In accordance with the 1987 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House Bill #749, the College is unequivocally opposed to any activity that does not contribute to the positive development and welfare of its students. Activities detrimental to the physical, emotional, educational, or moral welfare of students cannot be tolerated. Therefore, hazing is strictly prohibited.

Hazing is defined as any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into an organization recognized by an institution of higher education.

Hazing includes, but is not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual. Hazing shall additionally include any activity that would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact, conduct that could result in embarrassment, or any other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, or any willful destruction or removal of public or private property. For purposes of this definition, any activity as described above that may be required for affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. Prohibited activities and behaviors are also identified in Lebanon Valley College Pledging/New Member Program Practices and Regulations.

In Pennsylvania, any person who causes or participates in hazing commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment, is a Federal law which states (a) that a written institutional policy must be established and (b) that a statement of adopted procedures covering the privacy rights of students be made available. The law provides that the institution will maintain the confidentiality of student education records. More information about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is available at www.lvc.edu/registrar.

 

LVC makes available a wealth of consumer information to current and prospective students and their families in accordance with the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) and the Student Right-to-Know Act. Visit our student consumer information website for a list of the materials available, including graduation rates and outcomes, financial and loan information, health and safety information, and more at www.lvc.edu/about-lvc/consumer-information

Detailed information on student retention and graduation rates is available in the Office of the Registrar.

The College will not tolerate social media content that is in violation of College policies and procedures, or of any applicable state, federal, or local laws or regulations. The College reserves the right to deactivate social media sites and/or remove content at its discretion. While College representatives monitor College-approved sites that they manage to ensure that posts are properly moderated, conform to College policies and procedures, and do not contain inappropriate content, the College cannot and does not monitor sites that are not College-approved. However, if the College is made aware of content on such sites that violate College policies and procedures, or of any applicable state, federal, or local laws or regulations, it will take appropriate action.

Social media communication is public and visible, and posting inappropriate texts, statements, pictures, videos, or images could provoke institutional or legal ramifications for the student or student group/organization. Students are responsible for the content, activity, and subject matter they post publicly. References to individuals, groups, or any other entity, whether in jest or not, reflect on the College. Accountability and responsibility come with any social media activities. Good judgment and character are values expected of the College and its community members, whether in person or online via social media outlets. 

The following list, while not exhaustive, demonstrates the type of content and social media activity that is prohibited. The College will not tolerate:

• Content that contains copyrighted information used without consent (including College name, logo, trademarks, etc.)
• Content or activity that is in violation of any College policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Content or activity that may be considered profane, obscene, or pornographic 
• Content or activity that is reasonably likely to harass, intimidate, threaten, embarrass, humiliate, or degrade other individuals
• Content or activity that targets an individual or groups of individuals for purposes of harassing, intimidating, threatening, embarrassing, humiliating, degrading, or discriminating on basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion/creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other protected trait
• Content or activity that contains defamatory or disparaging references or depictions of other groups, organizations, institutions, or individuals
• Content or activity that is malicious or meant to harm intentionally someone’s reputation 
• Content or activity that could compromise public safety
• Content or activity that compromises or violates the confidentiality of College or student records

College representatives will take appropriate action in dealing with student misuse/misconduct related to/emanating from social media sites whether College-owned or otherwise. Such action may include judicial/student conduct action, as well as involvement of appropriate law enforcement personnel. While the College does not monitor non-College related sites, the College will respond appropriately when it determines that content/activity violates this policy.

In general, the College’s computing facilities and services are meant for College-related, non-commercial use. These facilities and services include the central systems and network used for academic and administrative computing, along with their associated software and files; communications facilities and network access; other College-owned computers including those in departments, classrooms and labs; and College-provided supplies and other materials.

The use of the College’s computing facilities and services is a privilege, not a right, granted by the College to its users. By using the facilities to store information, the user acknowledges the College’s right to access any file (including electronic mail files) on its systems as a part of responsible system management.

Most of the software provided by the College for use in its facilities and on its computer systems is governed by licensing agreements. By using such software, the user agrees to abide by the terms of those agreements as well as applicable local, state, and federal laws. Unauthorized copying or removal of such College-supplied software is specifically prohibited.

Furthermore, users may not use or attempt to use the College’s computing facilities and services in any way that deliberately interferes with the reasonable and private use of these facilities and services by others. The College reserves the right to revoke a user’s privilege to use any or all of the College’s computing facilities and services. Further action may be taken by the College should the user violate any of these policies. Such violations may also result in legal action should they involve such things as copyright laws and licensing agreements.

The policy can be found here.

The policy can be found here.

Freedom of Public Expression

Lebanon Valley College is committed to providing an environment where issues can be publicly discussed and explored. The freedom to exchange views publicly is essential to the life of the College. In order to provide an atmosphere in which open communication can occur without disrupting the academic mission or the daily functions of the College, this policy which shall govern all forms of public expression of ideas and information, including campus demonstrations, speakers, and the distribution and/ or posting of written materials.

Lebanon Valley College affords all members of the College community (defined as currently enrolled students, currently employed members of the faculty, administration, and staff, and officially recognized student, faculty, administrative, or staff organizations) substantial privileges with respect to freedom of speech and expression. The College encourages a balanced approach in all communications and the inclusion of contrary points of view. This freedom, however, is subject to reasonable restrictions of time, place, and manner so that the activities do not intrude on or interfere with the academic mission and daily functions of the College, or with other rights of members of the College community as defined under College policy.

Basic Principles of Free Expression

Anyone choosing to engage in any form of public expression at the College must adhere to and observe these basic principles of freedom of expression:

1. Groups or individuals engaged in public expression activities must take upon themselves the responsibility for seeing that reasonable order and decorum are maintained in their activities.
2. Public expression activities cannot be unlawful and must not violate or conflict with local, state, or federal laws. Such activities must not violate the College’s Harassment Policy or any other College policy.
3. Public expression activity cannot jeopardize public or individual safety.
4. The public expression of views and opinions cannot prevent, impede, unduly obstruct, disturb, or interfere with the following:
• Regular academic activities conducted in classrooms, laboratories, study facilities, libraries, or other facilities
• Regular business activities of the College
• The regular functioning of the College’s residence hall communities
• Pedestrian or vehicular traffic
5. In accordance with the free traditions of the College community, audiences shall be allowed to ask questions of speakers unless considerations of time, format, or the like indicate otherwise.
6. The speaker’s ability to speak and the audience’s right to see and to hear a speaker may not be unreasonably impeded.
7. It is assumed that all events will be open to those wishing to attend unless publicity indicates that the event is for members only.
8. Non-members of the College community are not permitted to be involved in public ex- pression on College property unless they are invited and sponsored by an academic/administrative department or a recognized student or faculty organization.

Examples of “Public Expression Activities”
Assemblies, demonstrations, debates, forums, rallies, protests, picketing, speakers, etc. that are held on College property and that are open to the general campus community.

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Definition of Members and Non-Members of the College Community
Currently enrolled students, currently employed members of the faculty, administration, and staff, and officially recognized student, faculty, administrative, or staff organizations are within the definition of “members of the College community” as used in this policy and guidelines. In addition to individuals who do not belong to any of these identified groups, any group or organizations that include one or more persons who are not members of the College community as active participants in the planned speech/demonstration is considered a “non-members of the College community.”

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Definition of “Sponsor”
A sponsor is a recognized student or faculty organization or an academic or administrative department that invites a non-member of the College community to speak or demonstrate on campus. Individual members of the College community can serve as sponsors only through the support of their department or recognized organization.

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Responsibilities of a Sponsor
The sponsor must agree to take on the following responsibilities for the on-campus activities of a non-College individual, group, or organization:

1. The sponsor is responsible for assuring that the activities of the sponsored individual or group are carried out in accordance with the expectations delineated in the College Policy on Freedom of Public Expression and these Guidelines.
2. The sponsor must be clearly identified in all publicity materials, and at the beginning of the event itself.
3. If the College determines that additional security measures are necessary to assure compliance with the Policy on Freedom of Public Expression, the sponsor must agree to such additional security and shall be responsible for the cost of these additional security measures.

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Notice of Time of Public Expression
For public expression by members of the College Community—Such activities must be conducted at times such that they do not create a disruption of College work. Members of the College community are encouraged to give prior notice of their plans to the vice president of student affairs and dean of students at least 24 business hours prior to the event. This prior notice will help assure that the policy and guidelines are followed.

For public expression by individuals or groups that are not members of the College community—the sponsor (as defined herein) of public expression activity by non-members of the College community must give prior notice of its plans to the vice president of student affairs and dean of students at least 48 working hours prior to the event. This prior notice will help assure that this policy and these guidelines are followed. (Moreover, such activities must be conducted at times such that they do not create a disruption to College activities).

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Location/Place of Public Expression Activities
For public expression by members of the College community—The College reserves the right to designate the location of these events, to help assure that this policy and these guidelines are followed.

 

• The plaza of the Rosemary Yuhas Commons is an example of a location that meets the basic principles described in this policy and in these guidelines. Groups may be encouraged to consider the plaza of the Yuhas Commons as a primary location for public expression activities on campus.

For public expression by non-members of the College community—The College reserves the right to designate the location for these events, to help assure that this policy and these guidelines are followed.

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Manner of Public Expression on Campus
Principles of Free Expression:The Principles of Free Expression as set forth in the College’s Policy on Freedom of Public Expression must be followed.

College/Personal Property: Damage or destruction of property is prohibited.

Amplification Equipment: The College reserves the right to restrict the use of amplification equipment in association with any public expression activity. The use of amplification must be approved by the College in advance of the activity, and can be prohibited altogether.

Structures: The placing or erecting of structures of any size or material is prohibited.

Pamphlets: Papers, pamphlets, and similar materials may be distributed in person by members of the College community or by sponsored non-members of the College community (as defined in this policy/guidelines); however, distribution by means of accosting individuals or by hawking or shouting is prohibited. Efforts must be made to avoid litter.

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The Public Distribution and Posting of Written Materials:
Members of the College community are permitted to publicly distribute written materials in accordance with the Policy and Guidelines on Freedom of Public Expression.

Non-members of the College community are not permitted to publicly distribute written materials on College property unless they are invited and sponsored by an academic or administrative department or a recognized student or faculty organization.

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Guidelines for the Public Posting of Written Materials:
General Prohibition: Except as permitted herein, no poster, notice, handbill, or any other form of announcement or statement may be placed on, attached to, or written on any structure or natural feature of the campus such as the sides of doors or buildings, windows, the surface of walkways or roads, fountains, posts, waste receptacles, or trees.

Buildings : Postings within Campus buildings are permitted only on bulletin boards designated as “general purpose” bulletin boards.

No Other Locations: No postings may be made in any location other than those designated in these Guidelines without prior approval from the vice president of students affairs and dean of students.

Identification: Any postings must clearly and prominently identify the organization/individual responsible for the posting.

Time period for posting: All postings must be dated. The College may remove any out-of-date postings.

Chalking: Chalking is permitted on sidewalks and plazas. It is not permitted on buildings or on any brick surfaces.

Failure to comply with these guidelines: May result in removal of the posting in question.

The vice president of student affairs and dean of students or his/her designee will be responsible for administering this policy and the related guidelines. Violations of this policy and the related guidelines are subject to disciplinary sanctions. Charges against students will be resolved through the disciplinary process as set forth in the Student Handbook. Faculty and staff discipline will be processed according to the applicable guidelines. Non-members of the College community acting in violation of this policy and/or the related guidelines will be required to leave campus and may be referred to the Annville Township Police Department in the event of criminal conduct.

The College seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of all members of its community. The College has established the policies governing the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on its campus, and which conform to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The College sponsors programs that promote awareness of the physical, psychological, social, and behavioral effects of alcohol consumption. The College also assists its members in finding alternatives to the use of alcoholic beverages for promoting social interaction and stress reduction, and it provides some services and resources for community members who are experiencing alcohol-related difficulties. Lebanon Valley College’s alcohol policy and programs are intended to encourage its members to make responsible decisions about the use of alcoholic beverages, and to promote safe, legal, and healthy patterns of social interaction. The consumption of alcohol has potential for abuse, and the College community will not tolerate inappropriate use of alcoholic beverages, regardless of the age of the student. Students and organizations violating the following guidelines are subject to judicial/student conduct action by the College. Students and student organizations violating public law are not shielded from legal authorities, even when College judicial/student conduct action is taken with regard to College policy.

1. No person under the age of 21 is permitted to possess or consume alcohol on property owned or controlled by Lebanon Valley College.
2. Students under 21 years of age may not be present where alcohol is being served or consumed except when the consumption occurs in their residence hall room/ living space and is by their roommate(s) who is 21 years of age or older. On rare occasions, students under 21 years of age may find themselves in the presence of alcohol but may not be charged with a violation of the Student Conduct Code (see Use of Breathalyzer section below).
3. Students under 21 years of age may not possess alcohol containers, whether empty or full, as decorative items or for any other reason in their residence hall room/living area.
4. Students 21 years of age or older may possess alcohol for their personal use in their own residence hall room/living space. The maximum quantity allowed is not more than two six-packs of 12 oz. beer, or one six-pack of wine coolers, or one liter of wine, or one liter of distilled alcohol per 21 year old or older resident of that particular residence hall room/living space. Any amount of alcohol beyond the above stated quantity will be considered an Excessive Amount of Alcohol and is prohibited.
5. Resident students who are 21 years of age or older may not consume alcohol in the presence of anyone under 21 years of age other than their roommate(s).
6. Students 21 years of age or older are not permitted to furnish alcohol to minors.
7. Alcoholic beverage containers must be sealed and concealed from view when transported on campus to a student’s living space.
8. Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed in any common area. Common areas are defined as indoor or outdoor spaces used by the residential community. These include but are not limited to lounges, hallways, stairwells, porches, academic buildings, Mund College Center, Yuhas Commons, parking lots, and athletic facilities.
9. Activities or drinking games that encourage rapid consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
10. Four Loko, Grain alcohol, kegs of any size, beer balls, or other containers of large quantity, whether empty, partially, or completely filled, are strictly prohibited on property owned or controlled by Lebanon Valley College.
11. Alcohol paraphernalia will be confiscated. Paraphernalia includes but is not limited to partially filled or empty containers, funnels, keg taps, and pong/drinking game tables.
12. Intoxication, regardless of age, in which a student is disruptive or whose behavior requires an intervention will not be tolerated.
13. Furnishing of alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person is prohibited. Provision must be made for the safety of such individuals by calling residential life or public safety staffs or an ambulance.
14. The host(s) of any gathering in which alcohol is present will be responsible for what occurs in their residence hall room/ living area or gathering.
15. All non-student guests are subject to College Policy. Student hosts will be held responsible for the behavior of their guest.
16. Students who violate the law off campus may also receive a College sanction.

Our main obligation is to preserve an atmosphere conducive to study and personal growth. Each student has the right to quiet conditions in a residential living area, weekends included. Students are to behave in a manner that does not disrupt the residence hall or infringe on the rights of another student to study or sleep, bring discredit upon themselves or the College, or interfere with the rights, freedoms, and safety of others.

Engaging in acts of public drunkenness, vandalism, disorderly conduct, harassment, or infringement of the rights or privacy of others is in violation of the values respected by the Lebanon Valley College community and will not be tolerated.Each individual maintains the responsibility for his or her own decisions and actions regarding the use of alcoholic beverages and should be prepared to accept the consequences associated with any violation of College policy and federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

Students of any age who do not conform to the expectations of the College’s alcohol policy guidelines will be subject to judicial/student conduct action and confiscation of alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverage containers (if applicable) by the residential life staff and public safety personnel and referral to the associate dean of student affairs and/or cited by law enforcement officers. Activities which take place within a student’s room, suite, or apartment which cause or lead to disturbances or damage will not be tolerated, and disruptive students will be referred to the associate dean of student affairs or his/her designee. Moreover, students who are intoxicated/under the influence of alcohol and/or disorderly, whether in possession of alcohol or not, will also be referred to the associate dean of student affairs. Intoxication will not be an excuse for misbehavior; indeed, misbehavior while intoxicated may be dealt with more strongly than simple misbehavior. Depending on the nature and severity of the offense, the associate dean of student affairs will impose sanctions consistent with College policy. Sanctions are included in the Student Handbook.

The College expects each student to comply with federal, state, and local laws concerning alcoholic beverages, and further stresses that any student who illegally uses alcoholic beverages is subject to the jurisdiction of the civil authorities. The College defines its relationship with students in this area as non-custodial and stresses that there is no “special relationship” created by their status as students as it pertains to the law. The College will take no responsibility for any actions taken by students who have been drinking, on or off campus.

A student whose level of intoxication is such that it is potentially life threatening, requires medical attention, involves injury, or results in property damage may be required to have counseling services and/or an alcohol assessment and be required to follow the recommendations of the assessment.

Students who violate AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) laws off campus may also face College judicial/student conduct sanctions. More specifically, if a student is arrested for DUI, controlled substance, marijuana and/or paraphernalia, and/or violence related to AOD issues, College charges will be filed. In cases of open containers and underage possession, the College reserves the right to bring charges; however, repeated offenses of this nature will result in College charges.

Student affairs and public safety personnel have responsibilities for enforcing the College’s rules and regulations concerning the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus. These rules and regulations have been developed to comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to maintain a standard of conduct consistent with the mission of Lebanon Valley College.

The primary means of enforcing the College’s alcohol policy will be the Lebanon Valley College Judicial/Student Conduct System, which provides for either administrative action or action by a Judicial/Student Conduct Body when students or student groups and organizations are charged with violating College policy. However, if the College considers the incident to be particularly serious, criminal procedures, in addition to action through the Student Conduct Code, may result. The following principles shall apply in enforcing the College’s alcohol policy:

Any student, whether of legal age or not, who commits a criminal act against a person or property while intoxicated on College property faces the possibility of criminal action in addition to on-campus judicial/student conduct action.

The use of legal substances for unintended purposes (intoxication) may subject the user, regardless of age, to judicial/student conduct action if behaviors impact the individual or campus community.

College policies prohibit the use of ANY amount of alcohol by those students under the age of 21. On occasion, underage students may be found “in the presence of alcohol,” a violation of the Student Conduct Code. This may occur while visiting in other students’ rooms, common areas, or other campus properties. In order to evaluate if an underage person has violated the legal drinking age and/or may be a health and safety risk due to the amount of alcohol used, public safety staff have portable Breathalyzer units. On campus, a test may be administered by public safety at the discretion of the officer addressing the situation. Residential life staff will NOT administer Breathalyzer tests. Public safety may ask students to take a voluntary Breathalyzer test in order to demonstrate that they have not been drinking alcohol. They may also ask students to take a Breathalyzer test to help assess the need for medical treatment. It is not public safety’s responsibility to offer any indi- vidual a Breathalyzer test. Staff may offer one as a courtesy, but it is the responsibility of each individual to request a Breathalyzer test. Students have the right to refuse to take a Breathalyzer test. However, if you do not take a Breathalyzer test and are charged with “in the presence of alcohol” your student conduct hearing officer has no other way of knowing that you were not drinking. Student conduct hearing officers use a preponderance of information standard to determine responsibility for a policy violation. Students who consent/request a Breathalyzer test will not be charged IF they are found not to have consumed alcohol, per test (.00) results. Public safety maintains a complete policy on the use of the Breathalyzer unit(s) as part of their policy/protocols manual. Note that Breathalyzer test results WILL NOT be shared with local police. Non-students/guests will NOT be tested.

All persons, while in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are subject to the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. The College expects students to know and comply with these laws and provisions and will not condone violation of them nor impede legitimate efforts of the state or township to enforce them.

1. The minimum age in Pennsylvania for the purchase, consumption, possession, or transportation of alcoholic beverages is 21 years.
2. It is illegal to furnish or serve alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 21.
3. Pennsylvania law provides that any person less than 21 years of age who attempts to purchase, purchases, possesses, consumes, or transports any alcoholic beverages within Pennsylvania is subject to a fine of up to $500 and will lose his/her driver’s license for a minimum of 90 days. In addition, any person 21 years of age or older who gives any alcoholic beverages to any person under 21 years of age commits a misdemeanor of the third degree. Such persons are subject to a fine of not less than $1,000 for the first violation, and a fine of $2,500 for each subsequent violation, and may also face imprisonment.
4. Local ordinance prohibits carrying or consuming alcoholic beverages in open containers out-of-doors on public property, regardless of a person’s age.
5. It is illegal to use false identification or to misrepresent one’s age for the purpose of obtaining or consuming alcoholic beverages.
6. No group which is not licensed by the Liquor Control Board may sell alcoholic beverages.
7. Driving under the influence of alcohol (blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or greater for persons 21 and over, and 0.02 percent for those under 21) is illegal.

All students should be aware of the following sections of the 1986 revision of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Title 18 Act 31: Liquor Law Violations and Penalties.

Section 6307 Misrepresentation of Age:

A person being under the age of 21, knowingly and falsely represents himself to be 21 years of age or older... for the purpose of procuring or having furnished to him, any liquor or malt or brewed beverages... FIRST OFFENSE: Sum- mary violation, not more than $500 fine and suspension of driver’s license for 90 days. SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE(S): Misdemeanor III, pay a fine of not more than $500, suspension of license for one-two year(s). MANDATORY SENTENCING.

Section 6308 (a) Purchase, Consumption, Possession or Transportation of Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverages:

A person... less than 21 years of age, attempts to purchase, pur- chases, consumes, or possesses, or knowingly and intentionally transports any liquor... par- ents notified of arrest. FIRST OFFENSE: not more than $500 fine. SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE(S): fine up to $1,000, suspension of license for one-two year(s).

Section 6308.1 Safe Harbor for violation of Section 6308(a)

Immunity for the Person Seeking Medical Attention for Another:

A person shall be immune from prosecution for consumption or possession under subsection if he can establish the following:

1. The only way law enforcement officers became aware of the person’s violation of subsection (a) is because the person placed a 911 call, or a call to campus safety, police, or emergency services, in good faith, based on a reasonable belief and reported that another person was in need of immediate medical attention to prevent death or serious injury.
2. The person reasonably believed he was the first person to make a 911 call or a call to campus safety, police, or emergency services, and report that a person needed immediate medical attention to prevent death or serious injury.
3. The person provided his own name to the 911 operator or equivalent campus safety, police, or emergency officer.
4. The person remained with the person needing medical assistance until emergency health care providers arrived and the need for his presence had ended.

Section 6310 Inducement of Minors to Buy Liquor:

A person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree if he hires or requests or induces any minor to purchase, or offer to purchase liquor... from a... licensed dealer for any purpose. PENALTY: a fine of not less than $300.

Section 6310.1 Selling or Furnishing to Minors:

A person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he/she intentionally and knowingly sells or... furnishes, or purchases with the intent to sell or furnish, any liquor... to a person... (under the age of 21). FIRST OFFENSE: fine of not less than $1,000. SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES: $2,500 fine.

The word “furnish” as detailed within this Pennsylvania Crimes Code section is defined as “to supply, give or provide to, or allow minor to possess on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged.”

Lebanon Valley College intends to provide and maintain a drug-free environment for all students and employees of the College. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited on any Lebanon Valley College property. A controlled substance is a controlled substance in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. Section 812 and as further defined by regulation or amendment. Examples of controlled substances include, but are not limited to, opiates, such as heroin, morphine, and codeine; cocaine; cannabinoids, such as marijuana and hashish; amphetamines; barbiturates; valium or Librium, phencyclidine (PCP), methaqualone (Quaalude), and peyote (LSD); and substances not sold as prescription drugs or medicines but which are used for mind and/or behavior altering effect.

Possession and use of such drugs and materials that is in violation of Federal and/or state laws subjects students and employees to the claims of those laws. The College fully supports the laws of the Commonwealth and acknowledges the rights of civil authorities in enforcing these laws.

Additionally, violations of this policy will render a student liable to on-campus judicial/student action in accord with the Student Conduct Code. Also, the possession of paraphernalia associated with the dispensing or use of alcohol or illegal drugs is a violation of the Student Conduct Code.

Due to the danger of such substances as synthetic marijuana or K2-type products, these substances are prohibited on property owned by Lebanon Valley College.

The policies regarding alcohol and drugs are couched largely in terms of their relationship to federal and state laws and to operational and judicial/student conduct procedures at the College. The policies exist, however, not simply because there are laws governing their use or because the abuse of such substances is often related to behavioral problems which often violate the character of the community, but because the use and abuse of such substances represents a health risk, about which any educational institution has responsibility to warn its students.

Substance abuse can affect the physiological processes of body organs and systems, and mental and emotional health. Health risks associated with substance abuse are damage to the central nervous system causing impairment of brain functions and marked instability in mood; damage to the cardiovascular and digestive systems; and damage to the liver. Recent research indicates that substance abuse can affect the reproductive system causing increased risk of infertility and breast cancer in women, of sterility and impotence in men, and deformities in the fetus.

Perhaps the most harmful potential effect of alcohol abuse is chemical dependency, estimated to affect 10 percent of the population. The College encourages you to seek help if you suspect that drinking is harming you or a person close to you.

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.

Referrals for counseling and treatment of drug and alcohol problems are made through the College’s Office of Counseling Services; Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselors (local private practices); the Caron Foundation (in-patient facility in Wernersville, Pa.); and Alcoholics Anonymous on the campus of Lebanon Valley College.

Through special programs and events, the College attempts to educate its students and employees on the legal, social, and medical effects related to substance use and abuse. The annual Sobriety Awareness Week is a substantial campus-wide effort to publicize and dramatize the effects of substance abuse. Additionally, we make available to all students and employees educational materials through the Shroyer Health Center.

In addition to providing a sound educational environment for intellectual pursuits, the College is concerned with developing socially responsible citizens. The educational and community living goals at the College require a concern for the quality of student conduct. Membership in the College community is a privilege, which may be rescinded with cause. Students have a responsibility to respect the rights of the individual and the collective rights of others. In order to guarantee the welfare and freedom of members of the community, the College has adopted rules and behavioral standards, which it considers necessary for the protection of individual rights and the preservation of the academic community. The Student Conduct Code reflects the College’s concern that high standards be maintained by students and student organizations. The judicial/student conduct system exists to protect the rights of all of the members of the Lebanon Valley College community. It seeks to develop a sense of responsibility in students, and to teach students about desired behavior.

Lebanon Valley College expects its students to conduct themselves in all places and times in such a manner as to bring credit to themselves and to the College. College rules apply on all College premises and at all College activities, whether on or off campus. More broadly, the College specifically reserves the right to apply their rules to any student behavior even when off campus and unconnected to a school activity if the alleged conduct adversely impacts the College community or its objectives. The College reserves the right to review the conduct, including off-campus behaviors, of all student(s) from the date of enrollment to the date of graduation. The College also reserves the right to dismiss any student(s) whose conduct is detrimental to its welfare or whose attitude is antagonistic to its mission. Inappropriate student conduct on or off campus may result in College judicial/student conduct action.

The Student Conduct Code identifies specific student behavior that is subject to judicial/student conduct action. The Student Conduct Code addresses student behavior that violates the rights, privileges, or safety of person or property and the College’s pursuit of its educational goals. The Code is not a criminal code; therefore, the general rules of criminal law and criminal procedures do not apply. Students are considered adults who are expected to assume personal responsibility for their actions and are responsible for observing the regulations of the larger community. Violation of civil or criminal law either on or off campus may result in the College’s review of a student’s conduct. Generally, an individual’s actions off campus are subject to the actions of civil authorities. The College reserves the right, however, to take action for such off-campus behavior independently of civil authority when the interests of the College are involved. An action involving a student in a legal proceeding in a civil or criminal court does not free a student of responsibility for their conduct in a College hearing. If a student is charged in both jurisdictions, the College will proceed with its internal review according to its own schedule.

All LVC students are required to report arrests/convictions that occur off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, situations that occur over breaks and summer months. Reports should be made to the vice president of student affairs and dean of students.

Groups or organizations formally approved by the College are subject to the same regulations as individual students. Any group or organization may be held accountable for the actions of any of its members if the misconduct is in anyway related to the living group or organization. Group misconduct may not officially be sanctioned by the entire membership in order to be considered grounds for judicial/student conduct action against the group. There is no minimum number of group members who must be involved in an incident before judicial/student conduct action may be taken against the entire group. A group may be held accountable if it is likely that the individual(s) would not have been involved in the incident if they were not member(s) of the group, or if, by group action, the incident might have been prevented. Individuals may also be held accountable for their actions when the group faces charges for a violation.

All students are responsible for being knowledgeable about living within College policy and the Student Conduct Code. Students involved in disciplinary difficulty are counseled on an individual basis and, when necessary, administrative or official judicial/student conduct action is taken.

Any member of the College community (student, staff, and faculty) may bring a charge under this code against a student or student group.

The associate dean of student affairs shall determine the composition of judicial/student conduct and appeals bodies, and determine which judicial/student conduct body, judicial/student conduct officer, and appeals body shall be authorized to hear each case. The associate dean of student affairs may also serve as a judicial/student conduct body, judicial/student conduct officer, and appellate person. In most cases, the associate dean of student affairs adjudicates student violations of College policy.

Decisions made by a judicial/student conduct body and/or judicial/student conduct officer shall be final, pending the normal appeal process.

A judicial/student conduct body may be designated as arbiter of disputes within the student community in cases that do not involve a violation of the Student Conduct Code. All parties must agree to arbitration, and to be bound by the decision with no right of appeal.

Definitions

• The term “College” means Lebanon Valley College.
• The term “student” includes all persons taking courses at the College, both full time and part time. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the College or who have been notified of their acceptance for admission are considered “students.”
• The term “College official” includes any person employed by the College performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
• The term “member of the College community” includes any person who is a student, faculty member, College official, or any other person employed by the College.
• The term “faculty member” means any person hired by the College to conduct classroom activities.
• The term “College premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of, or owned, leased, used, or controlled by the College.
• The term “organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for College recognition. A College organization is any fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or student organization/club.
• The term “judicial/student conduct body” means any person or persons authorized by the vice president of student affairs and dean of students or designee to determine whether a student has violated the Student Conduct Code and to recommend imposition of sanctions resulting from Student Conduct Code violations.
• The term “judicial/student conduct officer” means a College official authorized on a case-by-case basis by the associate dean of student affairs to investigate complaints and to impose sanctions on students found to have violated the Student Conduct Code. Judicial/ student conduct officers include, but are not limited to, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, associate dean of student affairs, director of residential life, members of the residential life staff, and/other student affairs personnel as deemed appropriate. Judicial/student conduct officers will follow campus judicial/student conduct board procedures to the extent applicable. The associate dean of student affairs may authorize a judicial/student conduct officer to serve simultaneously as a judicial/student conduct officer and the sole member or one of the members of a judicial/student conduct body. The associate dean of student affairs may authorize the same judicial/student conduct officer to impose sanctions in all cases.
• The term “Campus Judicial Board” is a judicial/student conduct body composed of students, faculty, and administrators that hear violations of the Student Conduct Code involving individual students and College organizations.
• The term “appellate person” means any person or persons authorized by the vice president of student affairs and dean of students or designee to consider an appeal from a judicial/student conduct body’s determination that a student has violated the Student Conduct Code or from the sanctions imposed by the judicial/student conduct body.
• Vice president of student affairs and dean of students is that person designated by the College to be responsible for the administration of the Student Conduct Code.
• The term “policy” is defined as the written regulations of the College as found in, but not limited to, the Housing Agreement, the Student Handbook, and the College Catalog.
• The term “respondent” means the student or organization charged with a violation of the Student Conduct Code. The president and one other officer represent the respondent in cases involving an organization.
• The term “complainant” means any person who submits a judicial/student conduct complaint alleging that a student violated the Student Conduct Code. A member of the College's administration may take on the role of the Complainant.
• The term “advisor” means a chosen representative (often a member of the College community) who serves as a support person for the respondent or complaint before and during a hearing; he/she may not speak during the hearing.
• The term “preponderance of evidence” is the amount of evidence needed at Lebanon Valley College to find the respondent responsible; when the evidence persuades the judicial/ student conduct body that the alleged violation more likely took place than did not.
• The term “Student Conduct Code” is the set of standards, rules, and regulations that define community expectations and prohibited conduct for Lebanon Valley College students.
• The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.
• The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.