Official University Policy Manual

File code: STU.STUCODE.POL
Approval Date: 05/15/98
Approved By: Board of Trustees

Code of Student Conduct

POLICY STATEMENT A
Sexual Assault:
(See Section D.3)

It is the policy of Western Illinois University that the sexual assault of one member of the academic community by another will not be tolerated. This policy applies to all members of the campus community: students, staff, and faculty.

The term sexual assault as used by Western Illinois University in this policy encompasses the legal definitions of sexual assault contained in Illinois state law. It includes but is not limited to: acts of rape (stranger and acquaintance) and other forms of coerced sexual activity, including unwanted touching, fondling, or other forms of sexual conduct.

A person who has been a victim of sexual assault should report the crime to the Office of Public Safety or the local police. The University provides support services for persons who have been victims of sexual assault. Staff will serve in an advocacy role and help refer individuals for appropriate medical, police, judicial, and counseling assistance. Those who report a sexual assault will be advised of the importance of preserving evidence which may be necessary to provide proof for prosecution. Upon request, assistance will be provided in changing academic schedules and living arrangements, when reasonably available.

Reported complaints of sexual assault will be investigated, and information obtained in the process will be kept as confidential as possible. Whether or not a victim chooses to initiate criminal charges, he/she retains the right to file a complaint through the student judicial system or employee grievance process. Should the alleged misconduct of a student be subject to review through formal hearing procedures, the accused and accuser will be afforded the opportunity to present relevant information; be accompanied by a support person; and be apprised of the results of the disciplinary review. In the event the accused is found in violation, the entire range of sanctions outlined in the Code of Student Conduct may be considered including, but not limited to, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from the University. Should the alleged sexual assault involve an employee, sanctions will be determined under applicable employment contracts and agreements.

In an effort to educate the campus community about sexual assault, acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses, campus-sponsored programs are offered on an on-going basis throughout the year. Information about above procedures, services, and programs can be obtained from the following: Student Judicial Programs, the Office of Public Safety, and Student Development and Orientation.

Sexual harassment may be a form of sexual assault. Information on what constitutes sexual harassment, the support and resources that are available when instances occur, and information on how to file a complaint may be obtained from the Affirmative Action Office.

POLICY STATEMENT B
Hazing:
(See Section D.6)

Hazing of any type whether committed or arranged by individual students or members of recognized student organizations is an unacceptable practice at Western Illinois University.

Activities prohibited under this policy shall include, but not be limited to, any of the following: extended deprivation of sleep or rest; forced consumption of food, liquor, beverage or drugs; beatings; brandings; tests of endurance; or submission of members or prospective members to potentially hazardous or dangerous circumstances.

It shall not be an acceptable defense to a charge of hazing to claim that the participants took part voluntarily, that they voluntarily assumed the risks or hardship of the activity, or that no injury in fact was suffered.

POLICY STATEMENT C
Western Illinois University Board of Trustees Statement on Disruption:
(See Section D.7)

The Board of Trustees is the governing board for Western Illinois University. The Board was created to operate, manage, control, and maintain the University. In keeping with this responsibility, the Board has formulated and established a policy statement governing campus disturbances.

This policy enunciated herein is in no sense intended to deprive any person of his/her rights of free speech and assembly; and the exercise of those rights in a lawful manner is to be encouraged under the jurisdiction of the Board. Actions, however, which deprive others of their rights without due process of law cannot be justified.

All too often campus disturbances disrupt educational functions, deprive the majority of their rights to pursue their education, and result in injury to persons and extensive damage to property. The state, no less than a private property owner, has the right and responsibility to preserve property under its control for the use to which it is lawfully dedicated. Neither the United States Constitution, nor the Constitution of the State of Illinois, precludes the state from controlling the use of its own property for lawful, non-discriminatory purposes.

Accordingly, in order that normal educational purposes can continue without interruption and in order that individual safety, personal freedoms, and property rights can be enjoyed without impairment, this Board declares that unlawful activities will not be tolerated on the campus of any institution under its jurisdiction, in particular, the Board believes that 720 ILCS 5/21 provides appropriate penalties for dealing with persons who willfully damage state property, commit trespass on the campus, or interfere with a public institution of higher education.

Criminal damage to state property is committed by one who does any of the acts specified in 720 ILCS 5/21-4 and, without regard to time or place, any person who knowingly damages campus property violates the law and should be arrested and prosecuted.

Criminal trespass to State land is committed by one who enters upon the campus or a building with legal notice that entry therein is forbidden or who remains in an area after notice to depart. It is lawful and proper to prescribe reasonable regulations as to conditions and times for access to campus buildings. Entrances, halls, and exits must be kept open for normal operations and the safety of others; offices are to be used for purposes intended; and buildings are to be cleared and closed at established hours. Persons who violate such reasonable regulations should be notified to depart. This advice and notification should be given publicly and orally by an authorized representative. Thereafter, if such persons remain, a police officer should read applicable portions of the criminal trespass statute, 720 ILCS 5/21-5, and advise them that they are in violation of the law and that they will be arrested if they do not depart. In appropriate circumstances, court action of the injunctive or criminal nature should be sought.

Interference of an institution of higher education is committed by one who, without authority of the institution, through force or violence, actual or threatened, willfully acts as prohibited by 720 ILCS 5/21.2-2. In appropriate circumstances, court action of the injunctive or criminal nature should be sought.

Members of a campus community who participate in unlawful activities which disrupt educational functions will be dealt with in accordance with established disciplinary or administrative processes. Such processes may be invoked regardless of either civil or criminal actions arising out of the same event.

When the President of the University believes that unlawful activities which disrupt educational functions warrant, that person is directed to make prompt application to those agencies, provided by the State for the purpose of dealing with those who break the law. Police should be summoned without delay, public prosecutors should be advised of the situation and the courts should be asked to make timely disposition of all cases resulting from the incident.

Education is the living and growing source of our progressive civilization, of our open repository of increasing knowledge, culture and salutary democratic traditions. It deserves our highest respect and fullest support in the performance of its lawful mission. No person, with liability to lawful processes, may intentionally act or prevent the accomplishment of the lawful mission, process, or function of an educational institution.

POLICY STATEMENT D
Explosives, Firearms, and other Hazardous or Dangerous Weapons:
(See Section D.11)

720 Illinois Combined Statutes, 5/21-6, makes it a crime to possess or store on property "supported in whole or in part with public funds or in any building on such land" any weapon "without prior written permission from the chief security officer for such land or building".

The Director of Public Safety shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of this statute. Students who wish to bring weapons of any type, ammunition or firearms to campus must seek permission from and register the items through the Director of Public Safety. Permission will not be granted to possess or store any weapon where possession would be in violation of the laws of the State of Illinois or the regulations of Western Illinois University. Permission to possess guns will be restricted generally to those used only for hunting or for practice or competition on a firing range. Permission to store or possess any firearm will generally be granted only for possession and storage in the specific area designated by the University as a weapons storage area and for the necessary travel to and from such area. Permission generally will not be granted to possess any firearm in any residential facility, classroom building, or recreation facility of the University.

Under 720 Illinois Combined Statutes 5/24-1, weapon is defined as including the following: bludgeon, black-jack, sling-shot, sand-club, sand-bag, metal knuckles, throwing star, or any knife, commonly referred to as a switchblade knife, which has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or a ballistic knife, which is a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile by means of a coil spring, elastic materials or compressed gas, dagger, dirk, billy, dangerous knife, razor, stiletto, broken bottle or other piece of glass, stun gun or taser or any other dangerous or deadly weapon of like character, tear gas gun projector or bomb or any object containing noxious liquid gas or substance, other than an object containing a non-lethal noxious liquid gas or substance designed solely for personal defense carried by a person 18 years of age or older, pistol, revolver, stun gun, taser or other firearm, spring gun, device or attachment of any kind designed, used or intended for use in silencing the report of any firearm, machine gun, any rifle having one or more barrels less than 16 inches in length or a shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18 inches in length or any weapon made from a rifle or shotgun, any bomb, bomb-shell, grenade, bottle or other container containing an explosive substance of over one-quarter ounce for like purposes, such as, but not limited to, black powder bombs and Molotov cocktails or artillery projectiles, and explosive bullets.

Students in violation of this policy will be subject to University judicial action and criminal arrest. Requests to return confiscated items covered by this policy and the University's Code of Student Conduct will be taken under consideration and decided upon by the Director of Public Safety. Such items will normally only be released under a court order or in the care of a parent or guardian.

POLICY STATEMENT E
Cannabis and Other Controlled Substances:
(See Section D.20)

Faculty, administrative staff, civil service employees, and/or students shall not manufacture, possess, use, deliver, sell, or distribute any substance prohibited by the Illinois Cannabis Control Act, Drug Paraphernalia Control Act, or the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, any other State statute, or any Federal statute, except as authorized by law, the Board of Trustees regulations, and the policies of Western Illinois University.

Substances prohibited under this policy shall include, but are not limited to: marijuana, hashish, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, heroin, lysergic acid (LSD), methaqualone, morphine, pentazocine, peyote, phencyclidine, anabolic steroids, rohypnol and GHB.

POLICY STATEMENT F
University Alcohol Regulations:
(See Section D. 21)

Students and/or their guests under 21 years of age may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages on University property. Students and their guests who are of legal age, as defined by Illinois statute, may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages, except in certain designated locations which have been specified in accordance with state law and University policy (consult the Residence Hall Handbook and/or Office of Student Activities for locations which have been designated as exceptions). No alcoholic beverages having a proof exceeding 100 shall be permitted. The possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers by students and/or their guests is prohibited on University property, except as specified by University policy. Students and/or their guests may not sell or effect the delivery of alcoholic beverages on University property. Students may not purchase alcoholic beverages with University approved student fees or with any other student funds which are collected and administered by a University office or agency.

The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all residence halls, with the exception of Corbin Hall, Higgins Hall, Lincoln Hall, Olson Hall, Tanner Hall and Washington Hall. In all other residence halls, alcohol is not permitted for possession or consumption by any person, regardless of age. Alcohol is not permitted in any outside area adjacent to any residence hall. In Corbin Hall, Higgins Hall, Lincoln Hall, Olson Hall, Tanner Hall and Washington Hall, alcoholic beverages may be possessed and/or consumed only by persons who are of legal age. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed in individual rooms and may not be consumed in hallways, stairways, elevators, lounges, or any other public area of the residence hall. Alcohol containers may not be larger than one quart (32 fluid ounces).

Student organizations are expected to abide by state laws and institutional policies concerning alcoholic beverages. The University will not sanction or approve an off-campus event sponsored by a student organization where alcoholic beverages are served or provided by the organization as a part of the event. The University will not authorize the use of University approved student fees or other student funds collected and administered by a University office to support such off-campus events. When some of the membership of an organization are under the legal drinking age, the members of the organization are responsible for conducting themselves in accordance with state laws.

POLICY STATEMENT G
Skateboarding:
(See Section D. 23)

The use of skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, and bicycles on stairways, walls, planters, parking bumpers, and similar objects is prohibited. The use of skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, and bicycles for the purpose to perform acrobatic stunts anywhere on campus is prohibited. Students, faculty, and staff engaging in such activities shall be subject to disciplinary action, while others not part of the University community will be removed from campus. Nothing in this policy prohibits the safe use of the listed items.

UNIVERSITY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

University Programs and Services

Affirmative Action

202 Sherman Hall

309/298-1977

Counseling Center

Basement Memorial Hall

309/298-2453

HOTLINE

 

309/298-3211

Parking Services

Mowbray Hall

309/298-1921

President

209 Sherman Hall

309/298-1824

Public Safety (OPS)

Mowbray Hall
Emergencies On-Campus Dial 911

309/298-1949

Student Activities

University Union

309/298-3232

Student Advocate

University Union

309/298-1208

Student Health Services

Beu Health Center

309/298-1888

Student Judicial Programs

University Union

309/298-2436

Student Legal Services

University Union

309/298-1003

Student Orientation/Development

Seal Hall

309/298-1884

Student Services, Vice President

321 Sherman Hall

309/298-1814

Student Support Services

University Union

309/298-1986

University Housing & Dining Services

Seal Hall

309/298-2461

 

Student Organizations

Black Student Association

University Union

309/298-3255

Interfraternity Council

University Union

309/298-3204

Inter-Hall Council

Seal Hall

309/298-3314

International Friendship Club

 

309/298-3205

Latin American Student Organization

Casa Latina

309/298-3379

Panhellenic Council

University Union

309/298-3204

Student Government Association

University Union

309/298-3243

Student Tenant Union

University Union

309/298-3285

United Hellenic Council

University Union

309/298-3204

 

Community Services

Illinois State Police

North Lafayette

833-2141

Macomb City Attorney

232 East Jackson

833-4373

Macomb Police Department

256 East Jackson

833-4507

McDonough County Sheriff

110 South McArthur

833-2323

McDonough District Hospital

525 East Grant

833-4101

Mental Health Center

301 East Jefferson

833-2191

Public Defender

130 South Lafayette

837-2306

Domestic Violence HOTLINE

 

837-5555

State's Attorney

Courthouse

837-2309

Victim Advocate/Witness Coordinator

Courthouse

837-2309

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