Student Conduct Code

Academic Misconduct

Students are expected to comply with Furman’s academic integrity policies in non-credit bearing academic experiences such as, but not limited to, internships and undergraduate research. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized collaboration, falsification of data, and unethical research practices. Intent is not required for a finding of responsibility but may increase sanctions, including but not limited to, restitution of funding.

If a grade is assigned to the experience, the incident will be referred to the Academic Discipline Committee and the Office of the Associate Academic Dean.

Alcohol

Philosophical Statement on Alcohol

Furman University’s Vision, Mission, and Values statement guides our pursuit of inspiring purposeful living through transformative experiences that nurture the growth of each individual on an intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical level. The University is committed to providing a campus environment free of the abuse of alcohol and the illegal use of alcohol and drugs. The University affirms the abuse and illegal use of alcohol are at odds with the mission of the institution. As such, the University provides alcohol education programs throughout a student’s matriculation at the university via online resources, workshops, written materials and special programs, events and speakers focused on assisting students in enhancing their personal decision-making skills and assessing their values and actions related to the use of alcohol.

The University recognizes that too many college students, both legally and underage, drink to excess. Such abuse can lead to serious health risks and behavioral problems, i.e. violence, sexual assault, accidents, vandalism, and other dangerous acts. Furman’s alcohol policy, therefore, grows out of the commitment to maintain a campus environment that supports the educational program and promotes the general welfare of the University community. The University affirms the following ideals related to alcohol use:

1. The University supports the decision of students not to use alcohol.
2. Alcohol education is an important and on-going process provided to students throughout their undergraduate experience.
3. Students that drink alcohol and infringe on the rights of others or disrupt the University community will be subject to student conduct action.
4. The University upholds and supports all federal and state laws related to the regulation and use of alcohol. Students who violate such laws may be held accountable by local and university authorities.
5. The University emphasizes prevention education and low-risk decision-making as cornerstones of the overall educational experience of students at the university. As such, the University provides medical and counseling assistance for individuals who experience alcohol related concerns.
6. The University supports behavior and social interactions that are legal, low-risk, healthy and reflective of the University’s values and character.

Alcohol Policy

The purpose of the alcohol policy is to outline Furman’s expectations of responsibility and accountability regarding the use of alcohol. Ultimately, decisions about the use of alcohol are the responsibility of the individual within the constraints of the law and university policy.

1. Furman embraces the ideals of a healthy and balanced social environment in which students commit to the institution’s mission, model the institution’s values, and aspire to the institution’s vision.
2. The University upholds and supports all federal and state laws in regard to the regulation and use of alcohol.
3. The goal of the policy is to encourage students to either abstain from the use of alcohol or to make low-risk choices regarding the use of alcohol.
4. The residence halls are unique living units on the campus intended for large groups of students to reside without undue peer pressure related to the use of alcohol. As such, alcohol is not allowed in any of the residence halls on campus.
5. The North Village apartment complex is a collection of living units in which those 21 years of age or older have the option to drink alcohol in the privacy of the apartments themselves, however alcohol is not allowed outside the apartments (i.e., not allowed on balconies, porches, stairwells, etc.), nor may be provided to anyone under the age of 21. For alcohol use in the North Village Pavilion, please refer to the North Village Pavilion Alcohol Use policy.

The regulations and practices governing the use of alcohol on the campus apply to all Furman students as well as their guests and visitors. As with all other student conduct policies, the responsibility for knowing and abiding by the policy rests with the student.

All local, state, and federal laws are in effect and violations may result in student conduct action and/or local law enforcement action.

General Regulations

Furman Police may administer breathalyzers to students who state that they have not been consuming alcohol. When a student is charged with underage consumption of alcohol, public intoxication, or driving while impaired, the conduct resolution process when determining responsibility will weigh heavily a student’s refusal to take an offered breathalyzer.

Furman University prohibits the following:

1. Possession and/or consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21.
2. Possession and/or consumption of alcohol in the residence halls regardless of age.
3. Abusive, excessive and/or harmful consumption of alcoholic beverages.
4. Public consumption and/or possession of alcohol in common areas of buildings and outdoor venues unless previously approved by the University as a special event.
5. Alcohol in academic facilities.
6. Public intoxication.
7. Driving under the influence of alcohol.
8. Public display of alcohol and/or alcohol containers carried around campus.
9. Empty alcohol containers in the residence halls, including but not limited to, those used for decorative purposes.
10. Residents may be responsible for providing the environment for underage consumption/possession of alcohol by others in their assigned housing units whether or not the residents purchased and/or actually provided the alcohol.
11. Distribution and/or provision of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. 
12. Common containers of alcohol beverages or excessive amounts of alcohol on university-owned property including but not limited to: kegs, pony kegs, party balls, bulk containers or bulk amounts of individual containers or other devices used for drinking games.
    1. High-risk drinking, drinking games and drinking game paraphernalia (including but not limited to: beer pong tables, funnels, etc.) are strictly forbidden because they encourage the abuse of alcohol. Simulated drinking games (e.g., water pong) are prohibited regardless of whether or not alcohol is present.
13. Sponsorship of activities involving the use of alcoholic beverages without prior written approval by the University. Specifically, parties are not allowed in any of the residential buildings or apartments.
    1. Common characteristics of a party can include, but are not limited to any or all of the following: presence of bulk volumes of alcohol, large volume of people, loud music or noise that disturbs neighbors or otherwise draws attention, and/or other behavior that draws attention to a student apartment/room.

Disciplinary Sanctions

The University will impose conduct sanctions on students who violate the alcohol policy regulations. The following minimum sanctions will apply for violations of the alcohol policy. Repeated violations of the alcohol policy may result in suspension or expulsion. It should be noted that alcohol violations which are also in conjunction with other Student Conduct Code violations may result in more stringent sanctions.

1. Underage consumption and/or possession of alcohol: 
   1. 1st offense: $100 fine, online alcohol education, parental notification; reflective/research essay.
   2. 2nd offense: $200 fine, PRIME for Life, parental notification. 
   3. 3rd offense: $300 fine, PRIME for Life, verification of substance abuse assessment and completion of all recommended treatment at student’s expense, disciplinary probation, parental notification. 
2. Providing environment for underage consumption:
   1. 1st offense: $100 fine, online alcohol education, parental notification.
   2. 2nd offense: $200 fine, PRIME for Life, parental notification. 
3. Distribution/provision of alcohol to underage individuals: 
   1. 1st offense: $300 fine, PRIME for Life, parental notification.
   2. 2nd offense: $500 fine, disciplinary probation, PRIME for Life, parental notification.
4. Public display: $50 fine, written warning.
5. Of-age possession/consumption in unauthorized campus locations: $100 fine, online substance education workshop.
6. Public intoxication:
   1. 1st offense: $100 fine, online substance education workshop, parental notification.
   2. 2nd offense: $200 fine, PRIME for Life, parental notification.
7. Driving while impaired:
   1. 1st offense: $300 fine, PRIME for Life, parental notification, disciplinary probation, parking privileges suspended for one semester.
   2. 2nd offense: suspension for minimum of one academic semester, $500 fine, parental notification, parking privileges suspended for one academic year upon return from suspension.
8. Alcohol abuse or harmful use: $200 fine, PRIME for Life, verification of substance abuse assessment and completion of all recommended treatment at student’s expense, parental notification; two or more abuse violations are grounds for possible suspension or expulsion.
9. Underage purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol: $150 fine, online alcohol education, parental notification.
10. Possession of a common bulk container: $150 fine, Prime for Life, parental notification.
11. Evidence of or participation in a drinking game: $100 fine, online alcohol education, confiscation of the game paraphernalia, parental notification.
12. Sponsorship/hosting of an unauthorized party: $300 fine, Prime for Life, parental notification.

Amnesty Policy

In response to the abuse of alcohol and drugs, the University strives to maintain a balance between student support and accountability. While it believes strongly in addressing student health concerns directly and confronting dangerous behaviors, the University also encourages students to seek help in situations where a student’s health is endangered. The University’s first priority is to encourage student safety, and believes it is important for students to receive both immediate attention in dangerous situations as well as follow-up support to encourage healthier behaviors.

1. Students who proactively seek medical attention for themselves as a result of dangerous behaviors, such as but not limited to alcohol and/or drug abuse, will be granted amnesty from the University’s student conduct process, required to meet with the Dean of Students Office, and given an opportunity to comply with education-related recommendations. When seeking assistance, the student must contact a university official, such as Student Life, Housing and Residence Life, University Police, or Student Health Center, in order to be eligible for amnesty.
2. Students who proactively seek medical attention for their peer’s dangerous behaviors will not be charged with an alcohol or drug consumption/possession violation(s). When seeking assistance, the student must contact a university official, such as Student Life, Housing and Residence Life, University Police, or Student Health Center, in order to be eligible for amnesty. Students may be required to meet with the Dean of Students Office and given an opportunity to comply with education-related recommendations. Seeking help for another student does not preclude a student from be granted amnesty for herself or himself at a future date.
3. At the follow-up amnesty meeting, the Dean of Students Office will have a conversation intended to support student development through educational means and will recommend a specific course of action for that student to avoid being charged with disorderly conduct.
4. The course of action may include notifying parents, attending an alcohol education program, or any other recommendation deemed appropriate by the Dean of Students Office. Should the student follow through appropriately, such a meeting will not be a part of their student conduct record, rather a “for information only” (FIO) record. Students who fail or refuse to follow through with these recommendations may be charged with failure to comply and be adjudicated through the University’s student conduct process and the amnesty will be nullified.

5. Students who violate the Student Conduct Code for the alcohol or drug policy after previously being granted amnesty are not eligible for amnesty a second time. The prior incident for which amnesty was granted will become part of the conduct record.

6. This amnesty policy only applies to university policies and will not negate any criminal or civil charges.

Classroom Disruption

Students who behave in the classroom in such a way that the educational experiences of other students and/or the instructor’s course objectives are disrupted are subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to possible exclusion from a course. Such behavior impedes students’ ability to learn or an instructor’s ability to teach. Disruptive behavior may include, but is not limited to: non-approved use of electronic devices (including but not limited to cellular telephones); cursing or shouting at others in such a way as to be disruptive to the instructional process within the classroom; persistently speaking without being recognized or interrupting other speakers; behavior that unnecessarily disturbs the class from the subject matter or discussion; or in extreme cases, physical threats, harassing behavior or personal insults. Faculty members will submit an incident report through the Associate Academic Dean’s office for review and final determination of whether to bring student conduct charges.

Complicity

Intentionally helping another to commit an act of student misconduct or dishonesty.

Cultural Life Program Misconduct

Attempting to secure credit for attending a Cultural Life Program (CLP) event without being personally in attendance for the entire duration of the event, or attempting to help another student to secure credit for attending a CLP event when that other student has not been personally in attendance for the entire duration of the event is prohibited.

Disruptive behavior at a CLP event is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, noisy or otherwise distracting activities, abusive behavior toward other persons in attendance, and refusal to obey promptly any instructions from the faculty or staff event sponsor.

Damage to Property

1. Vandalism, malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction of property belonging to the University, a member of the university community, or a guest of the University is prohibited. This is to include equipment rented, leased or placed on the campus at the request of the institution. Actions which may lead to future damage or problems are also considered violations of the policy. 
2. Chalking is permitted on exterior walkways but is not permitted on bricked areas, walls, slate surfaces, or covered surfaces. Chalking is only allowed to advertise specific events, can only occur one week prior to the event, and must be removed the day after the event.  Students chalking in unapproved areas are subject to a fine or other conduct action. 

Dishonesty

Honesty and integrity are critical components of the Furman University community (see Integrity Pledge).  Dishonesty is considered a serious offense of the Student Conduct Code, and sanctions will reflect such.  A student or group may be subject to disciplinary action for acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:

1. Intentionally communicating untruths or misrepresentations;
2. Any intentional misrepresentation of fact (by action or concealment), including but not limited to furnishing false information, to any university official or law enforcement officer acting within the scope of their employment;
3. Any intentional misrepresentation of fact (by action or concealment) to obtain or attempt to induce another to surrender a right, benefit or property; 
4. Providing false or misleading information in order to be excused from classes and assignments; and/or
5. Interfering with the proper procedures of the student conduct system either by false testimony or otherwise obstructing the system’s function.

Disorderly Assembly

1. No students shall assemble on campus for the purpose of creating a riot or destructive or disorderly diversion. This section should not be construed so as to deny any students the right of peaceable assembly. 
2. No student or group of students shall obstruct the free movement of other students about the campus, interfere with the use of University facilities, prevent the normal operation of the University or the educational process.
3. Refer to the Use of University Space in the Administrative Policies section for guidelines.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct is behavior that is disruptive to the life of the community or which disregards the rights of members of the community. Disorderly conduct unreasonably interferes with university, community, or individual activities, including but not limited to, studying, teaching, research, and university administration. Disorderly conduct can include any unreasonable or reckless conduct, often referred to as horseplay, by an individual or group that is inherently or potentially unhealthy or unsafe to other persons or their properties.

Drug-Free Campus

General Regulations

1. Possession, consumption (without a legal prescription), sale and/or distribution of controlled and illegal substances (consistent with federal, state or local laws) is strictly prohibited. The possession or use of prescription drugs without a valid medical prescription and use of substances for purposes or in manners not as directed is prohibited.
2. Possession, consumption, sale and/or distribution of any substances used to cause impairment including but not limited to intoxication or hallucination (e.g. Spice and Kratom) is prohibited.
3. Possession of any substance, whether legal under state or federal law or not, that contains any measurable amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), such as hemp and CBD oil is prohibited.
4. Possession, consumption, sale and and/or distribution of synthetic stimulants, such as “bath salts” (also known as Cloud 9, White Dove, Hurricane Charlie, White Lightning) is prohibited. Normal bathing salts are permitted.
5. Students may not use or possess drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to weights, scales, rolling papers, e-cigs, blunts, vapes, juuls, hookahs and other smoking devices used to consume illegal substances.
6. Students may not be in the presence of the possession, sale or use of prohibited, controlled or illegal substances, to include prescription medications. 
7. Students may not share prohibited, controlled or illegal substances, to include prescription medications.
8. Students may not sell prohibited, controlled or illegal substances, to include prescription medications.
9. Misbehaving or causing disruption as a result of drug use on or in university property, or at functions sponsored by the University or by a recognized university organization is prohibited.
10. Student-athletes may be randomly tested per athletic department and NCAA policies.
11. Students who violate Furman’s Drug-Free Campus policy may be sanctioned to random drug screenings. Testing positive for illegal substances will be considered consumption.  Failure to complete a drug test within the given time frame will be treated as a positive result.  Diluted samples will result in additional testing at the student’s expense.
12. Students convicted of any offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance may also be deemed ineligible to receive financial aid.

Disciplinary Sanctions

The University will impose conduct sanctions on students who violate the Drug-Free campus policy. The following minimum sanctions will apply for violations of the Drug-Free Campus policy. Repeated violations of the Drug-Free campus policy may result in suspension or expulsion. It should be noted that drug violations which are also in conjunction with other Student Conduct Code violations may result in more stringent sanctions.

1. Simple possession and/or use of a controlled substance: examples include but are not limited to marijuana, products containing THC, synthetic marijuana (K2 and “Spice”), edibles, salvia and pyrovalerone derivatives (found in substance marketed as “bath salts”); prescription drugs without a valid/current medical prescription; use of prescribed medication not as directed (over-use, snorting prescribed medication, etc.); huffing, snorting, smoking, eating, or otherwise possessing or using legal substances not as intended.
   1. 1st offense: $200 fine, random drug testing for a two-semester period, parental notification, PRIME for Life, reflective/research essay
   2. 2nd offense: disciplinary probation for no less than one semester; $300 fine; second PRIME for Life enrollment; warning that a 3^rd offense may result in a suspension for a minimum of one academic semester; random drug testing for a two-semester period; parental notification
   3. 3rd offense: suspension for no less than one academic semester; verification of substance abuse assessment and completion of all recommended treatment at student’s expense prior to application for re-enrollment, parental notification; one semester disciplinary probation upon re-enrollment
2. Possession and/or use of other drugs: examples include but are not limited to cocaine, heroin, LSD, and PCP.
   1. 1st offense: suspension for a minimum of two academic semesters, $300 fine, parental notification, verification of substance abuse assessment and comple­tion of all recommended treatment at student’s expense prior to application for re-enrollment, drug testing as determined on a case-by-case basis, possible loss of campus housing privileges upon re-enrollment, PRIME for Life post re-enrollment, one year disciplin­ary probation upon re-enrollment.
   2. 2nd offense: expulsion, parental notification.
3. Possession of drug paraphernalia: including but not limited to pipes, roach clips, bongs, blunts, hookahs, blow tubes, papers, scales or any material or apparatus containing drug residue (which can include e-cigs, vapes, juuls, etc.).
   1. 1st offense: $100 fine, online drug education, parental notification.
   2. 2nd offense: $200 fine, PRIME for Life, random drug testing as determined on a case-by-case basis, parental notification.
4. Present during the possession, use or sale of drugs: being in the presence of the possession, sale or use of prohibited, controlled or illegal substances, to include prescription medications.
   1. 1st offense: $100 fine, online drug education, parental notification.
   2. 2nd offense: $150 fine, PRIME for Life, random drug testing as determined on a case-by-case basis, parental notification.
5. Accessory to drug use or possession: sharing prohibited, controlled or illegal substances, to include prescription medications.
   1. 1st offense: $300 fine, PRIME for Life, random drug testing as determined on a case-by-case basis, possible one-year disciplinary probation, parental notification.
   2. 2nd offense: suspension for a minimum of one academic semester, $400 fine, PRIME for Life, parental notification, possible loss of campus housing privileges.
6. Distribution, sale, or exchange (including but not limited to, without financial gain) of controlled, illegal or prohibited substances, to include prescription medications.
   1. 1st offense: possible expulsion (depending on type/amount of prohibited substance); if not expulsion, suspension for a minimum of two academic semesters, $400 fine, verification of substance abuse assessment and completion of all recommended treatment at student’s expense prior to application for re-enrollment, parental notification, PRIME for Life post re-enrollment, possible loss of campus housing privileges upon re-enrollment, random drug testing as determined on a case-by-case basis, one year disciplinary probation upon re-enrollment.
   2. 2nd offense: expulsion, parental notification.

Endangerment

Students may not engage in conduct, whether intentionally or recklessly, that endangers the health, safety, or welfare of another person or group.

Failure to Comply

Students are expected to comply with the directives of university officials, including but not limited to, student staff. Students are also expected to comply with the directives of all law enforcement officials. The University affirms the following ideals related to failure to comply:

1. Students shall not run from, hide from, provide false identity in any form to, refuse to provide Furman identification in their possession to, actively resist by word or action, intimidate, or otherwise fail to comply with a university official or law enforcement officer acting within the scope of their employment.
2. Students shall provide correct information to and shall cooperate with properly identified university officials, including but not limited to Housing and Residence Life student staff members, when such officials are performing their duties. Failing to present proper credentials to identified university officials upon their request while these persons are in the performance of their duties is prohibited.
3. Refusing entry by a university official into a residence when there is reason to suspect that a violation of the University’s policies or rules has occurred.
4. No student shall disregard the terms of a student conduct sanction by failing to submit a fine, complete work/service hours, or uphold any other requirements or deadlines related to student conduct sanctions. A hold may be placed on a student’s account until the sanctions are completed. Should a student fail to complete sanctions by assigned deadlines, they may be referred for further student conduct action.

False Reporting

Students may not knowingly, frivolously, or maliciously file false reports, including those against employees, visitors to campus, or fellow students as well as those not made against individuals such as reports of fire, explosions, or other emergencies.

Falsification of Records

1. Each student is expected to complete honestly all documents pertaining to their University records. 
2. No student shall alter, counterfeit, forge or cause to be altered, counterfeited or forged any official record, form, or document.
3. The possession and/or use of an identification that falsely represents the bearer to be 21 or older is prohibited.
4. Identity theft is prohibited.
5. Altering a Furman parking decal in any way is prohibited.

Minimum action items for the possession or use of false identification is $150 fine, parental notification and confiscation of false identification by University Police.

Fire Safety

Furman University takes fire safety seriously and expects students to take personal responsibility for their own fire safety.

1. No student shall set or cause to be set any unauthorized fire in or on university property.  The minimum sanction for intentionally setting a fire will be a $750 fine, restitution for any damages, and suspension from the University.  A student may also be subject to expulsion from campus housing or the University.  In addition, there may be an investigation by local arson officials and if the offense is determined to be in violation of a federal, state or local law, the student could be subject to civil or criminal prosecution.
2. No student shall intentionally cause a false fire alarm. The minimum sanction for intentionally causing a false fire alarm shall be a $500 fine and suspension from the University. In addition, if the offense is determined to be in violation of a federal, state or local law, the student could be subject to civil or criminal prosecution.
3. Students may be held responsible for inadvertently causing a false fire alarm.
4. No student shall tamper with fire safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, hoses, smoke detection systems, sprinkler systems, etc.). A student who tampers in any way with any type of fire safety equipment will be subject to a minimum $200 fine. This includes tampering with or damaging smoke detectors within campus housing or hallways. Should a smoke detector within a housing assignment malfunction, the problem should be immediately reported to University Police at 864.294.2111. No flags or other coverings may be placed under or over electric lights, heat-actuating fire detection devices, smoke detectors, or fire extinguishers in campus housing. Covering or hanging anything on or near sprinkler heads is prohibited. 
5. All persons must vacate campus housing when an alarm sounds. Regular unannounced fire drills are required by state fire regulations and all persons in campus housing must participate in the drills when they occur. When a smoke alarm sounds in an individual room, the resident should notify University Police immediately (even in the case of false or accidental alarms). University Police will then reset the system and/or arrange for any repairs to be made. Failure to vacate a residence hall room or apartment in the event of a fire alarm or drill will result in a $100 fine. Subsequent offenses will result in a doubling of the previous fine.
6. Students may not block the fire exits of any campus building for any reason.
7. No student shall possess or use fireworks on university property. Fireworks are defined as any substance prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion or detonation.
8. Any alleged violation of University Fire Hazard regulations may also be adjudicated as a violation of the Student Conduct Code policy on Fire Safety.
9. All on-campus residents should follow established guidelines for Fire Safety as noted in Housing & Residence Life policies and procedures.

Gambling

All students are expected to abide by the state gambling and lottery laws as found in the South Carolina Code of Laws  as well as  any federal laws that may be applicable. Gambling in violation of state or federal law is prohibited, which includes but is not limited to:

1. Betting on, wagering on, or selling pools on any athletic event;  
2. Possessing on one’s person or premises any card, book, or other device for registering bets;
3. Knowingly permitting use of premises, telephone, or other electronic communications devices for illegal gambling;
4. Knowingly receiving or delivering a letter, package, or parcel related to illegal gambling; and
5. Offering or accepting a bribe to influence the outcome of an athletic event.

Students may participate in “casino nights” or similar events in which individuals play roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, or other card games, dice games, board games, or video games so long as play is for entertainment purposes and no prizes, financial rewards, or incentives are received by players. Casino nights or similar are not allowed on Sundays.

Students may host or participate in raffles on behalf of qualified tax exempt entities so long as any and all proceeds from the raffle are dedicated entirely to charitable purposes, the value of the prize or prize pool does not exceed $950, and consecutive raffles are not operated within seven days of each other. A raffle is considered a game of chance in which a participant is required to pay something of value for a ticket for a chance to win a prize, with the winner to be determined by a random drawing or similar process whereby all entries have an equal chance of winning. Raffles for which a participant is not required to pay something of value for a chance to win a prize (e.g. freely entering one’s name into a contest for the chance to buy discounted tickets to a concert) is not considered gambling.

Pools involving a trial or contest of skill; speed or power of endurance of man or beast; political nomination, appointment, or election; or lot, chance, casualty, unknown, or contingent event are only allowed so long as no money or other consideration is required or provided for participation.

Under no circumstances may “casino nights” or similar, raffles, or pools be used by a student to sale or lease goods, property, or services to others or solicit the sale or lease of the same.

Hazing (Personal Offense)    

1. Furman University will not tolerate any hazing by a student.
2. Examples of prohibited hazing include, but are not limited to, the following activities:
   1. Any act that abuses one’s power or authority over another;
   2. Personal service;
   3. Physical abuse such as paddling, striking, branding, electric shock or bodily contact with harmful substances;
   4. Intimidation by threats of physical or other abuse;
   5. Excessive exercise or other tasks intended to cause physical exhaustion;
   6. Prolonged or repetitive tasks that result in sleep deprivation;
   7. Prolonged or harmful exposure to the elements;
   8. Humiliation through verbal or physical actions;
   9. Compelled consumption of any amount of alcohol;
   10. Compelled consumption of food or liquids;
   11. Grooming or dressing requirements; and
   12. Any task that requires the participant to violate the law or University policies
3. This list does not and cannot encompass every circumstance that will cause the University to discipline a student for hazing. Physical harm is not required for an action to be found to be hazing. Consent by the person against whom the hazing was directed is not a defense.
4. The sanctions assigned as a result of hazing depend upon the severity of the act.
5. Hazing as well as complicity with hazing is criminalized by the State of South Carolina at §16-3-510 and §16-3-520.  The University may refer hazing to law enforcement authorities
6. No student may retaliate against or discourage participation by any individual who brings forward allegations of hazing, is a witness involved with, or cooperates in the investigation or adjudication of hazing cases. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, physical, verbal, or written harassment, threats, or intimidation of any person(s) who brought the complaint of hazing to the University or of anyone who was a witness or involved in the University’s review of the case.

Hostile Acts Toward Others

Hostile acts toward others include assault/battery, bullying and/or harassment, discriminatory harassment, acts of intolerance, and stalking/cyberstalking.  For the purposes of this section, a person’s educational experience includes-but is not limited to-the academic, residential, social, and campus employment environment. Individuals may first choose to address hostile acts by telling the offending party to stop the behavior. If this does not resolve the matter or if telling the offending party to stop is not a reasonable option, individuals may make a report to Student Life to begin either a formal or informal resolution process. Student Life may make a referral to other appropriate entities on campus, such as Human Resources, for resolution. Retaliation for filing a report is strictly prohibited. 

1. Assault/Battery

   1. Assault/battery is defined as any harmful or offensive physical contact of a non-sexual nature or causing a person to reasonably fear imminent harmful or offensive contact of a non-sexual nature will occur.

   2. Please refer to the Sexual Misconduct Policy for harmful or offensive contact of a sexual nature.

2. Bullying and/or Harassment

   1. Bullying and/or harassment is defined as an electronic, physical, verbal, or graphic conduct(s) that is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it either causes actual harm to a person’s physical/mental well-being, property, or educational experience or causes a person to reasonably fear that imminent harm to her/his physical/mental well-being, property, or educational experience will occur. 

3. Discriminatory Harassment

   1. In accordance with the institution’s Non-Discrimination Statement, Furman prohibits harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law by any member of the faculty, staff, administration, student body, a vendor, a contractor, guest or patron on campus.

   2. Discriminatory harassment does not refer to the use of materials for scholarly purposes appropriate to the academic context, such as class discussions, academic conferences, or meetings. Additionally, discriminatory harassment does not refer to participation in lawfully permitted protests, public forums, or campus publications established for the purpose of freely expressing opinions or ideas in the university community.

      1. Discriminatory Harassment includes electronic, verbal, physical, or graphic conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward a targeted student on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law that is both (a) severe, persistent, or pervasive and (b) objectively offensive, such that it unreasonably limits or interferes with the individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from the University’s education, on-campus living, or employment programs or activities by creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive, or demeaning environment. Whether the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, offensive, or demeaning environment may depend on a variety of factors, including: the degree to which the conduct affected the education or employment of another person; the type, frequency and duration of the conduct; the relationship between the parties; the number of people involved; and the context in which the conduct occurred. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to show a repeated pattern of conduct.

   3. Examples of discriminatory harassment include, but are not limited to, verbal acts (epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, comments on physical appearance), physical acts (offensive touching, physical assault, interference with movement, intimidation, damaging property), or graphic acts (posters, cartoons, drawings, graffiti, defacing property, reading materials, computer graphics, or electronic media) that meet the above criteria and serve no scholarly purpose appropriate to the academic context.

   4. Discriminatory Harassment involving Sexual Misconduct:

      1. Discriminatory harassment that violates the Sexual Misconduct Policy should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator.  The University will address Formal Complaints of discriminatory harassment that constitute Title IX Allegations through the Grievance Procedures for Title IX Sexual Misconduct in the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.  Other discriminatory harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or pregnancy may be addressed pursuant to the Grievance Procedures for Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct or under this conduct process, at the University’s discretion.  

4. Act of Intolerance

   1. An act of intolerance is defined as any conduct that serves no scholarly purpose appropriate to the educational experience and demonstrates bias against others because of, but not limited to, their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, veteran status or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

   2. An act of intolerance can be targeted toward a specific person or group. The conduct must actually cause or reasonably be intended to cause intimidation, alienation, or other harm to individuals in the Furman community based on actual or perceived characteristics.  In determining if conduct rises to an Act of Intolerance, the University will consider the following factors as relevant in its analysis:

      1. Vandalism or defacement of personal or university property (e.g. drawing swastikas, hanging nooses, erecting burning crosses, etc.);

      2. Display or use of epithets or slurs;

      3. Culturally offensive gestures;

      4. Theme parties that encourage people to wear costumes or act in ways that reinforce demeaning stereotypes; or

      5. Electronic, physical, verbal, or graphic threats or intimidation.

   3. When an Act of Intolerance is targeted toward a specific person, it may rise to the level of discriminatory harassment as defined above. It may also constitute a hate crime for the purposes of local, state, or federal law.

5. Stalking/Cyberstalking

   1. Stalking/cyberstalking is prohibited and is defined as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.  Stalking behaviors can be characterized as persistent and frequent unwelcome in-person contact, surveillance, and unwelcome electronic mail or electronic communication.  The following are examples of stalking behavior:

      1. Non-consensual communication, including but not limited to, in-person communication, telephone calls, voice messages, text messages, email messages, social networking site postings, instant messages, postings of pictures or information on web sites, written letters, gifts or any other communications that are undesired and/or place another person in fear; 

      2. Following, pursuing, waiting, or showing up uninvited at a workplace, place of residence, classroom, or other locations frequented by a victim; 

      3. Surveillance and other types of observation, whether by physical proximity or electronic means; 

      4. Direct physical and/or verbal threats against a victim or a victim’s loved ones; and/or 

      5. Gathering of information about a victim from family, friends, co-workers, and/or classmates.  

   2. When a person is the target of stalking/cyberstalking because of his/her gender, the Sexual Misconduct Policy is also applicable.

Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure is prohibited and is defined as exposing one’s genitals or other intimate parts of one’s body under circumstances where the exposure may offend or alarm another person in a public place where other person(s) are present or where it is foreseeable that other person(s) could be present.

Information Technology

Furman University provides information technology resources to support educational and administrative activities. Standards of conduct for students using university information resources must conform to the standards of conduct outlined in the Student Handbook. Students are expected to comply with all university computing policies including but not limited to those found on the Information Technology Services web site.

Activities that are expressly prohibited as inappropriate use of information technology resources at Furman include:

1. Activities involving unprofessional (including pornography), harassing, discriminatory, illegal and/or unethical behavior that serves no scholarly purpose appropriate to the academic environment;
2. Electronic messaging used for commercial gain or personal profit;
3. Forgery of messages;
4. Scamming;
5. Hacking or otherwise breaking into someone’s files or stealing their password;
6. Downloading of copyrighted materials without proper consent;
7. Providing unauthorized access to copyrighted materials;
8. Origination or forwarding of chain letters defined as a letter sent to several persons with a request that each send copies to several persons with the same, or similar request;
9. Any activity that significantly prevents or inhibits the conduct of university academic or administrative work; and
10. The use of technology to facilitate any activity expressly prohibited by University policies including but not limited to computing, network, and Information Security policies.

Off-Campus Conduct

Student conduct action may be taken on the basis of any conduct, on or off campus, which would violate the University’s Student Conduct Code or local, state, federal, or international laws. Alleged violation of any international, federal, state, or local law may also be subject to appropriate criminal or civil action.

Conduct and/or activity by members of the student body living in, or hosting functions at, off-campus locations which have the effect of unreasonably interfering with the rights of others is prohibited. This standard of conduct recognizes and affirms a responsibility to respect the rights of others appropriate to the setting in which one lives. It also recognizes the duty and responsibility of Furman students to control the nature and size of activities carried out in the community consistent with the standards of the University. Additionally, the University reserves the right to establish policies and procedures regarding eligibility to live off campus. Non-compliance with university policies or procedures subjects a student to university student conduct action.

Retaliation

It is both unlawful and a violation of Furman’s Student Conduct Code for members of the Furman community to retaliate against any individual who files a complaint, testifies, or participates in any manner in an investigation or proceeding.  The respondent, those supporting the respondent, the complainant, and/or those supporting the complainant are prohibited from retaliating (including but not limited to intimidating, threatening, coercing, or in any way discriminating against the individual) because of the individual’s complaint or participation. Furman will vigorously enforce this prohibition against retaliation.

Sexual Misconduct

Refer to Furman’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Smoking

The Surgeon General of the United States has determined that cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of illness and premature death in the nation. Moreover, research indicates that nonsmokers who are regularly exposed to passive (secondhand) tobacco smoke are also at increased risk of illness. For these reasons, the Surgeon General has urged employers to implement health promotion programs with special emphasis on smoking cessation. In addition, local ordinances have been passed with the intention of restricting the use of lighted smoking materials in public places. As an institution committed to providing a safe and healthful environment, Furman University adopts this smoking policy as well as a smoking cessation program. It is recognized that smoke from cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, pipes and/or cigars is hazardous to health. Therefore, it is the goal of Furman to offer a smoke free environment to the greatest extent possible. Furman will limit smoking as noted below.

1. Smoking (including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigs juuls, vapes, and pipes) is prohibited in all indoor locations including but not limited to: 
   1. general office space, including but not limited to private offices
   2. computer rooms, classrooms, laboratories, lecture rooms, conference rooms, and library 
   3. storage rooms, supply rooms, copy rooms, and mail room 
   4. common areas, including but not limited to elevators, stairwells, hallways, lobbies, reception areas, employee lounges, cafeterias, breezeways between buildings, break rooms, and restrooms 
   5. garages, maintenance shops and mechanical rooms 
   6. hazardous areas containing or in close proximity to flammable liquids, gases and vapors 
   7. stadium offices, concession stands, press box, gym, physical activities center 
   8. theaters, except for smoking required in plays (or scenes) for the actors/actresses on stage 
   9. exhibit halls, auditoriums 
   10. interior areas of campus housing buildings
2. Smoking is permitted outdoors, with the following exceptions: 
   1. within 25 feet of any building entrance or operable window
   2. within the boundaries of all outdoor stadiums (football, soccer) during games 
   3. on building roofs or within 25 feet of air intake louvers.
3. Smoking is prohibited in all on-campus buildings, balconies, patios and porches. Smoking is permitted outdoors, except for within 25 feet of any building entrance or operable window. Any student has the right to respectfully approach a peer whose smoking is disruptive. Anyone approached about smoking should make an effort to find another viable location to smoke. Violations of the smoking policy will result in a minimum $100 fine.
4. Hookahs are prohibited. 
5. Smoking is prohibited in university-owned vehicles.

Solicitation

Solicitation is not allowed on campus without prior written approval.  Refer to Furman’s Use of University Space policy.

Theft

1. No student shall take, attempt to take or keep in their possession or place in their room, items of university property, items rented, leased or placed on the campus at the request of the institution or items belonging to students, faculty, staff, guests of the University, student groups or off-campus community members without proper authorization. 

2. No student shall sell anything that is not their own without the permission of the owner. Violation of this regulation will be regarded as prima facie evidence of theft. 

3. Removal of university-owned furniture from common areas or rooms will be considered theft and dealt with as such.

Unauthorized Activities

1. Golfing - golfing shall be prohibited on the main campus and within all campus housing and is strictly limited to the university golf course.
2. High-risk equipment - the storage and/or use of high-risk recreational equipment, including but not limited to, swimming pools, trampolines and slip and slides is prohibited.

Unauthorized Entry or Use of University Facilities or Equipment

1. No student shall make unauthorized entry into any University building, office, room, or other facility.
2. No student shall access any campus building roofs.
3. No student shall make unauthorized use of any university facility or equipment. Upon appropriate notice by university officials, authorization for the use of university facilities or equipment may be withdrawn or otherwise restricted.

4. No student shall enter a community bathroom designated for another gender. Transgender students may use any public bathroom consistent with their gender identity. Available information on gender neutral bathrooms can be found on the Transgender Student & Ally Resources webpage.

5. No student shall enter or attempt to enter any athletic contest, dance, social event or other such public event without the credentials for admission (i.e., ticket, identification card or invitation) or violate the reasonable qualifications for attendance as established by the sponsors.

Unauthorized Recording of Classroom Proceedings

Students are not permitted to record classroom lectures or discussions without either the express written approval of the faculty member teaching the course or an accommodation through the Student Office of Accessibility Resources (SOAR).  Qualified students with disabilities that impact their ability to take or read notes may receive an accommodation through the SOAR office that permits them to record lectures for their personal academic use. If the SOAR office determines that recording lectures and classroom discussions is an appropriate accommodation for a student, the recording may be used only for personal academic purposes. 

Neither authorized student-initiated recording nor any faculty-initiated recording may be made available to anyone outside of the students enrolled in the class in any fashion, including but not limited to posting online, email, or through other media without the express written consent of the faculty member responsible for the course. Unauthorized dissemination of any recorded classroom proceedings, including but not limited to distribution for compensation, is strictly prohibited. 

Professors or students who believe that a student or classmate is recording classroom proceedings or using recordings made by the professor either without the professor’s consent or in violation of the specified terms of the agreed-upon academic accommodation plan will submit an incident report through the Associate Academic Dean’s office for review and final determination of whether to bring student conduct charges.

Unauthorized Use of University Documents

1. Lending, selling or otherwise transferring a student identification card, parking decal or any University document is prohibited.
2. The use of a student identification card by anyone other than its original holder is prohibited.
3. No student shall obtain under false pretenses any additional student identification card and/or University document.

Weapons

Policy Statement

Furman strictly prohibits possessing, using, storing, or manufacturing any weapon or any facsimile of a weapon on University controlled property or in connection with a University affiliated activity, unless (1) authorized in writing by the Chief of Police (or his/her designee) or (2) in the case of official ROTC activities conducted by students enrolled in the University’s ROTC program, approved by the Chief of Police and the Chair of the Military Science Department (or their designees).  Both concealed and visible weapons are forbidden without regard to the validity of permits.

Weapons will be confiscated upon discovery and appropriate student conduct action will be taken. Violators are subject to expulsion, suspension, or any combination of sanctions as determined through the student conduct process. Violators are also subject to criminal prosecution when violations of this policy also constitute violations of law.

Definition of a Weapon

The term “weapon” means any device, instrument, or substance that is designed to, or reasonably could be expected to, inflict a wound, incapacitate, or cause serious bodily injury or death, including but not limited to, firearms (loaded and unloaded, real, replica and toy); ammunition; electronic control devices (such as tasers and stun guns); devices designed to discharge an object (such as BB guns, air guns, pellet guns, potato guns, bows, and slingshots); explosives; dangerous chemicals (such as mace, tear gas, and oleoresin capsicum); martial arts weapons; bows and arrows; artificial knuckles; nightsticks, blackjacks, dirks, daggers, and swords; and knives, switchblades, and fixed/folding blades longer than three inches. The term “weapon” does not include chemical repellents available over-the-counter for self-defense; razors, fingernail files, and similar instruments used solely for personal hygiene; kitchen knives used solely in preparation of food; or commercially available cleaning solutions used solely for cleaning purposes.