Behavioral Expectations
The university may hold you responsible for any conduct that disrupts or impairs the university community in the pursuit of its educational purpose, whether it occurs on or off campus.
You are required to follow all published regulations and procedures of Southern New Hampshire University. Depending upon their severity, violations could be Tier 1 or Tier 2. The following statements define prohibited actions or activities. Each description also indicates whether a violation is at Tier 1 or Tier 2. These tiers are fully described in the sections following the definitions of prohibited behavior. They indicate the maximum likely sanction and serve primarily to determine the disciplinary process to be followed. Tier 1 violations carry possible sanctions such as letters of reprimand, fines, community service or educational activities. Tier 2 violations involve those sanctions but can also range from suspension from residence or another program to suspension or expulsion from the university. Actual sanctions may vary according to the information resulting from an investigation or presented at a hearing.
Alcoholic Beverages - If you are not of legal age, you may not use or possess alcohol. If you are of legal age, you may use alcohol according to published university policy. Public consumption is allowed only in places and at times covered by appropriate licenses. Drinking to become intoxicated and common sources are prohibited . (See “Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and Procedures.”) Depending on the seriousness of the incident, and other behaviors associated with the drinking, violations could be Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Assault or Threat to Assault - Any unprivileged contact is an assault. (Unprivileged contact is any unwanted touching that is not justified by proper cause or need. An example of proper cause is the need of a university official to stop a fight.) The seriousness of an assault increases with the harm or potential to cause harm. No one may assault or threaten another person. Assault is a Tier 2 violation.
Assisting in the Violation of a University Policy - You may never assist anyone in violating any university policy (e.g., hosting someone who has been restricted from residence areas). Tier 1 or Tier 2 violation.
Bicycle, Skates and Skateboards - Always use bicycles, skates and skateboards in a reasonable and safe manner. You may not ride them in any university building. Bicycles used in the academic areas must be parked in the bicycle racks. Do not bring them into any of the classroom, athletic, library or administrative buildings or in the Student Center. They may be stored in out of the way areas of apartments, dormitories and townhouses. Violations will usually be Tier 1. Behavior that presents a serious threat to the safety of others may be regarded as a Tier 2 violation.
Bullying - All acts of Bullying are prohibited. Bullying is defined as treating someone abusively or affecting them by means of coercion of force. Because bullying can take many forms this is either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 offense
Damage to Property - You may never damage or destroy property owned or operated by the university, other students, faculty, administration, staff or guests. Depending upon extent of damage, intent and circumstances, violations could be Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Disorderly Conduct - Any behavior that disturbs individuals or groups without justification is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, boisterous conduct, which is unreasonable in the place or time of its occurrence. While generally a Tier 1 violation, if the incident is serious or if such behavior continues in spite of legitimate requests to cease, such actions could lead to a Tier 2 violation.
Disruptive Activity - You may never interfere with or disrupt normal activity and business of students, faculty, administration, or staff of the university or its buildings and facilities. Any form of expression that materially impedes ordinary operations or invades the rights of others, including public pledging activities, may be restricted or prohibited. Depending upon the severity of the disruption, this type of violation could be Tier 1 or Tier 2. After serious disruptions both bystanders and participants may be charged with jointly engaging in an enterprise that is prohibited by law. Accordingly, you should avoid situations that are potentially disruptive.
Drugs - Using, possessing, or suffering from the effects of any controlled substance, except by legal prescription, is prohibited. Possessing shall include, but not be limited to, concealment or storage in a locker, bag, automobile, room, apartment, or any other place to which you have access while you are on campus or engaged in any university activity. It also includes possession of drug paraphernalia. Selling, bartering, exchanging, or giving controlled substances to persons not lawfully entitled to them is forbidden. (See “Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and Procedures.”) Tier 2 violations.
Electronic Stalking – Using electronic media in a manner that persistently intrudes upon another person is prohibited. Because of the nature of such stalking, it is always a Tier 2 offense and the ordinary sanction is expulsion from the university.
Endangering Acts or Behavior – You may never create or cause a situation where harm to a person, including your self, may result. Examples include - but are not limited to – climbing in and out of windows, door propping, and various types of Health and Safety violations. Depending upon intent and the potential for injury, this is a Tier 2 offence.
Failure to Cooperate - You must cooperate with university officials (resident assistants, resident directors, public safety officers or any staff or faculty member) in the exercise of their duties. This includes participating in investigations and carrying out any sanction that is imposed on you. Tier 1 violation.
Failure to Evacuate – When fire alarms sound, you must evacuate the building immediately. Failure to do so, as expected, and in a timely manner, will be considered a tier I or tier II violation, depending upon severity and circumstances.
False Information - Any student who knowingly withholds information or offers false information, during either an investigation or university disciplinary process/hearing shall be considered to have violated university policy and behavioral expectation. Furnishing false information or using another person’s name is prohibited.
Fire Alarms and Fire Equipment - If you are accused of intentionally pulling or otherwise activating a false alarm, you will be reported to local authorities and you may be suspended from the university, at the conclusion of the appropriate disciplinary procedures. If the individual responsible for a false alarm or for activating a fire safety system cannot be discerned, the floor or area will be held responsible. Liability will include financial charges as well as disciplinary action. You may never tamper with, damage or misuse fire extinguishers or other fire safety equipment. Tier 2 violation. Initiating, causing or contributing to any false reprt, warning or threat of fire explosions or other emergency will be considered a Tier 2 violation.
Fires - You may never start a fire (including bonfires) on university property without authorization from the Office of Public Safety. Damage to property will be prosecuted as arson whenever appropriate. Tier 2 violation.
Flammable Materials and Fireworks - You may not ignite or detonate anything that could cause damage by fire, explosion or similar means to persons or property, nor may you possess anything in the nature of fireworks or explosives on any property owned or operated by the university. Tier 2 violation.
Fraud or Lying - Lying or fraudulent misrepresentation in, or with regard to any transaction with the university, whether oral or written, is prohibited. Depending upon severity, violations could be Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Gambling or Betting - You may not play, or participate in, games of chance, such as poker or online gambling, for money. You may not participate in betting, which includes, but is not limited to, betting on Southern New Hampshire University athletic teams. This will ordinarily be a tier II violation.
Guest Violations - You may not create or allow a situation where your guest violates university policy or guidelines. This will ordinarily be a Tier 2 violation. You may be deemed to be a host with regard to events in your residence, even if you did not register the visitor with the Office of Public Safety. Intoxicated guests will be ordered off campus, but not allowed to drive.
Harassment or Discrimination - The university will not tolerate harassment or discrimination for any reason, including race, gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation or disability. If you feel sexually harassed by another student, you may choose to proceed with allegations using the disciplinary process or the informal guidelines in the university’s policy on sexual harassment. Acts of harassment or discrimination are generally regarded very seriously and would be Tier 2 offenses. If you feel harassed by an employee, you should follow the procedures covered in the section of the handbook entitled “Health and Safety Policies.”
Hazing - All hazing is prohibited. Hazing is any action taken or situation created, whether on or off university premises, which recklessly or intentionally produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule to a member or prospective member of any organization or team. The willingness of another student to participate in such activities is not a consideration. Because hazing can take many forms, it could constitute a Tier 1 or Tier 2 violation. It’s more harassing or violent forms, however, would be Tier 2. Hazing is also a violation of state law. Copies of the law, which became effective July 1, 1993, are available from the vice president for student affairs.
Hindering an Investigation - Actions that block the investigation of any misconduct constitute Tier 2 offenses.
Implied Consent/Complicity - If a student is aware of, or is in the presence of a violation of university policy and he/she remains in the presence of and/or fails to take reasonable actions to stop the violation, the student gives his/her consent to the violation and becomes a party in the violation. A student present when/where one or more violations are occurring also chooses to accept the consequences of being in violation of university policy.
Indecent Exposure - Any inappropriate public exposure, including but not limited to inappropriate urination or defecation. Tier 2 violation.
Misuse of Computer Software - Unauthorized reproduction or use of computer software is prohibited. This could constitute a Tier 1 or Tier 2 offense. See the “Computing Resources” section of this handbook.
Misuse of Electronic Equipment – You may not use computers, fax machines, phones or any other electronic equipment for harassment, criminal mischief, threat, or for any other unlawful purpose – Tier 2 violation.
Misuse of Keys - You may not use or possess a university key without proper authorization. You may never, under any circumstance, have a university key (including your room key) duplicated. Tier 2 violation.
Misuse of Residence - You may not allow the free use of your residence by people who are not assigned there. You are responsible for all violations that occur in your residence through your encouragement or neglect. This may be a Tier 1 or Tier 2 violation depending upon the nature of the incident in your residence.
Misuse of University Documents - Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any university document is forbidden. Tier 2 violation. Unauthorized access to, disclosure of, or use of any university document, record or indentification including, but not limited to, electronic software, data and records will be considered a Tier 2 violation.
Misuse of Telephone - You may not make or assist in making annoying phone calls, or otherwise misuse or abuse telephone equipment at the university. You may never use university phones for personal or long distance calls without proper authorization. Tier 1 violation. Harassment of any individual via the telephone is a Tier 2 violation.
Online Activity - Just as you are responsible for the content of your resume and other public documents, you are ultimately responsible for your online profiles. While you cannot control who sees your online profile completely, you can control how you are depicted online. Keep in mind that you never know how many people have printed or saved your profile or pictures. Pictures “tagged by others” or messages posted on your wall can be used in investigations by the University, local, State, and Federal authorities. The institution does not actively search these online communities for information to incriminate our students, but if the information is presented to a university official, we will investigate any allegations.
Pattern of Misconduct - If during the review of your conduct status, a staff member finds that you have been involved in multiple violations and that your response to disciplinary measures indicates that you are unable or unwilling to adapt to the university’s expectations, your situation may be presented the program director for possible suspension from that program. This would occur in addition to any penalty for the immediate violation. In more serious instances, the Vice President for Student Affairs may review your conduct for possible suspension or expulsion from the university. By definition, a pattern of misconduct presents a Tier 2 situation.
Possession of Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons - The possession or use of firearms or other deadly or dangerous weapons, such as-but not limited to-BB guns, paint pellet guns, slingshots, Ninja stars or other dangerous instruments is prohibited. These items will be confiscated and not returned. Tier 2 violation. On rare occasions, for demonstrated need, the director of public safety may allow such a weapon to be brought to campus for a limited time and a defined purpose. On duty, full time law enforcement officers, while in performance of their duties or attending classes while on duty, are exempt from this requirement.
Sale of Textbooks - You may never sell a textbook that belongs to someone else, without that person’s prior written authorization. (Books that you find must be turned in to the public safety office in Belknap Hall.) Tier 2 violation.
Self-Destructive Behavior - A student’s ability to live in Residence areas requires that they be able to live independently. Students shall take no actions which threaten or endanger their own safety, health or life, nor shall a student make any verbal threat of such action. Self destructive behavior shall include suicide attempts or threats, self-mutilation or threats and refusing treatment for life threatening illnesses or conditions (e.g. eating disorders). Students whose behavior becomes disruptive to the University community shall be considered as not having the ability to live independently.
Sexual Misconduct - Any unprivileged sexual contact is a Sexual Misconduct. These are Tier 2 violations. Please refer to “Policy on Sexual Misconduct” in the chapter “Health and Safety” earlier in this handbook for further information.
Smoking in a Prohibited Area – You are not permitted to smoke inside any university building. Smoking is permitted outdoors, but only at a distance of a minimum 25 feet away from any building. Tier I violation.
Theft or Misappropriation - Any theft, including seizing, receiving, or concealing property with knowledge that it has been stolen, is forbidden. Sale, possession or misappropriation of any property, including Southern New Hampshire University property, without the owner’s permission is prohibited. (Any objects that you find must be turned in to the public safety office in Belknap Hall. You may never sell such property.) Depending upon value of property and other circumstances, violations could be Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Unauthorized or Forced Entry – You may not, by force or otherwise, enter areas to which you are not authorized. To enter the residence room of another student, you must be granted access or invited by a resident of the room. Climbing in and out of windows is also not acceptable. You are also restricted from entering facilities and housekeeping closets, bathrooms designated for the opposite gender, and any other areas that may specifically restrict entry. This will ordinarily be a tier II violation.
University ID Cards - You may not lend a university ID card to anyone, nor fail to present an ID card when requested by a university official. You must carry your ID card whenever you are on campus and outside your residence. Tier 1 violation.
Violence - Intimidation, threats and acts of violence. (i.e. verbal threats, throwing/slamming/breaking things.) Depending upon the circumstances, violations could be Tier 1 or Tier 2.