University of Central Oklahoma
Code of Student Conduct 2007-2008
The freedom of individuals to inquire, study, evaluate, increase understanding, and further their intercultural and interpersonal development is essential and must be protected against suppression. Reasonable dissent plays a vital role in university discourse. However, freedoms may not be reasonably protected or exercised in a university that lacks order and stability. Therefore, the Code of Student Conduct, and the incorporated Statements of Academic Dishonesty Policy and Students’ Obligations and Responsibilities is to inform the student body of the expected standards of behavior and policies that are fundamental to the normal activities of the University of Central Oklahoma. Furthermore, the purpose of the Code of Student Conduct is to develop and maintain guidelines for a reasonable and comfortable living and learning environment for all University of Central Oklahoma community members. The intent of the University is to ensure that students do not overlook their civic and social responsibilities nor lose their rights as citizens and members of this community. The Code of Student Conduct specifically clarifies the rights and responsibilities of students at the University of Central Oklahoma.
All full- and part-time University of Central Oklahoma students are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost integrity and civility. The University of Central Oklahoma does not tolerate dishonesty such as cheating, violating the integrity of examinations, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to University faculty or staff. In addition, harassment, forgery, alteration, damage or misuse of official University documents, records, or identification cards is strictly prohibited. NOTE: Violation of these expectations, as specified in sections III, IV, and V, may result in penalties up to and / or including expulsion from the University.
Public Directory Information and student access to official educational records at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) designates the following student information as public or directory information:
Category I
Student’s name, local and permanent address, e-mail address, telephone number(s), classification, dates of attendance at UCO, enrollment status (full-time, half-time, or less than half-time).
Category II
Major field of study / degree program, educational institutions previously attended, degrees and awards granted, educational background, degree(s) held, date(s) granted and, institutions granting such degree(s).
Category III
Date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized organizations, activities and sports, and weight and height of participants in officially recognized sports. This information may be disclosed by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion.
Students may withhold disclosure of all categories of directory information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Forms requesting the withholding of "Directory Information" are available in Enrollment Management, Nigh University Center 124, (405) 974-2338.
The University of Central Oklahoma assumes approval for disclosure unless a student specifically requests the withholding of "Directory Information." In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, it is the policy of the University to release personally identifiable information from the educational records of a student, without written consent, to University officials (faculty, staff, and agents of the University having responsibility for working with that student in admissions, registration, advisement, housing, counseling, student discipline, teaching, financial aid, payment of fees, or any other activity directly related to the student’s academic program, or pursuant to law or governmental regulation) with a legitimate educational interest. A University official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review the contents of an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities.
Attempts by other individuals or organizations to gain access to student records without the express written consent of the student are considered a violation of University policy and federal law. Examples of violations include, but are not limited to:
1) Illegally accessing information from student or faculty information terminals;
2) Misrepresentation to obtain another student’s transcript, semester grades, or class registration; and,
3) Using a student’s ID number without his / her permission to gain access to any University services.
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, eligible students are entitled to access official educational records directly related to the student, including the right of inspection and review within forty-five (45) days of the day that the University receives a request for access from an eligible student. Requests for academic records are directed to the appropriate academic department or Enrollment Services, Nigh University Center 124, (405) 974-2338. Student Conduct records may be requested by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Lillard Administration Building 213, (405) 974-2361.
The right of access shall include:
1. The right to a list of the types of educational records maintained by the institution and directly related to students;
2. The right to inspect and review the content of those records;
3. The right to obtain copies of those records, which may be at the expense of the eligible student or parent. Parents of a dependent student as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 are entitled to access to official educational records of that student;
4. The right to a response from the institution to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of those records;
5. The right to inspect and review or to be informed of specific information about themselves which is contained in any material or document; and
6. The right to an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of those records under subsection I.G.
Prior to access, students must provide the department which maintains the desired educational record(s) with identification to verify the identity of the requesting and eligible student. In addition, the department may require that requesting and eligible students submit a signed and dated written request or a completed Personal Record Access Request Form prior to receiving access to the educational record. These aforementioned procedures shall serve as a safeguard to protect the privacy of student educational records.
1. The hearing shall be conducted and decided within a reasonable period of time following the request for the hearing;
2. The hearing shall be conducted, and the decision rendered by a University official or other party who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing;
3. The eligible student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present information relevant to the issues raised under subpart C, section 99 of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974; and,
4. The decision shall be rendered in writing within a reasonable period of time after the conclusion of the hearing.
Eligible students and eligible parents of students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University of Central Oklahoma to comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA of 1974 is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
1. The term “University” means the University of Central Oklahoma.
2. The term "student" includes all persons taking courses at the University of Central Oklahoma, both full-time and part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies and those who attend postsecondary educational institutions other than the University of Central Oklahoma but reside in the University residence system. Persons who are not officially enrolled for a particular term, but who have a continuing relationship with the University may be considered "students." This definition includes, but is not limited to, incoming freshmen, transfer students, persons concurrently enrolled at other educational institutions, persons enrolled at other educational institutions that offer classes on the University of Central Oklahoma campus property, and anyone participating in University sponsored programs and activities for students (i.e. study abroad programs).
3. The term "faculty member" means any person hired by the University to instruct or facilitate classroom activities.
4. The term "University official" includes any person employed by the University, performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities.
5. The term "member of the University community" includes any person who is a student, faculty member, University official, persons employed by the University, or any nearby stakeholder of the University. The Director of Student Conduct shall determine a person's status as the situation warrants.
6. The term "University premises" includes all land, buildings, facilities, and / or areas controlled by the University including adjacent streets and sidewalks.
7. The term "organization" means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for University recognition / registration.
8. The term "student conduct body" means any person or persons authorized by the Director of Student Conduct to hear misconduct cases and / or appeals, consider the provided information, and recommend an appropriate outcome, which may include recommending or imposing sanctions. A student conduct body may be referred to as a board or committee.
9. The "Director of Student Conduct" is the person designated by the University President to be responsible for the administration of the Code of Student Conduct.
10. The term "Acting Conduct Officer" means a University official authorized on a case-by-case basis by the University to impose sanctions upon students found to have violated the Code of Student Conduct. The Director of Student Conduct may authorize an Acting Conduct Officer to serve simultaneously as a student conduct official and the sole member or one (1) of the members of a student conduct body. Nothing shall prevent the Director of Student Conduct from authorizing the same Acting Conduct Officer to impose sanctions in all cases.
11. The term "shall" is used in the imperative sense.
12. The term "may" is used in the permissive sense.
13. The term "Policy" is defined as the written regulations of the University as found in, but not limited to, the Code of Student Conduct, Residence Life Handbook, Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, and the Graduate / Undergraduate Catalogs.
14. The term "cheating" includes, but is not limited to:
a) The use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, test, or examinations;
b) Dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or,
c) The acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty or staff.
15. The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. (Please refer to subsection III. C. 3. for more information on plagiarism and it’s relation to academic dishonesty.)
16. The terms “Complainant” or “Alleged Victim” mean any person who submits a charge alleging that a student violated this Code of Student Conduct. When a student believes that he or she has been a victim of another student’s misconduct, then the student who believes he or she has been a victim has the right to file a complaint with the Office of Student Conduct, the UCO Police Department, or the appropriate University official.
17. The term “Accused Student” means any student accused of violating this Code of Student Conduct or any other related published University policy, such as those mentioned in section II. 13. of this document.
The University of Central Oklahoma seeks to develop the whole individual and the skills needed for successful living. The educational experience is designed to enable students to practically apply the knowledge and skills gained to individual and social problems. The University promotes an international understanding as well as an appreciation for the democratic way of life.
Students are responsible for reviewing the information contained in the official University catalog. The catalog contains regulations governing academic programs, course requirements, campus life, and other important information. When a student requests his or her transcript be sent to another institution, the University shall have the right to supply other academic information as may be requested by that institution. No information concerning disciplinary action will be released unless such action is permissible under federal policies.
Certain colleges, departmental and administrative officers at the University have a legitimate interest and need for information contained in students’ records and are authorized access to this information as necessary. Information may be released from students’ records to appropriate persons in connection with an emergency if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the health or safety of a student or the University community.
The following factors should be taken into consideration in determining whether records may be released under this section: (a) the seriousness of the threat to the health or safety of a student or the University community; (b) the need for such records to meet the emergency; (c) whether the persons to whom such records are released are in a position to deal with the emergency; and, (d) the element of time being a crucial factor in dealing with the emergency.
Records maintained by a physician, psychologist, or other recognized professionals are not open for parents’ or students’ inspection. Inquiries regarding medical records should be directed to the office maintaining those records, i.e., Student Counseling Center or the Student Health Center.
There are various holds that may be placed on a student’s records that would prohibit him or her from being able to conduct business on the campus. The types of holds are: admissions, library, deans, financial, registrar, advisor, enrollment, housing delinquency, conduct, or loan delinquency. The various holds may be put in place until such a time that the student is in compliance with University policies. Should the student find he or she has one (1) or more of the above holds, he or she should contact the appropriate office to solve the problem that created the hold.
In order to provide a means for students to pursue a solution to grievances affecting themselves individually, two (2) appeals procedures exist. The first enables a student to seek redress when the student believes a faculty member has not met professional obligations to the student or has not behaved in an ethical manner in a professional relationship with the student. The second allows a student to appeal the assignment of a grade. If a student believes practices and procedures were not consistently and accurately followed, the student may have the right to appeal the final grade. Any faculty member approached by a student considering an appeal must inform the student of the availability of these procedures.
a) Direct discussion with the instructor (optional). The student should seriously consider conferring with the instructor in question in order to attempt to resolve the grievance without filing a written complaint. It is quite acceptable for the student and / or the instructor to be accompanied to this meeting. All parties are to treat these discussions as confidential.
b) Mediation by the department chair / school director and dean. The student desiring mediation must submit a formal signed statement of grievance(s) by the end of the fourth week of the next semester in which the student enrolls after that during which the alleged violation occurs, but in no case later than one (1) calendar year from the date of the incident. The statement must include a clear description of the event(s) leading to the filing of the grievance and the specific remedy sought. It shall be given to the dean of the college in which the instructor was teaching. Upon receipt, the dean and department chair / school director-or senior full-time member of the department / school if the department chair / school director is concerned in the grievance-shall meet to evaluate the merit of the grievance within seven (7) class days of its receipt and shall meet with the student and instructor concerned within fourteen (14) class days of its receipt. The purpose of the meeting shall be to attempt to reconcile differences through recommendations to the parties. The results of the meeting shall be reduced to writing, and signed copies shall be given to the student and the instructor.
c) Students dissatisfied with the results of the mediation process as outlined in paragraph two (2), above, may contact the Office of Legal Services, Lillard Administration Building, (405) 974-2573. The Office of Legal Services has the power to investigate the process and submit a report of the findings.
If a student believes the practices and procedures used to determine his / her final grade were not consistently and / or accurately followed, the student may have the ability to have his / her appeal considered by the Board of Academic Appeals. All appeals must be filed with the Office of Academic Affairs no later than the end of the fourth week of the next semester immediately following the semester in which the appealed action occurred. Semesters include the fall, spring, and summer sessions. Information regarding the specific steps involved in filing a grade appeal may be found at http://www.busn.uco.edu/academicaffairs/Academic%20Appeals%20ProcedurePacket.pdf
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not confined to: plagiarizing; cheating on tests or examinations; turning in counterfeit reports, tests, and papers; stealing tests or other academic material; knowingly falsifying academic records or documents of the institution; accessing a student's confidential academic records without authorization; disclosing confidential academic information without authorization; and turning in the same work to more than one (1) class without informing the instructors involved. Each student is expected to engage in all academic pursuits in a manner that is above reproach. Students are expected to maintain complete honesty and integrity in the academic experiences both in and out of the classroom. Any student deemed to have engaged in academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to the following, will be subject to disciplinary action:
a) Cheating on an examination or the preparation of academic work;
b) Copying from another student's test paper, laboratory report, other report, or computer files, data, listings, and / or programs;
c) Using, during a test, materials not authorized by the professor or instructor;
d) Collaborating with or aiding another person, without authorization, during an examination or in preparing academic work;
e) Knowingly and without authorization, using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, soliciting, copying or possessing in whole or in part, the contents of an un-administered examination;
f) Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one (1) in taking an examination or preparing academic work;
g) Bribing another person to obtain an unadministered examination or information about an unadministered examination;
h) Attempting to bribe any faculty / staff or student to alter a grade;
i) Plagiarizing or appropriating another's work or idea without properly acknowledging incorporation of that work or idea into one's own work;
j) Unauthorized reuse of work or the turning in of the same work to more than one (1) class without informing the instructors involved;
k) Any forgery, alteration, or misuse of academic documents, forms or records, in hard copy or electronic format;
l) Attempts by unauthorized individuals or organizations to access student records without the expressed written consent of the student. Examples of violations include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Illegally accessing information from student or faculty information terminals;
2. Misrepresenting oneself to obtain another student's transcript, semester grades or class registration; and,
3. Using a student's ID number without his / her expressed written permission to gain access to other University services.
m) Knowingly falsifying admissions information.
a) Instructor-of-Record: The instructor-of-record is the individual responsible for the grade assignment. Other faculty members who are participating in a course (such as in team-taught courses) and teaching assistants are also expected to participate in any appropriate way in assessing penalties for misconduct or dishonesty, and in the case of an appeal.
b) Instructor Procedures: In instances where the instructor-of-record has clear and convincing information that a student has engaged in dishonest academic behavior, the following procedures will be used:
STEP ONE (1):
The instructor-of-record shall discuss the situation as soon as possible with the student, explaining the allegation, the reasons for it, and the disciplinary action(s) being considered, and shall give the student the opportunity to respond to the allegation. In cases where the instructor is unable to contact a student, i.e., at the end of a semester, the instructor may consult with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for assistance. A student who attempts to withdraw to avoid the consequences of alleged academic dishonesty may be denied or have the withdrawal disallowed until the issue has been fully resolved.
STEP TWO (2):
If, after consultation with the student, the instructor of record decides to initiate disciplinary action, the instructor may do one (1) or more of the following:
a) Require the student to complete a substitute assignment or examination.
b) Award a reduced grade for the examination, assignment, or course.
c) Award a "zero" or a grade of "F" for the assignment or examination.
d) Award a grade of "F" for the course.
e) Recommend to the academic dean more stringent disciplinary action (e.g., conduct probation, suspension, or expulsion) by the University. NOTE: If disciplinary action is taken by the instructor that involves STEP 2a, STEP 2b, or STEP 2c, and the student agrees to the disciplinary action, then no further written record is forwarded to the department chair / school director or academic dean.
STEP THREE (3):
If disciplinary action is taken that involves 2-d or 2-e, the instructor-of-record must communicate in writing, within five (5) school days, the actions taken and the reasons for them to the student, with copies to: instructor-of-record's department chair / school director, and academic dean.
STEP ONE (1):
Review academic dishonesty charges.
STEP TWO (2):
Forward copy of instructor's letter within five (5) school days to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, along with any comments from the academic dean.
STEP THREE (3):
When a student appeals an instructor's decision, the dean of the college:
a) Gives the student notice of receipt of the appeal,
b) Notifies the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs that an appeal is being made,
c) Assembles the verification documents and transmits the case to the College Grade Appeal Committee.
d) Forwards College Grade Appeal Committee decision to Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs recommending further sanctions.
NOTE: A student may not withdraw from a course in which a case of academic dishonesty is pending. The outcome will determine whether the student will receive a grade of “W” or “F”.
If a student believes the practices and procedures used by the instructor to address an allegation of academic misconduct were inappropriate or unfair, the student may have the ability to have an appeal heard by the Board of Academic Appeals. All appeals must be filed within the first four (4) weeks of the next semester immediately following the semester in which the appealed action occurred. Semesters include the fall, spring, and summer sessions. Information regarding the specific steps involved in filing an academic misconduct appeal may be found at http://www.busn.uco.edu/academicaffairs/Academic%20Appeals%20ProcedurePacket.pdf
The objective of the University of Central Oklahoma is to provide an opportunity for education to all of its students. In order to achieve this objective, it is important to define standards of conduct or limits of behavior that will enable students to work together with the faculty, staff, and administration in a positive manner.
Attendance at the University of Central Oklahoma is not compulsory. The voluntary entrance of a student into the University of Central Oklahoma means that the student also voluntarily assumes obligations of performance and behavior reasonably imposed by the University. The University of Central Oklahoma is an institution of higher learning. Thus, the rules and regulations are designed to insure optimal conditions of learning for all students. Standards of conduct for students are seen as a base or foundation of behavior rather than arbitrary limits of behavior. The University's approach to student discipline emphasizes assisting students in understanding and accepting responsibilities for their behavior. Both the interests of the student and the University are taken into account in deciding the desirability and appropriateness of undertaking a course of discipline.
1. The University authority is vested in the Board of Regents and the President. This includes authority to control and regulate various aspects of student behavior through disciplinary means. The President of the University of Central Oklahoma delegates to the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Vice President's designees the authority to investigate potential or alleged violations of University regulations or law and to determine and administer appropriate penalties using a preponderance or weight of the evidence standard.
All disciplinary decisions are carried out in the name of the President or other appropriate University Official as designated by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Any sharing or delegation of the student conduct function remains revocable.
2. Misconduct is considered a matter of concern to the University. Reports of misconduct that are labeled offensive, unacceptable, destructive, and in violation of University regulations usually are made in the first instance to the Office of Student Conduct. Generally, reports of academic misconduct are dealt with through the faculty chair / director of each academic department or college.
3. The primary responsibility for student discipline will lie with the Director of Student Conduct. The Director of Student Conduct may be reached in the Office of Student Conduct, Lillard Administration Building 211, (405) 974-2361.
4. The Director of Student Conduct will review with the accused student the nature of the complaint, relevant information and witness statements. The Director of Student Conduct will also allow the accused student’s version of the incident to be heard. When the investigation is completed, including interviewing of the accused student and alleged victim, the Director of Student Conduct will make appropriate recommendations for the disposition of the case. The Director of Student Conduct has the responsibility and authority to take disciplinary action, if such action is appropriate. Any information obtained either from the accused student or other sources may be used by University agencies in determining proper action, including closing the case without action.
5. The Vice President for Student Affairs reserves the right to intervene and / or hear any case of student misconduct.
6. The Director of Student Conduct shall determine the composition of student conduct bodies and / or boards and determine which student conduct body (board or committee) or Acting Conduct Officer shall be authorized to hear each case.
7. A student conduct body (board or committee) consisting of students and faculty members will be created to consider the appeal of cases resulting in temporary suspension, suspension, expulsion, degree revocation or recession of credit. This committee will be designated as the “Committee on Student Conduct." The Committee on Student Conduct shall be composed of nominated and volunteer faculty members and student applicants, whose selection will be based upon the following criteria: current academic standing, applicable experience demonstrable through required essay, availability, and references. This committee shall be approved by the President of the University and the President of the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association (UCOSA).
Any act by a properly constituted committee, at which a quorum of the committee is present, shall be binding. Please refer to subsection IV. J. for further details on the composition and operations of the Committee on Student Conduct.
8. The Director of Student Conduct shall develop policies for the administration of the student conduct program and procedural rules for student conduct hearings, which are consistent with the provisions of the Code of Student Conduct.
9. Decisions made by the Director of Student Conduct and / or a student conduct body shall be final, pending the normal appeal process.
10. A student conduct body may be designated as arbiter of disputes within the student community in cases which do not involve a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. All parties must agree to arbitration, and to be bound by the decision with no right of appeal.
Generally, University jurisdiction and discipline shall be limited to conduct which occurs on or near University premises or which adversely affects the University Community and / or the pursuit of its objectives.
Admission of students who are currently under disciplinary sanctions at other institutions must first be approved through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Lillard Administration Building 213, (405) 974-2361. The University reserves the right to deny admission or readmission to any student based upon prior conduct and / or based upon prior illegal activity.
Each student assumes an obligation to obey all rules and regulations made by the University, to preserve faithfully all property provided by the State for his or her education, and to discharge such duties as a student with diligence, fidelity and honor. Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in section IV. G. (Please refer to Section II. 2. for the University definition of a student.)
1. Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following:
a) Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic misconduct.
b) Furnishing false information to any University official, faculty member or office.
c) Forgery, altercation, or misuse of any University document, record, or instrument of identification.
d) Knowingly falsifying or being a party to the falsification of any official University record.
e) Tampering with the election of any University recognized student organization.
f) Assuming the identity of another
2. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other University activities, including its public-service functions on or off campus, or other authorized non-university premises.
3. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, stalking, coercion and / or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.
4. Attempted or actual theft of and / or damage to property of the University or property of a member of the University community or other personal or public property.
5. Failure to settle outstanding University accounts. Students shall make satisfactory arrangements for the settling of University accounts promptly. Failure on the part of a student to make satisfactory arrangements for the settlement of a University account by the due date will result in a late payment penalty; continued failure to settle the account will result in either suspension or the placing of a "hold" on the student's records. He or she may neither reenroll, receive a diploma, nor obtain a transcript until he or she has done one (1) or more of the following:
a) Cleared the account,
b) Paid the assessed service charge to cover the administrative expense involved in placing the "hold" on their record, or,
c) Received special written clearance from the Bursar
6. Hazing and / or any solicitations to engage in hazing are strictly prohibited at the University of Central Oklahoma. Hazing is an act which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, which may degrade any person or lead to the destruction or removal of public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization. No student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the University shall engage or participate in hazing. Any penalties imposed by the University for hazing are separate from, and in addition to, penalties imposed by criminal statutes.
Regardless of the incident location(s), any student(s) and / or student organization(s) found responsible for any form of hazing may be subject to immediate suspension and / or expulsion. The expressed or implied consent of the victim shall not be considered as a defense. Apathy and / or consent in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they shall be considered violations of this policy. Please refer to Section VI. I. for more information on the Oklahoma Law against hazing.
7. Failure to comply with the directions of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and / or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.
8. Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any University premises or unauthorized entry to or use of University premises.
9. Violation of published University policies, rules or regulations.
10. Violation of federal, state or local law on University premises or at University sponsored or supervised activities.
11. Use, possession, manufacturing, being in the presence of, or distribution of marijuana, heroin, narcotics or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law. The consumption or possession of illegal narcotics in any form, on the campus, in University Housing (to include sorority and fraternity housing) or at student organization or other University sponsored activities for students is strictly prohibited.
12. Use, possession, manufacturing, being in the presence of, or distribution of alcoholic beverages and / or non-intoxicating beverages as defined in Section 163.2 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes except as expressly permitted by the law and regulations, or public intoxication. The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages, or illegal narcotics in any form, on the campus, in University Housing (to include sorority and fraternity housing) or at student organization or other University sponsored activities for students is strictly prohibited.
13. Use, possession, manufacturing or distribution of alcoholic beverages, in any circumstances, by or to any person under the age of twenty-one (21).
14. Violation of published Residence Life / Housing policy.
15. Violation of Residence Life / Housing contracts.
16. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on University premises or use of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens, or causes fear to other University community members. The possession or firing of firearms, fireworks, explosives, or weapons such as bows and inappropriately-used knives by students is prohibited on campus, in any student residence, sorority, fraternity, approved private housing or University-operated housing, except as they are used in officially approved University programs.
17. Participation in an on campus or off campus demonstration which disrupts the normal operations of the University and infringes on the rights of other members of the University community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus.
18. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on University premises or University sponsored or supervised functions.
19. Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on University premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by, the University or members of the University community. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to: Any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on University premises or at a University sponsored event without his or her prior and effective knowledge and consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. Indecent conduct includes indecent exposure as defined by Oklahoma law.
20. Conduct in which a student engages or threatens to engage in behavior that poses a danger of causing physical harm to self or others.
21. Conduct which would cause property damage, directly impede the lawful activities of others, or interfere with the educational process and the orderly operation of the University.
22. Theft or other abuse of computer time, including but not limited to:
a) Unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose.
b) Unauthorized transfer of a file.
c) Unauthorized use of another individual's identification and password.
d) Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or University official.
e) Use of computing facilities to view or send obscene or abusive messages.
f) Use of University computing facilities and / or other University resources to interfere with normal operation of the University computing system or network.
g) Any violation of the University Computer and Network Management and Use Policies, which can be located at http://technology.uco.edu/officeit/policies.htm.
23. Abuse of the student conduct system, including but not limited to:
a) Failure to obey the notice of a student conduct body (board or committee) or University official to appear for a meeting or hearing as part of the student conduct system.
b) Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before the Director of Student Conduct or a student conduct body (board or committee).
c) Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a student conduct body (board or committee) proceeding.
d) Facilitation of an unauthorized Student Conduct Hearing.
e) Attempting to discourage an individual's proper participation in, or use of, the student conduct system.
f) Attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a student conduct body (board or committee) prior to, and / or during the course of, the student conduct proceeding.
g) Harassment (verbal or physical) and / or intimidation of a member of a Student Conduct body (board or committee) prior to, during, and / or after a Student Conduct body (board or committee) proceeding.
h) Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Code of Student Conduct by the Vice President for Student Affairs,
Director of Student Conduct, the Committee on Student Conduct, or any other University Official who has the authority to impose sanctions
i) Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the student conduct system.
24. Sexual misconduct, including but not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape.
The Policy Manual of the Regional University System of Oklahoma states that the Board affirms its commitment to ensuring an environment for all employees and students which is fair, humane, and respectful—an environment which supports and rewards employee and student performance on the basis of relevant considerations such as ability and effort. Behaviors which inappropriately assert sexuality as relevant to employee or student performance are damaging to this environment. Sexual harassment by any member of the University community, including students, faculty and staff, is a violation of both law and the Board policy, and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is a particularly sensitive issue which may affect any member of the University community and as such will be dealt with promptly and confidentially by the University administration. The Board reserves the right to deal administratively with sexual harassment issues whenever it deems it appropriate to do so. All employment or academic decisions at the University of Central Oklahoma must be made purely on the basis of ability and qualifications related to job and academic performance devoid of unreasonable considerations of sex. Toward this end, all members of the academic community should support the principle that sexual harassment represents a failure in ethical behavior and that sexual exploitation of professional relationships will not be condoned.
Sexual harassment shall be defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in the following context:
a) When submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic standing; or,
b) When submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or,
c) When such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.
Conduct prohibited by this policy may include, but is not limited to:
a) Unwelcome sexual flirtation; advances or propositions for sexual activity;
b) Continued or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature, such as suggestive comments and sexually explicit jokes;
c) Sexually degrading language to describe an individual;
d) Remarks of a sexual nature to describe a person's body or clothing;
e) Display of sexually demeaning objects and pictures;
f) Offensive physical contact, such as unwelcome touching, pinching, and brushing the body;
g) Coerced sexual intercourse;
h) Sexual assault;
i) Actions indicating that benefits will be gained or lost based on response to sexual advances.
j) Making unsolicited written, verbal, physical and / or visual contact with sexual overtones. (Written examples include but are not limited to: suggestive or obscene letters, notes, text or instant messages, invitations. Verbal examples include but are not limited to: derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, and epithets. Physical examples include but are not limited to: assault, touching, impeding, or blocking movement. Visual examples include but are not limited to: leering, gestures, display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons, or posters.)
k) Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcome. (Reciprocal attraction is not sexual harassment.)
l) Making reprisals, threats of reprisal, or implied threats of reprisal following a negative response. For example, within the work environment either implying or actually withholding support for an appointment, promotion, or change of assignment; suggesting that a poor performance report will be prepared, or suggesting that probation will be failed. Within the educational environment, either implying or actually withholding grades earned or deserved; suggesting that a poor performance evaluation will be prepared, or suggesting a scholarship recommendation or college application will be denied.
m) Within the work environment, engaging in implicit or explicit coercive sexual behavior which is used to control, influence, or affect the career, salary, and / or work environment of another employee. Within the educational environment, engaging in implicit or explicit coercive sexual behavior that is used to control, influence, or affect the educational opportunities, grades, and / or learning environment of a student.
n) Offering favors for educational or employment benefits such as grades or promotions, favorable performance evaluations, favorable assignment, favorable duties or shifts, recommendations, or reclassification, in exchange for sexual favors.
Sexual harassment is against the law and requires immediate attention and appropriate disciplinary action which may include a range of actions up to and including the dismissal of the offending party. The University of Central Oklahoma's policies offer both an informal mediation procedure and a formal grievance procedure to resolve cases of alleged sexual harassment. A complete copy of the sexual harassment policy is available online at http://administration.uco.edu/employeerelations/employee_handbook.htm or from the following UCO offices:
a) Vice President for Student Affairs, Lillard Administration Building 213, (405) 974-2361.
b) Human Resources Department, Lillard Administration Building 204, (405) 974-3348.
c) Office of Legal Services, Lillard Administration Building 114D, (405) 974-2573.
d) The UCO Police Department, Public Safety Building, (405) 974-2345
UCO students may contact their Resident Advisor (RA), a Residence Hall Director, an appropriate class instructor, their department chair / school director, their college dean, the Office of Student Conduct and / or the Vice President for Student Affairs if they feel that they have become a victim of sexual harassment. To file a formal complaint, students should submit a written, signed, and dated report to one (1) of the following offices:
a) Vice President for Student Affairs, Lillard Administration Building 213, (405) 974-2361.
b) Office of Legal Services, Lillard Administration Building 114D, (405) 974-2573.
After the receipt of the complaint, the Director of Student Conduct or a representative from the Office of Legal Services shall promptly commence an investigation of the issue. If for any reason the aforementioned campus entities are involved in the alleged harassment or discrimination, or the student does not believe that either can be impartial, the student may file the complaint with the UCO Police Department, Public Safety Building, (405) 974-2345. The complaint should also include a statement as to the reasons why the complaint was not filed with the designated aforementioned offices.
The University of Central Oklahoma will not tolerate nor condone any form of sexual misconduct, physical, mental, or emotional in nature. This includes, but is not limited to rape, (including date or acquaintance rape) or other forms of sexual assault. In instances where there is reason to believe that University policy prohibiting sexual misconduct has been violated, the University will pursue disciplinary action. A victim of sexual misconduct may elect to pursue the concern through the state criminal justice system, as well as the University's student conduct system. Even if the victim chooses not to press criminal charges, he or she has the option of pursing sanctions through the University system. University sanctions may include warnings, probation, restrictions, suspension or expulsion.
Sexual assault is a broad term covering a wide range of actions. Sexual assault is defined as having sexual contact or sexual intercourse with another person without consent of that person.
Conduct prohibited by this policy includes, but is not limited to:
a) Unwanted sexual contact with a stranger or a friend, acquaintance, spouse, or former intimate partner “95% of sexual assaults perpetrated on college campuses were committed by someone the woman knew” Abbey, A., Ross, L.T., McDuggie, D., and McAuslan, P. (1996).
b) Unwanted sexual contact committed by force, threat, surprise, coercion, or intimidation
c) Unwanted physical contact, such as touching, brushing, and groping the body
d) Sexual contact without active consent
e) Indecent exposure or non-consensual voyeurism
a) Consent is defined as positive cooperation due to an exercise of free will.
b) Consent is an active communication that clearly indicates willingness to engage in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.
c) Consent must be freely given, not obtained through coercion, passive compliance, or incapacity.
a) Passive compliance when consent is not actively communicated;
b) Sexual contact with an individual whose ability to consent is compromised due to
alcohol and/or drug use;
c) Sexual contact with an individual whose ability to consent is compromised due to
mental disorder, developmental disability, physical disability, age (being under 16), or
family relations (incest);
d) Sexual contact committed by force, threat, surprise, intimidation or through use of
mental or physical helplessness; and
e) Actions related to sexual harassment (as defined previously in Section IV. D.)
In the event of a sexual assault, the victim is encouraged to report the crime to the University of Central Oklahoma Police Department (UCOPD) if the crime occurred on campus, or to the appropriate authority if the crime occurred off campus. Victims should take care to preserve evidence of a sexual assault which is of paramount importance in offering proof of the crime. For example, victims should not bathe or wash clothing. The victim of a sexual assault should seek medical attention.
A UCO Police Officer or designee can transport the victim to an appropriate medical facility to be examined and treated by a physician. After acquiring medical attention, the victim will be interviewed by UCO Police Officers to aid in their investigation and gather information necessary to apprehend the assailant. Prosecution of the assailant is a matter for the victim to consider apart from reporting the crime. The information will be treated with the confidentiality afforded any victim of crime. Students may also report the crime to staff within the residence halls, the Student Health Center, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or other University staff who shall inform the UCO Police Department and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
a) The UCO Police Department, Public Safety Building, (405) 974-2345
b) Student Health Center, Wellness Center 105, (405) 974-2317.
c) Vice President for Student Affairs, Lillard Administration Building 213, (405) 974-2361.
Retaliation against reporters of sexual assault is prohibited by University policy and federal and state laws. Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, and/or reprisals against anyone who reports prohibited sexual behaviors.
If you are the victim of sexual assault, the most important thing is to know that the sexual assault was not your fault. YOU are not guilty.
a) Do not bathe, change your clothes, douche or do anything to change your appearance. Most physical evidence is gone after forty-eight (48) hours, so it is absolutely imperative to act quickly.
b) Call a friend or call the Rape Crisis Center, (405) 943-7273. This is a 24-hour crisis line. Counselors can accompany you to the UCO Police Department or the hospital, but they recognize that this is your decision. They will help you no matter what you decide to do. If you elect to go to the police or the hospital, you are strongly urged not to undergo this ordeal alone.
c) Call the UCO Police Department and report the sexual assault even if you do not want to prosecute. It is important to report sexual assault, so that the crime can be reported for the protection of others.
d) Go to the nearest hospital emergency room, regardless of whether you have physical injuries resulting from the assault. The ER will provide testing for semen, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infection (S.T.I.) tests. In addition, this will help if you choose to pursue criminal charges. Even if you do not want to prosecute now, you may change your mind later. It is important to return for a repeat syphilis test in six (6) weeks since it often takes that long for a positive result when a person is infected.
e) A follow-up check may be recommended by the health care provider since some STI's cannot be detected immediately.
An anonymous report is an unofficial means to inform the University administration and/or the UCO Police Department (UCOPD) that a sexual assault has occurred on campus, near campus, or against a University student. This method has been developed to encourage student reporting of sexual assaults without the risk of identity exposure and the pressures of filing a report with the Office of Student Conduct and/or filing criminal charges with a local law enforcement agency. The anonymous report will provide valuable information to the University administration and the UCO Police Department, which will allow for improved prevention programming and resources in the future for the UCO campus community.
Student victims of sexual assault may file an anonymous report with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, whether or not the victim of a sexual assault decides to file criminal charges against the offender at a later date. Anonymous reports may be acquired and submitted in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs Lillard Administration Building 213, (405) 974-2361, or online at www.uco.edu/ssvp/conduct.
Anonymous reports will remain confidential to the public, but may be shared with UCO Police Department and / or the Student Counseling Center for statistical, programmatic, and / or referral purposes.
Since the anonymous reporting method is unofficial, the Office of Student Conduct may not be able to hold the offender responsible and take disciplinary action. Similarly, the police will most likely not be able to make an arrest based upon the anonymous report.
Regardless of the location of the assault, several options may be pursued. Victims may choose to pursue one or more of the following options, which include but are not limited to:
a) Pursuing criminal charges through the University of Central Oklahoma Police Department, City of Edmond Police Department, or other law enforcement agency within the vicinity of the incident and / or your residence;
b) Obtaining a Victim’s Protection Order (VPO) through the office of the Oklahoma County District Attorney Victim Services, (405) 713-1600.
c) Pursuing University sanctions through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Lillard Administration Building 213, (405) 974-2361. (See Section H- Sanctions.)
· Victims have the option of consulting with the Director of Student Conduct in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs regardless of whether they have finalized a decision about pursuing sanctions.
Sexual assault is a very traumatic experience. Victims may feel calm at first or numb from shock. Yet, soon many feelings may surface. It will help recovery if victims discuss these feelings with a crisis counselor or another understanding person. Sexual assault is a serious disruption of your life. It can have many long range effects, both physical and emotional. Women suffer from nausea, soreness, tension and trouble with eating and sleeping. Sexual assault victims may withdraw, have nightmares or be unable to concentrate. Many of those who have been sexually assaulted drop out of school, move or change their jobs. The University of Central Oklahoma Student Counseling Center, Nigh University Center 402, (405) 974-2215, will provide follow-up counseling and other resources for you and your family and friends so that you can deal with these problems.
In addition to addressing sexual assault through the criminal justice system, another alternative is available. Cases involving sexual misconduct may be assigned to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Individuals found responsible of sexual misconduct may face a number of sanctions, up to and including, expulsion. Further information regarding the disciplinary process may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at (405) 974-2361. In addition, copies of the Code of Student Conduct may be obtained at the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Lillard Administration Building 213, (405) 974-2361.
The University of Central Oklahoma Student Counseling Center can provide individual and group counseling services for those victimized by sexual or physical assault. Services are available to all University students. The Student Counseling Center can provide consultation services for staff and faculty. The UCO DPS operates a program entitled "Operation Safe Walk." The program operates twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. The program is designed to provide escorts to any member of the University who desires this service. In addition, uniformed student DPS Officers equipped with hand-held radios, patrol the campus and buildings reporting anything unusual to the UCO Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The University has installed Emergency Call boxes throughout the campus. The purpose of the call boxes is to provide additional security throughout the campus. Individuals may utilize the call boxes at anytime to contact University DPS for reporting a crime, suspicious activity, or medical assistance. DPS also encourages using the call boxes in non-emergency situations, such as requesting an escort or motorist assistance.
The University will continue to foster an environment of safety with continuing educational programs such as Crime Prevention and Safety Awareness and Sexual Assault / Acquaintance Rape Awareness.
1. University student conduct proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law which is also a violation of this Code of Student Conduct; for example, if both violations result from the same factual situation, without regard to pending civil litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution. Proceedings under this Code of Student Conduct may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off-campus. Moreover, determinations made or sanctions imposed under this Code of Student Conduct shall not be subject to change because of criminal charges arising out of the same facts.
2. When a student is charged by federal, state, or local authorities with a violation of law, the University will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his or her status as a student. If the alleged offense is also the subject of a proceeding before a student conduct body under the Code of Student Conduct, however, the University may advise off-campus authorities of the existence of the Code of Student Conduct and of how such matters are typically handled internally within the University community. The University will cooperate with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators. Individual students and faculty members, acting in their personal capacities, remain free to interact with governmental representatives, as they deem appropriate.
1. Any member of the University community may file complaints against any student for violations of the Code of Student Conduct. All complaints shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Director of Student Conduct, responsible for the administration of the student conduct system. All complaints should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place or as soon as the complainant becomes aware of an event, preferably within forty-eight (48) University business hours. (The student conduct process requires a written complaint from the alleged victim, unless other documentation outweighs the need for the written complaint.) Complaints may be submitted online at www.uco.edu/ssvp/conduct/complain-web.htm, by fax at (405) 974-3817, or by hand delivery to the Office of Student Conduct in the Lillard Administration Building, 211.
2. Once the Office of Student Conduct receives a written complaint, the Director of Student Conduct or designee may conduct an investigation to determine if the complaint has merit. Investigations may consist of individual Preliminary Conduct Meetings (interviews) with the complainant, the accused student, the president of an accused organization, and possible witnesses and the evaluation of relevant documentation, such as photographs, video, and cell phone logs. Generally, the Office of Student Conduct contacts the complainant, the accused student, and possible witnesses by phone call, email, or typewritten letter sent to available on or off campus addresses or classrooms. This contact is established to arrange for a Preliminary Conduct Meeting. Students who are contacted by the Office of Student Conduct should respond immediately by following the directions specified in the personal conversation, voice mail, email, and / or typewritten letter that they receive and schedule a meeting with the Director of Student Conduct by the deadline identified. Failure to comply with these directions can be considered a violation of University policy, Section IV. C.7. The purpose of the Preliminary Conduct Meetings is to give the complainant and accused student the opportunity to voice their version of the incident and recommendation for outcome.
3. The Director of Student Conduct may determine if the complaints can be disposed of administratively by an informal resolution. If the allegations are not admitted to and / or cannot be reasonably disposed of by informal resolution, the Director of Student Conduct may later serve in the same matter as the student conduct body or a member thereof. The Director of Student Conduct may choose to refer matters to the Committee on Student Conduct.
4. If the complaints cannot be appropriately resolved in an informal manner, then official notice of all the allegations or complaints shall be presented to the accused student or the president or designee of the accused organization in written form (if they have not already been presented). A copy of the official notice and advisement of the upcoming hearing shall be forwarded to the identified advisor and / or national headquarters of the accused organization. A date and time shall be set for a hearing, within 5-10 University business days after the student has been notified. At the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct, the time period allotted to schedule a date and time for Student Conduct Hearings may be extended due to exigent circumstances.
5. Hearings shall be conducted by a student conduct body according to the following guidelines:
a) Student Conduct Hearings normally shall be conducted in private.
b) The complainant, accused student, accused organization representative(s) and their advisors, if any, shall be allowed to attend the entire portion of the Student Conduct Hearing, except the deliberation period(s). Admission of any additional person(s) to the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct or the chairperson of the student conduct body.
c) In Student Conduct Hearings involving more than one (1) accused student, the chairperson of the student conduct body, at his or her discretion, may permit the hearings concerning each student to be conducted separately or jointly.
d) The complainant, the accused student, and / or the accused organization representative(s) have the right to be assisted by any advisor they choose, at their own expense. The advisor may be an attorney. The complainant and / or the accused student or organization is responsible for presenting his, her, or their own case and, therefore, advisors are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any Student Conduct Hearing before a student conduct body. Participating students should select as an advisor a person whose schedule allows attendance at the allotted dates and times for Student Conduct Hearings. Delays shall not be allowed, because of scheduling conflicts of advisors.
e) The complainant, the accused, and the student conduct body shall have the privilege of presenting witnesses, subject to the right of cross-examination by all parties. If reasonably possible, the complainant and accused student should identify their proposed witnesses to the student conduct body, at least two (2) University business days prior to the Student Conduct Hearing. Witnesses shall provide information to and answer questions from the student conduct body. Questions may be suggested by the accused student and / or complainant to be answered by each other or by other witnesses. Questions shall be directed towards the chairperson of the student conduct body rather than to the witness directly. This method is used to preserve the educational tone of the Student Conduct Hearing and to avoid the creation of an adversarial and / or hostile environment.
f) Pertinent records, exhibits and written statements may be accepted as information for consideration by a student conduct body at the discretion of the chairperson.
g) All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the chairperson of the student conduct body.
h) Formal rules of due process, procedure, and / or technical rules of evidence, such as are applied in criminal or civil court, are not used in student conduct proceedings.
i) The student conduct body may accommodate for the personal safety, well-being, and / or fears of confrontation of the complainant, accused student, and / or other witnesses during a Student Conduct Hearing by providing separate facilities, teleconference capabilities, by permitting participation by telephone, written statements, or other means, as deemed appropriate by the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Director of Student Conduct.
j) After the hearing, the student conduct body shall determine (by majority vote if the student conduct body consists of more than one (1) person) whether the accused student or the accused organization has violated each section of the Code of Student Conduct that the accused student or accused organization allegedly violated.
k) The student conduct body’s determination shall be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the accused student or accused organization violated the Code of Student Conduct.
l) If an accused student or representatives from an accused organization, who have been provided with notice, do not appear before a student conduct body for a Student Conduct Hearing, then the information in support of the complainant shall be presented and considered in the absence of the accused student. A decision shall be made without the benefit of the accused student or members of the accused organization’s personal input, unless a documented dire emergency can be verified to account for the accused student’s or accused organization’s absence.
m) After a specified deliberation time period for the student conduct body, the complainant and accused student or accused organization shall be informed of the final determination of responsibility for each specific violation charge. Specified time periods of deliberation may range from a 30-60 minute wait outside of the Student Conduct Hearing room or 3-5 University business days. If the final outcome of a particular case has not been decided by the original specified time period, then the student conduct body shall provide all participating parties with direct verbal or written notice of a new and final timeline.
n) The student conduct body shall provide the complainant and accused student or president of the accused organization with written notice of the final outcome of the Student Conduct Hearing, in accordance with the laws of the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990. If appropriate, the identified advisor and / or national headquarters of the accused organization shall receive a copy of the final outcome letter.
1. Penalties for violation of University regulations or law may include one (1) or a combination of the following:
a) Warning - A verbal notice and / or a notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated University regulations.
b) Apology Letter - A typewritten and signed apology letter by the accused student(s) acknowledges responsibility for the University violation(s) and provides a sincere expression of remorse to the victim(s) and / or stakeholders of the misconduct.
c) Probation - A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe sanctions if the student is found to be violating any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period. Probation may also include a loss of privilege to represent the University in any extracurricular academic, athletic, or other social function sponsored by the University during the probationary period.
d) Loss of Privileges - Denial of privileges for a designated period of time.
e) Conduct Hold - A student given a conduct hold may be required to have all enrollment and release of academic records approved through the Director of Student Conduct. A conduct hold may also be utilized to ensure compliance with other sanctions or requests to appear.
f) Fines - Previously established and published fines may be imposed.
g) Restitution - Compensation for loss, damage or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and / or monetary or material replacement.
h) Discretionary Sanctions – Community service, program development / promotion, program participation and / or completion, written assignments, service to the University, research assignments, or other related discretionary assignments. Such assignments must have the prior approval of the Director of Student Conduct.
i) Residence Hall Contract Termination - Separation of the student from the Residence Halls for a period of time, after which the student may be eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
j) Residence Hall Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student from the Residence Halls.
k) University Suspension - A student may be suspended from a University residence hall / apartment and / or the University for a definite period of time, not less than the remainder of the current semester in which he or she is enrolled. The student who has been suspended may apply for readmission at the close of the period for which he or she was suspended. A suspension hold may be placed on the transcript during the period of suspension. Likewise, a notation of the suspension may be placed on the student's academic transcript at the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct.
l) University Temporary Suspension - A student may be temporarily suspended from a University residence hall / apartment or the University prior to a hearing when there is an immediate and present danger or ongoing threat of damage to life, University property, or disruption of normal University operations. Such an administrative decision will be effective immediately. During the specified temporary suspension period, a student shall be denied access to the University residence halls / apartments, to the general campus (including classes), and / or all other University sponsored activities. The temporary suspension does not replace the regular student conduct process, which shall resume at the conclusion of the temporary suspension time period. The student shall be notified of this action and reasons for the temporary suspension in writing. The notice shall also include the date, time, and place of a subsequent Student Conduct Hearing. The Student Conduct Hearing shall provide the student with an opportunity to hear and contest all complaints.
m) University Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student from the University. When a student is expelled, a notation of the suspension may be placed on the student's academic transcript at the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct. Generally, a student who is expelled may not be allowed to reenter the University.
n) Degree Revocation or Recession of Credit - For those students found to have violated University policy and have already graduated, the University may elect to revoke the degree(s) of a given student. Likewise, the University may elect to rescind credit for a specific course or program.
2. More than one (1) of the sanctions listed above may be imposed on any single violation. Furthermore, the aforementioned sanctions are not meant to be a comprehensive list.
3. Other than University suspension and expulsion, disciplinary sanctions shall not be made part of the student's permanent academic record, but shall become part of the student's confidential education records.
4. The following sanctions may be imposed upon student groups or organizations:
a) Those sanctions listed above in Section IV. H. 1., a through n.
b) Deduction of points from one-time or annual award programs of competition
c) Restriction of hosting certain programs
d) Requiring a change of on-campus advisors as a condition of continued or renewed University recognition
e) Deactivation-Loss of selected or all privileges, including University recognition, for a specified period of time.
5. Following the Student Conduct Hearing, the student conduct body and / or the Director of Student Conduct shall advise the accused in writing of its determination and of the sanction(s) imposed, if any.
NOTE: Any student found responsible for a violation of the University policies which results in their temporary suspension, suspension, or expulsion, or credit recession, or degree revocation, shall be entitled to a Student Conduct Appeal Hearing by the Committee on Student Conduct.
(See also section J)
Appeals NOT involving suspension, expulsion, temporary suspension, recession of credits, or degree revocation.
1. A decision reached by a student conduct body or a sanction imposed by the Director of Student Conduct may be appealed by accused students or complainants to the Vice President for Student Affairs. To initiate an appeal, the student must make the request. The request and reason for appeal should be made in writing, by hard copy, signed, and dated, to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs within five (5) University business days after the disciplinary decision is rendered. The decision of the Vice President for Student Affairs shall be final.
2. Except as required to explain the basis of new information, an appeal shall be limited to a review of the record of the initial hearing and supporting documents for one (1) or more of the following purposes:
a) To determine whether the original hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and information presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures giving the complaining party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present information that the Code of Student Conduct was violated, and giving the accused student a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present a response to those allegations.
b) To determine whether the decision reached regarding the accused student was based on substantial information, that is, whether the facts in the case were sufficient to establish that a violation of the Code of Student Conduct occurred.
c) To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Code of Student that the student was found to have committed.
d) To consider new information, sufficient to alter a decision or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing, because the person appealing did not know such information and / or facts at the time of the original hearing.
3. If the Vice President for Student Affairs upholds an appeal, the matter shall be remanded to the original student conduct body and / or the Director of Student Conduct for re-opening of the hearing to allow reconsideration of the original determination and / or sanction(s).
4. In cases involving appeals by students accused of violating the Code of Student Conduct, review of the sanctions by the Vice President for Student Affairs may not result in more severe sanction(s) for the accused student. Instead, following an appeal, the Vice President for Student Affairs may, upon review of the case, reduce, but not increase, the sanctions imposed by the Director of Student Conduct. If an appeal is denied, the decision of the Vice President for Student Affairs will be final.
(See section K for expulsion proceedings)
Appeals that DO involve suspension, temporary suspension, degree revocation, or recession of credit.
1. A committee consisting of faculty members and students will be created to consider the appeal of students in cases resulting in temporary suspension, suspension, expulsion, degree revocation or rescission of credit. The committee will be designated as the "Committee on Student Conduct." The committee shall include faculty members whose primary duties are not concerned with the administration of student conduct and affairs. The Committee on Student Conduct shall be composed of nominated and volunteer faculty members. All nominations must originate from the Faculty Senate President and / or the Vice President for Academic Affairs. All faculty committee member nominations shall be approved by the President of the University. Non-faculty staff members may also serve at the President’s approval.
2. One (1) or more students may be included in the membership of the committee. Currently-enrolled University students shall have the opportunity to apply for open positions on the Committee on Student Conduct each spring semester. Applications shall be evaluated on the criteria: current academic standing, applicable experience demonstrable through required essay, availability, and references. All applications shall be evaluated by the Director of Student Conduct and the President of the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association (UCOSA) or designee(s) thereof. A student instituting an appeal to the Committee on Student Conduct shall have the right to challenge the participation of any member of the Committee on Student Conduct based on a belief of bias. The Chair of the Committee on Student Conduct shall consider the merit of the challenge and make a decision to either retain the committee member or dismiss the committee member for that particular case. Any act by a properly constituted committee, at which a quorum of the committee is present, shall be binding. Quorum shall be defined as two (2) committee members, with no less than one (1) student member present. The President of the University reserves the right to modify quorum as needed.
3. To initiate an appeal, a student must make a request. The request and reason for appeal should be made in writing, by hard copy, signed, and dated, to the Director of Student Conduct within five (5) University business days after the disciplinary decision is rendered. If the student appeals a decision of suspension, expulsion, degree revocation, or rescission of credit, the decision will stand until after a Student Conduct Appeal Hearing before the Committee on Student Conduct. Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct. A decision to temporarily suspend becomes effective immediately, but may be overturned after a Student Conduct Appeal Hearing before the Committee on Student Conduct. Student Conduct Appeal Hearings will be held as soon as practical after the student makes the request. In general, the committee should make every attempt to hear an appeal within fifteen (15) University business days of the written request.
4. A UCOSA student senator may, if asked by a student involved in a disciplinary matter, attend the student's hearing or hearings before the Committee on Student Conduct to insure that due process is being followed. If she or he feels that due process has not been followed then she or he shall send this information to the President of the Student Association and / or the Vice President for Student Affairs.
5. The Director of Student Conduct shall serve as the University's representative in appeals before the Committee on Student Conduct.
6. The University Legal Counsel or the University Equity Officer shall serve as the advisor on matters of procedure to the Committee on Student Conduct.
7. Prior to the commencement of any action before the Committee on Student Conduct, the Committee Chair or a representative shall explain to the accused student the student's rights under the terms and conditions of these rules and regulations.
1. In a Student Conduct Hearing, all parties shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing after reasonable notice.
2. The notice shall include:
a) A statement of the time, place, and nature of the hearing;
b) Identification of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;
c) A reference to the particular sections of the University policies involved; and,
d) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted. If the University or other party is unable to state the matters in detail at the time the notice is served, the initial notice may be limited to a statement of the issues involved.
3. Opportunity shall be afforded all parties to respond and present information and argument on all issues involved.
4. Unless precluded by law, informal resolution may be made of any Student Conduct Appeal Hearing by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order, or default. Informal agreements may be proposed to the Chair of the Committee on Student Conduct or to the Director of Student Conduct at any time during the hearing before the Committee. The agreements made must be in writing and agreed upon by the Committee on Student Conduct or to the Director of Student Conduct and the accused student(s).
5. The record in a Student Conduct Hearing and / or Appeal Hearing shall include:
a) All acknowledgements, questions, challenges, and denials;
b) Information received or considered at the Student Conduct Hearing;
c) Entries and offers of new information, challenges, and decision thereon;
d) Proposed conclusions and exceptions; and,
e) Any decision, opinion, or report by the committee chair at the hearing; and
f) All other information or data submitted to the committee chair or
University Official in connection with their consideration of the case,
provided all parties have had access to such information.
6. Oral proceedings shall be electronically and / or digitally recorded. Such recordings shall be maintained for such time so as to protect the record through any further review. Copies of the recordings shall be provided by the University at the request of any party to the proceeding. Costs of transcription of the recordings may be borne by the party requesting the transcription. For further review, electronic and / or digital recordings of any Student Conduct Hearing or Appeal Hearing, as certified by the University, may be submitted to the reviewing committee by the University as part of the record of the proceedings under review without transcription unless otherwise required to be transcribed by the reviewing committee. In such case, the expense of transcriptions shall be taxed and assessed against the non-prevailing party.
1. The Director of Student Conduct, or designee, will notify the accused student in writing of the date, time, and place of the appeal hearing, the reason for the appeal hearing, and the procedures.
2. All appeal hearings are closed and information presented in them and all supporting documents are confidential.
3. During the appeal hearing, the accused student may be accompanied by an advisor of the student's choice so long as the availability of the advisor does not hamper the timeliness of the appeal hearing. The student may choose to have an attorney serve as advisor; however, the advisor does not represent the student in a student conduct hearing and the student will be expected to speak for himself or herself at all times.
4. During the appeal hearing, the student has the opportunity to offer information on his or her own behalf and to review all information, statements, or information presented.
5. The committee chair will decide any questions or objections to hearing procedures that are raised during the appeal hearing.
6. Members of the committee may ask questions of any person present during the appeal hearing and the chair will invite questions and comments for the accused student if present. The chair may also invite questions or comments from advisors or others present. Since decisions are based only on the preponderance of evidence introduced at the appeal hearing, the chair may reconvene the appeal hearing if the committee decides that essential information has not been presented. The appeal hearing shall be reconvened at the earliest practical time that the necessary information will be available.
7. After the chair has determined that all necessary information has been presented and questions answered, the committee will go into closed session and all other persons will be excused. The Committee on Student Conduct will determine whether or not it believes the accused student is responsible for a violation of the regulations and, if so, whether the penalties determined by the Director of Student Conduct are reasonable. The appeal hearing will result in one (1) of two (2) outcomes:
Ø That the Director of Student Conduct’s determination is affirmed; or,
Ø That the Director of Student Conduct’s determination be modified or reversed.
8. The committee's decision shall be final unless within three (3) University business days following the entry thereof, the student lodges a written appeal with the President of the University. Appeals with the President shall relate to procedural matters only.
The findings of fact and conclusions of law of the Committee on Student Conduct shall be based exclusively on the information received from the preceding investigation and on matters officially noticed in the initial Student Conduct Hearing unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties on the record.
a) The University may admit and give consideration to information which possesses probative value commonly accepted by reasonably prudent individuals in the conduct of their affairs. The University shall give effect to the rules of privilege recognized by law in respect to: self-incrimination; confidential communications between husband and wife during the subsistence of the marriage relation; communication between attorney and client, made in that relation; confessions made to a clergyman or priest in his or her professional capacity in the course of discipline enjoined by the church to which he or she belongs; communications made by a patient to a licensed practitioner of one (1) of the healing arts with reference to any physical or supposed physical disease or of knowledge gained by such practitioner through a physical examination of a patient made in a professional capacity; and records and files of any official or agency of any state or of the United States which, by any statute of such state or of the United States, are made confidential and privileged. No greater exclusionary effect shall be given any rule or privilege than that which would be obtained in an action in court. The University may exclude incompetent, irrelevant immaterial and unduly repetitious information. Any portion of relevant information may be received in written form as long as the information does not substantially prejudice the interest of the parties nor the timeliness of a hearing.
b) Documentary information may be received in the form of copies or excerpts if originals are not readily available. Upon request, parties shall be given the opportunity to compare the copy with the original.
c) A party may conduct cross-examinations, through the facilitation of the committee chair.
d) Notice may be taken of judicially recognized facts. In addition, notice may be taken of generally recognized technical or scientific facts within the University's specialized knowledge. Parties shall be notified either before or during the hearing, or by reference in preliminary reports or otherwise, of the material to be presented, including any staff memoranda or data, and they shall be given an opportunity to contest the material presented. The University's experience, technical competence, and specialized knowledge may be utilized in the evaluation of the information.
1. Final Orders –- Notification of an Expulsion Hearing
a) A final University order adverse to a party shall:
1. Be in writing; and,
2. Include findings of fact and conclusions of law of the Committee on Student Committee, separately stated. Findings of fact, if set forth in statutory language, shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement of the underlying facts supporting the findings. If, in accordance with University rules, a party submitted proposed findings of fact, the final University order shall include a ruling upon each proposed finding.
b) Parties shall be notified either personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested, of any final University order. Upon request, a copy of the order shall be delivered or mailed forthwith to each party and to his or her attorney of record.
Any order of the Committee on Student Conduct affirming the expulsion of a student shall be final, unless, within five (5) University business days following the entry thereof, a student lodges a written appeal with the President of the University. Appeals to the President shall relate to procedural matters only. Written appeals to the President should be submitted through the Office of Student Conduct.
All students / faculty / staff are required to follow TPS Regulations as condition of admittance and continued attendance according to University policies.
a) It is the responsibility of any vehicle operator to request information needed from TPS to correct any special circumstances regarding their individual needs in a prompt manner and before a citation is issued.
b) TPS provides a copy of the TPS Regulations to each individual upon request and are readily available at the service counter. The TPS Service Counter is located in the Nigh University Center, 309, (405) 974-2780. Pleading ignorance of the regulations will not excuse violators or citations.
c) Any person who persists in repeated violations of the University of Central Oklahoma parking regulations, damages property or commits any act detrimental to the safety of others or to the best interests of the University community will be subject to cancellation and confiscation of his / her parking permit and revocation of all parking privileges. TPS will refer students to the Vice President for Student Affairs, and will refer faculty members and staff to the Vice President of Administration for an appeal process in this particular instance. A person so involved may apply for another permit only on the written recommendation of the Vice President for Student Affairs or Vice President for Administration.
d) Only parking permits issued or authorized by TPS are valid and will be honored. Such substitutes as signs or decals issued by others, handwritten notes left on the exterior of a vehicle, etc., are unacceptable, and will not be honored by enforcement personnel.
e) UCO allocates all parking spaces to a specific user group and parking permits are available for each category of user.
- Parking is on a first come, first served basis.
- The issuance of a parking permit is merely authorization to park if space is available.
- The responsibility for finding a legal parking space rests with the vehicle operator.
- Lack of space in a particular lot is not a valid excuse for violating parking regulations.
- The operator must park only in those spaces or areas allocated and designated for the type of permit displayed on their vehicle.
View current TPS Regulations on-line: http://administration.uco.edu/parking/index.htm
A. Any question of interpretation regarding the Code of Student Conduct shall be referred to the Director of Student Conduct or his or her designee for final determination.
B. The Code of Student Conduct shall be reviewed every year under the direction of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
The University of Central Oklahoma recognizes the fact that every individual is unique and may excel in a wide range of areas. Therefore, UCO strives to provide an environment in which students, staff and faculty create activities and organizations in an effort to enhance co-curricular life. These activities and organizations provide students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, build relationships and take an active role in the formation of campus plans and policies. A listing of active student organizations and activities at the University of Central Oklahoma can be obtained at the Student Organizations Office, Nigh University Center 150, (405) 974-2625.
1. In order to obtain and maintain active organizational status, the following materials must be on file in the Student Organizations Office:
a) Petition for Consideration of Campus Student Organizations.
b) An organization constitution. A listing of required wording in the constitution can be found in the "Building a Campus Organization" packet. The Vice President for Student Affairs must authorize exceptions to this wording.
c) An advisor agreement listing at least one (1) full-time faculty or staff member. Additional advisors may be added from on and off campus.
d) If applicable, a letter from the academic department and / or the national organization requesting approval.
e) An officer listing must be submitted each academic year or following each organization election, whichever is more frequent.
2. All Greek social organizations must be an active and recognized member of, and abide by the rules and regulations of, the appropriate UCO governing body. The UCO Office of Greek Life is responsible for identifying the appropriate governing body.
3. The organization and organizational officers are responsible for upholding the rules and regulations of the University of Central Oklahoma. This responsibility cannot be delegated to advisors, campus police, and / or others and applies to activities on and off the University of Central Oklahoma campus. Violations will be reviewed by the University and may result in, but not limited to, denial of facility usage, revoking of recognized organizational status, individual and / or group discipline.
4. The Department of Housing must give prior approval to any organized student activity that is to take place in the residence halls.
5. Auxiliary organizations (i.e. Little Sister or Little Brother groups) will not be recognized and / or permitted on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma.
6. Organizational rules and constitutions do not supersede the policies and procedures of the University of Central Oklahoma.
7. Any organization's rules, regulations, laws or procedures remain revocable.
8. The Coordinator of Student Organizations will resolve conflicts concerning interpretation of individual constitutions.
9. All contracts that are to be paid with Student Activity Fee money must be routed through the proper channels, using the form provided in the Student Organizations Office, Nigh University Center 150, (405) 974-2625. Contracts that do not follow procedure will not be upheld by the University.
1. Active Student Organizations may reserve campus facilities for use during organization activities. To reserve facilities, an organization must contact the appropriate building manager to avoid scheduling conflicts. A list of building managers is available in the Student Organizations Office. Events scheduled outside a campus facility will be approved by the Coordinator of Student Organizations once a Facilities Utilization Event form has been completed. If an organization fails to cancel a room or food reservation in the Nigh University Center at least five (5) days before a scheduled event, the organization will be charged 50% of the cost that would have been incurred during the event. If an organization fails to cancel a room or food reservation in the Nigh University Center two (2) days before a scheduled event, the organization will be charged 100% of the cost that would have been incurred during the event. Instructions for reserving and canceling campus facilities may be obtaining in the Student Organizations Office, Nigh University Center 150, (405) 974-2625.
2. Active student organizations may post and distribute signs, handbills, flyers and displays in the designated University locations. All signs, handbills, flyers and displays to be posted or distributed on campus must be approved by completing the Student Posting Authorization form available in the UCOSA Office, Nigh University Center 148, (405) 974-2249. Once the Student Posting Authorization form is completed, the original copy of the material to be posted or distributed will be stamped and then may be copied and posted or distributed. The following rules govern the posting and distribution of materials on the UCO Campus:
a) Current and reliable contact information for the individual person(s) or
group sponsoring the activity, including telephone number, address, and
email address should be located on the flyer or the posting approval form
mentioned above.
b) Publicity promoting the use of alcohol or illegal behavior is prohibited.
c) All posters without a stamp of approval from the UCOSA Office or those remaining up beyond the approval period or date of the event will be removed.
d) Postings on walls, windows, sidewalks, trees, shrubs, trashcans, elevators, newspaper racks or automobiles are prohibited. Any signs posted in unauthorized areas will be removed and may result in the individual or group being billed for the removal of the sign, plus any damages that might occur.
e) The painting of sidewalks, buildings, or any permanent fixture is not permitted. The use of sidewalk chalk at least twenty (20) feet from the entrance to campus buildings is allowed if a permit is obtained from the Student Organizations Office. All chalk must be of a temporary or removable nature. Permanent chalk, such as surveyor’s chalk, may not be used.
f) Literature may be distributed hand-to-hand, through the use of tables, or posting, but literature shall not be forced upon anyone or be used to interrupt the normal flow of pedestrian and / or vehicular traffic.
3. Active student organizations may obtain further assistance with publicity by contacting the Department of Student Life, or the University Relations Office, Lillard Administration Building 201, (405) 974-2307.
4. Upon request, active student organizations may obtain a campus mailbox located outside the UCOSA Office, Nigh University Center, 148.
5. Active student organizations may request funding from the Student Activity Fund. Details on how to obtain SAF funding can be found in Section G (Finances).
6. Active student organizations that acquire funds other than those from the Student Activity Fund are required to maintain those funds in a cash account with the Purchasing and Payables office. Details on the operation of student organization cash accounts can be found in Section G (Finances).
7. Student organizations may obtain a copy of the student organization handbook on the Department of Student Life web site: www.uco.edu/student_life
8. In addition to the privileges of active student organizations, the Office of Greek Life will provide the following to active Greek social organizations:
a) advertising in the Greek Life brochure
b) promotion through mailings, website, newspaper advertisements, etc.
c) a grade report each semester to chapter presidents
d) new member educational programming
e) facilitating roundtable discussions with chapter presidents and advisors
f) advising Greek governing councils
g) travel to national leadership conferences
h) administrative and financial support of recruitment efforts
1. All members must be enrolled at UCO and must not be on academic or disciplinary probation with the University.
2. To serve as an officer of a recognized student organization, a student must be currently enrolled at UCO, have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and maintain a 2.0 each semester of participation. Students falling below the minimum GPA requirements for any given semester may not serve as an officer during the following semester (fall and spring, not summer) until GPA requirements are met.
If a student wishes to participate in a student organization whose purpose is not currently addressed by any existing student organization, that student may form a new student organization and apply for recognition by following these procedures:
1. Students planning to form a new student organization may obtain a "Building a Campus Organization" packet from the Student Organizations Office.
2. Individuals wishing to create a new student organization may reserve campus facilities for informational meetings only. The appropriate building manager must approve the scheduling of rooms for and publicizing of informational meetings by unrecognized student organizations. Unrecognized organizations are limited to one (1) on-campus informational meeting per semester. An informational meeting is defined as a gathering where the purpose of the organization is the only topic of discussion. No memberships or bid cards may be completed at these meetings. The names of interested individuals or potential members may be collected in order to complete the Petition for Consideration of Campus Student Organizations. All informational meetings held by Greek organizations must abide by the rules set forth by the appropriate governing body.
3. The following materials must be submitted to the Coordinator of Student Organizations before recognition may be obtained (information on all of these materials can be found in the "Building a Campus Organization" packet):
a) Petition for Consideration of Campus Student Organizations.
b) An organization constitution. A listing of required wording in the constitution can be found in the "Building a Campus Organization" packet. The Vice President for Student Affairs must authorize exceptions to this wording.
c) An advisor agreement listing at least one (1) full-time faculty or staff member. Additional advisors may be added from on and off campus.
d) If applicable, a letter from the academic department and/or the national organization requesting approval.
4. Once all the materials have been submitted, the Coordinator of Student Organizations will review the application packet. If all is in order, the Coordinator of Student Organizations will approve the application and forward all materials to the UCO Student Association.
5. Organizations should allow up to a 60-day consideration and facilitation period by UCOSA. If recognition is approved by UCOSA, a letter requesting University recognition will be written to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
6. The Vice President for Student Affairs will give final written administrative approval.
7. The newly approved student organization may then obtain active status by completing the procedures detailed in Section "A" above.
1. Any student organization that fails to complete the materials necessary to maintain active status will be deemed inactive. Inactive student organizations will continue to stand as recognized student organizations, but will not enjoy the privileges reserved for active student organizations.
2. Inactive student organizations may regain active status in the following way:
a) Review the former constitution. Revise, update or approve the constitution and submit a copy to the Student Organizations Office.
b) Complete an advisor agreement listing at least one (1) full-time faculty or staff member. Additional advisors may be added from on and off campus.
c) Submit a current officer listing.
d) When all the required information has been received and approved, the Vice President for Student Affairs will forward a letter of official University recognition to the officers and advisors of the organization.
3. Recognized student organizations that have been deemed inactive by the Department of Student Life may reserve campus facilities for informational meetings only. The appropriate building manager must approve the scheduling of rooms for and publicizing of informational meetings by inactive student organizations. Inactive student organizations are limited to one (1) on campus informational meeting per semester. An informational meeting is defined as a gathering where the purpose of the organization is the only topic of discussion. No memberships or bid cards may be completed at these meetings. All informational meetings held by Greek organizations must abide by the rules set forth by the appropriate governing body.
1. The Vice President for Student Affairs may place a student organization on disciplinary suspension. A student organization placed on disciplinary suspension loses all privileges reserved for active student organizations.
2. Student organizations placed on disciplinary suspension may regain active status in the following way:
a) Meet all the requirements set forth by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Greek organizations must also meet the requirements set forth by the appropriate governing body.
b) Discuss the objectives and goals of the organization with the Coordinator of Student Organizations.
c) Review the former constitution. Revise, update or approve the constitution and submit a copy to the Student Organizations Office.
d) Complete an advisor agreement listing at least one (1) full-time faculty or staff member. Additional advisors may be added from on and off campus.
e) Submit a current officer listing.
f) When all the required information has been received and approved, the Vice President for Student Affairs will forward a letter of official University recognition to the officers and advisors of the organization.
3. Student organizations that have been placed on disciplinary suspension by the Vice President for Student Affairs may reserve campus facilities for informational meetings only during the last semester of their suspension. The Vice President for Student Affairs must approve the scheduling of rooms for, and publicizing of, informational meetings by inactive student organizations. Student organizations placed under disciplinary suspension are limited to one (1) on campus informational meeting per semester. An informational meeting is defined as a gathering where the purpose of the organization is the only topic of discussion. No memberships or bid cards may be completed at these meetings. All informational meetings held by Greek organizations must abide by the rules set forth by the appropriate governing body.
1. Student Activity Funds (SAF) are derived from activity fees paid by each student. A fee is collected for the purpose of funding social, cultural, and other developmental extracurricular activities at the University. Various groups will allocate funding distribution for the current academic year. The three (3) types of funding groups include:
a) The UCO Student Association (UCOSA) may administer funding for student organizations. UCOSA will appoint a committee of student representatives that will solicit and review funding applications.
b) The Student Activity Fund Committee chaired by the Vice President for Student Affairs reviews funding requests from University offices, departments and certain student entities. This committee is comprised of the four (4) UCOSA Executive Officers and the Vice President for Student Affairs. University offices and departments submit budgets for consideration to the committee. The committee then renders a decision on whether the program or event will be funded, and in what amount.
c) The Student Activity Board may distribute the remainder of the current Student Activity Funds. Those groups of persons seeking special onetime funding should submit requests to the Student Activity Board (SAB).
d) All authority to administer student activity fee funds originates from the Vice President for Student Affairs and remains revocable.
e) Overspending of allocated student activity fee accounts is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
2. The University of Central Oklahoma requires the depositing of all student organizational funds, generated outside of the Student Activity Fund, in the Business Services Office, unless permission has been granted by the Vice President for Student Affairs for the use of an alternate plan. Social Greek letter organizations are exempt from policy.
a) Funds generated outside the SAF will be deposited with the Purchasing and Payables Office, Lillard Administrative Building 109, (405) 974-3340. These funds will be credited to the student organization's cash account, to be used only by the organization depositing the funds. Requests for expenditures will be made on the forms from the "Request for Check" book furnished by the Finance Office. The original request form will be submitted to the Purchasing and Payables Office where checks will be written, and either returned to the organization, or mailed. Both the faculty sponsor and a designated student representative of the organization must sign each request. To obtain a list of sponsors and students with cash account signature authority, please contact the Student Activity Fee Budget Manager, Lillard Administration Building, 211C, (405) 974-3515.
b) The carbon copy of the request form and the completed stub will be retained in the "Request for Check" books. An audit of funds should be made by a committee of three (3) persons appointed by the organization near the close of each semester.
c) All material other than money left by any University organization shall be left as the property of the corresponding student organization the following year.
d) Any funds left by inactive student organizations can only be expended by approval of the Director of Student Life. Funds left by groups on disciplinary suspension can only be expended by approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
e) Obligations of debts shall not be left unpaid at the end of the academic year by any organization. If, through error in bookkeeping or otherwise, such obligations should be left, the same shall be paid by the succeeding organization before any further expenditure of funds shall be made during the following year. When unusual circumstances exist and there are unpaid obligations, the Vice President for Student Affairs may approve payment where adequate monies are available in the account of the organization.
3. The following are the guidelines for student organization fund-raisers:
a) An organization wishing to hold a fund-raiser must complete the Request for a Campus Fund-Raising Event available in the Student Organizations Office, Nigh University Center 150, (405) 974-2625.
b) All food preparation and distribution must conform to the guidelines of the Oklahoma County Health Department.
c) Fund-raisers based upon the completion and / or solicitation of credit card applications are prohibited.
d) Any SAF funds used to pay for the materials and / or products used during the fund-raiser must be returned to the organization's SAF account before funds can be deposited into the organization's cash account.
1. Initiations for social organizations shall be held regularly. The time and place of initiations must be scheduled. Special initiations may be held with the consent of the Assistant Director of Greek Life. Plans for initiations must be approved by the Assistant Director of Greek Life.
2. An advisor of an organization must be present throughout the entire initiation ceremony conducted by the club. He or she must approve both the quarters in which the initiation is to be conducted and the method of conducting it. He or she shall be responsible for ensuring that no student being initiated is subjected to treatment which is undignified, physically hazardous, or in violation with the UCO Code of Student Conduct or State and Federal Laws. Initiations shall be conducted in such a manner as not to interfere in any way with class work or the academic mission of the University of Central Oklahoma.
3. All persons desiring to join a Greek organization, must attend the Greek 101 workshop prior to the initiation of new members. Each Greek organization must have at least 75% of their chapter attend the Greek 411 workshop at the beginning of the fall semester. This 75% must include the following officers: President, Vice President, and Director of Membership Intake / Recruitment or Director of Membership Education or officer with similar duties.
4. Each organization that seeks to recruit and initiate new members into their organization must submit a copy of their national organization’s most current hazing policy to the Greek Life office at least one (1) week prior to the commencement of their recruitment / initiate activities.
A. No student organization or any person associated with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board of any public or private school or institution of higher education in this state shall engage or participate in hazing.
B. Any hazing activity described in subsection F of this section upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization sanctioned or authorized by a public or private school or by any institution of higher education in this state is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if the student willingly participates in such activity.
C. A copy of the policy or the rules and regulations of the public or private school or institution of higher education which prohibits hazing shall be given to each student enrolled in the school or institution and shall be deemed to be part of the bylaws of all organizations operating at the public school or the institution of higher education.
D. Any organization sanctioned or authorized by the governing board of a public or private school or of an institution of higher education in this state which violates subsection A of this section, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by a fine of not more than One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) and the forfeit for a period of not less than one (1) year all of the rights and privileges of being an organization organized or operating at the public or private school or at the institution of higher education.
E. Any individual convicted of violating the provisions of subsection A of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by imprisonment for not to exceed ninety (90) days in the county jail, or by the imposition of a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both such imprisonment and fine.
F. For purposes of this section:
a) "Hazing" means an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating subject to the sanction of the public or private school or of any institution of higher education in this state;
b) "Endanger the physical health" shall include but not be limited to any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, alcoholic beverage or intoxicating liquor as defined in Section 506 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes, non-intoxicating beverage as defined in Section 163.2 of Title 37 of the Oklahoma Statutes, drug, controlled dangerous substance, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual; and "Endanger the mental health" shall include any activity, except those activities authorized by law, which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as prolonged sleep deprivation, forced prolonged exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual.
The entire University community shares the challenge and responsibility of reporting hazing activity. Indeed, hazing may occur in academic, Greek, student athletic, band, military, cultural, and / or other interest organizations. Apathy and / or consent in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts; they shall be considered violations of this policy. If you are aware of or have reluctantly participated in any form of hazing, then please contact one (1) of the following offices to report the matter(s):
· Greek Life Office, Nigh University Center, 212A, (405) 974-2580,
· Office of Student Conduct, Lillard Administration Building, 211 (405) 974-2361 or
· The UCO Police Department, Public Safety Building, (405) 974-2345
The responsibilities of the organization advisors are:
1. To serve as a resource person and to offer guidance, assistance, advice, and encouragement to the organization.
2. To help the organization:
a) Determine the goals and objectives for the year.
b) Develop a plan to achieve the goals and objectives.
c) Develop adequate funds to finance proposed programs.
d) Know and understand established University policies and procedures.
e) Keep adequate organization records for present and future use.
f) Interpret and help students to follow defined University policies for organizations.
g) Supervise the finances of the organization.
h) Attend all meetings and social activities of the group, or to ensure that other qualified individuals are present.
i) Become familiar with the constitution and bylaws of the organization and to encourage the officers to review and update the information periodically.
j) Encourage all members to participate and fulfill their obligations.
k) Assist officers in evaluating their meetings and programs during the year.
1. All students and faculty members of the University of Central Oklahoma are invited to attend any all-school functions. Closed functions may be limited.
2. All organized social functions sponsored by student organizations must be chaperoned by a University faculty or staff sponsor. The members of the various organizations have the responsibility of obtaining chaperones for their activities. Chaperones should arrive before the activities begin and remain until all participants depart. During the time they are present, the staff / faculty sponsor / chaperone are the representatives of the University and assist students with compliance of University policies and the rules and regulations of the facility in which the activity is located. The Coordinator of Student Organizations reserves the right to require additional chaperones for any activity.
3. Each group will be held responsible for any property damage and for the conduct of individuals (members or guests) attending its social functions. In keeping with University policy, the use or possession of drinks that have alcoholic content is not permitted at any University on-campus function. All student organizations that wish to hold an off-campus event where alcohol will be served must send a representative to an alcohol management training session each academic year. (Please refer to Section VI. K., for more information.)
4. Any group sponsoring an activity on campus is responsible for removing all decorations and returning all properties immediately after the function. The use of hay and other flammable materials is not permitted in campus facilities without prior approval.
5. In case a scheduled event is cancelled, the Coordinator of Student Organizations and Directors of facilities involved are to be notified by an organizational officer.
6. All student organizational meetings and activities, which are held in the evening
on Sunday through Thursday, must conclude by a reasonable hour. All events held on the weekend must conclude by a reasonable hour. The Department of Student Life should be consulted regarding dates and activities previously scheduled to avoid conflict with other school programs.
1. All student organizations that wish to hold an off campus event where alcohol will be served must send a representative to an alcohol management training session each academic year. These sessions will be offered by the Department of Student Life and the Student Health Center during the four (4) weeks of the fall and spring semesters. Only students that have attended an alcohol management training session may serve as event hosts. These guidelines apply to fall, spring, summer, and interim semesters.
2. The event host must meet with the Coordinator of Student Organizations or his / her designee at least three (3) weeks prior to the event to review the UCO Off Campus Alcohol Event Registration Form and UCO Off Campus Alcohol Event Registration Checklist.
3. The UCO Off Campus Alcohol Event Registration Form and UCO Off Campus Alcohol Event Registration Checklist must be submitted to the Student Organizations Office at least two (2) weeks prior to the event.
4. The following items must be submitted to the Student Organizations Office at least one (1) week prior to the event:
a) Menu of food and nonalcoholic beverages to be served at the event;
b) Copies of the valid driver’s license and proof of insurance for all event designated drivers or a copy of the contract with a licensed 3rd party transportation vendor;
c) List of those individuals who will be attending the event, with their correct name and birthday; or
d) Copy of contact with the licensed security vendor.
5. Upon receipt of all above materials, the event host and activity chaperone will be contacted by the Coordinator of Student Organizations. At this time the Student Organizations Office will inform the event sponsor as to one (1) of the following:
a) Official approval of the event
b) Required changes to the event. Once required changes have been made, details should be submitted immediately to the Department of Student Life so the event may be reconsidered for approval.
c) Notification that the event will not be approved and may not take place.
6. Students and student organizations that hold alcohol events that have not received official approval from the Department of Student Life or that do not follow the policies agreed to on the UCO Off Campus Alcohol Event Registration Form and UCO Off Campus Alcohol Event Registration Checklist will be considered in violation of the UCO Code of Student Conduct and subject to disciplinary action.
7. Student organizations are not permitted to have alcohol on campus.
It is the practice of the University of Central Oklahoma to encourage student organizations to invite guest speakers to campus for the purpose of imparting discourse to the student body. The organization and its advisor will take responsibility for the planning, conduct, and reception of the program, the visiting speaker, and the audience. In accordance with UCO Facilities Utilization Policy, scheduling a reasonable time and place at least two (2) weeks in advance is required to prompt better attendance, proper reception of the speakers, prevention of scheduling conflicts, traffic (pedestrian or vehicular) hindrances, or disturbance of other University activities. It is recommended that in order to prevent misunderstanding, premature announcement, and confusion, a tentative date and place be explored prior to initial contact, and then scheduling be completed, prior to final commitment. Please refer to the UCO Facilities Utilization Policy for further information on reserving outdoor or indoor facilities for speaking engagements. A copy of the Facilities Utilization Policy may be obtained in the Student Organizations Office, Nigh University Center 150, (405) 974-2625.
The University of Central Oklahoma, its facilities and students, are subject to the laws of the State of Oklahoma. Therefore, the facilities shall at no time be used by any person who in the language of Senate Bill 729: "by word of mouth or writings, advocates, affirmatively suggests or teaches the duty, necessity, propriety, or expediency, or doing any act of violence, the destruction of or damage to any property, the bodily injury to any person or persons, of the commission of any crime or unlawful act as a means of accomplishing or effecting any industrial or political ends, change, or revolution."
The President and employees of the University of Central Oklahoma reaffirms the policy as set forth in the previous statements of compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, the Family & Medical Leave Act of 1993, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991, that no discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, physical challenge, visual or hearing impairment, disability, or status as a veteran will exist in any area of the University.
This policy statement further reaffirms commitment of continuing and expanding positive programs which will assure the strengthening of this policy not only to the legal requirements of compliance, but also to further employment opportunities and promotions for all ages, cultural / ethnic groups, veterans, physically challenged, visually or hearing impaired individuals, and genders. The President of the University of Central Oklahoma assures that this commitment will embrace the development and maintenance of our Affirmative Action Compliance Program which will involve necessary additional efforts with respect to the recruitment, selection, placement, termination, training, and promotion of all employees and with respect to personnel action such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoffs, education, tuition assistance, recreation programs, and other appropriate programs.
The University of Central Oklahoma explicitly prohibits acts of discrimination that violate
individual civil rights or conduct that is founded in prejudice or hate violence. Discrimination / hate violence is unlawful and will subject those who engage in it to University discipline including discharge, as well as civil and criminal penalties.
The University of Central Oklahoma, to the extent required by law, is in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, the Family & Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and other Federal Laws and Regulations, the University of Central Oklahoma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures; this includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services."
The University of Central Oklahoma is committed to a multicultural, multiethnic and multiracial environment. Diversity is one of the hallmarks of a great university. Promoting dignity and respect among all members of the University community is a responsibility each of us must share. Acts of racial and ethnic harassment are repugnant and will not be tolerated. While the University of Central Oklahoma embraces the principles of free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, it abhors the abuse of this freedom by those who would provoke hatred and violence based on race and ethnicity. Racial and ethnic harassment is a growing concern across U.S. college campuses. It has taken various forms, from criminal acts (assault and battery, vandalism, and destruction of property) to anonymous, malicious intimidation and is most often directed toward persons whose race or ethnicity is readily identifiable. While principles of academic freedom and freedom of speech require tolerance of ideas and opinions, racial and ethnic harassment cannot and will not be permitted at the University of Central Oklahoma.
If a University community member has experienced or witnessed harassment, assault, vandalism, or destruction of property by a student, then they are encouraged to file a complaint in the Office of Student Conduct. As stated in section IV. G., all complaints shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Director of Student Conduct, responsible for the administration of the student conduct system. All complaints should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place or as soon as the complainant becomes aware of an event, preferably within forty-eight (48) University business hours. Complaints may be submitted online at www.uco.edu/ssvp/conduct/complain-web.htm, by fax at (405) 974-3817, or by hand delivery at the Office of Student Conduct in the Lillard Administration Building, 211 or to the Legal Services Office by fax at (405) 974-3807 or by hand delivery in the Lillard Administration Building 114D, (405) 974-2573.
The mission of the Office for Disability Support Services is to provide and coordinate mandated support services, auxiliary aids, and accommodations for students with disabilities, which allow them to gain equal access to an education. The Office of Disability Support Services office also serves as a resource to the University community and promotes awareness so that students with disabilities can participate in all facets of University life.
The University of Central Oklahoma, to the extent required by law, complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American Disabilities Act of 1990. The University is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and full participation in college programs for persons with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws. The University's intent is that no person is subjected to discrimination with regards to any college program or activity. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations must make their requests by contacting the Assistant Director of Disability Support Services, Ms. Kimberly Fields at (405) 974-2516. The Office of Disability Support Services is located in the Nigh University Center, 309. Students should also notify their instructors of special accommodation needs by the end of the first week of classes of each semester.
Some students may have emotional or mental disorders. Although, such students may be considered disabled and may be protected under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, they are expected to meet the same standards of conduct as any student. It is important that an instructor establish standards of conduct for his or her classroom and enforce them for all students. If some student’s behavior patterns seem bizarre, but non-threatening, then the instructor may want to discuss the student’s behavior with professionals, such as a member of the Student Counseling Center staff (405) 974-2215 or the Disability Support Services Assistant Director.
The University of Central Oklahoma, to the extent required by law, is not required to retain or readmit a student with a disability whose behavior poses a direct threat to the safety of self or others. If you believe that a student is engaging in misconduct or exhibiting behaviors that are disruptive to the classroom, you should immediately contact the Director of Student Conduct at (405) 974-2361 to discuss the situation and determine if a University violation has occurred. In cases of emergency, contact the UCO Police Department, (405) 974-2345.
Service animals are trained to assist people with disabilities in the activities of normal living. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as ". . . any . . . animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals who are hearing impaired to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items."
If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless of whether it has been licensed or certified by a state or local government or a training program. The University of Central Oklahoma complies with the ADA in allowing use of service animals. However, because of health and safety concerns, use of such animals are regulated by the office of Disability Support Services (DSS). Please contact Ms. Kimberly Fields, Assistant Director of Disability Support Services, at (405) 974-2516 for the complete list of definitions, requirements, and procedures for maintaining a service dog on University campus property and / or events. The Office of Disability Support Services is located in the Nigh University Center, 309.
Technology services at the University of Central Oklahoma are provided to promote and support education, research, and administrative services for students, faculty, and staff. All persons utilizing these services are responsible for ensuring that technology services are used in an ethical and lawful manner.
Students are encouraged to use all forms of technology responsibly. Cybersecurity and cybercrimes are committed daily and college students are an increasingly high-risk target. See precautions for social networking at http://www.uco.edu/cybersecurity/tips.shtml
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Use of any technology, including the network, provided by the University of Central Oklahoma constitutes agreement to abide by the University’s policies. Policy violations by faculty, students, or staff will result in the revocation of computer and network privileges. In addition, such actions may result in disciplinary review, sanctions, dismissal from the University, and legal action. Violations may also constitute a criminal offense, punishable by local, state or federal law or University policy. Please see the full UCO Technology and Network Usage Policy and additional policies on the UCO website at http://technology.uco.edu/oit/policies.html.
The University of Central Oklahoma website is an official publication of the University of Central Oklahoma. All text and photographs appearing on the homepage or subsequent official pages linked to it are copyrighted and should not be reproduced without written permission from the Director of University Relations. Student organizations that wish to post web pages must adhere to the guidelines listed at http://technology.uco.edu/oit/policies.html.
The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) provides resident students free access to local telephone service. Students provide telephones which meet minimum standards as posted at http://technology.uco.edu/telephone/studentinfo.htm. Central Plaza, Murdaugh Hall, University Commons, University Suites, and West Hall residents also receive free access to the Internet.
Students may not open, alter, misuse, tamper with, modify, connect to, disconnect, or remove technology, including but not limited to connecting hubs, or wireless hubs; nor remove labels, markings, or identity numbers on technology provided in residence halls. The replacement cost of missing or damaged equipment or wiring, including but not limited to outlet boxes, and jacks, will be charged to residents of the room.
University policy prohibits unauthorized equipment and services on the University network. Authorized equipment is limited to telephones and microcomputers (including laptops.) Unauthorized services include, but are not limited to mail services, dynamic DNS, DHCP, public web services, and illegal peer-to-peer file sharing. Should you have a need for additional equipment, please contact Technology Support at (405) 974-2255 to obtain specifications and to request permission to attach to the campus network.
By signing the UCO Housing Contract, a Residence Hall student authorizes SBVS and UCO Technology Support, under the supervision of an employee from UCO Student Affairs / Residence Life, to access residents’ rooms for repair of services when residents are not present.
Residence Hall students are reminded that access to and use of technology on the UCO campus is a privilege. Accessing the campus network indicates an agreement to abide by laws, policies, rules, and regulations of the University of Central Oklahoma, the Regional University System of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the state of Oklahoma, and the United States of America. Please see full technology policies at http://technology.uco.edu/oit/policies.html.
Download music legally from Ruckus.com.
The University, in conjunction with OneNet, offers FREE music downloads to students and reduced pricing for downloads to faculty, staff, and alumni. A nominal fee is charged for transferring music from one’s computer to a portable device such as an iPod, MP3 player, or CD. For additional information go to: http://technology.uco.edu/ruckus.htm
Discount Software and Computer Purchases.
Special discounts are available for faculty and students on Microsoft, Dell, and Apple products. Select Adobe products are also available for students only. For additional information, go to: http://www.uco.edu/techstore.
Free Anti-Virus Software.
The University provides anti-virus software for all student personal computers at no additional charge. The download link for this software is available through UCONNECT Information Technology News channel.
The University of Central Oklahoma recognizes its responsibility as an educational and public service institution to promote a productive and healthy environment. This responsibility demands implementation of programs and services which facilitate that effort.
1. Purpose
The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require an institution of higher education to certify to the U.S. Department of Education by October 1, 1990, that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees in order to remain eligible for federal financial assistance of any kind. This policy is adopted by the University of Central Oklahoma to comply with this statutory directive.
2. Policy
As set forth in local, state, and federal laws, and the rules and regulations of the University of Central Oklahoma, the University of Central Oklahoma prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees in buildings, facilities, grounds, or other property owned and / or controlled by the University of Central Oklahoma or as part of UCO activities.
3. Internal Sanctions
Any student or employee of the University of Central Oklahoma alleged to have violated this prohibition shall be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, expulsion, termination of employment, referral for prosecution, and/or completion, at the individual’s expense, of an appropriate rehabilitation program. Any disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with applicable policies of the University of Central Oklahoma.
4. External Sanctions
a. Local, state, and federal laws provide for a variety of legal sanctions for the unlawful possession and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. These sanctions include, but are not limited to, incarceration and monetary fines. Federal law provides severe penalties for distributing or dispensing, or possessing with the intent to distribute or dispense, a controlled substance, and penalties of a less severe nature for simple possession of a controlled substance. The type and quantity of the drug, whether the convicted person has any prior convictions, and whether death or previous injury resulted from use of the drug in question (this, however, is not a factor in a case of simple possession) all affect the sentence. For example, if less than fifty (50) kilograms of marijuana are involved and it is the first offense (no prior convictions), the offender is subject to imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of $250,000, or both. If, however, 50-100 kilograms of marijuana are involved instead of fifty (50), and all other factors are the same in the preceding example, the offender is subject to imprisonment of not more than twenty (20) years, unless death or serious injury results from the marijuana use, then the offender is subject to not less than twenty (20) years to life, a fine of $l,000,000, or both.
b. While the penalties for simple possession are less severe, the first conviction still carries a sentence of up to a year imprisonment, a fine of at least $l,000 but not more than $100,000, or both. With regard to simple possession, the number of convictions makes both the minimum period of imprisonment and fines greater. Under special provisions for possession of crack cocaine, a person may be sentenced to a mandatory term of at least five (5) years in prison but not more than twenty (20) years, a fine of $250,000, or both.
c. State law provides similar penalties with regard to the simple possession, distribution, or possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. Simple possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor and carries a punishment of up to one (1) year in the county jail. A second or subsequent conviction for simple possession of marijuana carries two to ten (2-10) years in the state penitentiary.
d. Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute is a felony and carries a punishment of two (2) years to life in the penitentiary and a fine of up to $20,000 for the first conviction. A second or subsequent conviction carries a punishment of four (4) years to life in prison and a fine of up to $40,000. Depending upon the quantity involved, a convicted individual could be sentenced under the Oklahoma "Trafficking in Illegal Drugs Act" which provides for much harsher penalties.
e. In addition, state law provides that possession of, or possession with the intent to consume 3.2 beer by persons under twenty-one (21) years of age in a public place is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $100.00 or by appropriate community service not to exceed twenty (20) hours. Possession of other alcoholic/intoxicating beverages by persons under twenty-one (21) years of age in a public place is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than thirty (30) days, a fine not to exceed $100.00, or both.
f. There are also state laws concerning driving under the influence of alcohol and using a false driver’s license to obtain 3.2 beer or other alcoholic beverages. Depending upon the number of previous convictions, or gravity of the circumstances, conviction of a felony or misdemeanor for such an offense may be cause for forfeiture of driving privileges. There are also local (municipal / city) laws similar to those described above. If drugs are involved, the city may defer to the state or federal authorities for more severe penalties. If alcohol is involved, one may be convicted of violating both local and state law and punished according to both laws. Courts do not excuse individuals convicted of these offenses from a prison sentence to go to college or work. A conviction for such an offense could seriously affect one’s record and prevent entry into many careers.
g. Further information regarding these local, state, and federal laws may be found in the Human Resources Department and is available to students and employees. Students and employees are encouraged to review this information. The above-referenced examples of penalties and sanctions are based on the relevant laws at the time of adoption of this policy statement. Such laws are, of course, subject to revision or amendment by way of the legislative process.
5. Drug Definitions
a) "Illicit drug use" is defined as the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of other drugs and alcohol, including anabolic steroids.
b) A drug and / or alcohol abuse assistance / rehabilitation previously approved and / or certified for such purpose(s) by a federal, state, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
c) Cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and other designated substances as set forth in Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S. C., sec. 812d) Cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and any other drug or substance as set forth in Schedules I through V of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, 63 O.S. 1981,Sec. 2-101, et. seq., as amended.
The UCO Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides basic public safety services to the University community by providing law enforcement services designed to establish and maintain a safe working and educational environment. The UCO Department of Public Safety is comprised of four (4) operational units: Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety, Access Control, and Transportation and Parking Services. The department's purpose is to protect life and property, provide timely and accurate information pertaining to University activities, effectively and efficiently manage parking and transportation operations and to educate members of the community on public safety issues affecting their safety and personal welfare.
The UCO Police Department will assist community members and visitors who have locked their keys in their vehicles, need assistance changing flat tires, or need a battery jump start. These services are provided to community members and visitors whose vehicles are parked on campus property only. If you need assistance in this regard, please call the UCO Police Department, (405) 974-2345, with the following information:
1. Location of vehicle.
2. Description and tag number of the vehicle.
3. Phone number of the driver / owner.
The UCO Police Department provides Operation SafeWalk personnel who will provide escort assistance across campus upon request. The program operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are SafeWalk phones on the first floor of most academic buildings. In addition, the program can be reached by calling DPS at (405) 974-2345 at any time. There is no charge for this service.
CALL BOXES are located in several areas of the campus for your security and convenience. They may be used to contact the UCO Police Department to report a crime, suspicious activity, or to request medical assistance. They may also be used in non-emergency situations such as requesting escort or vehicle assistance. DO NOT HESITATE TO USE THE CALL BOXES.
In an emergency please use a CALL BOX to contact the UCO Police Department, (405) 974-2345, or call 9-1-1 if using an on campus extension or cellular phone. All calls made to 9-1-1 on a cellular phone or campus extension will connect the caller to the City of Edmond Emergency Communications Center. They will forward information to the UCO Police Department for response.
Crime is a real danger everywhere, campuses included. Each year over 100,000 crimes are reported at colleges and universities across the nation. It is an unfortunate fact that criminal incidents of all types occur on college campuses. The University of Central Oklahoma believes that the public should know the nature of crimes that occur on the campus property. The University of Central Oklahoma further believes that the public has the right to know how active the University Police are in investigations, crime prevention, and detection. UCO complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The UCO Police Department daily activity logs, public notifications and an annual report are prepared to inform members of the UCO community and visitors of reported crime statistics, public safety and crime prevention programs, and policies and other information that may be of public interest. The annual report is available in hard copy from all offices (units) of the UCO Department of Public Safety, the UCO Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the UCO Employment Services Office. The report is also available electronically in Adobe Acrobat format via the UCO web site at http://www.uco.edu/security_docs
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Police Officers are duly commissioned State of Oklahoma Police Officers. As such, University of Central Oklahoma Police Officers have full police powers on the property owned, leased and controlled by the University of Central Oklahoma. University of Central Oklahoma Police officers are authorized to conduct law enforcement and public safety activities within the City of Edmond pursuant to an agreement between UCO and the city.
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Police Department encourages all persons to report any criminal activity, suspicious conduct, and other general emergencies. To report a crime or emergency, a person should contact the UCO Police Department and a police officer will respond to provide assistance and gather information. When an official report is filed, upon request, a copy of the report will be provided to the person reporting the incident pursuant to Oklahoma’s Open Records Act.
Each business day crime and incident reports are made available to media representatives, University community members and the general public. These reports are available for review at the UCO Police Department headquarters. Each month crime statistics are reported to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation who, in turn, reports the information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI annually publishes a book of crime statistics which includes accurate accounting of the criminal incidents which occurred on the University campus.
Reported crime statistics are compiled by the UCO Police Department and are available to the public. Data on selected offenses are available within the Annual Security Report, which is available upon request pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act and other applicable laws. Please call (405) 974-2345 for more information or go to the web address, http://www.uco.edu/security_docs/.
Statistical information is provided to the UCO Police Department by the Edmond Police Department for any areas that are controlled by student organizations (inclusive of Greek organizations) and public property that is adjacent to the UCO campus. This information is included in the statistical crime summary in the Annual Security Report that is coordinated by the UCO Police Department. The Max Chambers Library, Government Documents Section maintains copies of these reports. Hard copies are available for the current reporting year from the UCO Police Department.
The UCO Police Department maintains a professional working relationship with the City of Edmond Police Department. Serious crimes and other miscellaneous incidents are reported to local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies.
There are scheduled times for all building lockups. UCO Police Officers and Student Officers perform these duties. Students may be authorized to be in a building after lockup, if they are under the direct supervision (physically present) of a faculty or staff employee or have prior written permission from the appropriate college or department on file with the UCO Police Department.
Security is provided in the maintenance of the University's facilities through a number of mechanisms, including periodic building checks, limitations on hours of operation, and restricting issuance of keys. A student guide is provided by the Department of Housing as a guide for living in residence halls or other student housing. Each residence hall is staffed twenty-four (24) hours a day by department personnel. All resident rooms and windows are equipped with locking devices. Educational programs are presented periodically to residents to increase awareness of safety. University apartment complexes are patrolled by University Police officers on a regular basis. Residents are encouraged to keep doors and windows locked. Tenants should report any suspicious activity to the UCO Police Department.
The UCO Police Department sponsors a crime prevention program in which police officers explain how students can improve on protecting themselves and their property. Officers hold seminars or classes for students and parents at orientation sessions each semester. The officers also brief the staff members in residence halls, and new employees. Officers show films and / or distribute brochures and other material to students, faculty, and staff so they may have a ready reference concerning any situation they might encounter on- or off-campus. A seminar may be scheduled by calling the UCO Police Department Crime Prevention Program at (405) 974-2345. Programs on the following subjects are available:
– Alcohol Awareness – DUI
– Crime Prevention and Safety Awareness
– Drug Abuse
– Operation Identification
– Police Public Relations
– Rape / Date Rape Awareness
– Co-Safe Program (Drug and Alcohol Awareness)
– Operation Safe Walk
– Any other applicable topic of interest to the community.
The UCO Police Department operates a crime and terrorism tip program called Broncho Five-O. This program exists to allow persons with information about crimes or tips on possible terrorism activities to submit information to law enforcement in an anonymous manner. Information submitted to the Broncho Five-O program does not have to involve activities or crimes located on UCO property only. The UCO Police Department will review the information and forward it to other law enforcement agencies as needed. Broncho Five-O should not be called to report crimes if you are a victim or if an emergency currently exists. It is intended for incidents that have already occurred for which a person may have information that can assist police, and for incidents that may occur in the future. Broncho Five-O can be reached by calling (405) 974-FIVE, sending an email to FIVE-O@uco.edu or via submission form on the DPS web site at http://www.uco.edu/dps. This program does not provide monetary rewards for information submitted. Police officers who operate the program will do everything possible to maintain the anonymity of persons who submit information.
Please read and practice these simple tips for personal safety and property security:
1. Report suspicious persons and their actions.
2. Keep your house, apartment or residence hall room locked, even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes.
3. At night, walk with a friend or request a Safe Walk escort from the UCO Police Department.
4. When parking, place valuables in the trunk and lock your car.
5. When walking to your car, have your keys already in your hand and walk with confidence.
6. Write your name and ID number in several places in your textbooks.
7. Report all incidents and losses to the UCO Police Department immediately.
8. Be aware of the location of Emergency Call Boxes and Safewalk phones inside the buildings.
If you do become a victim of a crime, the following information may be of assistance in recovering your property or solving the case:
1. A criminal incident reported to the UCO Police Department will be reviewed by a police supervisor, and will be investigated by an officer if it is determined that follow-up is possible. Normally, for such an investigation to be fruitful, the investigating agency needs one or more of the following pieces of information: physical evidence, witness(es), suspect(s), serial numbers or other unique identifying markings and a description of the property taken, or other information useful for developing leads.
2. Serial numbers or unique identifying markings are essential for recovery of property. Stolen items with such identification can often be recovered through pawn shops, law enforcement arrests, or by inquiry through the National Crime Information Center computers operated by the FBI. Serial or model numbers can frequently be developed from original packing containers, sales receipts, warranty documents, through the manufacturer or seller, maintenance agreements or receipts, or from household or" Operation I.D." records completed prior to the theft.
3. Often, the victim of a crime may obtain or encounter information which might be helpful to an investigation after the initial crime report has been given to the police. Such information may include new witnesses, suspects or victims, value of property taken, and identifying data on the property. If you do develop any additional information, please call or contact the UCO Police Department.
4. Another frequent occurrence involves the victim failing to report the recovery of all or part of the property taken in the theft. This oversight may create problems if the victim later transfers the property’s ownership, the item is recovered by police, or ownership of the property is questioned. Your cooperation in promptly informing the UCO Police Department of recovery of any of the property reported taken is in your own interest, and is solicited.
5. The University of Central Oklahoma does not carry insurance for the theft of personal property. If personal property has been stolen from you, we suggest you contact your insurance agent for possible coverage under your homeowner’s, automobile, or renter’s insurance. The UCO Police Department provides a copy of the incident report to your insurance company at their request.
6. The UCO Police Department coordinates their criminal investigations with and / or furnishes information to other law enforcement agencies. If the offense took place on campus, it is generally not necessary for you to also report it to another law enforcement agency. If in doubt, however, ask the investigating officer.
7. If the investigation is successful and an offender is identified and / or property recovered, the UCO Police Department will need your continued cooperation. You will be required to make positive identification of the property. It may be necessary to hold it in police custody until the investigation or criminal prosecution is completed. The UCO Police Department will assist you through each step of the process.
8. If you are the victim or witness to a crime the UCO Police Department will do everything possible to solve the crime and apprehend the offender. If you would like additional crime prevention material or assistance, please call the UCO Police Department at (405) 974-2345.
1. “No person in possession of any concealed handgun. . .shall be authorized to carry the handgun into or upon any college or university property, except . . .(on) . . . property set aside for the use of any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, provided the handgun is carried or stored as required by law and the handgun is not removed from the vehicle without the prior consent of the college or university president. . . (and is) . . . authorized by the written consent of the college or university president . . .". 21 O.S. 1991, 1272.
2. The safety of the STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, AND VISITORS of the University of Central Oklahoma is of the highest priority. No person, other than an authorized Peace Officer may have in their possession a weapon of any kind while on the campus grounds or while participating in any activity on behalf of the University of Central Oklahoma. University property includes all vehicles, buildings, offices, grounds, or other premises either owned, leased or controlled by the University of Central Oklahoma or its affiliates. Activities of the University of Central Oklahoma include, but are not limited to, normal daily business and attendance at any authorized University-sponsored function.
3. The Oklahoma Self Defense Act, commonly referred to as the "Concealed Weapons Law", prohibits the carrying of any concealed handgun, loaded or unloaded, into any college or university facility. In addition to handguns, the term "weapons" shall include any item, if used in such a manner that is capable of causing serious injury or death. Anyone suspecting another individual of carrying a weapon, concealed or unconcealed, as defined in the Policy is directed to immediately notify the UCO Police Department.
4. This policy applies to all University faculty, staff, students, and visitors, whether or not an individual has been issued a license to possess a firearm under the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, or other similar state or federal statutes or regulations. Any University faculty member, or other staff employee found to be in violation of this policy is subject to immediate termination of employment. Any University student found to be in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action as set out in the Code of Student Conduct, to include expulsion. A visitor to the University found to be in violation of this policy is subject to immediate removal from University property.
5. Faculty members wishing to bring a weapon onto University property for instructional purposes shall obtain prior written permission from the President and shall have that document in their possession at all times while on University property. Should that weapon be a firearm of any type, it shall be unloaded at all times. A copy of the President’s written approval will be provided to UCO Police Department for informational purposes only before the weapon is brought to campus.
6. Any person found to have violated the provisions of this policy as it applies to the Oklahoma Self Defense Act shall be subject to the criminal sanctions provided by the Act. This Policy shall not apply to individuals who have been certified to be an Oklahoma Peace Officer, or other Federal Law Enforcement officials.
7. The University of Central Oklahoma expects and demands that no dangerous weapon of any type be brought onto its campus without prior written approval of the President of the University of Central Oklahoma.
Purpose and Definition
This policy is designed to reduce and control the mixing of vehicular traffic, pedestrian, and self propelled devices on the sidewalk system. Through this policy the University shall establish and maintain a safe environment for all parties by regulating sidewalk usage.
1. For the purpose of this policy, a self propelled device is defined as a bicycle, skateboard, and inline skate.
2. Mobility assistance devices for the disabled are excluded from this policy.
3. Nothing in this policy shall restrict the University from conducting properly sanctioned activities, sporting events, and academic courses involving self propelled devices.
4. Motorized Vehicles
a) The maximum speed limit for vehicles operating on the campus sidewalk system is five (5) miles per hour.
b) Operators of vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to all other users of the sidewalk system.
c) Only authorized vehicles may enter the University sidewalk system. Authorization can only be granted by the UCO Police Department.
d) The UCO Police Department may make special accommodations to individuals moving into / out of residence halls, and to faculty and students for academic purposes, such as moving instructional materials or aids.
e) Operators of vehicles shall have a valid driver's license and proof of financial liability insurance.
f) There shall be no vehicular movement on campus sidewalks during class changes.
g) Bicycles, skateboards, and inline skates (self propelled devices). A self propelled device may be used on the UCO campus subject to the following conditions:
1. Operators of a self propelled device shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and mobility assistance devices for the disabled.
2. Bicyclists, inline skaters, and skateboarders utilize such equipment at their own risk. The University of Central Oklahoma does not assume responsibility for any injuries caused by bicycling, inline skating or skateboarding. Aggressive bicycling, trick skating or acrobatics is prohibited.
3. A crash safety helmet shall be worn at all times. Other safety equipment such as proper clothing, wrist, elbow and knee protection is required.
4. Self propelled devices are permitted on campus EXCEPT in the following locations:
a) Any University building, structure, stairway, access ramp, steps, retaining wall, handrail, or other architectural element.
b) Any area under construction or repair, planting area, grass area, or seeded area.
c) Streets open for vehicular traffic (excluding bicycles).
d) Where prohibited by sign or by a police officer.
e) Bicyclists, skateboarders, and inline skaters may not use any area to practice or demonstrate acrobatics.
f) Bicycles, skateboards and inline skates may be used for recreational and transportation purposes only. "Stunting" or other forms of acrobatic / trick riding or operations are not permitted on campus property. This includes sidewalks, stairs, rails and benches.
4. Applicability
These policies apply to all University faculty, staff, students, and visitors. The UCO DPS shall maintain, publish, and distribute written guidelines and procedures implementing this policy.
5. Enforcement and Compliance
The UCO Police Department has the primary enforcement authority and responsibility of this policy. Enforcement options include, implementation of disciplinary provisions outlined in the University Employee Policy Handbook, the UCO statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and the UCO Faculty Handbook, or the issuance of a traffic summons. A visitor found to be in violation of this policy is subject to immediate removal from University property. Voluntary compliance is an essential component of this policy's enforcement effort. Compliance will be achieved through a program of education, training and police community relations designed to achieve broad voluntary compliance.
1. Tornado Watch: A tornado watch is issued to alert people to the possibility of tornado development in your area. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or local television for the latest weather forecasts. When a Watch has been issued be sure to stay tuned to your local TV or Radio station for live updates.
2. Tornado Warning: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by radar. When the city siren is sounded take cover immediately.
Notification of a Tornado Warning: The Edmond Emergency Management Department maintains outdoor sirens around the city and near campus. These devices are only sounded when a tornado is likely to strike immediately or within fifteen (15) minutes. In the event tornado sirens sound or there are other indications that severe or damaging weather conditions may be imminent, go immediately to the nearest designated shelter location on campus. A list of these locations is maintained on the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) web site at http://www.uco.edu/admin/ehs/pdf/Tornado_Severe_Weather.pdf.
Shelter in Place: In the event you cannot reach a designated shelter area in a timely and safe manner, it is recommended that you "shelter in place" by moving to the lowest level and smallest room located in the center of the structure. An interior closet or bathroom is generally a good location. You should have a blanket or pillows to shield your hands and face from flying debris. Put as much space between you and exterior walls as possible and stay away from windows. Never take shelter in a hall that opens to the south or the west. Do not leave your shelter in place location until you are sure the danger has passed. A basement is considered the safest location in severe weather and locations on campus with accessible basements are limited.
NOTE: The City of Edmond tests this alarm system the first Saturday of every month at 12:00 p.m. noon.
3. Severe Thunderstorms: Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts. Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Move into a building, staying away from doors and windows. If a building is not available, get inside a car and keep the windows rolled up. If there are no cars or buildings, look for a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In an open area, go to a low place. Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lie flat on the ground. Stay away from downed power lines. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. If you are inside of a building, unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose. Turn off the air conditioner. Draw blinds and shades over windows to lessen the inflow of shattered glass to the dwelling.
4. Flash Flooding: A flash flood WATCH means flash flooding is possible in your area. A flash flood WARNING means a flash flood is occurring or will occur very soon. Several areas in and around campus may have high water during a flash flood warning. Stay tuned to local TV stations for updates. Do not drive around barricades. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
A Fire Alarm is an intermittent sounding of alarm bells or sonic whistle. The signal is three (3) blasts of sound followed by a pause. This alarm is used only when a fire is observed or possible explosion is imminent. It is a violation of State Law to cause a false fire alarm. Tampering with fire extinguishers, fire alarm, exit light, or emergency lighting equipment is punishable by law. Fire drills are conducted each semester in an effort to be sure all students know how to react in the event of a fire emergency. These drills are conducted in accordance with State and Federal Laws and your cooperation is required.
1. When the fire alarm is sounded, all students and faculty should clear the buildings by exiting through the nearest exit point and proceed to an open area, at least fifty (50) feet away from the vacated building.
2. Students and faculty should stand clear unless called upon to help.
3. No one is to return to the building until the “all clear” is signaled. The all clear is signaled by (Housing staff, UCO Police Department, Edmond Fire Department or EHS Office).
1. Call 9-1-1 and sound vocal alarm.
2. Sound mechanical alarm by pulling the red pull stations located by each exit and entry point of the building.
3. Report fire to the University of Central Oklahoma DPS, (405) 974-2345 or call 9-1-1. The UCO Police Department will contact the Edmond Fire Department.
4. Use fire extinguisher only if you have been trained to do so and if the fire is in the initial stage.
5. Never re-enter a building for any reason during a fire alarm or actual fire event.
Campus Closure Procedure and Policies: School closings and / or delayed openings are recorded as soon as the decision is made and are updated as necessary. Students may call the UCO Closing Line at (405) 974-2002 or check the UCO Home Page at www.uco.edu. Students are encouraged to check local media closing reports. On occasion, classes have to be canceled or starting times delayed. When daytime classes are canceled or a late starting time is announced, all local media are called by 6:30 a.m. If evening classes are canceled, calls to the media are made beginning at 4:00 p.m., in time for the 5 o'clock news. No announcement will be made if classes are to be conducted as scheduled. All announcements will be made via the media, UCO Closing Line and UCO Home Page. If you feel you cannot safely travel to campus, contact your professor to discuss their attendance policy. The decision to travel to campus for class, work or other activities during winter or severe weather is ultimately up to each individual.
Severe weather information may be obtained by calling (405) 974-2002 or by checking the UCO web page (http://www.uco.edu).
Campus designs and improvements will provide access between buildings with particular consideration for people with special needs. The international symbol for people with disabilities has been placed at exterior doors of buildings to indicate which doors are accessible. The same symbol has been placed on restroom entry doors to indicate that facilities meet the standards for persons with disabilities.
Campus maps indicating accessible parking designations are available through Transportation and Parking Services, Nigh University Center 309, (405) 974-2780, or via the internet at the following address: http://www.uco.edu/resources/parkingmap.pdf.
Education and communication form the basis of any institution’s best approach to dealing with the complex and interrelated issues raised by an infectious disease. Thus, the University of Central Oklahoma has adopted the following comprehensive program of education for students and employees.
The University of Central Oklahoma recognizes the need to analyze individual circumstances and respond to EACH person’s infectious condition on a case-by-case basis. Responding to each case individually rather than developing a "blanket policy" is in the interest of flexibility, sensitivity, simplicity, and the balancing of legitimate interests.
1. Admissions, Housing, and Participation in Student Life
Students with diagnosed infectious diseases, who do not pose a health risk to other students and employees in an academic setting, will be provided normal access to the University.
Persons diagnosed with an infectious disease should have the same rights as any other person, free of discrimination on the basis of their infection. These students should be afforded normal classroom attendance, working conditions, and participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities in an unrestrictive manner as long as they are physically and psychologically able to do so. Residence halls should be made available to persons diagnosed with an infectious disease under the same conditions as applicable to any individual, provided they are certified not contagious by qualified medical staff. Requests for unique accommodations, however, should be given every reasonable consideration to meet the special needs for housing those with symptoms of an infectious disease. Private rooms may not be needed on microbiological grounds, but should be considered for psychological reasons.
There is no medical justification for restricting the access of non-contagious students to the Nigh University Center, theaters, restaurants, cafeterias, snack bars, gymnasiums, swimming pools, recreational facilities or common areas.
2. Counseling and Student Health Center Services
Every student or employee with a diagnosed infectious disease shall have access to confidential counseling and health services. Communication and referral links to community and state agencies will be made available to assist in providing supportive services.
Specific individual situations or concerns related to any disease will be responded to within the framework of existing institutional policies along with established medical guidelines that embody principles of sensitivity, simplicity, flexibility and concern for the individual, as well as community welfare.
Cooperative joint efforts will be undertaken in the dissemination of printed information between the University of Central Oklahoma and county and state Health Departments and all other community organizations whose purpose is to inform, educate, counsel or treat physical and mental health needs.
3. Confidentiality
Confidentiality will be carefully maintained in accordance with all legal requirements. The patient’s right to confidential treatment will be protected with the associated medical record kept confidential in accordance with existing institutional and legal requirements. Such information may not be released without the individual’s permission, except as otherwise provided by local, state, and / or federal regulations.
Any student who is enrolled in the current semester is eligible for full services at the Student Health Center. Continuing students, who were enrolled in the spring semester and are pre-enrolled for the fall semester, are eligible for full services during the summer semester. There is a nominal office fee charged for the nurse, physician and advance practitioner visits. In addition, there are fees for services such as medication, lab, radiology, immunizations, and other procedures.
The UCO Student Health Center is contracted with many insurance companies and can file the insurance claim for the student. Depending on the insurance plan, there may be a deductible or co-pay charged at the time of visit. If the student presents a non-contracted plan, the UCO Student Health Center will give the student the proper paperwork to file the insurance. The student always has the option to pay for services by cash, credit / debit card, or check.
The UCO Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and follows the University calendar. UCO employs a full-time physician in the Student Health Center during the fall, spring and summer semesters. The UCO Student Health Center encourages appointments that can be made anytime. Walk-ins are accommodated as quickly as possible. Nurse-only services are available during the semester breaks; however, physician services can be facilitated for the student during that time.
The goal of the Student Health Center is to ensure that all services are accessible and affordable in order to keep the student healthy and successful in pursuit of his / her personal college plan of study. More information may be obtained at the UCO Student Health Center, Wellness Center, 105, (405) 974-2317.
English Language Institute (ELI) Students:
Any student who presents a current ELI identification card and can access the UCO Student Health Center may receive the full medical services.
UCO Faculty and Staff:
Faculty and staff are eligible for full services at the Student Health Center. Costs are the same as student rates for any service rendered.
Visitors / Others:
Individuals who have no continuing affiliation with UCO, but who are on campus and become ill or injured, may receive first aid only. Efforts to coordinate and facilitate off-campus medical treatment will be offered.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality will be carefully maintained in accordance with all legal requirements. The student’s right to confidential treatment will be protected with the associated medical record kept confidential in accordance with existing institutional and legal requirements. Such information may not be released without the individual’s permission, except as otherwise provided by local, state, and / or federal regulations.
Whether enrolled in an on-campus class or in a University-sponsored internship, practicum, course, or activity involving domestic or foreign travel, the student is responsible for his or her own medical treatment and is liable for his or her actions. In the event of injury or illness while participating in a University-sponsored activity, the University cannot approve a claim for treatment or reimbursement. Information on insurance is available in the Student Health Center, Wellness Center 105, (405) 974-2317. Also, a number of reasonably priced insurance policies are available from the private business sector. Each student is strongly encouraged to invest in the appropriate coverage.
Students suspended from the University for the first time after the spring semester may petition to attend the summer session immediately following spring suspension. (The student transcript will note suspension at the end of the spring semester.) However, such students may enroll only in core academic courses which meet the general education requirements or degree requirements. To continue in the fall semester, such students must achieve a 2.0 semester grade point average (GPA) or raise their retention GPA to the required level. A student may request information in Enrollment Management, Nigh University Center 124, (405) 974-2335. Failure to achieve a 2.0 grade point average and/or withdrawal from any courses during the summer will result in immediate suspension without the possibility for continued enrollment until spring semester.
Each student is responsible for identifying and completing the requirements of their degree program as well as the accuracy of their own class schedule. Students should familiarize themselves with the information contained in the UCO Undergraduate Catalog, which includes General Information, General Academic Regulations, and Majors and Degrees.
When a student enrolls in a class he or she assumes the financial responsibility for that enrollment, regardless of the source of the funding. Refunds are based upon the length of the class and the date the student formally ceases attendance as documented by their official withdrawal. Nonattendance does not constitute formal withdrawal / drop and requires the student to pay the amount owed.
Faculty may initiate administrative withdrawals between the third and eleventh weeks of the semester on students who have never attended their class nor officially withdrawn. In those cases the student charges for that course will be reduced to twenty-five percent (25%) from the entire one hundred percent (100%) of the course charge.
Remedial courses are offered on campus through Rose State College in the areas of English and Mathematics. These courses are designed for individualized skill improvement and are not applicable to any degree program at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Students whose educational background (insufficient high school courses in Math or English), admissions test scores, or institutional placement show a deficiency in English, Math or Science will be required to take the appropriate remedial course. If a remedial course is required to satisfy any deficiency, the remedial course(s) must be completed within the first twenty-four (24) semester credit hours taken at UCO for first time freshmen or twelve (12) semester credit hours for transfer students. Students not completing the remedial course requirements during the prescribed timeframe will be ineligible to enroll in any future courses at UCO until the remediation requirements have been successfully completed. NOTE: All students enrolled in remedial courses must adhere to all UCO policies.
Any student or former student whose name, mailing or local address has changed should correct her or his records by updating his / her personal information on the web at www.uco.edu or by going to the Service Center in Undergraduate Admissions, Nigh University Center 126, (405) 974-2335.
When a student completes seventy-five (75) hours, he or she is strongly encouraged to request a formal degree audit at the Academic Advisement Center, or at www.uco.edu/advisement/forms.htm
2007-2008 Office of Student Conduct, Division of Student Affairs © University of Central Oklahoma