Student Policies Excerpts for New Students
What Policies Should I Be Sure to Know Coming in to Pepperdine?
The Code of Academic Integrity at Seaver College is an integral part of the educational process. It makes possible an atmosphere conducive to the development of the total person through learning experiences. Since a person is more than intellect, learning is more than academic achievement. It includes achievement in all the qualities of an individual: intellectual, spiritual, ethical, emotional, and physical. Seaver's Code of Academic Integrity provides among students, faculty members, and the administration a spirit of community where total development of all individuals can occur. Furthermore, it creates a climate of mutual trust, respect, and interpersonal concern, where openness and integrity prevail.
The Code of Academic Integrity enriches the educational process at Seaver College and encourages the development of a "Seaver spirit." Consequently, this leads to a pervasive sense of pride for and loyalty to Seaver's high standards of academic ethics, personal honesty, and spiritual values which imbue Seaver College as a Christian university.
The code emphasizes the dignity and development of each individual. The code maintains free competition and independent intellectual effort, not tolerating dishonesty, cheating, or plagiarism in any form. If acts of dishonorable conduct occur, the code outlines applicable procedures and sanctions designed to censure such activity.
But, to be effective, the code must be maintained by the community. This requires a genuine sense of maturity, responsibility, and sensitivity on the part of every member. In particular, each member of the Seaver College community is expected to pursue his or her academic work with honesty and integrity. Academic Integrity is the expression of intellectual virtue in human beings as a result of their creation in God's image. It represents the convergence of the best of the human spirit and God's spirit, which requires personal, private, and community virtue. As a Christian institution, Pepperdine University affirms that integrity begins in our very created being and is lived out in our academic work.
Unfortunately, students do, on occasion, violate Academic Integrity, and this provides a need for discipline and an opportunity for restoration. The following pages describe the conduct that violates Academic Integrity, applicable procedures, and sanctions that may be imposed.
Each student is responsible for knowing and adhering to this Code of Academic Integrity. The University retains the right to modify this code as needs may dictate. The updated code can be found here.
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From its beginning, Pepperdine has included regular assemblies where students gather to grow in faith, hear engaging speakers, and learn more about how they can make a difference in this world through purpose, service, and leadership. Convocation programs are the contemporary connection to this integral aspect of Pepperdine's Christian mission. Each semester, full-time Seaver undergraduate students are automatically enrolled into chapel, the Convocation Program. Scanned attendance at recognized Convocations counts towards a letter grade in which students receive one half unit of academic credit each semester, totaling 4 units by graduation. Students can earn up to an "A" letter grade for attending 14 programs (commonly referred to as convocation credits) per semester.
There are many ways to participate in the Convocation Program. Check Convocation and Chapel website for more information!
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Philosophy
Pepperdine University seeks to foster an alcohol- and drug-free environment in which to work, live, learn, and grow. As a Christian University, we approach alcohol and other drug abuse with a combination of compassion, encouragement, directness, and concerned firmness. An aspect of this caring approach is the consistent enforcement of the regulations regarding alcohol and other drugs contained within this policy. The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe environment that is consistent with the mission of the University and its goal to foster an alcohol- and drug-free environment. The following information is presented in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.
Regulations and Sanctions Regarding Alcohol and Other Drugs
Students are responsible for conforming their behavior to Federal, State, and local law, and to the University's Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs. When violations of law or policy come to the attention of University officials, students may be referred for criminal prosecution and University sanctions may be imposed. Harm to persons or damage to either private or University property arising from the actions of intoxicated individuals on the premises of the University will be the full and sole responsibility of such individuals.
- The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or possession of empty containers is prohibited on University property or at any University-sponsored event or activity, regardless of the student's age.
- On campus, it is a violation to be in the presence of alcohol, alcohol containers, controlled substances, or drug-related paraphernalia.
- Off campus, it is a violation to drink underage. It is also a violation to misrepresent one's age for the purposes of purchasing or consuming alcohol. This includes the manufacture, sale, distribution, promotion, possession, or attempt to obtain false identification (on or off campus). Possessing a fake ID may result in University probation on the first offense.
- Drunkenness, on or off campus, is not consistent with the moral standards of the University and may result, minimally, in University probation on the first offense and suspension on the second offense. Drunkenness is defined as a blood alcohol content of .08% or more and/or as offensive, disruptive, destructive, hazardous, and/or vulgar conduct during or following the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- The refusal by a student to take or fully cooperate with a breathalyzer, field sobriety, or drug test may be considered as admission of being under the influence.
- Operating a motor vehicle, on or off campus, while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is a serious threat to oneself and the community and may result in immediate suspension, expulsion, or dismissal. Anyone who injures another person as a result of driving under the influence may be permanently dismissed.
- The attempt to obtain, use, possess, distribute, or sell, any potentially harmful or illegal drug (e.g., prescription drugs, marijuana, cocaine) or drug-related paraphernalia (including hookahs) is strictly prohibited. Anyone involved in the sale or distribution of drugs on or off campus may be dismissed immediately
- The possession or presence of any amount of a controlled substance is prohibited on or off campus. This includes but is not limited to the presence of marijuana smoke or odor, small "roaches," or residue found in baggies, pipes, or other paraphernalia. The possession or use of medicinal marijuana is prohibited on or off campus. The possession or presence of marijuana or other controlled substances may result, minimally, in suspension.
- Possession or use of any herb or drug used for hallucination or intoxication.
- Promoting the consumption of drugs or alcoholic beverages may not be undertaken within the confines of University properties or through University-sponsored or approved publications or events.
- Any student (regardless of age) or student organization found supplying, possessing, or consuming alcohol or other drugs at University-sponsored off-campus events will be subject to disciplinary action.
- Any student leader (including, but not limited to, Orientation Leaders, RAs, and Student Service Officers) who promotes or supplies alcohol or other controlled substances may be immediately suspended, expelled, or dismissed from the University. Examples of promoting alcohol/controlled substances include advertising parties either verbally or with flyers and inviting or driving underage students to parties where alcohol is present.
- Hosting or in any way assisting or promoting a gathering (on or off campus) that includes underage drinking or drunkenness or drug use, whether intended or not, may result in suspension or dismissal. Those living at the location where the party is held may be held responsible as hosts regardless of who provides the alcohol.
- Any student who encourages another to consume alcoholic beverages or any substance as a means to induce that individual to engage in behavior that would otherwise be against that person's will is subject to dismissal.
- Any student who sexually assaults or attempts to sexually assault another person who is incapacitated due to alcohol or other drugs is subject to immediate permanent dismissal.
Full Alcohol and Other Drugs policy access
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Purpose
Many within our community are calling for a smoke-free campus environment and a smoke-free work environment. Research demonstrates that tobacco smoke is a health hazard to both smokers and non-smokers. According to the Surgeon General, cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of illness and premature death in the United States. Non-smokers who are exposed to environmental (secondhand) smoke also face an increased risk of illness or disease as there is no safe amount of secondhand smoke – any exposure poses a health risk. The American Cancer Society estimates that secondhand smoke kills 46,000 people per year. A smoke-free campus policy at Pepperdine will reduce health hazards, and encourage healthy living, as well as reduce cigarette litter and the resultant risk of wildfire. As of 2011, nearly 141,000 cigarette-ignited fires occur in the United States each year. E-cigarettes have been an unregulated method of nicotine delivery within polyethylene glycol vapor, and with varied odorants/flavors. This vapor is dispersed locally upon exhalation. Though the health risks associated with this vapor are currently unknown, they are being evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. In the interest of public health and courtesy, the University will exclude this behavior in public settings and treat e-cigarettes as identical to cigarettes.
Policy
All Pepperdine University campuses are smoke-free at all times and smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited with the exception of any limited, designated areas where smoking may be permitted for some period while moving toward the goal of a 100% smoke-free campus. This prohibition includes but is not limited to the interior of University facilities, outdoor areas, and undeveloped property, as well as in any vehicle owned, leased, or operated by the University. Also, the sale, distribution, and advertisement of, or sponsorship by tobacco products is prohibited anywhere on campus, at University-sponsored events, or in publications produced by the University. This policy applies to all persons on a Pepperdine University campus.
Full Smoking policy access
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Harassment/Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault
Harassment
Harassment is defined as conduct that is so severe and/or pervasive, and objectively offensive, that its effect, whether or not intended, impairs a person's ability to participate in the University's educational programs and activities or their living environment. Objectively offensive conduct means that it must be offensive both to the recipient of the conduct and to a "reasonable person" in the recipient's circumstances. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to:
- Some students hang a noose from the ceiling of an African-American student's room.
- Over the course of the semester, a gay student is repeatedly called names (including anti-gay slurs like "fag" and "homo") both to his face and on social networking sites.
- After a student discloses that he receives an accommodation for his learning disability, another student calls him a "retard" every time he walks into the classroom.
- Someone spray paints "terrorist" on a Muslim student's car.
- A student draws a swastika on a Jewish student's message board.
Full Discrimination and Harassment policy access
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently serious that it interferes with or limits a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the University's educational programs and activities or their living environment. Sexual harassment also includes gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature. This definition will be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with the accepted standards of mature behavior, academic freedom, and the mission of the University. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
- A student repeatedly contacts another student to go out on a date after the student has made it clear that such contact is unwelcome.
- A male professor makes several comments to a female student suggesting that if they have a sexual relationship he will give her a better grade in his class.
- A lesbian student is called a "dyke" by a male classmate, who also makes sexually explicit remarks.
- A male staff assistant in a biology lab repeatedly makes disparaging comments about women such as "science is a man's field" and "women don't have the capacity to understand."
- A student worker tells her supervisor that she is not comfortable with him massaging her shoulders, but he continues to do so and also makes comments about her attractiveness.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a general term that covers a broad range of inappropriate and/or unlawful conduct, including rape, sexual battery, and sexual coercion. As defined under California law, rape is nonconsensual sexual intercourse that involves the use or threat of force, violence, or immediate and unlawful bodily injury or threats of future retaliation and duress. Other examples of sexual assault include the following nonconsensual acts: oral copulation, anal intercourse, and penetration of the anal or vaginal area with a foreign object, including a finger. Sexual battery includes the nonconsensual touching of a person's intimate parts, or the clothing covering the immediate area of those parts, or forcing a person to touch another's intimate parts. Sexual coercion is the act of using pressure (including physical, verbal, or emotional pressure), alcohol, medications, drugs or force to have sexual contact against someone's will or with someone who has already refused.
Full Sexual Misconduct policy access
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The visitation of members of the opposite sex within the residential community is restricted to specific hours in designated areas. The policies are strictly enforced and violations will be subject to disciplinary action. The purposes of the visitation hours are to ensure the security and privacy of all students and to maintain an atmosphere conducive to academic achievement. Visitation in residence halls (including bedrooms, suites, laundry rooms, hallways, stairways) is allowed between the hours of 10 AM and 1 AM Visitation is allowed in the main lobbies of the freshmen suite-style halls between the hours of 7 AM and 2 AM, and public restrooms may be used during this time.
All apartment buildings have 24 hour lobbies and hallways, but visitation inside the apartments is only allowed between the hours of 10 AM and 1 AM During final exam periods, the visitation hours in all lobbies are extended to 24 hours. Residential visiting hours are in effect seven days per week. There are no circumstances which merit exception.
When there are members of the opposite sex present after visitation hours, it is considered a violation for all individuals present, whether or not the guest was invited or hosted by one student.
Out of respect for fellow students, residents or guests are not permitted at any time to use the shower facilities in the bathrooms assigned to residents of the opposite sex (e.g., a male resident may not use the shower in the bathroom of a female resident). Students or guests are not allowed to sleep overnight in the 24-hour common areas.
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In keeping with Pepperdine University's Christian mission and its heritage in Churches of Christ, all members of the University community are encouraged to consider and respect the teachings of Jesus and historic, biblical Christianity. Pepperdine University affirms that sexual relationships are designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between husband and wife. This view of sexuality and marriage is rooted in the Genesis account of creation and is maintained consistently throughout Scripture. Sexual relations of any kind outside of marriage are inconsistent with the teaching of Scripture, as understood by Christian churches throughout history, including Churches of Christ. Therefore, as a matter of moral and faith witness, all members of the University are expected to avoid such conduct themselves and to respect this understanding of sexual relationships.
Full Sexual Relationships policy access
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Pepperdine University has long recognized its special relationship with the parents and families of its students. Even after students leave home for college, parents often play a central role in their character development, so Pepperdine works in partnership with parents in helping students make the transition to responsible adulthood.
The University also recognizes that students have specific privacy rights. FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is a Federal law that controls the confidentiality of, and access to, student education records. The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 permit educational institutions to notify parents if a student, under the age of 21 at the time of notification, commits a disciplinary violation involving alcohol or a controlled substance. See Pepperdine's Student Records Policy for additional information about FERPA and educational records. A full copy may be obtained by contacting the Registrar's Office.
The purpose of Pepperdine's parental notification policy is to promote the holistic development of students and to foster an alcohol- and drug-free campus community. Among several interventions that may be used to further this purpose, parents or guardians of students under the age of 21 may be notified in the case of a violation of University alcohol or other drug policies. Notification begins with:
A. The first time a student is charged with violating the University policy under one of following circumstances:
- Caused harm to oneself or another while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or was transported to a medical facility and treated because of alcohol or other drug use.
- Was unruly, disruptive, or destructive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Operated a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Was arrested or taken into custody by law enforcement officers while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or is charged with violating a federal, state, or local law related to alcohol or other drug use.
- Because of previous violations (not related to alcohol or other drugs), the current alcohol or other drug violation might result in the student being placed on suspension or a more severe sanction.
- Hosted or in any way assisted or promoted a gathering that included underage drinking or drunkenness.
B. The first time a student is charged with violating the University policy regarding the attempt to obtain or the use, possession, sale, or distribution of any narcotic or other controlled substance not lawfully prescribed by a health care provider.
C. The second time a student is charged with violating the University policy regarding:
- The consumption, possession, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages.
- Being in the presence of alcohol, alcohol containers, controlled substances, or drug-related paraphernalia on University property.
Normally, a parent or guardian will be notified by phone or in writing by the associate dean of student affairs for community standards before the disciplinary hearing. Before notifying the parents or guardians, every effort will be made to inform the student and attempt to have the student make the first contact. This is consistent with the general philosophy that supports students developing independence and personal accountability. However, in some situations consultation with the student or first contact by the student may not be possible or appropriate and in such cases the University is not required to alert the student when it has notified his/her parent or legal guardian. In other situations, after consulting with the student, the associate dean of student affairs for community standards may determine that notifying the parents/guardians may be harmful to the student and in such cases the University is not obligated to make notification.
This policy does not preclude the University's contacting parents or guardians for other policy violations that may endanger the health and well being of a student or other individuals in the community.
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