STANDARDS & POLICIES

Code of Student Conduct

Asher University endeavors to provide a safe environment that encourages learning and critical thinking, fosters academic integrity, and promotes goodwill and respectful interaction among all members of the campus community.  The university “Code of Student Conduct” prohibits actions and or behaviors that are contrary to this endeavor.  The following is an abbreviated version of the Code of Student Conduct.  The full text of the policy, including a student’s right to appeal sanctions is available in the Student Handbook or from the Office of Student Services.

Misconduct Defined

Misconduct includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Academic dishonesty such as cheating, using unauthorized material on examinations, submitting the same paper for different classes without acknowledgement, the fabrication of information or making up sources, improper collaboration on individual assignments, projects, facilitation of other student’s violations of academic dishonesty and plagiarism.
2. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of university documents, records, or identification, or knowingly furnishing false information to the university.
3. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other authorized activities on university premises.
4. Physical abuse, sexual assault, intimidation, verbal abuse, harassment or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
5. Theft of or damage to university property of any other person.
6. Unauthorized entry to or use of university facilities
7. Violation of university policies or campus regulations including campus regulations concerning the registration of student organizations; the use of university facilities or the time, place, and manner of public expression.
8. Violation of the technology usage policy.
9. Failure to comply with directions of university officials acting in the performance of their duties.
10. Conduct that adversely affects the student’s suitability as a member of the academic community,
11. Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of controlled or illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin or look like drugs ad use of alcohol contrary to law or to university regulations.
12. Storage, possession or use of firearms, fireworks, explosives, or weapons of any kind, including replicas or facsimiles, anywhere on campus. Students who re deputized law enforcement officers and or legally qualified to carry firearms may do so while on-campus after checking in with security and if their presence does not constitute a disruption.
13. Assistance or encouragement of others to commit violations of the “Code of Student Conduct”.
14. Failure to report witnessed violations of the “Code of Student Conduct”.

 Alcohol and Drug Policy

The abuse of drugs and alcohol by members of the Asher University community is contrary to the mission of the university.  Those in need of assistance in dealing with drug and/or alcohol problems are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Services.  Confidentiality is maintained in addressing such concerns.

 Alcohol

The consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus is at the discretion of the university and subject to the university’s alcoholic beverage regulations.  Unless the university has specifically authorized the location and condition of alcohol use, the possession and consumption of alcohol on campus is prohibited.  Individuals involved in the sale, use, or distribution of controlled substances (drugs and alcohol) are subject to arrest and university disciplinary action.  The university can and will impose restrictions, including expulsion from the university.

 Drugs

The university prohibits the possession of the use of illegal drugs.  Possession, sale, use, or distribution of controlled substances is a violation of both federal and state laws and university codes.  A copy of the University’s Policy on Drug and Alcohol Abuse is available through the offices of Human Resources or Student Services.

Weapons

Weapons are prohibited on campus or any university related activities unless carried by a licensed law enforcement official.  This includes any weapon prohibited by the law or identified below:

1. Fireworks
2. Razors
3. Chains
4. Martial Arts throwing stars.
5. Any other object, including university supplies used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily injury on another person.

The possession or use of articles not generally considered to be weapons may be prohibited when the college President or designee determines that a danger exists for any student, college employee, or college property by virtue of possession or use.  Students, faculty/staff, and members of the university community found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Reporting Violations

Any person may report a student’s violation of the Code of student Conduct to the Chief Academic Officer.  Reports must be made within two business days of the violation on a Code of Conduct Violation Report Form.  These forms are available at the Security Office lobby.

Review Process

The Chief Academic Officer will review any complaint, and give the student the opportunity to present his or her personal version of the incident or occurrence and will either facilitate a resolution, impose sanctions, or refer the incident for further investigation to the University’s Disciplinary Committee.

The Chief Academic Officer may request a meeting with the student whose conduct is called into question and the student shall attend such meetings as requested by the Chief Academic Officer.  The student will be notified of all meetings via certified mail at least five to Seven (5-7) business days before the scheduled meeting.  Failure to claim any mail will not negate the student’s obligation under this procedure.  The student will be reminded of his or her right to appeal to the Student Appeals Committee at the time of the meeting.   If the student fails to schedule and or attend the meeting with Chief Academic Officer  within ten (10) business days, the Chief Academic Officer  will proceed with the administrative resolution based solely upon the review of the complaint.  The University’s Disciplinary Committee is appointed by the Chief Academic Officer and includes two faculty members, two students, and two staff members (one of whom is the Director of Student Services).  In cases where the Chief Academic Officer  requests further investigation by the Disciplinary Committee, the committee’s investigation will result in recommendations being made to the Chief Academic Officer about possible sanctions in the case.

The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) may at any time temporarily suspend from the University or deny readmission to a student, pending final resolution when the CAO, in his or her sole opinion, believes that the presence of the student on campus could seriously disrupt the university; constitute a danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the University, its members, or the students ; or when the student’s conduct adversely affects the student’s suitability as a member of the academic community.  After reviewing the violation report, the CAO will have the authority to impose appropriate discipline and or act on the University’s behalf in facilitating a resolution.  The CAO shall state the proposed resolution and sanction in writing to the student within five business days of reviewing the complaint.  If the resolution involves sanctions, the student shall have five days of mailing or seventy-two (72) hours from receipt whichever is shorter to accept or reject the proposed discipline by signing the administrative resolution form and returning it to the CAO.  The student’s failure to either accept or reject such proposed sanction within the prescribed timeline shall be deemed to be an acceptance and, in such an event, the proposed sanctions will become final.

Possible Sanctions

Code of Student Conduct: violations and sanctions may include:

1. Oral or written reprimand
2. Referral for mandated evaluation and or counseling to be undertaken at the student’s expense.
3. Suspension from the University or a University program or activity for a specific period
4. Expulsion from the University, a program or activity om a permanent basis.
5. Denial of re-admission to the University or a University program or activity.
6. Restitution
7. Probation
8. Completion of community service

All Code of Student Conduct violations that also violate local or federal law will also be referred to the appropriate authorities.

The University Catalog

1. New students must follow the academic requirements and policies of the catalog current at the time of their enrollment.
2. Readmitted students (returning after an absence of more than a calendar year or who have been academically dismissed from the University must follow the academic policies and requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of readmittance.
3. Students who change their major and or degree program during their course of study must follow the academic requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of the change.
4. Undergraduate students have eight years to complete their bachelor’s degrees.