of laws construing inappropriate or unauthorized use of computers as criminal behavior. Destruction, modification, use, copying, or accessing data or programs stored in or with a computer without authorization may result in up to five years of imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, or both. (See complete university policy located on www.loyno.edu).
Coupon Books
In order to ensure that commercial advertising does not conflict with university standards or values, the following policy applies to the distribution and content of coupon books on campus:
1. All coupon books, whether from an outside vendor or an on-campus organization, must have the written approval of the director of the Danna Center and student activities before distribution.
2. Coupon books may not carry advertisements for supplies or goods which are in contradiction with university policy, the teachings of the Catholic Church, or federal, state, or city laws and ordinances.
3. Coupons mentioning alcohol, beer, and wine may not encourage through the offering the abuse of alcohol. Specials with alcohol should be served in an environment where food items are present and readily available for consumption.
4. Coupon books must be distributed in the residence halls through the Office of Residential Life and in the Danna Center periodical racks not reserved for The Maroon.
5. Coupon books distributed on campus in contradiction to these policies will be discarded.
distributed on-campus in contradiction to these policies will be discarded.
Credit Card or Check Theft
Any unauthorized use of another’s credit card or checks in the attainment of cash, merchandise, services, or other uses will result in sanctions up to and including suspension from the university. The terms credit card and check shall include the physical card or check or its authorizing account number. Examples include but are not limited to bank cards, telephone charge cards, revolving account charge cards, specialty service cards, bank checks, or drafts on a financial account.
Dissent and Disruption Policy
Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are principles which Loyola has traditionally upheld and now reaffirms. Implicit in these freedoms and with the regard for the common purposes of the institution is the right to dissent and demonstrate in a peaceful and nondisruptive manner.
The university community holds that those who enjoy these freedoms must also accept responsibility for order and discipline. In pursuit of their legitimate goals, the members of the Loyola academic community (students, faculty, administration, staff) share the right to this freedom together with the responsibility to maintain this order and discipline.
While Loyola guarantees the right to peaceful and nondisruptive dissent to all the members of its academic community, it cannot and will not permit any actions or activities which are disruptive of its normal operations or those of the members of its community who are not participating in the expression of dissent. In order to avoid any misunderstanding on the interpretation of what is permitted (dissent) and what is prohibited (disruption) the following definitions of both items are provided:
Dissent is defined as individual or group activity which expresses grievances held against, or changes desired in, society or campus or both. The activity is carried on within the limits of the democratic processes of freedom of speech, assembly, and petition. Dissent may be more generalized than around a single grievance or remedy and may have an ideological base. It often includes proposed solutions as well as complaints.
Disruption is defined as activity which is not protected by the First Amendment and which interferes with the rights of others. Whereas dissent relies on persuasion, disruption is based on harassment, coercion, and/or violence. Disruption may take three broad forms, which differ in their severity and in the actions and penalties appropriate to dealing with them.
Harassment is defined as the clear interference with or interruption of the normal activities of others which is clearly intended as or has the effect of chronic annoyance, but which might not necessarily come under the categories of coercion or violence. Examples would include the creation of interruptive noise or conduct which interferes with a person’s right to speak including oral, written, or symbolic expressions imposed on an audience or a person; repeated interruption of or substantial interference with a person’s normal expectations of quiet for formal campus pursuits, such as educational and administrative activities, studying, eating, and sleeping.
Coercion is defined as the interference with the normal activities of other persons and groups by the exertion of force—either psychological or physical—but stopping short of violence. Persons thus are prevented from doing what they normally are able to do, or are compelled against their will to do what they do not want to do or should not do. Examples would include obstructive picketing or obstructive occupation of space and any activity which substantially prevents normal movements of persons.
Violence is action which intentionally inflicts or seriously threatens to inflict physical injury or harm to persons or damage to property or both. Examples would include the throwing of dangerous objects and destruction of buildings. A severe form of violence is terrorism. Examples would include arson and the use of explosives.
In addition, the knowing possession or use of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or dangerous weapons by any participant in a demonstration of dissent is explicitly prohibited.
Just as Loyola expects the members of its community to abide by the above regulations, it likewise expects that any action taken to enforce compliance with regulations or prevent prohibited activity should be appropriate and proportionate to its aims using only minimal force that is necessary. The university expects that all persons will comply with the directions of an authorized university official, who is acting in the performance of his or her duties. Appropriate action will be taken against those who fail to comply with directions of an authorized officiaNovember 2, 2006rganizers and participants should keep in mind all regulations pertaining to the use of campus facilities (if held inside a campus building), as well as the rights of all members of the academic community to move about the campus in a free and unhindered manner (if held on campus grounds).
Procedures for Handling Disruptive Actions or Demonstrations
Immediate suspension of those specific activities judged to be disruptive may be ordered by the president, the vice president for student affairs and associate provost, or their designated representatives whenever it is determined such preventive action is to be required in order to protect lives or property and to insure the maintenance of order. The order from a university official to cease all actions which are considered to be disruptive will take the form of a public statement to cease the disruptive activity and to disperse within a specified reasonable time as determined by the university official. If the individuals or groups participating in said demonstration cease their disruptive activity and disperse within the time specified, that fact will be taken into consideration in any disciplinary hearings that may follow the disruptive action.
If a disruptive demonstration is not discontinued within the time specified, the president or the vice president for student affairs and associate provost, or their designated representatives will apprise the offending parties that failure to immediately discontinue the disruptive activities will subject the offenders to the full course of university action, including immediate interim separation from the university, pending a formal hearing at a later date. Whenever possible, the president or the vice president for student affairs and associate provost or their designated representatives, will be accompanied by representatives of the University Senate and the Student Government Association.
The hearings referred to above are held as expeditiously as is reasonably possible in order that justice prevails for all segments of the academic community.
If the above described internal measures fail to achieve the desired results, the university reserves the right to ask for the assistance of other law enforcement authorities.
Any members of the Loyola community participating in a disruptive demonstration when the law enforcement authorities are called for assistance will be charged, arrested, and prosecuted at a minimum for disturbing the peace.
Any person not officially associated with the university who is participating in a disruptive demonstration when the law enforcement authorities are called for assistance will be charged, arrested, and prosecuted at minimum for trespassing on private property.
Any member of the Loyola community who is arrested during a disruptive demonstration will be automatically suspended pending final and formal action consistent with the university’s system of due process (students) and established procedures as outlined for faculty in their handbook and all others in the staff personnel handbook
Dress Code
Neatness, cleanliness, and good taste are guiding norms for dress on campus. While it is recognized that it is difficult, if not impossible, to outline in detail the exact mode of dress necessary to achieve these qualities, students are expected to dress appropriately for all occasions.
For reasons of health and safety, shoes or sandals are to be worn at all times in the dining areas of the Danna Center.
Drug Policy
The misuse of marijuana and other drugs (drugs in this context include barbiturates, amphetamines, cocaine, tranquilizers, LSD compounds, and any and all substances so defined by state criminal law) is a violation of federal, state, and municipal laws. Loyola University cannot and will not protect students from prosecution under federal, state, and municipal laws. Because of the close proximity of Loyola and The Most Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School, the distribution (sale or giving) of illicit drugs on the Loyola campus can be prosecuted as a federal crime under federal law, U.S. Code, Title 21, Section 845A1. Loyola cannot condone the possession, consumption, distribution, or sale of marijuana and other drugs. In order to encourage a drug-free living environment, the university will periodically conduct unannounced canine drug searches in the residence halls to identify the presence of illicit drugs. It is recognized, however, that students who have taken or are taking marijuana or other drugs may need or wish to seek counseling. Students are reminded that the dean of University Ministry and the Counseling & Career Services Center are available for such help. Conferences with these persons are confidential, subject to the standard privacy established in these professions.
Given these considerations, the following rules shall be enforced with respect to on-campus conduct and conduct at all campus related activities and are applicable regardless of the status of violation in any courts.
(1) The distribution or merchandising of drugs, including marijuana, will ordinarily result in dismissal and arrest.
(2) The illegal possession or consumption of drugs or possession of paraphanealia, or misconduct resulting therefrom, is a serious offense and will result in the following for the first offense: probationary suspension, mandatory attendance at three substance abuse education group meetings and/or evaluation by a staff counselor, a fine of $300, 25 hours of community service, and written notification to parents or guardians. In circumstances which make the possession or consumption more serious, the university reserves the right to have the individual(s) arrested and subject to university sanctions up to and including dismissal. For the second offense, suspension from the university will occur and possible arrest. Mandated substance abuse counseling during the period of suspension and drug testing will be required for readmission and possibly during the subsequent period of enrollment.
Facilities Use
A student is expected to observe the rules relating to the use of campus buildings and other university owned, operated, or approved facilities. Use of any previously described facility must be approved beforehand by the director of residential life (residence halls), the director of the Recreational Sports Complex, the director of the Danna Center, or the director of student services (all other campus buildings). Under no circumstances may any person enter a locked building or office without proper authorization.
Violation of the above policy may subject a student to suspension and/or civil action.
Falsification or Misuse of University Records
Each student is expected to complete accurately and honestly all university records. If a student falsifies a record and it is discovered between the time of his or her application for admission and the beginning of classes, it will be considered cause for cancellation of registration. If such a falsification is discovered after the student has begun classes, it will be considered cause for dismissal.
A student may not falsely make, forge, manufacture, print, reproduce, tamper with or alter any writing, record, document, or identification form used or maintained by the university.
A student shall not knowingly possess, display, or cause or permit to be displayed any writing, record, document, or identification form used or maintained by Loyola knowing the same to be fictitious, altered, forged, counterfeit, or made without proper authority.
Fire Alarms, Equipment, Evacuation
Fire fighting equipment and fire alarm systems are provided for the protection of life and property. Tampering with these systems in any way, causing an alarm to activate, or failing to report anyone observed tampering with them, may subject the responsible student(s) to a $1,000 fine, eviction from the residence hall (if perpetrator is resident student and offense occurs in residence hall), and/or university discipline up to and including suspension from the university and/or civil prosecution for criminal mischief. Due to the serious and life threatening nature of such an offense, the university will offer a $500 reward for information leading to the apprehension of the responsible individual(s).
If a fire alarm sounds, all building occupants are to go to the nearest stairway and leave the building promptly. Instructions of staff members are to be followed. Failure to leave the building promptly or follow instructions will result in a fine of $250 and disciplinary action up to and including disciplinary probation and/or eviction from the residence hall, if applicable.
Firearms, Fireworks, Explosives, and Dangerous Weapons
Louisiana law and university policy prohibit the sale, possession, or use of fireworks; the manufacture, possession, or control of any explosive compound or mixture with a detonator or initiator or both, or any fake explosive; the manufacture, ownership, possession or custody or use of any switchblade knife, spring knife, or other knife or similar instrument having a blade which may be automatically unfolded or extended from a handle by manipulation of a button, switch, latch, or similar contrivance. Similarly, in a firearm-free zone such as the university campus, carrying a dangerous weapon to include any gas, liquid, or other substance or instrumentality, which, in the manner used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm is illegal. State law also prohibits the possession of concealed firearms on any school or university campus. The above prohibitions also apply to possession and storage of these items in a motor vehicle parked on Loyola’s campus.
Violation of the above policy and state law will subject the offender to university discipline up to and including dismissal from the university and/or prosecution under the state’s criminal statutes depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense.
Guests
It is anticipated that the guests of members of the Loyola community will at all times conduct themselves in accordance with the policies and standards of the university and/or prosecution under applicable federal and state law. Members of the Loyola community will be accountable for the conduct of their guests and may be subject to disciplinary action as the responsible party for violations of university policy incurred by their guests. This policy will apply to individuals, groups, and recognized student organizations.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Position Statement
Loyola University offers the following position statement regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). As a Catholic and Jesuit institution, it is the belief of the university that all considerations of the disease must be approached from a position of love, compassion, and profound sensitivity to the persons directly affected, as well as the welfare of the Loyola community. This statement applies to students, faculty, staff, and contract employees attending and/or working at the university.
HIV infection which causes AIDS is a progressive disease not casually transmitted. HIV is transmitted through intimate sexual contact with an infected, person, through contaminated blood to blood contact, through perinatal transmission and mother’s milk from an infected mother to her child. While the initial risk groups were homosexual males, individuals sharing needles, hemophiliacs, and those who have received contaminated blood products, experimentation with sexual behaviors and/or drug use do place college students at a greater risk of infection. The disease affects heterosexuals and homosexuals and knows no class, gender, age, or ethnic bounds. There is no known cure for AIDS. It is diagnosable through testing for the presence of a positive HIV antibody in the blood or blood serum.
This position statement on HIV/AIDS by Loyola University is based on current information released by the American College Health Association (ACHA) in a position statement AIDS on the College Campus, copyright 1989, and a General Statement on Institutional Response to AIDS, revised 1996, supported by the Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Service, American Council on Education, and NO/AIDS Task Force in New Orleans.
Educational Guidelines
The primary response of the university must be education, making accurate information available to the entire Loyola community through programming and printed educational material. Student Health Service will oordinate the educational effort. Accurate and effective education is the best means to achieve curtailment of the disease. Loyola will provide on-going educational and information programs or printed material with the latest findings.
Knowledge of the disease is incomplete yet rapidly evolving. In order to protect the welfare of the university community as well as the interests of the individual, the university takes the position that the presence of HIV infection on campus will be managed on a case-by-case basis. The case management team will be under the supervision of the Student Health Service medical director.
Confidentiality of Records and Information
Guidelines concerning confidentiality in handling medical information follow the general standards in the ACHA’s recommended Standards and Practices for a College Health Program. Only in circumstances where the individual’s behavior represents a clear and present danger to the health and welfare of Loyola University will the identity of the person with an HIV infection be disclosed without the individual’s expressed written consent. The number of people in the institution who are aware of the existence and/or identity of individuals who have an HIV infection will be kept to an absolute minimum. Those individuals include the vice president for student affairs and associate provost, medical director, administrative director of Student Health Service, and the director of residential life (if the individual lives in the residence hall). These individuals are identified because of either case management responsibilities or because they are empowered to act in the best interest of the university.
A person with an HIV infection may wish to consult the medical director of Student Health Service or the director of counseling and career services for special considerations concerning a possible leave from the university. As well, an individual who has been infected may have need of counseling or individual treatment.
Access to Programs and Facilities
Current knowledge indicates that a person with HIV infection does not pose a health risk to other students or employees who have casual contact with the infected person. Therefore, no special steps need to be taken to identify a person with an HIV infection, or to restrict the individual from remaining in the Loyola community and participating as fully as physically able to do so. There is no justification, medical or otherwise, for restricting the access of persons with HIV infection to the student center, dining facilities, recreational sports facilities, theaters, or other common areas. Decisions about housing for students with HIV infection will be made on a case-by-case basis. The best currently available medical information does not indicate any risk to those sharing residence with infected individuals. In some circumstances, however, there may be reasonable concern for the health of students with immune deficiencies (of any origin) when those students might be exposed to certain contagious diseases (e.g., measles or chicken pox) in a close living situation. Upon an evaluation by Student Health Service and Residential Life, a decision will be made to permit or require a student to have a private room for the well being of that person or others.
HIV Antibody Testing
While the Student Health Service is equipped to test for this condition, in some cases persons requesting HIV screening will be referred to an appropriate agency or physician for diagnosis and treatment. Testing for HIV infection in Student Health Service will be at the student’s expense. Pre- and post-testing counseling are required. Employees will not be tested in Student Health Service, but will be given referrals for testing. The person with an HIV infection will be provided with information of university services which may be helpful in the management of the disease.
Responsible Behavior
The university specifically disavows any responsibility, direct or implied, for the sexual or other conduct associated with the transmission of the HIV infection by students and/or employees. Ultimate responsibility for the management of the disease rests with the carrier. The university does expect that persons with an HIV infection will manage their disease in a responsible manner. Those with the disease should seek medical advice before participating in programs requiring vigorous physical activity to ensure that such activity will not be deleterious to their health. Immunologically compromised students, when seeking medical care on campus should, however, advise the physician and/or nurse of their positive antibody status. A list of counselors is available through Student Health Service to assist the individual in dealing with the disease. Infected persons are strongly encouraged to seek counseling concerning the moral responsibility for management of the disease and the personal problems arising from the disease. Failure to responsibly manage one’s disease and personal conduct, may constitute a sound basis for separation of the student or employee from the university.
Identification Cards
As part of registration, each student shall have the responsibility of securing a student identification card, known as the Loyola Express Card, which shall remain in his or her possession at all times. There is no charge for the first identification card if taken during posted hours at registration. A replacement fee of $15 will be charged for each additional card obtained from the Loyola Express Card Office. Students who withdraw or are withdrawn from the university within a term shall surrender the identification card to the student affairs office.
A student shall, upon demand, surrender said identification card to the appropriate university authority charged with the conduct of student affairs. In this context, appropriate authorities include housing officials, all members of the public safety/university police office, a faculty member in his or her classroom, the vice presidents, the deans and assistant deans, Loyola dining service management in the food service area, and all other administrators. Refusal to surrender said identification card is cause for disciplinary action up to and including suspension. The individual requesting a student to surrender a student identification card must properly identify himself or herself. The alternative to surrendering an identification card upon request is police arrest.
The identification card is issued to the individual student and is nontransferable. Any student using a Loyola Express Card improperly, i.e. lending it to someone else, borrowing someone else’s card, or meal plan participants using the card in order to share food in the Orleans Room with another individual, will be fined $100 for the first violation. Any subsequent violation will be subject to a $150 fine and disciplinary action.
Keys
A student shall not without proper authority knowingly possess, make, or cause to be made any key to operate any lock or locking mechanism used or maintained by Loyola. All keys to university locks are reproduced only by the maintenance office.
Littering
In order to protect the environment and appearance of all campus grounds and buildings, littering is strictly prohibited. A $5 fine and/or disciplinary action will be imposed on anyone found littering the campus.
Meal Plan
Meal plan participants may use the meal plan in any of the Loyola Dining Services locations: Orleans Room, Godfather’s/Convenience Store, The Underground, Smoothie King, and Pine Street Café.
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks in all dining service areas are retail sales, and food items are purchased on an á la carte basis. Food items may be eaten in or taken out.
In the Orleans Room at the dinner and brunch meal time, the meal plan student will have the privilege of unlimited seconds. The student will be served one serving on the first trip but may come back as many times as he or she likes for additional servings. All food must be consumed in the Orleans Room.
Dinner and brunch meals are not transferable; a student who allows another student to use his or her meal plan will be subject to disciplinary action. Sharing food that has been purchased with a meal plan for dinner or brunch is stealing food from those who have paid for it—other students. Sharing food can lead to immediate confiscation of a student’s ID card
and monetary fines up to $250.
The SGA annually appoints five students to the Food Service Committee, which meets monthly to evaluate dining service, menu selection, cleanliness, communication, and overall value.
Off-campus Educational Programs Behavior/Discipline Policy
Loyola University conducts a number of educational programs for academic credit in sites other than New Orleans. Some of these programs are of short duration, such as a Summer Study Abroad Program, or others may be of longer duration, such as the nursing program at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. In instances where students are enrolled in a Loyola program offering academic credit, those students are subject to the student code of conduct of Loyola University as published in the Student Handbook, Chapters 3 through 9. Exceptions to the published policies in the Student Handbook could exist if the laws of the host location are different, or if the published standards are not applicable to the location or program. An example of the former situation could be a country where the age for the legal consumption of alcohol is different than 21 years of age. An example of the latter instance could be a housing situation which is part of the price of the educational program and does not lend itself to the university’s stated residential visitation policies. The program director or his or her designee should inform the students before the start of the program, or as soon as possible, of any changes in the student code of conduct as published in the Student Handbook, including changes in the discipline process.
The university’s particular interest and jurisdiction in a student’s adherence to university policy occurs during the dates of the formal program, which may include travel periods if they are included in the program price, and when the behavior has a direct impact on the program or its participants. However, jurisdiction may also include attendant events directly or indirectly related to the formal educational program and which immediately precede or follow the formal program. An exception to the above statement of jurisdiction could occur if the student’s behavior is a violation of U.S. criminal law or constitutes an immediate hazard to the health, safety, or well being of the student or members of the educational program or the university community.
Alleged violations of the student code of conduct are preferably handled by the student affairs office when the student returns to Loyola after the completion of the program. In this case, either a written complaint or incident report is to be prepared by the program director or his or her designee or a Loyola student who is a program participant, outlining the details of the alleged violation of university policy. The report should be submitted to the vice president for student affairs and associate provost’s designee as soon as possible after the completion of the program. If the program participant who allegedly has violated university policy is only enrolled in the program and is not a regularly enrolled Loyola student, the university does not have any authority to take action against the student once the program officially ends.
When a very serious violation of university policy occurs or when the person’s continued presence poses a threat to their own safety and well being or that of program staff or participants, the program director or his or her designee is authorized to conduct a disciplinary hearing. The hearing will be conducted as an administrative hearing, on site, in accordance with the statement of due process as contained in Chapter 10 of the Student Handbook. Reports of disciplinary action taken during the course of the program on site which results in suspension from the program and appeals of decisions of suspension from the program for non-academic disciplinary matters must be forwarded by air mail, e-mail saoffice@loyno.edu, or by facsimile copy (504) 865-3025 to the vice president for student affairs and associate provost. An appeal must be based upon one or more of the reasons for an appeal as stated in the Student Handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the program director or his or her designee of the intention to appeal in order that records from the original hearing may also be forwarded to the associate vice president for student affairs and associate provost in a timely manner.
Disciplinary sanctions must follow the guidelines as published in the Student Handbook up to and including suspension from the program. If the person separated from the program is also an enrolled student at Loyola University, the vice president for student affairs and associate provost reserves the right to review the incident and the action taken to see if additional action, up to and including suspension or dismissal from the university, is warranted. If additional action is deemed necessary, a hearing according to the published statement of due process will be conducted upon the student’s return to campus.
Persistent Misconduct
The university, in stating its philosophy of personal development, recognizes the fact that as a student strives for that degree of self-control which is considered essential for mature living in a society, the student may experience difficulty and possible failure. Essentially, this failure takes the form of minor acts of misconduct (e.g., noise disturbance in residence hall) where an initial correction at the time of occurrence by a member of the residence hall staff or a student affairs officer should suffice. However, in situations where students are guilty of minor infractions, the university does expect the student to attempt a modification of his or her behavior and avoid these failures or mistakes in the future. The university becomes concerned when this modification of behavior is not forthcoming. In situations where a student consistently disregards university or residence hall policy and the rights of others, the university may judge that this person is not adjusting properly and perhaps should not remain as a member of the academic community. In other words, although each occurrence may be considered minor in nature, persistent misconduct over an extended period of time may subject a student to suspension from the university.
Physical Aggression
It is action which inflicts or seriously threatens physical injury or harm to a person or damage to property or both. Students involved in physical aggression may be subjected to suspension and/or civil action.
Promotion of Non-recognized Student Organizations
Individual students who promote the goals, purposes, identity (by wearing organization clothing or insignia), programs, or activities for suspended organizations or organizations whose charters have been revoked will be fined $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and suspended for a minimum of one semester for subsequent offenses. Any imposition of these sanctions will be in accordance with the university statement on due process.
Please refer to “Rights of Campus Organizations,” number 11, Chapter 6, for a more detailed definition of behavior which constitutes promotion.
Property Damage
A student may not take any action which damages or attempts or intends to cause damage to university or personal property not his or her own.
Violation of this policy will subject a student to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or civil action.
Roller Skates, Roller Blades, and Skate Boards
In order to provide an atmosphere on campus which minimizes the opportunity for injury to persons or property, the following policy pertains to the activity of using roller skates, roller blades, or skate boards (referred to as skating) on campus.
- Skating on campus is at the skater’s own risk.
- Skating is only permitted in a safe manner on campus streets and sidewalks. Skaters must yield to all vehicular traffic and pedestrians.
- Skating off of any curbs, ramps, benches, or other objects above ground is prohibited.
- Skating is prohibited in all campus buildings, including the inside of the parking garages.
Violation of this policy may result in a fine of up to $50 for the first offense and/or confiscation of the equipment for a serious violation of personal safety or damage to property. A second violation will result in the loss of skating privileges on campus.
Sales Solicitation
No unauthorized person, firm, or corporation shall engage in the business of selling or advertising any services, activities or goods, or take orders or make contracts for the purchase and delivery thereof, or sell or offer for sale tickets for goods, activities or services, or solicit for any purpose whatsoever, within the boundaries of the university.
No person shall erect or otherwise display any sign or poster or distribute handbills upon property owned by the university advertising or otherwise calling attention to any product, service, or activity other than those sponsored by Loyola.
Authorization for activities deviating from these limitations must be obtained in writing from the vice president for student affairs and associate provost.
Students who observe anyone soliciting sales on campus are requested to report that fact at once to the student affairs office or the Office of Public Safety/University Police. In addition, students are cautioned not to purchase or make payment either in cash or by check to such salespeople.
Sexual Aggression
Domestic violence is physical, sexual, or verbal abuse or threats of abuse as well as specific crimes of violence by a family or household member. Family or household members include adults or minors who are current or former spouses or adults or minors who live together or who have lived together (e.g. roommates); who are dating or who have dated, or who are engaged in or who have engaged in any type of sex act; are related by blood or adoption or formerly related by marriage or persons who have a child in common.
Students involved in domestic violence on campus and/or at a university related event may be subject to penalties up to and including suspension and dismissal. University Police are bound by law to make arrests in domestic violence cases whether or not the offense occurred in the officer’s presence. For alleged incidents which occur off campus and/or are not Loyola-related, the appropriate law enforcement officials will be contacted by University Police.
Sexual assault is sexual intercourse or attempted intercourse that is perpetrated against the will of another or not forcibly against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent. The definition applies regardless of whether the assailant is a stranger or an acquaintance. Examples include, but are not limited to, forced insertion, oral copulation, rape by foreign object, and sodomy. Violations of sexual assault will subject a student to suspension or dismissal.
Sexual battery is defined as the unwanted touching of an intimate part of another person, such as a sexual organ, buttocks, or breast. Violations of sexual battery may subject a student to penalties up to and including suspension and dismissal.
Sexual harassment is action which may occur within a variety of relationships. These relationships may or may not involve unequal authority, as between supervisors and employees supervised, faculty members and students, residence hall staff and student residents, and student leaders and other students. Allegations of sexual harassment will be scrutinized, regardless of the relationship of a complainant to an alleged offender. Sexual harassment is defined as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:
Sexual submission is made a term or condition explicitly or implicitly of obtaining employment, services, or education.
Sexual submission is used as a factor in decisions affecting an individual’s employment, services, or education.
Sexual conduct or communication is of such a nature that it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, service, or educational environment.
All members of the Loyola University community are encouraged to utilize the procedures set forth in the Statement of Policy and Procedure on Sexual Harassment. A policy and procedural statement is located in Chapter 10 and on the university web page. Alleged violations of this policy should be addressed to the following individual/office:
| ALLEGED VICTIM | ALLEGED OFFENDER | REPORT TO |
| Student | Student | Vice President for Student Affairs and Associate Provost |
| Student | Faculty/Staff | See Statement of Policy and Procedure on Sexual Harassment, Chapter 10 |
| Faculty/Staff | Student |
Sexual verbal abuse is using language which is sexual in nature and unwanted on the part of another person. Examples would include, but not be limited to obscene telephone calls, use of written and/or oral communication which in the common estimation of persons would be considered obscene messages. Violations of this policy may subject a student to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the university.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
Students seeking to report sex offenses should contact the vice president for student affairs and associate provost where the university discipline system may be utilized if the alleged offender is a Loyola student. Students may also report sex offenses to local police. University Police will conduct an investigation of the complaint in conjunction with the Title IX Coordinator. University Police provides assistance in notifying other local police if a student so chooses.
Students who allegedly have been sexually assaulted should not shower, bathe, brush their teeth, or change clothes until they have been medically examined. This is necessary to preserve evidence. Students wishing assistance in their academic or living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident should contact the vice president for student affairs and associate provost for referral to the appropriate person. Assistance will be given if requested by the student and if such changes are reasonably available.
Support Services for Students
University police officers will use all reasonable means to protect the victim and prevent further violence. In addition, university police officers will assist in obtaining medical treatment as well as giving the victim immediate and adequate written notice of the rights of the victim and of the remedies and services available. Counseling is also available for victims of domestic violence through the Counseling & Career ServicesCenter, University Ministry, and by referral through off-campus agencies by request.
Educational Program
Educational programs to promote the awareness of sexual assault, acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses are offered periodically throughout the academic year through the Counseling & Career Services Center.
Smoking Policy
In accordance with the 1988 Clean Indoor Air Act of the City of New Orleans and existing university policy on smoking, the following excerpt of the Smoking Policy Statement is for the information of students. A copy of the complete university policy may be obtained in the Office of Residential Life, Buddig Hall, and Office of the Danna Center and Student Activities.
The following areas are designated as nonsmoking areas:
- All residence halls (porches of Biever, Buddig, Cabra, and front entrance of Carrollton Hall–must be a minimum of 20 feet away from all entrances)
- All elevators
- All hallways and stairwells
- All restrooms
- All public and administrative offices
- All classrooms
- All rooms or areas containing photocopying or other office equipment
- All serving lines or waiting areas
- All meeting places or public assembly areas when open to the public for educational, religious, recreational, or political purposes.
- Student health and medical facilities
- All conference and meeting rooms
- Concert halls and theaters
- University transportation vehicles
- Loyola Recreational Sports Complex
- Whelan Child Care Center
- Danna Center
- Pine Street Café
The following areas are designated as smoking areas:
- Private individual offices.
- Each building on-campus may have areas designated wherein smoking will be permitted. These areas will be identified with appropriate signage.
It shall be a violation of both the Clean Indoor Air Act and/or university policy for any person to smoke in any area where smoking is prohibited. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in a fine of $50. This fine may only be appealed to the director of the Danna Center and student activities. Proceeds of this fine will be used to fund education programs on campus dealing with the health dangers of smoking.
Theft Policy
A student may not appropriate for his or her own use university property or private property not his or her own without the specific consent of the owner or the person legally responsible for it. Theft includes physical items of university or personal property, cash, credit cards, checks, and services.
Violations of this policy will subject the student to disciplinary action up to suspension from the university and/or criminal action.
Verbal Abuse
Any statement made which may threaten, denigrate, slander, or ridicule a person or persons is prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to, written (letters, posters, flyers, graffiti) and oral communication (including unwanted telephone calls). Violations of verbal abuse may subject a student to penalties up to and including suspension and dismissal.
Freedom and Responsibility of the Student in Disciplinary Matters
Loyola believes that students share in the responsibility for the well-being of the community. While it may be difficult for some to address a perceived violation of community standards, students are encouraged to accept the responsibility of good citizenship and become involved in disciplinary proceedings as witnesses. As a value-oriented educational institution, Loyola is committed to making every reasonable effort to assure that students will be able to continue the pursuit of their educational goals free from harassment or personal abuse as a consequence of participation in disciplinary proceedings.
Therefore, it is the policy of this university that any attempt to intimidate, harass, or abuse any party or witness to a disciplinary action, or any board member or hearing officer, before, during, or after a judicial hearing is in itself a cause for disciplinary action. Such violations will subject the student to action up to and including suspension or dismissal from the university.
Separation for Psychological or Medical Reasons
There are occasional, exceptional situations in which a student’s physical or psychological health condition is of such a nature that action needs to be taken to withdraw the student from the university. The action can occur, for instance, if in the judgment of the university, the student cannot benefit from the academic program, cannot benefit from the available and limited therapeutic resources of the university, and/or if the student was threatening to self or to others, and/or was of disruptive concern to others.
The intent of this policy is to help to the affected student who appears not able to function effectively in the university community for medical or psychological reasons without infringing on the rights of others in the university community. It is also the intent of this policy to enable a student to continue toward the successful completion of his/her academic goals, if not immediately, then in the future.
Upon appropriate consultation, the vice president for student affairs and associate provost has the authority to separate a student from the university for reasons of physical or mental health. Students separated for reasons of health may not re-enter the university unless written clearance is given by the vice president for student affairs and associate provost.
