University Policies

Academic Honesty
It is up to each instructor to determine the criteria by which students will be graded. Both knowledge of class material and the quality of work submitted by the student may be factors in grading a course as the instructor thinks appropriate.  To facilitate the success of all students, specific criteria for assignments or grades, as well as the number of graded assignments and the weight attached to each, should be clearly explained in the syllabus and may be supplemented by explanations in other course materials.  Instructors should also inform students of any class attendance and participation policies that will affect their final grade.  Faculty may provide work for extra credit but are under no obligation to do so.
 
Since Jacksonville University students are expected to adhere to the highest standard of academic honesty, grades for courses may also be affected by academic misconduct. To underscore the importance of truth, honesty, and accountability, students and instructors should adhere to the following standard: I do not lie, cheat, or steal nor do I condone the actions of those who do.

Academic misconduct is defined as follows:
Any form of cheating, including concealed notes during exams, copying or allowing others to copy from an exam, students substituting for one another in exams, submission of another person’s work for evaluation, preparing work for another person’s submission, unauthorized collaboration on an assignment, submission of the same or substantially similar work for two courses without the permission of the professors. Plagiarism is a form of Academic Misconduct that involves taking words, ideas or any other material from a source, either verbatim or in paraphrase, without acknowledging the original author through proper citation(s). Cutting and pasting from any source including the Internet, as well as purchasing papers, are forms of plagiarism. (Warshauer, M., 2002.)*
* Matthew Warshauer, History Department, Central Connecticut State University, Academic Misconduct/Plagiarism Questionnaire; http://www.history.ccsu.edu/
Such conduct may be subject to disciplinary action including:
· Penalizing a student’s grade on the assignment or examination in question
· Assigning a failing course grade
· Dismissal from the University (in cases of especially egregious or repeated offenses).

The faculty regards all incidents of academic misconduct as major offenses which merit disciplinary action. Faculty members will handle each case of academic misconduct in accordance with their own course policy. In the spirit of academic freedom, no further action is required from the instructor following the action taken in response to the incident of academic misconduct if the student agrees to the penalty. However, it is strongly recommended that faculty members report all incidents of academic misconduct to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, with notification to the division chair and appropriate college dean, in order to identify students who commit additional future incidents of academic misconduct. In addition, the instructor may recommend to the to the appropriate Division Chair, or College Dean if the department or academic unit in which the course is taught is not part of a division, further sanctions against the student deemed appropriate for the level of academic misconduct. These sanctions may include academic probation, suspension or expulsion. If the sanctions recommended by the instructor are not approved, the instructor may appeal the decision of the Chair/Dean to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. If there is still disagreement, the instructor may refer the decision of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs back to the Chair/Dean of the Academic Unit from which the appeal originated. The Chair/Dean shall then form a five-person appeal committee along the same guidelines used for the formation of a committee to hear a student appeal (see below).

Standard Procedure for Appeals of Grades and Sanctions
It is understood that students may have questions about their grades. Most can easily be answered through conference with the instructor.  In the event that a student feels he/she has been treated unfairly, or that an instructor has deviated from his/her prescribed formula for grading in an arbitrary or unwarrantedly punitive manner, the student may appeal the grade. 

The following timetable and grade appeal process shall be used whenever the student disagrees with a grade assigned, for academic misconduct or any other reason.

1)  Appeals cannot normally be made unless a student has first discussed his/her concerns with the instructor. This conference should take place within three business days of the student being notified of the grade assigned, unless unforeseen and extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control warrant an extension. The student must be able to document such extenuating circumstances if requested by the instructor. If the grade assigned was for an assignment due the last week of the semester or on a final examination, the student and instructor must meet to confer no later than three business days after the beginning of the following semester.
2) If the concerns remain unresolved after the conference with the instructor, the student must inform the instructor in writing within two business days of the conference that he/she is dissatisfied with the results of the conference. The student may then appeal the instructor’s decision to the appropriate Division Chair, or College Dean if the department or academic in which the course is taught is not part of a division. In the case that the grade in question was assigned by an adjunct member of the faculty, the appeal must also be made directly to the appropriate Division Chair or College Dean. An appeal must be formally submitted in writing, clearly stating and documenting the evidence for unfair, arbitrary or unwarranted treatment and must be submitted within ten business days of the student’s written notification to the instructor that the issue remains unresolved. The Division Chair/College Dean shall confer with both the student and the concerned faculty member (or adjunct, if available) together within five business days of receiving the written appeal.  The concerned faculty member (or adjunct, if he/she so desires) may at this time submit a formal written response to the student’s appeal. 
3) If the student’s concern is still unresolved after the conference with the Chair/Dean and faculty member, or if the instructor (or adjunct, if available) disagrees with the decision of the Chair/Dean, the Chair/Dean shall within five business days form a committee of five faculty members, four from within the Division/College to review the work in question and one from the Committee on Academic Standards, who comes from outside the Division/College, to insure that both the student and faculty member are fairly treated.  Within ten business days the committee must review the case and issue its final recommendation.  The committee may either recommend the grade remain unchanged from the instructor’s decision or recommend the grade be changed to a value the committee deems appropriate for the case. If the case involves academic misconduct, the committee at that time may also recommend probation or suspension of the student, or dismissal from the University based upon compelling evidence of serious academic misconduct. In cases where the committee rules that the student should receive a penalty resulting in a grade of “F” for a course, the student may not withdraw or be withdrawn from the course at any time.
4) The committee’s recommendation then must be issued to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Division Chair/College Dean, the instructor and the student in writing along with an explanation of the rationale for the recommendation. It is the responsibility of the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs to see that the recommendation is carried out. If a semester/term ends without the process reaching a final resolution, the process should continue at the beginning of the next semester at the point that was reached at the conclusion of the previous semester. In this case, the grade assigned for the course will be recorded as “NG” (no grade) on the student’s official transcript, without prejudice, until the case is resolved.
5) If the Division or College does not follow the procedures outlined above then the student or instructor may appeal directly to the Senior Vice-President for Academic Affairs.  This appeal must be submitted in writing and must clearly demonstrate how the procedures contained in this Grade Appeal Process were violated.  The Vice-President for Academic Affairs is to determine whether proper procedures have been followed.  In the event they have not been followed, any recommendation or decision may be declared null and void and sent back to the Division or College for reexamination. The final disposition of the case must be reported to both the instructor and the student prior to the issuance of the grade.  

Addresses
All students, whether living on campus or off campus, must ensure their correct local and permanent addresses are on file in the Registrar’s Office.  Changes of address must be reported to the Registrar immediately.

Assembly
Students and organizations shall be free to examine and to discuss questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately.  Students shall be free to support, by orderly means, causes which do not disrupt the regular and essential operation of the institution as outlined in the Student Handbook.  It is understood that in their public expressions or demonstrations, students or student organizations speak only for themselves and do not represent the views of the University.

Recognized student organizations shall be allowed to invite and to hear speakers of their own choosing in a closed meeting of the organization, but must take precautions to insure that invited speakers conduct themselves with decorum and do not advocate positions which are destructive to the mission and vision of the University as stated in the University catalog.

Sponsorship of guest speakers does not imply approval or endorsement, either by the sponsoring group or by the institution.  Student organizations shall be responsible for the orderly scheduling of facilities and for conducting the occasion in a manner appropriate to the academic community and good civil order.  If contracts with the University are required for speakers or guests, they must be signed by the Dean of Students, Vice President for Student Life or Vice President for Financial Affairs of the University.

Comments and Complaint Procedures
The university and its staff strive to improve student services and welcome input regarding our policies and procedures. All student concerns or complaints should be written and directed to the appropriate division or departmental office. If said response does not adequately address a student’s concerns, the complainant is encouraged to contact the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (Howard Building, 3rd floor, 256-7030) for academic concerns and the Office of the Vice President for Student Life (Davis Student Commons, 3rd floor, 256-7067) for all other concerns.

All written complaints/concerns should be accompanied by relevant documentation. The Vice President will review the situation with the appropriate area and will either respond personally to the complaint, or direct the appropriate member of the institution to do so within 10 days of receipt of the written complaint.  Please note: Due to Federal regulations the University generally only corresponds with students, not parents or guardians.

Controlled Substances
Alcoholic Beverages Policy
The University’s alcoholic beverage policy is administered by the Dean of Students, and enforced by Public Safety and Residential Life.  All inquiries regarding the policy should be directed to the Dean of Students or the Director of Public Safety.

The University complies with all local, state and federal laws/regulations regarding the possession, consumption, dispensing, and sale of alcoholic beverages.  This University policy will be modified to conform to local, state and federal laws/regulations at such time that such laws/regulations change.  Additionally, the University has put into place numerous regulations, which promote safe and responsible use of alcoholic beverages on campus.

Any campus department or organization that desires to dispense, serve, or sell alcoholic beverages at an on-campus event must make such a request in writing to the Dean of Students at least one month prior to the event.  The Dean of Students and Director of Public Safety will review such requests, and approve them, deny them, or approve them with certain stipulations.  Stipulations may include, but are not limited to: 1) a requirement that the department/organization contact and hire approved security officers for the event; 2) a requirement that all attendees be issued wristbands; etc.  Student organizations are typically only permitted to have alcohol at an event at which the majority of attendees are of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages.  The department/organization must designate an individual as the primary host for the event, who, in the name of the department/organization, assumes overall responsibility for the event and for ensuring that attendees abide by the applicable laws/regulations and University regulations covering alcoholic beverages, and by all other University policies.

During an event, alcoholic beverages must be contained within the area where the event is taking place. Persons may not enter or leave an event with alcoholic beverages in their possession.  Public intoxication and/or disorderly conduct are prohibited and will subject the offender to immediate removal from University property.

Florida law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages by persons who do not have the appropriate license to sell such beverages. Under no circumstances will the sale of alcohol be permitted unless the appropriate license has been obtained.   University policy does not allow the delivery or sale of alcoholic beverages by non-University agents to individuals or groups on University property, unless special permission for the event has been given by the Dean of Students.

The possession and use of alcoholic beverages in the University residential facilities for students is detailed below:

Residence Halls and Village Apartments Policy on Alcoholic Beverages
1. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in public areas of residential communities, including, but not limited to, hallways, breezeways, lobbies, stairwells, elevators, balconies, or public areas adjacent to a residential facility.
2. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in moderation by students who are at least 21 years of age is permitted in individual rooms.
3. Possessing, storing, dispensing, or consuming alcoholic beverages in the presence of anyone who is under the age of 21 is prohibited.
4. Students of legal drinking age may not permit students under the age of 21 to possess, store or consume alcoholic beverages in the legal students’ rooms.
5. Students under the age of 21 may not be in the presence of alcoholic beverages, except at authorized University functions.
6. Kegs are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments.  Kegs and associated paraphernalia will be confiscated—and not returned to—students.
7. “Drinking games” and other activities which promote excessive consumption are prohibited, and any paraphernalia associated with such activities, including but not limited to beer pong tables and beer funnels, will be confiscated—and not returned to—students. Sheets of plywood and rectangular tables decorated in such a way as to indicate a beer pong playing surface will be confiscated.
8. Non-residents may not bring alcoholic beverages into the residence halls or Village Apartments.
9. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Village Apartments balconies.
10. When underage students and alcoholic beverages are present at a gathering, all student attendees will be held responsible for violations of the alcohol policy.  All alcoholic beverages will be confiscated and not returned to students.
11. Those of legal age may possess only reasonable quantities of alcohol for their personal use in their rooms. Students may not possess large quantities (greater than one 6-pack per person) of beer or its equivalent on university-owned property.
12. Students of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages should dispose of all alcoholic beverage containers promptly and appropriately.  Alcoholic beverage containers should not be stored, displayed or collected for any reason.  Promotional signs or posters for alcoholic beverages may not be displayed in windows, external doors, or balconies.
13. When underage students and alcoholic beverages are present at a gathering, all alcoholic beverages will be confiscated and not returned to students.

Drugs – Other
In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the University has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on University premises or as a part of any University activity.  It is unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use a controlled substance or drug on University property, and violations are punishable by probation, suspension, dismissal, and/or criminal proceedings.

The possession, use, manufacture, distribution or sale of illegal drugs is considered a serious offense and may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or dismissal.  Drug offenses may also be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.  The University may utilize drug testing as a disciplinary sanction, or as required by an organization of which it is a member or if testing is necessary or required for safety, liability or other reasons.

Directory Information
Jacksonville University publishes, in various forms, directory information such as a student’s identification photograph, name, address, telephone number, date of birth, place of birth, whether enrolled part-time or full-time, class, major, dates of attendance, degrees conferred, awards received, educational institutions attended, participation in officially recognized activities or athletic teams and weights and heights of athletic team members. In addition, grades also are considered “directory information” with regard to determining honor rolls, Dean’s lists, President’s lists, and graduation honors, all of which may be published. Transcripts of students’ academic records or student grade point averages may be released to the faculty advisers of officially recognized campus honor societies upon written request unless the student has filed an objection with the Registrar’s Office. Only faculty members and appropriate administrators have access rights to student records.

Students who do not wish to have such information released must notify the Registrar’s Office during the first two weeks of the academic year. The Registrar’s Office provides a form for the convenience of students who do not wish to have information released. These requests must be filed annually with the Registrar’s Office in the fall term or first term enrolled during a given academic year.

JU’s policy permits the release of information from a student’s educational record without written consent to University faculty, staff, and administration who are responsible for working with such records in registration, counseling, teaching, financial aid, tuition and fee payment, internship and other activity directly related to their official responsibilities on a “need to know” basis.

Disability Related Information
Jacksonville University provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities who need such assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Disability categories can include, but are not limited to, visual, physical, hearing, speech impairments, learning disabilities, and other impairments such as cardiovascular and circulatory conditions, psychological disorders, blood serum illnesses, diabetes, and epilepsy.
A student with a visible or non-visible disability who requests “reasonable accommodation” to his or her condition should provide medical and/or psychological documentation of the disability to the Student Life Office. It is preferable and recommended that documentation be provided immediately after acceptance to the University. Notice of a disability, but not the medical documentation, may be provided by the Student Life Office to any administrator, dean, and/or professor on a need-to-know basis, but only after consultation with the student.

Specialized services are provided through the Student Life Office. Students must request “reasonable accommodations” in a timely manner so that faculty can plan for those accommodations. Students with disabilities are also responsible for maintaining the same academic levels as other students attending class, maintaining appropriate behavior, and providing timely notification of any special needs.

Services provided may include: special arrangements when needed (change of rooms, referrals to tutors), letters of classroom accommodation based on medical recommendations and student suggestions and experience, and individual counseling or referral for counseling. Recommendations for “reasonable accommodations” in the classroom may include priority seating, change of classroom, tape recording of lectures, extra time for tests/quizzes, alternative test formats, etc. Students who wish to be tested or reevaluated may arrange for testing through the Student Life Office at the student’s expense. Faculty who wish to refer students for testing also should contact the Student Life Office.

Facility Usage
Students and recognized student organizations must utilize the OrgSync system located here in order to reserve on-campus facilities and register events (on or off-campus).  Final approval of the event will come from the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.  Organizations are urged to plan their events and submit their requests as far in advance as possible.
When planning your event, please keep the following in mind:
1. Recognized student organizations may reserve any available multipurpose University facility.
2. Use of residence hall lobbies is coordinated by the Residential Life Office. Events sponsored by residents and residence hall organizations are given priority.
3. Swisher Gymnasium may be reserved for events that require a facility of this size. Due to the high demand for this facility, requests should be made as early as possible.

Harassment or Discrimination
Jacksonville University strives to establish and maintain a work and academic environment in which the dignity and worth of all members of the University community are respected; an environment which is characterized by equal employment, opportunity, academic freedom (freedom of inquiry and expression) and the absence of harassment and intimidation. If a student feels he/she has been harassed or discriminated against, he/she should report the situation immediately.  Student-to-student harassment should be reported to the Dean of Students.  Harassment or discrimination by a University employee or faculty member should be reported to the Human Resources.   The Student Life Office can serve as an advocate for a student reporting a complaint of harassment or discrimination.

Hazing
Hazing is defined as any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating under sanction of the University; any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating or branding; forced calisthenics; exposure to the elements; forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual. And also including any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual. Any activity; either on or off campus, such as these will be presumed to be a forced activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such an activity notwithstanding.

Identification of Students
The official student identification card of Jacksonville University is the JU Dolphin Card. The card also serves as a multi-function debit card for University-related expenses and as a meal card. Misuse of the JU Dolphin Card is considered a serious offense and will be handled as such. Students are required to carry the JU Dolphin Card and other supporting proof of identity at all times, and to present identification immediately upon the request of a University official, Community Advisor or a local, county or state law enforcement agent. Students are required to surrender their JU Dolphin Card upon withdrawal from the University.

Immunizations and Medical Information
The University assumes no responsibility for student illnesses or accidents occurring either on campus or off campus.  Therefore, the University strongly encourages students to obtain and maintain health, major medical, and accident insurance coverage through either a personal or family policy. Please note that in certain instances, HMO coverage may not be sufficient or accepted by local health and medical providers. For students who do not qualify for coverage under a private policy, JU offers coverage through a school-sponsored plan.
JU requires that full-time traditional undergraduate students who do not have hospital/medical insurance coverage participate in this plan. International students are also required to participate in the plan and those attending JU for the first time, pay the first year premium in advance with their tuition and fees.
Twelve-month coverage extends from the reporting date August 1, 2012, to July 31, 2013. Insurance coverage will be billed on a yearly basis through graduation. Any student who maintains private coverage is required to provide a waiver and proof of insurance to the Controller’s Office. 
Jacksonville University requires that all new accepted Traditional Undergraduate students complete and return to the Office of Admission the University’s Medical and Immunization Form as part of the application process. The immunization portion of the form, if applicable, must be completed and signed by a licensed physician or an appropriate health care provider. Documentation is required to certify that a student’s immunizations include measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, tetanus, and diphtheria. Students living on campus are required to show documentation of a meningitis vaccination or sign a waiver declining the vaccination. Students born before 1957 are considered immune to measles. If these forms are not submitted, a registration Hold will be placed to prevent registration for the student’s second term at Jacksonville University.

Information Technology
Jacksonville University provides students with computer access in classrooms, open labs and the CyberCafe. All computers on campus have direct access to the Internet. In addition, all residential facilities have network connections that provide direct Internet access for students who possess computers. In total, JU provides access to its network, computers and services on over 5,000 network nodes.
For any network or shared resource to continue to function, all users must show a level of mutual respect. For this reason, JU has an acceptable use policy for its computing environment. In general, policies are set to maximize the resources available to all users. Security for the systems and network, and the people who use them, is an overriding consideration. It is a violation of Jacksonville University’s Acceptable Use policies for computers connected to the JU network to make available for download any copyrighted material.  This includes software and music files (commonly called MP3s).  Users running BitTorrent, Ares, Gnutella, etc. should be aware that these services do not block copyrighted material from being exchanged.  It is possible that you are in violation of federal copyright laws if you have material from these services on your computer and make it available to others.  JU will cooperate fully with the authorities to stop this exchange and to prosecute those who are doing it.
Common sense and courtesy covers system use policies and practices for the most part. Use of JU systems is a privilege, not a right. It is each user’s responsibility to know and understand the current acceptable use policies. The policies can be found at http://it.ju.edu/.  Failure to comply with these policies may result in suspension of certain services, the suspension of your JU account(s) and possible disciplinary action.

Non-Discrimination
Jacksonville University is an equal opportunity institution in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  JU’s policy is to recruit, retain, and promote qualified students, faculty, and staff regardless of a person’s race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a disabled veteran.  Inquiries or information requests should be directed to the Director of Human Resources (non-students) or to the Student Life Office (students).

Posting Policy
Jacksonville University offers posting areas throughout campus and in most buildings (see below). All members of the community are expected to follow these guidelines.
Prior to posting, all original pieces must be approved by the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership located on the 3rd floor of the Student Commons (please bring original prior to copying).  Recognized student clubs and organizations, as well as university departments have priority space when posting.  Individual faculty, staff, students and off-campus groups may also post upon approval from the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.
Posting is permitted on the various bulletin boards located in the following buildings:  Student Commons, Founders, Post Office, Howard and Kinne Student Center. Posting is also permitted on the free-standing bulletin boards throughout campus.  No flyers, posters or banners should be posted on vehicles, trashcans, sidewalks, lampposts, signs, buildings, vending machines, trees, painted surfaces, glass entry areas and exit doors, windows, etc.
1. The content of posted items must be consistent with University policy and support the academic mission of the institution.
2. Posting is limited to one flyer per event per bulletin board (all others will be removed). Do not cover other flyers and keep flyer/poster sizes to a minimum as to share the board space.
3. All materials posted must clearly display date, time and location of the event, as well as contact information.
4. The use of sidewalk chalk is prohibited unless prior permission has been given from the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.
All violations of this policy by students and/or student organizations will be referred to the Office Student Involvement and Leadership and/or the Division of Student Life for disciplinary action. All departmental violations will be handled through the University administration.

Sales and Solicitations
University policy prohibits individuals or organizations from soliciting contributions from the general public for University-related purposes without prior written approval from the Student Life Office. University mailing lists, e.g., Board of Trustees, University Council, faculty, alumni, students or parents, may not be used to promote the sale of tickets, advertisements or merchandise of any kind without prior written approval from the Dean of Students.

Search and Seizure Policy
For information regarding searches of student rooms in the residence halls and apartments, see the “Residential Life” section of this handbook.
Students are reminded that the Jacksonville University campus is the private property of the University.  When a designee of the Student Life Office, including Campus Security Officers and Residential Life Staff members, reasonably suspects that suspect items are contained among a student’s possessions, the student shall be required to make such possessions (including but not limited to backpacks, locked containers, motor vehicles, etc.) accessible.  If a student refuses to give access to his/her possessions, the suspect items may be confiscated for investigation, and used in any disciplinary proceedings.  Furthermore, any student who refuses to give such access to his/her possessions may also be immediately banned from University property.
Sexual Assault/Sexual Misconduct Policy
Sexual assault is a serious crime that has major consequences for the victims and the campus community. It is the intent of the University to create and maintain an environment in which all members are treated with respect and human dignity. Therefore, Jacksonville University will not tolerate sexual assault in any form. The Code of Student Conduct prohibits sexual assault in any form. The University may pursue disciplinary action if there is cause to believe its regulations have been violated, whether or not civil or criminal charges are also being pursued.

Jacksonville University encourages the reporting of incidents which constitute a violation of law to the police or other appropriate authority. However, the University recognizes that victims have the right to choose whether or not they wish to report such an incident to the authorities. The University remains committed to empowering victims of sexual assault by taking steps to keep their identity confidential and encouraging them to exercise a choice of action. University support services are available regardless of whether or not the victim chooses to report the incident to the authorities. A victim of sexual assault or perceived sexual misconduct is strongly encouraged to report the incident to a member of the Student Life Office staff (256-7067), the Student Counseling Center (256-7180), or the Public Safety Office (256-7585).

Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures
Jacksonville University will not tolerate and will seek to eradicate any behavior by its employees and students which constitutes Sexual Abuse. “Sexual Abuse” means any actual or attempted criminal sexual conduct of a person by another person, or persons acting in concert, regardless if criminal charges or proceedings are brought, which causes physical and/or mental injuries.  Sexual Abuse does not include “Sexual Harassment”.

It is the express policy of Jacksonville University to encourage victims of sexual abuse to come forward with such claims. In order to conduct an immediate investigation, any incident of sexual abuse must be reported in the same manner as a report of sexual harassment.  See Jacksonville University Policy and Procedures Regarding Sexual Harassment.  This policy can be found in both the Student and Employee Handbook or obtained in the Human Resources Department.  Each year, students shall be advised of the contents of this Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures and be instructed to report any incident of known or suspected sexual abuse.   All formal complaints will be given a full, impartial and timely investigation. During such investigation, while every effort will be made to protect the privacy rights of all parties, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.  Any employee or student who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in sexual abuse in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination and or expulsion.  False accusations regarding sexual abuse will not be tolerated, and any person knowingly making a false accusation will likewise be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination, with regard to employees and expulsion with regard to students.  Jacksonville University will discipline any individual who retaliates against any person who reports alleged sexual abuse or who retaliates against any person who testifies assists or participates in an investigation, a proceeding or a hearing relating to sexual abuse complaint. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment.  Any case of known or suspected sexual abuse will be reported immediately in compliance with the state law reporting requirements to a police officer or the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Any employee involved in a reported incident of sexual abuse may be immediately relieved of responsibilities that involve interaction with students or may be suspended, as determined by Jacksonville University. The reinstatement of an employee involved in a reported incident of sexual abuse shall occur only after all allegations of sexual abuse have been cleared by Jacksonville University.

Sexual Harassment
Jacksonville University is committed to creating and maintaining an educational and employment environment free of objectionable or disrespectful behavior or communication that interferes with the activities or performance of a student or employee, or creates a hostile, intimidating, or threatening environment. The University prohibits sexual harassment, which is defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as:

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, enrollment, or education;
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting that individual; or
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or academic experience or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment.

A copy of the complete Jacksonville University Policy and Procedures regarding sexual harassment is available for students to review in the Student Life Office or the Student Counseling Center. Any member of the faculty, staff, administration or student body who believes he or she has been subjected to unlawful discrimination, as defined in the sexual harassment policy, may initiate informal and formal actions for complaint resolution.

Students should contact the Dean of Students or any counselor at the Student Counseling Center to discuss a sexual harassment issue or to initiate actions for complaint resolution.

Student Grievance Procedure
A.     Introduction

 

 

Weapons/Incendiary Devices
Possession, use or storage of, while on university property or university premises, any weapons or incendiary devices including but not limited to, firearms, air and paintball guns, knives, electric weapons, fireworks, or ammunition will result in disciplinary actions up to suspension or dismissal and possible referral to local law enforcement agencies. All weapons and incendiary devices will be immediately confiscated by University personnel and will not be returned.

University Name, Logo and Contracts
The legal title “Jacksonville University” is retained by the Board of Trustees for use by officially recognized University organizations and activities and may not be used without specific permission. Contracts cannot be signed or agreements made in the name of the University without authorization from the Student Life Office or the Vice President for Financial Affairs. All uses of the JU logo and symbol must be approved by the Office of University Marketing and Communications.