Section I. Code of Conduct Policies

Valdosta State University expects the University community including students, faculty, staff and guests to make responsible decisions about the use of alcohol. The illegal use of alcohol by students will not be tolerated at Valdosta State University.

The law serves as the basic guideline for all citizens of the community. VSU encourages all members of the campus community to make informed decisions regarding their personal use of alcohol. Those who legally choose to use alcohol must use it in a responsible manner that will not interfere with the rights of others. Abuse is not a responsible choice.

Valdosta State University provides guidelines and programs to aid members of the University community in making responsible decisions in regards to the use of alcohol. These include appropriate rules and regulations concerning the use of facilities, guidelines for individual conduct both on and off- campus, as well as services designed to inform and support individuals and groups. These services include individual and group counseling and alcohol education programs.

Finally, the University recognizes the right of all members of the University community to be private citizens and to exercise all legal rights and privileges. However, when an individual, publicly identified as a member of the University community, engages in an illegal act involving the misuse of alcohol, the University, as an educational institution concerned with the welfare of its membership, can and will take appropriate disciplinary action. Every member of the University community should know the rules and procedures of the University involving the proper use of alcohol and conscientiously follow them.

University students are expected to assume responsibility for their behavior in regards to alcohol use. Students must understand that being under the influence of drugs and or alcohol does not lessen their accountability nor act as an excuse for behavior. All students in the University community will be held accountable for inappropriate behavior while under the influence of drugs and or alcohol via the appropriate campus and community disciplinary procedure.

Students shall obey all local, state, and federal laws regarding the possession, consumption, manufacture, and sale of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances. The United States Department of Education regulations stipulate that those "who engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or use of any controlled substance" may lose their federal financial aid.

Crime Victim: If a victim of a crime is suspected of having used alcohol and/or drugs, amnesty would be extended to the victim and the person seeking assistance and he/she will be exempt from disciplinary sanctioning through the Student Conduct Office for violations of the Student Code of Conduct's Substance Abuse Policy. Prosecution of individuals under local, state or federal laws would be at the discretion of appropriate officials of the applicable jurisdiction.

Any student that believes she/he has been a victim of sexual assault is encouraged to notify the VSU University Police (229-333-7816), the Valdosta City Police (229-242-2606), the VSU Title IX Coordinator (229-333-5463), the VSU Counseling Center (229-333-5940), or The Haven Rape Crisis Center (229-244-4477).

Mandatory follow-up: All identified individuals present during the referral incident that are known to have consumed alcohol or drugs illegally or to a hazardous level, will undergo substance abuse education through VSU's Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Education. If the referral incident was sponsored by a campus organization, substance abuse education will be mandated for all members of the organization.

Repeated Incidents: If an individual or campus organization is involved in multiple calls for assistance in the same academic year a greater level of intervention will be required, including parental notification for individuals under age 21, (in accordance with the Parental Notification Policy and made pursuant to the Family Education Rights and Family Act), VSU's Student Life Office would also be informed of campus organization guideline violations.

Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus Policy

The use of all forms of tobacco products on property owned, leased, rented, in the possession of, or in any way used by the University or its affiliates is expressly prohibited. “Tobacco Products” is defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes and any other smoking devices that use tobacco such as hookahs or simulate the use of tobacco such as electronic or vapor cigarettes.

Further, this policy prohibits any advertising, sale, or free sampling of tobacco products on University properties. This prohibition includes but is not limited to all areas indoors and outdoors, buildings and parking lots owned, leased, rented or otherwise used by the University or its affiliates. The use of tobacco products is prohibited in all vehicles – private or public vehicles - located on University properties.

This policy applies to all persons who enter the areas described above, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, contractors and subcontractors, spectators, and visitors. All events hosted by a University entity shall be tobacco-free. All events hosted by outside groups on behalf of the University shall also be tobacco-free.

University Drug Free Communities Policy

Valdosta State University, as a recipient of federal funds, supports and complies with all provisions of the Drug Free Communities Act of 1997. As an employer, Valdosta State University will aggressively promote and strive to maintain a drug free work place for its faculty and staff and a drug free zone for students.

Students of Valdosta State University are expected to adhere to the policies of the institution, observe the basic rules of good conduct and to meet appropriate standards of conduct. This policy, as with the other institutional policies, including state and federal laws, and the Board of Regents' policies shall be observed.

A.  Alcohol

1. Possession, consumption, or transporting of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 is prohibited.
2. If a student is under the age of 21 and determined to be under the influence of alcohol he/she will be referred to the appropriate authorities.
3. A student in a publically intoxicated state will be referred to the appropriate authorities for disposition.
4. The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverage(s) or possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage on University property is prohibited in public areas. A public area is defined as any area outside of an individual's living quarters.
5. No student shall furnish or cause to be furnished any alcoholic beverage to any person under the legal drinking age of 21.
6. The serving of alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated and/or the facilitating of drinking games involving the consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
7. Common source containers of alcoholic beverages e.g. beer kegs, hunch-punch, etc., may not be present at any registered University organization event.
8. No alcohol may be purchased with student activity fee funds.

B.  Drugs

1. The possession, use, manufacture, sale, distribution or delivery of illegal or dangerous drugs on or off campus is prohibited.  This also includes prescription medication being used in a manner not consistent with the prescription or by someone other than the person for whom the prescription was written. 
2. Possession of drug paraphernalia is also prohibited on campus.  This includes any item typically used to facilitate the use, manufacture, sale, distribution or delivery of a controlled substance including marijuana.

C.  Damage to Property

1. Littering. No student shall improperly dispose of any form of litter on campus.
2. Damage or destruction of property belonging to the University, or to a member of the University community, or to a visitor to the campus is prohibited.
3. Defacing of University property is prohibited.

D.  Disruptive Behavior

The Board of Regents (BOR) Policy Manual Section 12.2 regarding disruptive behavior states: "Any student, faculty member, administrator, or employee, acting individually or in concert with others, who clearly obstructs or disrupts, or attempts to obstruct or disrupt any teaching, research, administrative, disciplinary, or public service activity, or any other activity authorized to be discharged or held at any campus of the University System of Georgia is considered by the Board to have committed an act of
gross irresponsibility and shall be subject to disciplinary procedures, possibly resulting in dismissal or termination of employment.

1. No one shall assemble on campus for the purpose of creating a riot, or causing destruction of property, or creating a disorderly diversion, which interferes with the normal operation of the University. This section should not be construed to deny any student the right of peaceful, non-disruptive assembly per the policies set forth in Appendix D Section IV of this code.
2. No student or group of students shall obstruct the free movement of people about the campus, interfere with the use of University facilities, or materially interfere with the normal operation of the University.
3. The abuse or unauthorized use of sound amplification equipment indoors or outdoors during classroom hours is prohibited. (Any use of sound amplification equipment must be cleared through the Event Services Office.)

E.  Disorderly Conduct

1. Disorderly conduct or breach of the peace on University property or at any function sponsored or supervised by the University or any registered University organization is prohibited.
2. Pushing, striking, or physically assaulting any University student, faculty, administrator, staff member, or visitor to the campus is prohibited.
3. Conduct on University property or at functions sponsored or supervised by the University or any registered University organizations, which materially interferes with the normal operation of the University is prohibited.
4. No student shall enter or attempt to enter any event registered by the University without proper credentials for admission, e.g., a ticket, an identification card, an invitation, etc., or without fulfilling any reasonable qualifications established for attendance. At such University functions a student must present proper credentials to properly identified University personnel upon request.
5. Engaging in conduct that would violate state or federal laws on obscenity is prohibited.
6. No student shall interfere with, or give false name to, or fail to cooperate with, any properly identified University personnel while in the performance of their duties.
7. Harassment, including intimidation, coercion or threats, that is unwelcome, discriminatory on the basis of a protected status, directed at a specific individual, and is sufficiently severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it interferes with or limits an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from an institutional program or activity is prohibited.
8. No student shall deliberately interfere with or disregard a disciplinary summons, oral or written, to report to an administrative official or an authorized disciplinary committee.
9. Failure to comply fully with a disciplinary sanction is prohibited.

F. Falsification of Records
Giving false statements or information on any records or misrepresentation of words or actions is prohibited.

1. Prohibited weapons do not include sporting equipment possessed for legitimate use in formal or informal athletic or exercises of activities.
2. Law enforcement officers, active military personnel, and other similar personnel may possess weapons as authorized by federal or state law.
3. Any person who is 18 years of age or older or currently enrolled in classes in a USG institution may possess an electroshock weapon on the campus of that institution but may only make use of such electroshock weapon in defense of self or others.
4. Weapons carry license holders may possess weapons while under the license holder’s physical control in a motor vehicle, in a locked compartment in a motor vehicle, in a locked container in a motor vehicle, or in a locked firearms rack in a motor vehicle.
5. A weapons carry license holder may carry a handgun in any building or on any real property owned or leased by the USG and its institutions, provided, however, that such exception shall:

a. Not apply to buildings or property used for athletic sporting events or student housing, including, but not  limited to, fraternity and sorority houses;

b. Not apply to any preschool or childcare space located within such buildings or real property;

c. Not apply to any room or space being used for classes related to a college and career academy or other specialized school as provided for under Georgia Code Section 20-4-37;

d. Not apply to any room or space being used for classes in which high school students are enrolled through a dual enrollment program, including, but not limited to, classes related to the "Move on When Ready Act" as provided for under Georgia Code Section 20-2-161.3;

e. Not apply to faculty, staff, or administrative offices or rooms where disciplinary proceedings are conducted;

f. Only apply to the carrying of handguns which a licensee is licensed to carry pursuant to subsection (e) of Georgia Code Section 16-11-126 and pursuant to Georgia Code Section 16-11-129; and

g. Only apply to the carrying of handguns which are concealed.

Definitions:

The terms listed below are defined for purposes of this Policy as follows:

1. Weapon means and includes any pistol, revolver, or any instrument designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind, or any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches, straight-edge razor, razor blade, spring stick, knuckles, whether made from metal, thermoplastic, wood, or other similar material, blackjack, any bat, club, or other bludgeon-type weapon, or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain, or any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, or any instrument of like kind, and any stun gun or taser as defined in subsection (a) of Georgia Code Section 16-11-106. This paragraph excludes any of these instruments used for classroom work authorized by the faculty member.
2. Handgun means a firearm of any description, loaded or unloaded, from which any shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged by an action of an explosive where the length of the barrel, not including any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech, does not exceed 12 inches; provided, however, that the term "handgun" shall not include a gun which discharges a single shot of .46 centimeters or less in diameter.
3. Electroshock weapon means a stun gun or taser or similar commercially available device that is powered by electrical charging units and designed exclusively to be capable of incapacitating a person by electrical charge.
4. Concealed means carried in such a fashion that does not actively solicit the attention of others and is not prominently, openly, and intentionally displayed except for purposes of defense of self or others. Such term shall include, but not be limited to, carrying on one's person while such handgun is substantially, but not necessarily completely, covered by an article of clothing which is worn by such person, carrying within a bag of a nondescript nature which is being carried about by such person, or carrying in any other fashion as to not be clearly discernible by the passive observation of others.
5. Preschool or childcare space means any room or continuous collection of rooms or any enclosed outdoor facilities which are separated from other spaces by an electronic mechanism or human-staffed point of controlled access and designated for the provision of preschool or childcare services, including, but not limited to, preschool or childcare services licensed or regulated under Article 1 of Chapter 1 of Title 20 of the Georgia Code.

J. Hazing

This policy applies to all Valdosta State University students, clubs, and student organizations. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, acts of servitude and or behavior that humiliates, degrades, embarrasses, harasses or ridicules an individual, or is otherwise harmful or potentially harmful to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, as an actual or apparent condition for initial or continued affiliation with any group.

A student or organization violates this standard regardless of either the lack of intent to cause harm or the hazed individual’s own willingness to participate and regardless of whether the actions took place on or off campus. Unless affirmative steps were taken by the responding student or organization to prevent the hazing behavior, conduct charges may be brought against the group, officers of the group, and members of the group who are deemed to have encouraged the behavior, in addition to any conduct action against persons who engaged in the hazing behavior.

K. Joint Responsibility for Infractions
Students who act together to violate University regulations have both individual and joint responsibility for such violations.

L. Misuse of Student Identification 1Cards or Permits

1. Lending, selling, or otherwise transferring a student 1Card or virtual parking permit is prohibited.
2. Being in possession of or the use of a student 1Card or virtual parking permit by anyone other than its rightful owner is prohibited.
3. Failure to surrender or display a 1Card or virtual parking permit to a properly identified and authorized University official is prohibited.
4. The creation of a fake ID, 1Card or virtual parking permit, as well as the altering of a valid student 1Card or virtual parking permit is prohibited. The replication and or distribution of a 1Card or virtual parking permit is also prohibited.

M. Theft

1. No student shall take, attempt to take, or be in possession of, property belonging to another without proper authorization or purpose.
2. No student shall sell anything that is not his or hers without written permission from the rightful owner.
3. The illegal or unauthorized use of another's personally identifiable information is prohibited. Violations include, but are not limited to knowingly and willfully assuming and using any and all personal identifying information, including photographs, without the consent or authorization of said owner, for the purpose of misrepresenting oneself; using, selling, or transferring that information to obtain any benefits, credit, goods, services or other items of value in the name of said owner, or to otherwise do harm to said owner is a violation of this Code of Conduct.

N. Unauthorized Entry or Use of University or Student Organization related Facilities or Property

1. No student shall make unauthorized entry into any building, office or other facility, nor shall any person remain without authorization in any building after normal closing hours.
2. No student shall make unauthorized use of any University facility.
3. No student shall knowingly use University or student organization owned equipment, supplies, or property without proper authorization.

O. Campus Solicitation-Business Enterprises

1. Valdosta State University does not permit the operation of privately operated business enterprises on campus. All business enterprises operated on campus shall be operated as an auxiliary enterprise and shall be under the direct management, control and supervision of the Vice President of Finance and Administration of Valdosta State University. Questions concerning permission to solicit or operate a business enterprise on campus should be directed to the Vice President of Finance and Administration's Office.
2. The unauthorized posting of flyers, posters, distribution of promotional cards or any other materials for off-campus non-Valdosta State University businesses or events is prohibited.

P. Animals
With the exception of comfort or service animals in accordance with local, state and federal laws, students are prohibited from having animals of all kinds in Valdosta State University facilities or on Valdosta State University property.

Q. Residence Hall Policy

Students determined to be repeated violators of Housing and Residence Life policies or the terms of the Housing contract may be referred to the Student Conduct Office for appropriate disciplinary action.

R. Repeated Violations

Repeated violations of published rules or regulations of the University are prohibited.

S. Violation of Outside Law

Any violation of a local ordinance, a state, or federal law, on or off-campus, constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Students accused of violations of local, state, or federal laws that adversely affect the interests of the University, may be subject to the appropriate Valdosta State University disciplinary process. Pending civil or criminal matters shall not prevent Valdosta State University, at its discretion, from initiating appropriate disciplinary action against a student.

T.  Appropriate Use of University Computing Equipment, Network, and Facilities

1. A student's use of personal or Valdosta State University computing equipment to damage Valdosta State University's computing infrastructure is prohibited, e.g. intentionally injecting viruses, creating a computer system malfunction, altering or damaging a program(s), etc.
2. Any student logging on or attempting to log on as another user, giving your user name/password to someone else, and/or accessing another user's files without express verifiable permission is prohibited.
3. Any student who intentionally wastes computing resources, running a repetitive program for no reason, excessive simultaneous network connections, misuse of server disk space, excessive size mailings or print jobs, etc. is prohibited.
4. The use of computing systems for making terroristic threats, unsolicited sexual advances, harassment, or obscenity which is blatantly offensive to the prevailing community standards is prohibited.
5. The misappropriation of intellectual property, e.g., software, music, movie, data or copyright piracy is prohibited. Copyrights are granted in order to give the artist an incentive to be able to profit from their work. A copyright gives an artist the sole right to distribute their creative work, and only the copyright holder has the legal right to control the distribution of a copyrighted file. Unauthorized sharing of copyrighted materials is a violation of Valdosta State's Acceptable Use Policy, which may be found on line at the following address: http:// www.valdosta.edu/vsu/policies/.
6. Unauthorized sharing of copyrighted materials is a violation of the Board of Regents Acceptable Usage Policies, which may be found at the following address: http://www.usg.edu/infosec/policies_and_standards/USG_Appropriate_Use_Policy_AUP.pdf. The invasion of a user's privacy by the altering of a user's computerized registration files, passwords, programs, or other related files, or the review and dissemination of confidential student record information is prohibited.
7. The use of Valdosta State University computing facilities for illegal purposes as defined by the "Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act of 1991" or for personal or commercial gain is prohibited.
8. Engaging in conduct which would violate state or federal laws or Board of Regents University System policies regarding computer use is prohibited. Such alleged violations will initially be handled by the Valdosta State University's Division of Information Technology and could result in immediate temporary suspension of computing privileges.

The internet provides many opportunities for accessing and storing various types of information. Personal, financial and social data are just a few examples of the types of data stored electronically. Information transmitted on the internet can often be tracked to the sender even if a website claims anonymity. Internet users should take precautions to protect their devices and information. Protection efforts include but are not limited to strong passwords, updated anti-virus software and the use of secured websites and networks.

Corrective Action Policy Regarding Copyright Violations

1. Valdosta State University receives notifications of copyright infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) originating from computers on Valdosta State University's network. Valdosta State University is required to investigate each complaint. Valdosta State University has the ability to identify the computer and user responsible for the alleged infringement. If an infraction is found, Valdosta State University is required to remove the illegal material.
2. First violation results in a temporary usage suspension from HallNet (and Internet) usage and also a notification from the Office of Technology (OIT) regarding the inappropriate activity.  Once the user contacts (OIT) and agrees to comply with university policies the HallNet usage is immediately restored.
3. Second violation results in another (OIT) notice being provided to the student and a one (1) hour suspension of HallNet access is enforced.
4. Third violation results in another (OIT) notice and a to be determined period of HallNet usage suspension is applied.
5. Fourth violation results in in another (OIT) notice, suspension of HallNet access, and requires the user to meet with Student Conduct Office in the Division of Student Affairs before the HallNet access maybe restored. Student Conduct Office meets with student and follows their process and a recommendation to the Division of Information Technology is given.

For informational purposes P2P violations includes:

a. Using or running a P2P client such as LimeWire, Ares, FrostWire, Bit Torrent, uTorrent or similar software (running also includes running the process in the background) or any other such software.

b. Downloading music, movies, software or other data using a P2P client

c. Uploading music, movies, software or other data using a P2P client

File sharing has the potential of consuming Valdosta State's Internet bandwidth, and to prevent an abuse of limited bandwidth, the University uses automated tools to limit the impact of P2P traffic upon the legitimate educational uses of Peachnet and the Internet. Valdosta State may employ other tools to monitor for violations, and if the University receives proper legal demand to identify a particular user for a copyright offense, the University will comply and provide the copyright owner with the required information. If you are identified, you could be subject to legal action from the copyright holder, which could result in fines or a costly legal case.

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