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Issued by: Dr. Preston Herring, VP Student Life
Endorsed By University Forum: March 25, 2009
As an institution of higher learning and a community of persons with a special purpose, Bloomsburg University accepts its obligation to provide its members with an atmosphere which protects and promotes its educational mission and that guarantees its orderly and effective operation. To accomplish these goals, the University must require certain standards of conduct. The University standards of conduct, published as regulations of this Code of Conduct, do not replace or relieve the requirements of civil or criminal law.
A. Academic Integrity- Incidents of plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty as set forth in the Academic Integrity Policy (PRP 3512) violate the Student Code of Conduct and are handled by the appropriate faculty member and/or through the Office of Student Standards.
B. Alcohol – A violation of the University Alcohol Policy (PRP 4810) constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This includes but is not limited to:
Students who are charged with actively planning or organizing a party or event where alcohol is illegally being sold or provided to minors will be charged with a violation of the alcohol policy by the Office of Student Standards. This will initiate a campus judicial hearing. Students found responsible may face sanctions including disciplinary probation, deferred suspension or suspension from the University.
Students who are cited by law enforcement or confronted by university staff for Furnishing alcohol to minors or illegally selling alcohol will be charged with a violation of the alcohol policy by the Office of Student Standards. This will initiate a campus judicial hearing that, if the student is found responsible, will result in a suspension for no less than one semester. Additionally, students whose actions in relationship to possessing or providing alcohol are deemed at risk to the Bloomsburg University community and are subject to interim suspension pending a judicial hearing (in accordance with the provisions in the Student Code of Conduct).
C. Breaking and Entering – Forcibly entering or opening any locked and/or secured facility, university or individually owned or rented property is a violation. This includes entering a residence hall through any door other than the main entrance to the building at any time.
D. Computer and Network Misuse- A violation of the University Computer and Network Policy (PRP 3700) constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This includes but is not limited to misuse, abuse, or other illegal activity related to University computers or networks, using computers/the network to distribute, download or upload obscene or indecent images or language, harass individuals, or to hinder the universal functions of the university network.
E. Controlled Substances/Drugs – A violation of the University Drug Policy (PRP 4905) constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Students cited by law enforcement or confronted by University staff for violations of this policy will face a judicial hearing conducted by the Office of Student Standards. Violations include but are not limited to the use, sale, manufacturing or transfer of controlled substances or similar drugs, distribution or transfer of prescribed medications, drugs, or drug paraphernalia; students whose actions in relationship to possessing or providing controlled substances are deemed at risk to the Bloomsburg University community and are subject to interim suspension pending a judicial hearing in accordance with the provisions in the Code of Student Conduct.
F. Creating Safety Hazards – The misuse of safety equipment or to ignore safety procedures is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This section includes but is not limited to dropping objects from high places, tampering with fire equipment/smoke detectors, exit lights, guard rails, elevators or fire alarms, refusal to obey fire alarms, or initiating false alarms.
G. Disorderly Conduct - No person shall engage in conduct that is disorderly, unnecessarily disturbs others, and/or is disruptive to the normal practices, processes, and functions of the University or the local municipalities.
H. Disruptive Classroom Conduct- Behavior that disrupts the classroom environment is a violation. This includes but is not limited to creating an unsafe or hostile environment, continually undermining the authority of the faculty member, or other behavior that infringes on an orderly learning environment. Issues of classroom management such as cell phone and other electronic device usage during class, tardiness, and negative class participation are to be addressed in the syllabus or by the faculty member. Questions regarding academic- related conduct such as alleged academic injustice or questions of academic integrity should be addressed through the appropriate academic venue, PRP 3592 Academic Grievance Procedure, PRP 3512 Academic Integrity, and other related PRPs.
I. Failure to Comply - Challenging, confronting, or defying instructions or reasonable requests made by University Officials acting in accordance with their duties and responsibilities is a violation. This includes but is not limited to refusal to present identification when asked, noncompliance with university sanctions and/or official behavior contracts, and refusal to respond to a request to report to an administrative office.
J. Firearms/Weapons – A violation of the University Weapons, Firearms and Dangerous Devices Policy (PRP 5240) constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This includes but is not limited to the unauthorized possession, transfer or use of firearms, weapons or other dangerous objects or dangerous substances on university owned or controlled property is prohibited. This policy includes firearms, ammunition, explosives, billy clubs, martial arts weapons, bows and arrows, sabers, swords, daggers, switchblades, knives used primarily for hunting purposes, fireworks, pellet guns, air guns, BB guns, stun guns, tasers, paint ball guns, and dangerous/flammable chemicals/fuels. This policy also prohibits the possession of firearms for individuals who are licensed to carry such items. This policy shall not prohibit persons from possessing, storing, or using weapons at approved locations for the purpose of meeting the requirements of a recognized educational program and/or student groups sponsored by the university. Personal firearms and hunting equipment must be registered and stored in the Bloomsburg University Police Department. The brandishing of any object or item used in a threatening or violent manner, such as a butane lighter, lit tobacco products, baseball bat or other blunt instrument or razor blade that inflicts, or is intended to inflict bodily harm or cause property damage is a violation of this policy.
K. Forgery –Altering or misusing university or individually owned documents, records, identification cards, papers, or any and all forms of electronic media is a violation.
L. Gambling - Any act of illegal gambling including solicitation on campus is prohibited except for those sanctioned by Bloomsburg University and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
M. Harassment/Discrimination/Physical Abuse-
A violation of the University Harassment and Discrimination Policy constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The following statements outline this policy:
N. Hazing - A violation of the University Hazing Policy constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This means that no person shall engage in hazing activities or intimidating practices toward other persons.
O. Laws - Students who are cited/arrested by a law enforcement agency or convicted of a crime in civil or criminal court will be subject to separate charges and to university disciplinary proceedings.
P. Pledging Greek Social Organizations – A violation of the Regulations/Sanctions for Pledging Social Greek Organizations (PRP 4818) constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This includes but is not limited to pledging or joining a social Greek organization without fully complying with all university requirements regarding eligibility is prohibited. Recognized fraternities and sororities may only pledge students who have accumulated at least 12 credit hours, have achieved the required GPA, and have matriculated during either the fall or spring semesters. Students with fewer than 12 credit hours are not permitted to pledge or join any recognized social Greek organization. Students who fail to adhere to this requirement will face a campus judicial hearing and will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include probation, suspension, or expulsion. Executive board officers of Greek organizations that fail to adhere to this requirement will face a campus judicial hearing and will be subject to disciplinary actions, which may include probation, suspension, or expulsion.
Q. Rape- No person shall commit, or attempt to commit, a rape. Rape (date, acquaintance, and stranger) includes all acts of non-consensual sexual intercourse involving any penetration of a bodily cavity with a foreign object, tongue, digit, or genitalia. A rape occurs when imposed under any of the following circumstances:
R. Residence Hall/Apartment Policies - Violations of Residence Hall/Apartment policies may lead to sanctions under the Code of Conduct. For more information, contact a Residence Life staff member or read the “Residence Hall/Apartment Handbook”.
S. Sexual Assault- No person shall engage in or attempt to engage in a sexual assault. Sexual assault is the imposition of non-consensual sexual conduct (excluding rape). It includes but is not limited to caressing, fondling, or touching a person’s genitalia, buttocks, or breasts. It shall also be considered sexual assault when the victim is compelled to caress, fondle, or touch the assailant’s genitalia, buttocks, or breasts.
T. Theft/Stolen Property - Theft, attempted theft, or unauthorized possession of university or individually owned/rented property is prohibited.
U. Vandalism - Any acts of abuse or destruction of university or private property by any means are prohibited.

