Student Handbook

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Introduction

The Student Handbook acts in conjunction with the University's Catalogs to inform all students of the University's policies and procedures. It is the student's obligation to be knowledgable of, and understand the policies and standards contained in these publications. The University reserves the right to change the provisions of the Student Handbook. Such changes will become effective whenever proper University authorities so determine, and will apply to those who are matriculated as well as to prospective students. Students will be informed of such changes. Questions may be directed to the Dean of Students. Comments and suggestions are invited and always welcome. Please send your comments to Student Life at UC 666 or e-mail studentlife@pacificu.edu.

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The Student Code of Conduct

Pacific University is an academic community -- a community where the pursuit of knowledge, understanding and skills are the common ideals which unite us as its members. Students have the obligation to conduct themselves as mature and responsible participants in this community. Toward this end, the University has established policies, standards and guidelines that collectively define the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct includes all policies, standards and guidelines included in, but not limited to:

The University has established policies and procedures for responding to infractions of the Student Code of Conduct. These policies and procedures, known as the Student Judicial Process, are described in the Student Handbook.

The Student Code of Conduct and the Student Judicial Process apply to all persons enrolled in the University, both full-time and part-time. This includes those pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies. They also apply to those who attend post-secondary educational institutions other than Pacific but who reside in University residence halls. A person is enrolled in the University when he or she accepts admission to a course of study. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have an on-going relationship with the University are considered students for the purpose of the Student Code of Conduct. In general, University jurisdiction is limited to conduct which occurs on University premises (all land, buildings, facilities and property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the University, including adjacent streets and sidewalks). University jurisdiction extends to conduct off campus only if such conduct adversely affects the University community and the pursuit of its objectives.

The Student Judicial Council shall decide whether off-campus conduct or out-of-term behavior merits consideration, that is, whether it adversely affects the University community and the pursuit of its objectives.

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Statement of Students' Rights and Responsibilities

Every student has the right to conditions favorable to learning. Students have the right to pursue an education free from discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation or handicap. Students at Pacific enjoy the freedoms of speech, expression, and association, the right to privacy, the right of freedom from harassment, the right to due process in judicial matters, and the right to appeal judgements and penalties for alleged misconduct.

Students have the responsibility to conduct themselves, both individually and in groups, in a manner which promotes an atmosphere conducive to teaching, studying and learning. Students are expected to uphold academic and personal integrity, to respect the rights of others, to refrain from disruptive, threatening, intimidating, or harassing behavior, or behavior which is harmful to themselves, other persons or property. Students have the responsibility to abide by the standards, policies, and regulations of the University, and should comply with reasonable instructions from University personnel while in the performance of their duties.

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General Standards for Community Behavior

In addition to the standards and policies already described, the following shall apply to all students:

  1. Students shall not intentionally damage, vandalize, deface, destroy or steal University property, or the personal property of another person.
  2. Students shall not engage in threatening or endangering behavior (action that can lead to harm to self or others).
  3. In emergency situations, students must comply with instructions of University staff, safety and security officers, or emergency personnel called to campus.
  4. Students must comply with all regulations regarding fire safety and the use of fire equipment and fire safety procedures, including evacuating a building, unauthorized re-entry into a building, tampering with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or any other emergency or safety equipment, and false alarms.
  5. Firearms and other dangerous weapons may not be brought into, or kept on, the campus or residence halls under any circumstances. Dangerous weapons include firearms, martial arts weapons, knives, explosives (including fireworks), hazardous chemicals, and any item used or displayed in a threatening manner. Discharge of a firearm on campus will result in immediate suspension or expulsion.
  6. Unauthorized use of telephones or unauthorized long distance charges are not permitted.
  7. Unauthorized use or duplication of keys or combinations, or alteration or removal of any lock is not permitted.
  8. Unauthorized use or falsification of student identification is not permitted.
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