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Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) & Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The University of New Orleans does not discriminate against individuals (students, faculty, staff or guests) who are diagnosed with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Nor will the University tolerate discriminatory activities by members of the University community against such individuals. The University recognizes that the health condition of individuals is personal and confidential. Any differential treatment related to HIV or AIDS must be justified by concern for the health and safety of such affected persons and others in the University community as provided for below in this policy. Persons with HIV infection and AIDS will be considered as having a disability. University, state and federal anti-discrimination policies and legislation cover such persons, and University officials are advised to guarantee the legal rights of HIVpositive individuals. Existing support services for people with disabilities can be appropriately and effectively utilized by students or employees disabled by HIV infection.
There will be no discrimination on the basis of HIV infection or AIDS against students in admission, access to classes, or access to all University facilities, programs and organizations.
Subject to one's ability to perform the duties of his or her position, there will be no discrimination on the basis of HIV infection or AIDS against faculty or staff persons in matters of hiring, retention, promotion, tenure, job assignments, or salary.
The pandemic of HIV infection and AIDS can affect all members of the UNO community in one way or another, and it is important that certain basic facts be understood about the disease. On arrival at the University many students encounter new independence and freedom of self determination, but also strong peer pressure to adopt certain behaviors. Young adults often feel invincible and tend to deny personal risks; in addition, an uncertain sense of identity and stilldeveloping selfesteem can, in some, complicate decisionmaking. It is essential that the University serve these and all its students with comprehensive educational and counseling programs at a time when experimentation with sexual behaviors and alcohol and drug use put them at great risk for infection with HIV or other diseases. Many people may still feel that HIV infection and AIDS are concerns for "other kinds of people." The lack of immediate indication of infection and the long latency period between infection and the onset of AIDSrelated condition seem to validate this myth. But the fact remains that certain welldefined behaviors put a person at risk, while other behaviors do not, and through modifications of behavior, HIV infection is preventable.
Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is indicated by the presence of antibodies to the virus in the bloodstream. The majority of persons with the HIV infection will have no symptoms of illness at first, and may not display any symptoms for several years. However, after an incubation period of several months to several years, the immune system becomes vulnerable to the point where individuals begin to develop infections and diseases that are characteristic of and considered symptoms of AIDS. All persons infected with HIV (or "HIVpositive") can, at any time after infection, transmit the virus to others under certain conditions
Only certain specific and limited methods of transmission of HIV have been demonstrated:
- Unprotected sexual intercourse;
- Direct bloodtoblood transmission through the sharing of hypodermic needles in the use of drugs, steroids or tattoos;
- Transfusions of infected blood or blood products;
- Infection by means of HIVpositive blood or other body fluids in health care situations;
- Transmission to infants by HIVpositive mothers before, during or after the time of birth.
Since the recognition in 1984 of HIV as a distinct diseasecausing virus, many facts about HIV remain incompletely understood, but its mode of transmission has been firmly established. The U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and the state and local Health Departments have remained clear and consistent in their definition of risk and risk behaviors. Studies of family members of persons with AIDS have shown no evidence of transmission, even after repeated, longterm exposure. It is clearly understood and accepted that in the normal academic/workplace setting there is no risk of infection through casual contact. More specifically, there have been no documented cases of the spread of HIV through insect bites, handshaking, hugging, sharing rooms, food or drink, sleeping in the same bed, being coughed or sneezed upon; touching doorknobs, telephones, computers or other inanimate objects; participating in sports competitions; using restrooms, gyms, swimming pools, or eating in restaurants. The reason for this is simple. HIV can only survive inside living human cells. Also, live HIV, in a dose sufficient to cause infection, must gain entry to the blood stream or mucous membranes in order to cause infection.
References: AIDS on the College Campus, 2nd edition, Rockville, Maryland, American College Health Association., pp 189; "Guidelines for Prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus to Health Care and Public Safety Workers: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 23, 1989, 38:56, 37pp.
Admissions
The University of New Orleans will not allow the existence of HIV infection or AIDS to be a consideration in the admission or readmission of any student. The exclusion of people for reasons of infection constitutes unwarranted discrimination.
Attendance
University students with HIV infection, whether they are symptomatic or not, should be allowed regular classroom attendance in an unrestricted manner as long as they are physically and mentally able.
Access to Programs and Facilities
There is no justification, medical or otherwise, for restricting the access of persons with HIV infection to the University Center, libraries, theaters, restaurants, cafeterias, snack bars, gymnasium facilities, swimming pools, saunas, recreational facilities, or other common areas. No one will be restricted as a result of HIV infection or AIDSrelated conditions from participation in programs or organizations hosted, sponsored or sanctioned by the University.
EmploymentPersonnel Policies
It is the University policy that, subject to one's ability to perform the duties of the position, there will be no consideration of or discrimination based on HIV infection or AIDSrelated condition in matters of hiring, retention, tenure, promotion or salary.
Department chairs, administrators and supervisors may make appropriate accommodations for compassionate reasons for persons with AIDS.
HIV Antibody Testing
The University of New Orleans will not require mandatory testing of either employees or students for evidence of HIV infection. The Student Health Service (SHS) will provide voluntary HIV testing for students. This testing will be confidential or anonymous as the individual prefers. Pre and posttesting counseling are mandated. Evaluations of blood specimens will be performed by licensed laboratories using universally accepted methods and criteria. Positive results will be confirmed by another procedure. UNO employees can be referred through the SHS for counseling and testing to a facility that meets the above criteria.
Confidentiality of Records & Information
Guidelines concerning the handling of confidential medical information about students with HIV infection follow the general standards included in the American College Health Association's Recommended Standards and Practices for a College Health Program, Fourth Edition, 1984:
In general, it is recommended that no specific or detailed information concerning complaints or diagnosis be provided to faculty, administrators or even parents without the expressed written permission of the patient in each case. This position with respect to health records is supported by an amendment to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
Certainly no person, group, agency, insurer, employer or institution should be provided any medical information without the prior specific written consent of the patient. Health officials and other institutional officers must remember that all confidential medical information is protected by statutes and that any unauthorized disclosure of it may create legal liability. The duty of physicians and other health care providers to protect the confidentiality of information is superseded by the necessity to protect others only in very specific, threatening circumstances. The number of people in the institution who are aware of the existence and/or identity of students or employees who have HIV infection should be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid the generation of unnecessary fear and anxiety among other students and employees. The inclusion of information regarding the existence of HIV infection in the medical record should be discussed with the patient. Each division of the University will maintain a coordinated system by which this confidentiality can be assured throughout the University.
Because there has often been experience of discrimination against persons known or thought to be HIV infected, knowledge of a student's or employee's HIV status will be kept to a minimum number of University officers, determined only by a "need to know" basis. Such information may be acquired in a medical setting, and therefore covered by the above policy on confidentiality of medical information. There is no medical necessity for the University to advise students living in a dormitory or other University housing of other students who have HIV infection. Whether the director of such housing should be so informed, will be a matter of professional discretion and judgment on the part of those who have such information. Similarly, there should be no need for University officials in any other setting to identify those students or employees who have HIV infection.
The University must strictly observe public health reporting requirements for AIDS. By law, patients who meet criteria for the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) surveillance definition of AIDS must be reported to the local public health department.
The University health policy should encourage regular medical followup for those who have HIV infection. Special precautions should be considered during periods of incidence of chicken pox, measles and other contagious diseases.
Housing
The best currently available medical information does not indicate any risk to those sharing residence with infected individuals. Therefore, there is no justification for excluding students with AIDS, and AIDSrelated illness or HIV infection from University housing in order to protect others. It is a purpose of the HIV/AIDS education program to deal with the concerns of resident students in this area, in order to encourage an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance of HIV infected students.
On the other hand, in some circumstances there may be reasonable concern for the health of students with immune deficiencies (of any origin) when those students might be exposed to certain contagious diseases in University housing. The Department of Student Housing and the Public Information Office should formulate a set of procedures for responding to inquiries concerning the presence of HIV infected individuals in University housing.
Medical Care
Clinicians in the UNO Student Health Services and Counseling Services should make provisions for medical, psychological, and support services which promote the best physical and mental health of persons with HIV infection. The evolution of antiviral or immunomodulating therapies for HIV infection requires that campus health care providers be aware of current developments and practices in immunological evaluation and treatment. If these services are beyond the scope of patient care services offered on campus, health service physicians should be able to refer students or employees to other facilities. Special precautions to protect the health of immunologically compromised individuals should be applied during periods of prevalence of certain casually contagious diseases, such as measles and chicken pox. Persons known to have HIV infection should receive measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and need not be exempted from institutional requirements for those vaccinations. However, clinicians in health services should be aware of current recommendations for other immunizations in persons with HIV infection because of potentially serious consequences of their receiving live virus vaccines. Some vaccines required for foreign travel may be deleterious to the health of persons infected with HIV.
Student Health Services will encourage students with HIV infection to inform campus health care providers to enable the institution to provide them proper medical care, support, counseling, and education. This, like any other medical information, should be handled in a strictly confidential manner.
Blood and Body Fluid Precautions
The UNO Student Health Service will follow universal precautions at all times as recommended by the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) in order to protect students and staff, since people with HIV infections may not be identified in advance.
Teaching Laboratories
Laboratories used in a teaching context should be safe experiences. Given the fact that the existence and/or identity of those with HIV may not be known, procedures for the decontamination of environmental surfaces and objects soiled by blood or body fluids should be adopted and implemented. Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned with a household bleach freshly diluted 1:10 in water. Gloves should be worn to avoid skin contact with blood or body fluids. Laboratory courses requiring exposure to blood, such as finger pricks for blood typing or examination, should use disposable equipment and no lancets or other blood-letting devices should be reused or shared, but placed immediately in a puncture resistant container after use. No student should be required to obtain or process the blood of others.
Education
Because there is no vaccine or apparent cure for HIV infection, it is important that the University promote programs for its community that increase awareness and provide information to prevent further spread of the virus. In addition, as information becomes available regarding limiting the consequences of established HIV infection, the AIDS education program should provide this information. Education programs will address all students, reaching undergraduate and graduate students, traditional, nontraditional and international students on all campuses. Faculty and staff will be offered similar educational opportunities.
UNO will provide current information in reliable uptodate materials that are easily accessible and widely available. In addition, condoms and spermicides should be readily available and peer education programs will be supported and supervised.
UNO HIV/AIDS Committee
The UNO HIV/AIDS Committee (advisory to the Chancellor) composed of the Director and Medical Director of the Student Health Service, two faculty members, two students (one of whom must be a resident in University housing), the Director of Human Resource Management, the Manager of Student Housing, and the Dean of Student Life, will be available as needed to the UNO community for advice in dealing with particular cases of concern not specifically covered by these guidelines. The Committee will also meet annually to reevaluate this policy and guidelines.
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Persons privileged to purchase alcoholic beverages, including wine and beer, on the UNO campus must meet the State of Louisiana age requirement (must be at least 21 years of age to purchase alcohol).
Identification showing proof of age must be presented when purchasing alcoholic beverages, in accordance with state and local law. Alcoholic beverages will be sold and consumed only at designated locations and only to UNO students, faculty, staff, alumni and their guests. The designated areas in which alcoholic beverages may be sold and consumed are as follows:
- The University Center Flambeau Room;
- The University Center food service areasthe Cove and the Galleywhere wine or beer may be consumed;
- The University Center, where alcoholic beverages may be served under the direction, supervision and control of the Food Service staff. Said beverages shall be sold in this area by the University only at events sponsored by authorized campus organizations and approved by appropriate administrative officials;
- Alcoholic beverages may be consumed (not sold) in University housing areas by residents and their guests who are of legal age (21);
- During arena events, alcoholic beverages may be sold at the Lakefront Arena by authorized officials of that facility;
- Alcoholic beverages may be sold by authorized officials of UNO's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
In addition to the above, the policy permits the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages during such functions and at such locations that the Chancellor may deem proper to approve. The consumption of alcoholic beverages will be limited to those areas designated above.
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UNO students are authorized to use University Computer Center (UCC) facilities for course related work and other educational purposes only. Use of UCC resources for other than educational purposes, especially for commercial or contract purposes, will result in the removal of the student's user names from all UCC computers. Possible judicial or legal action may also be in order.
Other instances of system misuse that will result in removal of student's user names from all UCC computers include:
- Unauthorized copying or distribution of UCCprovided system and applications software (which will violate lease or purchase agreements, and lead to possible legal action against the student);
- Use of another individual's account, or sharing of accounts;
- Attempting to inspect or copy another user's programs or directory without permission;
- Playing games, MUD'S, or interactive CHATTING (IRC, etc.) on the Internet;
- Deliberately trying to damage system software or hardware;
- Failure to cooperate with UCC staff;
- Any attempt to create or import a program which circumvents system security or compromises data integrity;
In severe or repeated cases of misuse, judicial or legal procedures may be initiated. It should be noted that some cases of system misuse may involve violation of state statutes.
UCC reserves the right to inspect all information stored on UCC computers, including programs, data, and mail. However, due to the sensitive nature of certain data, exceptions may be made through prior written arrangements with the director. Keys to all encrypted files must be provided to the director upon request.
UCC reserves the right to limit or deny access to anyone using UCC facilities when privileges are abused.
UCC cannot guarantee the reliability of system hardware or system and application software. Therefore, UCC cannot assume responsibility for errors, damage, or lost time caused by program, network, or equipment malfunction. Since UCC relies to a large extent on untrained student help, responsibility cannot be assumed for any data or information lost due to human error, and must limit its responsibility to the replacement of any physical storage medium damaged through negligence.
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Students or student organizations planning to picket or engage in any type of demonstration or mass protest must notify the Office of Student Affairs (MH 159), at least 24 hours prior to the proposed activity. The notification is necessary so that University personnel are aware of this type of activity and are able to insure the safety of all participants involved. However, involvement in campus demonstrations which disrupts the normal operations of the University and infringe on the rights of others is a University violation.
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The University recognizes that the student's right as a citizen to speak and write freely is protected by the First Amendment. Printed material may be distributed on campus by a student or registered student organization in an orderly manner to those who wish to receive it as long as the material is not obscene, vulgar, libelous, or a form of harassment and is free from nonpermissible solicitation. Distribution must be conducted so as not to interfere with free and unimpeded flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, or to disturb or interfere with academic or institutional activities. Other procedures governing the distribution of literature on campus are as follows:
- All literature distributed on campus by a student or a student organization shall identify the student or organization distributing it.
- No student or student organization may distribute literature by accosting individuals or by hawking or shouting.
- No student or student organization may use the University's name or symbols in identifying the publisher of printed matter distributed on the campus without the express authorization of the University.
- A student organization distributing printed materials on campus shall clean the area around which the materials were distributed.
- All literature distributed must be in English.
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(This policy is currently under review.)
The University of New Orleans prohibits the abuse of drugs, including alcohol. It is unlawful to possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs on UNO property or at any Universitysponsored event, whether or not the event occurs on campus. In addition, UNO prohibits the use of alcohol on campus, except in the designated areas described in this manual.
The University provides counseling, referral services and other assistance to students, faculty and staff who seek help with substance abuse problems.
Alcohol and drugs can seriously damage physical and mental health, as well as jeopardize personal and public safety. For these reasons, violators of the UNO drug policy will face judicial action, as outlined in the University of New Orleans Judicial Code. Penalties for students who are substance abusers include suspension or expulsion. Penalties for faculty and staff members include termination of employment, as outlined in the DrugFree Workplace Policy, which is found in AP 5.3.
As with all illegal activities, substance abuse can result in criminal prosecution as well, under state and federal laws, including section 22 of the DrugFree Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101226). This brochure outlines some of the basic information you may need to understand the health risks and legal risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse. It also explains some aspects of the UNO drug policy, the various penalties that apply to substance abusers, and where to go for help. Phone or visit Student Health Service (UC 244) if you have any further questions about these drugs and their effects on you, your family or your friends.
Alcohol is the most widely used drug and most widely abused drug in the United States. Problem drinkers and alcoholics suffer from extremely high rates of disease and death, and they kill large numbers of their fellow citizens each year in automobile accidents and in violent acts. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, impairing reflex skills for activities such as driving. Low doses may relax a person. Increasing doses impair judgment and produce emotional instability. The seriousness of the result depends upon the metabolism of the drinker as well as the amount consumed. Chronic use of alcohol causes irreversible damage to body tissues, such as the brain and liver, nutritional deficiencies and memory problems. Scientific studies have linked alcoholism with several kinds of cancer and also with cirrhosis of the liver. There is also a high risk of addiction, especially for people with a family history of alcoholism. Alcohol works by removing oxygen from the bloodstream. This in turn kills brain cells (even in relatively moderate doses), and this is why high doses produce coma and death. It is extremely important that pregnant women avoid using alcohol, because the oxygen deprivation occasioned by alcohol use affects the developing brain of the baby and can produce mental retardation and other abnormalities, a condition known medically as "fetal alcohol syndrome."
Cocaine and its derivative, crack, have become an increasing source of addiction, hospital emergencies, and death. These drugs act as an anesthetic and a stimulant for the central nervous system. They cause increased heart and respiration rates, as well as elevated blood pressure. An overdose can cause heartrhythm abnormalities, heart attacks, and rapid death.
Cocaine and crack are highly addictive. Withdrawal causes intense cravings. When used during pregnancy, they can cause miscarriage, malformation, retardation, low birth weight, and withdrawal syndrome in the newborn. In adolescents and adults, chronic use often leads to deterioration of nasal tissues, chronic lung disease, heart problems, paranoia and psychosis. People who use these drugs may need help and support to stop.
Marijuana and hashish have been widely used in the United States, frequently with little regard for the legal penalties imposed for their use. Using marijuana can cause various reactions, ranging from euphoria to depression and hallucinations. Only recently have medical studies demonstrated the physical and psychological consequences of longterm use of marijuana. These include low sperm counts, impaired immune system functioning, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung disease, impaired memory, and motivational syndrome. There is clear evidence that marijuana is a psychologically addictive drug.
Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, ecstasy, mushrooms, etc.) are very unpredictable substances. They cause hallucinations and abnormal sensory feelings involving colors, lights, and sounds, which are influenced by the environment in which the user takes the drug. After use, frightening flashbacks can occur, and during use, impaired mental function can cause accidents involving injury or death. Users can experience panic attacks ("bad trips") and these trips can trigger longterm psychotic behavior. Psychological dependence may also develop. Treatment consists of reassurance counseling and certain medications.
Narcotics like heroin, codeine, morphine, demerol, and talwin, are highly addictive drugs. They act on the central nervous system to reduce sensitivity to pain. They produce a "rush" and then euphoria. Some of the risks are death from overdose, and AIDS and hepatitis (from sharing needles). Withdrawal is painful and dangerous. In a short period of time, users develop physical addictions that require feeding their habit every three to six hours to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Treatment can consist of nonaddicting medications to help users detoxify.
Designer drugs are various kinds of street drugs that are developed in illegal laboratories. They can be similar to narcotics, stimulants or hallucinogens. They may cause neurological symptoms, like permanent Parkinsonism (a continual trembling) and death. Users never know quite what they are getting into with these drugs, and diagnosis and treatment can be very difficult, if not impossible. The consequences are unpredictable and can be permanent.
Prescription depressants, like Valium and sleeping pills, can cause physical and psychological dependence with longterm use. Combined with alcohol they are the most common cause of accidental overdose and suicide. Fatigue, confusion, loss of coordination, and loss of motivation can be symptoms of abuse. When properly supervised by a physician, they can be safe medications, but withdrawal can be difficult and long lasting.
Anabolic steroids are sometimes (and inadvisably) used by athletes and body builders. They are often distributed illegally, exposing users to legal penalties. It is possible for some athletes to put on extra muscle mass if they use anabolic steroids while training with weights, but the side effects and longterm consequences are extremely serious and far outweigh the shortterm gains. Users can exhibit aggressive personality changes and may also develop acne, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, secondary male sexual characteristics, and risk for HIV and hepatitis, if injected. Consequences in later life can include sterility, early heart disease and liver cancer.
UNO Counseling and Career Center staff can play an important role in providing opportunities for substanceabuse students, faculty or staff members to discontinue their use of alcohol or illegal drugs, so as to return to health. Services include the following:
- Free confidential evaluation for students and employees who refer themselves for counseling.
- Confidential shortterm individual or group counseling for voluntary clients.
- Free professionally planned intervention procedures for students or employees who do not voluntarily seek help. This can often be accomplished with relative confidentiality, involving only those who are directly concerned with the substance abuser.
- Free complete consultation and referral services for students and employees needing extended evaluation and treatment services for substance abuse.
- Participation in codependent groups which meet on campus weekly with therapistfacilitated leadership. These groups have openings for new members from the University three times per year and are free of charge.
- Information about selfhelp community resources for alcohol and substance abuse are available through the UNO Counseling and Career Center (HPC 112; 280-6682; http://counserv.uno.edu.)
Student Health Services also initiates the formation of committees twice yearly to provide two annual campuswide prevention programs, the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week and the National Collegiate Drug Awareness Week. These highly visible, educational events are well advertised on campus and in the local media. They are free for all students, faculty, and staff. Events include demonstrations, films, panel discussions and contests. Educational literature on drug and alcohol use is distributed throughout the campus. Other special programs are offered throughout the year.
Violations of the University drug policy by students, faculty or staff will result in disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of the offense, this can take the form of a written reprimand, suspension, demotion, reduction in pay, or termination of the person's association with UNO. Judicial actions taken against students will be imposed in accordance with the Judicial Code section of this Policy Manual. Violations by academic employees will be handled in accordance with the University Policy on Faculty Conduct section of the Faculty Handbook. Disciplinary actions taken against classified employees will be conducted in accordance with the State Civil Service Rules. Nonclassified employees will be disciplined through their direct supervisor, director or dean. Other employees not listed above are subject to similar types of sanctions.
For Injuries Caused by Intoxication
Employees injured while intoxicated will not be entitled to workman's compensation, unless the employee's intoxication resulted from activities which were in pursuit of the employer's interests or in which the employer procured the intoxicating substance and encouraged its use.
The employer has the right to administer drug and alcohol testing or to require that the employee submit to such testing immediately following an accident. Under current Louisiana law, an employee's failure to submit to testing allows the employer to assume that the employee is intoxicated.
For Drugs
It is unlawful in Louisiana to produce, manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess illegal drugs. The most common illegal drugs on college campuses are marijuana, opium derivatives, hallucinogens, depressants, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, and amphetamines.
The maximum penalty provided by Louisiana law for possession of hallucinogenic drugs, opium derivatives, and depressants is imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of probation or suspension of sentence. An additional fine of up to $15,000 may also be imposed.
The penalty for violating Louisiana laws concerning cocaine, cocaine derivatives, and amphetamines is not less than five years nor more than thirty years of imprisonment at hard labor, with a possible $15, 000 fine.
The revised criminal code carries specific penalties for possession of marijuana. A first conviction warrants up to six months in prison and the possibility of a $5,000 fine. A second conviction earns up to five years' imprisonment and a $2,000 fine. A third conviction earns up to twenty years' imprisonment. Much more severe penalties exist for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute or for actual distribution: hard labor for up to forty years and fines as high as $500,000.
For Alcohol
It is unlawful in Louisiana for anyone under 21 years of age to purchase any alcoholic beverage. It is unlawful in Louisiana for anyone under 21 years of age to "publicly" possess any alcoholic beverage for any reason, in any place open to the public, including clubs that are de facto open to the public. Exceptions occur when the alcohol is possessed or consumed for the following reasons:
- For established religious purposes
- For medical purposes when prescribed by a licensed authority
- When an 1820 year old is accompanied by a parent, spouse or legal guardian at least 21 years of age in private residences, or private clubs or establishments
- When lawfully employed by a licensed enterprise for the lawful sale, handling, transport or dispensing of alcoholic beverages.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Louisiana, and anyone with a blood alcohol level of. 10 or above will be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI).
Every two years, the University of New Orleans will require the Student Health Services Office to reconvene its Drug Free Task Force to review its implementation of the Drug Free Schools policy on campus, to determine its effectiveness, to make changes and to ensure consistent enforcement of the judicial sanctions
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Student Rights Related to Educational Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records as noted below. Additional information regarding students' rights under FERPA may be found in the University of New Orleans’ Administrative Policy 51.01 at http://www.uno.edu/chancellor/ap/PDF/AP-51.01-Educational_Privacy_Rights_of_Students.pdf. For further explanation, consult the University Registrar in Administration Building 112.
Those rights include:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the custodian of the record receives a request for access. That request must be made in writing to the specific custodian of the record in question. For definition of “educational record, see the web site listed above.
The right to request the amendment of the student's education record that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights. Any student who desires amendment of his or her record shall follow the procedure set forth below:
A student shall submit to the custodian of the record a written request asking that the record be amended if the student has reason to believe that the educational record contains information that is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student's rights of privacy. The custodian of the record shall decide whether to amend the record as requested within a reasonable time after receiving the request.
If the custodian decides not to amend the record, the student shall be informed of his or her right to a hearing regarding the amending of the record. In cases regarding educational records, a request for a hearing should be submitted in writing to the Office of Academic Affairs.
If a hearing is requested, the University shall follow the procedure set forth below:
A hearing shall be held within a reasonable time after the request has been received.
The student shall be given notice of the date, time, and place, reasonably in advance of the hearing.
The Office of Academic Affairs will determine the school official who will conduct the hearing; the school official must be an official of the institution who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing. The student may present relevant evidence and may be assisted by individuals of their choice at the hearing.
The official in charge of the hearing shall make his or her decision in writing within a reasonable period of time after the hearing. The decision must be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing and must include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision.
NOTE: The above procedure shall not be available to challenge the validity of a grade given by a professor or any other decision of a University professor or official but only whether the recording of such grade or decision is accurate and complete.
Students have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official (including those associated with the Louisiana State University system) is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as attorney, auditor or service provider); those persons in an emergency, in order to protect the health and safety of students or other persons; accrediting agencies; persons in compliance with a judicial order and others as outlined in AP 51.01. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her responsibilities to University of New Orleans.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirement of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605
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A. The purpose of the course finalgrade appeal policy is to provide the student with a safeguard against receiving an unfair final grade in a course, while at the same time respecting the academic freedom of the instructor which is vital to the integrity of the teaching process at the University of New Orleans.
B. The course finalgrade appeal process strives to resolve the dispute between student and instructor in the assignment of a course final grade at the collegial level. The intent is never to embarrass or disgrace students or instructors, nor to assess penalty or retribution on any party when mistakes are discovered, but instead to provide a neutral forum for the discussion of differences of opinion.
C. Every student has the right to have a request for consideration of his or her final grade reviewed by the chair of the department and the departmental grade appeal committee.
D. The course finalgrade appeal shall be confined to charges of unfair action against an individual student and may not involve a challenge of an instructor's class grading standard. It is incumbent on the student to substantiate the claim that his/her final grade in the course represents unfair treatment, compared to the standard applied to the remainder of the class. Only the final grade in a course may be appealed.
E. The following gradeappeal procedure affords informal and formal mechanisms for arbitration of a grade disagreement between student and instructor.
A. A standing Grade Appeal Committee (hereafter designated as the Committee), one for undergraduate appeals and (where applicable) one for graduate appeals, shall exist within all departments.
B. The Committee shall consist of Five (5) fulltime faculty members (one of whom is designated as " alternate") and three (3) students (one of whom is designated as " alternate"). Students must be registered for at least six (6) credit hours during the academic year and three (3) credit hours during the summer term.
C. The four regular Committee faculty members and the "alternate" (who shall serve in the event a charge is brought against a regular Committee faculty member or in the event a regular faculty committee member cannot participate) shall be elected on an annual basis, prior to the second week of classes in the Fall semester, by the faculty of the department. (For the graduate grade appeal Committee, the faculty members must be Full or Associate Members of the graduate faculty.) Faculty members must serve if elected.
D. The two regular student members and the "alternate" (who shall serve in the event a regular Committee student member is issuing the grade appeal or in the event a regular student member cannot participate) shall be appointed, on an annual basis, by the Department Chair. Only undergraduate students can serve on an undergraduate appeal, and only graduate students can serve on a graduate appeal.
E, In departments with fewer than five faculty members, each eligible member will serve on the Committee. The Dean of the College shall appoint eligible faculty or student members from a related department to fill the remaining vacancies. (The Dean of the Graduate School shall serve this function for the graduatelevel Committee.)
F. In the event of faculty or student vacancies on the Committee due to death, approved leave, normal absence during the summer, or ineligibility to serve, the Department Chair shall appoint a temporary replacement.
G. The Committee shall meet and elect, prior to the third week of classes in the Fall semester, a Chair and a ViceChair, who will preside in the absence of the Chair. At this meeting, the Department Chair shall verify that Committee members are familiar with the grade appeal procedure.
H. All members of the Committee are voting members except the Chair, who shall vote only in the case of a tie vote.
I. Three faculty members plus one student member shall constitute a quorum for the Committee.
J. Throughout this document, "weeks"/"days" refer to time periods that classes are in session (excluding Saturday).
K. Since these are academic proceedings, attorneys or advisors are not allowed to be present during any of the proceedings.
A. If a student believes that the final grade in a course is unfair, the following informal mediation procedure represents the first course of action.
B. Within ten (10) class days following the issuance of final grades, the student shall meet with the instructor to seek an explanation of his/her grade in the course.
C. If the dispute remains unresolved after meeting with the instructor, the student shall submit to the Department Chair a formal written statement representing his/her viewpoint. The student must present the written charge and supporting materials no later than the end of the fourth week of the following semester (whether or not the student is actually enrolled at the University). The statement must include the student's request that the grade be changed from _____ to _____ and the specific reason (or reasons) that the student believes justifies the change of grade.
D. The Department Chair shall serve as a mediator, attempting to resolve the conflict between the student and the instructor. (In the event that the Department Chair is the instructor subject to the charge, the Committee shall serve as the arbiter.) The mediator shall act to accomplish the following:
- Meet with the student within five (5) class days, upon receipt of the written complaint, to ascertain that he/she has a copy of the University's Course FinalGrade Appeal Policy and that he/she understands the nature of the appeal process;
- Forward a copy of the student's written complaint to the instructor;
- If appropriate, request a written statement from the instructor responding to the allegations presented in the student's written complaint and forward a copy to the student; and
- confer with both parties, either separately or jointly, within ten (10) class days of receiving the student's written complaint to attempt a resolution of the dispute.
A. If the dispute over the course grade cannot be resolved through informal mediation, the student may request in writing that the Department Chair initiate a formal appeal procedure involving the presentation of the case to the departmental Grade Appeal Committee.
B. If a formal grade appeal is requested, the Committee shall commence deliberations within ten (10) class days after submission of this request. In initiating the formal appeal procedure, the Department Chair shall take the following actions:
- Solicit formal written statements (which may be revisions of the original complaint submitted for informal mediation) from the student and from the instructor, specifying details of their respective viewpoints, along with any pertinent supporting documents from the two parties;
- If necessary, clarify procedures for either or both parties in the preparation of the formal written statements to be presented to the Committee; and
- Distribute the written presentations from both parties to the Committee (as well as to the opposing parties) at least one week prior to the first Committee meeting.
C. The Committee shall conduct one or more meetings, at which time the Committee shall take one of the following actions:
- May request that one or both parties write a more definitive statement when the language in the original statement is vague and/or ambiguous and the Committee cannot make a determination concerning the allegation of unfair treatment compared to the standard applied to the remainder of the class;
- May decline to hold a hearing because the information presented in the student's statements fails to meet the criteria specified in Section "Purpose", "D."; or
- May conduct a hearing with both the student and the instructor present (unless the Committee goes into executive session to discuss procedural issues), whereby, both parties will be allowed to call witnesses as approved by the Committee Chair, and the Committee members may ask questions of any individuals involved.
D. At the conclusion of the formal review, the Committee shall meet in executive session to deliberate, under the following conditions:
- The Committee shall limit its concern to the specific issues of unfairness specified in the complaint as detailed in the student's written statement; and
- The Committee shall reach a final decision (by majority vote of those present) that will either support the original course grade or designate an alternative grade.
Within five (5) class days of the Committee's decision, the Committee Chair shall forward the Committee's decision (and written justification) to the student and instructor concerned, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College (or, for graduate appeals, to the Dean of the Graduate School). If the Committee recommends a change of grade, the Department Chair shall submit a Request for Change of Grade to the Dean of the College (or to the Dean of the Graduate School). After expiration of the time period for an appeal of the Committee's recommendation, the Dean shall forward the Request form to the Office of the Registrar.
If either the instructor or the student wishes to challenge the procedural process as defined in this document, he/she may appeal to the Dean of the College (or, for graduate appeals, to the Dean of the Graduate School) for a review thereof. A written statement, describing the procedural objections, must be submitted to the Dean within rive (5) class days of receipt of the Committee's written recommendation. It shall not be within the purview of the Dean to enter into judgment of the case, but only to examine the procedure employed by the department. The Dean shall respond within ten days to all involved parties. If the Dean determines that the procedures involved were not properly followed, and the procedural violations could have been material to the outcome of the hearing, the Dean will direct that the process be resumed at an appropriate point.
(Adopted by the University Senate on 12 March 1996.)
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The University of New Orleans is a multicultural community composed of diverse students, faculty, and staff. A fundamental principle of the University of New Orleans is that there be an environment of mutual tolerance and respect, which is free of hostility toward, discrimination against, or harassment of any person based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Every member of the university community is held strictly accountable for his or her behavior with regard to this standard.
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The University will not tolerate nor condone hazing in any form. Policies governing hazing are as follows:
1. The University defines hazing as any willful act by one student alone or acting with others, directed against any other student, that:
a. Subjects the student to indignity or humiliation
b. Intimidates the student to ignominy, shame or disgrace among fellow students
c. Humbles, or is calculated to humble, the pride, stifles the ambition, or blights the courage of the student attacked
d. Discourages the student from remaining at the University, or causes him or her to leave rather than submit to such acts
e. Constitutes a legal assault, by striking, beating, bruising, maiming or any other physical violence
f. Threatens to commit acts of violence.
2. Complaints concerning possible violations are to be directed to the Assistant Dean for Judicial and Student Assistance. Cases will be dealt with on an individual basis.
3. Specifically forbidden hazing activities include, but are not limited to: paddling in any form; creating excessive fatigue, physical and psychological shocks; publicly wearing apparel that is bizarre and not in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; deprive persons of the opportunity for sufficient sleep; forcing or coercing persons to consume alcohol or unusual substances, such as unprepared food; participating in blindfold trips; and requiring any activities that would cause a student to violate the judicial code of the University or any state or federal laws.
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The Off Campus Speakers Policy is currently under review and revision. Please contact the Mr. Will Peneguy, Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services at (504) 280-1042.
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A student or organization wishing to post a sign on campus shall observe the following guidelines:
1. No student or organization may post or carry a sign on campus that:
a.
involves nonpermissible solicitations;
b. contains materials that are obscene, vulgar, libelous, or a form of harassment.
2. No object other than a sign may be posted on University property.
3. Prior to the posting of a sign, the student or organization must:
a. deposit with the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership a copy, photograph or description of the sign;
b. include on each sign the name of the student or student organization, as well as the date of posting or date of event;
c. receive approval from the main office responsible for the building in which material will be posted, such as the dean, and provide a copy to the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.
4. A student or student organization shall remove each sign that was posted no later than 14 days after posting or attaching, or no later than 48 hours after the event has ended, whichever is earlier.
5. A student or student organization shall clean the area around which the sign was posted.
6. No person may remove a sign posted or attached in accordance with this policy without permission from the student or student organization that posted the sign or the University official who authorized the sign to be posted.
7. All signs and flyers written in a foreign language must contain a translation in English and receive a stamp of approval from the Division of Student Affairs (MH 159)..
8. Fliers may be posted on bulletin boards only. Posting on doors, windows, walls, etc. is not permitted. Bulletin boards are under the jurisdiction of the college, school, department, or administrative office that maintains it. A student or student organization must submit a request to the appropriate college, department, or administrative official for permission to use a bulletin board.
9. Fliers and/or posters may be posted on any of the four Student Government kiosks oncampus. Signs will be removed twice a semester by Student Government or as the need arises.
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The University of New Orleans prohibits selling, soliciting and deliveries of personal orders in University buildings or on University grounds.
In order for a vendor to sell goods or services or to otherwise solicit business on the UNO campus, explicit permission is required either from the Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Services or his/her designated agent. (The Campus Activities Office has been authorized to approve solicitations by a student organization.)
Generally, state law and University policy prohibit the use of University facilities for private gain. University employees or others may not, therefore, use meeting rooms, classrooms, etc. to sell or to solicit orders. However, facilities such as the University Center meeting rooms may be rented for approved usage.
External organizations may request to sell products on the campus; generally, such activities will be limited to formal "flea markets" or "fair" activities, at times and in locations specified by the University.
Representatives of companies providing approved employee benefits, e.g., tax sheltered annuities, supplemental medical insurance, etc. are encouraged to schedule group demonstrations at regular intervals. However, such providers are permitted to contact employees by phone to schedule individual appointments.
Individual departments which have not been designated as official University retail outlets are not authorized to sell products or services unless formally approved by the Office of Business Affairs and appropriate provisions for applicable sales taxes, insurance, etc., have been provided.
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To reaffirm the University's policy against sexual harassment in any and all areas of the University environment. Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Additionally, sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University. It is necessary, therefore, to prohibit such behavior to protect both the individuals involved and the University.
1. Sexual harassment, as applied specifically to the University, is a form of unlawful discrimination toward anyone within the University community. The University community consists of all students and all employees of the University. Sexual harassment may consist of, but is not limited to, the following:
a. Actual or threatened sexual contact which is unwanted or unwelcome;
b. Threat or insinuation that the victim's response to sexual overtures will affect the victim's employment, academic standing, or other vital circumstances;
c. Verbal abuse of a sexual nature directed at an individual or a group because of their sex,
d. Action creating a sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive work/learning environment.
2. Sexual harassment may occur even in relationships involving mutual consent. The potential for sexual harassment exists in situations where there is a professional power differential (e.g., faculty/student, administrator/student, supervisor/employee, tenured/nontenured). Persons who are involved in such relationships should be aware of the possibility of perceived coercion in the present or in the future.
Sexual harassment as defined above is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is a violation of state and federal law. Sexual harassment has a negative impact on the functioning of the University. Consequently, all members of the University community must be sensitive to the possibility of sexual harassment whether intended or inadvertent. Individuals must recognize this potential and act to prevent it. When sexual harassment has occurred, the University shall take effective and expeditious action.
Individuals in supervisory positions must be aware of their role as agents of the University and shall make every effort to censure such behavior when it occurs. Any member of the University community who is informed of a possible incident of sexual harassment shall make the informer aware of the existence of the University's policy and procedures.
All members of the University community must learn to recognize sexual harassment when it occurs and should be aware of the policy and procedures which govern the handling of allegations of sexual harassment fairly and expeditiously. Since those who may be subjected to sexual harassment may experience disruption in their work or academic environment and may fear retaliation and public notoriety, investigative procedures must protect their privacy as much as possible.
Isolated and Inadvertent Offenses
Members of the University community might, without establishing a pattern of doing so, engage in isolated conduct of the kind described in section 3 and 4 or exhibit a pattern of engaging in such conduct, but fall to realize that their actions discomfort or humiliate others. When University administrators become aware that such activities are occurring in their areas they should direct that those engaged in such conduct undertake an educational program designed to help them understand that such conduct is inappropriate and unacceptable.
Informal Procedures
Sexual harassment is a sensitive matter; therefore, the complainant should carefully consider the person to whom the incident is first reported. It is vital that the first contact be someone in whom the complainant has trust and confidence. Examples of such contacts include faculty members, counselors, residence hall managers, campus activities administrators, and others listed as contacts under the formal procedures. Under certain circumstances, the persons contacted may then refer the complainant to the appropriate equity advisor.
The officers involved should, in the process of factfinding, make every effort to resolve the complaint using informal discussion and negotiation, if necessary. Efforts should be made to determine the facts of the incident, to provide appropriate relief to the aggrieved party, if circumstances so warrant, and to resolve the complaint. Throughout the process, all communications will be kept confidential.
If an informal resolution cannot be reached, formal procedures may be pursued.
Formal Procedures
A complainant is urged to consider Informal Procedures before instituting Formal Procedures.
1. A sexual harassment complaint must be filed no later than 180 days after the occurrence.The complainant should be aware that Federal regulations allow 180 days for filing a complaint and that Federal regulations are independent of University procedures.
2. Complaints may be filed with any of the following officers:
a. Equity adviser in the appropriate college or administrative unit (Names shall be posted in administrative offices and published in appropriate handbooks.);
b.
Assistant to the Chancellor for Equal Opportunity;
c. Assistant Dean for Judicial and Student Assistance.
d. Department chair or supervisor who is to immediately consult with the appropriate equity adviser,
e.
Assistant to the Director, Administration, University Police.
3. A complaint shall be submitted in writing and shall include the following:
a. The names of the complainant and respondent;
b. Description of the perceived problem or alleged incident(s);
c. Names of witnesses, if any;
3. Officers receiving formal complaints are to report them to the appropriate Dean or Director and to the Assistant to the Chancellor for Equal Opportunity within five (5) working days.
4. The Dean, Director, or Assistant to the Chancellor for Equal Opportunity shall inform the alleged offender of the allegation and of the identity of the complainant. A written statement of the complaint should be given to both parties.
5. Cases involving sexual harassment are particularly sensitive and demand special attention to issues of confidentiality. Dissemination of information relating to each case should be limited in order that the privacy of all individuals involved is safeguarded as fully as possible. Every effort should be made to protect the complainant from retaliatory action by those named in the complaint.
Adjudication of Sexual Harassment
Complaints shall follow procedures for dealing with misconduct as outlined in the following documents:
- Complaints Against Students: Policy Manual, UNO Judicial Code
- Complaints Against Faculty: Faculty Handbook, 2.8, University Policy on Faculty Conduct
- Complaints Against Staff: Grievance Procedure, Affirmative Action Plan, Classified Appendix III; Unclassified Appendix IV
Authority
The authority for the issuance of this policy is derived from Article VII, Section 4 of the Bylaws of the Board of Supervisors for the Louisiana State University Systems. All complaints filed prior to the effective date of this policy will be handled under the provisions of the previous policy. This policy becomes effective October 1, 1993.
It should be noted that this policy is exclusively related to sexual harassment complaints. Any other complaints should be directed through the appropriate administrative channels, as outlined in the Faculty and Student Handbooks/Policy Manual.
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The purpose of AP 5.2 is to outline the policy on smoking that will apply at the University of New Orleans.
Article VII, Section 4 of the Bylaws and Regulations of the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana State University System.
A. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities of the University of New Orleans, including:
1. Cafeterias and lunchrooms
2. Classrooms
3. Restrooms
4. Shared workplaces
5. Meeting rooms
6. Hallways
7. Stairwells
8. Indoor athletic facilities
9. Customer service areas
10. Outdoor stairwells, landings and corridors
11. University owned and operated vehicles
12. Any area where a fire or safety risk exists
B. Smoking is permitted:
1. In residential facilities as designated in their policies
2. Outdoors on the grounds at a distance not less than 10 feet from doorway
C. Enforcement of this policy and settlement of disputes will be the responsibility of the person in charge of the office or building area affected.
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The University of New Orleans (UNO) is the largest university in the Metro area. With over 15,000 students and about 2,400 faculty and staff, UNO is a community within itself located on the outskirts of the "City that Care Forgot." New Orleans' relaxed reputation as the "Big Easy" closely resembles the reputation many colleges and universities enjoy as carefree, easygoing and crime free.
While UNO recognizes that the campus is not crime free, one important advantage which enhances safety is education. Education in the form of specific information is the most effective weapon in the struggle against crime. When university police officials were polled nationwide, a majority said education was the key to crime prevention.
The cooperation and involvement of students, faculty and staff taking responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings, contributes to a strong campus safety program. The University wishes, in accordance with Public Law 101542, the Student RighttoKnow and Campus Security Act of 1990, to encourage each member of the University community to be a significant contributor to the wellbeing and safety of the community at large.
The University Police Department is staffed 24 hours a day to meet the needs of the UNO community. The department coordinates all requests for assistance relative to crime, including threats, theft, personal safety, medical emergencies, harassment, fire, vehicular mishaps, catastrophic weather emergencies, domestic disturbances and other police related matters. University Police has jurisdiction over all University facilities, premises and property. The department receives its police authority through Louisiana Revised Statute 17:1805. Administratively, the department reports to the Vice Chancellor of University Relations. All 22 University Police Officers are officially commissioned officers and follow standard police operating procedures including those of arrest. Additionally, the enforcement of University policies, procedures and other matters specific to University life are of high priority.
Providing a safe and secure environment at the University of New Orleans is the responsibility of the entire community. Within the UNO community, the Police Department is assigned the primary responsibility to identify programs, methods and approaches toward achieving a safe and secure environment. The Police Department is dedicated to providing the best protection possible to safeguard the lives and property of the University and its community. In supporting UNO's mission as a public service institution, all members of the department provide the highest quality of service possible.
As Law Enforcement Officers, the mission is to uphold and enforce appropriate federal, state and local laws as well as University imposed rules and regulations. As Peace Officers, the responsibilities include preserving the peace at the University and instituting police procedures that ensure that order is maintained as the University undertakes its mission.
Additional guards are hired from a local security company to assist security efforts and to deter crime in high traffic areas such as University Housing, the University Center and other locations, when necessary.
UNO is prohibited by law from disclosing results of student or employee judicial proceedings. The confidentiality of student records is covered by the Buckley Amendment. In addition, it is the prerogative of the Police Department to determine whether or not to make an arrest. Campus handling of judicial cases may involve both campus proceedings and civil/criminal proceedings. Judicial proceedings may be handled prior to, during or after civil/criminal proceedings. University Police provides specific assistance to the Student Life Office and Office of Human Resource Management in such matters as criminal background information of potential and current students and employees.
It is the responsibility of each member of the UNO community and his/her guests to contact University Police in a timely fashion to report any criminal or questionable activities on campus. University Police Officers take an active role in ensuring a safe campus by providing both foot and vehicular patrol. Police Officers respond to calls on campus through radio dispatched direct communications to ensure a timely response. With each reported incident, an appropriate investigation will take place.
To inform the UNO community of campus incidents, a University Police official will meet with a representative of the media to review the Daily Dispatch Log at least weekly. A request can be made by the media representative to review the Initial Police Report. Copies of completed reports will be furnished to the media with confidential student or investigatory information deleted when appropriate. Reports of open and/or active cases will not be released if it could prejudice or compromise the investigation of a crime or incident. In these cases, a brief oral or written gist of the incident may be furnished to the representative. Under special circumstances, University Police shall release information involving serious incidents to the University community without delay. Information on recurring crimes shall be issued by special release or during the weekly briefing, whichever is deemed appropriate. University Police will attempt to accommodate media requests without necessarily compromising any ongoing investigation or divulging the names of any juvenile victim or offender. Supplemental forms of release such as news conferences, electronic bulletin boards, telecopy (fax), leaflets and flyers etc. may all be considered in special circumstances in order to inform the campus community.
Annual distribution of this policy shall be made through appropriate publications to students and employees such as the Policy Manual and the Faculty Handbook. Prospective students and employees may also request a copy of this policy directly through University Police or the Student Life Office.
On an annual basis, prior to September 1, a review of these procedures will be made by the University Police Department and the Student Life Office and corresponding crime statistics will be reported. This report will be forwarded through administrative channels to the Chancellor and will be reported to the LSU Board of Supervisors, the Louisiana University Police Association (LUPA) and the FBI in accordance with the Uniform Crime Reporting Act. Other law enforcement and security agencies, such as New Orleans Police Department, Levee Board Police, FBI, local neighborhood security and other university police/security departments may be consulted for specific case resolution.
Annual statistics are available at the University Police Department.
UNO has a variety of policies and procedures relating to the safety and wellbeing of the campus community. Internal police procedures such as securing campus buildings, removing unauthorized persons from campus, providing armed police escorts and maintaining crowd and traffic control are outlined in the UNO Police Procedures. Other policies related to safety can be obtained from the Office of Student Life and the Office of Human Resources.
Offcampus facilities such as the Jefferson Center and the Downtown Center provide security through a contract with the local parish law enforcement agencies. Other locations, such as the Stennis Space Center and the overseas programs provide assistance via local and surrounding law enforcement personnel. Any incident which may occur at these facilities is to be reported to UNO Police for crime statistic purposes. Any recognized facility associated with the University, is to report crime incidents to the UNO Police Department as well. It is the responsibility of the administrator in charge of that facility or activity to report any crime incident in a timely fashion.
Education of the campus community is of utmost importance and is stressed through several institutional committees and departmental operations.
Police officer interaction provides ongoing awareness and education. Through their efforts, the following activities of crime prevention are carried out:
- Escort Program: Upon officers' availability, any University person or guest can request a walking escort to and from campus buildings and parking lots.
- Campus emergency phone system: Emergency phone with an attached blue light allows any person direct police access by pressing the call button on the phone poles located throughout campus. The blue light signals the location of the person for easy identification.
- Property engraver: This service, which is free of charge, allows any member of the UNO community to personally engrave their property with a unique individualized number.
- Emergency phone number stickers: Stickers of University Police emergency phone numbers are distributed for telephones on campus.
- Employee Benefits Fair: Once a year the University Police Department participates in dissemination of information and education to the faculty and staff of the University.
- Student Orientation Programs: At the beginning of school, educational programs are held at orientation programs for such groups as: international students, housing students and new and transfer students.
The Campus Crime Prevention Committee provides information and programs concerned with prevention and safety to the UNO community. Program ideas and implementation are coordinated through this committee.
The University Police Committee solicits suggestions and input from a crosssection of the University community to assist the department on matters affecting the role, scope, policy and philosophy of University Police.
This policy is not intended to change or affect other University policies and procedures, particularly as they relate to conduct and judicial affairs. The University reserves the right to modify and adopt this and any other policy or procedure at any time without notice.
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No student or student organization may make use of the institutional name of the University for the purpose of solicitation unless permission is obtained in writing from the Dean of Student Affairs.
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The Office of Disability Services (ODS), in conjunction with the Office of Academic Affairs' campuswide administrative policy regarding the accommodations of students with disabilities, has two primary objectives: 1) to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in regard to equal access for qualified students to academic programs; and 2) to uphold the academic integrity of UNO.When these two objectives are met, those students who qualify for services based on clear, comprehensive, and relevant documentation will receive those services or academic modifications for which they are legally entitled.
ODS is considered the University's designated office for determining eligibility for services, reviewing and maintaining documentation, and recommending appropriate accommodations. Students, however, do not have to register with ODS in order to advocate for disabilityrelated accommodations. For those instructors who have students with disabilities who choose not to register for services with ODS, and who request academic accommodations, ODS is available as a resource to verify eligibility and recommend appropriate accommodations.
Part of this policy regulates the accommodative testing services. These accommodations are made available in the ODS Accommodative Testing and Adaptive Technology Center (ATATC), located in the Library Room 120. The breakdown of responsibility for ensuring efficient and secure accommodative testing in the ATATC is as follows:
Registered ODS students should:
1. Request from ODS in writing Accommodation Agreements each semester.
2. Set up appointments to meet with each instructor each semester to discuss accommodations and complete agreements.
3. Ensure each party involved receives their copy of the Agreement.
4. Complete Student Section of the Accommodative Testing Form for each test.
5. Arrive promptly at the ATATC and follow test proctor's instructions.
Instructor:
1. Discuss accommodations with student at appointment.
2. Sign appropriate sections of the agreement and retain specified copy.
3. Complete Instructor Section of the Accommodative Testing Form for scheduled test.
4. Notify the ATATC if test needs to be modified.
5. Arrange for test to be delivered to the ATATC.
ODS:
1. Maintain secured testing file for each registered student with completed contracts.
2. Assist in resolution of instructor/student disagreements as it relates to ODS.
3. Initiate appeals procedures when disagreements cannot be resolved.
4. Maintain updated schedule of tests based on returned Accommodative Testing Form.
5. Ensure testing integrity and security.
6. Return tests to instructor when student does not arrive at scheduled time.
7. Promptly deliver completed tests to instructors.
8. Make training available to departments upon request.
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All students admitted to the University of New Orleans accept the responsibility to conform to all UNO rules and regulations. The University will make every reasonable effort to make the rules and regulations available. Each student is responsible for becoming familiar with and abiding by them.
All students at the University of New Orleans have the following rights and freedoms:
1. All students are guaranteed freedom of expression and assembly. Students have the right to organize groups or to join associations in support of any cause or common interest as long as gatherings are held in an orderly fashion and are not disruptive to the members of the University community or to the functioning of the University.
2. The student press is to be free of censorship.
3. The role and responsibility of Student Government shall be explicit and clearly defined. Student Government affords a means of student expression in the formulation and application of all institutional policies affecting academic and student life.
4. Upon seizure or arrest by University officials, a student will be informed of his or her legal rights in accordance with law.
5. Students will not be subject to duress by arresting officers to coerce admission of guilt or gain information about conduct of other suspected person (s).
6. No searches or seizures of a student's living space or private property will be ordered or conducted unless the order is issued by University officials upon reasonable suspicion of violations of law or of University policy, rules or regulations. However, searches and seizures may be conducted by University officials including the staff of the University Housing Office and/or the University Police once reasonable suspicion of a violation is found.
7. Students and student organizations have the right to a fair and impartial resolution of an alleged violation.
8. Students and student organizations have the right to be free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
9. Students shall have the opportunity to participate in the formation of policy directly affecting students through membership on committees as determined by appropriate administrators and/or through the Chancellor.
All students at the University of New Orleans have the following responsibilities:
1. Students and student organizations will respect the rights of others, maintain behavior that is conducive to a teaching and learning environment, and uphold the integrity of the University.
2. Students and student organizations will abide by all University policies, rules and regulations.
3. Students have the responsibility to know and to obey the laws of the United States, the State of Louisiana and local governments. Student status in no way exempts them from the requirements of obeying such laws.
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