University of the Incarnate Word Student Handbook

Transcription

University of the Incarnate Word
Student Handbook
2009-2010
Campus Life Office
4301 Broadway, CPO #306
San Antonio, Texas 78209
210-829-6034
www.uiw.edu
1
UIW Profile
Date Established
1881
Colors
Red, Black, & White
President
Dr. Louis J. Agnese, Jr. (1986 to present)
School Song
Hymn to the Incarnate Word (1925)
The Marjorie Ann Jordan Carillon plays the hymn every afternoon at 3 pm
School Newspaper
The Logos
Student Radio Station
KUIW, web site: www.kuiw.org
Congregational Affiliation
Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word
2009-2010 7,000+
Days of Importance
Heritage Day
The founding of UIW is celebrated around October 12.
Incarnate Word Day
The Feast Day of the Annunciation is a celebration of the Congregation of the
Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, held around March 25.
Internet Address
http://www.uiw.edu
Intranet Address
http://intranet.uiwtx.edu
2
Table of Contents
Non-Discrimination Policy
Mission Statement
Hymn to the Incarnate Word
President's Welcome/ Dean's Welcome
Board of Trustees
Organization Chart
SGA Officers
CAB Officers/Peer Ministers
UIW Directory
Campus Life and Services
Academic Advising
Academic Testing Center
Alumni Relations
The Arts on Campus
Athletic Complex
Bookstore
Business Office
Campus Life Office
Campus Ministry
Campus Police
Career and Education Services
Counseling Center
Development Office
Dining Services
ELS Language Centers
Financial Assistance
First Year Engagement
Foundations, Corporate & Govt.
Relations
Health Services
Institutional Advancement
Instructional Technology Office
International Initiative
International Student & Scholar
Services
J.E. & L.E. Mabee Library
Leadership Activities
Learning Assistance Center: Testing
Learning Assistance Center:
Tutoring
McNair Scholars Program
Post Office
Quirk
Registrar
Residence Life
Student Center Services
Student Disability Services Office
Student Lockers
Student Publications
Student Success Program
Study Abroad Office
Technology Services
Academic Policies
Class Attendance
Class Absence for School Activities
Policy of Academic Integrity
Student Complaint Policy
Graduation
Probation and Suspension
Policy on Privacy of Student
Records
Schedule Changes
Transcripts
Withdrawal from the university
Community Policies
Posting Policy
Sales & Solicitation
Student Sales & Fundraising
Smoking Policy
Vendor Exhibitor Policy
Student Organizations
HIV/AIDS Policy
Anti-Harassment Policy
Abusive Affiliation Policy
Free Speech and Harassment Policy
Religion/Association Policy
Gambling Policy
Guest Speaker Policy
Responsible Use of University
Computing Resources
Appendix A
Complaint Forms
3
Appendix B
Student Code of Conduct
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Jurisdiction over Student Conduct
Section 3: Violations of Law
Section 4: Special Provisions
Section 5: Student Code of Conduct: The Policy
Section 6: Conduct Authority
Section 7: Interpretation and Revision
Section 8: Conduct Procedures
Section 9: Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990
Section 10: Alcohol and Drug Policy Overview
Section 11: Policy on Parental Notification
Section 12: Alcohol Policy
Section 13: Risks of Alcohol Use
Section 14: Illegal Drug Policy
Section 15: Health Risks and Drug Use
Section 16: Sexual Misconduct
Section 17: Confidentiality and Reporting Policy regarding Sexual Misconduct
Section 18: Involuntary Student Withdrawal
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4
Mission Statement of the University of the Incarnate Word
The first Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, three young French women motivated by the love of God
and their recognition of God’s presence in each person, came to San Antonio in 1869 to minister to the sick
and the poor. Their spirit of Christian service is perpetuated in the University of the Incarnate Word
primarily through teaching and scholarship. Inspired by Judeo-Christian values, the university aims to
educate men and women who will become concerned and enlightened citizens.
The university is committed to educational excellence in the context of faith in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate
Word of God. It promotes lifelong learning and fosters the development of the whole person. The faculty
and students support one another in the search for and the communication of truth. The university is open
to thoughtful innovation that serves ever more effectively the spiritual and material needs of people. The
curriculum offers students an integrated program of liberal arts and professional studies that includes a
global perspective and an emphasis on social justice and community service.
The University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic institution that welcomes to its community persons of
diverse backgrounds, in the belief that their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual
understanding, self-realization and the common good.
Hymn to the Incarnate Word
Sister Infant Jesus, CCVI
April 15, 1955
I.
Come join your prayerful voices
And sing in sweet accord,
A hymn of love and worship,
―Praised be the Incarnate Word!‖
Thus may we sing forever
At God’s eternal throne
This hymn of love triumphant,
―Praised be the Incarnate Word!‖
II.
Receive, Oh sweet Child Jesus
The love we offer thee.
Our hearts, our souls, our very lives,
May yours forever be.
Let ev’ry thought, word, action,
In fervent hearts be stirred
With zeal for thy great glory,
Oh great Incarnate Word.
III.
Oh, Jesus, Word Incarnate,
Accept our homage meet.
Our daily consecration
We lay at thy dear feet.
Our King and loving Lord.
Oh keep us loyal ever
To thee, great Incarnate Word.
5
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University of the Incarnate Word complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination
laws, and does not engage in prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, nationality or ethnic
origin, gender, age or disability in either employment or the provision of services. As a Catholic institution
of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of the
Incarnate Word is, however, exempt from compliance with some provisions of certain civil rights laws,
including some provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The University of the
Incarnate Word is exempt from the prohibition against religious discrimination of the Civil Rights Act of
1964. In accordance with 41 CFR Chapter 60, it shall not be a violation of the equal opportunity clause
required by Executive Order 11246 for the University of the Incarnate Word to establish a hiring preference
for applicants of the Catholic faith. The university reserves the right to exercise this hiring preference as
required to maintain its Catholic identity.
Incarnate Word students are responsible for knowing the information, policies, and procedures outlined in
this handbook.
6
President‟s Welcome
Dear Students:
Thank you for entrusting your education to the University of the Incarnate Word. You have our pledge
that we will do everything possible to ensure that you have a positive experience as a member of the
Incarnate Word Community
Ours is an institution that strives to provide students with a top-notch educational experience by
fostering excellence within a context of faith. You can be assured that when you graduate from
Incarnate Word, you will meet the world with a great education and a strong sense of mission.
The student handbook for 2009-2010 has been carefully prepared to assist not only you, but really all
of us in the UIW community in having a positive and productive school year. The publication opens
with a copy of the mission statement that identifies the core values that mark UIW as a unique
institution – Faith, Service, Innovation, Truth and Education. Please make time over the year to read
this statement and reflect on how these values are at work in your life.
The Handbook also contains the Student Code of Conduct. It provides the rules by which we expect
you, as students, to live and work together because we all require sound, ethical codes to guide our
interactions. Sadly, all of us have witnessed the chaos and pain that result when these systems fail.
Our Mission of human dignity and mutual respect calls for us to support one another and ensures that
at UIW, we will not fail.
Finally, the Handbook outlines the many outstanding academic and social opportunities that are
available for you at UIW. I urge you to get involved! The faculty, staff and administration will do
everything possible to make your time here at UIW meaningful and challenging. But you as an
individual really shape your own destiny, so I challenge you to develop your leadership potential by
taking advantage of the many opportunities open to you. You really can make a difference in the
community.
This is a special time to be alive, and it is a wonderful time to be a part of a thriving community such
as ours. Welcome to the University of the Incarnate Word. I wish you every success!
Sincerely,
Dr. Louis J. Agnese, Jr.
President
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Dean of Campus Life Welcome
Dear Students:
Welcome to the 2009 - 2010 academic year at the University of the Incarnate Word. As a UIW community
member, you are blessed to have the opportunity to embrace a unique mission and heritage that spans over
125 years. Our founding Congregation, The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, had the wonderful
foresight to gift us with a legacy centered on values that have endured the test of time.
I hope that this handbook will serve as your guide to UIW’s services and policies. Our offices welcome
you to explore and take advantage of the diverse services and resources available to both new and returning
students. I encourage you to find a cause you are passionate about and then commit yourself to excellence
and success by expanding your universe. Discover your potential by using every learning opportunity for
growth. Set personal goals and challenge yourself to exceed each one. Explore a new discipline, foster
new relationships, study abroad, serve your community, and join a student organization. Ultimately, the
breadth of your success is in your hands.
The entire UIW faculty, staff and administration are here to serve you. Please let us know how we can
assist you to make your experience fulfilling, memorable, and successful.
Sincerely,
Renée Moore, Ph.D.
Dean of Campus Life
8
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees (Back to TOC)
Louis J. Agnese
UIW President
Charles Amato
Chairman of the Board
James ―Fully‖ Clingman
David Cibrian
Gayle Benson
Mike Beucler
Dr. Annette Craven
Sr. Martha Estela Perez Curiel
Alan Dreeben
John Feik
Robert Ferguson
Sr. Marinela Flores
Cleotas Garza Jr.
Gary Henry
Denise Hernandez
Winell Herron
Betty Kelso
Sr. Mary C. Henry
Peggy Lewis
Charles Lutz
Sr. Walter Maher
Gloria Massey
Sr. Teresa Yolanda Maya
John Miller
William Moll
Sr. Anne Munley
John Peveto
Sr. Annette Pezold
Marky Pontius
Dick Schlosberg
Joseph A. Reyes
Sr. Teresa Stanley
Wendi Strong
Sr. Yolanda Tarango
Thomas A. Stephenson
Larry Walker
Emeriti Board of Trustees (Back to TOC)
9
Sam Barshop
Kathryn Cane
Charles Cheever
Sr. Helen Ann Collier
Barbara Condos
Berkley Dawson
Alan Dreeben
James D. Ellis
Sr. Rose Mary Forck (Dr.)
Sr. Maria Flores (Dr.)
Archbishop Patrick F. Flores
Sr. Eleanor Geever
Tena Gorman
Olga Hachar-La Vaude
Sr. Neomi Hayes
Sr. Rosita Hyland
Sr. Rosa Maria Icaza
Sr. Carol Ann Jokerst
Dr. Dennis Juren
Mr. Charles Kilpatrick
Mr. A.J. (Jack) Lewis
Sr. Margaret Mary Mannion
Ms. Dolores Mitchell
Mr. Lionel Sosa
Emily Thuss
Ms. Ruth Eilene Sullivan
Mr. Mark Watson
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (Back to TOC)
(210) 829-3833
NAME
TITLE
Denise Hernandez (Senior)
President
Gaby Canavati (Junior)
Vice President
Juan J. Acuna (Senior)
Treasurer
Christina Garcia (Junior)
Secretary
Taylor Rhoades (Junior)
Student Concerns/PR
Victor Salcido (Sophomore)
House Liaison
Erin Nichols (Junior)
Senate Liaison
Jacquelene Cortez (Sophomore)
Parliamentarian
10
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD OFFICERS (Back to TOC)
(210) 841-7376
www.uiw.edu/studentlife/cab.html
NAME
TITLE
Laura Sandoval
President
Arianna Ingle
1st VP of Adminstration
Caroline Garcia
VP of Communications
Sarah Tschoepe
VP of Entertainment
David Lalley
VP of External Affairs
Maggie Callaghan
VP of Spirit and Traditions
PEER MINISTERS (Back to TOC)
(210) 829-3128
NAME
Demetrius Smith
TITLE
Revelation/Inspiration Worship Service CoMinister
Audrey Embersics
Hospitality/Communications Co-Minister
Vanessa Tomlin
Jublilate Choir Co-Minister
Scott Whitley
The Fire Co-Minister
Michael Hernandez
Faith Formation Minister – Theology on Tap
Tara Alexander
Praise in Motion Co-Minister
Adrian Charles
Jubilate Choir Keyboardist
Carmen Arenas
Jublilate Choir Co-Minister
Taylor Schroll
The Fire Co-Minister
Valerie Riojas
Hospitality/Communications Co-Minister
Clarissa Cruz
Community Service Minister
Alejandro Flores
Retreat Co-Minister
Revelation/Inspiration Worship Service CoMinister
Praise in Motion Co-Minister
Laudate Choir Minister
Music Ministry Assistant
Faith Formation Minister – Bible Study
Social Justice Initiatives Minister
Evening Mass Liturgical Minister
Jennifer Masters
Chelsea Woodard
Elizabeth Lopez
Marsha Sanchez
Justin Burklow
Tara Velez
Adrian De La Rosa
11
Allyson Hochstein
Gabby Valdez
Jeff Moran
Mayra Vasquez
Zack Murray
Art Martinez
Marty Battafarano
Mara McDonald
Angel Hernandez
Morning Mass Liturgical Co-Minister
Morning Mass Liturgical Co-Minister
Inspiration Worship Service Minister
Liturgical Minister
Retreat Minister - Advisor
Graduate Assistant
Retreat Co-Minister - Music
Graduate Assistant
Retreat Co-Minister
12
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Dean of Campus Life
Renée Moore, Ph.D.
Judicial Educator
Office Coordinator/Secretary
Janine Chavez
Director of Health Services
Marveen Mahon, R.N.
Asst. Director
David Allwein, R.N.
Administrative Asst.
Terri Sosa
Dir. Student Center &
Angela M. Williams, Ph.D.
Asst. Director
Melissa A. Sayre, M.S.
Dir. Of Counseling
Dir. of Residence Life
Keith Tucker, Ed.D.
Diane Sanchez
Chaye S. Peña
Asst. Director
Bunnie Saathoff, LPC, LMFT
Asst. Director
Vacancy
3 Graduate Assistants
4 Counseling Interns
Coordinator of Operations
Vanessa Garza
Food Service
General Manager
Tony Allen
Residence Life Coordinator
Liz Cruz Valerio
Residence Life Coordinator
Julian M. Gonzalez
1 Graduate Assistant
14
15
Academic Structure
2009-2010
Provost
Dr. Denise Doyle
Provost/AVP
Dr. Denise Doyle
Dean H-E-B School of
Business & Administration
Dr. Shawn Daly
Dean School of Nursing &
Health Professions
Dr. Kathleen Light
Dean of the School of
Graduate Studies &
Research
Dr. Kevin Vichcales
Extended Academic
Programs
Asst. VP for A&SA
Dr. Robert Connelly
Faculty Senate
Dean School of Math. Scienec
& Engineering
Dr. Glenn James
Interim Dean of the College of
Humanities, Arts & S.S.
Dr.Robert Connelly
Dean of the Dreeben School of
Education
Dr. Denise Staudt
VP for Extended Academic
Programs
Dr. Cyndi Wilson-Porter
Interim Dean of Library
Services
Dr. Cheryl Anderson
Dean of the School of
Extended Studies
Mr. Vince Porter
Registrar
Dr. Bobbye Fry
Dean of University
Preparatory Programs
Dir. of Acad. Advising &
Student Support Services
Mr. Dan Ochoa
Mr. Moises Torrescano
Dean Schl. of Interactive Media
& Design
Dir. Learning Asst. Ctr.
Dr. Cheryl Anderson
Ms. Cristina Ariza
Dean Feik School of
Pharmacy | Pre-Pharmacy
Dr. Arcelia Johnson-Fannin
Dean of Campus Life
Dr. Renée Moore
Dir. Student Disability Svcs.
Dr. Rhonda Rapp
KEY:
_____
Supervisory
Advisory
Dir. of Ldrshp. Activities
Dr. Angela Williams
Dir. of Health Services
Ms. Marveen Mahon, R.N.
Director of Counseling
Dr. Keith Tucker
Judicial Educator
Dir. of Residence Life
Ms. Melissa Sayre
Ms. Diane E. Sanchez
16
UIW Directory (Back to TOC)
Topic
Contact
Phone #
Absences Notification
Academic Advising
Undeclared Majors
Declared Majors
Accidents
University Advising
University Advising
University Advising
Department Offices vary
Campus Police
805-5814
805-5814
805-5814
Accounts
Activities
Adding Courses
Admissions
Alcohol/Drug Info
Alumni Relations
Ambulance
Business Office
Campus Activities Board
Registrar
Admissions Office
Health Services
Alumni/Planned Giving
Health Services
Campus Police
Intercollegiate Athletics
Media Center
Business Office
Business Office
Bookstore
Student Center Desk
Campus Dining
Student Center Desk
Mission and Ministry
Career Services
Campus Dining
Registrar
Post Office (if moving off campus)
Human Resources (if employee)
Registrar
Campus Life
Instructional Technology
Help Desk
Student Center Desk
Counseling
Library
Counseling
Registrar
Hortencia’s Cafe
Java on the Hill
Marian Hall Cafeteria
Finnegan’s Coffee Shop
The Pharmacy Cafe
ICC Café
Switchboard
University Advising
Campus Life
Athletic Teams
Audiovisual Services
Automobile Registration
Billing of Accounts
Books for Sale
Bus Passes
Cafeteria
Campus Information
Campus Ministry
Career Counseling & Information
Catering
Change of Address
Chapel
Chaplain
Class Schedule
Community Service
Commuter Services
Computer Lab Reservations
Computer Questions
Conference Room
Cooperative Problem
Copy Machines
Counseling (Personal)
Course Registration
Dining Areas
Directory information
Disabilities
Disciplinary Matters
829-6030
829-6020
829-6043
841-7376
829-6006
829-6005
829-6017
829-6015
829-6017
829-6030
829-6050
829-3945
829-6043
829-6043
829-6056
841-7360
829-3820
841-7360
829-3128
829-3931
283-5011
829-6006
829-6008
829-3963
829-6019
283-5027
829-3131
829-6006
829-3128
829-6034
829-3920
829-2721
841-7360
829-3126
829-6010
829-3126
829-6006
829-6055
832-5315
829-3820
829-3089
883-1125
283-5011
829-6000
805-5813
829-6034
17
UIW Directory
Topic
Contact
Phone #
Discrimination Complaints
(race, gender, disability, age)
Dropping Courses
E-mail Problems
Emergencies
Campus Life
829-6034
Registrar
Administrative Computing
Campus Police
Employment Info
English as a Second Language
Enrollment Verification
Event Planning
Exchange Students
Final Exam Schedules
First-year Advising/Assistance
Fitness Facility
Fulbright Grants
Game room
Graduation
Graduate School
Health Services
Housing for Students
ID Cards
International Student
Assistance
International Study
Internships
Intramural Sports
Laptop questions
Laundry Rooms
Leadership Courses
Learning Assistance
Library Services
Loans to Students
Locker Assignments
Logos
Lost and Found
Career Services
International Language Institute
Registrar
Special Events
International Student Office
Registrar
Office of First Year Engagement
Wellness Center
International Academic Programs
Student Center Desk
Registrar
Graduate Studies
Health Services
Residence Life
Campus Life
829-6006
829-2721
829-6030
829-6020
829-3931
283-5077
829-6006
829-6045
805-5700
829-6006
829-6008
805-3006
805-5872
805-5806
841-7360
829-6006
829-3157
829-6017
829-6034
829-6034
805-5705
Mail
Math Skills
McNair Scholars
Mediation
Medical Problems
Meeting Rooms
Mental Health Services
Movie Tickets
Multimedia Support
Nursing Information
Orientation
Parking Day Passes
Parking Permits
Payment of Fees
Post Office
Learning Assistance Center
Campus Life
Health Services
Campus Life
Counseling
Student Center Desk
Nursing
Admissions
Campus Police
Business Office
Business Office
Career Services
Athletics
Residence Life
Campus Life
Campus Life
Logos Office
Campus Police
805-5709
829-3931
805-5873
829-2721
829-6034
829-6034
829-3870
829-6010
829-6008
829-6034
829-3964
829-6030
829-6020
829-3963
829-3870
829-2791
829-6034
829-6017
829-6034
829-3126
841-7360
829-6067
829-6029
829-6005
829-6030
829-6043
829-6043
18
UIW Directory
Topic
Contact
Phone #
Peer Educators
Quirk
Radio Station
Records, Student
Recording Special Events
Refund of Tuition
Registration and Reinstatement
Residence Halls
Resume Writing
Room and Roommate Questions
Schedule, Classes
Sexual Harassment
Shuttle Service
Smoking Policy
Snack Bar
Sports Information
Student Center
Student Escort Service
STARS
English Department
KUIW Office
Registrar
Business Office
Registrar
Residence Life
Career Services
Residence Life
Registrar
Campus Life
Campus Life
Campus Life
Hortencia’s Cafe
Athletics
Student Center Desk
Campus Police
Student Government
Student Events
Student Organizations
Student Success
Study Abroad Office
Study Skills
Swimming
Teacher Certification
Telephone Repair
Testing
Student Government Association
Campus Life
Student Success Program Office
International Student Services
Natatorium
School of Education
Placement & Proficiency
Box Office
Campus Police
805-3549
829-3166
805-5849
829-6006
829-3946
829-6043
829-6006
829-6034
829-3931
829-6034
829-6006
829-6034
218-5426
829-6034
829-6055
829-6050
841-7360
829-6030
829-6020
829-3833
841-7376
829-6034
805-5812
805-5709
829-3870
829-2798
829-3137
829-2721
829-3876
Theater Performances
Thefts
Time Management
Transcripts
Transfer Credit
Travel Reservations
Tutors
Vending Machines
Voice Mail Info
Volunteering
Withdrawal
from classes
from university
from housing
Work study
Registrar
Registrar
Alamo Travel Group
Student Center
Campus Ministry
829-3800
829-6030
829-6020
829-3870
829-6006
829-6006
805-5704
829-3870
841-7360
829-2721
829-3128
University Advising
University Advising
Residence Life
805-5814
805-5814
829-6034
829-6008
19
Campus Life and Services
Academic Advising
AD 105 (210) 805-5814 (Back to TOC)
The University Advising Center (UAC) provides support to all undergraduate students. Every student who
has declared a major is assigned a faculty advisor. All students are required to meet with their academic
advisor for approval of class schedules. Undeclared and part-time students are assigned to the UAC. This
office also coordinates scholastic probation, new student registration, student intervention notices, advisor
assignments, change of major/advisor, Admission to the Major and absence notifications. The UAC staff is
always available to give guidance, and assist students in regards to academic problems and/or concerns.
Phone: 829-3876 (Back to TOC)
Assessment testing is mandatory for all incoming freshmen and for transfer students without college credit
in English and math. The purpose of assessment testing is to place students in the appropriate English and
math courses. After testing, some students are required to complete academic literacy coursework before
enrolling in Critical Discourse and/or College Mathematics. Students with knowledge in various subjects
can earn college credit by successfully passing CLEP and DANTES exams. The Academic Testing Center
administers these and other national exams such as LSAT, MCAT and TSE.
Department of Alumni Relations
Established in 1903, the Alumni Association is the oldest on-campus organization. The Department of
Alumni Relations maintains records — educational, personal and professional data — for more than 20,000
university alumni. Alumni in San Antonio and around the U.S. and other countries meet throughout the
year for educational, cultural or social purposes. Major events during the year include an annual Memorial
Mass in November, Alumni and Parent Weekend, Homecoming and network Oportunites. The Department
of Alumni Relations presents new graduates with a gift at the Graduation Finale and officially welcomes
them into the Alumni Association. They also bestow the prestigious Alumni of Distinction Award upon
deserving alumna/us in December and May.
The Alumni Association also has a Board of Directors that has several committees that need volunteers to
help plan events, assist with the Phonathon and help the overall function of the alumni relations office.
Specialized networks have been created so alumni can hold events and stay in contact with other alumni in
their cities, including Dallas, Houston, Rio Grande, Corupus Christi and Austin. We are looking to expand
our networks to cities in other states across the country as well as internationally, where we have a large
concentration of alumni. Networks can also be formed based on hobbies, clubs/organizations or current
employment industries.
Upon graduation, be sure your contact information particularly your e-mail address is correct in the UIW
system by logging on to www.uiwalumni.org and keeping it current. Use your student ID number as your
―unique ID’ to gain access to the ―first time login‖ link located on the homepage. The site also allows you
to chat, make personal pages, create photo albums, update class notes, search for classmates and keeps you
connected to UIW. Staying connected to UIW is easier then ever before!
20
The Arts on Campus
Theatre Box Office: 829-3800 (Back to TOC)
The excellent UIW Fine and Performing Arts programs offer performances, recitals and exhibits on
campus. UIW’s ―corner of the arts‖ is housed in the southeast area of campus and includes the Fine Arts
Building, Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre complex, the Halligan-Ibbs Theatre Building, and the Fine Arts
Auditorium.
The Art Department’s Semmes Gallery in the Fine Arts Building offers exhibits by regional artists as well
as student exhibits. The Music Department’s Chorale, Madrigals, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and
Community Orchestra offer concerts throughout the year in Our Lady’s Chapel and Palestrina Hall. The
music department also presents a yearly faculty recital, student recitals, and engages professional
performing artists and guest lecturers for concerts, workshops, and presentations. The Theatre Arts
Department presents exciting world drama from the past and present in an award-winning annual series of
public performances held in the two theatres located within the Coates Theatre complex. The Theatre Arts
Department also hosts guest speakers and leaders of professional workshops from around the world.
Recent guests include Susan Hilferty, the costume designer for the Broadway musical Wicked, and Robyn
Payne, former head of the New Zealand national school of drama. The Dance area offers students the
opportunity to take dance classes in a wide array of styles.
Admission to most department sponsored art and music events are free. Theatre events are free to UIW
students, faculty and staff. The Theatre Arts department strongly encourages UIW community members to
make advance reservations by contacting the box office at 829-3800.
Athletic Complex
The athletic complex at the University of the Incarnate Word includes a variety of facilities designed to
meet the physical recreation needs of the entire Incarnate Word community. Included are the newly
constructed Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, Alice P. McDermott Academic Convocation Center, the Ann
Barshop Natatorium, Clarence Mabry Tennis Courts, the Sullivan baseball complex, three soccer fields, a
baseball and softball field and a four-hundred meter running track. A three-quarter mile jogging trail circles
the entire complex.
Use of Fields and Facilities
Individuals and groups desiring to use the athletic fields must get information on renting the facilities and
clearance from the Director of Athletics (829-2722) prior to use.
Wellness Center
Hours: Mon - Thurs 6a.m.-12a.m.
Friday 6a.m. - 9p.m.
Saturday 8a.m. - 6p.m.
Sunday 12p.m. - 9a.m.
The Wellness Center houses a weight room, an aerobics room, classrooms, three racquetball courts, a
Pilates/Yoga/Cycling room, a gymnasium and locker rooms for UIW students, faculty, administration and
staff members. Memberships for the greater community may be purchased at the front desk. A pool is also
available at the UIW Natatorium. Call 805-5872 for information.
Ann Barshop Natatorium
UIW’s Natatorium, is capable of hosting international and NCAA meets due to its unique construction.
Locker rooms and sunning decks await UIW students and community Wellness Center members. The
Department of Athletics main offices are located on the ground floor, along with locker rooms for men’s
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and women’s soccer and softball. The natatorium also houses a state-of-the-art training room facility for the
Athletic Training program.
Natatorium
Hours: Mon-Friday
5a.m. – 8p.m.
Saturday
8a.m. – 6p.m.
Sunday
12p.m. – 8p.m.
Clarence Mabry Tennis Courts
Eight tennis courts are available for use by students, faculty, administration and staff at specified hours.
Classes, athletic practices and matches have first priority. Rules are posted at the tennis courts. To reserve
the courts, contact the tennis coach John Newman or Devin Wilke at 283-5006.
Alice P. McDermott Academic Convocation Center
This multipurpose facility is popular with both the university and San Antonio communities. It is used by
UIW volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball teams, and the intramural and recreational sports
departments. Graduation, fairs, meetings and dinners are also held inside. Different civic organizations and
athletic groups also rent the Convocation Center. Anyone desiring more information should contact the
Director of Athletics.
Intramural Sports
Intramural sports include flag football, basketball, golf, softball, bowling, racquetball, volleyball and
whiffleball. A sign-up table for these activities is at the Activities Fair held once per semester.
Bookstore
The UIW Bookstore provides new and used textbooks for all courses each term, as well as supplies, general
reference and reading books, UIW imprinted clothing and gifts, tailgating supplies, computer software and
peripherals, greeting cards and much more. The Bookstore is open extended hours during back-to-school
week each full term and for special events throughout the year. It is closed for all major holidays. (Please
check the store’s web site at www.uiw.bkst.com for store hours.
Book Buyback
The Bookstore buys back books everyday. Students can receive up to one half of the purchase price for
books used for courses in the upcoming term. Textbooks, not being used in future terms are bought at an
assigned wholesale value. We do not buy back instructor’s copies or international editions. We do not
provide buyback information over the phone. The condition of the book can determine it’s value and prices
could change if we have fulfilled our need.
Bookstore Credit & Refund Policy
Student bookstore credit is granted through the Office of Financial Assistance. If a student’s financial aid
package exceeds the amount due to the university, credit can be issued to the student for use at the UIW
Bookstore. If the student’s financial aid package contains loans, proof of loan approval from the bank must
be presented before bookstore charges can be granted. Charges can be made within 30 days of the first day
of classes. Students requiring this service must contact the Business Office to make arrangements. Books
may be returned for a full refund up to 7 days from the first day of class. A receipt must be presented.
With a valid drop slip and a receipt, students may receive a full refund up to two weeks from the beginning
of classes for books in their original condition. Refunds on textbooks after this period are fully refundable
up to 2 business days after purchase, with valid receipt. Purchases made with a check have a 5 business
day waiting period.
Online Book Orders
You may order your textbooks online from the link on bannerweb or by going to www.uiw.bkstr.com. We
accept credit cards and bookstore credit on this web site. Please allow 2 business days for order processing.
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You may select instore pick-up or shipping and will receive an order confirmation when your order is
ready. Books shipped to an APO are sent USPS priority mail but may take up to 2 weeks to arrive.
Business Office
Payment Options
(For more information refer to our UIW Undergraduate Bulletin or UIW Graduate Bulletin):
Other than Financial Assistance and Work-Study programs, the university accepts cash, checks, and credit
cards for payment of tuition and fees.
Cash, *check and credit card payments for the payment of tuition and fees are accepted at the
Business Office, Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Payments
sent via mail should be forwarded to: UIW Business Office, 4301 Broadway CPO #291, San
Antonio, Texas 78209. All checks must include the student’s name, student ID number, and
specific term to insure proper credit to account.
*Drop Box located next to Rm. 190 in the Administration Building.
The following credit cards are accepted: Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover.
Credit card payments are accepted over the telephone at (210) 829-6043, choose Option #5 on our
telephone menu.
Secured Web payments for tuition and fees are accepted with your UIW PIN (personal
identification number). If you have already been issued a PIN #, you may use this same number to
gain access to this screen. For those students with no PIN number, contact the Registrar’s Office
at 829-6006. Log on to https://bannerweb,uiw.edu/prod/twbkwbis.PGenMenu?name=homepage
The university offers students a Tuition Payment Plan. The student can divide their charges into
installments. It is the responsibility of the student to enroll in a payment plan each semester.
Failure to remit these payments may result in withholding of credits, transcripts, and diplomas. In
addition a late payment fee will be assessed each month for not submitting tuition payments as
agreed. Students on a payment plan will not be exempt from the liability for those charges.
Enrolled into this plan includes an application fee.
To enroll in the deferred payment plan or if you need additional information, please come by the Business
Office or call (210) 829-6043.
Payment Policy
(For more information refer to our UIW Undergraduate Bulletin or UIW Graduate Bulletin):
1. Registration for an academic term is not complete until full payment for the current and/or prior
terms has been made, or until a student has entered into a payment plan with the University (sees
above for enrollment information). Payment arrangements must be finalized by the eighth
calendar day from the first class day of the semester. Students may have their registration
cancelled at that time if payment arrangements have not been completed.
2. All international students are required to pay the full semester’s tuition and fees upon
registering each semester. International students will not be allowed to enroll in a payment plan.
3. ALL FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
4. Students who have not met their total financial obligations to the unvieristy may not be permitted
to enroll for a subsequent academic term and current registration is subject to cancellation.
5. Withdrawal without proper notice entails failure in all courses for the semester and the student is
held liable for the full payment of tuition, fees and other charges.
6. Students must pay their financial obligation in full to the univeristy to have diplomas and
transcripts released. In addition, if payment is not made in full, students may be prohibited from
participating in the graduation ceremony.
7. The student agrees to assume liability for any debt incurred during his/her attendance at the
university. In the event of a delinquency or default, the student will pay all reasonable costs of
collection, including but not limited to attorney fees and necessary court costs.
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Returned Items/Insufficient Funds
When the bank for whatever reason returns a check, a nonrefundable returned check service charge is
assessed. The student is given ten days from the date of notice to make full payment by cash, money order,
or cashier’s check. Once the student has had returned checks, the university reserves the right not to accept
any personal checks from the students for future payments. Returned checks not paid will be submitted for
collections.
Account Statements and Disputes
The university will send each student a monthly account statement. The statement will serve as a full
accounting of the activity for the period. Each student must review the statement promptly and notify the
Business Office immediately by telephone or mail of any error or omissions in the statement. If any student
does not receive a statement within 30 days of the start of the semester, the student should notify the
Business Office promptly. Students have access to view their account statements online at:
https://bannerweb,uiwtx.edu/prod/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=homepage
Not receiving an account statement does not exempt a student from being charged late fees or cancellation
of registration. Students are responsible for providing the university with their most current address and
telephone number.
A student must report any disputed items to the Business Office within 60 days after the items appear on
the student’s statement. If the student fails to report a disputed item, he/she may not claim any liability on
the part of the university in connection with the university’s handling of the item(s) in dispute. Before the
university will consider making a refund or credit to the student because of claimed discrepancy, the
student must give the university a written statement containing any reasonable information the university
may require (i.e., name, student ID number, term and discrepancy).
Insurance
All full-time (Full-time constitutes 12+ hours for undergraduates, 9+ hours for graduates and doctoral
students) are required to participate in the student accident and sickness insurance plan. Only domestic
students are allowed to waive insurance when proof of existing personal coverage is presented and a
waiver is completed (Contact Business Office regarding waiver information). This plan protects students
24 hours a day, whether at home, school or while traveling. The insurance plan is also available for
dependents. This coverage is in effect during the interim vacation periods. Participation in intercollegiate
athletics is not covered. Brochures that describe the student health insurance cost and coverage details are
available in the Office of Health Services, Business Office or by logging on to:
http://www.uiw.edu/health/hinsurance.html. Insurance must be waived on or before the stated waiver
deadline posted in the Academic Calendar found in the University Course Schedule.
*Full-time doctoral status changes when student is in disseration writing phase and/or 3 + hours (Doctoral
students are not automatically charged in this status and must request and pay for insurance coverage after
enrollment).
Note: Insurance is automatically assessed against the majority of student’s account. The charges will not
be removed unless a waiver and proof of submission of a waiver to the insurance company is provided to
the Business office within the waiver deadline.
If charges do not appear on your student statement it reflects, no insurance premium has been
submitted on your behalf. Application and full payment for dependent coverage is due the day of
purchase. Eligibility of insurance is determined by insurance company.
Students currently enrolled in any university term(s) can purchase UIW students insurance for themselves
and *their dependents at anytime from the Business office during the academic school year.
*Individual student insurance must be purchased prior to availability for dependent coverage.
Parking Permits
All automobiles or motorcycles parked on campus must be registered with the Business Office. Since
parking decals are issued annually, and in the event that you are not parking your vehicle on campus for a
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respective term, you may be granted a parking waiver by returning the issued decal by the published
parking waiver deadline. Part-time and graduate students will be assessed a fee dependent upon the
number of semster hours they are taking any given semester. The fee will be based on a rate of $13 per
credit hour for part-time and graduate students. A lost or stolen permit can be replaced at the Business
Office. The fee for a replacement permit is the full-time charge for the respective semester. Failure to
exhibit a decal will be cause for ticketing. Incarnate Word High School and St. Anthony Catholic High
School decals are valid parking credentials at the university. Parking regulations will be strictly enforced.
Violators will be ticketed and charged. A repeat violation will result in the towing of the vehicle at the
owner’s expense. For questions about specific charges or refunds, contact the Business Office at (210)
829-6043.
How To Obtain a Parking Decal
The university is now offering electronic application for parking decals. Please Visit the Business Office
link at https://www.uiw.edu
*The following applies for individuals with a handicap placard:
3. Present your original letter issued by the state or your handicap placard (decal)
4. A valid driver‟s license
5. A copy of your vehicle registration
*These Students or Employees must still register the vehicle and pick up a UIW Disability Decal at the
Business Office.
For questions about specific charges or refunds, contact the Business Office at (210) 829-6043 or visit our
Business offive Web page by logging on to: http://www.uiw.edu and clicking onto the Business Office link.
Campus Life Office
Fax: 283-5023
The Office of Campus Life promotes the social, personal, spiritual and intellectual development of
students.
Students may enhance their total university experience through programs in student leadership and
activities, student government, student organizations, Residence Life, the Student Center, peer education
and food service. Participation in these various activities or living in one of UIW’s ten residence facilities
helps to make Incarnate Word a living, learning community.
Mediation Service
Mediation is a process that attempts to establish communication between people having disputes and assists
them in finding a mutually acceptable solution. The end result of a successful mediation is that there are
neither winners nor losers, but rather, generally satisfied individuals who have arrived at an agreement,
which resolves the dispute as they define it.
The University of the Incarnate Word offers a mediation program designed to assist all members of the
university community—faculty, staff, administrators and students—to resolve problems and disputes. For
more information, call Bunnie Saathoff in the Counseling Center, 829-3127.
Fax Service
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A fax service is available for students in the Campus Life Office. Fax charges are: $.50/page to
send/receive local
$.50/page to receive long distance
$1.00/page to send long distance
Identification Cards
Each enrolled student is provided with an official UIW Identification (ID) card to enable attendance at
university functions and use of university facilities and services. All entering freshmen and transfer
students obtain ID cards during orientation.
ID cards can be used to purchase food on campus, check out books from the library and gain entry into the
residence halls, Wellness Center, theater, athletic events and the media center.
The University ID card is nontransferable. Any alterations of the University ID card, false representation
in obtaining, and/or violation related to one’s use of the ID card may result in serious disciplinary action,
up to and including suspension from the university.
Students should immediately report any lost, misplaced or missing ID cards in person to the Campus Life
Office. The cost to replace a lost ID card is $10.00. Delay in reporting a lost ID card could result in such
things as food being purchased by another student and library books being checked out without proper
authorization. A university official may require students to present this card as evidence of student status at
UIW. Failure to present an ID could result in disciplinary action.
University Mission and Ministry
Mission Statement
Mission and Ministry celebrates the spirit of the UIW community and the presence of the holy amongst us.
While expressing a Catholic identity and the Incarnational spirituality of the founding sisters, we are
enriched by the religious tradition of each individual. Mission and Ministry seeks to empower this
community to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ by facilitating initiatives of service, peace and justice.
Mission and Ministry engages in university life through prayer, liturgy, outreach, faith development and
pastoral care. Student peer ministers are an integral part of this ministry and their growth in faith and
development of leadership skills is a core aspect of our ministry. Together, the professional staff and
student peer ministers seek to extend an invitation to all students to explore formative issues of faith, values
and purpose.
Personal and Spiritual Growth Opportunities
Our student Peer Ministry team plans and leads all our programs – providing for you many opportunities
for personal and spiritual growth. Some of those opportunities include: weekly gatherings, Theology on
Tap, Bible studies, peace and justice initiatives, community service and retreats. Students can become a
part of Mission and Ministry by simply attending events or by formally signing up with a team member.
Community Service
Mission and Ministry is a resource for community service opportunities. Mission and Ministry also
provides monthly opportunities that broaden a student’s educational experience. The Alternative Spring
Break Program provides experiential learning through service in our local and state communities as well as
international sites in Mexico and Europe.
Worship
A variety of styles—formal and informal, Catholic and Interdenominational—provide opportunities for
students to develop ministry and leadership skills and to participate fully in prayer on campus. You are
invited to be a part of our worship ministries- Liturgical Ministries for those who are Catholic (lectors,
Eucharistic Ministers, adult alter servers, and hospitality); Praise Team for our interdenominational worship
services and our Music Ministries which serves both our Catholic and interdenominational worship. There
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are also opportunities to prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
At least once each semester, student retreats offer an inviting environment for building a relationship with
self, God and others.
Campus Police
Phone: 829-6030 or 829-6030 (Back to TOC)
Committed to Excellence: Committed to Our Community
The University of the Incarnate Word Police Department is a professional police department staffed by
Licensed Texas Peace Officers. The police department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a
year to enforce the laws of Texas and regulations of the university.
The mission and duties of the campus police officer are similar to any other municipal police department,
including traffic control, routine patrol, crime investigation and responding to emergencies. In addition,
university police officers are responsible for securing buildings and grounds, enforcing the Texas Alcoholic
Beverage Code (underage drinking), the Education Code and the Health and Safety Code (controlled
substances and drugs).
As sworn peace officers, UIW police officers work closely with the San Antonio Police Department and
other law enforcement agencies regarding crime on campus. Currently the department is comprised of
nineteen police officers.
The University Police patrol all UIW property, parking lots, residence halls and facilities. In addition to the
university, the police have jurisdiction over St. Anthony Elementary School, St. Anthony Catholic High
School, St. Peters Prince of the Apostles Elementary, Incarnate Word High School, Feik School of
Pharmacy and the Chapel of the Incarnate Word. For the protection of all concerned, it is expected that
students and staff carry a University ID card at all times.
Visitor Parking
Whenever possible, it is the responsibility of the host student to notify University Police in advance of
visitors requiring temporary parking. The host student may then obtain the visitor-parking permit in
advance for the guest. All visitors after 11p.m. should be instructed in advance to use the Burr/Broadway
Street entrance to register their automobiles and produce a valid picture ID for entrance onto campus.
Appropriate signage clarifying this policy will be displayed at all campus entrances and exits.
Campus parking regulations are strictly enforced. It is the responsibility of the student to become familiar
with parking policies and the consequences of their violation. A copy of the policies and procedures as well
as sanctions for their violation is available at the University Police Office and Business Office.
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Call Boxes
To enhance access to security personnel, call boxes are placed in the following locations:
SACHS
Elevator in the main building
Dubuis Hall
Eastside door mounted on wall
IWHS
1st floor Madeline Hall between
Mt. Erin Hall
Entrance to swimming pool
Back entrance to Madeline Hall Dorms
281 Bridge
East side of bridge near ICC parking lot
Clement Hall
In the lobby next to front desk
Grossman International Conference Center
Westside entrance
Eastside entrance
ICC 2 McCombs Center
1st floor near handicap spaces
2nd floor outside of elevators
3rd floor outside of the elevators
Emergency phones in each elevator x4
Convocation Center
South exterior wall facing soccer/track field
Nursing Building
In the elevator
Wellness Center
Outside near roadway mounted on brick wall
Bonilla Science Hall
In the elevators
Fine Arts Building
Administration Building
Back door in the courtyard
In the elevator
Joyce Building
Emergency phone in elevator
Agnese/Sosa parking garage
1st floor between elevators
Emergency phones in elevators x 2
Avoca Elevator to ICC 2
Outside of Avoca E
Avoca E
1st floor
Avoca D
1st floor
Avoca C
1st floor
Avoca B
1st Floor
Avoca A
1st Floor
Math/Science/Engineering (AT&T Center)
In both elevators
Enrollment Center
In the elevator
By back entrance
Natatorium
In the elevator
By the pool
Career Education & Services
Career education: The most powerful part of your degree!
This office provides a centralized and comprehensive resource center to meet the employment needs of all
students, from freshmen to alumni. The staff offers a variety of programs to educate, develop and assist
students in successfully meeting the challenges of the ever-changing work environment. Students and
alumni develop effective job-seeking skills and techniques through programs addressing effective cover
letter writing, résumé development and interview skills training.
Career Counseling & Assessment
Job seekers have the opportunity for one-on-one career counseling by appointment.
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Presentations
Topics include: Résumé vs. CV, Professional Dress, Guide to Successful Interviewing, Professional
Etiquette, Effective Career Fair Preparation, Customer Count, Benefits of Internship, and others by request.
Job Fairs
Job fairs provide students and employers opportunities to explore internship and employment possibilities.
Students and alumni may obtain information for on and off-campus job fair activities. The UIW Job Fair is
held every March and the SACUCCA Job Fair is held November each year.
On-Campus Interviews
Students and alumni can interview for internships and professional employment with our On-Campus
Interview Program each fall and spring semester. Check the web site and Career Circuit for upcoming
schedules.
Résumé/CV/Cover Letter Review
Students may create an online account in Career Circuit, upload their résumé and cover letter. Students will
receive suggestions or revision if needed.
Job Postings in „Career Circuit‟
Career Circuit provides free access to online job postings for part-time, full-time, and internship
opportunities. Users have the ability to apply for these openings, learn about upcoming career-related
events and on-campus recruiting dates. Résumé posting is also available. „Career Circuit‟ is located at
http://www.uiw.edu/career/
VAULT Resource Library
There's a reason Fortune recently called Vault "The best place on the Web to prepare for a job search." Job
seekers, students and professionals have discovered that Vault is the Internet's ultimate destination for
insider career and education information. To access Vault go to http://www.uiw.edu/career/ and click on
Vault, then click on ―Get your Password Now!‖ you will receive an e-mail with the link and password.
You must have a UIW e-mail account. If you do not, please contact us at (210-)829-3931
Type Focus Careers
For those seeking clarification of majors and careers that would be a good fit, this online program can
provide answers and insights. Start at http://careers.typefocus.com – Click on the “New Users-Click to
Register” link. Complete the required information. After clicking on I Accept, record the information to
enter the program each time. Please contact the Office of Career Services at (210)-829-3931 for a
password.
Counseling Center
Personal counseling services are available to students of the University of the Incarnate Word on an
appointment basis. The ever-challenging demands of growth, change and the expanding horizons of
learning are at times stressful and often require an adjustment of attitudes and new coping skills. Two fulltime professional counselors and doctoral interns are present on a daily basis to assist you. Personal
counseling, couples issues, addiction, stress management and anxiety reduction are among the topics they
can address.
Development Office
The Development Office is responsible for conducting fundraising campaigns and special events to support
the University’s Annual Fund. The Annual Fund provides monetary support for academic divisions,
scholarships, library and computer resources, academic and student services, campus ministry and
counseling programs. Monies raised through the Annual Fund help make up the difference between
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student tuition (which covers approximately 70%) and the total cost of education at the University of the
Incarnate Word.
Students are encouraged to volunteer and help make phone calls to alumni during the annual Phoneathon,
which support the annual fund.
Dining Services
Sodexho is the food service contractor for the university. The director and staff are available to assist you
with your food service desires. If you have special dietary requirements, allow them to accommodate your
needs.
The University of the Incarnate Word offers six locations for food service. Marian Hall Café, located in
Marian Hall/Student Center, is the main dining facility and provides a variety of food options for one ―all
you care to eat‖ price: home-cooked entrees, salad bar and soup, pizza, the grill, and vegetarian entrees.
Hortencia‟s, located in the Administration Building, features Chick-fil-A, Freshens smoothies and yogurt,
grab-n-go salads and sandwiches, and convenience foods and snacks. Java on the Hill is located in the
McCombs Center on the 4th floor adjacent to the University Bookstore and offers pizzas, hot appetizers,
and daily specials. Enjoy your favorite Starbucks Coffee, freshly baked pastries, desserts, and gourmet
salads and sandwiches.
Finnegan‟s Coffee Shop, located just inside the lobby of the J. E. & L. E. Mabee Library, it is the perfect
place to stop in for a cup of your favorite Starbucks beverage, fresh sandwiches, salads, soup, fruit, and
baked goods.
The Café located in the Feik School of Pharmacy offers hot entrées, grab and go sandwiches, salads,
beverages, and snack items.
The Café located in the Grossman International Conference Center features different international
entrees each week.
Beverage and/or snack machines are available for your convenience in most buildings on campus.
Catering (283-5011) is available to all offices and organizations on campus. A special catering menu
features items designed for student tastes and student groups. Items are made to order and prepared for
pick-up by the customer.
ELS Language Centers
Phone 210-283-5077
Fax 210-829-2790 (Back to TOC)
ELS Language Centers provide pre and post-ESL testing and instruction for UIW international students. A
twelve-level program provides intensive (30 hours per week) and semi-intensive (20 hours per week)
courses of study. Each level of instruction lasts four weeks. In addition, ELS provides special group
programs and the ESL programs for Incarnate Word High School and St. Anthony Catholic High School.
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The primary purpose of financial aid is to provide resources to students who would otherwise be unable to
pursue a post-secondary education. The UIW Office of Financial Assistance (OFA) will meet the direct
costs or financial need of all eligible students until funds have been exhausted. All students are awarded on
a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to the availability of funds, academic performance and demonstrated
financial need.
The priority deadline is April 1. In order to receive the best possible financial aid package it is important
for students to meet this deadline. Current UIW students must have a complete file by the April 1 deadline.
A complete file includes the Student Aid Report or its electronic equivalent, a completed UIW Student
Information Form, plus verification documents if the student is selected to complete these forms.
The OFA is open to students on a walk-in basis during business hours. The OFA offers a resource center
for scholarship searches, electronic transmissions of FAFSA information and various lender and service
information. The OFA web page at www.uiw.edu/finaid includes information about applying for aid award
status and various forms to download.
General Eligibility Requirements
Students must:
* Be enrolled at least half time in a
degree-seeking program.
* Be making satisfactory academic progress.
* Not be in default on any federal and/or
state loan program.
* Not owe a refund on any federal and/or
state grant.
Types of Financial Assistance
Each program has its own set of eligibility
requirements.
Please check our web site for the specifics of
each one of these financial aid programs:
* Academic Scholarships
* Performance Scholarships
* Grants
* Federal Work-Study
* Student Loans
* Outside Scholarships
Student Responsibilities
* A student must report to the OFA any funds being received from outside resources. This includes
scholarships, grants, tuition assistance, employer reimbursements, military benefits, etc. The OFA is
required to include outside resources in your overall financial aid package.
Students must complete the loan process before the start of each semester to ensure that
tuition and fees will be covered.
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Go to www.uiw.edu/finaid for more
detailed information.
Disbursement of Financial Assistance
All grants and scholarships will be disbursed on the first day of class. Student loans will be disbursed by
the first day of class if the student completed the loan process in time. Loans processed late will be
disbursed within one day of receiving the roster from the lenders. All loans must be approved and
processed before the student will be issued bookstore credit. If the student has more financial assistance
than billed charges, bookstore credit can be placed on the student’s account two weeks prior to the semester
start date.
Living expense checks are issued to students if there is an excess of financial assistance over and above
their billed charges. Living expense checks will not be issued to the student until after the 100% refund
period has ended for each term of enrollment. The student must have an actual credit balance, which
means that all funds must be disbursed into the student’s account (no pending funds).
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First Year Engagement
We are a Title V funded program dedicated to promoting the success of first year students by enhancing
student engagement on campus. We are available to help students find answers to questions that will lead
to their academic success. First Year students learn to understand ―You Own Your Education‖, which
introduces self responsibility and an awareness of the path to success.
We assist first year students in obtaining:
Academic Success
Selection of Major
Study Skills
Time Management Skills
Campus Involvement
Campus Resources
A Peer Mentor
Foundation, Corporate & Government Relations
Phone: 829-2752 or 829-3948 (Back to TOC)
This office is responsible for cultivating donor relationships with corporations, philanthropic foundations
and federal government. It continually researches opportunities for funding from those sources, and
submits proposals and applications accordingly. The office assists faculty, staff and administrators in
developing and preparing funding proposals.
Health Services
At UIW, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their body, mind, and spirit and develop their
own personal wellness plan. Support is given for changes resulting in continued improvement and growth.
The Student Health Service assists students who are in need of basic medical service, health information
and health-related counseling.
Appointments
The Student Health Center is open Monday-Friday, 8a.m.-7p.m. No appointments necessary. It is located
on the ground level of the parking garage, with the entrance behind the Nursing Building.
A doctor is available on campus Tuesdays, 8:30-10:30a.m. and Wednesdays, 3-5p.m. on a walk-in basis.
Students’ medical records are confidential and maintained in the Student Health Center. For any health
services, please present your student I.D. When deemed necessary by the Health Center Staff, seriously ill
students are referred to an urgent care clinic, emergency room, or a hospital or clinic of their choice.
Health Insurance
All students enrolled for 12 or more semester hours are automatically billed for health insurance through
the University Health Insurance Plan. If a student has his/her own private insurance then an INSURANCE
WAIVER FORM must be submitted online to the Insurance Carrier prior to the 10 th class day. A link to
the waiver form is available at: www.sas-mn.com. International students are not permitted to waive the
University’s Health Insurance Plan.
The insurance plan protects students 24 hours a day while at home, at school or traveling and is in
effect during interim vacation periods. Coverage is available for dependents and family members.
For those who elect to purchase this additional benefit, contact the Insurance Carrier directly.
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Participation in intercollegiate athletics is not covered in the school‟s insurance plan for domestic
students. Detailed information on the coverage and cost is available from the Student Health Center.
Immunization
The University requires all full-time undergraduates who live in on-campus housing and all F-1
International Students to provide an immunization record upon enrollment. Required immunizations
include a Tetanus-Diptheria (Td), two Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and a Polio series if less than
18 years of age. The meningitis vaccine is highly recommended for resident students. International students
and those born outside of the United States are also required to have a Tuberculosis skin test (PPD),
available in Health Services for a nominal fee. The results of the skin test must be within one year of
starting at UIW. If the skin test is positive, then a negative chest X-ray within one year of admission is
required.
Transportation
The Student Health Center can help students arrange transportation to and from a doctor’s office or other
medical facility.
STARS Peer Educators
STARS stands for ―Students Teaching and Advocating for Responsible Self-growth‖ The University of the
Incarnate Word’s Health Services and Counseling Departments sponsors the STARS. Our group of peer
educators assists these departments with health and wellness programs throughout the year.
Institutional Advancement
The Division of Institutional Advancement coordinates and manages all fundraising activities among
faculty, staff, alumni, parents, students, friends, corporations, foundations, community and government
agencies and other organizations to provide support for university operations, capital projects and the
endowment.
The professional staff works closely with the University Development Board, a voluntary group of 50 men
and women of business who assist the University of the Incarnate Word with fundraising programs and
special events.
Institutional Advancement also provides direction for all campus-sponsored fundraising. Student
organizations, campus organizations and individual students desiring to raise funds for personal or group
projects and programs should contact the Vice President of IA or the Director of Development for advice
and assistance. Information will be provided about appropriate fundraising procedures and the initiative
will be assessed to determine if official university endorsement can be awarded.
Instructional Technology Office
In support of the UIW Mission, the Office of Instructional Technology provides students, faculty and staff
with the tools, training and resources needed to promote student engagement and success. We work to
enhance and improve teaching, learning, research, and administrative operations.
Among our many offerings for students is the Media Services Center, a place where students have
dedicated access to virtually all the technology they might want or need. The Media Services Center is
located on the ground floor of Mabee Library. The Center features a full complement of desktop, PC’s
Mac’s, a GoPrint pay/print station, high resolution scanners, large scale printing services, and color image
print services.
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At the Media Services Center you‟ll have access to the latest version of
Microsoft Office Suite
Adobe CS
Maya
SPSS
Food Processor
AutoCAD
Introduction to Algebra
And many other titles. For a complete list of services available at the Media Services Center, point your
browser to http://support.uiwtx.edu/MediaTraining/index.html
Please note that most services available through instructional Technology are free to university students,
but there are fees charged for some services.
At the Media Services Center (or on the Center’s web site) you can also sign up for classes that will help
you make better use of technology during your time at UIW. You’ll especially want to sign up for classes
that help you master Blackboard (our online course management system) Cardinal Mail (your university email account), and various offerings we present targeted at laptop and tablet computer users.
The Media Center is open seven days a week.
Monday - Thursday
8 a.m. -10p.m.
Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday
2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Contact the Instructional Technology Offices by calling 829-3945 or e-mailing mediacenter@uiwtx.edu.
International Initiatives
Phone 805-3015 or Fax 805-5701 (Back to TOC)
The purpose of the Office of International Initiatives is to serve the Mission of the University of the
Incarnate Word’s commitment to a global perspective in our efforts to recruit international students. As an
institution, we welcome international students of diverse backgrounds to our community in the belief that
their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization, and the
common good. We are committed to developing programs that offer international students an integrated
curriculum of liberal arts, professional studies, language training, and cultural experiences.
International Student & Scholar Services
Phone 805-5705 or Fax 805-3021 (Back to TOC)
This office is the first personal contact with UIW personnel for most international students. Its staff issues
the legal documents that enable international students to obtain visas to enter the United States. Once at
UIW, these students will find assistance in many areas, such as adjusting to life in an American university
setting, starting in their UIW academic experience, complying with university procedures and immigration
rules and regulations. An orientation program, required of all new international students, provides basic
information for the start of their academic career at this university. The students should maintain close
contact with the International Student & Scholar Services during their entire tenure at UIW, especially for
issues relating to their immigration status. The International Student & Scholar Services serve also as the
liaison for all exchange students attending UIW, supporting and assisting them in any way possible to make
their experience memorable.
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The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Library is an inviting, up-to-date facility with a rapidly growing resource
collection. It houses the latest in instructional and electronic technology, supporting resources in a variety
of formats to meet the expanding curricula and research programs of the university.
Current library information regarding regular and holiday hours are by telephone at 210/829-6010, posted
at the library entrance and on various campus and electronic bulletin boards, and on the library section of
the university web site at http://www.uiw.edu/library. Library guides, policies, information and
bibliographic publications are provided on the library’s web site.
A strong, well-balanced academic collection contains over 300,000 volumes/volume equivalents and over
23,000 unique journal titles in print, electronic or micro formats. Students may gain full access to over 100
databases and other online journal collections using the VPN (Virtual Private Network) client software or a
dial-up connection to the library gateway. The majority of electronic resources are protected by the U.S.
Copyright Laws. Therefore, access is limited to current users authenticated by the university’s server.
Materials not available at UIW can be obtained through a TexShare borrower’s card from participating
libraries throughout Texas and/or through Interlibrary Loan. TexShare borrower cards are issued at the
Reference Desk to users in good standing. These services are usually without charge to the user. Locations
for off-campus materials can be found through the WorldCat database. WorldCat is a union list of sixteen
million items –books, audiovisuals, journal titles and items in other formats- held in libraries in the U.S.
and in other parts of the world!
The Mabee Library offers many services and features for student use. Professional assistance with research
and use of library technology is available every day the library is open. Students are required to pass TILT
(Texas Information Literacy Tutorial) and may participate in an active program of Information Literacy
classes.
Included among the fundamental spaces to house materials and study spaces are the following areas:
Academic Resources
Audiovisual Services
This growing collection includes CD’s and CD-ROMs, DVD’s and DVD-ROMs, video and audio cassette
tapes, slides, educational and feature films for student and faculty. These non-print resources for checkout
are housed in Room 145 and on the south end of the Reference Room. Monitors with video and sound
playback equipment are in Room 105. Access to this room is controlled by a key, which students must
check out with their current ID at the Circulation Desk.
Information Literacy
Room 230 provides instructional space to learn more about library research, to avoid plagiarism, identify
appropriate electronic resources on a subject, to formulate a search strategy and to retrieve pertinent
electronic data.
Periodicals
All print periodicals, both current issues and retrospective issues in bound or microfilm/fiche formats are
housed on the second floor of the stacks. Most periodicals are now online and accessible by current
students from any PC following the proper log-on protocol.
Room 138
The south end of the first floor houses Texana (books about Texas or by Texas authors), Fiction, the
McNaughton Collection of popular titles, and current books for student browsing and check out.
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Reference Desk
This desk at the center of the first floor is staffed to provide information about library resources and
services or offer assistance on doing subject research.
Reference Room
Room 143 contains the scholarly encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks and other publications to support
academic research for all areas of the curriculum. This also includes an extensive bibliography section in
addition to many general and specialized reference sources and the Vertical File collection.
Services
Circulation Desk
Centrally located at the first floor entrance, this is the place to borrow and return materials, check out
conference or group study room keys, encode/add value to student IDs for use as copy cards in the Library
and Media copiers/printers, to resolve overdue material issues, and to obtain change.
Photocopy Room
Room 135, between the Reference Desk and the Texana/Fiction Collections, contains photocopiers and a
work counter. Additional photocopiers are available on the second floor and east wing of the first floor
stacks.
Coffee Shop
Finnegan’s in Room 126, off the first floor entrance atrium, is a food services area for light refreshments
and casual reading in the library building.
Student ID Cards
The student ID card must be used each time materials are borrowed from the Library. Only the person
pictured on the ID—and in good standing with the Library—is eligible for borrowing materials. Only in
rare and exceptional, special circumstances will Proxy borrowing privileges be considered. To print
documents from the Internet or make copies, the Library staff is always available to assist with the process,
and to demonstrate the use of an ID as a debit card for printing. Printer or Photocopy credit does not have
an expiration date, and automatically continues into the following semesters. However, a user cannot cash
in the remaining balance on a copy card. Credit is given only for misprints due to equipment malfunction.
Service Areas
Computer Access Room
Room 110 is adjacent to the Reference Desk and houses multiple computer workstations for researchers
accessing the library online catalog, CD-ROM databases, Internet, and such subject specific subscription
indexes as ABI/Inform, Lexis-Nexis, Medline, MLA and many others.
Computer Labs
UIW students with proper ID may use computers with word processing and special applications software in
Room G32. This area, managed by the Office of Technology Training, is located in the library basement
and is entered from the south side of the library building. A Computer Assistance Desk and service center
is located near the lab computers. Additional computers, special applications software and writing rooms
for doctoral students are provided in Library 103, 105 and 223. Internet access is provided on all three
floors of the library building.
Media Services
G32 also houses the service desk for the media center where arrangements may be made to borrow A/V
equipment and schedule technology training as well as faculty production services.
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Study Spaces
Carrels
Study seating for undergraduate, graduate students and faculty are located on all three floors of the
building.
Conference or Group Study Rooms
Keys to group study rooms of various sizes may be checked out at the Circulation Desk for use by groups
of two to 12 UIW students. Additional multimedia spaces equipped for electronic instruction using
computer and satellite downlinks include the Auditorium (Room 114) off the atrium, which seats up to 125
for presentations, and the A/V Seminar Room (Room 144) at the west end of the Reference Room is also
equipped for video teleconferencing for small and medium sized classroom groups.
The library staff is committed to helping students attain their educational goals utilizing all available
resources. All students are invited and encouraged to stop at the Reference Desk to ask for assistance in
identifying and locating needed resources; to obtain professional assistance on research and library
technology. The library staff is the most important resource we have to help students find needed materials
and cordially welcomes inquiries in person and by telephone.
Fax: 283-5023
The purpose of Leadership Activities is to provide students with opportunities and direction to develop
knowledge and skills necessary for leadership. Students develop and practice leadership, team building and
group problem-solving skills through participation in the student organizations, Greek life, leadership
training and seminars. Students can also develop relationships that increase the value of the university
experience. This is your university. It is you, the students, who give your university its unique character
and identity. This personality is reflected in the many student groups and activities found on campus. Get
involved and join an organization!
Emerging Leaders
If you are a freshman or transfer student with less than 32 hours and are interested in developing your own
leadership skills, consider participating in the Emerging Leaders class for elective credit offered each fall
semester. A variety of leadership topics are discussed in an interactive class environment that includes
teamwork, communication and a learning retreat. For more information regarding Emerging Leaders or
other ways to become involved in campus life, visit the Office of Leadership Activities in the Student
Center, or the Emerging Leadership web site: http://www.uiw.edu/studentlife/emergingleaders.html.
Student Government Association
SGA serves as the official representative of the views, needs and interests of the student body in relation to
the faculty, staff, administration and general public. The right of the student body to self-goven, approved
by the administration, is expressed through SGA. General assemblies are open to all, unless otherwise
specified in advance. The president of SGA is traditionally nominated to serve as a voting member of the
Board of Trustees. The SGA advisor is the Director of the Student Center & Leadership Activities.
In the spring semester of each year, the student body elects the Student Government Association executive
officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Student Concerns Representative). The
Parliamentarian/Historian, House of Representatives Liaison, and Senate Liaison are appointed. Senators
are elected to represent each class (freshman, sophomore, junior and senior), resident, commuter,
international, graduate, athletic and at-large students in the fall semester of each year. In addition, each of
the academic schools/colleges nominates a senator.
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Students interested in running for office or volunteering their talents to help with committees or activities
should contact the SGA Office at 210-829-3833, or email them at sga@uiwtx.edu.
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) functions to meet the university community’s need for on-campus
programming. Programming includes a variety of co-curricular opportunities such as cultural and
educational events, musical performances, exhibits, films, and novelty acts. In support of the university
Mission, the programs and activities are designed to be culturally diverse, educational, enlightening and
entertaining.
The Council is composed of six student executive officers. The Assistant Director of Leadership Activities
serves as the advisor to the council. The CAB office phone number is 210-841-7376.
Greek Life
UIW has eight social Greek-letter organizations: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Sigma Tau, and Delta Beta
Chi, Delta Zi Nu, sororities, and Lambda Upsilon Lamda, Kappa Sigma, Chi Phi and Lambda Chi Alpha
fraternities. Students can also join two multicultural sororities, Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha
Greek organizations participate in community service, mixers with other Greek organizations, formals,
Greek Week, and the Greek Awards program held at the end of the spring semester.
A student with at least 12 college credit hours and a 2.0 GPA is eligible to join a Greek organization.
Recruitment/Rush is held in the fall and spring semesters. The Multicultural Greek Alliance establishes
communication between the students of UIW and national multicultural Greek organizations. Students who
have joined Greek organizations at other institutions should join MGA to continue their collegiate
experience. The Greek Life Coordinator serves as the advisor to Greek Life and the All Greek Council. The
Greek Life Coordinator phone number is 210-829-3818.
All Greek Council
The purpose of the All Greek Council is to create and maintain high standards in the life of fraternities and
sororities by addressing, coordinating and developing strategic action plans; to unify organizations,
promote higher education, provide community service, enhance leadership and serve as a liaison between
the All Greek Council, the university student body and administration thereby improving the campus
climate.
Learning Assistance Center: Testing
The Learning Assistance Center administers a variety of exams that are scheduled several times per week
throughout the year and once every month on a Saturday:
For incoming freshman and transfer students we administer the math placement challenge.
Students may opt to take the math challenge to attempt to test out of MATH 0318 and/or MATH
0319.
Students interested in obtaining credit by examination, saving money on tuition, and advancing to
higher level courses may take CLEP and DSST exams.
By taking the computer competency test, students can obtain credit or may waive the requirement
for the Computer Literacy course.
Every semester, we administer many professors’ make-up exams. It is the responsibility of the
student to make an appointment.
Additionally, we administer the Nelson-Denny reading test to Education majors and the McNair
Scholars.
We administer Internet Based Testing (IBT) such as the HESI admissions test for applicants to the
Nursing School.
We also administer exams for students needing accommodations under the Americans with
Disabilities Act. To determine eligibility, students should contact the Office of Student Disability
Services.
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Those interested in taking a test in LAC need to make an appointment. For more information visit the LAC
web site at: www.edu/lac or call 210.829.3876
Learning Assistance Center: Tutoring
The Learning Assistance Center assists students in their quest for success. For those seeking to improve
their academic performance, the LAC tutors can help in a competent, friendly, and professional manner.
Tutors also assist with note taking, time management, and study skills. One-hour sessions for individuals
or groups are available.
Students can work with experienced writers to improve papers throughout the writing process.
International students seeking to practice their English language skills outside a classroom
environment are invited to Conversation Hour.
Students enrolled in Spanish courses may practice with native speakers.
For number related courses, students can get extra practice with current course material or solidify
previous material.
Through the P.A.S.S. (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) Program, students can attend weekly review
sessions with leaders who meet regularly with course professors to stay current in subject
knowledge.
LAC tutors are recommended by three faculty members and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. For more
information visit our web site: www.uiw.edu/lac or call 210.829-3870.
The McNair Scholars Program prepares undergraduate students who are low-income and first-generation in
college or from underrepresented groups (i.e., Hispanic, African American, Native American, and Pacific
Islander- Native Hawaiian, Samoan, or Guamanian) for doctoral programs. The program provides students
with preparation for graduate enterance exams; assistance in applying for graduate school; academic, career
and personal counseling; and exposure to professional role models.
The McNair Program emphasizes careers in research and college level teaching; therefore, program
activities include an intensive research internship with a faculty mentor, professional development
seminars, and participation in professional or research conferences. Students must complete a research
internship during the summer portion of the program. The internship requires a 320-hour commitment, and
students receive training in research methodology, funding for research materials and a $2,800 research
stipend upon completion of the requirements.
Eligibility, applications and detailed information for the McNair opportunity are available at the McNair
Scholars Programs Office, Room 120 in the Administration Building and online www.uiw.edu/mcnair/.
The McNair Scholars Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
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Post Office
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturdays, Sundays and School Holidays
The Post Office is located on the ground floor of the Administration Building and provides mail box
service for resident students, faculty and administration. In addition, the Post Office offers the same
window service as any United States Postal Facility. Services include selling stamps, shipping packages
(eg. UPSP, UPS, FedEx) and renting mailboxes. Questions regarding mailbox assignments should be
directed to the postal manager.
Students are advised that mail being received at UIW Post Office must have their names indentified on the
mail since the mail is sorted by Student Name and not Box Number.
Mail to be addressed as Follows:
Name: Do not use nicknames (Use the name you registered with)
CPO
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX. 78209
Students please remember when picking up your mail or packages you are required to have your mail key
and Student ID. You can replace a lost mailbox key for $25.00 through the Post Office. Also please keep in
mind that you are required to return your mailbox key to the Post Office at the end of each school year.
Quirk
Quirk is UIW’s student-produced literary journal. Published every spring by the members of Editing and
Publishing (ENGL 3365), Quirk contains poetry, short stories and artwork, including photographs,
drawings and computer-generated images. The editors primarily solicit manuscripts from the UIW student
community. Students may send submissions of creative writing or artwork to quirk@uiwtx.edu. The
resulting book is available for purchase by members of the university community and the community at
large.
Registrar‟s Office
The Registrar’s Office is responsible for enforcement of the academic catalog, maintaining student
enrollment and academic credits, and certifying eligibility to graduates. Additionally, the Registrar’s staff
certifies students for athletic eligibility and veteran’s benefits.
Residence Life
Fax: 283-5023
Campus Housing
Students seeking campus housing should submit a housing application and an accompanying $225 housing
deposit. The Business Office will be notified to release the deposit to the student account when the student
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makes a proper checkout from the residence halls. To prevent the need to make a deposit for each new
semester, the deposit may remain on their account with the Business Office as long as they are a resident in
the residence halls. Residents are responsible for any costs associated with damages that occur in their
residence (to include bedrooms and shared living spaces). A $500 cancellation fee and loss of deposit will
be assessed if a resident breaks his/her housing contract during the contract period.
Students are provided the following options for campus housing:
Avoca Apartments: 2 residents per bedroom/4 residents per apartment
Agnese/Sosa Living Learning Center: 2 residents per bedroom/4-6 residents per apartment
Colbert Hall: 1-4 residents per bedroom/community bathrooms & showers
Clement Hall: 2 residents per bedroom/suite-style bathroom
Dubuis Hall: 1-2 residents per bedroom/ suite-style bathroom
Hillside Hall: 1-2 residents per bedroom/private bathroom
Joeris Hall: 1 or 3 residents per bedroom/ suite-style or private bathroom
(respectively)
McCombs Hall: 1-2 residents per bedroom/4-7 residents per apartment
Marian Hall: 2 residents per bedroom/ Suite-style bathroom
St. Joseph‟s Hall: 1 resident per bedroom/Suite-style bathroom with community shower
Local phone, basic cable & wireless internet service are included. All resident students are required to
purchase a meal plan each semester, including summer sessions. Meal plan options will vary by building
assignment. The meal plan consists of board meals and dining dollars. Dining dollars will roll over
from fall to spring if there is a balance, but remaining balances are forfeited after the spring semester.
Board meals will not roll over if a meal balance exists. Food service is provided at six facilities on campus,
which include the Marian Hall Café, Hortencia's, Finnegan's, Java on the Hill, the Pharmacy Café and the
International Conference Center Café.
Any accepted or admitted student may request an application at any time by contacting the Residence Life
Office. Room assignments are made based on application and deposit dates, and in a nondiscriminatory
manner without regard to race, creed or national origin. Whenever possible, mutual requests for roommate
preference or stated room requests are honored; however, the university maintains the right to make room
assignments. Due to the increased demand for on-campus housing, please visit the UIW residence life
web-site at www.uiw.edu/housing for deadline dates.
The residence hall agreement is binding for the entire academic year (fall and spring) or for any remaining
portion of the contract if it is signed after the beginning of the fall or spring semester. Cancellation requests
for housing deposits must be received in writing.
The Office of Residence Life employs Resident Assistants (RAs) who are student staff members living in
each residence hall. RAs are student staff members who act as a resource and build community in the hall.
Guidelines for Community Living in the Residence Halls, a publication that can be found on the UIW
Residence Life Web site, outlines expected conduct and provides information about the residence facilities.
Between semesters, Break Housing is provided in all university housing for an additional charge.
For more information about Residence Life please see the web site. www.uiw.edu/housing
Student Center Services
The Student Center, located in Marian Hall, serves as a gathering place for students and the focal point for
programs, activities and socialization. It is the place where students come together to meet friends, study
and just relax. It is equipped with a karaoke machine, two big screen televisions, and a game room where
students can play pool and ping-pong.
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The Student Center information desk serves as the source for general campus information. Through the
information desk, students can reserve Student Center facilities and game room equipment. Discount movie
tickets, VIA bus passes, and limited school supplies are available for purchase. During semesters, the
Student Center is open Monday through Friday from 9a.m. -12a.m. and weekends from 12p.m. -10p.m.
TRIO - Student Success Program
Phone: 210-805-5812 (Back to TOC)
Fax: 210-805-5895
The TRiO Student Success Program is a federally funded retention and graduation program for students
who are either first generation college students, Pell-Grant eligible students and/or students with a
diagnosed and documented disability. Applications and detailed program information are both available in
the Student Success Program office in room 225 of the Administration Building.
Student Disability Services Office
The University of the Incarnate Word ensures accessibilitry to its program, services and activities for
qualified individuals with documentated disabilities. This is accomplished through a variety of
accommodations and services tailored to meet each individual’s need and strengths.
To Qualify for Services: Students must provide the Student Disability Services Office with appropriate
documentation of the disability at the time services and /or accommodations are requested.
For more information or to set up services through the Disability Office, contact the Student Disability
Services Office in the Administration Building- Room 105.
Student Lockers
Long-term lockers for commuter students are located on the ground floor of the Administration Building.
Students may reserve a locker by going to the Campus Life Office in Marian Hall with the number and
location of the locker they would like to reserve for the semester.
Students must renew lockers by the last day of each semester. Failure to do so will make the locker
available for issuance to someone else. Locks from those lockers will be cut off the day before the
following semester begins. The university does not assume responsibility for items left in the lockers or the
locks that are destroyed.
Student Publications
The LOGOS
Fax: 283-8005
The Logos is the official student newspaper for the University of the Incarnate Word. It is published
several times each semester. The award-winning Logos is produced and edited by a mostly volunteer
student staff, work-studies and students enrolled in the Publications Practicum class. It reports campus
news, sports and special events. It also provides a medium for expression of student thought through
articles and editorials. Students wishing to contribute story ideas, articles, graphic art and/or photography
are always welcome.
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Study Abroad Office
Phone 805-5709 (Back to TOC)
Fax 805-5701
This office provides assistance to students and faculty who wish to participate in an exchange program with
one of our international sister schools. Students who choose to study abroad in other types of programs will
find help and support from this office as well. The office has a library of related materials and information
on study abroad issues and maintains its own Web site at www.uiw.edu/studyabroad. The staff encourages
all interested students to make an appointment to discuss the variety of options available for foreign study.
Technology Services
Help Desk: 829-2721 (Back to TOC)
Multimedia Specialist: 829-3945
Media Services: 829-3920
Technology at UIW – What you need to know
Overview
At the University of the Incarnate Word we’re proud of the services we offer students to help them in their
success at the university. Here’s a summary of the most important of those services, but remember – if you
have a technology concern or question that isn’t answered here, just ask us, and we’ll do our best to help
you. Here are some key points of contact that may help you:
Chief Information Officer: 829-3866, or jparlett@uiwtx.edu. UIW Administration Building
Technology Support Services (Help Desk and general technology information):
helpdesk@uiwtx.edu. UIW Administration Building
829-2721 or
Instructional Technology Services (Media Center): 829-3945 or mediacenter@uiwtx.edu. Ground
floor, Mabee Library
The UIW Network
UIW is a fully networked campus. That means that all buildings at the university are wired for Internet
access, including dorm rooms. Just as importantly, UIW is a fully wireless campus, which means that
Internet access is available virtually anywhere on the campus that a student might want to go, including
dorm rooms, Marian Hall, the Mabee Library, and shady spots under trees throughout the main campus!
No matter where a student wants to go, the Internet and all its resources are available through a laptop or
tablet computer properly equipped with a wireless network card and authenticated for UIW network access
through our Help Desk, which is located on the Ground Floor of the Administration Building.
The main UIW network is managed by the university’s Technology Department. If you have any problems
accessing this network (and the Internet) contact the Help Desk at 829-2721.
UIW operates a second network for its dormitory residents. This network – called ResNet – is maintained
for UIW by Apogee Telecommunications. Students living in UIW dormitories receive both wired and
wireless network/Internet access from Apogee. Basic connectivity, which is more than enough for most
students, is free to dormitory residents. Premium connectivity, which provides ―power users‖ with
increased bandwidth, is available for an additional charge directly from Apogee. Check flyers posted in
the dormitory common areas or come by the Help Desk for more information about ResNet.
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Computers
At UIW we’re proud of our long history of progressive thinking where student and faculty technology use
is concerned. We are among the first fully wired and wireless campuses in the nation.
We expect students to have and use mobile technologies to help them study and learn. Students may either
fulfill this expectation by purchasing a laptop or tablet computer and bringing it with them when they arrive
on campus, or they may take advantage of our exclusive partnership with Dell to purchase a UIWsupported laptop or tablet computer that comes equipped with everything a student needs to be successful
at the university. Details about purchasing a Dell computer from the university can be found on the UIW
technology web site. Point your browser to:
http://support.uiwtx.edu/Getstarted.Laptop.html
If you have purchased a computer from UIW, you’ll find that the Technology Help Desk is a one-stop shop
for service for your computer. We’re an authorized Dell Service Center, so we can help you fix any
problems you encounter with Dells purchased through the university. We also provide service for Gateway
and IBM laptops previously purchased by students under our historical agreements with those companies.
Please note that, because of their age, IBM laptops may be ―out‖ for up to two weeks while they are
serviced and replacement parts are procured. Lines at the Help Desk are usually short, and turnaround
times for repair or warranty work are usually 2 days or less (often much less, as many problems students
encounter can be easily resolved by one of our professionals).
If you have chosen to bring your own laptop to UIW, the Help Desk staff will be able to assist you in
resolving network/Internet access issues. For other problems, you’ll need to contact the service network
that supports your system. The Help Desk is open Monday through Friday from 7a. m. to 7p.m. Monday
through Thursday. On Fridays we’re open from 7a.m. to 5p.m. in the evening. The Help Desk is located on
the ground floor of the Administration Building. Contact them by phone at 829-2721 or by e-mail at
helpdesk@uiwtx.edu.
Managing your University Information
All student information is managed using an enterprise-wide system called Banner. The self-service or
Bannerweb site provides a secure and convenient method for viewing and/or updating information
regarding your accounts, registration, grades, and personal contact information.
First, point your browser to:
http://www.uiwtx.edu/downmsg/homepage.htm
Click on one of the links to the left to access the Secure Area. To do this, you’ll need a UserID and a
Personal Identification Number, or PIN, which is assigned to you by the university. If you have not
received your ID and PIN, follow the directions on the Secure Area homepage or contact the Registrar’s
Office at 829-6006.
Upon first entry into the secure area of Bannerweb, you will be prompted to change your PIN to a password
of your choice. You cannot go beyond the login screen without resetting your PIN. You will be prompted
to verify your PIN after the initial entry. To verify your PIN, re-enter your new PIN at the prompt. Be sure
to create a PIN hint question and answer, in case you forget your password and need it reset to the default.
After three attempts of entering the wrong PIN, your PIN will become inactive and will no longer work.
You must then contact the Registrar's Office at 829-6006 to have your PIN reset.
Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 829-2721 or e-mail helpdesk@uiwtx.edu
Keeping in Touch
All UIW students are issued a university e-mail address. This address is important, because it’s the
electronic address to which official university correspondence is sent. We use Outlook Web Access as our
client for student e-mail, so you get all the benefits of Microsoft Outlook (calendar, contacts, inbox,
task/assignment lists, and notes) while being able to send and receive mail from any web-enabled
computer, anywhere in the world.
44
Incoming freshmen are sent a letter after they have registered for classes to advise them of their e-mail
addresses and how to use those addresses. If you never received your letter or have lost your username and
password, contact the Help Desk for assistance in recovering your username and password.
Remember: protecting your password is important. Don‟t give out your password to anyone!
Don‟t Forget
At the university we govern ourselves and our actions on the Internet through the use of several acceptable
use policies. We’ve summarized the ―do’s and don’t’s‖ of these policies elsewhere in this Handbook. You
can view the full text of these policies at:
http://support.uiwtx.edu/Homepage/TechPolicies.html
In all cases, remember you are part of the UIW community, and these rules/recommendations have been
written to protect the rights and ensure the responsibilities of all members of our community, including
you!
Return to Table of Contents
45
Academic Policies
Class Attendance (Back to TOC)
Students are required to attend class regularly and be punctual. Attendance policies for individual classes
are set by the instructor and written into the course syllabus. Responsibility for attendance is placed
primarily on the student. Students with a poor record of attendance may be given a grade of ―F‖ for the
course or be required to withdraw from the course.
Students who are unable to attend scheduled classes should notify the university Advising Center (8293926). The office staff will notify the instructor. This notification does not excuse you from class.
Completion of assignments must be arranged with the instructor. An ―excused‖ absence is declared at the
discretion of the individual instructor.
Class Absence for School Activities (Back to TOC)
At times, a student who is participating in an activity approved by the University is required to miss a class.
Some examples of such activities are: (1) those that a student participates in as a condition of his or her
university-sponsored scholarship, (2) a College Dean-approved event, or (3) those that are a condition of
satisfactorily completing the requirements of his/her major.
No student participating in any such event shall be charged with a specific penalty for missing the class and
any student will be given the opportunity to make up work missed in that class within some reasonable
period of time. Instructors may wish to indicate more specifically how they will deal with these
circumstances in their syllabi.
It is recognized that there are other activities that may be important to the student. Arrangements for
dealing with any class work missed as a result of these activities must continue to be negotiated between
the student and the instructor. In any event, instructors may ask students who will miss more than 15% of
the scheduled classes through any combination of excused and/or unexcused absences to withdraw.
Policy on Academic Integrity (Back to TOC)
The University of the Incarnate Word is strongly committed to the nurturing of academic excellence. The
university expects its students to pursue and maintain truth, honesty and personal integrity in their
academic work.
Academic dishonesty, in any form, constitutes a serious threat to the freedoms, which define an academic
community. The following definitions and guidelines have therefore been established to secure the
maintenance of academic integrity at Incarnate Word.
I. Forms of Academic Dishonesty include, but are not limited to:
1) Cheating
Fraudulent or deceitful work on tests, examinations, or other class or laboratory work.
2) Plagiarism
Appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s
own written work offered for credit.
3) Counterfeit Work
Including turning in, as one’s own work, that which was created, researched or produced by
someone else.
4) Falsification of Academic Records
Knowingly and improperly changing grades on transcripts, grade sheets, electronic datasheets,
class reports, projects or other academically related documents.
5) Unauthorized Reuse of Work
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The turning in of the same work to more than one class without consent of the instructor
involved constitutes academic dishonesty.
6) Theft
Unauthorized use or circulation of tests or answer sheets specifically prepared for a given
course and as yet not used or publicly released by the instructor of a course, or theft of
completed tests.
7) Collusion - Involvement in Collusion
Unauthorized collaboration with another to violate a provision of the Code of Academic
Integrity.
8) Facilitating Academic Dishonesty
Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to violate a provision of the
Academic Integrity Policy of the university.
Instructors who are concerned that some form of academic dishonesty has occurred shall confront the
student directly and may take the matter to the Dean of their college/school.
Any member of the student body or staff of the University of the Incarnate Word who is concerned that a
student has engaged in some form of academic dishonesty should report the incident to the Dean of the
college/school which oversees the course in question. The Dean will then convene the college/school’s
Academic Honor Board and initiate the process of investigation outlined in II.B.
II. Procedures for Investigating Claims of Academic Dishonesty & Assessing Sanctions
A. Sanction Assessed by Faculty
Before any sanction by a faculty member is assigned, the instructor must meet with the student about the
violation. Sanctions must be confirmed in writing to the student, copied to the Dean of the college/school of
which the instructor is a member, and to the Provost/Academic Vice President. These records ARE NOT
placed in the student’s permanent academic file and will be destroyed when the student graduates or
otherwise ceases his/her relationship with the university.
1. When Guilt Is Admitted
If a student who is confronted by a faculty member for engaging in academic dishonesty
openly admits to wrongdoing, the instructor will:
Give the student an F for the assignment in question, and may
Forward the case to the Academic Honor Board of the college/school to consider
additional sanctions.
2. When Guilt Is Not Admitted
If a student accused by a faculty member of academic dishonesty does not admit
wrongdoing, his/her appeal should be made directly to the Dean of the college/school
with course responsibility so that the Academic Honor Board can formally investigate the
allegation and decide which action should be taken.
B. Sanctions Assessed by the Academic Honor Board
When cases alleging academic dishonesty are forwarded to a College Dean, he or she will convene an
Academic Honor Board. The student (respondent) alleged to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be
notified of the convening of the Board.
Notices may be personally delivered to the respondent or by placing a notice addressed to the respondent in
the respondent’s campus mail box.
The Board will be comprised of two faculty members from the school/college selected by the Academic
Dean and two students previously identified by the college faculty. The Dean will serve as chairperson of
the Board; however, he/she will only vote in cases where the Board is split on any decision.
The respondent may request that a student or faculty member not sit in judgment if he/she feels that the
vote may be biased or prejudiced as a consequence. Some substantiation of the claim of prejudice may be
47
required and the final decision shall rest with the Dean. The Dean of the college/school that convened the
Board shall make substitutions to the Board in order to maintain a quorum of five members.
The student (respondent) is presumed not to have engaged in academic dishonesty. A finding of academic
dishonesty shall be by majority vote of the Board. If the Board finds that the respondent engaged in
academic dishonesty the Board may impose sanctions. Sanctions may include:
1. Receiving an ―F‖ for the assignment in question,
2. Receiving an ―F‖ for the course,
3. Academic suspension,
4. Dismissal from the university and/or
5. Other action deemed appropriate.
The procedure of formal inquiry by the Academic Honor Board will include:
1) Securing a written statement describing the nature and circumstances of the alleged offense
from the student, faculty or staff member making the allegation.
2) Securing a written statement from the respondent relating to the allegations.
3) Interviewing separately the respondent and the faculty/staff member alleging the dishonesty
in order to clarify and to expand the written statements.
4) Interviewing any witnesses or other persons claiming knowledge of the incident.
5) Securing, examining and retaining any physical evidence related to the incident. Using
written statements, interviews and available physical evidence, the Academic Honor Board will
decide the validity of the alleged incident of academic dishonesty. The decision of the Board
will be communicated in writing to the respondent by being personally delivered, placing the
findings in an envelope addressed to the respondent at the respondent’s campus mail box or sent
by certified mail to the respondent’s home address. Pending the finding of the Academic Honor
Board, the status of the student shall not be altered, and his/her right to be present on campus, to
attend classes and/or to participate in university-sponsored activities shall not be affected.
III. Appeal of Sanctions Assessed by the Academic Honor Board
Any student who feels he/she has not been accorded justice by the Academic Honor Board may appeal to
the Provost for review of the decision. If the Provost determines that there should be a review, he/she
convenes a committee on Academic Integrity which is comprised of two senior tenured faculty members
and an elected member of the Student Government Association. The Committee shall determine whether
the process followed by the Academic Honor Board was fair and impartial and that adequate consideration
was given to evidence and information presented.
A. Timetable: Appeals to Academic Honor Board decisions must be submitted in writing to the
Committee on Academic Integrity within 10 working days of the Board’s decision.
B. Following a review, the Committee on Academic Integrity may uphold, modify or reverse the
findings of the Academic Honor Board.
C. The decision of the Committee on Academic Integrity shall be final. A written statement shall
be sent to the appellant no later than three days after the Committee’s decision is reached.
Complaint Policy (Back to TOC)
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is committed to fostering a learning environment that
promotes academic excellence and personal development. Students are encouraged to voice their
complaints and concerns in a manner that is respectful of the dignity of the individual, if any, who is the
48
subject of the complaint. It is the policy of UIW that students with complaints be treated honestly and
fairly, and that their complaints be handled in a timely manner with regard to resolution of the issue(s)
presented. Any UIW student may express a concern or complaint by following these procedures. Please
note that UIW explicitly prohibits any member of the UIW community from harassing or retaliating against
students who file complaints.
General Guidelines
Complaints are most effectively and efficiently managed by first expressing them to the individual, if any,
who is the subject of the complaint. Students are strongly encouraged to first discuss their complaint
directly with any such individual involved.
If the complaint involves a policy, procedure, or area of responsibility of a specific administrative
department, it should be directed to the supervisor/manager of that department. In each instance of a
departmental complaint, the appropriate individual will investigate the complaint, seek a solution, and
report back to the student in writing within 10 school days. The department supervisor/manager will keep a
record of the decision.
For more information about how to process a complaint or to appeal a decision, the student should contact
the appropriate office below.
Offices to Contact for Different Kinds of Complaints
Course Work Complaints
Students who have complaints about what they believe to be unfair treatment involving their academic
work should contact the appropriate College/School Dean.
College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Administration Building 163, CPO 144, (210)
829-6022
H-E-B School of Business and Administration, Administration Building 156, CPO 123, (210) 8055884
Dreeben School of Education, Gorman Business & Education Center, 124, CPO 16, (210) 8292761
School of Interactive Media and Design, Administration Building 112, CPO 107, (210) 829-6091
School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, Science Hall, 112, CPO 68, (210) 829-2718
School of Nursing and Health Professions, Nursing Building Foyer, CPO 300, (210) 805-1213
Other Academic Complaints
Students who have complaints about academic advisement or other issues related to academic policies,
procedures, or deadlines should contact the Director of Academic Advising, Administration Building, 105,
CPO 286, (210) 829-3928.
Administrative Department Complaints
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is committed to fostering a learning environment that
promotes academic excellence and personal development. Students are encouraged to voice their
complaints and concerns in a manner that is respectful of the dignity of the individual, if any, who is the
subject of the complaint. It is the policy of UIW that students with complaints be treated honestly and
fairly, and that their complaints be handled in a timely manner with regard to resolution of the issue(s)
presented. Any UIW student may express a concern or complaint by following these procedures. Please
note that UIW explicitly prohibits any member of the UIW community from harassing or retaliating against
students who file complaints.
Complaints are most effectively and efficiently managed by first expressing them to the individual, if any,
who is the subject of the complaint. Students are strongly encouraged to first discuss their complaint
directly with any such individual involved.
If the complaint involves a policy, procedure, or area of responsibility of a specific administrative
department, it should be directed to the supervisor/manager of that department. In each instance of a
departmental complaint, the appropriate individual will investigate the complaint, seek a solution, and
49
report back to the student in writing within 10 school days. The department supervisor/manager will keep a
record of the decision.
For more information about how to process a complaint or to appeal a decision, the student should contact
the appropriate office below.
Students who have complaints about what they believe to be unfair treatment involving their academic
work should contact the appropriate College/School Dean.
College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Administration Building 163, CPO 144, (210)
829-6022
HEB School of Business and Administration, Administration Building 156, CPO 123, (210) 8055884
Dreeben School of Education, Gorman Business & Education Center, 124, CPO 16, (210) 8292761
School of Interactive Media and Design, Administration Building 112, CPO 107, (210) 829-6091
School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, Science Hall, 112, CPO 68, (210) 829-2718
School of Nursing and Health Professions, Nursing Building Foyer, CPO 300, (210) 805-1213
Students who have complaints about academic advisement or other issues related to academic policies,
procedures, or deadlines should contact the Director of Academic Advising, Administration Building, 105,
CPO 286, (210) 829-3928.
Students who have complaints about the policies, procedures, or deadlines of an administrative area of
UIW, or the personal treatment they have received from an administrative area of UIW should contact the
appropriate major office of UIW.
Admissions, Watson Enrollment Center 112, CPO 285, (210) 805-3550
Business Office, Administration Building 190, CPO 291, (210) 829-6088
Disability Services, Administration Building 119, CPO 28, (210) 829-3938
Financial Aid, Chapel Building, 1st floor, CPO 308, (210) 829-3912
Graduate Studies and Research, Administration Building 180, CPO 387, (210) 805-5840
Library 215, CPO 297, (210) 829-3837
Registrar, Administration Building 129, CPO 304, (210) 829-3919
Technology Services, Administration Building 3, CPO 103, (210) 829-3866
Students who have a general complaint regarding UIW policies, procedures, or personnel should contact
the Dean of Campus Life, Marian Hall Student Center, CPO 306, (210) 829-6034.
Students who believe that they have been subjected to harassment or treated in a way that violates UIW’s
anti-harassment policy (i.e., harassment related to an individual’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin,
sexual orientation, citizenship status, or disability) by another student, a UIW employee, a contractor, or a
visitor to the campus, should immediately report the alleged harassment to the Director of Human
Resources, Administration Building, Foyer, (210) 829-6019, or to the Dean of Campus Life, Student
Center, CPO 306, (210) 829-6034.
Violations of the Student Code of Conduct
Any member of the UIW community, including faculty and students, may file a complaint against any
student for alleged violations of the UIW Student Code of Conduct by contacting the Dean of Campus Life,
Marian Hall Student Center, CPO 306, (210) 829-6034.
General Concerns or Complaints
Students who have a general complaint regarding UIW policies, procedures, or personnel should contact
the Dean of Campus Life, Marian Hall Student Center, CPO 306, (210) 829-6034.
Harassment Complaints
Students who believe that they have been subjected to harassment or treated in a way that violates UIW’s
anti-harassment policy (i.e., harassment related to an individual’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin,
sexual orientation, citizenship status, or disability) by another student, a UIW employee, a contractor, or a
visitor to the campus, should immediately report the alleged harassment to the Director of Human
50
Resources, Administration Building, Foyer, (210) 829-6019, or to the Dean of Campus Life, Student
Center, CPO 306, (210) 829-6034.
Additional Resources
Mediation Services
Mediation is a process that attempts to establish communication between people having disputes and assists
them in finding a mutually acceptable solution. The end result of a successful mediation is that there are
neither winners nor losers, but rather, generally satisfied individuals have arrived at an agreement, which
resolves their dispute as they define it. Mediation is a confidential process. The agreements made by the
parties involved are non-binding. UIW offers a mediation program designed to assist all members of the
UIW community to resolve problems and disputes. Anyone may initiate mediation. To initiate mediation,
contact the Counseling Center, Watson Enrollment Center, 2nd floor CPO 35, (210) 829-3129.
The Student Government Association
Students may address various concerns and comments to the Executive Officers of the UIW Student
Government Association (SGA). Concerns regarding specific matters related to clubs and organizations,
university policies and practices, or ideas and suggestions for UIW administrative offices may be directed
to SGA. Concerns are accepted verbally at their twice-monthly general assembly meetings, at SGAsponsored student forums, or by addressing an SGA officer. Students may also share their concerns in
writing by using the forms provided at SGA suggestion boxes that are located in each building on campus.
Concerns directed to the SGA may be submitted anonymously. Concerns are subject to publication in the
Logos, the UIW student newspaper. Students’ concerns are addressed by officers at their regular meetings
with UIW administrators or in public forums. The concerns received are also compiled each semester by
the SGA and priority issues are presented to the University Planning Commission for discussion and action,
as needed. Student Government Officers may be reached in the Student Government Office, Marian Hall
Student Center, CPO 1210, (210) 829-3833.
Student Complaints Related To Faculty Decisions About Student Course Work
Procedure Guidelines (Approved by VPASA, 10/27/05, and Faculty Senate, 10/26/05)
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is committed to maintaining a learning environment which
promotes academic excellence and personal development. The following procedure guidelines assure
students the opportunity to register their complaints about what they believe to be unfair treatment
involving their academic work and to receive prompt resolution of matters related to the complaint.
―Unfair treatment‖ applies to any act which may be perceived as either prejudiced or arbitrary in the
evaluation of a student’s performance, or in the imposition of sanctions without regard for due process.
Students are to complete the following steps:
1. Informal Meeting with the Instructor to Resolve a Complaint
The student should seek resolution of a complaint by talking to the instructor as soon as an incident of
perceived unfair treatment occurs. After this step, the student may decide to initiate a Formal Conference
for the record.
2. Formal Conference with the Instructor to Resolve a Complaint
The student is responsible for initiating a Formal Conference by completing Part I of the Conference
Documentation Form (*see appendix) obtained from the office of the Dean in whose college/school the
instructor resides.
a. The student completes Part 1 of the Documentation Form (*see appendix) and then meets with the
instructor within 10 school days of the alleged unfair treatment, or in the case of a final grade,
before the beginning of the semester following the alleged unfair treatment. The student explains
the complaint and attempts to resolve the matter with the instructor.
b. The instructor will sign the form acknowledging that there was discussion with the student about
the complaint and indicate whether she/he is providing comments.
51
c.
d.
e.
The instructor may provide written comments as an attachment to the complaint form. The
comments must be provided to the student within three days of meeting with the student.
After the conference, the student completes Part 2 of the Documentation Form (*see appendix)
and signs the document.
The student delivers this form, and any written comments provided by the instructor, in a sealed
envelope to the Dean of the college/school in which the instructor resides.
3. Appeal to the Dean
If the complaint is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the student shall have the right to appeal a
decision in writing to the Dean or a person designated by the Dean. The student completes the form called
the Appeal Form for Student Complaints about Faculty Decisions (*see appendix A), and delivers it in
a sealed envelope to the appropriate Dean’s office within three school days of meeting with the instructor.
1.
2.
3.
4.
To begin the appeal process, the student completes the Appeal Form for Student Complaints (*see
appendix) about Faculty Decisions and attaches to the form a written statement a) of the complaint,
b) the student’s perception of the results of the conference with the instructor, and c) reasons why the
meeting did not resolve the matter of the alleged unfair treatment.
The Dean shall meet with the instructor, and others as appropriate, to clarify the relevant facts and
perceptions in the matter.
The Dean shall meet with the student* to clarify the relevant facts and perceptions in the matter as
described in the student’s written statement.
The Dean then makes a decision on the matter.
As an alternative, the Dean has the option of deciding to convene a review committee.
2. a.
3. a.
4. a.
5.
6.
The Dean creates a committee consisting of at least two faculty, and one of these, if
possible, from the same department as the faculty being complained about, and a student
(the SGA School Senator is one possibility), who is not in the same course as the
complainant. The Dean shall appoint one of the faculty to chair the meeting.
The committee will meet with the student** and the instructor.
The committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Dean who makes a
decision on the matter.
The Dean’s decision shall be communicated in writing to the student and the instructor within 10
school days of receipt of the student’s completed Appeal Form for Student Complaints about Faculty
Decisions.
The Dean’s decision is final and there is no further appeal to another administrator or office.
If the complaint involves an individual assignment grade or a final grade, the Dean may ask the
instructor to change the grade only in cases involving a procedural error in the conduct of the course
or due to evidence of unfair treatment.
7.
Records of the Dean’s decision shall be kept in a file separate from the faculty permanent file in the
Dean’s Office.
*The student may choose to bring an observer to the meeting. The role of observers is to provide support
but they may not actively participate in the conversation. If an observer is present, the Dean may also
choose an observer to be present. If the student’s observer is also a lawyer, the Dean shall postpone the
meeting until university counsel can be present.
** The student may choose to bring an observer to the meeting. The role of observers is to provide support
but they may not actively participate in the conversation. If the student’s observer is also a lawyer, the
faculty chair shall notify the Dean and postpone the meeting until university counsel can be present and the
Dean will then chair the meeting.
Graduation (Back to TOC)
Students who expect to complete all degree requirements during the next academic year must submit an
―Application for Graduation‖ form to the Registrar’s Office by the deadline indicated in the graduation
packet provided by the advisor with the application. Upon receipt of the application, a degree audit will be
52
prepared and sent to the student indicating clearance to graduate or will list deficiencies that will prevent
graduation as intended.
Applications received after the filing deadline will result in a late fee of $50.00 and will not guarantee a
timely degree audit. Applications received after the first week of the final semester during which the
student intends to graduate are subject to the following conditions:
Acceptance of the application after the deadline does not guarantee eligibility to graduate as intended.
Eligibility to graduate is dependent upon the student meeting all degree requirements.
Applications received after the first week of the final semester during which a student intends to
graduate will result in a late fee of $150 (payable in advance) regardless of his/her eligibility to
graduate.
Acceptance of the application after the first week of the final semester during which the student intends
to graduate does not guarantee that applicants will receive tickets for Commencement even if we
confirm your eligibility to graduate. All planning, including ticket distribution numbers, are based
upon the number of students who apply to graduate by the deadline.
All associate degrees require a minimum of 64 hours of which 24 of the last 30 hours must be completed at
UIW. All baccalaureate degrees require a minimum of 128 hours of which 42 must be advanced. A
minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required to graduate. Academic Literacy and English as a Second
Language courses will not count toward either the required 128 hours or the 2.0 grade point average.
Specific graduation requirements are listed in the university catalog. It is the student’s responsibility to
ensure that all university requirements have been met for graduation. To participate in graduation
ceremonies, a student must have registered for and remain enrolled in all required courses necessary for
graduation before or during the same semester in which she/he intends to graduate.
Should a student not complete the course required for graduation under the application for the conferral
period indicated by the student, she/he must reapply for graduation and pay applicable fees, to include the
diploma replacement fee as well as any late fees. Diplomas will not be released until the student has met
all university obligations (financial or otherwise). Students may not participate in the Commencement
ceremonies unless their account balance is paid in full by the Friday of the first week of school.
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Probation and Suspension (Back to TOC)
Full-time undergraduates who earn a grade point average of less than a 2.0 (C) in any 12 semester hours or
more will be placed on scholastic probation.
A student on probation for one semester may choose to withdraw or may be continued on probation for one
additional semester. If, at the end of this semester, the student has not been removed from probation, upon
the recommendation of the committee on Student Academic Probation and Suspension, the student will be
required to withdraw from the university. Students placed on Enforced Withdrawal status have the option
to appeal. Part-time students enrolled for at least six semester credits and earning less than a 2.0 may be
placed on probation. Part-time students who fail to earn a C (2.0) in any six hours out of 12 semester hours
attempted may be required to withdraw from the university
Policy on Privacy of Student Records (Back to TOC)
The University of the Incarnate Word maintains educational records for all current and former students who
are officially enrolled. Student records at the university are subject to the provisions of the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. Students have the right to file a complaint with
the U.S. Department of Education concerning compliance issues. The name and address of the appropriate
office is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Review of the Educational Record
Students have the right to inspect and review their educational record. All requests must be in writing to the
Registrar and must identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The university official will make
arrangements for access and notify the students of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
If the university official to whom the request was submitted does not maintain the records, that official
shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. The response from
the university official will be within 45 days of the receipt of the request for access.
Educational Records on Campus
Educational records are those records directly related to a student for the purpose of recording the
educational endeavor of the student. They do not include law enforcement records, employment records,
medical records, alumni records or faculty advisor/instructor notes. Educational records may be stored in
many media and are not limited to an individual file. See Table III.
Amendment of the Educational Record
The student may request an amendment to the educational record if she/he believes it is inaccurate or
misleading. The amendment of the educational record does not pertain to the grade assigned by the faculty.
The student should write to the Registrar to request the amendment. The request must clearly identify the
portion of the record she/he wants changed, specifying why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the university
does not amend the record as requested, the university will notify the student of the decision and advise the
student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Information regarding the
hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
Directory Information
The University of the Incarnate Word will not disclose any personally identifiable information about
students (except directory information listed below) without the written consent of the student.
Directory information at the University of the Incarnate Word has been identified as:
1. Student's name
2. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
3. Address
4. Telephone listing
5. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
6. Electronic mail address
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7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Photograph
Degrees, honors, and awards received
Date and place of birth
Major field of study
Dates of attendance
Grade level
The most recent educational agency or institution attended
Each student has the right to restrict the release of any or all this directory information by submitting a
written request to the Registrar’s Office. School officials with legitimate educational interests may have
access to educational records, without the student’s consent, if the record is needed in order to fulfill his or
her personal responsibilities. School officials are identified as a person employed by the university in an
administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position, a person or company with
whom the university has contracted, a person serving on the Board of Trustees, or a student serving on an
official committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
Schedule Changes (Back to TOC)
Schedule adjustment deadlines are published in the schedule of classes, on the Registrar’s Office bulletin
board, and on the Registrar’s Office web page. The Registrar’s Office, the faculty and the administration
enforce all published or announced deadlines.
Students may adjust their schedules after registration upon completion of the add/drop form available
online at http://www.uiw.edu/registrar or in the Registrar’s Office. Advisor signatures are required for all
schedule adjustments. Changes are not official until the completed form is returned to the Registrar’s
Office. Notice to an instructor or other office does not cancel registration or any associated charge as a
result of the registration. Drops or withdrawals without proper documentation may result in failure in the
course or courses for the semester and the student will be responsible for full payment of all tuition, fees
and other charges.
Students who drop a course or courses before the deadline for doing so will receive a grade of ―W.‖ After
the deadline to drop a course with a ―W,‖ students may not adjust their schedule and will receive a grade
based upon the work completed in the class.
Schedule adjustments requested after the posted deadline for that activity may result in a separate
administrative fee, per adjustment. Refer to the schedule of classes for a complete list of fees.
Transcripts (Back to TOC)
Official transcripts are available from the Registrar’s Office upon the request of the student. Requests from
a third party will not be honored. All requests must be cleared through the Business Office, the Loan Office
and the Registrar’s Office before the request will be honored. There is no charge for individual transcripts
up to 10 transcripts. Requests of more than 10 transcripts result in a charge of $5.00 per transcript. Please
allow three to five working days to process the request. The same-day-service fee for transcripts or other
services is $10.00. During peak periods (registration and end of the semester) the process may take longer
and same-day-service may not be available. Copies of transcripts submitted to the university for admission
or evaluation are not available for reproduction or return to the student. Please allow three to five working
days to process the request.
Withdrawal from the University (Back to TOC)
Students who find it necessary to discontinue their enrollment in all courses during a semester must
complete the withdrawal process. Students who complete a semester and are not able to return for the
following semester must complete the withdrawal process only if they have already registered for the next
semester. The withdrawal procedure is initiated by requesting a withdrawal form in the Student Success
Office.
Return to Table of Contents
55
Community Policies
Section 1
Posting Policy (Back to TOC)
UIW supports the freedom to publicize activities and distribute materials by internal or external entities
relating to functions on-and off-campus which benefit the university community and are consistent with
UIW values.
Approval must be obtained prior to making use of the residence halls or campus facilities for the sale,
promotion, posting or distribution of any type of material. All material must have a responsible
sponsor stated directly on each piece and adhere to all policies that apply.
All printed materials posted or distributed on campus by students and guests must meet the approval of
the Director of the Student Center & Leadership Activities. Printed materials include fliers, posters,
banners, announcements and advertisements.
Bring one sample to the Campus Life office for stamped approval and make copies from that sample.
Allow 24 hours turnaround time for approval.
Additional Approvals
• The Director of Student Center and Leadership Activities (or designee) must approve all promotional
material for any and all activities before being posted. Career Services office (829-3931) must also
approve announcements advertising employment opportunities for UIW students. All religious
organizations and events religious in nature must have the additional approval of UIW Mission and
Ministry (829-3128).
• Academic and administrative office posters do not need Leadership Activities approval but should be
marked with department and date, (i.e., Financial Aid Office, December 10, 2009, Do not remove until
December 31, 2009).
• The promoting group must obtain permission of the appropriate department to post on bulletin boards
in academic/administrative areas for non-departmental ads.
Literature Distribution
Literature distribution must be supervised by a student member of the sponsoring registered
organization. Non-students may not distribute literature on campus without specific approval of the
Director of the Student Center & Leadership Activities or the Dean of Campus Life.
Each sponsoring organization will be held responsible for the conduct of the distribution activity,
including the behavior of any non-student participant.
On Campus: The distribution must be made only at the designated area. Hawking of the literature is not
permitted. Absolutely no printed materials may be placed on automobiles parked on the UIW
campus.
Off Campus: Posting or distribution of materials at an off-campus location requires permission of the
proprietor.
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Posting Guidelines
A maximum of 50 posters, 150 flyers or announcements, and up to four banners are permitted per event.
Refer to the list of approved fliers posting locations in the next column.
Masking tape or tacks are suitable for posting. Persons posting are responsible for providing all materials.
Materials may remain posted for a maximum of 30 days or until the day after the announced event,
whichever is sooner, and the sponsoring group is responsible for removal. Groups may be fined if
materials are not removed the day after an event.
Approved Posting Locations
Academic Bldgs: Bulletin boards in Fine Arts, Joyce, Nursing, AT&T Science Building, and Bonilla Hall;
Nursing Bldg Student Lounge on 1st floor and silver posting fixtures in Gorman Building.
Admin Bldg: Bulletin boards in Post Office, Hortencia’s, basement, 1st floor stair landings. Outside
courtyard walls of brick or cement.
Chapel Offices: Bulletin boards.
Library: Bulletin board in Reserve Reading Room, Room 126.
Parking Garage: None allowed inside, outside on Brick only.
Residence Halls: Give to the Residence Life Office for RAs to post inside residence halls.
Sidewalks: Chalking is acceptable no more than two days before an event; messages must be removed no
later than 24 hours after the event.
Student Center: Bulletin boards & outside walls. No items may be taped to painted pillars
Wellness Center: Lobby area bulletin boards; ask desk personnel for specific location.
Posting Violations
• Posting materials without proper approval(s).
• Posting materials on painted pillars.
• Posters with alcohol as the primary emphasis.
• Use of two-sided, electrical or duct tape.
• Covering another announcement or impairing an individual’s line of sight.
• Posting on glass doors or windows, painted or varnished surfaces.
• Distribution on cars parked on campus.
• Posting on the Jordan Carillon Plaza or the 1st and 2nd floors of the International Conference Center.
Failure to adhere to this policy may result in losing the privilege to distribute or post printed materials on
campus for a period of time to be specified by the Director of the Student Center & Leadership Activities.
Section 2
Sales and Solicitation (Back to TOC)
Outside and for-profit groups are not allowed to sell items or solicit members of the university community
on campus without prior approval from the Director of Student Center and Leadership Activities.
Canvassing or solicitation for funds, sales, or subscriptions are prohibited on campus or in university
buildings unless written permission has been granted.
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The sale of merchandise of any kind whatsoever, or publications or service on university property,
other than by the regularly authorized stores, restaurants, departments or divisions of the university, is
likewise prohibited except upon written permission of the Vice President for Academic and Student
Affairs or his/her designee.
Any person violating this rule will be subject, upon proper notice, to eviction from campus property or
arrest.
Section 3
Student Sales & Fundraising (Back to TOC)
Sales will be conducted by registered student organizations only. Sales in stationary locations on campus
must be approved by the Director of the Student Center and Leadership Activities and appropriate
paperwork to reserve facilities must be completed at least three (3) weeks before the event. No bake sales
may be conducted in the vicinity of Hortencia’s. Individuals or organizations may not sell or solicit
donations off-campus in the name of the university unless prior authorization is given by the Dean of
Campus Life and the Vice President of Institutional Advancement.
Section 4
Smoking Policy (Back to TOC)
The smoking policy is based on the university’s commitment to a wellness philosophy.
Whereas environmental tobacco smoke contains human carcinogens; and whereas absorption of
environmental tobacco smoke has been documented from involuntary smoking in the worksite; and
whereas exposure to environmental tobacco smoke occurs for individuals within the same ventilation
systems as active smokers; and where as epidemiological studies have shown an increased risk of lung
cancer for individuals exposed to environmental tobacco smoke: no smoking is permitted in any University
of the Incarnate Word community facilities or buildings.
All employees and students share in the cooperative responsibility of compliance with this policy. When
conflicts arise, the health of the nonsmoker will prevail. Employees and students who do not comply with
this policy will be subject to the same disciplinary actions that accompany noncompliance with other
university rules and/or policies.
Source: ―Smoking at the Workplace, Position Statement of the American Cancer Society,‖
Section 5
Vendor Exhibitor Policy (Back to TOC)
Vendors are generally confined to exhibit space at the Student Center. The following guidelines address the
nature of exhibits allowed in the UIW Student Center.
1. All exhibits must meet the guidelines of the Student Center and be consistent with the Mission of UIW.
2. The approval of all vendors is at the discretion of the Director of the Student Center and Leadership
Activities. Some businesses have an exclusive agreement with the university to market on campus, which
excludes other similar businesses.
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3. Exhibitors/vendors are strictly prohibited from asking for personal information such as driver’s license,
social security, or credit card numbers, or taking copies or digital images of student information.
4. An individual or group that is selling a product must pay the specified fee or be sponsored by a registered
student organization. The organization must turn in an Activity Approval Form in advance of the event and
handle all aspects of the agreement for the percentage of the sales.
5. No hawking or calling out is permitted at any time.
Section 6
Student Organizations (Back to TOC)
Information regarding University of the Incarnate Word organizations is available to members of the
university community. Student contact information (name, address, phone and office held) is not available
to outside groups, and is not to be disseminated by other members of the university community.
Registration and Benefits
Student organizations are established and registered at the University of the Incarnate Word for the purpose
of complementing the educational program and furthering spiritual, intellectual, moral, social, physical and
career development of students. These organizations provide students with opportunities for leadership,
fellowship and self-government.
To achieve status as a registered organization, each group must submit appropriate documents to the
Director of the Student Center & Leadership Activities as outlined in the Student Organizations Handbook.
A group of students may receive status as a registered organization by receiving approval from the Dean of
Campus Life (in consultation with the Vice President for en-rollment Management and Student Services.
Groups whose goals are not duplicative and are consistent with the mission of the university and the values
of the Catholic Church will be considered for registration. Officially registered groups have access to the
full range of benefits of membership in the campus community. These benefits include: the ability to recruit
members from the student body, faculty, and staff; use of most campus resources without a fee; the
opportunity for funding from SGA or other campus offices; the opportunity to conduct approved
fundraising events; and the opportunity to advertise and hold approved events on campus. Financial
accounts may be established by student organizations in the Business Office by completing appropriate
paperwork. Student organizations must select and send a representative to all SGA General Assembly
meetings.
Section 7
HIV/AIDS Policy (Back to TOC)
University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic university which provides a values-oriented education
designed for the development of the whole person and service to others. Within that framework, the
university supports the need for each individual within the community to be treated with dignity and
respect.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a serious public health problem which raises many
complex medical, legal, moral, ethical, and educational issues. University of the Incarnate Word is
committed to educational programs and institutional policies which inform the community about this
issue. Such programs and policies will be guided by the university’s regard for both public health interests
and individual rights, informed by the recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service, the Center for
Disease Control, the American University Health Association and the American Association of Colleges of
Nursing.
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Section 8
Anti-Harassment Policy (Back to TOC)
A. It is the policy of the University of the Incarnate Word to provide a work and learning environment free
from all forms of harassment, whether based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual
orientation, citizenship status, age or disability. Sexual harassment is covered specifically above by the
Sexual Harassment policy (Section 16.C, page 40).
a. The university will not tolerate harassment of our employees, students or job applicants that is related
to an individual’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, age,
or disability.
b. For the purposes of this policy the term harassment includes, but is not necessarily limited to:
unwelcome slurs, jokes, comments, and other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an
individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, age or
disability.
c. National Origin Harassment may be defined as harassment because of an individual’s or his/her
ancestor’s place of origin, or because an individual is affiliated with, or has the physical, cultural or
linguistic characteristics of a national origin group.
B. Harassment by Non-Employees
It is the policy of the university to protect employees and students from harassment by non-employees. Any
employee who becomes aware of any harassment of an employee or student by a non-employee should
report such harassment to their supervisor as provided in this policy, or to the Dean of Campus Life.
C. Report All Incidents of Harassment
If you feel that you are being harassed, have been subjected to harassment, or treated in a way that violates
this policy, you should report the harassment to the Dean of Campus Life immediately. You may also
report by telephone to 829-6034. The matter will be promptly investigated and, where appropriate, action
will be taken. If you do not feel that the matter can be discussed with the Dean of Campus Life, or if you
are not satisfied with the way your complaint has been handled, you must contact the Vice President for
Enrollment & Student Services. The person receiving the complaint will contact University Counsel who
will determine the investigatory process.
Students should:
a. Promptly report concerns about inappropriate behavior;
b. Cooperate in an investigation of complaints of misconduct; and
c. Promptly report concerns about perceived retaliation for having complained about harassment or
having participated in an investigation.
Section 9
Abusive Affiliation Policy (Back to TOC)
All acts of abusive affiliation by any individual student or university registered student club or organization
and any of its members or alumni are prohibited. Students are entitled to be treated with consideration and
respect, and no individual may perform an act that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm or
social ostracism to any other person within the university community. Accordingly, any such behavior is
expressly forbidden when related to the admission, initiation, pledging, joining, or any other groupaffiliation activity.
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Any student or organization found to be involved in any abusive affiliation activity will face conduct action
and will likely be subjected to expulsion from the university. Violation of this policy exists irrespective of
the voluntary or consensual participation in the abusive affiliation activity by the person being abused.
Examples
a. Clem was inducted into an unrecognized club that was part of the university marching band. The club
pledged not to haze its members. As part of the induction activities, Clem was asked to do calisthenics
half-naked in extreme heat at the request of club leaders. Clem was told he did not have to do them, but
that all members did them and it improved their on-field stamina. Clem voluntarily engaged in the
calisthenics. This type of behavior violates the abusive affiliation policy, regardless of the
voluntariness of Clem’s decision.
b. Rick joined Omega Pi Lamba, a fraternity. His pledge class took an oath not to haze, and was
repeatedly warned of the fraternity’s anti-hazing policy by current members. Rick’s pledge class had
heard of the long history of hazing that had gone on in their fraternity before they joined, and they felt
like they were missing out. All the members had earned their stripes, but Rick’s class was under new
rules. They wanted to prove themselves to their brothers, so one night Rick and his pledge class
secretly invaded Rho Mu Alpha, and stole their flag. The following Sunday, in a solemn presentation,
Rick and his co-horts presented the flag of their rival to their chapter leaders, who accepted it with
honor and much conversation about how the covert mission was accomplished. The leaders of Omega
Pi Lamba faced accusations of violating the university’s abusive affiliation policy. They argued that
they did not take the flag, and expressly told the new initiates not to haze. The university found them in
violation for encouraging the activity by accepting the flag, glamorizing its theft, and failing to report
the behavior to university officials once they were aware of it.
State Hazing Law
The State of Texas has enacted a clearly stated law which identifies and prohibits activities identified as
hazing. This state law applies to all UIW student activities including intramurals and intercollegiate
athletics. It is incumbent on each organization to educate themselves about these guidelines and to certify
that the organization, its officers and members adhere to this law. The Director of the Student Center &
Leadership Activities has copies of the State of Texas Hazing Law available for all interested individuals
and will assist, as needed, in interpreting the content of the law as well as reviewing planned or ongoing
activities to ensure that they comply with the law and campus policy. All groups are required to review
their plans for membership activities with the Director of the Student Center & Leadership Activities before
their new member recruitment period begins.
Section 10
Free Speech and Harassment Policy (Back to TOC)
Harassment is a type of discrimination prohibited by college policy and by federal laws such as Title VII
and Title IX. UIW affirms every individual’s right to freedom of expression, and fosters the culture of
tolerance and civility that is necessary for the accomplishment of its educational goals. The academic
freedom of an educational institution can create a tension with the prohibition of harassing behaviors. UIW
is a community that values freedom of speech and expression. As conveyed by the Constitution, these
rights have limitations, and the same is true here. Limitations on free speech include: endangering someone
or threatening them; inciting violence; using ―fighting words‖ directed at an individual or group that
directly provoke violence; defamation; obscenity; and discrimination that limits someone’s educational or
employment access and/or opportunities. UIW does not consider visual and/or aural demonstrations,
depictions or conduct to be sexual harassment when there is a legitimate pedagogical context, such as
material having an appropriate connection to course subject matter, or campus discourse on topics of
political, artistic or social issues.
Examples of Harassment
Not all workplace or educational conduct that may be described as ―harassment‖ affects the terms,
conditions or privileges of employment or education. For example, a mere utterance of an ethnic, gender61
based or racial epithet which creates offensive feelings in an employee or student would not normally affect
the terms and conditions of their employment or education.
a. A professor insists that a student have sex with him/her in exchange for a good grade. This is
harassment regardless of whether the student accedes to the request.
b. A student repeatedly sends sexually oriented jokes around on an email list he/she created, even when
asked to stop, causing one recipient to avoid the sender on campus and in the University Housing
structure in which they both live.
This sexual harassment policy incorporates language suggested by Tom Trager, Associate Counsel to the
University of Colorado, Boulder, and Brett Sokolow, from the National Center for Higher Education Risk
Management.
Section 11
Religion/Association Policy (Back to TOC)
Students have the right to exercise their religious convictions and associate with religious, political, or other
organizations of their choice provided they do so in a manner that respects the rights of other
members of the community and complies with the Student Code of Conduct. Students have the
responsibility to respect the rights of other members of the university community to free exercise of their
religious convictions and to free association with organizations of their choice.
Section 12
Gambling Policy (Back to TOC)
Students are expected to abide by the federal laws and the laws of the State of Texas prohibiting illegal
gambling, including online gaming. Gambling for money or other things of value on campus or at
university-sponsored activities is prohibited except as permitted by law.
Such prohibited activity includes, but is not limited to: betting on, wagering on, or selling pools on any
university athletic event; possessing on one’s person or premises (e.g., room, residence unit, car) any card,
book or other device for registering bets; knowingly permitting the use of one’s premises or one’s
telephone or other electronic communications device for illegal gambling; knowingly receiving or
delivering a letter, package or parcel related to illegal gambling; offering, soliciting or accepting a bribe to
influence the outcome of an athletic event; and involvement in bookmaking or wagering pools with respect
to sporting events.
Section 13
Guest Speakers Policy (Back to TOC)
It is the policy of the campus to foster a spirit of free inquiry and to encourage the timely discussion of the
broad range of issues which concern our nation provided that the views expressed are stated openly and are
subject to critical evaluation. Within our prevailing standards of decency and honesty, this policy will be
construed to mean that within the context of Catholic Higher Education and the Mission of the University,
controversial topics may be raised for intelligent discussion on the campus. Restraints on free inquiry
should be held to that minimum which is consistent with preserving an organized society, in which change
is accomplished by peaceful democratic means.
Students, either as individuals or as members of recognized student organizations, who act in violation of
the provisions of this rule will be subject to Conduct procedures and actions as outlined in the Student Code
of Conduct.
The maximum penalties to be assessed against a student organization for a failure to observe the provisions
of Section A or for sponsoring a speaker who violates the prohibition of Section B of this rule will be:
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a. For a single violation (including, as a single violation, multiple violations relating to the same meeting)
in any academic year, suspension of the right of the student organization to invite a guest speaker to
the campus for a twelve month period; and
b. For more than one violation in any academic year, termination of the student organization’s registered
status.
A. Student Organization Responsibilities
A registered student organization, after consulting with and obtaining prior approval of its faculty advisor,
may invite guest speakers to the campus to address meetings, subject to the following provisions:
a. Sponsorship must be by a registered student organization.
b. Proper arrangements for the use of university facilities must be made.
c. It must be clear that the student organization, not the university, is extending the invitation and that any
views the speaker may express are his or her own and not those of the university.
d. The student organization must take whatever steps are necessary to insure that the meeting is
conducted in an orderly manner.
e. The student organization must provide means for critical evaluation of the speaker’s view, which must
include, at a minimum, an open question period following the speaker’s presentation.
f. The student organization must comply with any and all conditions for the orderly and scholarly
conduct of the meeting.
B. Guest Speaker Responsibilities
A speaker invited by a student organization must not advocate action or urge the audience to take action
which is illegal under the laws of the United States, the state of Texas, or which is prohibited by the rules of
the University or the Student Code of Conduct. It is the responsibility of the student organization to inform
speakers in writing of this prohibition.
Section 14
Responsible Use of University Computing Resources (Back to TOC)
What is the purpose of this policy? The purpose of this policy is to outline guidance, rules, and
acceptable practices for the use of computing resources at the University of the Incarnate Word. Guidance
included in the Administrators’ Handbook, the Faculty Handbook, and the Student Handbook are
incorporated by reference in this policy. All users of computing resources at The University of the
Incarnate Word are also responsible for adherence to any State or Federal regulations regarding computer
use at the University.
Who does this policy apply to? This policy applies to all users of University network, e-mail, and
computing resources, including any and all technical systems and services provided or owned by the
University. This also includes University network, web, e-mail accounts and records provided to or in the
possession of University faculty, staff, administrators, students, or other users of University technical
services.
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Overview:
Access to computing resources at the University of the Incarnate Word is a privilege, not a right. This
access is granted with restrictions and responsibilities for use. Violations of the rules governing the use of
UIW computing resources may subject the violator to loss of access privileges, disciplinary action, and/or
other action as deemed appropriate by the University. UIW's computing resources, including Internet
access and email accounts, are provided to support the University's education, business, and research
missions. Routine personal usage of these resources may be permissible if, in the determination of the
University, such use does not interfere with the University's mission or preempt normal
business/educational activity, does not impede employee productivity, does not interfere with or negatively
impact any other person's or entity's rights and work/learning environment, does not conflict with any rule
or law, and does not consume more than a trivial amount of resources.
A. General Rules:
a. Account sharing is prohibited. You are responsible for all activity conducted within your account.
Do not share your account information or password with anyone else. If you fail to safeguard your
account information and/or engage in unauthorized account-sharing, you may be subject to disciplinary
action.
b. Use of University computing resources must be in accordance with University policies and codes
of conduct. Files controlled by individual users are considered private. The ability to read, alter, or
copy a file does not imply permission is granted to others to do so. The University reserves the right to
access and/or remove any files in violation of University policies. The ability to connect to or make use
of other systems through the network does not imply the right to do so unless properly authorized by
the owners of these systems. To do so without proper authorization will result in disciplinary action.
c. Commercial use prohibited. Computing accounts are provided for University operational and
academic use only. Commercial use of UIW computing resources is strictly prohibited. Accounts
found being used for commercial and/or personal gain will be turned off. Electronic advertising using
University computing resources is prohibited.
d. Digital Millennium Copyright Act Violations. The University of the Incarnate Word will comply in
all respects with the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA). If you use your Internet connection to
share copyrighted materials (i.e. files, programs, songs, videos/movies, etc.) without permission of the
copyright owner(s), you are in violation of the DMCA. When we (UIW) discover or are informed by
the copyright holder of a potential copyright violation, we are required by Federal Law to remove the
copyrighted materials from the system in question. If we are unable to remove these materials for any
reason, then we will terminate network access for the system in question until we are able to verify the
removal of the infringed materials.
B. Guidance and Rules Regarding the UIW Network:
a. The network is a shared resource. The University reserves the right to limit the use of individual
computing resources at any time when necessary to the maintenance of overall network operation.
Network use or applications which inhibit or interfere with the use of the network by others are not
permitted. (For example, using an IP address not registered to you, or running applications which use
an unusually high portion of the bandwidth for extended periods of time, thus inhibiting the use of the
network by others). Use of the network must comply with all University policies.
b. Identity Theft or Forgery. Theft, forgery or other misrepresentation of your identity via electronic or
any other form of communication is prohibited. Prosecution under State and Federal laws may also
apply.
c. Physical Modification to Network Resources. Do not modify or extend network services and wiring
beyond the area of their intended use. This applies to all network wiring, hardware, and jacks. Any
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unauthorized modification or extension of network services may be subject to charges to the student’s
account or employee’s department.
d. No Redirection of Services. The UIW network may not be used to provide Internet access to anyone
outside of the University community for any purposes. UIW-specific or commercially obtained
network resources may not be retransmitted outside of the University community.
e. Prevent the spread of computer viruses. Computers using the UIW network must include
operational anti-virus software. Users should keep Virus Definition Files up to date. The University
reserves the right to remove infected or vulnerable computers from the network.
f. You may not use your UIW network connection to:
1. Operate a separate business or organization for profit or non-profit purposes.
2. Monitor data on the network using monitoring or "sniffing" software.
3. Provide a pass-through site to other campus hosts or provide remote login (e.g. telnet
4.
5.
6.
7.
access) on your computer for others than yourself.
Engage in any activities generally regarded or construed as ―hacking.‖
Harass, libel, or slander anyone or engage in fraudulent representations.
Copy or transmit copyrighted material unless you are legally authorized to do so.
Download, post, or transmit material contrary to UIW policies.
C. Guidance and Rules Regarding UIW Email Resources:
Overview. All employees and students at the University are issued a standard University email account.
This is the University’s chief electronic avenue for communication with its students and employees. The
use of e-mail at UIW, like the use of other University computing resources, is a privilege, not a right. Use
of email resources at UIW is subject to limitation and/or revocation. Guidance and rules regarding the use
and content of UIW email applies equally to transactional information (such as e-mail headers, summaries,
and addresses) associated with e-mail use and content.
Authorized Uses. Notwithstanding references made elsewhere in this policy to the personal use of UIW
computing resources, employees are not permitted to use UIW's e-mail resources for personal commercial
or business activities, personal charitable endeavors, illegal political or other activities, to send or forward
chain mail, or for any other purpose or activity prohibited by UIW policies or civil law, unless authorized
in advance by the University in writing.
User Identity. Misrepresenting, obscuring, suppressing, or replacing a user's identity on an e-mail system
is forbidden. The user name, e-mail address, organizational affiliation, and related information included
with e-mail or postings must reflect the actual originator of the mail or postings.
No Guarantee of Privacy. UIW respects the rights of its employees and students. However, UIW is also
responsible for servicing and protecting its network and related systems, as well as complying with state
and federal laws. We cannot and do not guarantee that users’ e-mail or other network activity will be
private and you should not have an expectation of privacy. E-mail, for example, can be forwarded,
intercepted, printed, and stored by others. Although network activities such as email usage are not
routinely monitored, UIW may monitor or access your e-mail or other network-related activities if the
University suspects or is advised of possible breaches of network security or violations of other University
policies, rules, regulations, directives, or law. The University may also monitor or access your email if
evidence exists which demonstrates that your e-mail contains information, data, or other intellectual
property that belongs to another person. Only the President, the Vice President for Finance & Technology
or the UIW General Counsel may authorize such access to e-mail under this policy.
UIW network administrators and technical support staff members may have to access your e-mail and other
records of your network use for routine maintenance of systems and for specific system problems. System
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administrators and technical support staff accessing legally protected or confidential information or records
shall not disclose, copy, or otherwise disseminate any other information or records unless specifically
directed to do so by the Chief Information Officer or the Vice President for Enrollment & Student
Services. Other than as provided for in this policy, no employee shall access the e-mail of another
employee or student without the consent of the person whose e-mail is being accessed. The improper access
of the e-mail of another shall be reported to the Chief Information Officer and may be subject to
appropriate discipline by authorized University officials.
Email Etiquette. Never say anything in e-mail that should not or could not be said publicly. Once a
message has been sent, control over it is lost. It may be forwarded to others or displayed on an electronic
bulletin board or in a newsgroup without the author's knowledge or consent. Abusive or insensitive
language in email is an inappropriate use of computing resources. Use of electronic means to send or post
fraudulent, harassing, obscene, indecent, profane, intimidating, or unlawful messages is prohibited.
Contents of E-mail. E-mail is treated as any other form of communication. State and federal law,
along with all University policies, rules, handbooks, contracts, and directives, including sanctions,
apply to the content and use of e-mail. Use of personal taglines in a signature element is not allowed;
that is, signatures on electronic communications must remain neutral and should contain only the
elements needed to properly identify the sender. Stationary use or the use of personal “taglines” that
quote a philosopher, religious text, use a "phrase of the day" or make any philosophical or political
statement are prohibited.
Signature elements should only include the following items:
<employee name>
<employee job title>
4301 Broadway , CPO XXX
Telephone 210-XXX-XXXX
Fax 210-XXX-XXXX
XXXX@uiwtx.edu
Participation in electronic chain mail messages is strictly prohibited. File attachments may not exceed five
megabytes in length.
Purging E-mail. E-mail systems are not intended for archival storage, and network e-mail archives are
purged on a rolling sixty-day basis. Employees are responsible for periodically purging e-mail from their
personal storage areas on the network. The University reserves its right to limit capacity on individual
accounts for archival storage and other University purposes.
D. Web Publishing Rules:
The UIW community has access to a variety of Web publishing options including personal and/or
professional Web pages, weblogs or ―blogs‖, course content pages, and departmental Web sites.
Information on UIW's web site can be read worldwide. The quality, accuracy, and legality of this
information are of the utmost concern to the University. The distributed and open nature of the Web
renders traditional means of control impractical and transfers much of the responsibility to the individual.
Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for the content of the documents they publish. They are also
required to abide by all University policies regarding appropriate use of information and computing
resources, including the following:
a. Information, graphics, and other materials are covered by and subject to all current
copyright laws. If permission to display text, graphics, sound, video, etc. that are owned
by someone else has not been granted, do not publish it.
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b. If information about the University (e.g., total enrollment, number of faculty, etc.) is to be
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
used, please confirm its accuracy. For assistance, please contact the Office of Institutional
Research.
Information representing a point of view differing from an established University policy
or position must comply with university publishing policies.
All information must be free of inflammatory, derogatory, or offensive text, images, or
sounds that exceed the bounds of academic freedom of faculty. Flaming behavior, as
often seen in newsgroups, could be interpreted as libel, and should be avoided.
The content of web pages, UIW discussion forums, blogs, and wikis are subject to all
UIW policies.
Every effort should be made to keep documents free of typographical and grammatical
errors.
Use of any UIW-sponsored web site for commercial and/or personal gain is prohibited.
A phone number and/or e-mail address of the student, faculty, or staff member is to be
included on the home page.
The University of the Incarnate Word will not routinely monitor Web page content but we reserve the right
to both monitor content and remove pages if they are in violation of these rules or relevant UIW policies.
E. Enforcement of this policy:
Sanctions. Failure to comply with any of the above guidance or rules may result in termination of network
services, loss of computing resource privileges, prosecution by the University, other disciplinary
procedures, and/or civil and/or criminal prosecution. The Technology Department reserves the right to
terminate any network connection without notice should it be determined that network traffic generated
from said connection drastically inhibits or interferes with the use of the network by others. Depending on
the circumstances, the University reserves the right not to indemnify you in the event of a claim or lawsuit
by a third party related to the matters described in this policy.
Enforcement Provisions. Violations of these rules are subject to the investigative and disciplinary
procedures of the University with the appropriate representatives of the University’s Technology
Department acting in an advisory role. Complaints against students are usually forwarded to and handled
by the Campus Life Office. Complaints against faculty and other employees are forwarded to and handled
by supervisors and/or the appropriate Vice President.
Limitations of Privileges Pending Administrative or Judicial Process. In some cases the University
must act more immediately to protect its interests and resources, or the rights and safety of others. The
Chief Information Officer (or his/her appointed representative) has the authority to suspend or limit account
privileges and access to resources in those situations. When services have been suspended in this way, the
Chief Information Officer shall notify the appropriate office, which will handle the complaint and attempt
to notify the account or computer owner. Account suspension, or removal from the network is typically
temporary while the complaint is handled through the normal investigative and disciplinary procedures of
the University.
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68
69
70
Appendix A
Complaint Forms
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Student Receipt of Complaint Procedure Guidelines and Forms
(Approved by VPASA, 11/4/05)
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is committed to maintaining a learning
environment which promotes academic excellence and personal development. Procedure
guidelines assure students the opportunity to register their complaints about what they
believe to be unfair treatment involving their academic work and to receive prompt
resolution of matters related to the complaint.
Here is a summary of the Procedure Guidelines that explain the process a student must
follow in registering a complaint:
1. Hold an informal meeting with the instructor to resolve the complaint.
If the complaint is not resolved, the student may decide to initiate a Formal Conference
for the record.
2. Hold a formal conference with the instructor after filling out Part I of the
Conference Documentation Form.
If the complaint is still not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the student shall
have the right to appeal a decision in writing to the Dean of the college/school in which
the instructor resides.
3. Initiate the process of appealing to the Dean by completing the form called the
Appeal Form for Student Complaints about Faculty Decisions.
I understand the basic 3-step process for resolving a complaint related to faculty
decisions about student course work and realize that for further details I must read the
Procedure Guidelines and Forms I have received. I also understand that the Dean is the
appropriate administrator for making a final decision on the appeal and that I am not
entitled to appeal to another administrator or office.
Print Student Name: __________________________________
Student Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________________
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Formal Conference Documentation Form
(For a Student Complaint about an Instructor‟s Decision)
Part I The student completes this part prior to the meeting with the instructor.
Student Name: ____________________________ ID #: ________________________
UIW e-mail: ____________________
Phone/cell: (____) ___________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Instructor’s Name: ____________________________UIW extension #: ___________
Issue (completed by the student prior to the conference):
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
By signature I acknowledge that I have met with the above named student to discuss this
issue. I am/am not (circle one) providing written comments. (Comments must be
submitted to your dean within three days of this meeting.)
Signature of Instructor: _______________________________ Date: ________________
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Part 2
The student, after the meeting, describes whether resolution of the complaint was
reached or not:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Signature of Student: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Whether there is resolution or not, the student delivers this form in a sealed envelope to
the Dean of the college/school in which the instructor resides.
If resolution was not reached and the student wishes to appeal the instructor’s decision,
then the student requests from the Dean’s Office the Appeal Form for Student
Complaints about Faculty Decisions completes it and returns to the Dean’s Office within
three days.
cc: Student
Instructor
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Appeal Form For Student Complaints About Faculty Decisions*
Student Contact Information
Student’s (Complainant’s) Name: ____________________________________
ID #: ______________________ UIW e-mail address: ___________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
Home Phone Number: _________________ Cell: __________________
Work: _______________
Complaint Information
Date of the incident/complaint: _____________________
Time of the incident (if applicable): _________________
Place the incident occurred (if applicable):_____________________________________
Name(s) of the instructor who made a decision that directly affected you and is the
subject of your complaint:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Date of last conversation with such person(s) when you tried to resolve your complaint:
______________
Please attach a letter explaining your complaint and the reasons why a decision or action
that affected you should be changed.
What happens next?
1) Your complaint will be investigated by the appropriate college/school dean who will
seek a fair solution, and report back to you in writing within 10 school days.
2) The final decision may not be appealed to a higher level.
3) Your file will be kept in the office where the final decision was made.
*PLEASE NOTE: UIW explicitly prohibits any member of the university
community from harassing or retaliating against students who file complaints and
appeal decisions.
Student Signature: _____________________________ Date:___________________
OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Appeal Received: ____________
Date Response Due: ______________
Dean’s Name: _____________________________
Date Response Sent to Student: _______________
Comments:
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Appendix B
75
2009-2010
Campus Life Office
4301 Broadway, CPO # 306
210-829-6034
www.uiw.edu
Table of Contents
Section 3: Violations of Law
Section 7: Interpretation and Revision
Section 9: Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990
Section 10: Alcohol and Drug Policy Overview
Section 11: Policy on Parental Notification
Section 13: Risks of Alcohol Use
Section 15: Health Risks and Drug Use
Section 17: Confidentiality and Reporting Policy regarding Sexual Misconduct
Section 18: Involuntary Student Withdrawal
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2
3
4
6
12
14
14
25
26
26
27
32
35
37
39
49
51
University of the Incarnate Word students are responsible for knowing the information,
policies and procedures outlined in this document.
Community Policies
The Student Code of Conduct is based upon the model codes of Stoner and Sokolow. These
conduct policies and procedures have been authored with the assistance of the National Center
for Higher Education Risk Management, www.ncherm.org. Portions of these procedures have
been adapted from Syracuse University, Penn State University, Loras College, Duke University
and the University of Oregon. Policies have been adapted from the models of Gary Pavela, Ed
Stoner’s Model Code and the Model Code of NCHERM authored by Brett A. Sokolow, JD.
Rights of use have been granted by NCHERM to the University of the Incarnate Word. No other
use is permitted without the express permission of NCHERM.
The University of the Incarnate Word community is committed to fostering a campus
environment that is conducive to academic inquiry, productive campus life, and thoughtful study
and discourse. A community exists on the basis of shared values and principles. At the
University of the Incarnate Word, student members of the community are expected to uphold and
abide by certain standards of conduct that form the basis of the Student Code of Conduct. These
standards are embodied within a set of core values that include integrity, fairness, respect,
community and responsibility. When members of the community fail to exemplify these values,
campus conduct proceedings are used to assert and uphold the Student Code of Conduct.
Ultimately, each member of the University of the Incarnate Word community is expected to
assume responsibility for her/his conduct, and to assume reasonable responsibility for the
behavior of others. On occasion, this will involve kind and courteous admonition done when one
member observes another in inappropriate conduct. At other times it will involve cooperation
when the authorities are investigating instances of alleged misconduct.
The student conduct process at the University of the Incarnate Word is not intended to punish
students. Rather, it exists to protect the interests of the community, and to challenge those whose
behavior is not in accordance with our policies. Sanctions are intended to challenge students’
moral and ethical decision-making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with our
community expectations. When a student is unable to conform his/her behavior to community
expectations, the student conduct process may determine that he/she should no longer share in
the privilege of participating in this community.
Students should be aware that the student conduct process is quite different from criminal and
civil court proceedings. Procedures and rights in student conduct proceedings are conducted with
fairness to all, but do not include the same protections of due process afforded by the courts.
Fair process, within these procedures, assures written notice and a hearing before an objective
decision-maker. No student will be found in violation of university policy without information
1
showing that it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred, and any sanction will be
proportionate to the severity of the violation and to the cumulative conduct history of the student.
Students at the University of the Incarnate Word are annually given a copy of the Student Code
of Conduct. Students are charged with the responsibility of having read, and agreeing to abide
by, the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct and the authority of the student conduct
process. The Student Code of Conduct and the student conduct process apply to the conduct of
individual students and university-affiliated student organizations. Because the Student Code of
Conduct is based on shared values, it sets a range of expectations for the University of the
Incarnate Word student no matter where or when their conduct may take place.
Therefore, the Student Code of Conduct will apply to behaviors that take place on the campus, at
university-sponsored events, and may also apply off-campus, when the administration
determines in its discretion that the off-campus conduct affects a substantial university interest.
A substantial university interest is defined to include:
Any action that constitutes a criminal offense as defined by Texas law. This
includes repeat violations of any local, state or federal law committed in the
municipality where the university is located.
Any situation where it appears that the student may present a danger or threat to
the health or safety of him/herself or others.
Any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights, property or
achievements of self or others or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes
social disorder.
Any situation that is detrimental to the educational interests of the university.
The Student Code of Conduct may be applied to conduct that takes place from the time a person
accepts enrollment as a student and continues until the student withdraws or graduates including
periods during semester breaks and between semesters. Further, the Student Code of Conduct
applies to guests of community members, whose hosts may be held accountable for the
misconduct of their guests. Visitors to and guests of University of the Incarnate Word are also
protected by the Student Code of Conduct, and may initiate grievances for violations of the
Student Code of Conduct committed by members of the University of the Incarnate Word
community against them. There is no time limit on reporting of violations of the Student Code of
Conduct, as long as the offending student is still enrolled at University of the Incarnate Word.
However, the longer someone waits to report an offense, the harder it becomes for University of
the Incarnate Word to obtain information and witness statements, and to make a determination
regarding alleged violations. Those who are aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as
quickly as possible to the Office of Campus Life and/or Campus Police.
2
Section 3: Violations of Law and Interim Suspension
Violations of federal, state and local laws are incorporated as offenses under the Student Code of
Conduct. When an offense occurs over which the university has jurisdiction, the university
conduct process will usually go forward notwithstanding any criminal complaint that may arise
from the same incident. Should a student withdraw from the university when a criminal
complaint is made, the university may pursue investigation and resolution of campus conduct
matters, regardless of the fact that the student has withdrawn.
When a student is accused, arrested, charged or indicted for a violent or drug-related off-campus
crime, the university may elect to take action against that student for violation of the code of
conduct, which incorporates violation of local, state and federal laws as code infractions.
When it has reasonable cause to separate a student from the community, the university may
suspend a student for a reasonable time pending the scheduling of a campus hearing for violation
of the code of conduct. The university reserves the right to exercise its authority of interim
suspension upon notification that a student is facing criminal investigation and/or complaint. The
university will permit a student who receives an interim suspension to request a meeting with the
Dean of Campus Life to show cause why an interim suspension is not merited. Regardless of the
outcome of this meeting, the university may still proceed with the scheduling of a campus
hearing.
When criminal charges are pending, the university may be delayed or prevented from conducting
its own investigation, and moving forward with a campus hearing. When this happens, the
university will delay its hearing until such time as it can conduct an internal investigation, or
obtain from law enforcement sufficient information upon which to proceed.
It may be in the best interests of students accused of crimes to withdraw from the university,
without penalty, until the criminal charges are resolved. The university has a procedure for
voluntary withdrawals under the following conditions: if the alleged victim of the crime is a
student, the alleged victim must approve of the withdrawal and delay of the hearing; the accused
student must comply with any and all campus efforts at investigation that will not prejudice their
defense in the criminal trial; and the accused student must agree that in order to be re-instated to
active student status, he/she must first be subject to and fully cooperative with a campus hearing,
and must comply with any sanctions that are administered.
A. Attempted Violations
In most circumstances, University of the Incarnate Word will treat attempts to commit
any of the violations listed in the Student Code of Conduct as if those attempts had been
completed.
3
B. Misconduct Online
Students are cautioned that behavior conducted online can subject them to university
conduct action, such as harassment delivered by e-mail. Students must also be aware that
blogs, web pages, such as MySpace.com homepages, Facebook entries, Tweets and
similar online postings are in the public sphere, and are not private. These postings can
subject a student to allegations of conduct violations, if evidence of recent policy
violations is posted online. The university does not regularly go hunting for this
information, but may take action if and when such information is brought to the attention
of university officials.
C. University as Complainant
As necessary, University of the Incarnate Word reserves the right to initiate a complaint,
to serve as complainant, and to initiate conduct proceedings without a formal complaint
by the victim of misconduct.
D. False Reports
University of the Incarnate Word will not tolerate intentional false reporting of incidents.
It is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct to make an intentionally false report of
any policy violation, and it may also violate state criminal statutes and civil defamation
laws.
E. Group Violations
When members of groups, individuals acting collusively, or members of an organization
act in concert in violation of any policy, they may be held accountable as a group, and a
hearing may proceed against the group as joint accused students. In any such action,
individual determinations as to responsibility will be made and sanctions will be
proportionate to the involvement of each individual.
F. Immunity for Victims
The University of the Incarnate Word community encourages the reporting of conduct
code violations and crimes by victims. Sometimes, victims are hesitant to report to
university officials because they fear that they themselves may be accused of policy
violations, such as underage drinking at the time of the incident. It is in the best interests
of this community that as many victims as possible choose to report to university
officials. To encourage reporting, University of the Incarnate Word pursues a policy of
offering victims of crimes amnesty from policy violations related to the incident.
G. Good Samaritan
The welfare of students in our community is of paramount importance. At times, students
on- and off-campus may need assistance. University of the Incarnate Word encourages
students to offer help and assistance to others in need. Sometimes, students are hesitant to
offer assistance to others, for fear that they may get themselves in trouble (for example, a
4
student who has been drinking underage might hesitate to help take a sexual misconduct
victim to the Campus Police). University of the Incarnate Word pursues a policy of
limited immunity for students who offer help to others in need. While policy violations
cannot be overlooked, the university will provide educational options, rather than
punishment, to those who offer their assistance to others in need.
H. Parental Notification
The University of the Incarnate Word reserves the right to notify parents/guardians of
dependent students regarding any conduct situation, particularly alcohol and other drug
violations. The university may also notify parents/guardians of non-dependent students
who are under age 21 of alcohol and/or drug policy violations. UIW will contact
parents/guardians of students to inform them of situations in which there is a health
and/or safety risk. UIW also reserves the right to designate which university employees
have a legitimate need to know about individual conduct complaints pursuant to the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and will share information accordingly.
I. Notification of Outcomes
The outcome of a campus hearing is part of the educational record of the accused student,
and is protected from release under a federal law, FERPA. However, UIW observes the
legal exceptions to FERPA as follows:
a. Complainants in sexual misconduct and sexual harassment incidents have an
absolute right to be informed of the outcome and sanctions of the hearing, in
writing, without condition or limitation.
b. Students who bring any sort of sexual misconduct complaint against faculty or
staff may be informed of the outcome and sanction, because FERPA does not
apply.
c. The university may publicly release the name, nature of the violation and the
sanction for any student who is found in violation of a university policy that is a
―crime of violence,‖ including: arson, burglary, robbery, criminal homicide, sex
offenses, assault, destruction, damage, or vandalism of property and kidnapping
or abduction. The university will release this information to the complainant in
any of these offenses regardless of the outcome. Complainants are cautioned that
FERPA does not permit them to re-release this information to others unless the
accused student is found in violation.
J. Defenses
It has become common for students accused of policy violations to try to defend their
actions with excuses, such as prescription drug interactions, self-defense, disabilities, etc.
The university’s policy on defenses is clear: Defending your actions with an excuse is
admitting to a policy violation. ―Yes, we fought, but he started it.‖ This still means you
5
had a fight, and that violates our rules. You may have taken someone’s property under
the influence of an anti-depressant, but you still took someone else’s property. While
your defense will not excuse your actions, UIW will take the legitimacy of your excuse
into consideration in addressing the proper sanction. For example, if you were not the
aggressor in a fight, you will still be sanctioned, but your sanction may be lesser than the
sanction of the person who started the fight.
A. Definitions
1. The term ―the university‖ means University of the Incarnate Word.
2. The term ―student‖ includes all persons who have accepted admission, enrolled at and/or
are taking courses or have a continuing relationship with the university, including those
who attend full or part-time as undergraduate, graduate or non-matriculated.
3. The term ―faculty member‖ means any person hired by the university to conduct
instructional activities.
4. The term ―university official‖ includes any person employed by the university, performing
administrative or professional supervisory responsibilities.
5. The term ―member of the university community‖ includes any person who is employed by,
volunteering for or attending the university as student, faculty, administrator, staff, intern
or volunteer.
6. The term ―university premises‖ includes all land, buildings, facilities and other property in
the possession of or owned, or controlled (leased or rented) by the university.
7. The term ―organization‖ means any number of persons who have complied with the formal
requirements for university registration.
8. The term ―Conduct Council‖ means any persons authorized by the Vice President for
Enrollment & Student Services or a delegated representative to determine whether a
student has violated the Student Code of Conduct and to impose sanctions. The Student
Conduct Review Council constitutes a Conduct Council.
9. The term ―Student Conduct Administrator‖ means an official authorized by the Vice
President for Enrollment & Student Services to impose sanctions upon students found to
have violated the Student Code of Conduct. The Vice President for Enrollment & Student
Services may authorize a conduct advisor to serve as the sole individual responsible for
determining whether a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct. The Dean of
Campus Life serves as a conduct advisor. In cases of alleged violation of the Academic
Integrity Policy, the Provost may be consulted regarding adjudication and review of the
charges.
6
10. The term ―review board‖ means any person or persons authorized by the Vice President
for Enrollment & Student Services to consider a review (appeal) of the Conduct Council’s
determination that a student violated the Student Code of Conduct or from sanctions
imposed by the conduct advisor.
11. The term ―will‖ 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 rules of the university as found in, but not
limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, the Guidelines for Community Living, the Student
Organizations Handbook and the Graduate and Undergraduate Bulletins.
14. The term ―day‖ refers to a regular business day when the university is in session.
B. Behavioral Expectations
Conduct
The basic approach to maintaining a Christian code of conduct is self-discipline. However, the
university considers the behavior described below as inappropriate for the UIW community and
encourages community members to report to a university authority incidents which involve, but
are not limited to, the following actions or attempts of the same.
C. Standards of Student Conduct: Rules
These rules apply to all students, undergraduate, professional and graduate. Any student found to
have committed the following misconduct is subject to the sanctions outlined below.
Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
a. INTEGRITY: UIW students exmplify honesty, integrity and a respect for truth in all of their
dealings. Behavior that demonstrates a lapse of integrity includes, but is not limited to:
1. Knowingly furnishing false, falsified, or forged information to any member of the
university community, such as falsification or misuse of documents, accounts,
records, identification or financial instruments;
2. Acts of academic dishonesty as outlined in the Code of Academic Integrity;
3. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of means of access (keys, cards, etc.)
to any university building;
4. Action or inaction by someone in collusion with a wrongdoer which fails to
discourage a known and obvious violation of university policy or law.
5. Violations of positions of trust or authority within the community;
6. Tampering with the election of any university recognized student organization.
7
b. COMMUNITY: UIW students honor and value their community. Behavior that violates this
value includes, but is not limited to:
1. Misuse of access privileges to university premises or unauthorized entry to or use
of buildings, including trespass;
2. Misuse or unauthorized use of university or organizational names and images;
3. Knowingly taking possession of stolen property;
4. Intentional and unauthorized taking of the property of the university or personal
property of a member of the university community which is on campus;
5. Intentional and unauthorized destruction or damage to university property or to
the property of another;
6. Misuse of university computing facilities, equipment, network, passwords,
accounts or information. Students who connect their personal computers to the
campus network will be held responsible for any violation of this policy that
originates from that computer. Examples of misuse include but are not limited to:
Use of computing facilities to send harassing or abusive messages;
Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of other community
members;
Unauthorized access to a file or personal or group account;
Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the university
computer system;
Copying or transmitting copyrighted material when you are not legally
authorized to do so.
7. Anonymous or forged network news articles or e-mail messages;
8. Disk usage over the allotted limit without prior approval;
9. Unauthorized transfer of a file;
10. Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification and password;
11. Gambling (refer to Section 24 of this document);
12. Possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons (including, but not limited to
BB/pellet guns, slingshots, facsimile weapons and sharp edged instruments, such
8
as hatchets when used as weapons), or dangerous chemicals while on campus,
unless properly authorized;
13. Violation of state, local, or campus fire policies, including:
Failure to evacuate a university-owned building during a fire alarm;
Improper use of university fire safety equipment;
Tampering with or improperly engaging a fire alarm in a university building.
c. FAIRNESS: UIW students exemplify fair treatment of all members of the community in their
dealings and interactions. Behavior that violates this value includes, but is not limited to:
1. Disruption of university operations, including obstruction of teaching, research,
administration, other university activities, or other authorized non-university
activities which occur on campus;
2. Obstruction of freedom of movement by community members or visitors; abuse,
interference or failing to comply in university processes including Conduct and
Honor Code hearings;
3. Abuse of the campus conduct system, including:
Failure to attend meetings scheduled for conduct code administration
purposes;
Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information;
Failure to provide, destroying or hiding information during an investigation of
an alleged policy violation;
Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the
campus conduct system;
Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a campus
conduct body prior to, during, and/or after a campus conduct proceeding;
Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed by the campus conduct
system;
Influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of
the campus conduct system.
d. RESPECT: UIW students show respect for each other, for property and for the community.
Behavior that violates this value includes, but is not limited to:
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1. Threatening or causing physical harm, verbal abuse, or other conduct which
threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person;
2. Discrimination, intimidation (implied threat), harassment;
3. Abusive affiliation (as defined in the abusive affiliation policy);
4. Violence between those in an intimate relationship to each other;
5. Stalking, defined as repetitive menacing pursuit, following, harassment and/or
interference with the peace and/or safety of a member of the community or the
safety of any of the immediate family of members of the community.
6. Sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment; non-consensual sexual contact;
non-consensual sexual intercourse; sexual exploitation (refer to Section 16 of this
document);
7. Inappropriate conduct which is disorderly, disruptive, or indecent while on
campus or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by the university;
8. Failure to comply with directions of university officials or law enforcement
officers during the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to
these persons when requested to do so;
9. Smoking in any non-residential university building or in areas of residential
buildings designated as non-smoking.
e. RESPONSIBILITY: UIW students are given and accept a high level of responsibility as role
models. Behavior that violates this value includes, but is not limited to:
1. Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly
permitted by law and the university’s Alcohol Policy. This includes
possession/consumption by those under the age of 21, providing alcohol to those
under the age of 21, possession of a common source container (empty or full)
unless they are part of an approved event (keg, beer ball, etc.), driving under the
influence, and public intoxication by persons of any age (Please see the full policy
on alcohol and event registration in Section 12 of this document.);
2. Use, possession, or distribution of narcotic, or other controlled substances, as well
as drug paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted by law;
3. Abuse, misuse, sale, or distribution of prescription or over-the-counter
medications;
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4. Assisting in, inciting or condoning the violation of university policies or public
laws;
5. Violations of federal, state or local laws which affect the interests of the
university community, whether on or off-campus; the knowing failure of any
organized group to exercise preventive measures relative to violations of this
Student Code of Conduct by members;
6. Violations of other published university policies, rules, or policies;
7. Intentionally or recklessly causing a fire which damages university or personal
property, or which causes injury to any member of the community.
The Dean of Campus Life is the person designated by the Vice President for Enrollment &
Student Services, who has been charged by the President of the university, for the administration
of the Student Code of Conduct.
The Dean of Campus Life, the Judicial Educator, or designee will assume responsibility for the
investigation of an allegation of misconduct to determine if the complaint has merit. No
complaint will be forwarded for a hearing unless there is reasonable cause to believe a policy has
been violated. Reasonable cause is defined as some information to support each element of the
offense, even if that information is merely a credible witness or victim’s statement. A complaint
wholly unsupported by any information will not be forwarded for a hearing.
If the allegations can be disposed of by mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis
acceptable to the parties involved and the Dean of Campus Life, such disposition will be final
and there will be no subsequent proceedings. The Dean of Campus Life has discretion to refer a
complaint for mediation. All parties must agree to mediation, and to be bound by the decision
with no review (appeal). Any unsuccessful mediation can be forwarded for formal processing
and hearing. However, at no time will complaints of physical sexual misconduct or violence be
mediated as the sole institutional response. The Dean of Campus Life may also suggest that
complaints that do not involve a violation of the Student Code of Conduct be referred for
mediation.
If the complaint cannot be disposed of in a manner mutually acceptable, the Dean will refer the
complaint to the Conduct Council or the Student Conduct Review Council (SCRC). The Conduct
Council can be constituted from Residential Life staff though the Dean or her proxy may also
later serve in the same matter as the Conduct Council. The SCRC is a body of students
responsible for assisting in the interpretation and implementation of the Student Code of Conduct
and conduct process. Members are responsible for ensuring that students receive the procedural
fairness rights granted them. These rights are detailed below. There is generally a preference to
refer disputed complaints to the SCRC, though the Dean retains ultimate discretion over
complaint referrals.
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The Dean of Campus Life will be responsible for assembling the SCRC according to the
following guidelines:
a. The Dean of Campus Life, the Judicial Educator, the Director of Residence Life, or designee
will serve as the SCRC Selection Panel.
b. This panel will select seven students, (undergraduate and/or graduate), five from the resident
community and two commuters. Members of the administration or faculty may be added at
the Dean’s discretion.
c. Students interested in serving on the SCRC will complete an application and be interviewed
by two or more members of the Selection Panel.
d. Eligible candidates must:
1. Be in academic good standing and have completed 15 hours of academic credit
with a semester GPA of at least 2.0.
2. Be in conduct good standing in the semester they serve. Conduct good standing is
defined as having no record of misconduct during the semester(s) they serve. A
serious history of misconduct could disqualify a student for service.
3. Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or administrator from
the UIW community.
e. The Dean of Campus Life will have final authority to approve students serving on the SCRC.
f. The non-voting conduct advisor to the SCRC is the Dean of Campus Life, with responsibility
for training the SCRC, preliminary investigation, holding student representatives accountable
for decisions made by the Council, and ensuring a fair process for the complainant and the
accused student.
g. In the event of a resignation from the SCRC, the Dean of Campus Life will solicit
applications from the group from which the representative came.
h. The Dean of Campus Life will develop procedural rules for the administration of hearings
that are consistent with provisions of the Student Code of Conduct. Material deviation from
these rules will generally only be made as necessary, and will include notice to the parties.
i. At all hearings of the SCRC, the presence of at least 3 members will be necessary and
sufficient to constitute a quorum. The Dean of Campus Life may designate appropriate
substitutes including faculty or administrators.
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j. Decisions made, and sanctions implemented, by the SCRC or the Dean of Campus Life or
designee will be final, pending the normal review process. The Dean of Campus Life has the
authority to stay implementation of sanctions pending review, at her discretion.
k. Some violations of university policy committed by resident students will be handled
administratively by the Director of Residence Life (or her/his designee). These violations
may include, but are not limited to noise, visitation, trash, emergency evacuation, disabling a
smoke detector and smoking tobacco products in an unauthorized area. Specified sanctions
are also listed in the Guidelines for Community Living, and the UIW Student Handbook.
Students may petition for review of administrative decisions to the Dean of Campus Life for
a hearing by the SCRC. Petitions for review must be based on written documentation of one
or more of the criteria defined in the ―Review‖ Section.
l. For such violations, the decision rendered on petition to the SCRC is final.
Section 7: Interpretation & Revision
Any question of interpretation regarding the Student Code of Conduct will be referred to the
Dean of Campus Life, whose interpretation is final.
The Dean of Campus Life may make any necessary modification to procedures that does not
materially jeopardize the fairness owed to any party.
The Student Code of Conduct will be reviewed every two years under the direction of the Dean
of Campus Life.
Part of the education process is learning how to live in harmony with community members and
within a system of standards established for and by the community. Students are accountable to
students and others in the community for these standards through the procedures outlined below.
This system is not a legal process but an administrative hearing system. Principles of fairness
govern all review bodies.
Any student who violates these standards will be held accountable for his/her behavior through a
process that assures the rights of both the complainant and the accused student.
A. Complaints and Hearings
Any member of the university community, visitors or guests may file a complaint against any
student for misconduct. Complaints will be presented to the Dean of Campus Life (or designee).
Any complaint should be submitted in writing as soon as possible after the event takes place,
preferably within one semester. At the discretion of the Dean of Campus Life, the university may
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pursue a complaint made much later. The university has the right to pursue a complaint or
perception of misconduct on its own behalf, and to serve as complainant.
The Dean of Campus Life or designee will assume responsibility for the investigation of the
alleged violation as described in the section titled ―Conduct Authority."
B. Notice and Pre-Hearing Procedures
a. Once a determination is made that reasonable cause exists for the Dean of Campus Life to
refer a complaint for a hearing, notice will be given to the accused student. Notice will be in
writing, and may be delivered in person by the Dean of Campus Life or designee, or mailed
to the local or permanent address of the accused student. Once mailed or received in person,
such notice will be presumptively delivered.
1. The letter of notice will state briefly a description of the incident alleged, as well
as stating all policies the accused student is alleged to have violated and the
possible consequences if the accused student is found in violation. Relevant
procedures for resolution of the complaint will be included in the notice.
2. The letter of notice will direct the accused student to contact the Dean of Campus
Life, or her designee, within two class days of receipt to respond to the complaint.
3. A meeting with Dean of Campus Life, or her designee, can be arranged to explain
the nature of the complaint and the conduct process. Within the two-class-day
period, the accused student must indicate, either verbally or in writing, to the
Dean of Campus Life, or her designee, whether s/he admits or denies the
allegations of the complaint.
4. Where the accused student admits to violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct,
the Dean of Campus Life, or her designee, may invoke informal resolution
procedures to determine and administer an appropriate sanction without a formal
hearing. This process is also known as an administrative hearing. When a student
is facing a complaint the consequences for which will not result in separation
from housing or the university, the applicable procedures are more informal
within the requirements for fairness established by law. When a student faces
suspension or expulsion from housing or the university, the process afforded is
more rigorous and formal, as befits the gravity of the alleged offense and the very
serious nature of the consequences.
b. Where the accused student denies the violation, a formal hearing will be followed. At the
discretion of the Dean of Campus Life, or her designee, a request by the accused student for
an administrative hearing may be considered. Guidelines for a formal hearing are as follows:
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1. Written notice of the time, date and location of the hearing will be sent to all
parties to the complaint who may additionally be notified in person, by telephone,
or by e-mail.
2. If there is an alleged victim of the conduct in question, the alleged victim may
serve as the complainant, or may elect to have the administration serve as
complainant. Where there is no victim, the administration will serve as
complainant.
3. If a student fails to respond to notice from the Dean of Campus Life, or her
designee, the Dean of Campus Life will initiate a complaint against the student for
failure to comply with the directives of a college official, and give notice of this
offense. Unless the student responds to this notice within two class days by
answering the initial notice, the student may be administratively withdrawn from
attending classes until such time as s/he responds to the initial complaint.
c. Once a student denies a violation, they will be given a minimum of seven (7) days to prepare
for a hearing. At least forty-eight hours before any scheduled hearing, the following will
occur:
1. The accused student will deliver to the Dean of Campus Life a written response to
the complaint;
2. The accused student will deliver to the Dean of Campus Life a written list of all
witnesses the accused student wants to appear at the hearing on his/her behalf;
3. The accused student will deliver to the Dean of Campus Life a written list of all
items of physical information the accused student intends to use or needs to have
present at the hearing, and will indicate who has possession or custody of such
information, if known;
4. The complainant will deliver to the Dean of Campus Life a written list of all
witnesses the complainant wants to appear at the hearing on his/her behalf;
5. The parties will notify the Dean of Campus Life, at least forty-eight hours prior to
the hearing, of the names of any advisors who may be accompanying the parties
at the hearing.
The Dean of Campus Life will ensure that the hearing information and any other available
written documentation is shared between the complainant and accused student at least
twenty-four hours before any scheduled hearing. In addition, the parties will be given a list of
the names of all the hearing officers for the complaint.
Should either party object to any members of the board or panel, they must raise all
objections in writing to the Dean of Campus Life immediately. Hearing officers will only be
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unseated if the Dean of Campus Life concludes that their bias precludes an impartial hearing
of the complaint. Additionally, any SCRC or hearing officer who feels they cannot make an
objective determination must recuse himself or herself from the proceedings.
d. The complainant and the accused have the right to be present at the hearing, but not during
deliberations. If a student cannot attend, it is that student’s responsibility to notify the Dean
of Campus Life no later than 24 hours before the hearing, to arrange another time, place and
date. Except in cases of grave or unforeseen circumstances, if the accused student fails to
give 24 hours notice, or if the accused student fails to appear, the hearing will proceed as
scheduled. If the complainant fails to appear, the complaint will be dropped unless the
university chooses to pursue the allegation on its own behalf, as determined by the Dean of
Campus Life.
Except in a complaint involving failure to obey the summons of the Dean of Campus Life, or
designee, no student may be found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct solely
because the student failed to appear. In all complaints, the information in support of the
complaint will be presented and considered.
C. Hearing Procedures
a. When a student is facing a complaint the consequences for which will not result in separation
from housing or the university, the applicable procedures are more informal within the
requirements for fairness established by law. When a student faces suspension or expulsion
from housing or the university, the process afforded is more rigorous and formal, as befits the
gravity of the alleged offense and the very serious nature and consequences. The Dean of
Campus Life and the Student Conduct Review Council will conduct hearings, according to
the following guidelines:
1. Hearings will be closed to the public.
2. Admission to the hearing of persons other than the parties involved will be at the
discretion of the Student Conduct Review Council and the Dean of Campus Life.
3. In hearings involving more than one student, the standard procedure will be to
hear the complaints jointly. However, the Dean of Campus Life (or designee) may
permit the hearing concerning each student to be conducted separately. In any
joint hearing, separate determinations will be made as to the responsibility of each
student accused.
4. For suspension or expulsion-level offenses, the complainant and the accused will
have the right to an advisor of his/her own choosing ONLY from within the
University of the Incarnate Word community. The advisor may not make a
presentation or represent the complainant or the accused student during the
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hearing. Advisors are not otherwise permitted at less formal hearings, except upon
special application to the Dean of Campus Life.
5. The complainant, the accused student, the Student Conduct Review Council and
the Dean of Campus Life will have the privilege of presenting witnesses, and
questioning all parties and witnesses. Unduly repetitive witnesses can be limited
at the discretion of the Chairperson or the Dean of Campus Life.
6. Pertinent records, exhibits and written statements may be accepted as information
for consideration by the Student Conduct Review Council, the Dean of Campus
Life or designee. Formal rules of evidence are not observed. For formal hearings,
the Dean of Campus Life may limit the number of character witnesses presented
or accept written affidavits of character instead. No character witnesses or
evidence will be admitted in hearings to which the informal procedures apply.
7. All procedural questions are subject to the final decision by the Dean of Campus
Life.
8. After an SCRC hearing, the Council will deliberate and determine by majority
vote whether it is more likely than not that the student has violated the Student
Code of Conduct. The Dean of Campus Life or her proxy will be present and
available as a resource during all deliberations. Once a finding is determined, if
that finding is that of a policy violation, the SCRC will determine an appropriate
sanction. The Dean of Campus Life is responsible for informing the SCRC of
applicable precedent and any previous conduct violations by the accused student.
The Chair will prepare a written deliberation report to the Dean of Campus Life
detailing the finding, how each member voted, the information cited by the body
in support of its finding, and any information that the body excluded from its
consideration, and why. This report should conclude with any recommended
sanctions. This report should not exceed two pages in length, and must be
submitted to the Dean of Campus Life within 48 hours after the end of
deliberations. The Dean may make appropriate modifications and then will
implement the final determination and inform the parties (in accordance with the
university determination of outcomes policy) within seven (7) days after the
hearing.
9. After a hearing by the Dean of Campus Life (or designee) or Council, a decision
will be made on the basis of whether it is more likely than not that the student has
violated the Student Code of Conduct.
10. There will be a single verbatim record, such as a tape recording of all hearings.
The record will be the property of the university. Deliberations will not be
recorded. Verbal presentations of the findings will be recorded. All conduct
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records are maintained by the university for seven years from the time of their
creation.
D. Special Provisions for Sexual Misconduct/Discrimination Complaints
a. For sexual misconduct complaints, and other complaints of a sensitive nature, whether the
alleged victim is serving as the complainant or as a witness, alternative testimony options
will be given, such as placing a privacy screen in the hearing room, or allowing the alleged
victim to testify from another room via closed circuit. While these options are intended to
help make the alleged victim more comfortable, they are not intended to work to a
disadvantage of the accused student.
b. The past sexual history or sexual character of a party will not be admissible by the other
party in hearings unless such information is determined to be highly relevant by the Chair.
All such information sought to be admitted will be presumed irrelevant, and any request to
overcome this presumption by the parties must be included in the complaint/response or a
subsequent written request, and must be reviewed in advance of the hearing by Dean of
Campus Life. While previous conduct violations by the accused student are not generally
admissible as information about the present alleged violation, the Dean of Campus Life may
supply previous complaint information to the SCRC, or may consider it herself if she is
hearing the complaint, only if:
1. The accused student was previously found to be responsible;
2. The previous incident was substantially similar to the present allegation;
3. Information indicates a pattern of behavior and substantial conformity with that
pattern by the accused student;
4. The alleged victim in any complaint alleging sexual misconduct will be notified in
writing of the outcome and any sanction, will have a right of review, and will be
kept apprised of the status of any review requests or grants.
c. Option for a Three-Member Administrative Panel. Parties to the complaint may request that
in lieu of a conduct board hearing, the complaint be heard by a three-member administrative
panel. The election to use this panel can also be made at the discretion of the Dean of
Campus Life.
E. Conduct Sanctions
a. The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student
Code of Conduct:
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1. Warning:
A written notice will be sent to the student(s) who violated university policies and/or
rules. It specifies that inappropriate and unacceptable actions have occurred and that
more severe conduct action will result should the student be involved in other
violations while the reprimand is in effect.
2. Restitution:
Compensation for damage caused to the university, or any person’s property. This is
not a fine, but rather a repayment for property destroyed, damaged, consumed or
stolen.
3. Fines:
Previously established and published fines may be imposed.
4. Community/University Service Requirement:
For a student or organization to complete a specific supervised university service.
This will not fulfill the university’s community service requirement.
5. Loss of Privileges:
The student will be denied specified privileges for a designated period of time.
6. Behavioral Requirement:
This includes required activities such as seeking academic or personal counseling,
writing a letter of apology, etc.
7. Educational Program:
Requirement to attend or participate in a program related to the violation. It may also
be a requirement to sponsor or assist with a program for others on campus to help
them learn about a specific topic or issue related to the violation which the student or
organization committed. Audience may be restricted.
8. No Contact Agreement:
Contact between students is limited. At the request of a student, and after
investigation by the Dean of Campus Life or his/ her designee, a no contact
agreement may be enforced between two students. These agreements are for no less
than six weeks and may be reviewed for extension. No contact means that while the
accused and/or the complainant are on university property, or at any activity or event
associated with the university, the accused may not attempt to communicate with the
complainant. Distance requirements may also be imposed. Communication includes
talking with, attempting to talk with, touching, staring at, writing to, attempting
telephone or electronic contact (e.g., e-mail, fax, and pager), enlisting a proxy to
19
make contact on your behalf, and/or any other form of contact of any kind.
Appropriate monitoring and notification provisions may be made to enable
enforcement.
9. Restriction of Visitation Privileges:
May be levied against an individual(s) residing in room(s)/suite(s) in University
Housing. The parameters of the restriction will be specified.
10. University Housing Probation:
The student will be put on official notice that if further violations of Residence Life
or university policies occur during the probationary period, the student may
immediately be removed from University Housing.
11. University Housing Reassignment:
Student is assigned to another University Housing structure. The Residence Life
Office will decide on the hall to which the student will be reassigned.
12. University Housing Suspension:
The student will be removed from University Housing for a definite period of time,
after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for re-admission may be
specified. Under this sanction, a student is required to vacate University Housing
within 24 hours of the action, though this deadline may be extended upon application
to the Director of Residence Life. This sanction may be enforced with a trespass
action as necessary.
13. University Housing Expulsion:
Resident loses the privilege to live in or visit any University Housing structure at any
time. This sanction may be enforced with a trespass action as necessary.
14. Eligibility Restriction:
Student is deemed ―not in good standing‖ with the university. Terms of the conduct
sanction are for a specified length of time, usually in semester increments, and may
include the following:
Ineligibility to hold any office in any student organization recognized by the
university or to hold an elected or appointed office at the university.
Ineligibility to represent the university to anyone outside the university
community in any way, including the study abroad program, attendance at
conferences, representing the university at any official function, event,
intercollegiate competition as a player, manager, or student coach, etc.
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Specific limitations or exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the Dean of
Campus Life.
15. Suspension:
Suspension of the student from the university for a definite period of time, after
which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
Students are required to vacate the residence and/or campus within 24 hours of the
action. This sanction may be enforced with a trespass action as necessary.
16. Expulsion:
The student will be permanently separated from the university. The student is barred
from being on campus, and from being present at any university-sponsored event.
This sanction may be enforced with a trespass action as necessary.
17. Other Sanctions:
May be created and assigned, as deemed appropriate to the offense with the approval
of the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Services, the Dean of Campus Life or
designee.
b. More than one of the sanctions listed above may be imposed for any single violation.
c. Other than university expulsion and suspension, conduct sanctions will not be made part of
the student’s permanent academic record, but will become part of the student’s confidential
record. The student’s confidential record may be expunged of conduct actions other than
University Housing expulsion, university suspension or university expulsion upon
application to the Dean of Campus Life. Complaints involving the imposition of sanctions
other than those specified above may be expunged from the student’s confidential record
seven years after final disposition of the complaint.
d. The following sanctions may be imposed upon groups or organizations found to have
violated the Student Code of Conduct:
1. Those sanctions previously listed in Sections E.a.1-8 and E.a.14-17;
2. Deactivation, loss of all privileges, including university registration, for a
specified period of time.
F. Interim Suspension
The Dean of Campus Life has the authority to impose University Housing suspension or, with
consent of the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Services, to levy university suspension
prior to the hearing.
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a. Interim suspension may be imposed:
1. To ensure the safety and well-being of members of the university community or
preservation of university property;
2. For purposes of pursuing an investigation;
3. To ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or
4. If the student poses a clear threat of disruption of, or interference with, normal
operations of the university.
b. During the interim suspension, students will be denied access to University Housing and/or
to the campus. This includes classes and/or all other university activities or privileges for
which the student might otherwise be eligible, as determined appropriate by the Vice
President for Enrollment & Student Services or the Dean of Campus Life. At the discretion
of the Dean of Campus Life and in collaboration with the appropriate Dean, alternative
coursework options may be pursued to ensure as minimal an impact as possible on the
accused student.
G. Final Review
a. Accused students or complainants may petition within three (3) school days of the written
decision to the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Services for a review of the decision
or sanction(s) determined by the Student Conduct Review Council. Such petitions will be in
writing and will be delivered to the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Services. In
cases of violations of the Academic Integrity Policy, petitions should be addressed to the
Provost.
b. If the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Services determines that the complaint may
be reviewed, he/she will refer the complaint back to the original hearing body/officer or to
the Community Review Board for re-opening of the hearing to allow reconsideration of the
original determination and/or sanction(s). The Community Review Board serves as the final
level of review in the conduct matter.
Except as required to explain the basis of new information, a review will be limited to review
of the verbatim record of the initial hearing and supporting documents for one or more of the
following purposes:
1. To consider new information, unavailable during the original hearing, that could
be outcome determinative;
2. To assess whether a material deviation from written procedures impacted the
fairness of the hearing;
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3. To decide if a sanction(s) is grossly disproportionate to the severity of the offense;
4. To determine that the finding does not accord with the information;
5. To assess whether bias on the part of a conduct board member deprived the
process of impartiality.
Every opportunity should be taken to return the complaint to the original hearing
body/officer for reconsideration, where possible. The original hearing officer/body or the
CRB may support or change a decision, increase, decrease or modify a sanction. The
reviewing body will be deferential to the original decision-maker, making changes to the
finding where there is clear error and to the sanction only if a compelling justification to do
so exists, and a unanimous decision is reached. CRB members will be instructed by the Dean
of Campus Life prior to participating in conduct proceedings.
H. Community Review
Board Membership & Authority
The Community Review Board (CRB) is a group of students, faculty and administrators
whoserve as the final level of review in a student conduct matter. Membership on the CRB is as
follows:
a. Two voting student representatives appointed by the Student Government Association
Executive Board. Representatives will be appointed from the following categories:
1. One resident student; and
2. One commuter student.
b. One voting faculty representative, appointed by the Faculty Senate.
c. One voting representative from the administration, appointed by the Vice President for
Enrollment & Student Services annually.
d. The non-voting advisor to the CRB is the Vice President for Academic & Students Affairs.
e. The chairperson of the CRB will be determined prior to the start of each hearing by a
consensus of the Board. The chairperson will be either a member of the faculty or
administration.
f. In the event of resignation, the group from which the representative came is responsible for
providing a replacement as soon as possible.
g. At all hearings of the CRB, all members or approved substitutes must be present in order to
proceed.
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I. Failure to Follow Through on Conduct Sanctions
All students, as members of the university community, are expected to comply with conduct
sanctions within the time frame specified by the conduct body. Refusal or neglect to follow
through on conduct sanctions by the date specified will result in suspension from the University
of the Incarnate Word, and may be noted on, or with, the student’s official transcript at the end of
the semester. A resident student will be required to vacate University Housing within 24 hours of
notification by the Dean of Campus Life. Suspension will only be lifted when compliance with
conduct sanctions is satisfactorily achieved. The determination will be made by the Vice
President for Enrollment & Student Services in consultation with the Dean of Campus Life.
Section 9: Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990
This federal mandate requires that all current students and employees be provided with
information on policies and procedures involving campus security, the reporting of criminal
action or other emergencies, and the enforcement authority of security personnel. This
information must also include descriptions of the programs for informing students and
employees about campus security and crime prevention, as well as statistics on the occurrence of
specific crimes. Notification of the annual report is made each October. The full report is posted
on the university web site, and anyone desiring a printed document may request one from the
Campus Police Department.
Section 10: Alcohol & Drug Policy Overview
To comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and Amendments,
students and employees of the University of the Incarnate Word are informed that strictly
enforced policies are in place which prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of any
illicit drugs, including alcohol, on university property or as part of any University-sponsored
activity. Students and employees are also subject to all applicable legal sanctions under local,
state, and federal law for any offenses involving illegal drugs on university property or at
university activities. Sanctions imposed by the university may include suspension and/or
completion of an appropriate educational rehabilitation program.
The university affirms that illegal drug use is wrong and harmful. Use of illegal drugs and
alcohol abuse by students and employees results in cognitive deficits, loss of productivity and
other health risks. These risks include an increased incidence of accidents, which may result in
death or permanent injury. Free, confidential counseling for alcohol and other drug abuse issues
is available to students and employees through the UIW Counseling Services and Health
Services departments. Other referral resources may include assessment, individual counseling,
referral and case management through community agencies, sometimes for a fee. Educational
programs and materials are also available.
To view the University of the Incarnate Word Alcohol and Drug Policies in their entirety, please
refer to sections 12 and 14, respectively.
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Section 11: Policy on Parental Notification of Students in Violation of the
UIW Alcohol and Drug Policy
The University of the Incarnate Word is concerned about students who improperly use alcohol
and other drugs and the effects such use may have on their health, academic success,
interpersonal relationships and ultimately their future.
The University of the Incarnate Word alcohol policy expressly forbids possession and/or
consumption of alcohol by students, employees or guests who are under the legal drinking age
(21 years). Possession of drug paraphernalia and the use, manufacture, sale or distribution on- or
off-campus of illegal drugs by any student is also prohibited. The Dean of Campus Life (or
designee) reserves the right to notify the parents/ guardians of students under 21 years of age
found responsible for violations of the UIW alcohol and drug policy, and to notify the
parents/guardians of any dependent student, regardless of age.
This section sets forth the University of the Incarnate Word’s policy concerning the sale, service
or distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus in compliance with federal,
state and local laws.
A. Policy Guidelines
a. Students who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to have alcohol in designated University
Housing rooms. Students who are of legal drinking age may not share or provide alcohol to any
students, employees or guests who are under 21 years of age. Those under legal drinking age (21) are
not permitted to possess and/or consume alcohol. Those under 21 are not permitted to have alcohol in
their University Housing rooms.
b. The university will not sell, serve or permit the sale of alcohol on campus except in
specifically designated buildings or facilities named by the President of the university. The
Dean of Campus Life will maintain a current list of those assigned buildings or facilities,
which may be used on a permanent or temporary basis (as designated by the President of the
university).
c. Alcoholic beverages may be sold, served or consumed in special use facilities only if:
1. It is in compliance with law;
2. It is done at social gatherings approved by the Dean of Campus Life or the
President of the university;
3. Alcohol is dispensed by a licensed third-party vendor or is ―bring your own
beverage‖ (BYOB).
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d. Alcoholic beverages may not be possessed or consumed in classrooms, hallways, University
Housing lounges, athletic grounds, in the pool area, in campus public areas (including
parking lots, streets, and sidewalks), or any other area as designated by the President of the
University. Any area on campus can be designated for ―temporary special use‖ at the
discretion of the President or the Dean of Campus Life.
e. Any person or organization sponsoring an on-campus event must obtain the prior written
approval from the Dean of Campus Life for the sale, service and consumption of alcoholic
beverages for that specific event. The Dean of Campus Life reserves the right to disapprove
the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages at any event with sound reason.
f. The Dean of Campus Life may approve alcoholic beverages at events meeting all the
following conditions:
1. The event is held in a special-use location, facility or building;
2. The event is requested by a faculty member, staff, student organization, university
department or division;
3. The event will have a majority of individuals over 21 years of age in attendance;
4. Food is served and alternate non-alcoholic beverages are provided;
5. The sale/serving of alcoholic beverages be discontinued at least one hour before
the event ends; and Proper security for the event is provided at ticket booths and
distribution areas where alcohol is sold and/or served and officers patrol the event
location.
6. Alcohol is dispensed by a licensed third-party vendor or is BYOB.
g. The Dean of Campus Life and the Directors of Campus Police and Special Events will
determine the adequate number of security officers for the event.
h. At the beginning of each academic year, the Dean of Campus Life or designee will publicize
this policy in any of the following ways:
1. An article in The Logos, addressed to all in the university community;
2. A memorandum to the presidents or chief officers of all student organizations and
their faculty or staff sponsors;
3. A presentation to all transfer and beginning students during the orientation
process; and/or
4. A memorandum to the President, vice presidents, deans, and faculty.
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C. Procedures for Serving Alcohol on Campus
a. A request for approval of service and consumption of alcoholic beverages at an on-campus
event will be directed to the Dean of Campus Life at least 30 working days prior to the event.
Sponsors initiating such a request should obtain an Alcoholic Beverage Activity Permit from
the Dean of Campus Life or the Director of Special Events.
b. At least 15 working days prior to the date of the proposed event, the sponsor should take the
completed permit to the Director of Special Events, who will inform the sponsor of any
specific policy or procedural limitations regarding the use of the facility. If the Director of
Special Events approves the proposed event, he or she will sign the Alcoholic Beverage
Activity Permit and return it to the sponsor.
c. If the university’s food service contractor will be used to serve the alcoholic beverages, the
sponsor must contact the contractor at least fifteen (15) working days prior to the proposed
event. The food service contractor should inform the sponsor of all requirements for service
on the proposed date and will coordinate TABC permits if necessary.
d. The sponsor should then contact the Director of Campus Police at least fifteen (15) working
days prior to the scheduled event in order to determine the need for officers at the scheduled
event. The Director will assign the number of officers and assess the costs to be incurred by
the sponsor. If he/she approves the proposed event, the Director will then sign the Alcoholic
Beverage Permit and return it to the sponsor.
e. The sponsor will then personally deliver the form to the Dean of Campus Life. If the Dean
approves the event, he or she will sign the form, notify the sponsor, and send copies to
offices involved in coordination of the event.
f. After the Dean of Campus Life approves the event, the sponsor will notify the Director of
Special Events who will then place the event on the University Calendar.
g. If a planned event is canceled, the sponsor is responsible for notifying the Dean of Campus
Life and the Directors of Campus Police, Special Events and Dining Service as soon as
possible.
h. The university will ensure that all permits required by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Commission (TABC) are approved prior to the activity.
D. Alcohol Policy Abuse Sanctions
a. Alcohol Misuse on Campus
As stated on page 11 of this document, ―failure to comply with directions of university officials
or law enforcement officers during the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify
oneself to these persons when requested to do so‖ is considered unacceptable behavior for a
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University of the Incarnate Word student. Therefore, for example, refusing to submit to a
breathalyzer when requested by a police officer, whether on- or off-campus, is considered a
violation of the UIW Student Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary action.
In addition, students exhibiting signs of excessive alcohol consumption will, at a UIW Campus
Police officer’s discretion, be transported via Emergency Medical Services, and at the student’s
expense, for medical attention. Refusal to cooperate with Emergency Medical Services personnel
may result in arrest for Emergency Detention in order to ensure the student’s health and safety.
Students who violate the UIW alcohol policy are subject to the following sanctions:
1. First offense:
Required participation in an alcohol education activity and/or a Minor in
Possession Course, both of which have a fee;
Notification of parents for students under 21 years of age;
Appropriate restrictions;* and
*Restriction is the limiting or removal of certain privileges of participation
in the usual activities of the campus. The duration of the restriction will be
specified.
Restitution will be assessed if applicable.*
* Restitution means the offender is required to make reimbursement for
damage to or misappropriation of property. It may take the form of
appropriate services to repair or otherwise compensate for damages.
2. Second offense:
An alcohol assessment by an approved agency is mandated and compliance
with the counselor’s evaluation is required;
Parents of students under 21 years of age will be notified; and
Additional sanctions may include, up to 50 hours of supervised community
service in an alcohol education activity and restitution if applicable. Removal
from University Housing may be implemented and other restrictions may be
assessed.
3. Third offense:
Possible suspension or expulsion from University Housing and/or the
university;
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Notification of parents for students under 21 years of age. Re-admittance to
the university/University Housing will require proof of an alcohol-related
health assessment and compliance with a counselor’s recommendations.
b. Providing Alcohol to Minors
University of the Incarnate Word issues the following penalties for purchase, sale or providing
alcohol to a minor(s), including minors in University Housing.
1. Possible sanctions for a first offense include:
Required participation in an alcohol-related activity;
Eligibility restrictions;
Health-related alcohol assessment;
Suspension from University Housing and/or the university;
Attendance at Drug Court and/or community service; and/or
Other sanctions as determined by the Dean or Campus Life or her designee.
2. Second and third offenses may result in expulsion from the university and
possible notification of law enforcement authorities.
c. Driving Under the Influence/ Driving While Intoxicated
The University of the Incarnate Word is concerned about students who violate state and local
laws regarding consumption of alcohol and the operation of motor vehicles.
In accordance with state law, the university abides by the legal definition of intoxicated as ―not
having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a
controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those
substances, or any other substance into the body‖ (Texas Penal Code, Title 10, Chapter 49,
Section 49.01) or 0.08 Breath or Blood Alcohol Concentration.
Minors who are found to have any detectable level of alcohol in their system will be considered
driving under the influence and subject to penalties under that offense.
1. Possible sanctions for a first offense include:
Required participation in an alcohol activity for which there may be a fee;
Loss of driving and/or parking privileges on-campus;
Fines;
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Eligibility restrictions;
Attendance at Drug Court and/or community service; and/or
Other sanctions as determined by the Dean of Campus Life or her designee.
2. Second and third offenses may result in suspension or expulsion from the
University and possible notification of law enforcement authorities.
d. Texas State Law
Information on Texas State Law regarding the sale, serving and use of alcoholic beverages may
be obtained from the Dean of Campus Life.
Section 13: Risks of Alcohol Use (sourced by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism)
Immediate effects on the brain:
Difficulty walking.
Blurred vision.
Slurred speech.
Slowed reaction times.
Impaired memory.
Interactions with medications:
More than 150 medications exist that should NOT be mixed with alcohol.
Using alcohol while taking antihistamines causes increased drowsiness.
Using alcohol and taking large doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) may lead to serious
liver damage.
Long-Term Health Problems:
Alcohol affects nearly every organ in the body. The risk for many health problems increases with
long term heavy drinking. Some health problems are described below.
Alcohol-related liver disease
More than 2 million Americans suffer from alcohol-related liver disease.
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Development of alcohol hepatitis or inflammation of the liver.
Development of alcoholic cirrhosis or scarring of the liver.
Cancer
Increased risk of certain forms of cancer especially mouth, throat, esophagus, and larynx.
Increased risk of breast cancer in women.
May increase risk of colon and rectum cancer.
Pancreatitis (Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas).
May lead to chronic abdominal pain and severe diarrhea.
Social and Legal Problems:
The more heavily you drink the, greater the problems at home, at work, with friends, and even
with strangers. These may include:
Arguments with or separation from your spouse and other family members.
Strained relationships with co-workers.
Absence from, or lateness to, work with increasing frequency.
Loss of employment due to decreased productivity.
Committing, or being the victim of, violence.
A Snapshot of Annual High-Risk College Drinking Consequences:
The consequences of excessive and underage drinking affect virtually all college campuses,
college communities, and college students, whether they choose to drink or not.
Death: 1,700 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcoholrelated unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes (Hingson et al., 2005).
Injury: 599,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are unintentionally injured under
the influence of alcohol (Hingson et al., 2005).
Assault: More than 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by
another student who has been drinking (Hingson et al., 2005).
Sexual Abuse: More than 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of
alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape (Hingson et al., 2005).
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Unsafe Sex: 400,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 had unprotected sex and
more than 100,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 report having been too
intoxicated to know if they consented to having sex (Hingson et al., 2002).
Academic Problems: About 25 percent of college students report academic
consequences of their drinking including missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on
exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall (Engs et al., 1996; Presley et al.,
1996a, 1996b; Wechsler et al., 2002).
Health Problems/Suicide Attempts: More than 150,000 students develop an alcoholrelated health problem (Hingson et al., 2002) and between 1.2 and 1.5 percent of students
indicate that they tried to commit suicide within the past year due to drinking or drug use
(Presley et al., 1998).
Drunk Driving: 2.1 million students between the ages of 18 and 24 drove under the
influence of alcohol last year (Hingson et al., 2002).
Vandalism: About 11 percent of college student drinkers report that they have damaged
property while under the influence of alcohol (Wechsler et al., 2002).
Property Damage: More than 25 percent of administrators from schools with relatively
low drinking levels and over 50 percent from schools with high drinking levels say their
campuses have a "moderate" or "major" problem with alcohol-related property damage
(Wechsler et al., 1995).
Police Involvement: About 5 percent of 4-year college students are involved with the
police or campus security as a result of their drinking (Wechsler et al., 2002) and an
estimated 110,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are arrested for an alcoholrelated violation such as public drunkenness or driving under the influence (Hingson et
al., 2002).
Alcohol Abuse and Dependence: 31 percent of college students met criteria for a
diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6 percent for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in the past
12 months, according to questionnaire-based self-reports about their drinking (Knight et
al., 2002).
Information taken from: www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/StatsSummaries/snapshot.aspx.
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A. Rationale
This policy on controlled substances provides flexibility for the university in addressing drugrelated offenses on- or off-campus. Moreover, it permits the university to address its fundamental
mission of holistic education and development of human potential. While recognizing that there
is a need to address violations related to the use or possession of controlled substances, the
university must address the education and well being of all its students and employees. This
policy permits sanctions involving probation and counseling for rehabilitation purposes when
appropriate. Furthermore, students and employees are also subject to all legal sanctions under
local, state and federal law for any offenses involving illegal drugs on university property or at
university activities. Sanctions imposed by the university may include conduct action and/or the
completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.
The university has a ―Safe Harbor‖ rule for athletes. Athletes are subject to drug testing, and in
the event that a test is positive, that student will face a conduct complaint for violations of the
drug policy. However, UIW believes that students who have a drug and/or addiction problem
deserve help. If an athlete, or any other UIW student, brings use, addiction or dependency to the
attention of university officials outside the threat of drug tests and seeks assistance, a conduct
complaint will not be pursued. However, a written behavioral contract may be used to track
recovery and cooperation with treatment by the athlete, as long as no violence or harm to self or
others is indicated. Failure to comply with the behavioral contract will nullify the Safe Harbor
protection and campus judicial processes will be initiated.
The Dean of Campus Life is the person charged with the responsibility to oversee and coordinate
campus conduct procedures involving students, which include a system of hearings, interim
action, and the availability of final review.
B. Definitions
a. ―Illegal drugs‖ are defined as a substance or substances defined and regulated under the
provisions of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and of Article 4476-14 or Article 447615 of Vernon’s Texas Civil Statutes, and includes but is not limited to CNS depressants, CNS
stimulants, hallucinogens, other illegal drugs such as PCP (angel dust) and cocaine or crack.
b. ―Use of a drug‖ includes possession of drug paraphernalia; use, possession, manufacture, sale
or distribution, on- or off-campus, of any one or more illegal drugs as previously mentioned.
It also includes misuse of prescription medication.
c. ―On-campus‖ means any building, facility, grounds or other property owned, leased or
controlled by UIW.
C. Policy Guidelines
A student who has been found in violation of the polices on illegal possession, use, sale,
manufacture or distribution of any drug, narcotic or controlled substance, or any misuse of
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prescription drugs, whether the infraction occurred on- or off-campus, are subject to suspension
from enrollment and/or employment at the university for a period of not less than the remainder
of the semester in which the infraction occurred.
D. Illegal Drug Sanctions for Students
The following are University of the Incarnate Word sanctions for unlawful use, possession or
distribution of controlled substances.
a. For the manufacture, sale or distribution of illegal drugs:
Expulsion from the university and notification of legal authorities. Parental notification for
students under 21 years of age and older dependent students.
b. For the possession or use of drug paraphernalia and/or illegal drugs:
1. First offense:
Suspension from the university for a period of not less than the remainder of
the semester in which the infraction occurred, and/or
Assessment for chemical dependency and action to address the individual
situation;
Immediate removal from campus housing;
Possible notification of parents for students under 21 years of age and older
dependent students;
Possible notification of appropriate legal authorities; and/or
Other sanctions as determined by the Dean of Campus Life or her designee.
2. Second offense:
Expulsion from the university;
Notification of parents for students under 21 years of age and older dependent
students; and
Notification of legal authorities.
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Section 15: Health Risks and Drug Use (sourced by the National Institute on Drug
Abuse)
Cigarette Smoking:
Kills an estimated 440,000 US Citizens a year –more than alcohol, cocaine, heroin,
homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire, and AIDS combined.
Harms every organ in the body.
Conclusively linked to leukemia, cataracts, and pneumonia.
Linked to about 90% of all lung cancer cases.
Causes lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Substantially increases the risk of heart disease, including stroke, heart attack, vascular
disease, and aneurysm.
Marijuana:
Effects on the Brain:
Memory and learning problems.
Distorted perception.
Difficulty in thinking and problem-solving.
Loss of coordination.
Increased heart rate.
Effects on the Heart:
Risk of heart attack quadruples in first hour after smoking.
Effects blood pressure and heart rate.
Reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.
Effects on the Lungs:
Burning and stinging of the mouth and throat accompanied by cough.
Daily cough and phlegm production.
More frequent acute chest illness.
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Heightened risk of lung infections.
Greater tendency for obstructed airways.
Other Health Risks:
Increased likelihood of developing cancer of the head, neck and lungs.
Impairs the immune system’s ability to fight disease.
Stimulants: (Amphetamine, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Meth)
Irregular heartbeat.
Dangerously high body temperatures.
Potential for cardiovascular failure or seizure.
Increased blood pressure.
Respiratory failure.
Increased risk of stroke and/or seizures.
Depressants: (Barbiturates, Rohypnol, GHB)
Slowed breathing and heart rate.
Poor concentration.
Fatigue.
Feelings of confusion.
Impaired coordination, memory and judgment.
Respiratory depression and arrest resulting in possible death.
Opioids and Morphine Derivatives: (Found in prescription medications including codeine,
fentanyl, morphine, opium, and oxycodone HCL)
Nausea.
Constipation.
Feelings of confusion.
Respiratory depression and arrest.
Unconsciousness, coma and possible death.
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Inhalants:
Severe headaches.
Nausea and vomiting.
Loss of motor coordination.
Muscle weakness.
Memory impairment.
Damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Sudden death.
A. Introduction
University of the Incarnate Word believes in a zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.
Members of the University of the Incarnate Word community, guests and visitors have the right
to be free from sexual violence. When an allegation of sexual misconduct is brought to the
administration, and an accused student is found to have violated this policy, serious sanctions
will be used to ensure that such actions are never repeated. All members of the community are
expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others. The
University of the Incarnate Word Sexual Misconduct Policy has been developed to reaffirm these
principles and to provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated. This
policy has dual purposes. It serves as a measure to determine, after the fact, if behaviors trespass
on community values. It should also serve as a guide for students on the expectations UIW has,
preventatively, for sexual communication, sexual responsibility and sexual respect.
B. Overview of Policy Expectations With Respect To Physical Sexual Misconduct
While the policy below is quite detailed and specific, the expectations of this community can be
summarized in this simple paragraph. In order for individuals to engage in sexual activity of any
type with each other, there must be clear consent. Consent is sexual permission. Consent can be
given by word or action, but non-verbal consent is less clear than talking about what you want
and what you don’t. Consent to some form of sexual activity cannot be automatically taken as
consent to any other sexual activity. Silence—without actions demonstrating permission—cannot
be assumed to show consent. There is a difference between seduction and coercion. Coercing
someone into sexual activity violates this policy just as much as physically forcing someone into
sex. Coercion happens when someone unreasonably pressures someone else for sex. When
alcohol or other drugs are being used, someone will be considered unable to give valid consent if
they cannot appreciate the who, what, when, where, why, or how of a sexual interaction.
Individuals who consent to sex must be able to understand what they are doing. You will do well
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to keep in mind that under this policy, ―No‖ always means ―No,‖ and ―Yes‖ may not always
mean ―Yes.‖
C. Sexual Misconduct offenses include, but are not limited to:
a. Sexual Harassment:
Gender-based verbal or physical conduct that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with
an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or
offensive working or educational environment.
1. Three Types of Sexual Harassment:
Hostile Environment includes any situation in which there is harassing
conduct that is sufficiently severe, pervasive/persistent and patently offensive
so that it alters the conditions of education or employment, from both a
subjective (the alleged victim’s) and an objective (a reasonable person’s)
viewpoint. The determination of whether an environment is ―hostile‖ must be
based on all of the circumstances. These circumstances could include:
o The frequency of the conduct;
o The nature and severity of the conduct;
o Whether the conduct was physically threatening;
o Whether the conduct was humiliating;
o The effect of the conduct on the alleged victim’s mental or emotional
state;
o Whether the conduct was directed at more than one person;
o Whether the conduct arose in the context of other discriminatory
conduct;
o Whether the conduct unreasonably interfered with the alleged victim’s
educational or work performance;
o Whether the statement is a mere utterance of an epithet which
engenders offense in an employee or student, or offends by mere
discourtesy or rudeness; and/or
o Whether the speech or conduct deserves the protections of academic
freedom.
Quid pro quo sexual harassment exists when there are:
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o Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal
or physical conduct of a sexual nature; and
o Submission to or rejection of such conduct results in adverse
educational or employment action.
Retaliation:
The university will sanction a faculty, student or staff member who harasses
or intimidates a person because of the person’s participation in an
investigation of discrimination or sexual misconduct. Harassment or
intimidation includes but is not limited to threats or actual violence against the
person or their property, adverse educational or employment consequences,
ridicule, taunting, bullying or ostracism.
b. Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse (or attempts to commit the same):
Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse is any sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal),
however slight, with any object, by a man or woman upon a man or a woman, without
effective consent.
c. Non-Consensual Sexual Contact (or attempts to commit the same):
Non-Consensual Sexual Contact is any intentional sexual touching, however slight, with any
object, by a man or a woman upon a man or a woman without effective consent.
Effective consent is active, not passive. Silence, in and of itself, cannot be interpreted as consent.
Effective consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create a
mutually understandable permission regarding the conditions of sexual activity—who, what,
when, where, why and how sexual activity will take place. In order to be effective, consent
cannot be procured by use of physical force, compelling threats, intimidating behavior, or
coercion. Coercive behavior differs from seductive behavior based on the type of pressure
someone uses to get consent from another. When someone makes clear to you that they do not
want sex, that they want to stop, or that they do not want to go past a certain point of sexual
interaction, continued pressure beyond that point can be coercive. In order to give effective
consent, one must be of legal age.
If you engage in sexual activity with someone you know to be—or should know to be—mentally
or physically incapacitated (alcohol or other drug use, unconsciousness or blackout), you are in
violation of this policy.
Any time sexual activity takes place between individuals, those individuals must be capable of
controlling their physical actions and be capable of making rational, reasonable decisions about
their sexual behavior.
This policy also covers someone whose incapacity results from mental disability, sleep,
involuntary physical restraint, or from the taking of a so-called ―date-rape‖ drug. Possession, use
and/or distribution of any of these substances, including Rohypnol, Ketomine, GHB,
39
Burundanga, etc. is prohibited, and administering one of these drugs to another student for the
purpose of inducing incapacity is a violation of this policy. More information on these drugs can
be found at: http://www.911rape.org/.
The use of alcohol or other drugs will never function to excuse behavior that violates this policy.
The requirements of this policy are blind to the sexual orientation or preference of individuals
engaging in sexual activity.
Sexual Activity includes:
Intentional contact with the breasts, buttock, groin, or genitals, or touching another with any
of these body parts, or making another touch you or themselves with or on any of these body
parts; any intentional bodily contact in a sexual manner, though not involving contact
with/of/by breasts, buttocks, groin, genitals, mouth or other orifice.
Intercourse, however slight, meaning vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue or finger,
anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger, and oral copulation (mouth to genital
contact or genital to mouth contact).
Sexual Exploitation:
Occurs when a student takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for
his/her own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being
exploited, and that behavior does not otherwise constitute one of the other sexual misconduct
offenses. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to:
Prostituting another student;
Non-consensual video or audio taping of sexual activity;
Going beyond the boundaries of consent (such as letting your friends hide in the
closet to watch you having consensual sex);
Engaging in Peeping Tommery; and/or
Knowingly transmitting an STI or HIV to another student.
For reference to the pertinent Texas Statutes on sex offenses, please contact the Campus
Police.
D. Sanction Statement
Any student found responsible for violating the policy on Non-Consensual Sexual Contact
(where no intercourse has occurred) will likely receive a sanction ranging from a warning to
expulsion, depending on the severity of the incident, and taking into account any previous
campus conduct code violations.*
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Any student found responsible for violating the policy on Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse
will likely face a recommended sanction of suspension or expulsion.*
Any student found responsible for violating the policy on sexual exploitation or sexual
harassment will likely receive a recommended sanction ranging from warning to expulsion,
depending on the severity of the incident, and taking into account any previous campus conduct
code violations.*
*The conduct body reserves the right to broaden or lessen any range of recommended
sanctions in the complaint of serious mitigating circumstances or egregiously offensive
behavior. Neither the CRB nor any appeals body or officer will deviate from the range of
recommended sanctions unless compelling justification exists to do so.
Although in campus hearings legal ideas like guilt and innocence are not applicable, rest assured
that University of the Incarnate Word will never assume a student is in violation of university
policy. In fact, campus hearings are conducted to take into account the totality of all information
available, from all relevant sources.
The university reserves the right to take whatever measures it deems necessary in response to an
allegation of sexual misconduct in order to protect students’ rights and personal safety. Such
measures include, but are not limited to: modification of living arrangements; interim suspension
from campus pending a hearing; and reporting to the local police. Not all forms of sexual
misconduct will be deemed to be equally serious offenses, and the university reserves the right to
impose differing sanctions, ranging from oral warning to expulsion, depending on the severity of
the offense. The university will consider the concerns and rights of both the complainant and the
person accused of sexual misconduct.
In addition to this UIW policy, students should know that rape is a crime, and should be reported
to civil authorities. Rape is often thought of as a violent attack on a woman by a madman who
jumps from the bushes and uses a knife or gun to threaten his victim. But this description does
not apply to most rapes that take place in this country. Ninety percent of university women who
are victims of rape or attempted rape know their assailant; almost half of these rapes are
committed by dates or partners. A university student is more likely to be victimized by someone
she/he knows, and perhaps trusts, than by someone who is a stranger. Forced intercourse by
someone a person knows is defined as date rape or acquaintance rape. Date rape is just as
serious a crime as rape by a stranger. In both cases, the individual has been violated on the most
personal level. In both cases, the person who has forced the victim is a rapist.
RISK REDUCTION TIPS:
Generally, a date rape will follow a four-step pattern:
a. An individual’s personal space is violated in some way. For example, the
perpetrator may touch the victim in a way that does not feel comfortable.
b. If the victim does not express discomfort, the perpetrator may begin to view the
victim as an easy target because she/he is not assertive.
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c. The perpetrator may take the victim to a location that is secluded and where the
victim is vulnerable.
d. The victim feels trapped or unable to be assertive and is raped.
Decisive action early in an encounter may be the key to avoiding rape. An individual who can
combine assertiveness and self-defense skills, who is self-confident and definite in his/her
interactions with others, is less likely to become a victim of rape. If the individual can assertively
defend his/her rights initially, he/she has a better chance of avoiding being raped than does a
person who resorts to techniques such as pleading or trying to talk the perpetrator out of it. If you
find yourself in an uncomfortable sexual situation, these suggestions may help you to reduce
your risk:
a. Make your limits known before things go too far.
b. Give clear messages. Say ―yes‖ when you mean yes and ―no‖ when you mean no.
Leave no room for misinterpretation. Tell a sexual aggressor ―NO‖ clearly and
loudly, like you mean it.
c. Try to extricate yourself from the physical presence of a sexual aggressor.
d. Grab someone nearby and ask for help.
e. Be responsible for your alcohol intake/drug use and realize that alcohol/drugs
lower your sexual inhibitions and may make you vulnerable to someone who
views a drunk or high person as a sexual opportunity.
f. Watch out for your friends and ask that they watch out for you. A real friend will
get in your face if you are about to make a mistake. Respect them if they do.
g. Be aware of any nonverbal messages you may be sending that conflict with what
you are saying. Notice your tone of voice, gestures and eye contact.
h. Be forceful and firm when necessary. Don’t be concerned with being polite. Your
passivity may be interpreted as permission or approval for this behavior.
i. Do not acquiesce to something you do not want just to avoid unpleasantness. Do
not allow ―politeness‖ to trap you in a dangerous situation. This is not the time to
be concerned about hurt feelings.
j. Trust your feelings. If a situation does not feel comfortable to you or you feel
anxious about the way your date is acting, you need to respond. Leave
immediately if necessary.
42
If you find yourself in the position of being the initiator of sexual behavior, you owe sexual
respect to your potential partner. These suggestions may help you to reduce your risk for being
accused of sexual misconduct:
a. Do not make assumptions…About consent. About someone’s sexual availability.
About whether they are attracted to you. About how far you can go. About
whether they are physically and mentally able to consent to you.
b. Clearly communicate your intentions to your sexual partner and give them a
chance to clearly relate their intentions to you.
c. Mixed messages from your partner should be a clear indication that you should
step back, defuse the sexual tension, and communicate better. Perhaps you are
misreading them. Perhaps they have not figured out how far they want to go with
you yet. You need to respect the timeline with which they are comfortable.
d. Do not take advantage of someone’s drunkenness or drugged state, even if they
did it to themselves.
e. Realize that your potential partner could be intimidated by you, or fearful. You
may have a power advantage simply because of your gender or size. Do not abuse
that power.
f. Understand that consent to some forms of sexual behavior does not necessarily
imply consent to other forms of sexual behavior.
g. On this campus, silence and passivity cannot be interpreted as an indication of
consent. Read your potential partner carefully, paying attention to verbal and nonverbal communication and body language.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sexual Misconduct Policy
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding University of the Incarnate
Word’s sexual misconduct policy and procedures.
a. Does the complaint remain confidential?
The confidentiality of all parties to a complaint of sexual misconduct must be strictly
observed, except insofar as it interferes with the university’s obligation to fully
investigate allegations of sexual misconduct. Where confidentiality is not strictly kept, it
will still be tightly controlled on a need-to-know basis. Dissemination of information
and/or written materials to persons not involved in the complaint procedure is not
permitted. Violations of confidentiality by either the complainant or the accused may lead
to conduct action by the university.
43
In all complaints of sexual misconduct, the complainant will be informed of the outcome.
In some instances, the administration also may choose to make a brief announcement of
the nature of the violation and the action taken, using no names. Certain university
administrators are informed on a confidential basis (e.g., the President of the University,
Dean of Campus Life, Director of Security). If you report an act of alleged sexual
misconduct to a conduct officer of the university and there is information that a felony
has occurred, local police will be notified. This does not mean charges will be
automatically filed or that a victim must speak with the police, but the university is
legally required to notify law enforcement authorities. The university also must
statistically report the occurrence on campus of any of six major violent crimes, including
certain sex offenses, in an annual report of campus crime statistics. This statistical report
does not include personally identifiable information.
b. Will my parents be told?
No, not unless you tell them. Whether you are the complainant or the accused, the
University of the Incarnate Word’s primary relationship is to the student and not to the
parent. However, in the event of major medical, conduct action, or academic jeopardy,
students are strongly encouraged to inform their parents. University officials will directly
inform parents when requested to do so by a student, or in a life-threatening situation, or
if an accused student has signed the permission slip at registration which allows such
communication.
c. Will I have to confront the perpetrator?
Yes, if you file a formal complaint. Sexual misconduct is a serious offense and the
accused has the right to confront the accuser. However, the university does provide
options for allowing confrontation without direct contact, including closed-circuit
testimony, using a room divider or using separate hearing rooms.
d. Do I have to name the perpetrator?
Yes, if you want formal conduct action to be taken against the alleged perpetrator. No, if
you choose to respond informally and do not file a formal complaint (but you should
consult the complete confidentiality policy below to better understand the university’s
legal obligations depending on what information you share with different university
officials).
e. What should I do if I am accused of sexual misconduct?
DO NOT contact the alleged victim. You may immediately want to contact someone in
the campus community who can act as your advisor. You may also contact the Dean of
Campus Life, who can explain the university’s procedures for dealing with sexual
misconduct complaints. You may also want to talk to a confidential counselor at the
university counseling center.
44
f. What should I do about legal advice?
Victims of criminal sexual assault need not retain a private attorney because legal issues
will be handled through a representative from the District Attorney’s office. You may
want to retain an attorney if you are the accused or are considering filing a civil action
against the alleged perpetrator.
g. What about changing University Housing rooms?
If you want to move, you may request a room change. Room changes under these
circumstances are considered emergencies. It is the university’s policy that in emergency
room changes, the student is moved to the first available suitable room. If you believe
that you have been the victim of sexual misconduct, you must be willing to pursue formal
University of the Incarnate Word conduct action in order to request an emergency room
change. Other accommodations available to you might include:
1. Assistance from university support staff in completing the relocation;
2. Arranging to dissolve a housing contract and pro-rating a refund;
3. Exam, paper or assignment rescheduling;
4. Taking an incomplete in a class;
5. Transferring class sections;
6. Temporary withdrawal; and/or
7. Alternative course completion options.
h. What do I do about preserving information of a sexual assault?
Physical information of a criminal sexual assault must be collected within 72 hours. If
you believe you have been a victim of a criminal sexual assault, you should go to a
Hospital Emergency Room, before washing yourself or your clothing. A sexual assault
health professional (a specially trained nurse) at the hospital is on call and will counsel
you. If you go to the hospital, local police will be called, but you are not obligated to talk
to the police or to prosecute. The exam will help to keep that option open for you, should
you decide later to exercise it.
The hospital staff will collect information, check for injuries, and address the possibility
of exposure to sexually transmitted infections. If you have changed clothing since the
assault, bring the clothing you had on at the time of the assault with you to the hospital in
a clean, sanitary container such as a clean paper grocery bag or wrapped in a clean sheet.
(Plastic containers do not breathe, and may render information useless.) If you have not
changed clothes, bring a change of clothes with you to the hospital, if possible, as they
will likely keep the clothes you are wearing as information. You can take a support
person with you to the hospital, and they can accompany you through the exam, if you
45
want. Do not disturb the crime scene—leave all sheets, towels, etc. that may bear
information for the police to collect.
i. Will a student be sanctioned when reporting a sexual misconduct policy violation if
he/she has illegally used drugs or alcohol?
No. The severity of the infraction will determine the nature of the university’s response,
but whenever possible the university will respond educationally rather than punitively to
the illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol when dealing with victims of sexual misconduct.
The seriousness of sexual misconduct is a major concern and the university does not want
any of the circumstances (e.g., drug or alcohol use) to inhibit the reporting of sexual
misconduct.
j. Will the use of drugs or alcohol affect the outcome of a sexual misconduct conduct
complaint?
The use of alcohol and/or drugs by either party will not diminish the accused assailant’s
responsibility. On the other hand, alcohol and/or drug use is likely to affect the
complainant’s memory and, therefore, may affect the outcome of the complaint. A person
bringing complaints of sexual misconduct must either remember the alleged incident or
have sufficient circumstantial information, physical information and/or witnesses to
prove his/her complaint. If the complainant does not remember the circumstances of the
alleged incident, it may not be possible to impose sanctions on the accused without
further corroborating information.
k. Will either party‟s prior use of drugs and/or alcohol be a factor when reporting sexual
misconduct?
Not unless there is a compelling reason to believe that prior use or abuse is relevant to the
present complaint.
l. What should I do if I am uncertain about what happened?
If you believe that you have experienced a non-consensual sexual contact, but are unsure
of whether it was a violation of the university’s sexual misconduct policy, you should
contact the Dean of Campus Life. The university provides counselors who can help you
to define and clarify the event(s), and advise you of your options.
Section 17: Confidentiality and Reporting Policy regarding Sexual
Misconduct
Different people on campus have different reporting responsibilities, and different abilities to
maintain your confidentiality, depending on their roles at the university. When consulting
campus resources, victims should be aware of confidentiality and mandatory reporting in order to
make informed choices. On campus, some resources may maintain your complete
confidentiality, offering you options and advice without any obligation to tell anyone, unless you
46
want them to. Other resources are expressly there for you to report crimes and policy violations,
and they will take action when you report your victimization to them. Most resources on campus
fall in the middle of these two extremes. Neither the university nor the law requires them to
divulge private information that you share with them, except in extremely rare circumstances,
described below. You may seek assistance from them without starting a chain of events that
takes things out of your control or violates your privacy.
To Report Confidentially
If you desire that details of the incident be kept confidential, you should speak with oncampus counselors, campus health service providers or off-campus rape crisis resources who
will maintain confidentiality. Campus counselors are available to help you free of charge,
and can be seen on an emergency basis. In addition, you may speak on- and off-campus with
members of the clergy and chaplains who will also keep reports made to them confidential.
Quasi-Confidential Reporting
You can seek advice from certain resources that are not required to tell anyone else your
private, personally identifiable information unless there is cause for fear for your safety, or
the safety of others. These resources include those without supervisory responsibility or
remedial authority to address sexual misconduct, such as resident advisors (RAs), faculty
members, advisors to student organizations, career services staff, admissions officers, student
activities personnel, and many others. If you are unsure of someone’s duties and ability to
maintain your privacy, ask them before you talk to them. They will be able to tell you, and
help you make decisions about who can help you best. Some of these resources, such as RAs,
are instructed to share incident reports with their supervisors, but they do not share any
personally identifiable information about your report unless you give permission except in
the rare event that the incident reveals a need to protect you or other members of the
community. If your personally identifiable information is shared, it will be shared with as
few people as possible, and all efforts will be made to protect your confidentiality to the
greatest extent.
Non-Confidential Reporting Options
You are encouraged to speak to officials of the institution to make formal reports of incidents
(i.e. deans, vice presidents, or other administrators with supervisory responsibilities, campus
security, and human resources). You have the right and can expect to have incidents of
sexual misconduct to be taken seriously by the university when formally reported, and to
have those incidents investigated and properly resolved through administrative procedures.
Formal reporting does not mean that your report will not be confidential, but it does mean
that people who need to know will be told, and information will be shared as necessary with
investigators, witnesses, and the accused. The circle of people with this knowledge will be
kept as tight as possible to preserve your rights and privacy.
47
Federal Timely Warning Reporting Obligations
Victims of sexual misconduct should also be aware that university administrators must issue
timely warnings for incidents reported to them that pose a substantial threat of bodily harm or
danger to members of the campus community. The university will make every effort to
ensure that a victim’s name and other identifying information is not disclosed, while still
providing enough information for community members to make safety decisions in light of
the danger. The reporters for timely warning purposes are exactly the same as detailed at the
end of the above paragraph.
Section 18: Involuntary Student Withdrawal Policy and Procedures for
Addressing Disruptive Behavior
A. University-Initiated Withdrawal
a. If a student is behaving in a way which is threatening to the student or others, or which
significantly interferes with the student’s education or the rights of others, the Dean of
Campus Life may initiate these procedures: The first step will be to determine an appropriate
initial action. The primary alternative for initial action is to allow the student to continue in
university activities with no restrictions. The university may take no action if it is decided,
based on review of the referral information or other information presented, that the student
may be allowed to continue with no restrictions. In those cases, care should be taken to
provide opportunity for the student to be advised of accommodations and supportive services
that are available. In cases where there are conduct actions pending, those actions should go
forward.
b. Continue in university activities pending further proceedings. The university may require that
students meet certain conditions regarding the student’s behavior over a specified period of
time if he/she is to remain enrolled. Such conditions could include, for example, stopping
classroom disruptiveness, or continued enrollment only if the student avails him or herself of
supportive services or accommodation arrangements. Failure to comply with the conditions,
coupled with further disruptive behavior, may result in additional conduct complaints added
to any that were previously pending or deferred. At no point will the university engage in a
behavioral contract or agreement with a student whose behaviors indicate harm or danger to
any member of the community.
c. Remaining enrolled at the university subject to conditions but without eligibility for
university-owned residential agreement. These conditions are warranted under certain
circumstances where other students’ living and learning environments are likely to be
disrupted by a student’s behavior and the University will have the option of allocating
alternative, more suitable living accommodations (if such are available) or terminating the
accommodation agreement.
48
d. Suspension of studies and/or separation from campus. If there is a pervasive pattern of
disruptive or threatening behavior, or behaviors that are assaultive, suicidal, self-injurious or
self-neglectful, which present an imminent risk of injury to the student or others; the student
may be suspended from studies and/or ordered off campus. In these situations, an interim
hearing will be scheduled as soon as possible to determine if the interim suspension will
continue.
B. Basis for Interim or Permanent Involuntary Medical Withdrawal
The university may withdraw a student if it is determined to be more likely than not that the
student is engaging in or likely to engage in behavior which poses a significant danger of causing
harm to the student, to others or to substantial property rights, or which renders the student
unable to engage in basic required activities necessary to obtain an education, or that
substantially impedes the lawful activities of others.
C. Status of Conduct Proceedings
If the student has been accused of a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, but it appears that
the student is not capable of understanding the nature or wrongfulness of the action, this medical
withdrawal policy may be activated prior to issuance of a determination in the conduct process.
a. Students subject to conduct proceedings who wish to introduce relevant information of such
lack of capacity must so inform the Dean of Campus Life in writing at least two business
days prior to any conduct hearing. If the Dean of Campus Life determines that the
information may have merit, the conduct complaint will be held in abeyance and procedures
will be initiated to investigate resolution of the matter in accordance with this policy and
procedures.
b. If the student is ordered to be medically withdrawn from the university, or another action is
taken under these provisions following a finding that the student’s behavior was the result of
a lack of capacity, such action terminates the pending conduct action. If the student is found
not to be subject to medical withdrawal or other action under this section, conduct
proceedings may be reinstated.
D. Referral for Evaluation
The Dean of Campus Life may refer a student for evaluation by an independent licensed
psychiatrist or psychologist chosen by the institution if it is believed that the student may meet
the criteria set forth in this policy or if a student subject to conduct proceedings provides
notification that information concerning a mental disorder will be introduced.
Students referred for evaluation will be so informed in writing with personal or certified
delivery, and will be given a copy of these standards and procedures. The evaluation, conducted
at university expense, must be completed within five business days from the date of the referral
letter, unless an extension is granted by the Office of the Dean of Campus Life. A student who
49
fails to complete the evaluation in accordance with these standards and procedures may be
withdrawn on an interim basis, or referred for conduct action, or both.
E. Interim Action
The Dean of Campus Life may order interim medical suspension of a student where there is
reason to believe an imminent threat of harm to self or others exists. Students suspended under
this provision will be notified by personal or certified delivery, and will also be given a copy of
these standards and procedures. The student will be given the option of appearing before the
Dean of Campus Life (or designee) within 48 hours of the order for interim medical suspension
to discuss only the following:
a. The reliability of the information concerning the student’s behavior;
b. Whether the student’s behavior poses a danger of causing imminent, serious harm to the
student or others, causing property damage, or directly impeding the lawful activities of
others; and/or
c. Whether the student has completed an evaluation, in accordance with the standards and
procedures.
The sole decisions to be made at the hearing are whether interim medical suspension should be
continued or modified, and whether medical withdrawal should remain in consideration.
F. Involuntary Medical Withdrawal
If the medical evaluation supports medical withdrawal, a hearing will be scheduled before the
Dean of Campus Life or designee, the Director of Health Services and the Director of the
Counseling Center. The student will be informed, in writing with certified delivery, of the time,
date and place, and will be given at least two business days to independently review the
psychological or psychiatric evaluation prior to the hearing. In addition, the student will be
notified of who is expected to present information at the hearing.
If the evaluation does not support medical withdrawal, the student will be notified. If other action
is pending, the appropriate individuals will be notified and will proceed with their actions.
a. The student and the student’s representatives may present information for or against
involuntary medical withdrawal and will be given the opportunity to ask questions of others
presenting information. The hearing will be conversational and non-adversarial; however the
Dean of Campus Life or other designated person in charge of the hearing will exercise active
control over the proceeding, to include deciding who may present information. Formal rules
of evidence will not apply. Anyone who disrupts the hearing may be excluded. A written and
taped record of the proceeding will be kept and a copy made available to the student.
b. A written decision will be rendered by the committee within two business days stating the
reasons for its determination. The decision will be delivered to the student by certified
50
means. If the student is withdrawn, the notification will include information concerning when
reapplication may be made, as well as specifying any conditions of reinstatement. The
decision of the Dean of Campus Life, or designee, is final and not subject to review.
c. A student seeking readmission who has been medically withdrawn must reapply and may not
reenter the university without providing competent medical information that the medical
condition no longer exists, or is sufficiently under treatment so as to remove any substantial
likelihood of reoccurrence of the situation which caused medical withdrawal. In addition to
the information that a reapplying student submits, the university may require the student, at
the student's cost, to undergo a medical evaluation by a licensed mental health professional of
the university's choosing. A written and taped record of the proceeding will be kept and a
copy made available to the student.
G. Representation/Support at Hearings
A student subject to either an Interim Suspension Hearing or an Involuntary Medical Withdrawal
Hearing may be assisted in the hearing by a family member and/or a licensed psychologist or
psychiatrist, or in lieu of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, by a member of the faculty or
staff of the university. The student will be expected to speak for him or herself whenever
possible.
H. Notification to Parents/Guardians
When interim action or involuntary medical withdrawal are imposed, a student’s
parents/guardians will be notified unless the student can show cause why notification could
exacerbate the problem(s) leading to the interim action or withdrawal. This notification will be
made on the basis of medical records not subject to FERPA, on the basis of a student’s
dependency status, or on the basis of FERPA’s health and safety exception, as applicable.
51

University of the Incarnate Word Student Handbook

Transcription

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