Jacksonville State University is primarily a community of individuals who have come together for the purpose of education. As with any community, the University must establish guidelines for academic honesty and behavior which will produce the type of environment and atmosphere necessary to best achieve its stated purposes and protect its academic integrity. The following pages contain a listing of a number of areas which have required definitive regulation in the past. In cases which are not specifically covered here, students will be expected nonetheless to govern their behavior so as to safeguard the educational process, protect individual and institutional rights and property, and ensure the safety of all members of the University community. I.  JURISDICTION OF THE UNIVERSITY Jurisdiction of the University is generally considered to include student conduct which occurs on University property and/or student conduct which takes place at University sanctioned events off campus which has an adverse effect on the University, the members of the University community, or the fulfillment of the University's mission.  A.  Violation of Federal, State, or Local Law 1. If a student is charged with an on- or off campus violation of federal, state, or local law, or is charged with and is subsequently found guilty or has pleaded "no contest" to a violation of Federal, State, or Local Law, disciplinary action may be taken against the student for misconduct that demonstrates disregard for the University, members of the University community, or the mission of the University. 2. If a student is involved in misconduct which is a violation of the Code of Conduct, as well as a violation of federal, state, and local law, University disciplinary proceedings may proceed without regard or consideration to the pendency of civil litigation in any court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings resulting from violations of the Code of Conduct may be instituted prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus. 3. The University will not request or agree to special consideration for a University student in civil or criminal proceedings off campus. The University may, however, inform off campus law enforcement authorities of the policies of the Code of Conduct and how the offense in question may be handled by the University. The University will cooperate fully with the off campus law enforcement authorities, as well as other related agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by civil and criminal courts on student violations. II. ACADEMIC HONESTY In a University community, true knowledge can be gained only through honest means. All academic dishonesty is expressly prohibited.  This policy is applicable for campus and distance learning activities.  Violations include BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, the following: A. The use of unauthorized materials or the receipt of unauthorized assistance during an examination or in the completion of any other assignment, exercise, experiment, or project for academic credit. Unauthorized materials may include, but are not limited to, notes, textbooks, previous examinations, exhibits, experiments, papers, or other supplementary items. B. Copying or utilizing information from a paper of another student during an examination. C. Rendering unauthorized assistance to another student by knowingly permitting him or her to copy an examination, project, paper, assignment, exhibit, exercise, or other material to be submitted for academic credit. D. Illegally obtaining or attempting to obtain unauthorized prior knowledge of an examination or test materials. E. Selling or giving to another student unauthorized copies of tests or examinations or research assignments. F. The use of a commercially prepared term paper or research project or the submission of a paper, project, or experiment completed by someone other than the student submitting any of the above for academic credit. G. Falsifying class attendance. H. Falsifying reasons why a student did not attend a required class or take a scheduled examination. I. Taking an examination in the place of another student. J. Making unauthorized change in any reported grade or on an official academic report form. K. Unauthorized collaboration between two students on an examination, paper, or project. L. Plagiarism, which is the deliberate act of copying, writing, or presenting as one's own the information, ideas, or phrasing of another person without proper acknowledgment of their true source. M. Making use of computing facilities in an academically dishonest manner. Note: Students may be found in violation of the Academic Honesty Policy through the academic grading procedure as long as notice and hearing are granted and appeal is available and/or through the University Judicial System (See Judicial Procedures, Section III, 1-4) III. CODE OF CONDUCT A.  Alcohol Policy Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the campus of Jacksonville State University is expected to conform to the laws of the State of Alabama and City of Jacksonville. In summary, these laws prohibit the following: 1. Possession, use, or purchase of liquor, beer, or wine by persons under 21 years of age. (Code of Alabama, 28-3-266) 2. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in unlicensed public places. (City of Jacksonville Ordinance #178-Drinking in Public 3. Sale or advertisement of sale of alcoholic beverages without a license. (Code of Alabama, 28-3-60:10) 4. Public drunkenness. (Code of Alabama, 28-3-260:3) 5. Providing liquor, beer, or wine to an underage individual. (Code of Alabama, 28-3-261) 6. Sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday. (Code of Alabama, 28-3-261) 7. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. (Code of Alabama, 32-5A-191) Enforcement: These laws are enforceable by University Police as well as local and state law enforcement authorities. In addition to the above, Jacksonville State University residence hall rules and regulations specifically prohibit the following: a. Consumption of liquor, beer, or wine in the hallways, reception rooms, and lounges. b. Loud or disruptive behavior, interference with the cleanliness of the residence halls, or drinking habits that otherwise interfere with the rights of residents to study, sleep, and have privacy within their rooms. c. Violations of JSU alcohol policy by students under 21 years of age will be subject to parental notification and disciplinary sanctions. University Sanctions:  Alcohol abuse violations of the Student Code-of-Conduct at Jacksonville State University will be handled as follows: 1.  First-time violators: a. Administrative hearing with appropriate penalty, or  b.  Counseling and evaluation 2.  Repeat violators: a. Administrative hearing with the possibility of suspension or expulsion b.  If under age of 21, parental notification of violation B.  Disruptive or Deleterious Behavior Students who demonstrate a documented pattern of frequent disruptive or deleterious (self-harming) behavior will be subject to intervention and, possibly, disciplinary action.  Intervention may include referrals to health professionals on or off campus, notification of family, or other responses deemed appropriate to the circumstances.  Disciplinary action may include probationary periods, suspension, or expulsion. C.  Drugs 1. No student shall possess or distribute an illegal drug as defined by state law. Such possession or distribution is prohibited in any building or on any property owned or operated by the University. Possession is defined to include any area or property for which the student is responsible. 2. University policy conforms to state law with regard to drug paraphernalia. D.  Dangerous Practices No student shall engage in any activity which shall endanger the lives or safety of that student or of others in any building or on any property owned or operated by the University. This includes, but is not limited to, the following activities: 1. The use or possession of fireworks, firecrackers, gunpowder, or any dangerous chemicals or explosive materials. 2. Inappropriate or dangerous use of fires, open flames, candles, matches, or other flammable materials in all residence halls, apartments, or in any other building owned or operated by the University. 3. Blocking or in any way preventing the use of or access to fire exit doors, residence hall room doors, and building hallways. 4. Improper use of electrical appliances or wiring which creates a fire hazard. (Activities carried out in science classes or laboratories under faculty guidance are exempt from this policy.) E.  Destruction or Attempted Destruction of Property 1. No student shall intentionally or negligently damage, attempt to damage, or participate in the damage of property belonging to or in the care of the University, a member of the University community, or a campus visitor. 2. Damage which is caused accidentally should be promptly reported to a residence hall staff member or an appropriate University official. Failure to report accidental damage will be considered a violation of this regulation. F.  Disorderly Conduct No student shall participate, cause, or excite any disturbance, excessive noise, or contention in or near any building or other property owned or operated by the University. G.  Falsification of Official Information 1. No student shall alter or have in his or her possession an altered University identification card, nor alter or enter false information on an official University document. 2. No student shall provide false information or fail to provide current information to the University for the purpose of defrauding the University. H.  Hazing No form of hazing is permitted by any student or student organization. Hazing is defined as verbal, mental, or physical abuse against an individual, with or without consent. I.  Interference with the Judicial Process No student shall engage in any activity which disrupts, unfairly influences, or obstructs the judicial process of Jacksonville State University. This includes, but is not limited to, the following activities: 1. Attempting to influence, intimidate, or threaten any witness, judicial member, or other participant involved in the preparation of a case or the procedures constituting a judicial proceeding. 2. Inappropriate or illegal distribution, announcement, or publication of confidential judicial information, letters, or decision(s). 3. Giving false information to a judicial body. J.  Non-Compliance with an Official Request 1. No student shall fail to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directions by members of the faculty, administrative staff, residence hall staff, police officers, or other employees acting in the performance of their official duties. Students must carry a JSU ID card at all times and a request for proper identification from a student is a reasonable expectation. 2. No student shall fail to answer or respond promptly to lawful requests from members of the faculty, administrative staff, residence hall staff, police officers, or other employees acting in the performance of their official University duties. 3. No student shall intentionally provide false information verbally or in writing, to faculty, administrative staff, residence hall staff, police officers, or other employees acting in the performance of their official duties. K.  Obscene Conduct No student shall engage in lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct or expression on University property or in University owned or operated buildings. L.  Personal Abuse No student shall threaten, abuse, or degrade anyone on University owned or operated property. Forms of sexual harassment are a violation of this policy. M.  Projectiles No student shall throw or cause to be projected any object or substance which has potential for damaging or defacing University or private property or causing personal injury or disruption. N.  Right of Expression Jacksonville State University seeks to preserve the student's privilege to take an active role in exercising their rights of expression, conscience, affiliation, and peaceful assembly. At the same time, the University also recognizes its responsibility to protect the rights and freedom of those who wish to pursue their educational interest without interference. The following procedures have therefore been established to safeguard the orderly functioning of all rights while also providing for the safety and protection of members of the University community. 1. All demonstrations or peaceful assemblies must be registered with the Director of Student Life or appointee at least 48 hours in advance. Standard space reservation procedures must be followed for the use of any University space. Demonstrations or peaceful assemblies are generally defined as any public manifestation of welcome, approval, disapproval, protest, or conscience by a student or groups of students. (Assemblies commonly associated with social or athletic events are not usually within the purview of this definition.) 2. At the time of the registration, the student or groups of students will be advised by the Director of Student Life or designee of any guidelines that will be required for the demonstration or peaceful assembly. Guide-lines may include the time, place, and duration of the demonstration or assembly and the maximum number of people who may participate. The decisions of the Director of Student Life regarding any demonstration or assembly guidelines may be appealed within 24 hours to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. 3. The following restrictions apply to all demonstrations or peaceful assemblies: a. Blocking or impeding vehicular or pedestrian traffic is prohibited. b. Blocking access to or from campus buildings or offices is prohibited. c. No activity that promotes violence against person or property is permitted. d. Observers may not interfere with participants of the demonstration or assembly in any way. e. Activities of participants or observers that disrupt or disturb classes, meetings, or any other normal functions of the University are prohibited. 4. All individuals participating in or observing a demonstration or peaceful assembly must comply with any request of University officials or campus police. Any student who violates any part(s) of this policy will be subject to judicial action. Depending on the individual circumstances, criminal charges may also be filed. A recognized organization that violates any part(s) of this policy may have penalties imposed upon it by the Director of Student Life. O.  Sexual Misconduct No student shall make sexually oriented touches, advancements, or physical contact without the full consent of the other party, or shall a student engage in lewd or lascivious behavior on university property or in university owned or operated buildings. P. Invasion of Privacy No student shall use electronic imaging devices to photograph individuals or groups in university coliseum or gymnasium dressing rooms locker rooms or showers without the written and signed permission of the individual(s) being photographed. Q.  Stalking Stalking is defined as repeatedly contacting, following or remaining in the physical presence of another person when that contact is unwanted.  This contact includes but is not limited to: telephoning, transmitting letters or notes, or contacting through electronic media.  These acts may be either passive or active. Any behavior that hampers the ability of a student to learn and/or instructor to teach shall be deemed to be disruptive. In an extreme form, this behavior may even threaten physical safety. R.  Property Theft 1. No student shall steal, attempt to steal, or assist in the theft of any money, property, or item of value not belonging to him or her. 2. No student will illegally use or appropriate any property not belonging to him or her. S. Identify Theft No student shall use credit cards, phone cards, identification cards, personal identification numbers or other documentation belonging to another individual for fraudulent transactions. T.  Trespass 1. Any individual refusing to leave an area as directed by an authorized administrator, faculty, or staff member is guilty of trespass. 2. Any unauthorized individual entering a University operated building or room which has been closed, locked, and/or posted shall be guilty of trespass. U.  Unauthorized Entry No student shall enter or remain in an automobile, private room, office, or restricted area under control of another student, guest of a student, faculty member, or University official except by permission or invitation of the resident student, guest, or the appropriate University official or faculty member. V.  Violence to Persons No student shall engage in any form of violence directed toward another person or group of people. Responding to violence with violence is a violation of this policy. W.  Weapons No student shall keep, use, possess, display, or carry any rifle, shotgun, handgun, knife, or other lethal or dangerous weapons or devices capable of casting a projectile by air, gas, explosion, or mechanical means on any property or in any building owned or operated by the University or in any vehicle on campus. Realistic facsimiles of weapons are also specifically not allowed. Rifles, shotguns, and bows which are to be used for hunting may be registered and stored one week before and during the appropriate hunting season at the University Police office. Weapons used for hunting must be checked out of the University Police office and removed from campus at the end of the appropriate hunting season. IV. UNIVERSITY DRUG FREE WORKPLACE POLICY Jacksonville State University hereby affirms its policy of providing a drug free work place for its employees. In furtherance of this policy, the following guidelines and sanctions have been adopted. A.  Drug Use Policy Federal law prohibits the illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in the work place. (The work place is defined as Jacksonville State University property, vehicles, or participation in a JSU sponsored activity away from campus.) It is the policy of JSU to comply totally with this law and in compliance will: 1. Provide each student and employee a copy of this policy. 2. Require any student convicted of any criminal drug statute violation which has occurred in the work place to notify the University Judicial Coordinator within five (5) days of the conviction. 3. Require any faculty or staff member convicted of any criminal drug statute violation which has occurred in the work place to notify the Director of Human Resources within five (5) days of the conviction. B.  Legal Sanctions Legal sanctions for possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol may include imprisonment for periods ranging from less than one year (for first offense) up to life imprisonment without parole (for multiple convictions) and fines ranging up to $500,000. C.  Health Risks Marijuana: 1. Use of marijuana reduces short term memory, motivation, concentration and attention span. 2. Infertility may be caused by the use of marijuana in both males and females. 3. Lung damage may result from use of marijuana. Cocaine: 1. Use of cocaine may lead to addiction. 2. Use of cocaine may cause permanent damage to the lungs, liver, and nose. 3. Chest pain, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and seizures may result from the use of cocaine. Alcohol: 1. Uses of alcohol may lead to addiction. 2. Damage to the liver, brain, heart, and other organs may result from long-term drinking. 3. Harm may occur to babies whose mothers use/abuse alcohol during pregnancy (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). 4. Abuse of alcohol can lead to overdose and death. 5. Mixing alcohol with other drugs (legal and illicit) may intensify the effects of either, making overdose more likely. Use of drugs and/or alcohol causes impairment of judgment and motor skills which greatly increases the risks of injury or death due to accidents. D.  Drug Awareness, Counseling, and Treatment Counseling and Career Services offers counseling and therapy to all students, faculty, and staff at Jacksonville State University. These services are without charge. These services include intervention, short-term and long-term supportive therapies. Referrals may also be made to the Calhoun-Cleburne Mental Health Center or to a facility approved under our health insurance plan. E.  Institutional Sanctions 1. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the University. 2. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. If you are charged by your immediate supervisor with an offense which may result in discharge, your case will be referred to the next level of supervision and your immediate discharge may be recommended and/or affected immediately. If discharged, you will not be entitled to accrued annual leave, and this action will become a part of your employment record. V. OTHER REGULATIONS A. Bicycles 1. No bicycle may be kept anywhere inside residential, academic, or administrative buildings. 2. Bicycles may not be ridden in residential, academic, or administrative buildings. Bicycles improperly placed in any University building will be confiscated by the University. B.  Camping or Shelter Construction Constructing shelters, camping, or sleeping out on University owned properties are prohibited at all times. C.  Campus Election No one shall in any way tamper with or illegally influence voting or vote counting procedures or regulations as set forth by the Student Government Association for any campus election. D.  Computer Misuse Any misuse of University or personal computers is expressly prohibited. Examples of misuse include but are not limited to the following: 1. Computer fraud, trespass, theft, embezzlement, or invasion of privacy. 2.  Tampering with files or information that belongs to someone else. 3.  Using the computer to examine, modify, or copy programs or data other than one's own without proper authorization. This includes violations of vendor copyright agreements. 4.  Attempting to degrade computer hardware or software performance or to circumvent its security. 5.  Depriving or attempting to deprive other users of resources or access to a computer. 6.  The viewing, collection, or storage of pornographic materials is strictly prohibited. 7.   Engaging in software piracy which includes unauthorized downloading of proprietary material including movies, music or other software files. E.  Failure to Comply with a Disciplinary Decision No student shall fail to comply with any disciplinary decision or condition(s) imposed by the University. F.  False Alarms and Fire Drills 1. No student shall initiate or pull a false alarm or report or declare a false bomb or fire threat. 2. No student shall knowingly disregard a fire alarm, bomb threat, or refuse to evacuate a building or a section of a building where a fire alarm is sounding or an order to evacuate has been given. 3. No student shall enter or exit from a fire escape except during a fire drill or in the case of an actual fire. G.  Fire Suppression/Detection Equipment 1. No student shall, without authorization, operate, tamper with, or otherwise misuse any fire suppression equipment, except for the purpose of extinguishing a fire. 2. No student shall tamper with or otherwise misuse any fire detection, early warning devices, emergency lighting, or evacuation systems. H.  Littering No student shall intentionally dispose of refuse of any kind in or near any building owned or operated by the University except in receptacles provided for that purpose. No receptacle used for trash shall be overturned. I.  Loitering Due to concerns of safety, security, and a students right to privacy in all residence halls, the following rules have been established: 1. No loitering will be allowed in and around any residence halls. 2. Loitering shall be defined as: a. Any individual or group of individuals congregating in or around a residence hall without a reason or a cause relating to that specific hall. b. Any individual or group of individuals in or around a residence hall causing an annoyance or inconvenience to residents and their guests. 3. Residence hall shall include all areas within the building proper as well as all exterior areas of the residence hall including patios, porches, stairwells, sidewalks, lawns, and parking areas. 4. Guests of residents may be in or around residence halls in accordance with established guidelines including: a. All guests will be escorted at all times by their host. b. No resident may host more than three (3) guests at any time.  5. Residence hall staff will, upon receiving a complaint about loitering, ask the individual or group of individuals to vacate the premises. Failure to comply with this request could result in disciplinary or legal action being taken. J.   Pets Students shall not bring any pet belonging to them or under their control into any University owned or operated building, or chain a pet outside any academic building where it may disrupt classroom activities through barking or other noise. Owners must keep pets on a leash at all times. All actions of any pets will be the responsibility of the owner. Violations of this policy will be handled as follows: 1. In or near classrooms, academic buildings, administrative buildings, or physical education facilities, the person responsible for bringing the pet into the building will be asked to remove the pet immediately. If the individual refuses, or the owner can not be found, University police will be called and appropriate action taken. 2. Students found with a pet in University housing will be given notice that they must remove the pet. Students failing to remove their pet after notification may have their housing contract terminated. K. Soliciting, Selling, Surveying, and Publicizing 1. Students or organizations engaging in advertising or selling goods, services, or tickets; soliciting for any purpose whatsoever on University property or in University operated buildings; or surveying students must first obtain permission from the Director of Student Life.  Surveys that are a part of an academic requirement must be approved by the instructor, department head, and academic dean before approval will be given by the Director of Student Life. 2. All students or student organizations planning to conduct programs on or off the University campus requiring a contractual agreement with non-University agencies, must obtain permission of the Director of Student Life. 3. Non-students and non-University related organizations may sell or solicit on campus with permission of the Director of Student Life. If approved by the director of university housing, programs or demonstrations of legitimate products may be presented in residence halls only under the following conditions: a. The hall council agrees to sponsor the program. Approval by a recorded majority vote of the hall council shall constitute legitimate sponsorship. b. Presentations by the sponsored persons or company shall be limited to demonstration or display of merchandise and appropriate promotion, except that it may not include solicitation or orders, signing of contracts, or exchange of money. The demonstration or promotion shall be such that it does not unreasonably disrupt other hall activities. c. Solicitors may leave calling cards, catalogs, or order blanks with students but may not transact business or seek promises for future transactions. d. A member of the residence hall staff must agree to be present to observe the program. e. No resident of the hall, hall council member, or member of the hall staff may profit from presentation by virtue of his or her role in securing sponsorship for the solicitor. Free gifts, commissions, or any other forms of remuneration are not allowed. f. Door prizes, discounts, or any other forms of free gifts used to promote attendance or encourage interest must be available to all on an equal basis. g. No door-to-door solicitation is permitted. h. All programs falling under the definition of this policy must be registered in advance with the Office of University Housing and Residence Life. 4. Posters, banners, or any other printed material may only be displayed on bulletin boards inside authorized University operated buildings or on authorized University property. (The exterior of academic buildings and trash receptacles are specifically unauthorized display areas.) L.  Sound Amplification Equipment Various outdoor student activity programs require the use of sound amplification equipment. However, the University reserves the right to specify where and when such amplification equipment may be used. Permission and specification for use of sound equipment on campus must be obtained from the Director of Student Life. Sound amplification must comply with the noise ordinance of the City of Jacksonville. M. Unauthorized Use of University Property or Documents No student shall use, possess, or sell any parking decal, ID card, dining hall ID, keys, or official University documents issued by the University to another individual. Specifically this prohibits the following: 1. Use, possession, or sale of a parking decal which was not specifically issued to and paid for by the student holding the decal. 2. Use, possession, or sale of a University identification card to obtain entry or services to which the individual is not entitled. 3. Use, possession, or sale of any University keys not specifically issued to the student. 4. Use of official University documents or identifying information by a student not authorized to do so. 5. Duplication of any key(s) issued by the University. N. Inclement Weather Policy Jacksonville State University is primarily a self contained campus with a large number of residential students requiring a variety of support services, regardless of the weather. Therefore, the University does not completely close because of severe weather conditions. Decisions to close all nonessential University operations, to include classes, will be made by the president, or a designee. In the interest of safety and in recognition of the difficult driving conditions that occur in certain areas, the University permits a liberal make-up policy for commuter students who cannot attend classes during times of extreme weather conditions. O. Parking All motor vehicles to be parked on campus by members of the University community (faculty, staff and students) must be registered with the University police within 24 hours after classes begin for a semester or on the first work day after bringing a motor vehicle to campus. VI.  POLICIES OF NON-DISCRIMINATION A. Notification of Non-Discrimination Pursuant to Title VI Jacksonville State University has filed with the Federal Government an Assurance of Compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Regulation issued there under, to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of age, religion, race, color, sex, handicap, veteran status, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored by this institution. Under this Assurance, this institution is committed not to discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, sex, handicap, veteran status, or national origin in its admission policies and practices or any other policies and practices of the institution relating to the treatment of students and other individuals, including the provision of services, financial aid and other benefits, and including the use of any building, structure, room, space, material, equipment, facility, or other property. Any person who believes himself/herself or any specific class of individuals, to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI or the Act and Regulation issued there under may, by himself/herself or a representative, file with the United States Commissioner of Education or with this institution, or both, a written complaint. B. Notification of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Jacksonville State University does not discriminate on the basis of handicap. This requirement, not to discriminate in educational programs and activities, extends to employment by the University and admission thereto. Inquiries concerning the application of Section 504, the ADA, and the implementing regulations may be referred to the Section 504 and ADA coordinator, the Director of Disability Support Services, at 256/782-5093. C. Notification of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sex Jacksonville State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities which it operates. Jacksonville State University is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments (PL92-318) of 1972 and Department of Education regulations to implement Title IX, Prohibition of Sex Discrimination in Educational Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance, not to discriminate in such a manner. This requirement not to discriminate in educational programs and activities extends to employment by the University and to admission thereto. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and the implementing regulations may be referred to the Title IX coordinator, the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Jacksonville State University, 102 Bibb Graves Hall, 256/782-5020 or Director, United States Office for Civil Rights. Grievance Procedures: A student who wishes to initiate a grievance or complaint involving sex discrimination should confer first with the faculty member, administrative person, or student directly involved. If the matter is not resolved and the student wishes to appeal beyond the accused faculty member or administrative person, he or she may go to the department head, then the dean of the college, if applicable, and finally, to the appropriate vice president. If the accused is another student, the person with the grievance may bring a charge of personal abuse to the university judicial coordinator. After exhausting the informal remedies, the student may institute a formal written complaint. The formal procedure for handling such complaints may be obtained from the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. D. Sexual Harassment It is the established policy of Jacksonville State University to provide a work and study environment for faculty, staff, and students free from all forms of sexual harassment, intimidation, and exploitation. The policy against sexual harassment shall be applied in a manner that recognizes principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression. The faculty member is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his/her subject but should be careful not to introduce into his/her teaching controversial material that has no relation to his/her subject. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other written communications, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: 1. Submission to the conduct is made a condition of employment or admission of an applicant. 2. Submission to or rejection of the conduct is made the basis for a personnel action or grade. 3. The conduct seriously affects an employee's or student's performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive work or study environment. A student may bring a complaint alleging sexual harassment to the University Affirmative Action Officer for informal discussion and advice. The Affirmative Action Officer will provide assistance in resolving your complaint according to policies and procedures governing JSU faculty and staff. As an alternative, the student may deal with instances of sexual harassment in any of the following ways: 1. If you have been harassed by a staff or faculty member or by a student employee, you should do one or more of the following: a. Discuss the matter with the faculty or staff member involved explaining why a particular comment or action was abusive. b. Discuss the matter with the immediate supervisor of the faculty or staff member, giving an account of the comment or action in question. 2. If you believe that you have been harassed by a student, you should do one or more of the following: a. Discuss the matter with the accused explaining why a particular comment or action was abusive. 3. If a student employee believes that he or she has been a victim of sexual harassment, he or she should do one or more of the following: a. Discuss the matter with the accused explaining why a particular comment or action was abusive. b. Discuss the matter with the immediate supervisor of the accused, giving an account of the comment or action in question. c. Bring a charge of personal abuse to the university judicial coordinator. Regardless of which of these ways a student chooses to initiate a complaint, the student will be advised of proper university procedures that can be pursued. Complaints against faculty and staff must be pursued in a manner consistent with the University Manual of Policies and Procedures. If requested, complaints will be held in confidence and counseling will be provided. No investigation or action against the accused person will be taken on behalf of the person bringing the complaint, unless the complainant consents to be identified, if necessary, to the individual accused in connection with the investigation. A student also has the option of filing a formal charge of sexual harassment with the United States Office of Civil Rights. The address and telephone number is available from the Affirmative Action Officer, 102 Bibb Graves Hall. Note: The University reserves the right to develop and implement new policies or regulations not presently included in this document. It is the responsibility of the University to make a reasonable attempt to inform the student body of any change in or addition to the current policies and regulations. E. Records Jacksonville State University maintains educational records as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Campus Security Act. Procedures for granting access to or challenging the contacts of an educational record are outlined in the Jacksonville State University Catalogue, published annually. The release of personally identifiable educational records is also defined by these acts and is subject to requirements outlined in the Jacksonville State University Catalogue.