University Code of Student Conduct and Policies (Student and Organization)

The Office of Community Standards supports the Jacksonville State University mission through remaining student-centered and educational in its disciplinary procedures.

Jacksonville State University's conduct system has authority in all non-academic disciplinary matters. The university reserves the right to discipline students and Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) for acts of misconduct that occur on or off University Premises.

The processes outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Student Organization Conduct are designed to support students who may have engaged in misconduct through an educational and restorative approach. The Office of Community Standards upholds the institution's general mission and goals while recognizing and respecting the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of all students at Jacksonville State University.

The Office of Community Standards strives to ensure that the conduct process is procedurally sound, consistent, fair, transparent, and accessible to the community, providing a just result that holds students accountable for their behavior. The resolution procedures and sanctions are designed to address the behavior, repair any harm caused, prevent recurrence, and/or provide education and support to the student(s).

The mission of the Office of Community Standards and the Student Conduct System at Jacksonville State University is to transform potential incidents of misconduct into opportunities for education and student development. Our goal is that as students progress through the conduct process, they will emerge as better-educated students, more well-rounded members of the University’s community, and become more effective global citizens.

As the Jacksonville State University administration is currently structured, the university's Assistant Director for Community Standards is responsible for the implementation and application of this policy:

Paige Rochus
301 Angle Hall
(256) 782-8080
communitystandards@jsu.edu

The Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Student Organization Conduct are further outlined in the Jacksonville State University Handbook. A hard copy may be obtained from the Dean of Students office, 402 Theron Montgomery Building.

Sex-Based Harassment and Misconduct Policy

(Including Grievance Procedure)

Jacksonville State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment.

The Title IX Coordinator is the employee who oversees the university’s centralized review, investigation, and resolution of reports of sexual misconduct, sex-based discrimination, and/or sex-based harassment (including incidents of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence).

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to Jacksonville State University's Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, or both.

Gloria Floyd
Title IX Coordinator
319 Angle Hall
(256) 782-5769
titleix@jsu.edu

More information, including a complete copy of this policy and procedure, can be found at www.jsu.edu/titleix.

Alcohol and Other Drug Policies

Purpose

The purpose of the Jacksonville State University (JSU) Alcohol and Other Drug Policy is to promote student responsibility, respect for the community and self, and to establish a University community that is safe, healthy, and conducive to academic endeavors. While students must define their own values and make their own choices, the University expects all of its members to comply with both JSU Policy and federal, state, and local laws as they apply to alcohol and other drugs. Furthermore, the University recognizes the harmful effects of alcohol abuse, illicit and illegal drug use, and prohibited prescription drug practices such as pharma shopping, selling prescription drugs, or using prescription drugs other than as prescribed.

Outline of Policy Topics

The JSU Alcohol and Other Drug Policy will address the following topics:

  1. Jurisdiction of the University
  2. Alcohol Policy for Students
  3. Other Drugs Policy for Students
  4. Assistance for Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse
  5. Summary of Federal, State, and Local Alcohol and Other Drug Laws

Jurisdiction of the University

Jurisdiction of the University is generally considered to include student conduct which occurs on, near, or off University property and/or student conduct which has an adverse effect on the University, the members of the University community, or the fulfillment of the University’s mission. We expect all our students to uphold our policies and federal, state, and local laws anywhere they go as long as they are a student with JSU or have a relationship with the University.

Alcohol Policy for Students

Jacksonville State University has established the following policy in regards to alcohol use by students.

  1. Alcohol possession and consumption on campus is permitted only for students of legal age (21).
  2. It is unlawful and a violation of University Policy to use or possess identification that makes an individual appear older or misrepresents an individual as someone else.
  3. The consumption of alcohol stronger than 15% alcohol by volume or 30 proof is not permitted on campus except when served by a licensed and insured third-party vendor.
  4. It is prohibited to serve, provide, or knowingly allow alcohol to individuals under 21.
  5. It is prohibited to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or to pressure someone to consume alcohol.
  6. It is prohibited for minors to transport, possess, consume, or serve alcohol.
  7. Common source and “tap” systems are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, kegs, beer balls, punch bowls, and punch served out of a cooler or another unusual container.
  8. Drinking games and any activities that encourage rapid consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
  9. Consumption in student rooms should neither infringe on the rights of other students to study nor negate any normal activity.
  10. Persons may not transport or consume open containers of alcoholic beverages in public areas1.
  11. Full responsibility for compliance with policies and laws belongs to all students.

Drug Policy for Students

The following define the University’s policies regarding drug use.

  1. Jacksonville State University prohibits illegal drugs on University property and at University events.
  2. Students may not be in illegal possession of any controlled substance. Possession means that such substances are on one’s person, in one’s living environment, automobile, or known hiding location.
  3. Prescription drugs are permitted on campus if accompanied by an authentic medical prescription. The use and/or distribution of legal medication outside the parameters of the medical authorization is prohibited.
  4. Illegal drug paraphernalia, use, possession, sale, distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing are prohibited.

Assistance for Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse

The University offers an array of services for students who require help with alcohol and/or drug use issues. Students needing confidential assistance responding to alcohol and/or drug abuse problems are encouraged to speak with a counselor from:

Counseling Services
147 Trustee Circle
Telephone: (256) 782-5475

Besides individual sessions, Counseling Services provides educational programming through New Pathways, a psycho-educational program that includes both individual assessment and group participation, Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), and other recovery and support groups.

Another confidential resource is the JSU Student Health Center: (256) 782-5310.

Summary of Federal, State, and Local Alcohol/Other Drug Laws

The following is a brief summary of some of the laws JSU students must adhere to relating to alcohol and other drugs.

  1. Aiding Underage Possession/Consumption of Alcohol:  It is unlawful to aid a person under the age of 21 in obtaining alcohol, including falsely representing the person is not a minor.
  2. Unlawful Possession, Receipt, Manufacture, or Distribution of Controlled Substances (Including Marijuana):  It is unlawful to knowingly sell, manufacture, possess supplies to create controlled substances, deliver, bring into the state, receive, or be in possession of controlled substances. This includes illegally obtaining prescription drugs and marijuana. Trafficking to persons under 21, or on premises in which a person younger than 18 is present or resides, or in close proximity to a school or college results in significantly enhanced penalties, as does a drug offense that results in the death or bodily injury of a person.
  3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI):  It is illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The State of Alabama considers anyone with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher as under the influence and .02 or higher for someone under the age of 21.
  4. Improper Identification:  It is a criminal offense to use false identification to obtain alcohol.
  5. Minor in Possession:  In the State of Alabama, it is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to purchase, consume, or possess any alcoholic beverage of any kind.
  6. Open Beverage:  It is unlawful to have an open container of alcohol in public places on campus, including Dillon Field.
  7. Open House Party:  In the State of Alabama, it is illegal for a person in control of a residence to allow a party to continue if alcohol or controlled substances are possessed or consumed by persons under age 21 and the adult knows this and fails to take reasonable action to prevent it.
  8. Alabama Dram Shop Act:  Individuals who are injured by a person who received alcohol contrary to Alabama law have cause of action for civil damages against the person who provided the alcohol to the underage minor or caused the individual to become intoxicated or furnished a controlled substance to that person.
  9. Alabama Civil Damages Act:  A person may be liable for damages under civil law to a parent or guardian of a minor if that person unlawfully sells or furnished spirituous liquors to their minor child.
  10. Public Intoxication:  It is unlawful for a person to appear in a public place under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs to a degree that she/he endangers her/himself or another person or property, or by boisterous and offensive conduct annoys another person in her/his vicinity.

Violations of this Policy or Laws Outlined in this Policy

Violations of this policy or laws listed will certainly result in University disciplinary action which, if the student is found responsible, could result in any or all of the following (this list is not exhaustive):

  1. Required education or workshops
  2. Housing suspension
  3. Fines
  4. Loss of privileges
  5. Separation from the University; temporarily or permanently
  6. Probation or registration holds
  7. Community Service

Violations of the laws listed in this policy could lead to University or local law enforcement action, which could lead to any and/or all of the following:

  1. Court appearances
  2. Criminal history and background created or extended
  3. Fines
  4. Jail time
  5. Loss of privileges (license, etc.)
  6. Workshop or assessment requirements by law
  7. Further disciplinary charges from the University

For questions regarding this policy, please contact the Office of Community Standards & Title IX.