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C O N T E N T S
The policies below, mandated for all students whether on or off campus, are not meant to serve as a comprehensive list and are subject to review and modification by the associate vice president for Student Affairs (or their designee) if review is deemed necessary for the safety and security of the UArts community.
UArts Healthy Promise
Now more than ever, we as individuals must commit to protecting not only ourselves, but also our entire community. In order to reduce person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 and reduce the risks for all who return to University of the Arts, all students are required to agree to the UArts Healthy Promise. The standards outlined in the UArts Healthy Promise are addenda to the student handbook, and adherence will be required. Each student returning to campus will be required to sign and acknowledge the UArts Healthy Promise.
Access to Facilities
By way of being registered for classes and having an account in good standing, students are granted access to all academic facilities on-campus, provided that they show and/or swipe a valid UArts ID at an electronic, computerized card reader upon entering. Every semester, identification cards—issued for all students, faculty, and employees—are validated by Student Financial Services or Human Resources. Public Safety officers may deny access to university facilities for anyone not carrying a validated identification card.
During 24-hour building access, students are permitted to enter academic buildings. Students are not permitted to occupy academic spaces in a way that would disrupt the academic community, such as performing activities of daily living in classrooms or other common spaces.
Each residence hall on campus is equipped with an electronic, computerized card reader. Only residents of the building can gain access by swiping their card through the card reader on each building. The system is operational 24 hours per day, seven days per week while classes are in session. Additionally, each resident is responsible for swiping themself into the residence hall. No other residents or non-UArts affiliates should tailgate behind a current resident. The resident is responsible for anyone who tailgates in behind them. If you are having issues with the card reader, notify the Public Safety officer at the front desk of the building.
If, during the course of the year, a student should lose their ID card, they should contact Student Financial Services immediately. Replacement ID cards cost $35, which can be charged to the student’s account if they do not have the necessary funds available at the time of replacement.
Unauthorized entry, whether peacefully or by force, into a prohibited area or residence hall in which there is no documented reason for being present is prohibited.
Alcohol & Other Drugs
All members of the University of the Arts community are hereby notified of the primary components of the Substance Abuse Prevention Policy in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act of 1989 and subsequent amendments.
Local, State, and Federal Laws
A person in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who is under 21 years of age commits a summary offense if they attempt to purchase, consume, possess or transport alcohol.
Federal and state laws prohibit the possession, use and distribution of illegal drugs.
The following are considered violations of the UArts alcohol policy:
- Consumption by underage persons on or off campus.
- Consumption on campus or possession of alcoholic beverages or containers intended to contain alcoholic beverages, whether empty of alcohol, used for purposes other than holding alcohol or not regardless of age.
- Being intoxicated as indicated by appearance or behavior, such as: slurred speech, unstable walk, unconsciousness, destruction of property, use of abusive language, alcohol on breath, vomiting or disturbance to others.
- Sale or trade of alcohol on the campus property or to members of The University of the Arts community.
All student conduct policies, including those related to drugs and alcohol, are applicable while a student is studying abroad. Students are expected to abide by the legal drinking age in the country or countries in which they are studying. If students choose to consume alcoholic beverages while participating in a study abroad program, the University expects responsible behavior and moderation. Students are responsible for their behavior and any misconduct related to the consumption of alcohol.
Resident(s) in whose UArts housing alcohol is being consumed are responsible for the behavior of non-UArts guests.
Students found to be in the presence of alcohol but not drinking will be considered responsible for condoning the violation.
Alcohol is prohibited at any University sponsored events for students with exceptions to this policy granted only by the Assistant Vice President of Student Services (or their designee). Exceptions will ONLY be considered with a faculty/staff sponsor and arrangements for food and beverage made through University partner, Parkhurst Catering. The sponsoring faculty/staff member must complete the Alcohol Permission Request for Reception form on the UArts portal no less than two (2) weeks before the event. Approved events may be required to have UArts Public Safety present. The sponsor and/or the students are responsible for all costs for the event, with the exception of Public Safety staff members which will be provided by the University at no additional cost.
The following are considered violations of the University drug policy:
- Consumption or possession of illegal drugs on or off campus.
- Being under the influence of illegal drugs as indicated by appearance or behavior, such as: slurred speech, unstable walk, unconsciousness, destruction of property, use of abusive language, vomiting or disturbance to others.
- Sale, distribution or trade of illegal drugs on the campus property or to members of The University of the Arts community.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Being in the presence of drugs.
Resident(s) in whose UArts housing drugs are being consumed are responsible for the behavior of non-UArts guests.
Students found to be in the presence of drugs but not using will be considered responsible for condoning the violation.
Alcohol is prohibited at any University sponsored events for students with exceptions to this policy granted only by the Assistant Vice President of Student Services (or their designee). Exceptions will ONLY be considered with a faculty/staff sponsor and arrangements for food and beverage made through University partner, Parkhurst Catering. The sponsoring faculty/staff member must complete the Alcohol Permission Request for Reception form on the UArts portal no less than two (2) weeks before the event. Approved events may be required to have UArts Public Safety present. The sponsor and/or the students are responsible for all costs for the event, with the exception of Public Safety staff members which will be provided by the University at no additional cost.When University officials confiscate illegal drugs, such items will be turned over to the Philadelphia Police Department as required by law. Prosecution for violation of the law will be made at the discretion of the Philadelphia Police Department.
The following are considered violations of the University drug policy:
- Consumption or possession of illegal drugs on or off campus.
- Being under the influence of illegal drugs as indicated by appearance or behavior, such as: slurred speech, unstable walk, unconsciousness, destruction of property, use of abusive language, vomiting or disturbance to others.
- Sale, distribution or trade of illegal drugs on the campus property or to members of The University of the Arts community.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Being in the presence of drugs.
Resident(s) in whose UArts housing drugs are being consumed are responsible for the behavior of non-UArts guests.
Students found to be in the presence of drugs but not using will be considered responsible for condoning the violation.
Any University official (including members of Public Safety, Residence Life & Community Standards and the Student Affairs staffs) who has a reasonable suspicion that the alcohol or drug policy is being violated may access any University facility to determine an appropriate course of action. University officials are authorized to intervene in any situation that warrants action including, but not limited to: removal of attendees; closing of the event; and/or confiscation of illegal drugs and paraphernalia; and notification of University personnel. All confiscated alcohol and drugs are turned over to the Office of Public Safety for disposal, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police Department.
When University officials confiscate illegal drugs, such items will be turned over to the Philadelphia Police Department as required by law. Prosecution for violation of the law will be made at the discretion of the Philadelphia Police Department.
The University reserves the right to test a student for the presence of drugs in their system if necessary and may prevent a student’s return to University housing (or withhold other privileges) until compliance and/or such tests show an absence of illegal drugs.
Alcohol & Other Drugs Amnesty
Student health and safety are of primary concern of the university. As such, in cases of significant intoxication as a result of alcohol or other substance use, we encourage individuals to seek assistance for themselves or others.
Amnesty for the Reporting Party: The university encourages the reporting of code violations and crimes. Sometimes, students are hesitant to report to university officials because they fear that they may personally face sanctions due to policy violations involving underage drinking or drug use at the time of the incident. It is in the best interests of this community that students who experience crime(s) notify university officials as soon as possible. To encourage reporting, the university has a policy of giving such students amnesty from policy violations involving underage drinking or drug use at the time of the incident.
Amnesty for Help Seeking: The university encourages students to seek medical assistance for those in need, including oneself. Sometimes, students are hesitant to seek medical assistance for fear that they may get themselves in trouble. The university has a policy of giving amnesty from policy violations involving underage drinking or drug use at the time of help seeking for students who actively seek medical help for themselves or others or for students who provide help in seeking assistance.
The following situations are not covered by the Medical Amnesty Policy.
- Students waiting until the police or other authority arrive before seeking assistance
- Action by university faculty, staff or student
- Action by police or other law enforcement personnel
- Violations of the Code of Conduct other than the alcohol/drugs policy
Actions by the Office of Student Affairs
- Involved student(s) will be required to meet with a member of the office of Campus Life, or their designee, who may issue educational requirements that may include, but are not limited to, alcohol and/or drug education, counseling, and/or a substance abuse assessment.
- Serious or repeated incidents will prompt a higher degree of concern/response.
- Failure to complete the educational assignments or treatment recommendations will result in disciplinary action.
- The student will be responsible for any costs associated with drug or alcohol education interventions.
Application to Student Organizations
In circumstances in which an organization is found to be hosting an event where medical assistance is sought for an intoxicated guest, the organization (depending on the circumstances) may be held responsible for violations of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy. However, the organization’s willingness to seek medical assistance for a member or a guest will be viewed as a mitigating factor in determining a sanction for any violations of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.
Automobiles
Students are not permitted to maintain vehicles (except bicycles) on campus. Students may request an exemption to this policy from the Office of Educational Accessibility.
Audio and Visual Recording
The unauthorized student recording of classroom or other academic activities (including advising sessions or office hours) is prohibited. Students requesting the use of assistive technology as an accommodation should contact the Office of Educational Accessibility at access@uarts.edu. The unauthorized use of classroom recordings—including distributing or posting them—is also prohibited. Students cannot copy, reproduce, display or distribute course materials.
Computers & Technology
Improper use of University computing and information resources, telephones and other equipment, whether for personal gain or profit, is prohibited. Under the auspices of the Vice President, Technology and Information Services, all University computer systems, including user files, may be monitored and/or confiscated at any time should any portion of the system be threatened, or its integrity, security, or proper use be in question. Members of the University community should understand that all computer files and communications are subject to review, and should not expect such files and communications to be private.
No user shall use the University’s email systems or services for the purpose of transmitting fraudulent, defamatory, harassing, obscene, or threatening messages, or for the promotion of non-university-authorized goods, services or personnel, or for any other communications that are prohibited by law.
The University reserves the right to restrict or rescind computing privileges, or the use of any other University facilities or resources, in accordance with this and other applicable University policies when the user has exhibited inappropriate behavior in the use of such resources.
This policy covers all types of inappropriate behavior. The following types of activities are selected examples of behaviors that are unethical, unlawful, and/or inappropriate.
- Attempting to alter system, hardware, software, or account configuration.
- Accessing or monitoring another individual’s accounts, files, software, electronic mail, or computer resources without the permission of the owner.
- Misrepresenting one’s own identity, role, or the identity of any other person in any type of electronic communication.
- Intentionally or negligently revealing passwords or permitting another to use one’s personal account.
- Altering, or destroying communications, or intentionally compromising the security of electronic information passing through the UArts network.
- Misrepresenting or implying that the content of a personal home page constitutes the views or policies of the University, or altering the University’s official Web site or related pages without prior authorization in writing.
- Misusing the University’s computing resources so as to reduce their efficiency or to affect access to the detriment of other users.
- Producing chain letters or broadcasting messages to individuals or lists of users, or producing any communication that interferes with the work of others.
- Breaching or attempting to breach computer security systems, with or without malicious intent.
- Engaging in any activity that might be harmful to systems, the network or to any stored information such as creating or propagating viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or other rogue programs, disrupting services, or damaging files.
- Wasting system resources or overloading the UArts network with extra data.
- Violating copyright and/or software license agreements.
- Using computing resources for commercial or profit-making purposes without the written authorization of the University.
- Downloading or posting to University computers, or transporting across University networks, material that is illegal, proprietary, in violation of University contractual agreements, or in violation of University policy.
- Violating local, state or federal laws.
On-Line Behavior
Students should be aware that their online activities are part of the public domain and, accordingly, should be handled with good judgment. The university does not actively monitor online activity outside the university domain and does not progressively monitor the web for violations of campus policies. However, if made aware, via an electronic medium, of activity that violates university policy, the university may take appropriate action, as it would if made aware through a conventional communications medium.
Damage to Property
Students are responsible for any damage that results from excess negligence or intentional act. Students may not make material alterations or additions to campus spaces or university-owned furniture. Littering, applying graffiti, public urination and/or other behavior which threatens the cleanliness and appearance of the university is prohibited.
Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment
Discrimination is the act of treating someone differently or distinguishing them through preferential or unfavorable treatment. When that conduct occurs based on the individual’s protected status—age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, mental or physical disability, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, and any other characteristic prohibited by law—the conduct may violate university policy and state and federal law.
Conduct based on protected status that adversely affects a term or condition of an individual’s education, living environment, employment, or participation in a university program or activity or is used as the basis for or a factor in decisions affecting an individual’s education, living environment, employment or participation in a university program or activity violates university policy.
Harassment is a form of discrimination. Discriminatory harassment is unwelcome conduct based on a person’s actual or perceived membership in a protected category, as defined above, and such conduct unreasonably interferes with, limits or effectively denies an individual’s educational or employment access, benefits or opportunities by creating a hostile environment. The university does not tolerate discriminatory harassment of any employee, student, visitor or guest, and the university will act to stop and remedy all forms of harassment.
Disruptive Behavior
Intentional obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, other university activities or activities authorized to take place on university property and disorderly conduct including acts which breach the peace are strictly prohibited.
Dissent & Demonstrations
There may be times that students will choose to dissent with university or public policy and openly demonstrate on campus. Demonstrations may be held on campus as long as they do not disrupt the operation of the university. Specifically, disruptions will include activities which:
- Interfere with the rights of students, faculty, staff or guests of the university;
- Disrupt or obstruct educational and other activities of the university;
- Obstruct or restrict free movement of persons on any part of the university campus;
- Interfere with the proper use of offices or other facilities to the students, faculty, trustees, staff or guests of the university;
- Endanger the safety of any person at the university; and/or
- Threaten or result in the destruction of property.
The student group must register its intent to demonstrate by submitting a letter to the associate vice president for Student Affairs at least 48 hours prior to the demonstration. To access a university space for the purpose of demonstrations, students must file a room-reservation request in 25Live. The associate vice president for Student Affairs can assist with room reservation requests.
Fire Safety
Candles, hoverboards, incense, lanterns, potpourri and other flammable items including, but not limited to, electric frying pans, halogen lamps, immersion coils, fireworks, flammable liquids, space heaters and flammable decorations are not permitted on campus unless officially sanctioned and supervised by university officials. Tampering with alarm-pull stations or use of fire equipment, including sprinklers, extinguishers and/or hoses, in any manner for which it was not intended and/or without just cause and failing to evacuate from a building during a fire alarm are strictly prohibited.
Gambling
Any form of gambling on University of the Arts property or involving university functions, including but not limited to, extracurricular activities is prohibited. Gambling is defined as playing a game for money or property or otherwise placing a bet on an uncertain outcome.
Hazing
The purpose of the Hazing Policy is to protect the safety and rights of all students of University of the Arts who choose to join a club or other organization that is associated with the university. It applies to all such organizations, whether their facilities are located on or off the university campus. Hazing of a student by any organization or group of its members is prohibited.
For the purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of an institution of higher education or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a minor’s or student’s membership or status in an organization. The term shall include, but is not limited to, conduct which causes, coerces or forces a minor or a student to violate federal or state criminal law; to consume any food, liquid, alcoholic liquid, drug or other substance that subjects a minor student to a risk of emotional or physical harm; to endure brutality of a physical nature, including whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics or exposure to the elements; to endure brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual; sleep deprivation; exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment; to endure brutality of a sexual nature; and to endure any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the minor or the student. The foregoing definition is based on the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law adopted by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Non-Academic Dishonesty
The following are prohibited.
- Aiding and abetting: knowingly encouraging, assisting and or being an accessory to any act prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct
- Eluding or evading: any statement, action or behavior with the intent of hiding the truth, including running or hiding from university personnel
- Forgery: the act to imitate or counterfeit documents, signatures and the like
- Lying: any statement, action or behavior used with the intent to deceive
- Possession of stolen property: any items of material value possessed or controlled by an individual without the explicit permission or authorization of the owner or the owner’s designated representative
- Possession or use of a fake ID
- Theft: knowingly taking, or attempting to take, an item or items without the owner’s expressed permission
Posting in Campus Buildings
Posting any material in University of the Arts buildings and spaces without prior approval is prohibited. Approval must be obtained in writing by a full-time staff or faculty member. The Office of Campus Life serves as the universal approver for any campus space. Requests for approval must be made to Campus Life in writing to campuslife@uarts.edu. Campus Life will review the posting and provide a response in up to two (2) business days. The content of any material will be reviewed for appropriateness in accordance with the policies of the Student Handbook. The Office of Campus Life does not assist in the printing or hanging of materials.
Posting materials larger than 187 square inches are prohibited. Posting materials may not be combined to exceed the 187 square inch limit, and must convey a complete word or thought. Posting materials may not be placed on trees, benches, tables, over campus way-finding signs and emergency exits, or over already existing signs, posters, and other posting materials. Posting materials may only be placed in designated posting areas: bulletin boards in Anderson, Gershman, and Terra Halls, next to the elevators in Terra Hall, and in the stairwells in Hamilton Hall.
Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct
University of the Arts prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including discrimination in the form of sexual harassment, which encompasses sexual violence, and includes discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity and sexual orientation in the educational environment. Sexual violence include sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and sexual exploitation.
The university’s response to reported acts of discrimination based on sex will depend on the nature of the unwelcome conduct, the severity of the unwelcome conduct, the persistence of the unwelcome conduct, the pervasiveness of the unwelcome conduct, the offensiveness of the unwelcome conduct, the location where the unwelcome conduct occurred, and the harm experienced and/or resulting from the unwelcome conduct.
The university’s policy on Sex- and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy is contained in Appendix A. Questions about the policy, procedures and resources can be directed to the university’s director for Title IX, equity and compliance at email address titleix@uarts.edu, by phone at 215- 717-6362, by visiting Hamilton Hall, Room 151, or by filing a report through the online portal housed at makeareport.uarts.edu.
Smoking
University of the Arts maintains a smoke-free environment. Smoking is prohibited on all university property, including outdoor building courtyards, balconies, stairwells and steps. Smoking is, in part, defined as carrying or holding of any lit or ignited pipe, cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette, or any other lit or battery operated smoking equipment or device. Smoking is permitted only outdoors and 20 feet from building entrances and exits. Students seeking support in smoking cessation should contact Student Health Services at healthservices@uarts.edu for assistance.
Solicitation
In an effort to assure a productive and harmonious work environment, persons not employed by University of the Arts may not make solicitations or distribute literature at the university at any time for any purpose. The university recognizes that students and alumni may have interests in events and organizations outside the university. However, students and alumni may not make solicitations or distribute literature concerning these activities on the university campus or by electronic mail.
Universal Waiver
In consideration of the University of the Arts providing students, guests, and community members the opportunity to participate in academic and co-curricular programs and activities, anyone on University of the Arts property, affiliated property, or participating in events associated or coordinated by the university acknowledge the receipt and sufficiency of this consideration and acknowledge that by participating in University of the Arts courses, programs, or events agree to release, relieve, discharge, and hold harmless the University of the Arts, its officers, trustees, faculty, administrators, employees, representatives, and volunteers from any and all liability or claim of liability, whether for personal injury, damage to property, or otherwise, arising out or in connection with, their voluntary participation in entering and occupying university-owned buildings, activities, programs, or travel sponsored by the University of the Arts, its departments, student groups, or other entities.
Violence
The university is committed to maintaining a safe working, learning and living environment for all members of the university community. Threats, acts of aggression, physical attack and violence are unacceptable in the university community.
Weapons
Students are not permitted to use or possess weapons that could be considered lethal, including those weapons in which the person has a permit, while on campus. Weapons on campus include, but are not limited to, firearms of any kind, tasers. kung fu sticks, shuriken, knives (other than eating utensils), cap guns, ammunition, fireworks and explosives (or explosive chemicals), among other dangerous weapons or substances. Weapons used as props, whether real or otherwise, are not permitted in the residence halls. Weapons used as props for performances/exhibits need permission from faculty and are not permitted outside the performance or exhibit space.
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