Office of Student
Life:
Student HANDBOOK
 |
STUDENT SAFETY
Policies and Procedures for Preserving Academic
Freedom
Experience of the academic world indicates the desirability
of reducing to writing the principles and policies relating
to on-campus expressions of opinions or demonstrations. The
following are set forth in the interest of ensuring due consideration
of the privileges and obligations of all members of the Stevens
community, undergraduate, graduate, faculty and staff:
- The President, or his designated representative, has the
responsibility for the administration of these principles
and policies.
- Academic freedom is an essential ingredient of institutions
of higher education. This freedom must be exercised within
the restraint that freedom of any one individual must not
intrude upon or limit the freedom of others. Coercion in
any form is not acceptable.
- Full and open communication of points of view is welcome.
For this reason there exist many channels and many forums
on campus. All members of the Stevens community are expected
to use these established channels to promote ideas, air
grievances, and effect changes.
- Peaceful demonstrations or similar actions will be allowed
on the Stevens campus by Stevens personnel provided:
- Such actions do not interfere with the normal operations
and activities of the Institute.
- Vile or offensive language is not used, either in
oral or written form.
- There is no harassment of individuals, either of
a physical or oral nature.
- There is no impairment or destruction of property.
- Requests by student organizations or individual students,
faculty or staff for the use of Stevens property must go
through the Office of Special Functions for approval.
- If an incident arises in violation of the above stated
principles and policies, those participating will be asked
to cease and desist their actions or leave the premises.
Upon their failure to comply with the request, the Institute
will use appropriate disciplinary actions, including the
full resources of the civil authorities to effect such compliance.
- Any member of the Stevens community, student, faculty,
or staff involved in a civil or criminal proceeding resulting
from participation in a demonstration or incident on campus
will be subject to disciplinary action on the part of the
Institute to include such serious consequences as suspension
or dismissal. Established appeal procedures will apply.
- Non-members of the Stevens community participating in
a proscribed demonstration or incident on campus will be considered trespassers and treated
accordingly.
- Nothing contained in the above policy and procedures is
intended or shall be construed to limit or restrict the
right of freedom of speech or peaceful assembly by any member
of the Stevens community.
Safety on Campus
and Firearms Policy
Campus Police
The primary duty of Campus Police is to provide a safe environment in
which students can freely pursue academic interests, as well as to safeguard
Stevens property. The members of Campus Police are commissioned by the
State of New Jersey and have the power of arrest; many have been trained in the New
Jersey Police Academy.
A minimum of three officers are on duty 24 hours a day.
Campus Police
requires that you report all thefts, accidents, or incidents
that occur on campus. Besides their normal duties, police
officers also provide the following services: regulation of
parking on campus; lost and found; and after-hours emergency
service including emergency transportation to St. Mary Hospital.
Students are asked to cooperate with Campus Police.
If you plan a large on-campus activity, please notify Campus
Police
at least a week in advance. Also, should any suspicious action
be observed on campus, notify Campus Police immediately
so that it may be investigated.
The Campus Police may be contacted at the Police
Office located in the Gate House or at the Wesley J. Howe
Center desk or by telephone 24 hours a day at (201) 216-5105 or
(201) 216-5325 or by dialing 99 on a campus phone.
Behavior
Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a responsible and
mature manner. It is for this reason that there are so few hard and fast rules
governing behavior on campus. Of course, all members of the Stevens community
are expected to abide by the state and local laws. Occasionally the Dean for
Student Life (undergraduate) and/or Dean of the Graduate School (graduate)
may discipline a student or a group of students who disregard the laws of the
land, or rules and regulations of Stevens. Any such action may be appealed to
the Faculty Committee on Appeals.
Possession of Firearms on the Campus
The New Jersey Legislature, on Sept. 5, 1969, enacted a law prohibiting the possession
of firearms by any person while on an Institute campus and making persons violating
this act guilty of a high misdemeanor. The only exception will be those persons
carrying valid gun permits or identification cards plus written consent from
the governing officer of the Institute.
Fireworks
The following is New Jersey Statute R.S. 21:3-2 covering the possession and use
of firecrackers, etc.
"It shall be unlawful for any person to offer for sale, expose for
sale, sell, possess or use, or explode any blank cartridge, toy pistol, toy
cannon, toy cane or toy gun in which explosives are used; the type of balloon
which requires fire underneath to propel the same; firecracker; torpedoes,
skyrockets, roman candles, bombs, sparklers or other fireworks of like construction
or any fireworks containing nitrates, chlorates, oxalates, sulfides of lead,
barium, antimony, arsenic, mercury, nitroglycerine, phosphorus or compound
containing any of the same or other explosives, or any substance or combination
of substances, or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or
an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, other
than aviation and railroad signal light flares, except as in this chapter provided."
 It is also a violation of a federal statute to transport fireworks interstate.
|
In Case of
Fire
Fire Alarm Evacuation of Stevens Buildings
You should be familiar with the location of your building's nearest evacuation
route, and the location of alarm boxes.
In the event of a fire, follow these instructions:
- Keep calm. If a fire occurs in your vicinity, pull
the nearest alarm box and call the Center Desk at
216-5105.
- Walk quickly to the nearest stairwell exit and leave
the building. Do not run. Do not use the elevator.
Do not stop to gather any personal items.
- Assist any visitors in the area to the evacuation
route.
- In the event smoke or excessive heat is encountered
in one stairwell, cross to the other stairwell and
continue your descent.
- If the exits are blocked, seek a temporary refuge
behind a closed door. Pick a room with windows that
open. If possible, open a window at the top and bottom.
You can breathe at the lower opening and smoke and
heat will escape at the top. Summon help by phone
and/or by shouting and waving out the window.
- Please do not try to fight the fire before sounding
the alarm and notifying the Center Desk. If someone
is with you, one of you may fight a small fire while
the other sounds the alarm. But remember, it is better
to leave than to get trapped or overcome by smoke.
Remember, sound the alarm immediately. All big fires
started small. Keep calm.
Remember Know your evacuation route and alternate routes;
know the location of alarm boxes and/or nearest telephone;
report all fires immediately. All fires were small at
their start! Don't use the elevators. Many fatalities
have resulted from someone being trapped in an elevator.
Keep calm! |
Drug and Alcohol
Policy
All students are reminded that the legal age for consumption of alcoholic beverages
in New Jersey and New York is 21 years old. Institute policy expects that students
will comply with this law. Additional information on the alcohol and drug policy
and on hosting large events at which alcohol is served is contained below.
Campus Drug Policy
This represents a summary of Stevens' position on illegal drugs, and should
be heeded by all students. There have been news stories, messages from the
President of the United States, and warnings from governors and mayors about
the dangers of drugs.
We are proud that the Stevens student body is one that is relatively drug free.
We use the word relatively because, while we know that the overwhelming majority
of our students are not involved with drugs, we are not so naive as to believe
that drugs do not exist on campus. However, according to the Drug-Free Schools
and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, no one can receive
federal funds or financial assistance if the school does not adopt and implement
a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit
drugs and alcohol by students and employees. These comments now are addressed
to those who might in some way be involved with drugs or who have friends with
a drug involvement.
On September 23, 1986, the Stevens Board of Trustees adopted a drug policy
of which all students must be aware. Stevens Institute of Technology will not
condone the use, sale, or possession of illicit drugs or narcotics on property
of the Institute, or on property of any affiliated organization recognized
by the Institute. No warnings will be issued. An infraction will subject the
student to disciplinary action by the Institute in the form of suspension or
dismissal. In addition, the student may be subject to prosecution under federal,
state, and local law.
On December 5, 1992, the Board of Trustees amended its most recent Policy Statement,
adopted September 23, 1986, regarding the use, sale, distribution, or possession
of illicit drugs or narcotics on the property of the college; to provide that
henceforth the prohibition applies to all controlled substances whose use,
possession, or transfer is regulated by law, and that violation of the Policy
by any student will result in suspension or permanent separation from the Institute
unless, in the sole judgment of the President, extraordinary mitigating circumstances
compel the lesser sanction of probation; the purposes of this amendment being
to strengthen the Board's Policy Statement, to reinforce the Institute's commitment
to a drug free campus community, and to strengthen the Institute's 1991 Statement
under the Drug Free Schools and Community Act of 1988 and amendments thereto;
It was further resolved that any student whose involvement with any controlled
substance is unknown to the Institute, but who wishes to seek help in a timely
way from the appropriate Institute offices in his or her effort to become free
of any such involvement, is encouraged to do so, and may thus avoid being subjected
to such penalties; any such student will be directed to the appropriate source
of help within the Institute or from outside public/private agencies in the
vicinity; and it was also further resolved that the following statement shall
continue to be made to all students: "If you are using drugs now, stop.
If you need help, it is available. Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on the
Stevens campus."
Sources of Help
We strongly urge any student who has a drug problem to seek professional help.
That is available to him or her on this campus. If you are aware of a friend
or roommate who has a drug problem, urge him or her to reach out for assistance.
There are support services here that can help. If we are not equipped to provide
help in a specific area, we will find people who are.
On campus, any student facing a problem can receive free confidential counseling.
The Health Service Center, located in Jacobus Hall, can help with medical problems.
The Office for Student Affairs in the Wesley J. Howe Center is a source of
help and information about resources in the Hoboken area.
The message should be very clear, whether you hear it on television, read it
in the newspapers or hear it from your parents and friends illegal drugs are
extremely dangerous! If you are using drugs now, stop. If you need help, it
is available. Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on the Stevens campus.
State and Federal Laws Concerning Drug Use
a) It is illegal to dispense, distribute, manufacture, or use a controlled
dangerous substance. Violation in quantities of less than one-half ounce is
a third degree crime with a fine up to $50,000. A person who uses or is under
the influence of any controlled dangerous substance or possesses drug paraphernalia
is defined as a disorderly person, which may carry a penalty of forfeiting
the right to drive a motor vehicle in New Jersey for up to two years, and may
be placed under supervisory treatment.
b) It is unlawful for any University employee, including work study students,
and assistants in research or instruction, to manufacture, distribute, dispense,
possess or use controlled substances in the work place. Violations of such
prohibitions are subject to penalties ranging from warning to permanent separation
from the Institute. In addition, any employee convicted under a criminal drug
statute for a violation occurring at the work place must notify the Institute
within five (5) days of that conviction.
Policy Statement and Regulations on Alcoholic
Beverages
The legal drinking age in New Jersey is 21 years, as
provided by NJSA 9:17
B-1. Related legislation is found in the NJSA 33:1-81.
In addition to these statutory provisions, members of the Stevens Institute
of Technology community also need to be aware of the tort (civil liability)
implications of dispensing alcoholic beverages in New Jersey. To wit, an individual
or organization can be held legally liable for bodily injury or property damage
resulting from selling, serving or giving of any alcoholic beverage to a minor
or to a person under the legal age or to a person under the influence of alcohol.
Statement of Policy
Stevens Institute of Technology has adopted and will
enforce a policy on alcoholic beverages which has the
following objectives:
- Adherence to the law.
- Minimization of civil liability risks for the Institute,
its staff and students.
- Inhibiting alcohol abuse.
- Consideration for the rights of the responsible
drinker and of the non drinker.
|
I. General Regulations
- The privilege to use, consume or distribute beverages
containing alcohol is given only to those of legal age.
Such use, consumption and distribution is subject to
the laws of the State of New Jersey, Hudson County and
the City of Hoboken. Violators of State Alcoholic Beverage
Control (ABC) regulations and/or these Institute regulations
may be subject to arrest and to sanctions provided by
law and by the provisions of these regulations.
- No consumption, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages
is permitted out of doors on campus. This provision pertains
to both individuals and groups. Exceptions may be authorized
in advance by the Dean of Student Affairs for special circumstances,
but the legal age of participants must continue to be enforced.
- No consumption, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages
is permitted in any academic building including the Library.
Exceptions may be authorized by the Dean of Student Affairs
in advance for special circumstances, but the legal age
of participants must continue to be enforced.
- No consumption, sale, storage or distribution of alcohol
beverages is permitted at any public assembly or place of
public assembly, including common areas in living units
such as basements, lounges, foyers, bathrooms and corridors.
Exceptions to this provision may be made for registered
social functions approved by the Dean for Student Affairs
in accordance with provisions stated in the complete alcohol
policy. (See Licensed Events and Unlicensed Events in the
complete Alcohol Policy.)
- Any event where alcoholic beverages are sold or where
any charge or donation is made for admission to the event
will require a special Alcohol Beverage Commission permit
as well as registration and approval by the Institute. (See
Licensed Events in the complete Alcohol Policy.)
- The Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group, (FIPG), the
major carrier of insurance for the fraternities and sororities
of Stevens, requires that no Fraternity/Sorority funds can
be used for the purchase of alcohol. It is also stated that
no kegs/beerballs are allowed on Fraternity/Sorority property
for any reason.
- Intoxication is an unacceptable condition for any member
of the Institute community. Any incident of public intoxication
may be treated as an offense and reported to the appropriate
authority.
II. Living Units
No alcoholic beverages are permitted in the freshman
Residence Halls. Other resident students and guests
may consume alcoholic beverages in private living unit
rooms provided that such consumption meets the conditions
listed below. Failure to adhere to the following regulations
will result in the termination of the gathering and/or
judicial action.
- Any person who consumes alcoholic beverages must
be of legal drinking age.
- The number of guests present does not exceed that
which would endanger life or safety.
- Excessive noise does not emanate from the room.
- The occupants of the room assume full responsibility
for the adherence to institute regulations for themselves
and for their guests.
- No kegs or "beer balls" or other bulk
containers are permitted.
- Persons may not transport open containers of alcoholic
beverages, nor may they consume alcoholic beverages
in hallways, foyers, stairwells, bathrooms or other
public areas.
- Alcoholic beverages may not be sold at any time
in living units.
- "Floor," "Hallway" or "Wing" parties
involving alcohol are not permitted in living units.
Absolutely no alcohol is permitted in any freshman
dorms.
III. Alcohol Abuse
Abuse of alcoholic beverages consists of excessive
drinking and irresponsible conduct while under the influence
of alcohol. Responsible use of alcohol may serve to
enhance the social climate of the campus. Alcohol abuse
reduces the quality of campus life and violates the
rights of responsible drinkers and non-drinkers. The
following are offered as assessment of the rights of
responsible drinkers and non-drinkers.
a) The responsible drinker and the non-drinker have the
right to expect that a host or hostess will have an adequate
amount of non-alcoholic beverages and food available at
a party.
b) The responsible drinker and the non-drinker have the
right to expect that their choice not to drink will be honored,
without undue subtle or overt pressure.
c) The responsible drinker and the non-drinker have the
right to privacy, and to expect that privacy not to be invaded
by manifestations of drunken behavior. Specifically, they
have the right to quietness in and around their living quarters
during normally quiet hours.
d) The responsible drinker and the non-drinker have the
right to safety. Specifically, they should not have their
welfare endangered by a drinking or drunken person's irresponsible
behavior.
e) The responsible drinker and the non-drinker have the
right to not be sexually harassed or abused.
f) The responsible drinker and the non-drinker have the
right to expect that their personal property or public property
will not be damaged by drunken behavior. Further, they have
the right to expect that if such damage occurs, the person
responsible will be apprehended and held financially accountable
for the damage, regardless of the stage of intoxication.
g) The responsible drinker and the non-drinker have the
right to an aesthetically pleasing environment. Specifically,
the responsible drinker and the non-drinker should not be
expected to clean up after an intoxicated person.
IV. State and Federal Laws
a) The legal age to purchase and consume alcoholic
beverages in the state of New Jersey is twenty-one.
b) An under aged person who purchases or attempts to purchase
alcohol, or who misstates his/her age, or a person of legal
age who purchases alcohol for an under aged person faces
a conviction of disorderly person's offense, which incurs
a fine of not less than $100 and loss of license for 6 months.
In addition, the judge may revoke a driver's license for
six months from the date of conviction.
c) Legislation (PL 1992, Chapter 189) was signed into law
by Governor Florio in late December of 1991 which increases
the penalties for anyone below the legal drinking age of
21 who drives and is found to have even a small amount of
alcohol in their blood system. The measure lowers the blood
alcohol standard for anyone below the age of 21 from 1 percent
to 0.01 percent. A driver convicted under this measure would
forfeit the right to drive for 30 to 60 days, perform 15
to 30 days of community service and complete a program of
alcohol education and highway safety. Minors who drive and
have a blood alcohol content above 0.1 (meaning they are
legally drunk) would continue to face even harsher that
apply to drunk driving including a six month license suspension
for a first-time offender.
d) Anyone found to have an open container holding alcoholic
beverages in his/her car faces a fine of $200 for a first
offense and a fine of $250 plus 10 days of community service
for each subsequent offense.
e) Someone who is under age and uses another person's ID
card to obtain alcohol, or someone of legal age who gives
his/her ID card to an under aged person so that he/she can
obtain or purchase alcohol, faces a fine of up to $300 or
up to 60 days in jail.
f) A person who serves alcoholic beverages to a guest, knowing
the guest is intoxicated, and may be driving, can be held
liable if the guest inflicts injuries on another person
through a motor vehicle accident.
V. Final Note
The complete policy includes information about hosting
large parties and events, and obtaining liquor licenses.
You can obtain this complete policy at the Office of
the Dean of Student Life Offices.
Policy on Hazing
In the Joint Resolution No. 21 passed by the New Jersey
Legislature, it was stated that there shall be a "Student's
Statement of Rights and Responsibilities which shall outline
acceptable and unacceptable behavior and activities in regard
to pledge and rushing activities." Here at Stevens
Institute of Technology we want to make all freshmen aware
of this and other bills passed in the New Jersey Legislature.
In the bill No. 1126, also passed by the New Jersey Legislature,
it is stated that 'no member of any fraternity, sorority,
eating club or any other campus organization, or any other
student, may engage in hazing activities'. In this same
bill hazing is defined as "any activity, situation
or conduct created intentionally or negligently, whether
on or off-campus, which produces mental or physical discomfort,
embarrassment, harassment or ridicule." It is also
stated that any student who engages in hazing is "liable
to disciplinary sanctions imposed by the institution, which
may include suspension or expulsion from the school."
In order to prevent any student from getting hazed, an "Anti-Hazing
Compliance Form" was developed by the Greek Council
in conjunction with the Dean of Student Life to make all
students aware of their rights. Any student who believes
he or she is being hazed by a member of the Stevens community
should leave the situation he/she is in and immediately
notify the Dean of Student Affairs. Disciplinary actions
will be taken against those who participated in the hazing
activities.
No student should feel pressured not to notify the Dean
of Student Life in cases of hazing. The only way to prevent
hazing from developing on the Stevens campus is to know
that there will be students who do not want it, and that
should be every student on this campus. |
Sexual Harassment and Assault
Policy Statement
Stevens Institute of Technology prohibits sexual harassment
in any form by any member of the Stevens community.
Such conduct as defined by state and federal laws may
result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal
and expulsion.
For purposes of Institute policy, sexual harassment is defined
as unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and other
verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or
implicitly
a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic
status,
- submission to or rejection of such conduct by
an individual is used as a basis for employment or academic
decisions affecting an individual, or
- such conduct has
the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's
work performance or academic performance or creating an
intimidating, hostile or offensive working, living, or learning
environment.
Specifically, no person shall imply or state, either directly
or indirectly, to any individual, that an individual's refusal
to submit to sexual advances will adversely affect any term
or condition of a person's employment or academic status
(e.g. continued employment, compensation, grades, professional
future). Moreover, no supervisory employee or faculty member
shall promise or suggest, either directly or indirectly,
that a person's
submission to sexual advances will result in improvement
in any term or condition of employment or academic standing.
Other sexual harassing behavior, regardless of how conducted
or communicated, even if done in the guise of humor, is
also prohibited. Such behavior includes, but is not limited
to, verbal abuse of a sexual nature (e.g. cat calls, sexual/sexist
jokes, comments regarding a person's attire, body or reputation);
offensive touching (e.g. brushing, grabbing, pinching);
propositions; offensive sexual flirtations: displaying lewd
or graphic material; or displaying or discussing materials
pertaining to males or females in a demeaning manner.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity commission has issued
guidelines which treat sexual harassment as illegal sex
discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Stevens
Institute of Technology agrees with the intent of these
guidelines because effective relationships among faculty,
staff and students must be based upon mutual respect.
Procedures for Handling Complaints
Stevens has a Sexual Harassment Committee whose members
have been trained to respond to complaints from any
member of the Stevens community. If you believe that
you have been subjected to sexual harassment you are
strongly encouraged to act, and to act quickly.
- Select the Sexual Harassment Committee Member with whom
you feel most comfortable discussing your situation. All
Committee Members will adhere to the strictest level of
confidentiality possible. Additionally, at any point in
time, Committee Members who are connected with a complaint
will not participate in that particular case. An updated
list of Committee Members is available from the Affirmative
Action Officer's Office, Student Affairs and is posted on
the bulletin board outside of the Human Resources Office.
- The Committee Member will help you determine whether
or not the problem can be handled informally. Informal avenues
include a variety of approaches such as helping you talk
with or write a letter asking the person to stop the harassing
behaviors. Often an informal approach will stop the behavior
to your satisfaction and the case can be closed without
taking further action.
- If the harassment is severe or an informal approach does
not stop the problem, the situation will be handled formally.
You will then select another Committee Member to help conduct
an investigation into your complaint. To ensure an effective
investigation, the team should consist of a male and a female
Committee Member.
- Within 30 days of your initial complaint, the investigation
team will present its investigation results to the Sexual
Harassment Committee for a hearing and determination. Both
you and the accused will be present to answer any additional
questions and/or make a statement. The committee will make
a determination of guilty or not guilty and recommend appropriate
actions.
- If all parties are satisfied with the findings and recommendations
of the committee, a disposition form is forwarded to the
Affirmative Action Officer for review and determination.
- If either party is dissatisfied with the committee's
decision, an appeal can be filed within 14 days to the Affirmative
Action Officer. The Officer can either determine that the
harasser did not receive fair treatment and ask the Committee
to review its findings, or determine that the Committee's
suggested action was inappropriate and ask it to reconsider
its suggested action. The Committee then meets again to
either confirm or revise its original recommendations and
forwards another disposition form to the Affirmative Action
Officer for determination.
- If still dissatisfied, either party may make a final
appeal to the President following the procedures above.
At this stage, an advisor or legal counsel may be present.
The President may either accept or reject the Committee's
and/or Affirmative Action Officer's recommendations.
When the case is closed, whether it is handled informally
or formally, the final disposition form will be kept by
the Affirmative Action Officer. In so doing, repeat offenders
can be tracked for future reference but no copy will be
added to his/her personnel/student file. If the situation
is criminal in nature, outside authorities will be informed
and case records will be added to the offender's personnel/student
file. |
|
|
|
Download Handbook