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Related Campus Policies and Procedures (Facilities, Services, and Others)
I. Department of Residence Life, General Provisions for Student Occupancy:
- Preface
Group living offers a significant contribution to the total educational development of each student. Harmonious living, broadened horizons, and increased human understanding are all desired goals of the residence experience. The residence hall program seeks to develop an atmosphere that stimulates growth, encourages individual responsibility in decision-making, and provides for acceptance of others as persons of worth. Developing good citizenship, learning and accepting the meaning of responsibility, and recognizing the rights of others are goals of residence living.
- Residency Requirement
- It is the policy of Susquehanna University to offer full, equal, and non-discriminatory assistance to all students without regard to their race, color, religion, nationality, gender, and sexual orientation in both placement in University housing and in the furnishing of facilities and services in connection with that housing.
- All full-time, undergraduate students are required to live in University housing except those who are: a) commuting from the homes of their parents or guardians; or b) married and residing with spouse and/or children; or c) over 23 years of age. Under certain conditions, the Director of Residence Life may grant requests for special permission to live off-campus.
- All campus housing includes room and board. Only Liberty Alley residents may opt to not purchase the board plan.
- The University reserves the right to enforce any restrictions or regulations necessary for the general welfare of residents and/or the maintenance of its property.
- In applying for room and board, the student agrees to abide by the Rules and Regulations of Susquehanna University.
- Period of Occupancy
- Students may not move into the residence halls prior to their opening on the Sunday before classes begin each semester. Students may request permission to move-in early by visiting the Residence Life Web site at www.susqu.edu/reslife. Permission is granted on a limited basis.
- The residence halls close for Fall, Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring and Easter Breaks as well as for the summer. Students are expected to vacate the halls by the appointed closing time and return no earlier than the official reopening. In addition, at the end of each semester, students are expected to leave within 24 hours of their last final exam unless their last exam occurs on the last day of finals. In this case, they must leave by the time the halls close. Extensions on assignments given by professors do not imply that a student may continue to live on campus during a break. The student is still responsible for making a formal request according to the request policies and deadlines
- The University reserves the right to close all residence units during stated vacation periods. Personal belongings may remain in student rooms during the academic year vacation periods. The University, however, cannot be held liable directly or indirectly for loss of, or damage to, the personal property of individuals. All personal items must be removed from the residence halls at the end of a student's occupancy of a room. The university does not provide storage for personal belongings.
- Termination of Contract
- As stated above, enrollment at Susquehanna University implies a binding room and board contract. Termination of the room and/or board contract may be permitted for the following reasons: change of residence status to commuter or married student; absence from campus because of an internship or student teaching; a leave of absence; withdrawal from the University; completion of a degree program; medical reasons. When overcrowded conditions exist in the residence system, permission to terminate this contract during the agreement period may be granted by special approval provided that such release would not create a permanent vacancy.
- Termination of the contract as stated above will cancel charges for the remaining semesters of the contract. No refund will be granted for partial semester occupancy.
- Termination of the Board Contract is permitted only for medical reasons. The student must provide a complete outlined diet to the Director of Food Service who will then make a recommendation to the Director of Residence Life.
- The University reserves the right to void a Residence Hall Contract in the event a student's course load falls below the full-time credit requirement.
- Any student is subject to dismissal from the University and/or the residence halls for misconduct or violation of university regulations. The University reserves the right to terminate the lease and take possession of a room whenever the violation of regulations warrants such termination or whenever the room is vacated or the connection of the lessee with the University as a student is terminated. Where the termination of a lease results from disciplinary action no refund is allowable. The University also reserves the right to reassign the occupants or terminate the lease when in the University's judgment it is in the best interest of the residence system.
- Residence Life Staff and Policies
The Director of Residence Life, Associate Director of Residence Life, Assistant Director of Residence Life, Coordinator of Residence Life, undergraduate Head Residents, and Resident Assistants supervise residential living. These staff members serve the residents as resource persons, seeking to establish an atmosphere conducive to learning. They are available to assist students with their social, personal or academic concerns. They are responsible for enforcing university regulations and are authorized to refer offenders for disciplinary action. In addition to the general rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, specific policies governing resident students are listed below. Students, as tenants, are entitled to reasonable privacy in University residence rooms. It is important to note that the Department of Residence Life holds a resident's right to sleep and study as the most important consideration when addressing policy violations and conflicts.
- Entrance to Student Rooms
- Inspections and Maintenance Visits: the University makes periodic inspections of, and maintenance visits to, all University residence hall rooms for reasons of health, safety and maintenance. The University reserves the right to enter rooms at any time for the purpose of making these inspections and maintenance visits.
- Searches: a room may be searched only if there is reasonable cause to believe that a student(s) is using his or her room for a purpose in violation of federal, state or local law or of University regulations. The Vice President of Student Life / Dean of Students or his designee must authorize all room searches, except those conducted by law enforcement officers. The University shall give the student(s) involved the opportunity to be present during the search unless the student(s) is unavailable. The student(s) involved will be informed of the purpose of the search and whether any material is found to be in violation of federal, state or local laws and/or University regulation, or both.
- Emergencies: Rooms may be entered without authorization in the event of an emergency, i.e., a situation in which a person's health or well being is threatened, and/or personal or University property is thought to be in immediate danger.
- Room Assignments and Changes
The Director of Residence Life or his/her designee is responsible for making room assignments in residence halls and determining the occupancy of any room.
Students residing in University residence facilities are not permitted to move to an off-campus location, relocate to a fraternity house, facilitate a room change to another building, or within the same building or in any other way change their domicile without prior permission from the Director of Residence Life. Students shall not take roommates other than those assigned or approved by the Director of Residence Life. If during the academic year the Director of Residence Life approves a room change, a key exchange will be made at the Residence Life Office. Students who change rooms without permission will be subject to a fine and may be required to return to their original room assignment.
The University reserves the right to assign another student to a partial vacancy or to require a student to move from a partial vacancy to another room.
In order to accommodate all students applying for space, it may be necessary to assign students to temporary accommodations. Withdrawals and cancellations will permit these students to be transferred to permanent rooms. When vacancies in permanent rooms occur, temporary spaces must be vacated, upon request of the Residence Life Office.
This contract is personal and may not be transferred or assigned to another person. Space may not be sold, loaned, or sublet.
- Keys
Each student receives a key to his/her room and a key to the exterior door of the residence hall in the case of halls that are not outfitted with an electronic locking mechanism. Students must sign for keys, which are issued by a Residence Life Staff member. Upon termination of residency, the keys must be returned and a staff member must acknowledge its return. Lost, stolen or missing keys must be reported to the Residence Life Office within 24 hours of the student becoming aware of the loss. Students who lose or do not return a room key or exterior door key will be charged for changing of locks and replacements of new keys. Keys issued by the university may not be duplicated in any fashion. Copying keys will results in judicial action.
- Damage
By virtue of living in a residence hall, each resident is a member of a community. Along with that membership comes many responsibilities. It is expected that residents will treat the physical space in which they live with respect, doing no intentional harm to university property and reporting harmful acts of others. In keeping with this philosophy, residents are held responsible for damage to residence halls in excess of "fair wear and tear." To provide maximum equity the following procedure is followed:
- Initial Room Check: At the beginning of each school year, both the Facilities Management staff and the Resident Assistant staff complete an inventory of each residence hall room. This is to ensure that each room is clean, that all items in the room are functioning properly and that all necessary furniture is present. Residents are then responsible for verifying the good condition of their room upon arrival. If an item is not in good condition, the resident must contact his/her RA and ask that a work order be filed with Facilities Management. If the condition is not rectified, the resident may be charged for the cost of repair upon vacating the room.
- Closing Room Check: The Office of Facilities Management will make a closing room check at the end of the academic year. Any damage to walls, woodwork, furniture, floors, window treatment, windows and screens, etc., not reported at the time of original occupancy will be corrected and the cost will be charged to resident(s) of the room. Rooms are to be left in the original condition, with trash disposed of and floors swept.
- Per Capita Charges: Cost of damage done to corridors, lounges and public areas will be assessed to all residents of the area or living unit in question, should the responsible party or parties be unknown. This is in keeping with the philosophy that residents are members of a community and therefore should make an effort to police activity within that area. If a resident witnesses another student damaging university property, it behooves the resident to report the incident so the responsible party bears the cost of the damage rather than the community members.
- Maintenence of Student Rooms
- The Office of Facilities Management is responsible for completing maintenance in all university property. The Department of Residence Life acts as a liaison between the students living in the residence halls and the maintenance staff. Students should contact their RA or the Department of Residence Life to report maintenance needs. A work order will then be sent to Facilities Management.
- Residents are expected to also participate in the maintenance of the residence halls. Broken or malfunctioning items within student rooms should be reported immediately so they can be fixed. In the event that a report is made but the condition persists, residents are expected to notify the Department of Residence Life until the situation is rectified or information is received indicating that the problem can not be fixed.
- Periodically, the Office of Facilities Management requires that students complete a task or alter their routine in order to aid in the accomplishment of a maintenance procedure. For instance, students may be asked to move certain items of furniture in their rooms so that filters can be replaced or use an alternative door to the residence hall while a lock is being changed. Students are required to comply with these requests in the same manner as any official request from a university official.
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II. Blough-Weis University Library
The Library is a center for study and research. Students are expected to use the resources responsibly and to properly check out materials they wish to borrow. To maximize availability of the collections, security measures are in place, which include door alarms on non-approved exits, and checking of all backpacks and briefcases. Unauthorized removal or mutilation of library materials could result in prosecution and/or disciplinary proceedings. Fees are charged for all materials that are overdue and/or damaged by borrowers, and for all lost items. Food and drinks (outside designated areas), smoking, or pets are not permitted in the Library. Loud conversations should be avoided out of consideration for others.
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III. Degenstein Campus Center
- Bulletin Boards and Display Cases
Campus organizations and individual students are encouraged to use the bulletin boards located around the campus to publicize campus activities and all members of the University community are urged to read these announcements. Certain bulletin boards are designated for specific purposes. A variety of focus areas are available in the east stairwells of the Campus Center including: clubs and organizations, athletic notices, academic notices, Career Services, student alumni association, campus events and want ads. Posters should be placed only on bulletin boards or designated posting areas. Posters placed on walls, doors and windows will be removed/relocated. Please see the complete posting policy listed within the Code of Student Conduct. The locked display case, located in Mellon Lounge, can be reserved by departments or organizations through the University Scheduler by filling out a reservation request form. Each display should be limited to 10 days or less to allow maximum usage of the case throughout the year. The sponsoring group/department must be identified as a part of the display materials.
- Dining Service/Evert Dining Room
All students residing in University-owned living facilities (with the exception of Liberty Alley Apartments) during the regular school year or during summer sessions are required to have meals at the dining hall in the Degenstein Campus Center. The University ID card, properly validated, is the meal ticket intended for the student's use only. Students on the board plan who fail to bring their ID for entrance to the cafeteria may obtain a temporary ID card from the ARAMARK office for a one-dollar fee. Persons who behave in an inappropriate manner in the dining hall are subject to disciplinary action under the code of student conduct. Non-board plan students wishing to charge meals may do so with prior approval from the ARAMARK Director of Food Service.
- Lower Level Display Tables & Vendor Policy
Display tables, located on the lower level of the Campus Center, must be reserved during the academic year by departments or organizations through the University Scheduler. Each table usage should be limited to one week or less to allow maximum usage of the tables throughout the year. The sponsoring group/department must be identified as a part of the display/sales table. Off-campus vendors may contract for the use of the display tables during the academic year through the University Scheduler. Vendors will be charged rental fees and must provide proof of insurance as part of the contract process except where the vendor is being sponsored by a student organization as a fundraiser for the student group. As a result of a vote by SGA in Fall 1999, credit card vendors are no longer permitted to utilize the display tables and may not be used as a source for fundraising by campus groups. Merchandise which makes direct reference to alcohol and drug usage, anything with Lambda Chi Alpha Greek letters on it, or any items that may be offensive to the general public may not be displayed. Items which are prohibited on campus (i.e. drug paraphernalia, candles, incense) as stated in this Student Handbook may not be sold by either on-campus groups or off-campus vendors.
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IV. The Garrett Sports & Fitness Complex
The facilities are available to all students, faculty and staff and a limited number of private memberships. Rules and regulations regarding the use of the gymnasium, field house, fitness center, racquetball courts and pool may be obtained from the Physical Education Office, located on the upper level on the west side of the building. Rules governing men and women's intramurals may also be obtained from this office.
- Regulations Governing Eligibility for Intercollegiate Athletics
- To be eligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics at Susquehanna University, a student must be a full time, regularly enrolled student. The student's status must be in accordance with the rules of eligibility set forth by the NCAA. Additionally, he/she must meet the standards set by the University and the Athletic Department for academics, personal conduct and squad codes.
- Transfer students: NCAA regulations allow some students to compete immediately. All transfer students should check their eligibility status with the Athletic Director.
- In all matters of eligibility, Susquehanna shall be governed by the rules of the NCAA and the Middle Atlantic State Collegiate Athletic Conference. Rules and regulations regarding Intercollegiate Athletic awards may be obtained from the Athletic Director.
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V. SU Policy on Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is defined as any incident where an individual is forced into any type of sexual contact against his/her will and without her/his consent. It is important to note that it is illegal to administer alcohol and/or any other drug for the purpose of preventing resistance and/or inducing a mental state where the individual is incapable of appraising the nature of her/his conduct. Persons, who can be of assistance to individuals who have been sexually assaulted or the target of sexual assault, include female or male staff in the Health Center, the Counseling Center, the Employee Assistance Program, Residence Life and Public Safety. All are accessible 24 hours a day. Off campus referrals will be given upon request. Any member of the Susquehanna community who believes that he/she has been sexually assaulted is encouraged to:
- Seek medical attention and counseling;
- File criminal charges under the law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
- Institute a formal disciplinary complaint; this would include a full investigation by the Public Safety or the Office of Student Conduct.
- Seek mediation with an official University Mediator. (See Grievance Procedures, or the Conflict Mediation sections) If a formal disciplinary complaint is instituted (see the outline of procedures in the Code of Student Conduct), the individual who was assaulted has rights that include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The right to have a person of his/her choice accompany him/her throughout the process. Note: the person accompanying the student may not be an attorney; his/her role is that of an advocate or advisor.
- The right to be present for the entire hearing;
- The right to be informed of the Board's decision as soon as it has been made;
- The right to have no past sexual history discussed in a hearing, beyond history of relations with the accused deemed relevant by the Board.
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VI. Susquehanna University HIV Infection/AIDS Policy
Susquehanna University's policy with respect to persons infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is based upon concern for the welfare of the total campus community and for the infected individual within the community. The policy's essence is education and awareness, using the best resources available to convey current information. The University's education program describes HIV infection and outlines steps that all persons in the campus community can take to prevent themselves from becoming infected. The policy aims to assure the campus community that current knowledge indicates that students or employees with any form of HIV infections do not pose a health risk to others by their presence in the residential, academic or employment setting. Thus, they will not be barred from participation in academic and campus activities or employment except on the basis of expert medical advice. The University assumes that persons who are, or who believe they are, at risk concerning HIV infection will want to take steps to protect their own health and to protect the welfare of all others in the college community. Therefore, this policy encourages students and other members of the college community to discuss, confidentially, their concerns about AIDS with a member of the Health Center staff. Students who know they are HIV infected are strongly encouraged to notify the Health Center so that the staff may assess the need for further medical evaluation, counseling and/or referral. This policy is consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association and other medical groups and educational organizations that have proposed general policy guidelines concerning HIV. It also complies with the requirements of the State of Pennsylvania and public health law. The following outlines Susquehanna's commitment to ongoing education of the college community and early identification and medical follow-up of the HIV-infected individual. Reported cases of HIV infection will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Health Center Staff in consultation with a University physician.
- Educational Priorities
The University's goal is prevention of the spread of HIV. HIV infection is caused by a virus most often transmitted by the exchange of body fluids; usually through certain sexual or drug use behaviors. Individuals with a positive test for HIV may transmit the virus through anal or vaginal intercourse, sharing of needles, oral-genital contact, and open-mouth kissing. HIV is not known to be transmitted by any form of casual interpersonal contact (such as touching, sneezing, coughing, toilet seats, etc.). No known safety risks are created by the presence of persons with HIV infection in normal academic, employment or residential settings. The administration of an AIDS education program provides the best way for the University community to be safe and healthful. Everyone needs current information to make informed decisions. Therefore, the University AIDS Task Force will disseminate HIV infection/AIDS information that is accurate and timely, consulting with other colleges and national organizations (e.g., American College Health Association and the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators) in the development of programs. A variety of educational strategies will be used by the University, including distributing printed materials and sponsoring lectures, programs and discussions with groups and individuals. Current literature will be available in the Health Center and the Counseling Center. The education program will emphasize the following:
- Even though they may not have symptoms, persons with HIV infection may transmit the virus to others through intimate sexual contact or exposure to blood; a woman with HIV infection may transmit the virus to her child before or during birth or by breast-feeding.
- Among people who choose to be sexually active, the consistent and conscientious use of latex condoms and spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 greatly reduces the chance of transmission of HIV through sexual intercourse.
- The sharing of needles used in the injection of drugs or steroids, or for other reasons is an efficient way to transmit HIV.
- Persons with documented HIV infection and those with behavioral risk factors for HIV infection should not donate blood, plasma, sperm or body organs or tissues.
- People with HIV infection pose no risk of transmitting the virus to others through ordinary, casual interpersonal contact.
- It is possible that certain interventions and therapies may help limit the consequences of HIV infection among people already infected. People who know they have been infected may thus benefit from regular medical follow-up and immunological evaluation.
- Discrimination against people who have or are perceived to have HIV infection is unwarranted, hurtful and wrong.
- Testing
- Admissions: Susquehanna University does not include consideration of the existence of any form of HIV infection on the initial admissions decision for people applying to the University.
- Employment: Susquehanna University does not include consideration of the existence of any form of HIV infection in the process of hiring or promoting employees.
- Susquehanna University will not undertake a program of mandatory testing of either employees or students for the antibody to HIV.
- The Health Center Staff will provide information to students or staff regarding HIV testing. This will include information about the limitations of the test, as well as locations for testing where confidentiality, anonymity and pre- and post-test counseling is available.
- In order to ensure that the student with HIV infection/AIDS has accurate information and advice regarding medical care, any such student is strongly encouraged to inform the Health Center as soon as possible upon discovery of his/her testing positive for HIV antibody.
- Confidentiality
- Specific information concerning the student or employee with HIV infection/AIDS will not be shared with other students, faculty, administration, staff, other institutions, insurers or parents without the permission of the student or employee. This statement is consistent with general policy whereby all individual medical records are treated in a confidential manner. Confidentiality of records is crucial, superseded only by the necessity to protect others in situations involving a clear and well-substantiated risk.
- A student is encouraged to discuss the contents of his/her medical record with Health Center Staff to ensure that the student is as knowledgeable as possible.
- Medical follow-up
- Regular specialized medical follow-up and counseling by a trained professional is strongly encouraged by the University.
- The person with HIV/AIDS is encouraged to identify his or her private health care provider to the Health Center. Upon request, the Health Center will refer an individual to health care providers and/or agencies with expertise in AIDS. An HIV infected person may not be required to take live virus vaccination, e.g., measles, rubella, unless required by state law and dependent on current medical practice.
- Public Health reporting requirements for the State of Pennsylvania will be observed.
- Additional Residential/Academic/Work Considerations for the Person with HIV Infection/AIDS
- HIV infected persons are considered as having handicapping conditions. Consequently, in making its decisions, the University must guarantee the legal rights of these individuals.
- Students who have HIV infection, whether they are symptomatic or not, are allowed regular classroom attendance in an unrestricted manner as long as they are physically and mentally able to attend classes.
- Persons with HIV infection are not restricted from access to University facilities, including the gymnasium, swimming pool, and food service areas unless they are secondarily infected by an organism that would ordinarily preclude a non-HIV/infected individual from using these facilities.
- Decisions about on-campus housing for students 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 there is reason to be concerned for the health of students with immune deficiencies when such students might be exposed to certain contagious diseases (e.g. measles or chicken pox) in close living conditions. In such situations, and within the limits of available options, the University will seek to accommodate the student but may have to request that the student move from the residence unit.
- People with HIV infection, as with any other infectious disease, are expected to govern their behavior in light of the known risks of transmission of AIDS based on current medical knowledge. An infected student whose behavior is known to endanger others may be isolated or suspended from the University. This decision will be made by a committee composed of the Dean of Student Life, a University Physician and the University Attorney and will be based on the best available medical advice to assure the welfare of the individual and other members of the college community.
- Food Service and Physical Plant employees will not be restricted from work unless there is evidence of infection or illness for which such workers are normally restricted. (See Center for Disease Control's Morbidity, Mortality Weekly Report, Nov. 15, 1985; page 34.)
- An HIV infected student may participate in intercollegiate athletic programs, intramural and club sports following individual assessment by the University Physician and provided that appropriate precautions are taken with regard to contact sports.
- Staff of the Health Center, Residence Life, Public Safety, Physical Plant and Athletic Departments will be instructed in and expected to follow the safety guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control for the handling of blood and body fluids.
The Policy on HIV Infection/AIDS will be reviewed annually by the AIDS Task Force or more frequently in light of new developments in medicine and/or the law. Latest Review June 2001
*The University AIDS Task Force membership includes staff from the Health Center, the offices of Student Life, Residence Life, Public Relations, Food Services, Human Resources and the Chaplain, as well as student representation. The Director of the Counseling Center chairs the Taskforce.
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VII. Alcohol Abuse and Health
The mental and physical health problems associated with abuse of alcoholic beverages are well documented. Accidents related to abusive drinking are one of the major causes of death of young adults. Fifty percent of all fatal automobile accidents are alcohol related. Even a single night of abusive drinking can cause severe health problems. Chronic abusive drinking can result in liver disease, heart disease, ulcers, diseases of the nervous system, changes in blood chemistry and many other medical problems too numerous to list. Abusive drinking interferes with the body's use of many nutrients, vitamins and other necessary medications. Perhaps the most harmful potential effect of abuse is chemical dependency, estimated to affect ten percent of the population. The "skid row" type of alcoholic represents only three to five percent of the alcoholic population. The rest are employed, have homes and families and struggle to maintain a "normal" life. Each person afflicted with an active form of this disease also negatively affects family members and all persons who care about them. The University encourages you to seek help if you suspect that drinking is harming you or a person close to you.
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VIII. Drug Abuse and Health
There are extensive risks to mental and physical health associated with the use or abuse of mind-altering drugs. Sedative drugs have a high overdose potential and are physically addictive. Stimulant drugs are psychologically addictive and frequently induce psychotic states in the abuser. Cocaine is perhaps the most psychologically addictive drug known. Hallucinogens distort reality and can affect memory. Opiates are very physically addictive and have a high overdose potential. The abuse of virtually any drug interferes with memory and learning. Dependency is possible with almost any drug and causes complete disruption of the person's life. Drugs need not be directly mind altering nor illegal to be threatening to the welfare of an abuser. Steroids used to enhance athletic performance or build body mass have dangerous side effects including mood swings, outbursts of aggression and violence and irregular heart rhythms with the possibility of cardiac arrest. The abuse of prescription drugs can result in all of the problems associated with the abuse of controlled substances. Susquehanna University believes that all drug abuse is contradictory to the goals of the University and the health and welfare of its students and employees. Any individual desiring additional information about the effects and risks of drug abuse may contact the University Counseling Center or the Employee Assistance Program. The University encourages all persons experiencing problems with drugs, either through personal use or the use of a person close to you, to seek help through the Counseling Center or the Employee Assistance Program.
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IX. Drug-Free Workplace Policy
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires every employer that receives federal contracts or grants, including Susquehanna University, to certify that it will provide a drug-free workplace by:
- publishing a drug-free workplace policy,
- establishing a drug free awareness program, and
- taking certain actions regarding employees convicted of drug violations in the workplace.
Accordingly, the University has published this statement to notify all employees of its drug-free workplace policy. All employees are required to abide by the terms of this policy statement as a condition of employment. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance at the workplace is prohibited. Any employee determined to have violated this prohibition may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge from employment. The University recognizes that drug abuse in the workplace poses potential health, safety and security problems, and it has implemented a drug-free awareness program to inform employees of the problems of drug abuse and the availability of counseling and other assistance. The University's drug-free awareness program is described in the following statement. Any employee engaged in the performance of work under a federal grant or contract, including federal financial aid funds, who is convicted of a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace must notify the University of the conviction within five (5) days of such conviction. Notification of conviction is a condition of employment for any employee performing work under a federal grant or contract. Non-faculty employees must notify their supervisor of any such violation. The supervisor will notify the Assistant to the President. Faculty members must notify their Dean of any such conviction. The Dean will notify the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Within 10 days of receipt of notice of a conviction for violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace, the University is required to notify the contracting agency of the conviction. The University will, within 30 days of notice of such a conviction, take or initiate appropriate disciplinary action with respect to any employee who is so convicted (up to and including discharge from employment) or will require satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. Questions concerning this policy may be addressed to the Director of Human Resources.
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X. Drug-Free Awareness Program
New employees of Susquehanna University will be informed of the University's drug-free policies through literature given at the time of their initial orientation. Continuing employees will be given informational fliers distributed periodically through campus mail. In addition, health education posters will be placed at appropriate locations throughout University facilities. Educational programs sponsored by the Employee Assistance Program are open to all University employees and may include relevant information on the dangers of using drugs.
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XI. Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Requirements and Policy
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require an institution of higher education to provide a written certification that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use of or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by its students and employees on its property or as part of its activities. Institutions that fail to provide such certification become ineligible to receive federal funds or any other form of federal financial assistance, including federally funded or guaranteed student loan programs. This act extends the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act and requires the annual distribution of the following to each student and employee:
- Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the institution's property or as any part of the institution's activities. The unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on Susquehanna University property or as any part of Susquehanna's activities is prohibited. Complete copies of Susquehanna's alcoholic beverages policy and drug policy are printed in the Student Handbook that is updated annually and distributed to all students, faculty and administrative staff. In addition, both policies are printed in the Faculty Handbook and the Personnel Policies Manual.
- A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state and federal law for unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol: The alcoholic beverages and drug policy located in the Code of Student Conduct provide a summary of local, state and federal law.
- A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. Section VI and VII of this section contain this information.
- A description of any drug and alcohol counseling and treatment or rehabilitation programs that are available to students and employees: Susquehanna recognizes that help is frequently necessary to deal with the many problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse and/or dependency. The University Counseling Center staff can provide assistance to any student of the University who requests it. Services available include drug and alcohol education, assessment, individual counseling, group counseling and referral to community-based services. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers referral services to any employee of the University who requests it. Services available in the surrounding area include assessment; detoxification; residential treatment; group, individual and family counseling; and case management. A complete list of community services is available through the Counseling Center or the Employee Assistance Program. All services of the Counseling Center and the Employee Assistance Program are delivered confidentially. The University encourages all students and employees to seek help immediately when they experience any problem associated with drug or alcohol abuse. The Counseling Center is located on the second floor of 606 University Avenue. The Employee Assistance Program can be contacted at 1-800-252-4555.
- A clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, state, and federal law) and a description of these sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution for violations of the standards of conduct. The Sanctions section of the Code of Student Conduct describes the sanctions applicable to students. With respect to employees, the University takes or initiates appropriate disciplinary action as specified in the Drug-Free Workplace Policy, the Personnel Policies Manual and the Faculty Handbook. The unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs and alcohol by employees on Susquehanna University property, or as any part of Susquehanna's activities, is considered a major act of misconduct and may be determined to warrant a recommendation for immediate dismissal and referral for prosecution. Students and/or employees may be required to complete an appropriate rehabilitation program as a condition of continuing at or returning to the University. The act further requires that the University conduct a biennial review of this policy to: 1) determine its effectiveness and implement any necessary changes and 2) ensure that the disciplinary sanctions described are consistently enforced. Records related to compliance with this act must be maintained for a minimum of three years after the fiscal year in which the record was created.
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