Student Accountability Policies

Quincy University students are expected to comply with all local, county, state, and federal laws, as well as University and Residence Life Policies. Students may be held accountable through the Student Accountability Process, which can result in appropriate sanctions, up to and including dismissal from the University. This also applies to off-campus conduct that comes to the University’s attention. The Student Accountability Process does not cover instances of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation; such cases are addressed under separate policies, including the Title IX policy when applicable.

The Student Accountability Process operates independently of criminal proceedings and may consider actions taken by city, state, or federal courts but is not bound by them. There is no legal basis for claims of double jeopardy within the Quincy University Student Accountability Process.

All records related to campus incidents, student behavior, or alleged violations of the Student Accountability Process and/or University policies are maintained digitally.

The following policies apply to all students, whether residential or commuter, and to any guests of a Quincy University registered student. These policies are to be followed in addition to University Policies. Alleged violations of any policy or procedure may be referred to the Student Accountability Process.

The University reserves the right to prohibit any item or activity deemed by University staff to be harmful, unadvisable, or not in the best interest of students or the University.

University Policies-All University policies listed in this handbook must be followed and are subject to the student accountability process.

Category

Policy Explanation

Failure to Comply

All policies outlined in the student handbook must be followed. Failure to comply with these policies, the directions of University officials (including Resident Advisors/Directors), or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties, as well as failure to identify oneself when requested, or refusal to leave premises when instructed due to prohibited conduct, could result in suspension or expulsion. This policy applies to all students, both residential and commuter, in all areas of Quincy University, including both academic and non-academic settings.

Offenses against the Community

Alcohol	The use, possession, presence, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except as expressly permitted by University regulations (refer to the University’s Alcohol Policy). Public intoxication is also prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may not, under any circumstances, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
Arson	Students are prohibited from intentionally setting fires.
Harassment	Harassment includes any conduct (oral, written, graphic, or physical) directed against any person or group of persons because of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status that has the purpose or reasonably foreseeable effect of creating an offensive, demeaning, intimidating, or hostile environment. This may result in a hearing with the University Accountability Board and could lead to suspension or expulsion.
Disorderly Conduct	Engaging in activities that disturb the peace, create a nuisance, or are inordinately disruptive to the community is prohibited. This includes creating safety hazards.
Drugs Distribution	The manufacturing or distribution of drugs or any equipment, products, or materials used in the manufacturing, growing, using, or distributing any drug or controlled substance is prohibited. Please refer to the University’s Drug Policy for more information and violations.
Drugs Use	The use of drugs or any equipment, products, or materials associated with the use of any drug or controlled substance is prohibited. Please refer to the University’s Drug Policy for more information and violations.
Drug Paraphernalia	Possession of drug-related paraphernalia (e.g., bongs, roach clips, hookahs, water pipes, hash-style pipes, scales, and vaporizers) is prohibited within the residence halls.
Endangering Behavior	Students must not engage in activities that may cause harm to themselves or others. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, tampering with fire safety equipment, hall sports, water fights, rollerblading, climbing the exterior of buildings, and sitting outside windows.
Flammable Liquids	Gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, cleaning fluids, and other flammable liquids are prohibited in residence halls, as are vehicles containing such fluids.
Fire Alarms & Safety Equipment	Tampering with fire alarms or safety equipment is prohibited. This includes fire hydrants, hoses, extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and fire alarm pulls.
Fire Hazard	Items that pose a fire hazard, such as toasters, hot plates, space heaters, candles, and incense burners, are prohibited in the residence halls.
Guests	Access to campus residences is limited to building residents only. Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests and may face the accountability process or fines due to their guests’ behavior. Overnight guests are not permitted for more than two consecutive nights in a given week, with a maximum of eight nights per month.
Hover board	Due to safety concerns, including the risk of explosion and fire, the use, possession, or storage of hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, or similar devices is prohibited on Quincy University property. This applies to all residence halls, academic buildings, campus grounds, sidewalks, and parking lots.
Lewd or Indecent	Behavior of a sexual nature that is crude, offensive, and contrary to standards of appropriate behavior is prohibited. This includes public or community environments and is subject to Title IX policy.
Non-lethal Weapons - Possession/Use	Possession or use of non-lethal weapons (e.g., slingshots, paintball guns, airsoft guns) that may result in injury is prohibited in residence halls and resident rooms. Refer to the university policy for all weapons.
Pets and Animals on Campus	Refer to university pet policy
Prohibited Items	While we strive to allow students the freedom to enjoy their living spaces on campus, there are limitations to what is permitted. It is each resident’s obligation to be familiar with these policies. Violators are subject to disciplinary action. All rules and regulations are administered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability. Prohibited Items: Dart Boards Water-filled Furniture Lofts Fireworks: Any and all fireworks and explosives are prohibited in all residence areas. Flammable Liquids: The use or storage of any equipment requiring flammable liquids, such as gas grills, motorcycles, or other gas-engine vehicles, is not allowed in residence halls or apartments. Torchiere Lamps: Any style of torchiere lamps is not permitted in the residence halls and apartments, including those with incandescent light bulbs. Additionally, any style of halogen lamps, including desk lamps or any other lamp that requires a halogen bulb, is not permitted. Fabric or paper that comes in contact with these high-intensity bulbs can ignite in seconds and has caused serious fires on some campuses. Dangerous Weapons: The University prohibits the use or possession of dangerous weapons, explosive devices, or materials, including but not limited to firearms, dangerous knives, BB and pellet guns, air rifles, slingshots, ammunition, firecrackers, bombs, whips, and martial arts weapons. Possession of weapons or firearms of any sort is strictly prohibited in all residence areas. Public Safety will confiscate any weapons found, and the owners will be subject to disciplinary action.
Quiet Hours	Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are maintained from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. During these times, no loud or disruptive noise is allowed outside rooms. Courtesy Hours: All other hours are considered courtesy hours, during which a reasonable amount of quiet is expected. Students are expected to comply with another student’s request to lower their noise level. Final Exam Period: Beginning 48 hours prior to the first final examination and throughout final exam week, 24-hour quiet hours are in effect.
Theft	Intentionally or fraudulently taking property belonging to another person or entity without permission or consent is strictly prohibited.
Tobacco in Residence Hall	Smoking of any kind (including hookahs, e-cigarettes, and vape pens) and the use of tobacco products (such as chew and snuff) are prohibited in all areas of the residence halls and on campus. This includes study rooms, restrooms, hallways, stairways, lobbies, elevators, lounges, student rooms, and other campus areas.
Unauthorized Recording	The unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make audio or video recordings of any person on University premises, without their prior knowledge or effective consent, is prohibited, especially when such recordings are likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitious photography or video.

Things to Know:

Private Rooms/Suites/Apartments/Houses: Students who are 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcohol in their private room, suite, apartment, or house, provided all residents of that space are also 21 or older.A suite is considered a “wet suite” and alcohol is permitted if all residents and guests are 21 or older. Conversely, a suite is considered a “dry suite” and no alcohol is permitted if at least one resident or guest is under 21.
Public Areas: Students may not display, possess, or consume alcohol in any public area, which includes all areas outside of private rooms, suites, apartments, or houses. This includes house porches, patios, decks, and yards.
Alcohol Containers: Students (regardless of age) may not display alcohol containers (including beer boxes, steins, shot glasses, etc.), whether full or empty, in their private room, suite, apartment, or house.
Underage Presence: Students and guests under the age of 21 are not permitted to be in the presence of alcohol in any on-campus housing area.
Alcohol-Free Areas: Possession, consumption, or display of alcohol or alcohol containers is not permitted in any area designated as alcohol-free, which includes but is not limited to any first-year halls or any room, suite, apartment, or house where any resident is under 21. Garner and Helein are designated as dry buildings.

University Property

Category	Policy Explanation
Alterations to University Owned Property	Painting or making any alterations to University property is strictly prohibited. Students who undertake such alterations will be held fully responsible for any damages incurred and will be financially liable for repainting or restoring the property.
Appliances	Appliances with open flames, heating coils, or heating elements (e.g., hot plates and coffee coils) are strictly prohibited due to fire hazards. The following items are not allowed: toasters, toaster ovens, hibachis (electric or propane), hot plates, space heaters, electric skillets, soup warmers, s’more makers, electric grills, gas grills, deep fat fryers, and smoke machines. Mini Refrigerators: Students may have one mini refrigerator per bedroom, limited to 6.0 cubic feet or less. Microwaves: Students may have one microwave per bedroom, limited to 600 watts or less.
Elevators	Residents should not tamper with or vandalize the elevator.
Damage and/or Vandalism	Destruction, damage, or misuse of University property or the property of any other person or group or deliberate or accidental damage to University property, property of guests, faculty, staff, and students, is prohibited.
Keys and Locks	Residents may not loan their keys to others and are responsible for all activity that takes place in the residence halls as a result of key use and may not duplicate their key. Students who lose their key or ID keycard will be billed for lock and key replacements. Students must report lost or stolen keys as soon as possible to the Office of Student Development or Campus Security.
Launching from Building	Launching, dropping, throwing or dumping any object or substance from within or on a University structure or property
Restricted & Secured Areas	Entering/exiting/tampering with any University building, event, or restricted area, except in accordance with established procedures
Roof Access	No person may walk upon the roof of a college building (including structures over building entrances) except when emergency access to a fire escape is necessary. Violations may be referred to the Conduct process.
Technology Resources	Any violation of the University Technology Resources Appropriate Use Policy. The computer systems shall be used in a manner consistent with directives of system administrators and directives of hardware manufacturers and software publishers.
Theft	Intentionally or fraudulently taking property belonging to another person or entity without permission or consent.
Unauthorized Entry	Unauthorized entry into or use or defacement of University facilities, including residence halls including residence hall rooms, and other buildings and grounds, including roofs, ledges, balconies; unauthorized erection or use on University property of any structures including but not limited to tents, huts, gazebos, shelters, platforms, and public address systems
Window and Window Screens	Unlatching windows, removing window screens, opening windows beyond 3 inches, throwing items from the windows or entering/exiting the building through a window.

Violence

Category	Policy Explanation
Conduct Harmful to Others	Conduct directed to another including students, faculty and staff, that endangers the physical or psychological well-being of any person and/or creates a hostile academic or living environment which could include but not limited to hazing, stalking, intimidation, and/or coercion.
General Violence	Violence of any kind perpetrated on another person including rape, such as various sorts of physical assaults or interference of other’s legitimate movement. Generally, it is University policy to remove alleged violent offenders until a hearing can be conducted. Removing a student from campus will be made by the appropriate University representatives/authorities with the totality of the circumstances considered. The University will not be responsible for housing or feeding a student removed from this campus.
Intimate Partner Violence	Intimate Partner Violence is often referred to as dating violence, domestic violence or relationship violence. Intimate Partner Violence is any act of violence or threatened act of violence against a person who, is, or has been, involved in a sexual, dating, domestic, or other intimate relationship with the Respondent. Subject to Title IX policy.
Hazing	Any activity expected of a student joining a group, organization, or team (or to maintain full status) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate.
Non-Consensual Sexual Contact	Non-Consensual Sexual Contact is any intentional sexual touching, with any object or body part, by any person upon any person, without consent.
Non-Consensual Sexual Penetration	Non-Consensual Sexual Penetration is any sexual penetration, with any object or body part, by any person upon any person, which is without consent.
Retaliation	It is a violation of College policy to retaliate in any way against an individual because they raised allegations of sexual harassment or other forms of prohibited conduct. The College recognizes that retaliation can take many forms, including threats, intimidation, pressuring, continued abuse, violence or other forms of harm to others, and may be committed by or against an individual or a group, and that a Complainant, Respondent, or third party may commit or be the subject of retaliation.
Sexual Exploitation	Sexual Exploitation is taking non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another, for one’s own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited. Subject to Title IX policy.
Sexual Harassment	Sexual Harassment is unwelcome, gender or sex-based verbal or physical conduct that is, sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with, denies, or limits someone’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s educational program and/ or activities, and/or complete employment responsibilities, and may be based on power differentials (quid pro quo). Subject to Title IX policy.
Stalking	Stalking is governed by the Sexual Misconduct policy when it is sex or gender based. Stalking is a course of physical or verbal conduct directed at another individual, that could be reasonably regarded as likely to alarm, harass, or cause fear of harm or injury to that person or to a third party. Subject to Title IX policy.
Weapons, Firearms, Fireworks, Explosives & Other Dangerous Items	Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other dangerous weapons or instruments on University premises or use of any such item (This includes but is not limited to BB guns, Airsoft guns, switchblades and the like).

Dishonesty

Category	Policy Explanation
Cheating	Copying or attempting to copy from an academic test or examination of another student; using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices for an academic test, examination, or exercise; communication information in an unauthorized manner to another person for an academic test, examination or exercise.
Complicity	Helping or attempting to help another student to commit an act of academic dishonesty.
False Information	Knowingly supplying false information to the University, any University official, faculty member or office.
Forgery	Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following: Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University records, permits, documents, communication equipment, or identification cards and government issued documents.
Fraud	Falsification of information on University records or providing false or misleading information to University officials.
Plagiarism	Incorporating someone else’s work or ideas into one’s own work and passing it off as one’s own.
Unauthorized Cooperation	Working in conjunction with another student on an assignment, test, or project meant for individual work.

Laws

Category

Policy Explanation

Local, State and Federal Laws

Actions prohibited under local, state and/or federal law are prohibited under Student Code of Conduct for Quincy University. The University, however, reserves the right not to adjudicate acts of nonviolent civil disobedience for reasons of conscious. Quincy University response need not await, depend upon, nor be constrained by any state provision for punishment or accountability process unless otherwise indicated in the Student Code of Conduct. Any student convicted of a crime maybe suspended or expelled by the University.

The University reserves the right to contact parents/legal guardians of any student who violates any local, state or federal law. Students may be removed from the University pending an accountability hearing. The University will not pay the cost of housing or food during this time.

The University reserves the right to prohibit any item or activity deemed by University staff to be harmful, unadvisable, or not in the best interest of students or the University.