Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct describes behaviors that are inconsistent with the essential values of the University community. Intentionally attempting or assisting in these behaviors may be considered as serious as engaging in the behavior. A person commits an attempt when, with intent to commit a specific violation of the Code of Conduct, he/she performs any act that constitutes a substantial step toward the commission of that violation. Many Code items are supported by University Policy Statements. Such behaviors include but are not limited to:

1. Physically harming or threatening to harm any person, intentionally or recklessly causing harm to any person, or reasonable   apprehension of such harm or creating a condition that endangers the health and safety or self of others (also see Policy Statement 8).

2. Sexually assaulting or abusing a person (Policy AD 41). The University does not tolerate sexual assault or abuse, such as rape (including acquaintance rape) or other forms of nonconsensual sexual activity. Sexual assault and abuse in nonconsensual physical contact of a sexual nature. Sexual assault and abuse can occur between acquaintance and parties unknown to each other. Sexual abuse is attempted or actual unwanted sexual activity, such as sexual touching and fondling. This includes the touching of an unwilling person's intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, breast or buttock, or clothing covering them), or focusing an unwilling person to touch another's intimate parts. Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to, rape, forcible sodomy or sexual penetration with an inanimate object, intercourse without consent, under conditions of force, threat of force, fear or when a person is unable to give consent because of substance abuse, captivity, sleep or disability.

3. Harassing, stalking or hazing any person, including sexually harassing (Policy Statement 7). Harassment is a course of conduct which subjects a person or group of persons to unwanted physical contact or threat of such contact, or which seriously threatens or alarms a person or group.

4. Using, possessing or storing weapons or fireworks except as provided for in policy SY-12 (University Policy Manual and Safety Policy SY-12). Possession, carrying, or use of any weapon, ammunition, or explosive by any person is prohibited on University property except by authorized law officers and other persons specifically authorized by the University. No person shall possess, carry, or use any fireworks on University property, except for those persons authorized by University and local governments to discharge such fireworks as part of a public display.

5. Tampering with fire or other safety equipment or setting unauthorized fires. This includes disarming smoke detectors, damaging sprinklers and/or fire extinguishers.  Students are required to leave the buildings during all fire drills.  A water pressure sprinkler system exist in most of the residence halls.  The water pressure from the sprinkler system dispenses 20 gallons of water per minute and could cause damage to property and physical harm to anyone who come into the direct line of the spray.  For the safety of all the residence do not tamper or use the sprinklers inappropriately. 

6. Illegal possessing, using, distributing, manufacturing, selling or being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (Policy AD 18 & 33).Use, possession or distribution o beverages containing alcohol on University property shall comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of PA and University Policies and Rules (See "Policy Statement on Beverages Containing Alcohol" in Policies and Rules). Note: Anyone, including those under 21, serving alcohol to persons under 21 is in violation of both University regulations and the state law. Also, simply being present in a residence hall room where quantities of alcoholic beverages are present and/or being served implies possession. Public drunkenness is defined as a person who appears in public when intoxicated to the extent that they endanger themselves or others, annoys others, or endangers property.  See page 15 in the Student Guide to General University Policies and Rules http://www.sa.psu.edu/ja/procedures.shtml.

7. Intentionally providing false or inaccurate reports of emergencies or Code violations or knowingly providing false statements during a hearing, disciplinary conference or to University officials.

8. Stealing, vandalizing, damaging, destroying, or defacing University property or property of others.

9. Obstruction or disruption of classes, research projects, or other activities or programs of the University; or obstructing access to University facilities, property, or programs (Policy Statement 1). Disruption is defined as an action or combination of actions by one or more individuals that unreasonably interferes with, hinders, obstructs, or prevents the operation of the University or infringes on the rights of others to freely participate in its programs and services.

10. Failing to comply with or to complete a sanction, mediated agreement or educational program, jeopardizing code procedures or interfering with participants involved in the resolution process.

11. Failing to comply with reasonable directives to provide identification or to report to an administrative office or, when reasonable cause exists, failing to leave University-controlled premises when directed to do so by properly authorized persons, including police and/or other University staff.

12. Making, using or possessing any falsified University document or record; altering or forging any University document on record, including identification, meal or access cards. Includes but not limited to; forging (signing another's name and/or ID number) or mis-signing key request forms, manufacturing IDs or tickets, altering permits, misuse of forms (letterhead stationary, University forms), keys to mislead.

13. Unauthorized entry into or use of University property or facilities including residence halls, classrooms, offices, and other restricted facilities. Unauthorized entry or use of facilities is referred to in University policy regarding the rights of individuals and the rights of the institution. Specifically, policy refers to an "obligation not to infringe upon the rights of all members of the campus to privacy in offices, laboratories and residence hall rooms, and in the keeping of personal papers, confidential records and effects, subject only to the general law and University regulations ". The University also has the right to control use and entry into facilities for reasons of security, safety or protection of property. This includes closing facilities at specified times. It should also be recognized that an open or unlocked door is not an invitation to enter and use facilities. The same concept applies to computer entry or misuse.

14. Engaging in disorderly, disruptive, lewd or indecent conduct. Inciting in a participating in a riot or group disruption. Failing to leave the scene of a riot or group disruption when instructed by officials. Disorderly conduct may include disruption of programs, classroom activities or functions and processes of the University. This item covers unreasonable noise, creating a physically hazardous or physically offensive condition.

15. Violating written University policy or regulations contained in any official publications or administrative announcements, including University Computer policies (Policy AD-20 and Policy Statement 4). University policies and regulations are contained in official publications, administrative announcements, contracts and postings.

16. Violating federal, state, or local law if such behavior has significant adverse affect on the University community. Criminal or civil decision is not a necessary prerequisite for a disciplinary decision nor is it necessary that criminal or civil charges be lodged against the student either before or after a University decision.

17. Academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, cheating and plagiarism. (Faculty Senate Policy 49-20). Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information or citations, facilitation of acts of academic dishonesty by others, unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, and tampering with the academic work of other students.

Parental Notification

• Penn State University has a Parental Notification policy with states that the University reserves the right to report student discipline information to the parent or legal guardian of students.  Federal legislation authorizes Penn State to disclose records concerning violations of state, federal, or local law governing the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances that involve students who are under the age of 21, regardless of whether the student is a dependent.  The University may also report general information of dependent students under the circumstances described in the Student Guide to University Policies and Rules.  Refer to the following web site for more information:  http://www.sa.psu.edu/ja/procedures.shtml.