Student Affairs

Student Handbook — Standards of Conduct

Health and Safety Regulations

WAC 504-36

Control of Pets

Pets are not permitted in University buildings.
Pets are not permitted on University property unless on a leash and under immediate control of their owner.
Livestock is not permitted on WSU Vancouver property.
Clark County Ordinance, Title 8, Animal Nuisances, is in effect on the WSU Vancouver campus 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Under Title 8, it is a $250 criminal offense for the owner of an animal to allow the animal to destroy property, allow the animal to be off leash for any reason, if the animal threatens or attempts to harm another person, or for any animal to deposit solid waste material. The owner, or person with the animal, is required to immediately remove/pick up any solid waste deposited by the animal.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information

In order to maintain a healthy, supportive University environment conducive to academic achievement and personal growth, students are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner with regard to the use of alcoholic beverages. Those of legal age who choose to drink are expected to do so responsibly. Students are reminded that any violation of any local, state, or federal law regarding the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs may result in referral to WSU Vancouver Police for investigation and/or the Office of Student Affairs. Student Affairs may impose sanctions including community service hours, fines and/or suspension or expulsion. Federal and State criminal sanction for violating state or federal laws regarding alcohol and illicit drug use can include forfeiture of property, and/or incarceration. The following campus guidelines have been established regarding the use of alcoholic beverages.

WSU Policy—Alcoholic Beverages

Washington Administrative Code 504-25-050 identifies policy/regulations for Alcohol at Washington State University.

Concerts or Athletic Event - Use of Alcoholic Beverages

Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is not permitted at concerts or at intercollegiate athletic events. Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is not permitted by underage students at any time at events sponsored by WSU or held in University-owned facilities or on University property. Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is not permitted while waiting in line for events. Noncompliance with this policy may result in disciplinary action by the Office of Student Affairs.

Risks Associated with Alcohol and Substance Abuse

The problem of alcohol abuse extends far beyond the danger of chemical dependency. National studies show evidence of direct involvement of alcohol in violent behavior and student attrition. In addition, alcohol is involved in incidents involving injury to other persons, injury to self and in lower academic performance. Student surveys on the negative effects of alcohol are consistent with reports by University administrators. Nearly one-fourth of the respondents in a recent survey indicated that they performed poorly on a test or project because of alcohol or drugs, and nearly one-third has missed a class due to substance abuse. (Presley et al., 1996). In National studies of second-hand effects of alcohol, respondents cited having been pushed, hit or assaulted, sustained property damage, experienced interruptions in their study or sleep, or experienced unwanted sexual contact (Wechsler et al., 1995).

University and Community Alcohol and Substance Abuse Resources

University and community resources are available to assist students with any problems associated with alcohol and substance abuse. These services include information, assessment, treatment, and referral.

University Resources

Office of Student Affairs, VSSB 200, has information and referrals.

Community Resources

Al-anon, 360-693-5781
Alcoholics Anonymous, 360-694-3870
Community Drug and Alcohol Center, 360-696-1631
Private Practitioners and Agencies
Several private practitioners and agencies are available in the area and are listed in the yellow pages.

Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set forth WSU's commitment to maintaining a University environment free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all levels and areas of University operations and programs, to students, faculty, staff, and all other personnel, whether on or off the Pullman campus. It addresses recruitment, admissions, hiring, training, discipline, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, any other employment or educational condition. The University is cognizant of both its moral and legal obligations to ensure that all employees and students are provided equitable opportunities to realize their goals and to function effectively within the University environment.

Kinds of Discrimination Prohibited

The kinds of discrimination prohibited by WSU policy are those which occur on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. This policy prohibits discrimination on these basis. What this means is that decisions affecting an individual cannot be made on the basis of one of these factors. For example, certain actions cannot be taken on account of a person's sex, or because of a person's age, or because of a person's national origin. Decisions should be made on the basis of neutral and objective criteria by which an individual may be evaluated in terms of his or her accomplishments without regard to irrelevant factors such as sex or race.

Sexual Harassment

WSU's discrimination policy explicitly incorporates and prohibits sexual harassment as a form of unlawful sex discrimination. Sexual harassment is defined as:

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when 1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or education, 2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting such individual, or 3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

When the University becomes aware of incidents of sexual harassment, it is bound by state and federal law to take correct steps to determine the harassment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment encompasses any sexual attention that is unwanted. It includes both verbal and physical conduct. Examples of sexual harassment prohibited by this policy include, but are not limited to: a) physical assault; b) direct or implied threats that submission to sexual advances will be a condition of employment, work status, promotion, grades, or letters of recommendation; c) direct propositions of a sexual nature; d) subtle pressure for sexual activity; e) a pattern of conduct that discomfits or humiliates the person at whom the conduct is directed which includes one or more of the following: 1) comments of a sexual nature; 2) sexually explicit statements, questions, jokes, or anecdotes; 3) unnecessary touching, patting, hugging, kissing, or brushing against a person's body; 4) remarks of a sexual nature about a person's clothing or body; or 5) remarks about sexual activity or speculations about previous sexual experience; 6) persistent, unwanted attempts to change a professional relationship to an amorous one.

Amorous Relationships

Amorous relationships that might be appropriate in other circumstances are not appropriate, whether consensual or otherwise, when they occur between a teacher or officer of the University and a student or employee for whom he or she has a professional supervisory responsibility. Even where negative consequences to the participants do not result, such romantic liaisons create an environment charged with potential conflict of interest and possible use of academic or supervisory leverage to maintain or promote the relationship. Amorous relationships that the parties may view as mutual may still raise questions of favoritism as well as of an exploitative abuse of trust and power. This is particularly true when a student is enrolled in a course being taught by the involved faculty member or teaching assistant, or when the faculty member and student are in the same academic unit or in units that are academically allied.

University policy requires that all employees maintain professional relationships with students and supervisors. It is the responsibility of instructors and supervisors to make explicit arrangements for their withdrawal from participation in evaluative decisions that may reward or penalize a student or employee with whom the instructor or supervisor has or has had an amorous relationship.

Enforcement of Prohibitions

The University vigorously enforces its prohibitions against unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment and encourages those who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify problems. Its internal grievance procedures are utilized to investigate and remedy violations. While observing the principles of due process, determination of policy violations will lead to the application of disciplinary sanctions, including warning, censure, suspension, dismissal, or in some situations, summary suspension.

In support of this discrimination policy, the University promotes preventive educational measures to create greater awareness of unlawful discriminatory practices and sexual harassment behaviors among faculty, staff, and students. Administrative officers, deans, directors, department chairs, and supervisors are responsible for making certain that all employees are informed fully of the types of conduct that may be classified as discriminatory or as sexual harassment and that such conduct is prohibited. Consultation about preventative educational measures is available from the Center for Human Rights Office, the Women's Resource and Research Center, the Ombudsman's Office, or Disabled Student Affairs.

Any employee or student of WSU who believes that he or she has been subjected to unlawful discrimination, including sexual harassment, or who believes he or she has been charged wrongfully with a complaint, may utilize University discrimination and sexual harassment procedures.

In addition to administrators and supervisors, the following University officials also are available to discuss any concerns or complaints about discrimination, including sexual harassment, or to provide advice on utilizing University complaint procedures:

University Ombudsman (509) 335-1195
Center for Human Rights (509) 335-8288
Special Ombudsman for Sexual Harassment (509) 335-1195
Women's Resource and Research Center (509) 335-6830
Disabled Student Affairs (509) 335-1566

No individual shall be penalized or retaliated against in any way by a member of the University community for initiation or participation in a complaint procedure.

Gender Equality Revised Codes of Washington

28B.110.010

Article XXXI, section 1, Amendment 61 of the Washington State Constitution requires equal treatment of all citizens, regardless of gender. Recognizing the benefit to our state and nation of equal educational opportunities for all students, discrimination on the basis of gender against any student in the institutions of higher education in Washington State is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to access to academic programs, student employment, counseling and guidance services, financial aid, recreational activities including club sports, and intercollegiate athletics. To report incidents of discrimination see Enforcement of Prohibitions or contact Washington Human Rights Commission.
Enacted by Laws 1989, ch. 341, & 1.

Policies and Regulations Applying to All Student Organizations

WAC 504-28

1. Recognition Process.

Recognition. The University recognizes a wide variety of student groups to facilitate diverse interests of the student body. Attendant to recognition, groups are granted certain privileges and assume certain responsibilities as set forth in these rules. Recognition in no way implies that the University plans, organizes, or sanctions any particular activity or policy of a student group.
Union Board. The Union Board recommends and reviews policies pertaining to all student organizations. Based on those policies the associate director, activities and recreational sports, determines whether or not it is appropriate that the University recognize a particular organization. The board serves as an appeal body.

2. Membership in Organizations.

Full membership in student organizations will be restricted to enrolled graduate and undergraduate students at Washington State University.
Faculty and others may participate as honorary or associate members (at the option of the group) as specified in the group's constitution.
Only full members may be eligible to vote on matters of business or hold elective office in the organization.

3. Obtaining Recognition for Organizations.

To become an approved student organization, recognition must be granted by the associate director, activities and recreational sports, or the Union Board. Contact the Activities/Recreational Sports Department, CUB, Room 337. [For WSU Vancouver contact the Student Involvement Coordinator.]
Before requesting recognition, the group should hold a meeting of interested persons to draft a constitution, elect officers, and select an advisor. Constitutions normally include

Name of the organization.

Purpose and objectives.

Qualifications for membership.

Sources of financial support (e.g., dues, initiation fees, local and national aid, and financial projects).

Description of officers, including qualifications, duties, and method of election.

National-local affiliations and any financial obligation (to an affiliate) resulting therefrom.

Parliamentary authority and method of amending the constitution.

Adoption and amendment procedures.

A description of the organization's safety program.

Responsibilities of the advisor.

Washington State University will not recognize any student organization which denies membership to any student because of race, religion, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability except that the permissibility of a single-sex organization will be evaluated in accord with Title IX guidelines. Recognized student organizations must ensure that additional policies and procedures do not create de facto differentiation.
Students who feel they have been denied membership in violation of (c) of this subsection may appeal to the Union Board. [For WSU Vancouver appeal is made to the Clubs Board.]
Washington State University shall not recognize a student group if recognition would violate local, state, or federal law.

4. Requirements and Responsibilities of Recognized Organizations.

Officers of organizations are responsible for seeing that the organization abides by University rules and regulations concerning scheduling, financial projects, advertising, and other policies of the Union Board. [For WSU Vancouver, policies are set by the Facilities Use Committee.]
Recognized organizations must have an advisor (see WAC 504-28-020, Advisors).
Funds must be deposited into a faculty, student, and alumni account in the Controller's Office, which acts as a free banking service.
The following records must be kept current in the Activities/Recreational Sports Department [For WSU Vancouver records are kept by the Student Involvement Coordinator.]:

Constitution and bylaws.

Officer roster card.

Student organization report (forms available in the Activities/Recreational Sports Department); including activities, accomplishments, and financial status.

Special event forms.

5. Privileges of Recognized Organizations.

Recognized organizations have the right to sponsor on-campus activities.
Recognized student organizations may use University facilities and services through appropriate scheduling offices.
The Activities/Recreational Sports Department staff is available to serve approved organizations in all areas of concern. [For WSU Vancouver, please contact the Associate Director of Student Affairs.]
Free banking service is provided to approved organizations through faculty student alumni accounts. WAC 504-28-010

Advisors to Recognized Student Organizations

Advisors are members of the Washington State University faculty or staff or graduate students whom the student members choose and whose interest in the group indicates that they would judiciously advise the organization concerning its goals, purposes, and procedures. Advisors guide the group in accordance with the purposes and ideals of the University and the organization. They do not directly control the group's programs and activities.
Advisors assist the Union Board to implement the policies for student organizations. [For WSU Vancouver, advisors work with the Clubs Board.]
Responsibilities may include the following:

Attending the organization's meetings.

Assisting in planning the program.

Supervising the handling of funds and approving all expenditures and contracts.

Assisting in arranging for University facilities and equipment. WAC 504-28-020

Facilities Use

360-546-9588

Use of facilities at Washington State University Vancouver is defined by the Facilities Use Policy. The purpose of WSU's regulations governing use of facilities is to establish guidelines under the authority of RCW 28B.30.095.

Because of the growing and dynamic nature of WSU Vancouver, policies for facilities use are frequently updated. Contact Facilities Scheduler at 546-9588 or e-mail schedule@vancouver.wsu.edu for information on the following:

Scheduling of events
Outdoor activities
Private or commercial enterprise
Spectator events
Advertising
Public forums
Financial projects
Other items relating to the use of campus facilities

Special Scheduling Information:

The Facilities Scheduler is available to advise on appropriate forms, arrangements, publicity, etc.
Any recognized student organization (RSO) may sponsor political speakers on campus. All such groups should follow the established procedure in scheduling.
ASWSUV and all recognized student organizations may have concerts only if they have sufficient funds to cover all concert expenses 100 percent. The Director of Finance and Operations is available to advise on concert arrangements and contract negotiations.
All WSU Vancouver classrooms, Gallery, and outdoor areas, including the plaza and amphitheater, must be scheduled using the adopted software system that supports a campus-wide master calendar. Facility use scheduling guidelines must be followed. Contact schedule@vancouver.wsu.edu to check the availability of campus facilities.
Committee meetings and social activities should be scheduled in facilities which are accessible to disabled individuals. WAC 504-28-030

Financial Projects:

A financial project is any approved activity of an RSO which is undertaken to raise funds and/or to defray expenses. Projects may be for the benefit of organizations or for nonprofit groups.

The sale of any goods and/or services by a recognized organization or club on the WSU Vancouver campus requires initial approval from the Faculty Advisor, the Student Involvement Coordinator, and final approval from the Director of Finance and Operations. This would typically be granted only in conjunction with an event serving an educational mission. Permission must be requested three weeks in advance. Distributing, soliciting, or selling must be done without individuals hawking or shouting.
Upon approval, the Student Involvement Coordinator will provide student organizations with event planning information, including organization advice, advertising, and publicity assistance, facility and equipment arrangements, and consumer protection advice.
Projects involving any copyrighted materials are subject to Federal Copyright Regulations. Copies of the policies are available from the WSU Vancouver library.
Raffles are subject to state law. Contact the Student Involvement Coordinator for current regulations.
Retailing of student classroom books, supplies, and equipment by students on the campus is prohibited.

All advertising and publicity for each project must include the name of the sponsoring organization and the product or service being sold.

The club or organization must submit a completed budget for all proposed financial projects. The organization must have funds on hand to cover 100 percent of the estimated expenses of a proposed financial project.

Use of the Open Forum Area:

The use of WSU Vancouver designated “Open Forum” areas are subject to time, space, manner, and notice limitations as set forth in the Facilities Use Policy. The area on the campus plaza directly to the east of the cafeteria to the stone wall and the bulletin boards located in the dining services area between the hallway and the dining area are the designated “Open Forum” areas.

Open forum areas may be used with administrative approval, for a specified period of time, by groups and individuals, in accordance with BPPM 20.35 and the Facilities Use Policy. The University supports each individual’s right to peacefully express their view and opinions for or against actions or ideas in which they have an interest, regardless of the degree of acceptability among others of the view or opinions advocated.

Requests for use of the outdoor space should be submitted in writing to the Director of Finance and Operations a minimum of one week prior to the date requested. Open forum areas may be used between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday – Friday, so long as the activity does not disrupt educational process, cause damage to university property, or violate university, local, state, or federal laws. A public address system or voice amplification may be used only with prior written permission from the Director of Finance and Operations.

Outdoor Events:

Outdoor events may include, but are not limited to, outdoor dances, concerts, carnivals, and fairs. The sponsoring club or organization must submit a written request to the Facilities Use Committee for approval. The sponsoring organization is responsible for damage to grounds and for cleaning up litter.

Street dances and outdoor concerts may be sponsored by recognized student organizations on days and at times approved by the ASWSUV senate, with approval of the Facilities Use Committee.

Student Activities Event Planning and Scheduling Policies

360-546-9520

Student Activity Categories

Business meetings: These include any regular meeting of a club, an executive staff or senate meeting of ASWSUV, or staff meetings of Student Media Board Programs.

Visibility events: Events that use the cafeteria alcove or other public building foyers to promote organization awareness, provide awareness about an issue, or raise funds

Campus events: Events planned by student groups that are open to the students and staff of WSU Vancouver that may be either on or off campus

Public Events: Events planned by student groups that are open to the students and staff of WSU Vancouver and the general public

Student Activity Approval Processes

Business meetings that use on-campus facilities are scheduled through the Facilities Scheduler unless the program has its own designated space. The only limitation on such meetings is the availability of room. Additional permission is not required.

Visibility events must be scheduled with the Facilities Scheduler. Student organizations that need to schedule the cafeteria alcove are limited to eight uses per term with no more than three such uses scheduled in any one week. NOTE: The Student Involvement Coordinator must first approve fund raising events.

Campus events are first approved by the Student Involvement Coordinator before being scheduled. The Coordinator will advise the student organization regarding contract and liability issues, availability of funds, cash handling issues, special payment considerations, and which offices on campus must be involved for the event to occur.

Public Events are first approved by the Student Involvement Coordinator before being scheduled. In addition to the issues related to campus events, public events also require an advertising plan. The Coordinator will guide the student organization through the relevant issues.

General Student Activities Policies

With the exception of business meetings located in space designated to a specific student program, all student-initiated events and meetings, both indoor and outdoor, must be scheduled through the Facilities Scheduler (schedule@vancouver.wsu.edu).
Student-initiated events and activities are scheduled on a space available basis each term AFTER all academic classes have been scheduled.
All campus and public events must be approved first by the Student Involvement Coordinator. The Coordinator provides event-planning guidance to all student groups and will determine which approvals are required for the event.
All student events will have a designated person in charge both prior to and onsite during the event.

Events costing over $2500.00 and/or that involve a contract with the University require an eight-week lead time starting with the Student Involvement Coordinator.

Washington State University Facility Use Regulations

WAC 504-34

Purpose and Delegation

The purpose of the Washington State University regulations governing use of facilities is to establish guidelines for the use of University facilities under the authority of RCW 28B.30.095 and to delegate authority to administer the regulations adopted within the standards prescribed.
The Board of Regents delegates to the president or his or her designee authority to establish procedures for proper review of the use of University facilities; to establish, within the framework of these regulations, procedures governing such use; and to review rental schedules where appropriate.
Under authority granted above, the president has appointed a Facility Use Committee. Inquiries concerning the use of University facilities may be directed to the director of general services, Room 221, French Administration Building. WAC 504-34-010

[For WSU Vancouver policies contact the Facilities Scheduler at 360-546-9588.]

Definitions

University facilities are identified as all buildings and grounds owned or controlled by Washington State University and the streets, sidewalks, malls, parking lots, and roadways within the boundaries of property owned or controlled by Washington State University. WAC 504-34-020

Limitations

University facilities may not be used in ways which substantially obstruct or disrupt educational activities or freedom of movement or other lawful activities on the University campus.
University facilities may not be used by groups, including informal groups, which discriminate in their membership or limit participation in activities on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
The Constitution of the State of Washington specifically prohibits free use of state facilities for religious worship, exercise, or instruction. University facilities may be rented at commercial rates for short-semester durations by religious organizations pursuant to these regulations.
University facilities may be used for the purpose of political campaigning by or for candidates who have filed for public office, when sponsored by faculty, staff, or student organizations.
Handbills, leaflets, and similar materials which conform to these limitations may be distributed on campus by students, staff, or faculty. Persons not connected with the University are not authorized to distribute handbills or other materials without prior approval of the Facility Use Committee.
During registration periods, signs and posters must not be posted within or near the registration areas or the entrances and exits thereto, except those approved by the registrar. Public address systems may not be used within hearing distance of the registration areas. Solicitation and distribution of literature, handbills, or notices within or near the registration areas is prohibited. WAC 504-34-030

Users

University facilities may be used by faculty or staff groups or registered student organizations for cultural, educational, or recreational activities provided for members of the University community and their families.
Educational institutions, state or federal agencies, charitable or civic organizations may be granted use of facilities for short courses, conferences, seminars, meetings, programs, and presentations under these provisions, when sponsored by the University or its departments. Individuals or organizations desiring use of University facilities must have University-related sponsorship or submit written application to the Facility Use Committee.
In addition to the provisions of these regulations, use of facilities by student organizations shall be consistent with other provisions of the Student Handbook on Policies and Regulations. (Chapter 504-28 WAC.) WAC 504-34-040

Administrative Control

Individuals who are not students or members of the faculty or staff and who violate these regulations will be advised of the specific nature of violation, and if they persist in the violation, they will be requested to leave the University property. Failure to comply with such a request will subject such individuals to arrest under provisions of RCW 9A.52. 070 and 080 (criminal trespass) or other applicable laws.

Members of the University community (students, faculty, and staff) who do not comply with these regulations will be reported to the appropriate University office or agency for action in accordance with established University policies. WAC 504-34-120