Bulletin - Student Affairs - Campus Life Policies, Procedures and Requirements

Among the enumerated rights of Oglethorpe students are freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, the presumption of innocence and procedural fairness in the administration of discipline, and access to personal records.

As members of the Oglethorpe community, students are responsible for maintaining high standards of conduct, honesty, and respect for the privacy, feelings and property of all members of the University community. Students are expected to display behavior that promotes welcome and prevents disruption to campus life or the surrounding community. They represent the University off-campus and are expected to act in a law-abiding and mature fashion. Those whose actions show that they have not accepted this responsibility may be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the Code of Student Conduct (Sec. 12.4.).

Student opinions and views play a significant role in institutional decisions affecting their interests and welfare. Students are asked to complete the following: a comprehensive student opinion survey, course assessments and the advising assessment. Students serve on key academic committees such as the Commencement Committee, the Core Curriculum Committee, and as advisors to the Board of Trustees committees.

Particularly important is the role of elected student government representatives in this process. The president along with selected other officers of the student government association meet regularly with the vice president for student affairs to discuss student body concerns.

Oglethorpe University fully supports freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for students. Having the opportunity to assemble peacefully and to discuss issues is essential to the student’s education. However, to prevent bodily harm, to protect property, and to avoid disruption of the educational process, participants in a demonstration must conduct themselves in a responsible manner. The following standards of conduct apply to all campus assemblies, meetings, parties, or other gatherings of students:

• No person may push, strike, physically assault, use an object as a weapon, or threaten any member of the faculty, staff, student body, or any visitor to the University.
• The person(s) mainly responsible for organizing a demonstration must meet with the director of campus safety prior to announcing the event to agree on procedures for maintaining order.
• All other campus policies on conduct, as well as all local, state and federal laws, apply to student demonstrations on the Oglethorpe campus.

Oglethorpe University prohibits hazing of any kind, including hazing of a student as a requirement for membership or participation in any student organization, athletic team, Greek chapter, colony, club or group. Hazing is not consistent with the mission of the University and is in opposition to the founding principles of all organizations. The University will protect the members of the community from hazing and uphold all federal and state laws that regulate or prohibit these behaviors. Violations will be brought to the student conduct process and local law enforcement.

Hazing activities are defined as:

An action taken or situation created intentionally by an individual or group, whether on- or off-campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule in another person or group, regardless of the consent of the participants. Any act that interferes with regularly scheduled classes or academic pursuits of a student may also be defined as hazing. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
• Inappropriate touching and paddling in any form.
• Creation of excess fatigue.
• Physical and psychological shocks.
• Engaging in disruptive behavior.
• Morally degrading or humiliating games, online posts and activities.
• Abusive, harassing or degrading language.
• Forced servitude.
• Excessive consumption of food or drink or limitation of food or drink.
• Removing, damaging, destroying or altering property
• Other activities that are not consistent with academic achievement, ritual or policy, the regulations or policies of the University or applicable state law.

Complaints or information concerning an alleged violation of the hazing policy should be reported to the office of student rights and responsibilities. Designated staff will investigate all complaints and take appropriate action upon confirmation of a violation.

The security arm at the Peachtree Road entrance is in operation between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily, unless directed otherwise by the director of campus safety. The gate will be down and operating during this period and on certain holidays.

If a vehicle has a valid parking tag, and an occupant has a valid Petrel Pass, the vehicle will be freely admitted onto campus.

Between 9:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., if a vehicle has no permit or if the permit is out of date then the vehicle may not be allowed onto campus unless the following are accomplished:

• Occupants of any vehicle unaccompanied by a student or staff member must show a valid photo ID or Petrel Pass. The name, license number and state, time and a reason for the visit will be recorded in the vehicle registration log. In addition, campus safety must be able to contact the student who is hosting the visitor to verify that the guest is welcome. If confirmation is not made after two attempts, the guest will be informed and visitation denied.
• If a student is in the vehicle, they can confirm the occupants are invited guests. Students must sign-in their guests on the registration log along with their name (printed clearly), residence hall room, phone number and time.

Oglethorpe aspires to be a tobacco-free campus. Use of tobacco, vaping and smoking are prohibited in all campus buildings, including classrooms, offices, meeting rooms, lounge areas, rest rooms, corridors, stairwells, the library, all residence halls (including the Traer courtyard), the field house, Greek housing, the student center and any other interior spaces in buildings. Smoking, vaping and tobacco use are only permitted in designated areas.  More information is online at https://oglethorpe.edu/life/support/wellness/health-services/tobacco-policy/.

Students are not permitted to enter the electrical service rooms, boiler rooms, maintenance closets and air conditioning tower or to be on roofs of campus buildings.

The University expects students to maintain a neat appearance when attending class or campus events. Shoes and appropriate clothing are to be worn in all buildings and residence hall common areas.

12.2.10.1.

Oglethorpe requires students to comply with federal, state and local laws concerning the possession and use of alcoholic beverages and drugs. The consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 and the furnishing of alcohol to an individual under 21 are violations of state law. The possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs or substances used for illicit purposes on campus will be subject to disciplinary action by the University. They may also constitute a violation of law that can result in fines or imprisonment by federal, state or local authorities.

Possible sanctions for public consumption and/or possession of an alcoholic beverage by persons under 21 and the furnishing of alcohol to persons under 21 include, but are not limited to:

• First violation:
  • Formal reprimand/warning.
  • Educational alcohol program.
  • Fine up to $60 or restitution hours up to six.
• Second violation:
  • Disciplinary probation for one year or two semesters.
  • Parental/guardian notification.
  • Educational alcohol program with reflection and counseling.
  • Fine up to $120 or restitution hours up to sixteen
• Third violation:
  • Suspension for at least one semester beyond incident.
  • Parental/guardian notification.
  • Referral to alcohol assessment and rehabilitation.

12.2.10.2.

Possession, use, or distribution of drugs may result in immediate suspension or expulsion from the University and notification of the Brookhaven Police Department. Possible sanctions for use and/or possession of drugs and/or paraphernalia are:

• First violation:
  • Sanctions may range from disciplinary probation until graduation to separation from the University.
  • Potential parental/guardian notification.
  • Educational drug program with reflection.
  • Fine up to $120 or restitution hours up to sixteen.
  • Possible suspension.
• Second violation:
  • Sanctions may include suspension for two semesters after incident.
  • Potential parental/guardian notification.
  • Referral to drug assessment and counseling.

12.2.10.3.

The use of alcoholic beverages on campus by students of legal age is permitted only in the privacy of their living quarters or at events or in locations specifically authorized. If all members of a room or suite are under the legal drinking age, no alcohol can be present in the common areas at any time. Residents cannot host open invitation or large private parties with alcoholic beverages. This policy specifically prohibits large quantities of alcohol and beer kegs on campus. Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not permitted outdoors in public areas of the residence halls or elsewhere in campus buildings or on campus grounds, except where specifically authorized. Public areas include lounges, lobbies, study rooms, hallways, laundry/utility rooms and all courtyards, patios, grounds, sidewalks and parking lots. Possible sanctions for violating this policy include, but are not limited to:

• First violation:
  • Verbal warning.
  • Fine up to $60 or restitution hours up to six.
• Second violation:
  • Formal reprimand/warning.
  • Required participation in alcohol educational program.
  • Fine up to $120 or restitution hours up to sixteen.
• Third violation:
  • Disciplinary probation for one year or two semesters.
  • Parental/guardian notification.
  • Fine up to $240 or restitution hours up to thirty-two.
  • Possible suspension for one semester.
• Fourth violation:
  • Suspension for at least one full semester after incident.
  • Parental/guardian notification.
  • Referral to alcohol assessment, counseling and/or rehabilitation.

12.2.10.4.

University guidelines that apply whenever alcoholic beverages are available at off-campus functions sponsored by student organizations include the following: the alcohol, which is available to those of legal drinking age who wish to drink, is provided only by or through the management of the establishment rented for the function, served only by licensed bartenders and sold at a reasonable price; alternative non-alcoholic beverages must be available in adequate supply; food or snacks should be served; a reasonable time limit to end the party should be set; sober and safe transportation should be provided to avoid anyone driving while intoxicated; any other effort or provision should be made by the host organization to control the function, encourage responsible conduct and monitor problems of intoxication to better ensure a safe, enjoyable party. Valid complaints of disruptive or unruly behavior, personal injury or damage to property arising from the use of alcohol may subject the organization and the individuals involved to disciplinary action. Possible sanctions for violating this policy include, but are not limited to:

• First violation:
  • Fine up to $120.
  • Loss of organization’s ability to host functions with alcohol for one full semester.
• Second violation:
  • Fine up to $240 or restitution hours up to thirty-two.
  • Loss of organization’s ability to host functions for a prescribed period of time.
• Third violation:
  • Suspension of organization. Re-instatement of organization cannot be considered for at least one full semester beyond the incident.

12.2.10.5.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs on campus is a severe disciplinary matter. Students found driving under the influence may be suspended from the University for one or more semesters after the incident. At minimum, such students may have their driving privileges suspended on campus, and local police may be called to investigate alleged cases of driving under the influence. Campus safety reserves the right to question individuals driving on campus when there is cause to believe the driver to be under the influence. Campus safety has the right to ask those drivers entering campus to park their cars and walk if there is cause to believe that they are under the influence. Possible sanctions for violating this policy include, but are not limited to:

• First violation:
  • Involvement of Brookhaven Police.
  • Disciplinary probation until graduation or separation from the University.
  • Parental/guardian notification.
  • Educational alcohol counseling.
  • Fine up to $240 or restitution hours up to thirty-two.
  • Permanent loss of driving privileges until graduation or separation.
  • Possible suspension for at least one full regular (fall or spring) semester after incident.
• Second violation:
  • Suspension for at least one full regular (fall or spring) semester after incident.
  • Parental/guardian notification.
  • Referral to alcohol assessment and rehabilitation.

12.2.10.6.

Paraphernalia, equipment and other devices designed to increase the rate of consumption or intake of alcohol or illegal drugs such as bongs, funnels and kegs are prohibited from campus. Hookahs and other like devices designed for smoking tobacco are also prohibited. Possible sanctions for violating this policy include, but are not limited to:

• First violation:
  • Formal reprimand/warning.
  • Fine up to $120 or restitution hours up to sixteen.
  • Drug paraphernalia: please see first violation for marijuana (Sec. 12.2.10.1.).
• Second violation:
  • Disciplinary probation for two semesters.
  • Parental/guardian notification.
  • Fine up to $240 or restitution hours up to thirty-two.
  • Educational alcohol/drug counseling.
  • Possible suspension.
• Third violation:
  • Suspension at least one full semester beyond semester of incident.
  • Parental/guardian notification.
  • Referral to alcohol/drug assessment and counseling.

In addition to these policies, the University expects fraternities and sororities to follow the alcohol risk management policies outlined by their chapters and national offices.

It is in the best interest of students’ welfare that persons who have alcohol or other drug-related emergencies be brought to the attention of medical personnel.  Furthermore, Oglethorpe University recognizes that the potential for disciplinary action for these and other incidents may act as a barrier to students who would otherwise seek assistance themselves or for other students.  It is for these reasons that the University maintains medical amnesty and Good Samaritan protocols.  In these incidents, the primary concern is the well-being, health, and safety of students.

12.2.11.1. Medical Amnesty Protocol

Under this policy, students seeking medical assistance for themselves during an alcohol or other drug-related emergency will not face formal disciplinary action by the office of student rights and responsibilities for the mere possession or use of alcohol or drugs. The sole reason for the student’s intoxication being discovered by University personnel must be due to medical care being sought by the affected student. Additionally, student(s) or a student organization seeking medical assistance for another person during an alcohol or other drug-related emergency will not face formal conduct action for the mere possession or use of alcohol or drugs. Medical amnesty applies only to alcohol or other drug-related medical emergencies and students who seek medical amnesty may be held responsible for violating other policies, including but not limited to assault, property damage, or distribution of illicit substances.  In cases where an individual or organization fails to seek emergency medical assistance when risk of harm is clearly indicated, formal disciplinary action may be taken against the individual(s) and/or organization.

In order to qualify for medical amnesty, the student must seek medical attention at the time of the incident and must meet with a representative from the office of student rights and responsibilities within 5 days of the incident and agree to comply with the conditions set forth by the representative. Students and organizations that assist those in need may also have to meet certain conditions for medical amnesty. If these conditions are met, there will be no conduct case and the incident will not become part of the student’s or organizational disciplinary record. If the student or student organization does not follow these stipulations, and/or the qualifications for medical amnesty are considered not met, the student or student organization may be subject to the conduct process as outlined in the code of student conduct.  It is the expectation of the office of student rights and responsibilities that a student may qualify for the medical amnesty policy once; it is an opportunity for a student to learn from the incident and avoid such concerning behavior in the future. Therefore, after the first incident, the availability of medical amnesty to the student is at the discretion of the office of student rights and responsibilities. Students and student organizations that help others seek medical assistance are not limited to one use of the medical amnesty policy, as they should always feel empowered to help those in need.

It is important to be aware that Oglethorpe University enforces federal, state and local laws prohibiting the possession and use of alcoholic beverages and drugs.  Medical amnesty applies only to the Oglethorpe University code of student conduct and does not in any way prohibit law enforcement personnel from enforcing federal, state, or local laws.

Students who receive medical amnesty because they sought help for themselves or others may be required to complete educational activities related to health and wellbeing.

12.2.11.2. Good Samaritan Protocol

The University recognizes that there may be other situations, outside of those involving alcohol and drugs, which may pose a threat to the well-being, safety, or health of students. In those instances, any student and/or student organization seeking help from University personnel due to concerns of safety or health may be excused from code of student conduct charges related to violations discovered as a result of seeking help. University personnel includes, but is not limited to, student staff members who are formally responsible for monitoring assigned areas of campus.

In order to qualify for the Good Samaritan protocol, the student or student organization must seek help at the time of the incident and must meet with a representative from the office of student rights and responsibilities within 5 days of the incident and agree to comply with the conditions set forth by the representative. Students and student organizations that assist those in need may also have to meet certain conditions for this protocol. If these conditions are met, there will be no code of student conduct case and the incident will not become part of the student’s or student organization’s disciplinary record. If the student or student organization does not follow the stipulations an/or the qualifications for Good Samaritan are considered not met, the student or student organization may be subject to the conduct process as outlined in the code of student conduct.

The Good Samaritan protocol applies only to the Oglethorpe University code of student conduct and does not in any way prohibit law enforcement personnel from enforcing federal, state, or local laws.

Students who qualify for the Good Samaritan protocol may be required to complete educational activities related to health and wellbeing.