Residential Life Agreement
The University maintains living and learning communities to provide students with a wholesome environment in which to live, study, and learn.  The success of this enterprise will rest largely upon the cooperative spirit of each resident.  It is expected that each student resident will understand all rules and regulations and respect the rights and prerogatives of roommates and all colleagues.

1. Each resident is responsible for the proper care of his/her room and its equipment and shall be held liable for the destruction and/or abuse of residential hall property.  Residents may not remove from any part of the premises any furnishings, appliances, or equipment that is provided by Allen University.

2. Beds may not be dismantled or venetian blinds removed from the windows by the residents.  Any such request should be presented in writing to the Office of Residential Life.

3. Each resident will be required to sign a card providing an inventory of room furnishings and equipment.  It is required that rooms be checked for accuracy of the inventory by each student and the Office of Residential Life.

4. The University does not assume any legal obligation to pay for loss or damage to residents’ personal property, which occurs in its buildings or on its grounds.  Residents or their guardians/parents are encouraged to carry appropriate insurance to cover such losses.

Responsibility for Communal Property (Hallways, Bathrooms, Stairwells, Lounges, Studies, and Utility Rooms):
Residents are expected to take every precaution to ensure that communal property is not abused.  When the University has determined that the majority of the residents are tolerating undue abuse of University property and the responsible individuals(s) cannot be identified, all residents will be held responsible for paying a prorated share of the cost of repairing the damages.

Responsibility for Losses Or Damages
The University assumes no responsibility for loss or damages to a resident’s personal property.  Students should consider the purchase of insurance or the extension of their parents’ homeowners insurance to cover such losses.   The University is unable to provide storage areas for student’s belongings.  Belongings left by students upon leaving the University will be donated to a local charity.

Search and Seizure
The University reserves the right for appropriate officials to search rooms whenever there are reasonable grounds to suspect, with sufficiently strong circumstantial evidence that the occupant has within the room illegal items which violate University policies.  If such property is discovered, the University may confiscate it until proper disposition of the case has been made.

Searches will be conducted by a University official with written authorization from one of the following persons:

 The Dean of Students
 The Dean of Men
 The Vice President of Student Affairs
 The University’s President

Searches will be conducted after presentation of such written notice to the occupant if appropriate to the situation or circumstances of the search. This will be carried out in the occupant's presence.  Searches will be conducted without written notice or without the presence of the occupant only in cases of emergency when there is manifest evidence of danger or injury to individuals or University property.  Searches for contraband, the possession of which is a violation of state or federal law, will be conducted by appropriate local, state, or federal officials.

Security
Visitors to residence halls must enter and exit only by the main entrance to the hall.  Residents who leave by locked security doors are responsible for leaving the doors in a locked position.  Residents are urged to lock their windows and doors during periods of absence.  Any losses should be reported to the University security and residential life offices.

Waste Disposition
All waste paper and other trash must be deposited in the dumpsters located in back of each resident hall.  Littering or improper disposition of trash is not permitted.

Telephones
Each student upon completing registration will receive a cell phone.

Residence Hall Rules and Regulations

1. Male students may not enter the living areas or visit the rooms in female residence halls.  Female students may not enter the living areas or visit the rooms in the male residence halls.

2. Locked doors and fire doors must not be propped open.  Persons are not to tamper with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency lights, or other safety equipment.

3. Electrical appliances that may be used for cooking purposes (microwaves, hotplates, etc.) are not allowed in the rooms.  Refrigerators are acceptable, but a $65.00 deposit must be paid to the Office of Business and Finance before a refrigerator may be installed.  Violators will be subject to disciplinary action, and the disallowed item(s) will be confiscated.

4. Pets are not allowed in the residence halls.

5. All students must vacate the residence halls at the sounding of fire alarms and for fire drills.

6. After University personnel have twice opened the door for a student who has lost or misplaced a key, a $5.00 fee will be collected each time thereafter to open the door.  The fee must be paid by the student and cannot be charged to the student’s account, unless such charge has been approved by the Vice President of Student Affairs.  The cost of replacement for a lock and key is $60.00.

7. Engaging in water fights, using fireworks, intentionally setting fires, and creating conspicuously unsanitary conditions, or other conditions hazardous to the safety and/or health of students and/or damaging to the property of the University, are not permitted.  Violations may result in suspension and/or dismissal from the University.

8. No students, visitors, or other individuals are permitted to sell or serve as salesmen in the residence halls unless the Director of Student Activities has approved that activity, with permission granted by the Associate Director.

9. Loud music is prohibited within the residence halls.  After two warnings, the equipment will be confiscated, and the violator shall be subject to disciplinary action.

10. Allen University is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage to the personal property of any student.

11. Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are strictly forbidden on Allen University property.  Weapons of any kind are disallowed.

12. Quiet/study hours will be observed from Sunday through Thursday nights from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.  During these hours there will be no paging, loud noises, or entertainment of guests in the lobby or lounge.  The lobby/lounge will be closed during quiet/study hours.  NO LOITERING in or around the residence halls will be permitted.

13. It is mandatory for all students to attend their residence hall meetings.

14. During visiting hours all guests must be entertained in the lounge of the residence halls.  All opposite-sex visitors must vacate the premises by 10:00 p.m.  NO visitation is allowed after 11:00 p.m.

15. Roommates must keep their room clean or be subject to a $25.00 fine for the first offense, $50.00 for the second offense, and suspension from the residence hall for the third offense.  Unannounced room checks will be made on a weekly basis.

16. Students are not allowed to duplicate room keys.  Students must contact their residence hall director if keys are lost.  Room keys must not be loaned to anyone for any reason.

17. No intimate sexual relations shall transpire in the residence halls (immediate suspension).  Appropriate behavior must be exhibited in the lounge and lobby areas.  Also, inappropriate behavior such as sitting on laps, caressing, passionate kissing, etc. will not be allowed.  Violators, after one warning, will be referred for disciplinary action.

18. No overnight guests will be allowed.  Visitors reported in a room after visiting hours will be subject to disciplinary actions and a charge of $25.  Residents assigned to the room will be charged $25 each for illegally housing the person(s).

19. Residents and their guests are prohibited from hanging clothes or other objects outside or in front of windows, on pipes, or on venetian blinds.

20. Residents and their guests are prohibited from putting foreign objects (cans, food items, etc.) in the bathroom sink and commodes.  They are not to leave clothing in the sink at any time.  Persons who misuse sinks, commodes, showers, or hallways for the deposit of human waste shall be administratively withdrawn from the University.

21. Trash should not be placed on the staircase, in hallways, or in the bathrooms.  Each student is responsible for dumping his/her trash in the brown dumpster.  Violation of this rule will result in a $25 fine for the first offense and dismissal from the residence hall for the second offense.

22. All problems, illnesses, grievances, etc. should be reported to the Residence Hall Advisor and the Residence Hall Director.

23. Yelling out of windows is prohibited.

24. Each student must pick up his/her mail from the residence hall office daily by showing his/her validated ID card.

25. Students must be properly dressed in the residence halls at all times.  The combing of hair in the lobby, lounge, or on the outside steps is prohibited.

26. Furniture is not to be removed, rearranged, or disassembled at any time.  Furniture is not allowed on the porches or on the yard.

27. Students are not to use nails or tacks on walls.  Students must not use tape on painted surfaces.

28. Students are required to carry their validated ID cards at all times and must present them upon request by University officials.

29. Each residence hall will be secured at 12:00 midnight.    Any resident who wishes to enter the building after this time must contact the security office.

30. Children are not allowed to reside in the residence halls.  Baby-sitting is prohibited.  Violators must remove the child/children immediately and will be charged $25 for each child and each offense.

Fire Drills and Safety Procedures
In accordance with state law and for the safety of the students, fire drills will be conducted at each residence hall various times throughout the semester.  All persons must vacate the buildings during the drills and remain outside until instructed to return by residence hall staff.  Evacuation procedures will be posted in each residence hall.  Smoke detectors are located in each room and fire extinguishers are located on each floor of the residence hall.

The RA’s are responsible for checking which rooms are locked and reporting this information to the Associate Director.  They are also responsible for the following:

1. Ensuring that all students are out of open rooms
2. Closing Windows
3. Raising Blinds
4. Turning on lights
5. Closing the door of empty room
6. Checking lounges

The possession of candles, incense, other open flame products, or materials which are inherently fire hazards is prohibited.  Residents are advised to keep a flashlight on hand in the event of an extended power failure.

Weapons
The possession or use, in any way, of firearms or weapons of any kind (including but not limited to slingshots, air guns, metal knuckles, razors, or any handmade weapons) by a student is prohibited.  Violators will be suspended from the residence hall and/or dismissed permanently from Allen University.

SMOKING POLICY
Allen University is a “smoke free” campus.  Smoking is strictly prohibited on the grounds and in all buildings.  Violations of the University’s smoking policy will be handled as a disciplinary matter by the Vice President of Student Affairs.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Allen University strives to maintain an environment in which the dignity and self-worth of all members of the educational community are respected.  It prohibits sexual harassment of employees or students.  Sexual harassment can be directed at a person of the same or opposite sex.  Behaviors considered as sexual harassment include:  unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, language, graphic material, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.  Students who believe that they have been harassed or need advice as to what constitutes sexual harassment should immediately contact the Vice President of Student Affairs.  Inquiries concerning sexual harassment need not begin with a formal complaint, nor will they necessarily result in such a complaint.  Confidentiality will be respected for those making inquiry.

Allen University will investigate all complaints expeditiously and professionally.  Where investigations confirm the allegations, appropriate corrective action will be taken.

ALLEN UNIVERSITY SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY STATEMENT
Allen University will not tolerate sexual assault in any form, including stranger rape, date rape or acquaintance rape.  When there is probable cause to believe that the campus’ regulations prohibiting sexual assault have been violated, the University will pursue strong disciplinary actions.  This policy applies to all full-time and part-time students.  Students who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include counseling, disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, and referral to the proper law enforcement authorities for prosecution.

A student charged with sexual assault can be prosecuted under South Carolina criminal statutes and disciplined for violating the Allen University Student Code of Conduct.

Allen University encourages all members of the University community to be aware of both consequences of sexual assault and the options available to victims/survivors.  For more information, contact the Vice President of Student Affairs (376-5939).  The University encourages reporting all incidents of sexual assault to the Security Office (376-5911).  For other resources and assistance, contact the Counseling Center (376-5717).

STUDENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code of Conduct to which students of Allen University must adhere describes the exemplary behavior expected of a student, both as an individual and as an ambassador of the University.  This Code of Conduct applies to each student who is enrolled, whether a boarding or day student; on campus or off, or whether during or between semesters.

Allen University students are expected to show proper respect to University faculty, staff, and administrators and maintain democratic, friendly attitudes toward their fellow students.  University classes, activities, and facilities are open to all students.  A student who willfully violates this Code of Conduct will be subject to pay a penalty suited to the circumstances.

Alcoholic Beverages
No student shall possess or consume any alcoholic beverage while on campus or while representing the University off-campus, nor shall a student who finds himself/herself under the influence of alcohol return to the campus in that condition.  No student shall entertain any guest who possesses any alcoholic beverage on campus.  Violations of this rule may result in expulsion from the University.

Arson
No student shall set or cause to be set any fire that has the potential for jeopardizing lives or destroying University property; nor shall a student possess, sell, furnish, or use any incendiary or explosive device on campus; nor shall a student tamper with any fire safety equipment or make or cause to be made a false alarm.  Any such violation will result in expulsion from the University.

Civil Offenses
A student who is arrested by civil authorities (local, state, or federal) because of violation of a local, state, or federal law may be subject to suspension from the University until the matter is settled by the police department, other arresting agency, or the court(s).  The nature of the offense and the settlement of the case will determine what actions, if any, the University will take.  Any disciplinary action imposed by the University may be preceded by and in addition to any penalty imposed by an off-campus authority, including suspension and/or expulsion from the University.

Dangerous Weapons
No student shall have in his/her possession, while on campus, firearms, explosives, toxic chemicals, or other dangerous weapons.  Any violation of this rule will result in expulsion from the University.

Disorderly Conduct
No student shall push, strike, physically or verbally assault any member of the faculty, administration, staff, visitor to the campus, or other member of the student body; nor shall a student behave in a disorderly manner so as to cause a breach of the peace on University premises or at any of the functions sponsored or supervised by the University or any recognized University organization.  Violation of this rule could result in expulsion from the University and civil/criminal action being taken against the offender.

Disruptive Behavior
No individual or group of individuals shall behave in a manner that substantially interrupts or interferes with the educational activities of the University; nor shall any individual or group engage in conduct intending to or having the effect of substantially limiting the ability of any administrator, faculty, or staff member to perform functions or assigned duties effectively.  Violation of this rule could result in expulsion from the University and civil/criminal action being taken against the offender.

Dress
Allen University students are expected to wear clothing that is in good taste at all times.  The University expects its students to dress appropriately and in a manner that will project a positive image.  Students should conform to the following guidelines:

a. Halter tops, hair rollers, PJs, short shorts, short skirts are inappropriate academic attire and should not be worn while attending classes, using the library, performing work-study assignments and attending C.A.R.S. and other University functions.

b. Hats and caps are not to be worn inside any building.  Pants hanging below waistline are not permitted.  Doo-rags are permitted in the resident halls only.

c. Dress code for special events, formal events, banquets, Sunday services, pageants, Spring Ball, Commencement, and Coronation:
           Men:   Suit or pants and dark jacket, dress shirt, dress shoes, socks, tie
      Women:   Dress or dressy skirt and blouse, pant suit, dress shoes, hosiery

Violation of this rule could result in a fine.

Drugs
No student shall possess, manufacture, sell, distribute, or use narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, LSD or other hallucinogens, or any other drugs classified as illegal, dangerous, or controlled substances by federal and/or state statutes and regulations, unless prescribed for that student by a medical doctor.  Violation of this rule shall result in expulsion from the University.

Excessive Noise
No student shall habitually use excessively loud and noisy speech in the residence halls, the library, the classrooms, the chapel, or any other University facility.  Nor shall musical instruments, radios, television sets, tape recorders, or other electronic sound equipment be played excessively loud.  Musical instruments are off-limits in the classrooms and in the library.  Violation of this rule could result in a fine, suspension, or expulsion from the University.

Forgery
Forgery is the act of counterfeiting someone else’s signature for any purpose whatsoever and is a serious offense punishable by law.  Any student found to have deliberately forged someone else’s name to any document may be suspended for one semester or suffer expulsion from the University.  Prosecution will be pursued if appropriate to the offense.

Fraud
Any student found to be guilty of fraud, such as forgery, alteration, falsification, or misuse of University records, games, or other schemes designed to relieve another person of his/her money or other valuables, or any other intentional act of fraud shall be severely penalized.  The severity of the punishment will be determined by the seriousness of the act and may include suspension, expulsion from the University, and/or prosecution.

Gambling
No student shall engage in games of chance or skill for money or property; nor shall he/she place, in the residence halls, any wager on events or any wager to gain an advantage.  Violation of this rule shall result in a fine or suspension from the University.

Hazing
Allen University does not condone hazing by an individual or group of individuals in any form whatsoever, whether on or off-campus.  Any student or students found guilty of taking deliberate action against any other student or students to create pain or distress, whether physical or mental, will be suspended from the University for at least one semester.

Immoral Relations
Any student found to have engaged in any act or relations which is not in line with the University’s Christian standards will be penalized.  The severity of the penalty, including possible suspension or expulsion from the University, to be determined by the seriousness or offensiveness of the act or relations.

Littering
Students shall dispose of bottles, cans, paper, and other forms of litter in the receptacles provided for such items.  Violation shall result in a fine.

Lying or False Information
Lying with regard to official transactions with Allen University, whether oral or written, is prohibited.  This includes misrepresenting the truth before a hearing of the University or making a false statement to any University official.  Violation of this rule may result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

Misuse of Keys
No one may use or possess any University key without prior authorization from the Dean of the department.  No student is allowed to have a University key duplicated under any condition.  Violation of this rule shall result in a fine (first offense), suspension, or expulsion from the University (second offense).

Official Request
Students must comply with the reasonable and lawful requests of Allen University officials acting in the performance of official duties.  Students are expected to appear at disciplinary hearings to respond to allegations or testify as witnesses when reasonably notified to do so.  The failure of defendants to respond shall be considered admission of guilt.  Thus, the case will be referred to the University administration for disposition.  Witnesses who fail to appear at hearings and are not properly excused are subject to fine.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of representing as one’s own the ideas or words of someone else and is the worst form of cheating.  Allen University does not condone cheating in any form.  Therefore, any student who borrows ideas, oral or written, from books or other sources, representing them in tests, term papers, themes, or other written and oral assignments as his/her own, will be subject to penalty as outlined in this handbook.

Property Rights
No student finding any article that does not belong to him/her shall keep that article or take such article with the intention of depriving the rightful owner of its use; nor shall any student willfully conceal, mutilate, or destroy any property belonging to another student, the University, or to anyone else.  Violation of this rule shall result in a fine, suspension, or expulsion from the University.

Sale Of Textbooks
The sale by any student of a textbook that does not belong to him/her is prohibited without prior written authorization from the owner of the book.  (Books that are found shall be turned in at the Office of Student Affairs.)  Violation of this rule shall be considered theft, and the violator shall be fined, suspended, or expelled from the University.

Sexual Conduct
Students shall refrain from public displays of affection, which exceed “good taste”, and from sexual relations while on campus.  Violation of this rule shall result in reprimand, suspension, or expulsion.

Theft or Misappropriation
Theft, of any kind, (including seizing, receiving, or concealing property with knowledge that it has been stolen), is forbidden.  Sale, possession, or misappropriation of any property, including Allen University property, without the owner’s permission, is also prohibited.  Any disciplinary action imposed by the University may be preceded by and in addition to any penalty imposed by an off-campus authority.  (Property that is found shall be turned in to the Office of Student Affairs.)  Penalties are suspension (first offense) and expulsion (second offense).

Unauthorized Entry
Resident students’ right to privacy must be respected.  Unauthorized entry to the living areas will lead to immediate suspension from the University for the remainder of the semester.  If the unauthorized entry occurs between semesters, the violator(s) will be suspended for the following semester.  Violations requiring law enforcement will be referred to the city police authorities. 

Use of University Facilities
Students or student organizations authorized to use a building or any area of the Allen University campus must have in their possession, while occupying the building or area, the written authorization of the Vice President of Student Affairs.  The authorization must be presented to security officers or to administrative officials upon request, and the users must ensure that the building is secure when they leave.

A thorough check will be made of the facility prior to and immediately following its use by any students or student organization.  Any evidence of misuse will be charged to the organization or individuals involved.

Note: To remain in the vicinity of an activity that threatens to disrupt or is disrupting normal University functions may have serious legal and disciplinary implications.  Bystanders as well as more active participants in the disruptive activity may be charged with jointly engaging in an enterprise that is prohibited by law.  Students should accordingly avoid the scene of any disruptive or potentially disruptive activity.  In any case, failure to leave when asked to disperse by University or law enforcement officials will result in disciplinary and/or legal action.

Note: In any case where a student of Allen University is involved in an action which is disruptive of the normal activities of the institution or its personnel, or which exceeds the bounds of normal internal discipline in its impact, the Board of Trustees may exercise its right to name a Special Hearing Board, Committee, or Officer to investigate the questioned action and to initiate appropriate disciplinary or other measures.

Violations
Conduct Rules:  The following statements constitute the official record of all general conduct rules and regulations at Allen University.  Students are expected to abide by these regulations, and administrators are expected to enforce them.  These regulations should be read broadly and are not designed to define prohibited conduct in exhaustive terms.

Additional rules and regulations may be promulgated during the year.  Announcements will be made upon adoption of the changes or additions.

Any student or group of students deemed to be in violation of any of the items in the Code of Conduct or any of the regulations and policies of the University shall have an opportunity to defend himself/herself/themselves before any penalty may be imposed.  However, certain conduct may result in removal from campus or other appropriate action determined by the severity of the conduct or the necessity of safeguarding personal welfare or maintaining good order.