HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY
Student Handbook 2017-2018
Published by the Office of Student Life Howard Payne University 1000 Fisk Street Brownwood, Texas 76801 (325) 649-8017 - office (325) 649-8067 - fax [email protected] www.hputx.edu
The online version of the Student Handbook will be the official version. CAMPUS PHONE NUMBERS
For all campus departments, dial (325) 649 + extension
Academic Advising (The Collegium, TAC) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8620 Admissions (Admission Building) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8020 Athletics (McCullough Athletic Center) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8100 Baptist Student Ministry (The Hub) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8100 Cashier/Student Accounts (Business Office) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8013 Calendar of Events (University Services) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8054 Chapel/Student Assembly (Student Life)...... ………………………………….Ext. 8017 Career Services (TAC, 1st Floor) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8616 Christian Service/Vocation (Christian Studies) ... ………………………………….Ext. 8403 Computer Services (Institutional Technology) .... ………………………………….Ext. 8040 Copy Center & Mailroom (MUC, 1st Floor) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8050 Counseling (Girling 203) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8810 Department of Public Safety ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8609 Employment: Off – Campus (Financial Aid) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8015 Employment: On – Campus (Career Services) .... ………………………………….Ext. 8616 Financial Aid (Packer Admin. Bldg.) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8015 Graduation (Registrar’s Office) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8011 Health Services (University Nurse, Veda Hodge Hall, 1st Floor) …………………Ext. 8601 Housing/Residence Life (Student Life) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8017 Identification Cards (Student Life) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8017 International Students (Admission Building) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8027 Library (Walker Memorial Library) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8602 Maintenance (Facilities Administrative Offices) . ………………………………….Ext. 8607 Maintenance (After Hours Emergency) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8609 Publications (Marketing/Communication) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8009 Scholarships (Financial Aid Office) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8015 Student Activities (MUC, 2nd Floor) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8305 Student Conduct (Student Life) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8017 Student Organizations (Student Activities) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8305 Student Life (MUC, 2nd Floor) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8017 Testing, Academic (TAC, 3rd Floor) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8616 Transcripts (Registrar’s Office) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8011 Tutoring (The Collegium, TAC) ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8620
TAC: Thompson Academic Complex MUC: Mabee University Center
School of Business ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8704 School of Christian Studies ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8403 School of Education ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8203 School of Humanities ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8702 School of Music and Fine Arts ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8500 School of Nursing ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8182 School of Science and Mathematics ...... ………………………………….Ext. 8400
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAMPUS PHONE NUMBERS ...... 1 STUDENT ACTIVITIES & ORGANIZATIONS ...... 18 TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 2 Intramurals ...... 18 Student Events ...... 19 INTRODUCTION ...... 4 Student Publications ...... 19 HPU Mission, Vision, and Core Values ...... 4 Student Organizations ...... 19 Curriculum, Student Body, and Faculty ...... 5 Organization Structure ...... 19 History ...... 5 Official HPU Organizations ...... 19 University Colors ...... 6 University Expectations of Organizations . 21 Alma Mater ...... 6 Organization Disciplinary Sanctions ...... 22 Fight Song ...... 6 Organization Policies ...... 23 Traditions ...... 6 Greek Life New Member Education Regulations ...... 24 NON-DISCRIMINATION & Organization Financial Accounting ...... 25 SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICIES .. 7 Fundraising/Solicitation of Donations ...... 25 Non-Discrimination Policy ...... 7 Risk Management ...... 26 Discriminatory Harassment ...... 7 Prohibition of Hazing...... 26 Sexual Harassment & Sexual Violence ...... 7 Advisor Responsibilities ...... 27 Reporting a Sexual Assault ...... 9 Organization Responsibilities to Advisors . 28 Grievance Policy for Discrimination or Sexual Campus Chalking Policy ...... 28 Assault ...... 10 Music Policy for University-Sponsored Support and Counseling ...... 11 Events ...... 28 Posting Policy ...... 28 FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & Student Transportation in Open Pickup Beds PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) Policy Truck Bed Transportation Policy .... 29 INFORMATION ...... 12 STUDENT SERVICES & RESOURCES .. 29 ACADEMIC POLICIES & Bookstore ...... 29 RESOURCES ...... 14 Check Cashing ...... 30 The Collegium ...... 14 Copy Center & Mailroom...... 30 Academic Services ...... 14 Counseling...... 30 Academic Testing Services ...... 14 Dining Services ...... 31 Academic Advising ...... 14 Financial Aid Office ...... 32 Career Services ...... 15 Health Services and Insurance ...... 32 Chapel/Student Assembly ...... 15 Health Forms ...... 33 Class Attendance...... 16 Vaccination Requirements ...... 33 Early Alert Program ...... 16 Identification Cards ...... 33 Learning Assistance Services ...... 16 Information Systems Policies ...... 33 University E-mail Policies ...... 34 STUDENT LIFE ...... 18 Library ...... 35 Lost and Found ...... 35 Shuttle Service ...... 35 Student Complaint Process ...... 35 Informal Complaint Procedures ...... 35 2 Formal Complaint Procedures ...... 35 DRUGS/ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/ THECB Student Complaint Process ...... 36 TOBACCO PRODUCTS ...... 51 SACSCOC Student Complaint Process ...... 37 Drug Testing Policy ...... 51 Veteran’s Affairs ...... 37 Criminal Sanctions ...... 52 Veteran’s Education Benefit Program ...... 37 Health Risks Associated with Drug or Certification of Enrollment ...... 37 Alcohol Use ...... 53 Progress Policy Guidelines ...... 38 Information Links ...... 38 RESIDENCE LIFE (UNIVERSITY HOUSING) ...... 55 STUDENT RIGHTS & Housing Application ...... 55 RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 38 Housing Agreements ...... 55 Intellectual Property Rights and Ownership ... 38 Residence Hall Hours, Secure Access, Political Activity ...... 39 and Surveillance Cameras ...... 56 Student Gatherings ...... 39 Housing Damages ...... 56 Student Participation in Housing Policies ...... 57 Decision-Making ...... 39 Amenities ...... 62 Voter Registration ...... 40 PARKING, VEHICLE REGISTRATION, & STUDENT CONDUCT ...... 40 TRAFFIC SAFETY ...... 62 University Policies and Regulations ...... 40 Philosophy of Student Conduct...... 40 SAFETY & SECURITY Student Behavior ...... 41 INFORMATION ...... 66 Breach of Personal and Professional Integrity 41 Clery Act - Crime Prevention and Prohibited Behaviors ...... 42 Security Report ...... 66 Animals/Pets ...... 43 Dress and Appearance...... 43 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ...... 67 Pedestrians Crossing the Railroad Tracks ...... 43 Emergency Notification ...... 67 Recreational/Stunt Devices ...... 44 Missing Persons Policy ...... 67 Sexuality and Gender ...... 44 Tornado Watch ...... 67 Sportsmanship ...... 44 Tornado Warning ...... 67 Copyright Infringement Policy ...... 44 Snow and Ice ...... 67 Fire ...... 67 STUDENT CONDUCT SANCTIONS & A.L.I.C.E./Dangerous Person(s) ...... 67 PROCESSES ...... 47 Bomb Threats ...... 69 Notice, Hearing, and Sanctions ...... 47 Rape Crisis ...... 69 Assigned Work ...... 47 Serious Injury or Illness ...... 69 Probation ...... 48 Suicide ...... 69 Suspension ...... 48 Other Potentially Threatening Expulsion ...... 48 Situations ...... 70 Student Conduct Appeals Process ...... 48 Charges of Violations of the Law ...... 48 Withdrawal or Suspension Due to Health Problems ...... 49
3 HOWARD PAYNE God is the loving creator of all things and the UNIVERSITY author of all truth; Because God is the author of all truth, open Introduction inquiry is an act of intellect and of faith and is The Howard Payne University (HPU) Student to be wholly embraced; Handbook is a part of a series of publications Because open inquiry is an act of intellect and developed by the University to help students faith, such efforts must proceed from rigorous become successful members of the HPU academic standards and genuine commitment community, which emphasizes intellectual, social, to Jesus Christ and Savior and Lord; physical, cultural, and spiritual growth. For open inquiry to contain rigorous academic
standards and genuine Christian commitment, As a Christ-centered higher education institution there must be at all times a supportive learning affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of environment that affirms human dignity for all Texas, HPU uses the Bible and affirmed documents as created in the image of God; and of the BGCT as the foundation for institutional policies and practices. Committing oneself to the teachings of Jesus will result in Christ-centered, God-honoring Students, by virtue of admission to and enrollment and humanity-serving life choices at Howard Payne University, agree that they are characterized by honesty, integrity, healthy responsible for complying with HPU behavioral lifestyles and personal responsibility. standards, academic regulations and University policies as stated in these publications. Undergirding and inextricably intertwined in the core values of the university is the affirmation of In addition, the University reserves the right to traditional Christian and Baptist beliefs. modify the requirements for admission and graduation, and to change any other rules, The Bible is the divinely inspired record of regulations, and provisions, including those stated God’s revelation of Himself to humanity. Holy in this handbook and other publications, without Scripture has God for its author, salvation for prior notice. The University may determine when its ends and truth without any mixture of error and how all changes become effective. for its content. The Bible is the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by Howard Payne University Mission, Vision, which all human conduct should be evaluated. and Core Values Scripture: Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2, Mission Statement 17:18-19; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11, 105; Isaiah Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered 40:8; Matthew 5:17-18; John 5:39, 17:17; academic community dedicated to excellence by Acts 17:11; Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:15-17; developing and equipping the whole person for Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:24-25; 2 Peter 1:19-21 intellectual inquiry, personal and professional integrity, and service to God and humanity. There is only one God and He has chosen to (Approved by the Howard Payne University Board reveal Himself through the Trinity: Father, Son of Trustees, July 27, 2010) and Holy Spirit. God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. Vision Statement Howard Payne University aspires to be a premier Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2; Exodus 6:2-3; 20:1-6; Christian university, intentionally engaging the life Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Samuel 10:6; 11:6; 1 of the mind and the life of the Spirit. Chronicles 29:10-12; Psalms 19:1; 24:1, 51:11, 73:24-26; Isaiah 43:3, 43:15; 64:8; Jeremiah Core Values 10:10; Amos 4:13; Matthew 6:9, 7:11, 28:19; Mark Seeking to engage the life of the mind and the life 1:9-11; John 1:1-18, 4:24, 5:19-47, 14:1-30, 17:1- of the Spirit, Howard Payne University affirms that: 8; Acts 1:7-8; Romans 8:14-16; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 4 Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Philippians 2:5-11; body is comprised of men and women from many Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 John 4:2, 4:13, 4:14-15, 5:7 states and other countries. Seeking to be an advocate of human equality, the University The sacredness of humanity is evident in that welcomes students from a wide range of all people are created in the image of God and socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, that Christ died for everyone; therefore every including both traditional and nontraditional person possesses dignity and is worthy of students with varying academic interests and respect and Christian love. Through the abilities. exercise of free will, humanity sinned against God, resulting in separation from God and the Faculty introduction of sin into the human race. With a In its pursuit of excellence in academic endeavors, nature and environment inclined to sin, those Howard Payne University employs faculty members capable of moral action become transgressors who exemplify a commitment to Christian ideals and are under condemnation. and who are dedicated to the search for and dissemination of truth. Howard Payne University Scripture: Genesis 1:26-30, 1:31, 2:7, 2:18-22, 9:6; seeks gifted teachers from throughout the United Psalm 1:1-6, 8:3-6; Isaiah 6:5, 53:6; States and the world who are dedicated to teaching, Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 1:19-32, 3:10-18, 3:23; advising students in a professional context, serving Ephesians 2:10 the communities of the University and its locale, and continuing to grow in their professions as Given humanity’s need for redemption, God scholars and teachers. provided a way for every person to be reconciled to God. The only plan of salvation is A Christian liberal arts institution, Howard Payne by Grace through faith in the atoning sacrifice University prides itself on fostering a close of Jesus Christ. community where personal connection is valued. Through teaching, learning and service, the Scripture: Matthew 1:21, 16:21-26, John 3:16, 17- faculty and staff truly invest in students’ success. 18, 10:10, 14:6; Romans 1:16-17, 6:23, 8:1; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1John 1:7-9, 4:9-10 History Howard Payne College was founded by the Pecan Curriculum Valley Baptist Association at Indian Creek, The educational program of the university is Texas, on June 20, 1889. The two men presented to residential and commuting students considered the founders of the college are John at its main campus in Brownwood, Texas, and to D. Robnett, pastor of the First Baptist Church in commuting students in New Braunfels and El Brownwood, and Noah T. Byars, in whose Paso, Texas. The instructional programs are blacksmith shop Texas declared her presented through a variety of media, including independence on March 2, 1836. They were traditional face-to-face lectures, laboratory memorialized when Texas State Historical experiences and electronic delivery. The Markers were placed in Old Main Park in 1998. university operates one distance learning program, the Master of Education degree. Robnett was president of the first Board of Various academic programs engage in service Trustees. Robnett busied himself in raising funds learning that includes a public outreach for the school during the summer of 1889. component. These are addressed in the learning Visiting Missouri in August, he was successful in outcomes of individual programs. Howard Payne securing a sizable gift from his brother-in-law, University is not a research institution and does Edward Howard Payne, and before November 1, not include research in its Mission Statement. 1889, the Board of Trustees resolved to name the school Howard Payne College. Student Body Howard Payne University strives to have a diverse The first session opened on September 16, 1890, student body. While the University recruits with A. J. Emerson as president and a faculty of primarily in Texas and the Southwest, the student twelve. A separate preparatory department 5 furnished instruction below the freshman level. The University community faces Old Main The school granted its first academic degree in Park when the Alma Mater is played or sung. 1895 and continued as a degree-conferring institution until 1900. It operated as a member of Friendliness on campus is so widespread and the Baptist correlated system of schools with spontaneous that it is widely acknowledged to junior college status from 1900 to 1914, when it be one of the most remembered traditions at again become a senior college. Howard Payne.
In 1953, Daniel Baker College, which originally Chime In is a ceremony in which the new had been a Presbyterian college and in 1950 had students are prayerfully welcomed into the become the Episcopal College of the Southwest, University family. Chime In is held during was consolidated with Howard Payne. The Guy Jacket Journey just prior to the start of the fall D. Newman Honors Academy, the Dr. Guy D. semester. Newman Hall of American Ideals, and the Bettie and Robert Girling Center for Social Justice stand on the original campus of Daniel Baker. Chime Out is a ceremony in which seniors pass a garland representing responsibility to In 1974, Howard Payne College became Howard members of the junior class. Chime Out is held Payne University upon approval of the Baptist on the Friday night before commencement in General Convention of Texas. the fall and spring semesters.
© Dr. Robert G. Mangrum, Homecoming (Fall) HPU University Historian President’s Reception for New Students: University Colors Cupcakes with the President (Fall) Navy Blue and Old Gold Campus Revival/Encounter Week (Fall) Alma Mater High above old bayou’s waters out on Center’s Resurrection Week (Spring) heights, stands our noble Alma Mater towering in her might. Keep her colors ever floating, sing her Family Weekend (Fall) praises due. Hail to thee our Alma Mater, hail the gold and blue. Spring Sing (Spring) Fight Song Simmons’ got some Cowboys we are going to beat - Jacket Journey (Fall & Spring) Howard Payne’s got some Jackets who’ve never met defeat - And when we get together there’s gonna be a scrap - We’ll wipe those Cowboys right off the map - We’re gonna ramble, ramble - Ramble up and down and all around the town - We’re gonna ramble, ramble - Ramble ‘til those Jackets get ‘em down!
Traditions Howard Payne University is blessed with a rich heritage and many wonderful traditions. HPU traditions are deeply rooted and cherished aspects that contribute to its distinct institutional personality and the spirit of Howard Payne University. Some of these traditions include:
6 Office of Student Life NON-DISCRIMINATION & Mabee University Center SEXUAL HARASSMENT 1000 Fisk Street Brownwood, TX 76801 POLICIES 325-649-8017 [email protected] Non-Discrimination Policy For the purposes of this publication the use of Josh Snow, Director of Student Activities gender specific pronouns is intended to be inclusive Deputy Title IX Coordinator of either gender. Office of Student Activities Mabee University Center In compliance with federal law, including 1000 Fisk Street provisions of Title IX of the Education Brownwood, TX 76801 Amendments of 1972, section 504 of the 325-649-8305 Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with [email protected] Disabilities Act, Howard Payne University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of age, sex, U.S. Department of Education disability, race, color, or national origin in the 1999 Bryan St. Suite 1510 administration of its educational policies, programs, Dallas, TX 75201-3136 or activities or in its admission process. Under Telephone: 404-974-9450 federal law, the University may discriminate on the Fax: 214-661-9594 basis of religion in order to fulfill its purposes. The Dean of Students has been designated to handle Discriminatory Harassment inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies. The University values the dignity and worth of Any student who believes he or she has been every individual. The University is committed to illegally discriminated against by a student, providing an environment in which all persons are employee, or third party associated with the safe from harassment and intimidation based on University should immediately report the matter to their race, color, gender, national origin, age, the Dean of Students. The Dean’s office is located disability, or sexual orientation. Such harassment is in the Office of Student Life on the second floor of a form of discrimination prohibited by the the Mabee University Center. The Dean may be University. It may also be illegal. Harassment can contacted by telephone by calling (325) 649-8017, include, but is not limited to, physical conduct or e-mailing [email protected], or through the mail at verbal innuendo that denigrates or shows hostility 1000 Fisk Street, Brownwood, TX 76801. or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, gender, national origin, age or Questions about Title IX may be directed to the disability, or that of his/her relatives, friends or University’s Title IX Coordinator, Deputy associates, and that has the purpose or effect of Coordinators, or the U.S. Dept. of Education Office unreasonably interfering with an individual’s for Civil Rights (OCR). academic or job performance. Such harassment is contrary to the Christian standards of conduct Bill Fishback, Associate V.P. for Business & expected of all members of the University Human Resources community. Those who engage in harassment may Title IX Coordinator be subject to civil and criminal penalties as well as Packer Admin. Bldg. 210 disciplinary action by the University. 1000 Fisk Street Brownwood, TX 76801 Sexual Harassment & Sexual Violence 325-649-8012 What is sexual harassment? [email protected] The University strives to create a campus environment that is free of sexual harassment for all Dr. Magen Bunyard, V.P. for Student Life & of its students and employees. “Sexual harassment” Dean of Students is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. One kind Deputy Title IX Coordinator of sexual harassment occurs when decisions about a 7 student’s grades, educational opportunities, or asking or commenting about someone's employment depend on the student’s response to sexuality or sex life. sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other Visual/Electronic Conduct such as derogatory verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual posters, cartoons, calendars, drawings, pictures, nature. This type of sexual harassment is always a or text, whether disseminated through hard violation of the university’s employment rules or copy or electronically through e-mail, internet, code of conduct. or other mediums. Physical Conduct such as assault, blocking At other times sexual harassment may create an normal movement, or interference with work environment which is hostile to education or that is sexual in nature and directed at an employment. Sexual harassment creates a hostile individual because of his/her gender. environment whenever it is sufficiently severe or Threats and Demands to submit to sexual pervasive to interfere with a person’s work or requests in order to keep a job, or academic educational performance or to deny or limit a status, or to avoid some other loss, and offers student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the of job benefits or academic opportunity in University’s programs, benefits, services, or return for sexual favors. opportunities. Even a single instance may be sufficient to constitute a hostile environment (for Retaliation for having reported the harassment. example, in the case of a sexual assault). Any student or employee whose actions create a hostile Sexual Violence, Dating Violence, Domestic environment is violating the University’s rules and Violence, Stalking, Sexual Misconduct, and Consent is subject to disciplinary action. Students are “Sexual violence” refers to a broad range of encouraged to report any sexual harassment before physical sexual acts perpetrated without a person’s such conduct becomes severe or pervasive so that consent, including where a person is incapable of the University can take appropriate steps to prevent giving consent due to an intellectual or other the harassment from creating a hostile environment. disability or to the victim’s use of drugs or alcohol. When appropriate, sexual harassment which is not A number of different acts fall into the category of so severe or pervasive as to create a hostile sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, environment may be resolved through informal sexual battery, and sexual coercion. All such acts of resolution or addressed by means other than sexual violence are forms of sexual harassment. disciplinary measures. “Stalking” is engaging in a pattern of threatening While sexual harassment typically involves people conduct that would cause a reasonable person to of opposite sex, it can also occur between two fear for his or her own safety; the safety of a family people of the same sex, provided that the unwanted member; the safety of someone the person is dating; sexual attention is based on the target's gender or or the safety of property belonging to any of those perceived sexual orientation. Harassment often persons. Stalking violates the University’s code of involves an abuse of power or authority by an conduct and is a felony under Texas law. Stalking individual who has control over the employment or may also be a form of sexual harassment. academic status of another. However, harassment can occur between peers (e.g., student-against- “Dating violence” is a felony or misdemeanor crime student harassment). of violence committed by a person: Who is or has been in a social relationship of a Examples of Sexual Harassment romantic or intimate nature with the victim; Sexual harassment may take many forms, including and but not limited to: Where the existence of such a relationship shall Verbal Conduct such as epithets, derogatory be determined based on a consideration of the comments, slurs or unwanted sexual advances, following factors: invitations or comments. Other examples The length of that relationship include such conduct as persistent, unwanted The type of relationship sexual or romantic attention, discussion of and The frequency of interaction between the rating sexual attributes and attractiveness, or persons involved in the relationship. 8 Dating violence violates the University’s code of University community should report the matter by conduct as well as state law. filing a grievance as described below.
“Domestic violence” is a felony or misdemeanor Reporting a Sexual Assault crime of violence committed by a person who is: Any resident-student feeling threatened or in danger A current or former spouse of the victim of physical harm should seek immediate assistance A person with whom the victim shares a child from a member of the residence life staff, from in common HPU's Dept. of Public Safety, or from any other University official. If danger is imminent, a student A person who is cohabitating with or has should dial 911 for emergency assistance. Students cohabitated with the victim as a spouse living in off-campus housing should dial 911 for A person similarly situated to a spouse of the assistance in a physical attack or any other victim under the domestic or family violence threatening situation. Students studying at extension laws of the jurisdiction centers should seek similar assistance by dialing Any other person against an adult or youth 911 and should also notify the senior administrator victim who is protected from that person’s acts at the extension center, who can help connect the under the domestic or family violence laws of student to appropriate resources on the Brownwood the jurisdiction campus and/or in the local area. Similarly, study Domestic violence violates the University’s code of abroad students should contact the HPU study conduct as well as state law. abroad coordinator who can assist the student in finding appropriate local resources and in Regarding “sexual misconduct,” the University communicating with appropriate personnel on the requires students to conduct themselves in Brownwood campus. accordance with its Statement Regarding Human Sexuality outlined in another section of this Any student who is the victim of sexual assault, Handbook, and all conduct of a sexual nature must dating or domestic violence, stalking, or other be with the consent of the persons involved. conduct which may constitute a crime is encouraged to report the matter to law enforcement authorities, “Consent” is an active agreement to engage in a including the HPU Department of Public Safety or certain act or be exposed to a certain situation. to the Brownwood Police Department. A Crime Sexual activity without meaningful, explicit, and Incident Report Form can be used to report criminal ongoing consent is a violation of the University’s activity. Such conduct should also be reported to the code of conduct and may be a violation of state and Dean of Students or Title IX Coordinator as local law. This includes forcing, threatening or described below in the Grievance Policy. A student coercing an individual into sexual contact under who reports an incident of sexual assault will not be duress and/or against his or her free will. When sanctioned for behaviors that violate the student consent is requested verbally or physically, the code of conduct and occurred in conjunction with absence of any explicit verbal or physical response the incident reported. constitutes lack of consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, but once consent has been Students are strongly encouraged to report alleged established a person who changes his or her mind sexual violence immediately in order to maximize should communicate the withdrawal of consent the University's ability to respond promptly and through words or actions. effectively. The University will in no circumstances allow an impending graduation to compromise its Off-Campus Conduct adjudicative process. The conferral of a degree may Students and employees are expected to comply therefore be held, if necessary, until proper with the University’s policies on discrimination, resolution of any sexual violence charges, provided sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual that a hearing opportunity is scheduled for the assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and earliest practicable date that can accommodate the stalking whether on or off campus. Any student parties and their witnesses. who is a target of this conduct on campus or off- campus by someone who is a member of the 9 Grievance Policy for Discrimination or Sexual Harassment Josh Snow Any student who has knowledge about or has Director of Student Activities experienced illegal discrimination, sexual Deputy Title IX Coordinator harassment, sexual violence or assault, dating Office of Student Activities violence, domestic violence, or stalking should Mabee University Center report the matter by filing a grievance under the 1000 Fisk Street following procedure. The University will take Brownwood, TX 76801 appropriate action to prevent a recurrence of any 325-649-8305 harassment and to correct the discriminatory [email protected] effects of any harassment. The complaint may be made by telephone, email, Reporting Sexual Harassment or Illegal regular mail, or in person. A student has the right Discrimination to University Authorities to make an anonymous complaint; however, it Harassment is unlikely to stop unless it is may be more difficult to prove the misconduct confronted. In some cases, particularly when the which is the subject of the complaint and to take harassment is unintended, this may simply mean action against the perpetrator without the evidence informing the person directly that his or her and information which the reporter may have or be actions are offensive or unwelcome. Other able to provide. Students may also submit situations may require an informal consultation complaints to the U.S. Department of Education with the accused by a supervisor, faculty member, Office for Civil Rights. or Student Life official. Sometimes a conduct hearing and appropriate sanctions may be required, The University may learn about an alleged sexual up to and including the dismissal of an employee assault or other form of sexual harassment/ or the expulsion of a student. The University does violence through various means, such as not expect students who have been sexually information shared with a faculty or staff member, assaulted to confront the offending party. residence life staff, or even more indirectly such as through a community member, social networking Complaints about illegal discrimination or sexual site, law enforcement, or the media. Regardless of harassment should be promptly reported to the the source, the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy University’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinators are compelled by law to investigate, Coordinators: so ‘responsible employees’ as defined by OCR must notify the Title IX Coordinator/Deputies of Bill Fishback any information received. Associate V.P. for Business & Human Resources The University will take appropriate steps to Title IX Coordinator eliminate illegal discrimination or sexual Packer Admin. Bldg. 210 harassment as quickly as possible. In some cases 1000 Fisk Street interim measures may be taken before the Brownwood, TX 76801 investigation and disciplinary process has been 325-649-8012 completed in order to eliminate or diminish the [email protected] opportunity for additional discrimination or harassment or to alleviate the effects of the Dr. Magen Bunyard conduct which is the subject of the complaint. Any V.P. for Student Life & Dean of Students interim sanctions will respect the rights of all Deputy Title IX Coordinator students to be treated with fundamental fairness. Office of Student Life Mabee University Center The Investigation Process 1000 Fisk Street The University will resolve complaints submitted Brownwood, TX 76801 under this grievance policy promptly and fairly. 325-649-8017 Investigation of complaints will be as confidential [email protected] as possible to acquire the information needed and 10 will respect the rights of both the accuser and the the appeal and issue a written decision within 20 accused. days after receiving the appeal. A decision on the appeal may occasionally take slightly longer In the course of the investigation, the University because of unusual circumstances or the absence of may seek to use voluntary informal discussions or necessary parties during school breaks. mediation for resolving some types of sexual harassment complaints. However, the complainant Interim sanctions, including sanctions previously has the right to end the informal process at any imposed and any additional appropriate sanctions, time, in which case the investigation shall continue may be imposed or continued during the appeal. to its conclusion. In cases involving allegations of The University shall respect and protect the rights sexual assault, mediation is not appropriate. Any of both parties until the appeal is resolved. agreed resolution of a complaint should fully and effectively address safety, fairness, and other Both parties will be promptly notified in writing of appropriate concerns of the complainant, the the outcome of any appeal, which shall be final. accused, and the University as a whole. The accused will be notified of any changes to the sanctions, and the complainant will be given any Every complainant has the right to present his or notice of sanctions or changes in sanctions to which her case. The University will conduct and conclude he or she is entitled, as described above. an adequate, reliable, and impartial investigation of the complaint within 60 days after the complaint Retaliation is Prohibited has been received. An investigation may No University employee or student shall retaliate in occasionally take slightly longer because of unusual any way against a person for making a complaint, circumstances or the absence of necessary parties testifying, assisting, or participating in any manner during school breaks. Both the complainant and the in an investigation or grievance proceeding. accused will have an equal opportunity to present Retaliatory actions which are prohibited include witnesses and other evidence. The complaint will intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination be decided using a preponderance of the evidence against any such individual. Any person may report standard (i.e., Is it more likely than not that sexual retaliation to the University’s Title IX Coordinator harassment or violence occurred?). or Deputy Coordinators via the contact information shared in previous sections. Both parties will be promptly notified in writing of the outcome of the complaint. With respect to Complaints of retaliation will be investigated by the complaints of sexual harassment or sexual violence, University under the same grievance processes and the University will disclose to the complainant standards outlined above for other complaints of information about any sanctions imposed on the sexual harassment, sexual violence, or other illegal accused when the sanction directly relates to the discrimination. complainant, such as an order that the harasser stay away from the complainant or that the harasser is Support and Counseling transferred to other classes, suspended, removed The University Counselor’s office provides from a residence hall, expelled, etc. In order to resources to assist students with any personal comply with the Clery Act, both parties will also be difficulty including the repercussions of a sexual informed of all sanction information if the offense assault. Counseling is confidential. Seeking involved is a sex offense. assistance does not require that a student report an assault; however, the counselor is compelled by law Appeals (the Clery Act) to report that an alleged sexual Either party may appeal the initial decision by assault has occurred. The report does not need to providing a written notice of appeal to the Dean of identify the victim, nor does it usually need to Students within 10 days after written notice of the identify the accused perpetrator. As it encourages decision has been given. Both the complainant and the reporting of any assault, the University also the accused will be given notice of the appeal and strongly encourages any student involved in this an opportunity to respond. A vice president level type of situation to seek professional support. administrator selected by the president will consider 11 information from the student’s education THE FAMILY records, except to the extent that FERPA EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & authorizes disclosure without consent.
PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) One exception which permits disclosure without INFORMATION consent is to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act person employed by the university in an (FERPA) afford eligible students certain rights with administrative, supervisory, academic , respect to their education records. (An "eligible research, or support staff position (including student" under FERPA is a student who is 18 years law enforcement unit personnel and health of age or older or who attends a postsecondary staff); a person or company with whom the institution.) These rights include: university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving The right to inspect and review their education on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving records within 45 days of the day the university on an official committee, such as a disciplinary receives a request for access. or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. Students should submit written requests to the A school official has a legitimate educational Office of the Registrar and identify the record(s) interest if the official needs to review an they wish to inspect. The staff of the office will education record in order to fulfill his or her make arrangements for access and notify the professional responsibility. student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the requested records are Upon request, the university also discloses not maintained in the Office of the Registrar, education records without consent to officials the student will be notified of the correct of another school in which a student seeks or official to whom the request should be intends to enroll. FERPA requires a school to addressed. make a reasonable attempt to notify each student of these disclosures unless the school's annual notification states that it intends to The right to request an amendment to the forward records on request. student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. The right to file a complaint with the U.S.
Students who wish to ask the University to Department of Education concerning alleged amend a record should write the Office of the failures by the college to comply with the Registrar, clearly identify the part of the record requirements of FERPA. they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the Family Policy Compliance Office university will notify the student in writing of U.S. Department of Education the decision and the student's right to a hearing 400 Maryland Ave., SW regarding the request for amendment. Washington, D.C. 20202-5920
Additional information regarding the hearing FERPA allows institutions to disclose information will be provided to the student when notified of designated as "directory information" without a the hearing. student's consent. At Howard Payne University directory information includes a student’s: name, address, telephone number, parent’s or guardian’s The right to provide written consent before the name, spouse’s name, marital status, major field of university discloses personally identifiable study, dates of attendance, current enrollment status 12 (full-time/part-time), classification, receipt or non- have applied but have not attended an institution receipt of a degree, and academic awards received and deceased students do not come under FERPA (dean’s list, honor roll), past and present guidelines. participation in official recognized sports and activities, physical factors (height, weight for Parents of students termed as “dependent” for athletics, date and place of birth.) income tax purposes may have access to the student’s education records. A copy of the parent’s Under FERPA, disclosure of information without a most recent Federal Income Tax return, where the student's consent is permitted in the following parents declared the student as a dependent, must be situations: submitted to the Office of Student Records to to school officials who have a legitimate document “dependency.” educational interest, to federal, state, and local authorities involving With certain exceptions, an education record is any an audit or evaluation of compliance with record (1) from which a student can be personally educational programs, identified and (2) maintained by the university. A in connection with financial aid; including student has the right of access to these records.
Veterans’ benefits, Education records include records in any medium to organizations conducting studies for or on (handwritten, print, magnetic tape, film, diskette, behalf of educational institutions, etc.) that are in the possession of any school to accrediting organizations, official. This includes transcripts or other records to parents of an eligible student if the student is obtained from a school in which a student was a dependent for IRS tax purposes, previously enrolled. to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, Records that are not defined as "education in a health or safety emergency, records" include the following: information the university has designated as sole possession records or private notes held by directory information, school officials that are not accessible or to an alleged victim the final results of released to other personnel, disciplinary proceedings with respect to an law enforcement or campus security records alleged crime of violence or a non-forcible sex that are solely for law enforcement purposes offense, and maintained solely by the law enforcement to the general public, the final results of a unit, disciplinary proceeding, subject to the records relating to individuals who are requirements, if the school determines the employed by the institution (unless contingent student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of upon attendance), violence or non-forcible sex offense and the records relating to treatment provided by a student has committed a violation of the physician, psychiatrist, psychologist or other school’s rules or policies with respect to the recognized professional or paraprofessional allegation made against him or her, and disclosed only to individuals providing to parents of a student regarding the student’s treatment, violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or records of an institution that contain only of any rule or policy of the school, governing information about an individual obtained after the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled that person is no longer a student at that substance if the school determines the student institution, i.e., alumni records. committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. To authorize the release of a transcript, students must submit, by mail or fax, a signed written FERPA protects students who are currently enrolled request or by completing and signing a transcript or formerly enrolled regardless of their age or status request form available in the Office of the Registrar. with regard to parental dependency. Students who Due to the signature requirement, transcript 13 requests cannot be accepted by email; however, printed, signed, and scanned request forms attached ACADEMIC POLICIES to an email is acceptable. & RESOURCES
The increasing technology will have an impact on The Collegium FERPA. The use of computerized record-keeping Howard Payne University is dedicated to the systems is increasing at a fast pace. We can personal and academic growth of every student. The anticipate that the distribution of electronic data will Collegium is composed of a variety of academic eventually replace most paper documents and success services dedicated to equipping students for provide much information about students to school success during their university experiences and into officials through desktop terminals. It is the the future through ongoing learning activities both responsibility of each school official to understand in and outside the classroom. Services such as their legal responsibilities under FERPA. The same tutoring, academic testing, academic advising, principles of confidentiality that apply to paper career counseling and career services, and learning records also apply to electronic data. assistance are offered to facilitate personal, academic, and professional growth. For more information about FERPA, see the Family Compliance Office Web site at www.ed.gov/fpco. Academic Services Contact the Office of the Registrar at: Nothing is more important to HPU than student Office: 325-649-8011 success. We have a centralized tutoring center to Fax: 325-649-8909 or better accommodate our students. We utilize a peer- Howard Payne University tutoring approach; our student tutors excel in the Office of the Registrar subjects they tutor and are available at various times 1000 Fisk Street throughout the week. Students are strongly Brownwood, TX 76801 encouraged to establish regular tutoring sessions by appointment. Students can find a schedule of available tutors in the tutoring center on the 3rd floor of the Thompson Academic Center (TAC).
Academic Testing Services The University offers a variety of academic tests to meet the needs of our students. The College Level Examination Program® (CLEP) exam is one major test that we offer. CLEP is a nationally recognized, subject-specific test that is used to gain credit for college level classes. A full list of CLEP tests that are accepted for credit at HPU is available in the University catalog. CLEP testing is offered by appointment and students may call 325-649-8620 to set up an appointment to take a CLEP® exam. HPU Testing Services also serves as an official testing location for ACT®, SAT®, and TExES/ ExCET/TOPT exams. For assistance or information regarding academic testing, students may call 325- 649-8620.
Academic Advising The University understands that navigating the requirements of any degree can be overwhelming at times, so we have created an academic advising program to facilitate and guide students to develop and implement appropriate educational plans that 14 are consistent with their academic, personal, and Students arriving to Chapel after the doors have career goals. For more information regarding been closed will not receive credit for attending. advising, please call 325-649-8620. Students leaving early will be subject to failure for the entire semester. It is the student's responsibility Career Services to ensure that her/his ID card is scanning properly. Career Services assists students in many career and Damaged ID cards can be replaced in the Office of employment opportunities. Students desiring part- Student Life. time or seasonal employment while attending school and students seeking help to write résumés Chapel Requirements and prepare for job interviews upon graduation 1. Each student must pass four (4) semesters of should contact Career Services for assistance. Chapel attendance. Workshops and job fairs are facilitated throughout 2. Each student will receive a Pass/Fail grade the year to provide students with opportunities to based on her/his attendance. The grade has no prepare for life beyond their university experience. bearing on the student's grade point average. Career assessments, exploration, coaching, résumé 3. There will be no pre-scheduled “extra credit” building, and interview skills are available. For opportunities for Chapel credit. Students must more information regarding career services, please earn 14 attendance credits by attending Chapel call 325-649-8620. or through the servant leadership option highlighted below. Chapel/Student Assembly Chapel is an important part of student life at HPU All full-time HPU students are required to attend and is a required element for graduation. Four (4) Chapel unless they are 24 years of age or older. semesters of Chapel credits are required to graduate Students who turn 24 years old after the first class from Howard Payne University. A team of day of the fall or spring semester will University administrators, under the auspices of the 1. be required to complete that semester's Chapel Office of Student Life, direct Chapel. The mission attendance requirements. of Chapel is to promote a vibrant relationship with 2. For every 15 hours of transfer credit accepted Jesus Christ in a praise and worship format. by HPU, a student will receive a semester of Occasionally, a Student Assembly will be held for Chapel credit. the purpose of promoting cultural awareness, 3. Should a student fail to accumulate the required academic life, student activities, and world events in number of semester credits to pass Chapel, s/he a student-friendly setting that integrates faith and will not be permitted to graduate. There are no life. make-ups for missed semesters of Chapel.
Chapel services are held on Wednesdays during the Alternative Means to Earn Chapel Credits fall and spring semesters and are structured to In lieu of attending regularly scheduled Chapel provide students with the opportunity to hear sessions, students are offered an alternative method inspirational speakers/programs that will encourage to fulfill Chapel requirements: Servant Leadership them in their spiritual journey of faith and present opportunities. The goal of the Servant Leadership the gospel to those who might not otherwise have option is to encourage students to become involved that opportunity. Students are encouraged to attend in volunteer opportunities as an outflow of their all Chapel programs and, in combination with Christian lifestyle. To earn credit through the occasional Student Assembly credits, are required Servant Leadership option, students must attend an to accumulate a minimum of 14 attendance credits Orientation Meeting at the beginning of the to pass Chapel each semester. semester (1 credit), volunteer in an approved program* for at least 12 hours per semester (not to Attendance at Chapel is electronically monitored exceed 2 hours in any one week), and complete an through the bar code attached to the official End-of-the-Semester Reflection requirement (1 University Student Identification Card. Cards will credit). Completing these 14 hours of Servant be scanned as students enter the designated meeting Leadership will satisfy the Chapel requirement for location. Students will not receive credit for Chapel the semester in which the volunteer service is attendance if they do not have their ID cards. completed. Students may not mix-and-match 15 Servant Leadership hours with Chapel attendance to Online Attendance Policy reach the required 14 attendance credits. All 14 Online courses follow the University's attendance hours must be earned through the Servant policy. Professors count attendance based on Leadership program exclusively. submission of assignments by specific due dates, by discussion board participation, or other academic- *Servant Leadership opportunities are coordinated related activities (quiz, homework, sign-in sheet, by the Baptist Student Ministry office and must be etc.). A student's failure to complete a task will be pre-approved. considered an absence and will be treated in accord with University policies. Questions about Chapel policies or records should be directed to the In-residence and online attendance policies are Office of Student Life defined by instructors in the course syllabus. The Mabee University Center, 2nd Floor last date of attendance in an in-residence or online (325) 649-8017 class will be determined by the student's most [email protected] recent participation in course activities.
Class Attendance Early Alert Program In-Residence Attendance Policy The Early Alert Program is another way the There is no system of free absences at Howard University seeks to support positive, effective study Payne University. To ensure that students do not skills and encourage students to reach their highest miss significant instructional material that academic potential. When instructors observe that a jeopardizes their success in class, students are student needs assistance with academic support, expected and urged to attend all class sessions. study skills, or other issues which might impede Students have full responsibility for accounting to their successful progress in the course, he or she their instructor for absences. Absences are counted can contact the Collegium through email with that from the first day the class meets, not from the date concern. Our staff will then seek to work one-on- the student registers. A student must attend class a one with that student to establish a study skills plan, minimum of 75% of the sessions in order to receive make appointments for academic support through credit for the course. Students who exceed the tutoring, or connect them with other campus "allowable absences" will be assigned a grade of F. services as needed. The ultimate goal is to intercede However, given extenuating circumstances, a as soon as possible to help support student growth student may request an opportunity to rectify the toward academic success. Timely, confidential, deficiencies created by their absences. In such communication between faculty, Collegium staff, cases, the faculty member may approve a plan to and the student help to make that goal a reality. complete missing assignments. Learning Assistance Services The instructor in each course is expected to state an It is the policy of the university to provide attendance policy in the course syllabus. Each reasonable accommodations pursuant to all student is expected to familiarize himself or herself applicable laws for students with disabilities, with this policy at the beginning of each course. including students with learning disabilities, health EACH INSTRUCTOR MAY ESTABLISH A impairments, and other impairments that MORE STRINGENT ABSENCE POLICY IF IT IS substantially limits one or more major life OUTLINED IN THE COURSE SYLLABUS. All activities. For more information on services absences, excused or unexcused, are counted as offered, please go to the HPU website, all classes missed. Work missed for an excused information pertaining to Learning Assistance and absence may be made up but the absence is still the required forms are found under The Collegium. considered in the total count. Students are expected As soon as a student is admitted to the University, to report for class on time. Habitual tardiness may, he/she should submit all relevant information and at the discretion of the instructor, be considered in current documentation (within the last 3 years) to computing class attendance. the following department: Office of Learning Assistance Howard Payne University 16 1000 Fisk Avenue university and accommodations do not guarantee Brownwood, TX 76801 success. Therefore, in addition to accommodations, (325) 649-8620 the university encourages utilization of auxiliary services available to all students to maximize In accordance with Section 504 of the opportunities for success. Students are strongly Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans encouraged to develop self-advocacy skills; with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Office of however, the Office of Learning Assistance may act Learning Assistance provides equal access to as a liaison between the student and faculty/staff educational programs and safeguards against members. discrimination for qualified students with disabilities. Admission requirements for disabled The student needs to make an appointment with the students are the same as for all other students. Learning Assistance Coordinator after submitting University programs and activities are conducted in the required documentation and completing the such a manner that no otherwise qualified disabled Learning Assistance Request Form. individual shall, solely by reason of a disability, be Accommodations will be discussed, and if the excluded from participation in, be denied the student qualifies, an accommodation letter will be benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under provided each semester to the student to give to his/ any such program or activity. Notifications and her professors. Students need to allow 6 to 10 days inquiries regarding disabled student services should for completion of requested accommodations. The be directed to the Office of Learning Assistance. first two weeks at the beginning of each semester are an ideal time to set up an appointment. The disability documentation submitted by the student must contain all of the elements detailed In cases where the student feels the below: accommodations granted are not sufficient, a Administered or completed by a licensed or student may appeal those accommodations by credentialed examiner adhering to the following guidelines: A diagnostic statement identifying the disability Informal Process (Note: A condition does not automatically Before a formal appeal may be filed, the student qualify as a disability.) must meet with the instructor to request changes A description of the diagnostic methodology and also contact the Learning Assistance Coordinator. If the student is not satisfied with the A description of the current functional outcome, he or she must meet with the Dean of limitations General Education to determine if a resolution can A description of the expected duration and be reached. If the student is not satisfied with the progression of the condition action taken at the informal level, the student may A rationale and justification for all requested file a formal complaint in accordance with the accommodations following procedures.
Academic accommodations for each student are Formal Process determined by the Office of Learning Assistance on If a resolution is not reached and the student desires an individual basis, with input from qualified to pursue the appeal, the student will state professionals. If the documentation provided by the specifically the basis of the appeal in writing to the student is determined to be insufficient by the Provost and Chief Academic Officer of the Coordinator, Howard Payne University reserves the University. The Provost will determine if the appeal right to request additional documentation does or does not meet the requirements of the considered reasonably necessary to determine policy; he/she will communicate the ruling in appropriate and effective accommodations on the writing to the student. The decision rendered by the college level. Accommodations are intended to Provost will be final. level the playing field for students with disabilities, while maintaining the academic integrity and It is the responsibility of the student who requests standards set by the University. Admission to the educational accommodations to provide 17 documentation prepared by a qualified professional based on the previously stated disability STUDENT LIFE documentation. The university does not offer students with disabilities the following: Philosophy Howard Payne is committed to providing students Diagnostic evaluation for disabilities; with a wide range of opportunities to learn both A reduced standard for academic performance; inside and outside the classroom. Residence halls, Exemption from essential graduation organizations, activities, athletics, and social requirements; or experiences encourage deeper learning in areas such Credit for effort in place of demonstrated as practical Christianity, democracy, personal health competence in the content. and wellness, leadership, self-esteem, current events, and Christian worldview. Accepting the Confidentiality underlying premise that the more students know and The Office of Learning Assistance will adhere to its understand, the better choices they will be able to confidentiality policies regarding its responsibility make, the University commits its resources toward to maintain confidentiality of the evaluation and practices that encourage optimum growth and will not release any part of the documentation maturation in the social, spiritual, emotional, and without the student’s informed consent or under physical areas of college life in concomitant support compulsion of legal process. of their intellectual training.
Financial Aid STUDENT ACTIVITIES Students who are physically disabled and are enrolled or will be enrolled at Howard Payne & ORGANIZATIONS University should contact the Texas Rehabilitation Commission regarding financial aid for the Student activities are designed to enhance student disabled. In addition, students in this category will development by addressing the physical, spiritual, be considered for other financial assistance by the intellectual, emotional, and social needs and Office of Financial Aid provided the necessary interests of the student body. forms have been submitted. Student activities, organizations, and intramurals Temporary Disabilities are an important part of campus life and provide Students needing to discuss the availability of short a variety of opportunities to build relationships, term accommodations due to a temporary disability develop social and leadership skills, grow in should contact the Office of Learning Assistance. relationship to Christ, exhibit personal responsibility, participate in service to the campus and community, engage in recreation, work with others, gain an enhanced understanding of the world and of one’s self, and have fun.
Intramural Sports The University intramural program is designed to provide organized sport competition and recreational activities among students, faculty, and staff. HPU Intramurals offers a variety of team and individual recreational sport and activity competitions including flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, softball, table tennis and tennis. Special activities are offered based on student interest. All students are encouraged to be involved.
18 Student Events Affiliated” (A, Affiliated), “Open” (O), and “Local Howard Payne University provides a wide range of Greek (G). activities and programs for students. The “Departmental/ National-Affiliated” category Annual activities that are approved by the includes organizations which are either affiliated University include, but are not limited to: with the university (e.g., receive a budget from the Chime In University, supervised by faculty, etc.), affiliated Chime Out with a national entity, or whose members must meet Daze of Payne specialized requirements such as a major field of Family Weekend study. There is no minimum membership Homecoming requirement for organizations in this category, HPU Fest though it should be noted that healthy, vibrant Impact groups will more capably fulfill their respective Jacket Journey missions with a sizeable group of dedicated S.W.A.R.M. members.
The University Calendar of Events is available The “Open” category includes non-Greek student online at www.hputx.edu/calendar. organizations which are not affiliated with a major or department of the university or a national entity. There are some activities which are not allowed by Organizations in this category must maintain at the University because of their illegal nature, least 10 members. First-year students in their first potential for harming other individuals or semester of college at HPU are eligible to join open University property, and/or purposes and functions organizations. that are contrary to the religious or ethical convictions of the University. The “Local Greek” category includes all socially- oriented fraternities and sororities which are open to Student Publications the entire student body (of their respective gender). SWARM – A yearbook published by HPU and Organizations in this category must maintain at edited by a staff appointed by the student editor. least 15 members. Once a student has been initiated The main purposes of the yearbook are to into one of the Local Greek organizations, s/he emphasize HPU spirit and to provide a record of cannot join and/or establish another Local Greek activities and events. organization within one year of officially resigning from the first organization. THE YELLOW JACKET – A bi-weekly newspaper published by the University covering campus news. Official HPU Organizations All student publications are subject to approval by a faculty/staff advisor. STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION The Student Government Association (SGA) STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS consists of all students who are enrolled in a degree Any club, organization, or group functioning in an program at HPU. Meetings are held weekly at a organized manner must be approved by the published time and location and are open for all University, adhere to its policies and procedures, students to attend. The group of officers and and respect the values and mission of the senators, who are elected by the student body, University. The Office of Student Life oversees function as the official voice of the student body student activities and organizations. Certain student and act as a liaison between the students and the organization oversight functions are delegated to administration of the University. the Student Government Association. Student Government Association also includes a Organization Structure Student Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Organizations are classified into one of three consists of five students who are nominated by the categories at HPU: “Departmental/ National- SGA. The members of the Supreme Court hear cases pertaining to elections and organizational 19 complaints. Additionally, they may hear cases of service organization dedicated to encouragement of student discipline forwarded by the Dean of scholastic effort, reward of academic merit, and Students or his/her designee. promotion of worthy character and leadership.
Campus elections are conducted seasonally by the JACKET AMBASSADORS – A group of students SGA to fill various offices. Students who wish to devoted to promoting HPU and strengthening the run for an office must have a cumulative grade student body by empowering current students to point average of 2.0 and be in good standing with engage with prospective students. This campus the University. Please see the Student Government service organization will encourage student Association Constitution for more information leadership and advance institutional enrollment about SGA. The Student Government Association goals. constitution is available on the HPU website. KAPPA DELTA PI – An honor society for junior INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL COUNCIL and senior students in education. The Inter-Organizational council is made up of all organization presidents and organization advisors. KAPPA KAPPA PSI – A national service fraternity This body meets once a semester to plan for band students. organizational cooperation with campus activities and is directed by the Director of Student MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE – Engaged in deepening Activities. the spiritual being of men and women preparing for the Gospel ministry. “Departmental/ National-Affiliated” PI GAMMA MU – A national honorary (A, Affiliated) Organizations organization for junior and senior students in the ALPHA PSI OMEGA – Honorary dramatic social sciences. fraternity to promote an honor society for those working in theater/arts. PSI CHI – An international honor society whose purpose shall be to encourage, stimulate, and APPOINTED - Appointed is an organization that maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual strives to encourage ministry-driven women by members in all fields, particularly in psychology, sharing resources and discussing the unique role of and to advance the science of psychology. women in ministry. PHI BETA LAMBDA – An international business BETA BETA BETA – An honor society for the life society. sciences. SOCIAL WORK CLUB – Honorary organization for CHEER TEAM– A team dedicated to promoting social work majors. school spirit and school pride while also achieving excellence in performance and STUDENT ACTIVITIES COUNCIL - The Student personal development. Activities Council is the University's student- operated campus programming organization. It CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLUB – A club to further plans, coordinates, and produces numerous events acquaint and teach members about the different in an effort to provide the Howard Payne student aspects of criminal justice, and to get members body with quality entertainment and stimulating involved and acquainted with professionals in the cultural programs. field. TAU BETA SIGMA – A national service sorority for EXERCISE & SPORTS SCIENCE CLUB – A club band students. designed to better ourselves in preparation for professions dealing with health, fitness, and BAPTIST STUDENT MINISTRY – A student-led recreation. ministry under the guidance of the BSM director. This ministry seeks to follow the vision of I GAMMA BETA PHI – A national educational Thessalonians 2:8, summed up in saying that we
20 will share the Gospel and our lives with those with the challenge and adventure of following around us. The BSM is divided into three main Christ through the fellowship of the church. areas of focus: Missions/Evangelism, Prayer/ Discipleship and Worship/Church Life. GAMING GUILD – The purpose of this organization is to make and strengthen friendships Missions & Evangelism through a medium of entertainment not expressed Serving the least of these in our world and by other organizations of HPU. community through a variety of creative student-led initiatives and exploring together how we might RATIO CHRISTI – An organization that equips make a difference for those in need. Students are students to give historical, philosophical, and also given the opportunity to apply and serve scientific reasons for following Jesus Christ. through Go Now Missions, a collegiate mission sending agency of the Texas Baptists. (see “Local Greek” (G) Organizations gonowmissions.com) Providing students CHI ALPHA OMEGA – A sorority that emphasizes opportunity to know Christ’s love and make that school spirit, Christian fellowship, and lasting love known on our campus, in our community, and sisterhood. throughout Texas through evangelism training, ministry to children, youth and the elderly, outreach DELTA CHI RHO – A social service organization events and more. dedicated to serving the school and community.
Prayer & Discipleship DELTA EPSILON OMEGA – A men’s social We seek to help students grow deeply in their organization that is dedicated to serving Christ as relationship with God and others as they know God well as the school, holding one another accountable, better. Opportunities are available for students to and being Christ-like examples. read and study the Bible with their peers, worship and pray as they live out their faith at Howard IOTA CHI ALPHA – A men’s service organization Payne. created to serve HPU and the surrounding community and to exemplify the likeness of Christ Worship & Church Life by placing Him first. The BSM at HPU exists because churches exist. We are always seeking ways to connect our PI THETA CHI – A sorority designed to promote students to local churches by getting them involved. service, good character, and the Christian faith. Students can participate in a campus worship experience, but are also encouraged to find a local ZETA CHI – A social, spirit organization dedicated church home. Students can also serve as disciple to promoting University spirit and Christian now leaders in area churches, lead fifth quarters, fellowship through brotherhood. and help us give back to our local churches in service. University Expectations of Organizations Organizations of the University are to abide by all “Open” (O) Organizations policies of the University. Members of organizations should behave as integrity-filled el CLUB de ESPAÑOL – An organization to leaders and are to adhere to all University promote peace through understanding among all regulations. Violations committed by the people of different ethnicities, to celebrate Hispanic organization as a distinct campus group or by culture and endorse interest in the study of Spanish, individual members may result in the disciplining of and to engage in cultural activities and participate in the organization. The University prohibits illegal services to our community. discrimination by student organizations. For example, the University requires that student FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES – A organizations be organized, admit to membership program to confront students, student-athletes, and and participation, and in all respects function coaches--and through them the youth of the nation-- without regard to a student’s race, national origin, age, or disability. Only when the law permits 21 discrimination by student organizations on the basis Ineligible Members of gender, for example in the membership of Ineligible members may not participate in any sororities and fraternities, will the University allow activity or event held in the name of their sex discrimination in student organizations. The organization, including but not limited to meetings, following are a few of the expectations for each new member activities, events, formals (not even as campus organization: a guest of a member), etc. (See subsequent section, “Organization Policies,” for an explanation of IOC Involvement membership eligibility.) If an organization permits Organizations are required to send a representative an ineligible member or a new member, about to Inter-Organizational Council (IOC) meetings, whom they have received notification, to participate held at the beginning of each semester. Failure of a in the group’s activities, that organization may be University organization to do so, or failure to make placed on probation. prior arrangements with the Director of Student Activities for an absence from the IOC, will result T-shirts in an indefinite delay in processing all organization All T-shirt designs must be approved by the event/activity requests. Holds will be withdrawn Director of Student Activities before placing the only upon consent of the Director of Student order. This approval is done via the T-shirt approval Activities after such time as the organization form. If groups are planning to use Buzzsaw or any president fulfills a scheduled appointment to review official HPU logos or artwork, the Assistant Vice the matter. If the organization fails to resolve the President for University Communications must also matter, signifying the group’s noncompliance, that approve the design. Intramural and athletic team organization may be placed on probation. shirts must be approved by the Intramural program Rosters director or the Director of Athletics, respectively. If Organizations are required to submit an accurate an organization produces unapproved T-shirts or roster by the second week of each semester, and a other apparel, the items will be subject to New Member Roster Form at the beginning of each confiscation by the Director of Student Activities new member education period. Failure of an and the organization subject to probation or organization to submit a membership or a new suspension. Please allow at least 3 business days for member roster by the assigned due date will result approval of designs. No copy written designs will in a hold on organization activity requests. After be approved. written notice of the organization’s oversight, a deadline will be set for the roster’s submission; if a Risk Management Training second date is given and missed, the group may be A risk management training program is required for placed on probation. To remain an active, designated student organization leaders and University-recognized student organization, advisors. A subsequent section of this handbook minimum membership requirements are set forth provides additional details regarding this based on organizational classification (see requirement. subsequent section, “Organization Structure,” for details). The minimum requirements must be met Organization Disciplinary Sanctions by active members. Membership requirements must Possible sanctions for an organization found to be be met at all times during the academic year. in violation of University policy include: Additions to an organization’s roster after the specified roster due date are subject to approval by Probation the Director of Student Activities. Probation of an organization is a formal censure by the Office of Student Life which governs campus Officers organizations. During this time an organization Organizations are required to submit their officer must adhere to all University policies pertaining to rosters at the beginning of each semester. organizations and its members. Any noncompliance Organizations are also required to inform the with these regulations will be viewed seriously and Director of Student Activities when there is a may lead to the suspension of the organization. change of officers.
22 Suspension 5. All organizations must abide by University Suspension of a University organization due to regulations and must conform to administrative flagrant violations of policy may last from one direction as instructed by the Office of Student semester to a permanent suspension. Suspension Life. will remove the group from all University listings, 6. Failure to comply with all rules or University prevent meetings and activities of the organization directives will result in the discipline, and freeze University financial accounts. If the suspension, and/or revocation of the charter of suspension is permanent, the organization will be an organization. disbanded. 7. Students who hold an elected office must be free of disciplinary violations both prior to and Organization Policies during their terms in office. To be recognized as an official student organization, students seeking to charter an Membership organization must be aware of and abide by the Only full-time undergraduate students (minimum following policies: enrollment of 12 credit hours) currently enrolled at 1. Any club or organization determined by the HPU may participate in campus organizations Office of Student Life to fit the criteria of a (except in unusual circumstances), and a cumulative student organization must apply for recognition grade point average (G.P.A.) of at least a 2.0 must with the University. be maintained. Organizations may require a higher 2. To receive University recognition, a new G.P.A. standard. Students on academic or organization must submit a copy of its disciplinary probation may not participate in proposed constitution and a list of charter campus organizations. Students not making members (minimum roster requirements must satisfactory progress toward their degree (as be met) and advisors to the Director of Student determined by the Registrar Office) are not eligible Activities. The request will be processed as to participate in student organizations for the follows: duration of the time period they are listed on the "nonsatisfactory progress" roster. Exceptions to the A. Director of Student Activities Approval academic probation and nonsatisfactory progress Following a review of the proposed participation rules may be granted for students who constitution, membership roster, and advisor are enrolled and actively participating in the forms University’s academic recovery program.
B. Student Government Association Approval Students who drop below 12 credit hours during the Following a one-week study of the proposed constitution and by-laws academic semester may not participate in athletics, student organizations, or intramural sports. C. Dean of Students Approval Graduate students and nontraditional students Notification of activation will be given by taking less than 12 credit hours must appeal to the the Office of Student Life. Student Director of Student Activities for approval to organizations that are not approved must participate in student organizations; approval will wait until the next academic year to reapply be granted on a case-by-case basis. Students may for recognition. participate in Baptist Student Ministry non- leadership capacities regardless of G.P.A. or 3. All organizations must maintain an up-to-date satisfactory progress, and may be allowed or copy of their constitution and by-laws on file in required to participate in certain departmental the Student Activities Office. Constitutional organizations based on academic major without amendments must be reported to the Director regard to these criteria. of Student Activities for approval. 4. Only recognized student organizations may use Organization membership and officer rosters must University facilities, be listed in HPU be updated each semester and submitted to the publications, or use the University name in any Director of Student Activities, and advisor/officer of its activities. changes are to be immediately reported for approval
23 by the Director of Student Activities. 3. Student Government can only waive the membership requirement for one academic Activity Approval year, after which those organizations not All organizational activities, including meeting meeting the requirement will automatically be times, parties, trips, and other related events, recommended for charter revocation to the whether they will be held on or off campus, must be Office of Student Life without further approved and placed on the University calendar. consideration by the SGA. Event request forms must be completed at least 10 working days prior to the event. Subsequent Greek Life New Member Education Regulations changes must be approved in the same manner. 1. Students wishing to participate in the new member process must have a 2.0 cumulative Student Government Association Attendance grade point average (G.P.A.), may not be on “Local Greek” and “Open” organizations must be academic or disciplinary probation, and must represented at Student Government Association be making satisfactory progress toward their (SGA) meetings in accordance with the SGA degrees as defined by the Registrar’s Office. constitution. It is advisable for “Departmental/ 2. A student must have completed at least 12 National-Affiliated” organizations to attend SGA semester hours at HPU to participate in new meetings, though not required; however, in order to member education. Students who have be granted voting rights for the semester or to be graduated high school within six (6) months of eligible for SGA funding (for those organizations the start of a new member process may not that qualify under SGA funding guidelines), participate in that semester’s new member “Departmental/ National-Affiliated” organizations education process. must indicate their intent to participate in SGA at 3. Transfers meeting minimum standards may each semester’s Inter-Organizational Council begin the new member education process but meeting. Once a “Departmental/ National- may not hold office until completion of one Affiliated” organization has opted in for SGA semester. Standards include the completion of attendance, it will be subject to the standard SGA at least 12 verifiable semester hours at another attendance requirements for that semester. institution (not dual credit from high school) with at least a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. Policy for Organizations Falling Below 4. Provisional students who wish to join a Greek Membership Requirements organization must receive written permission If a “Local Greek” organization falls below 15 from the head of the Provisional Program prior members or an “Open” organization falls below 10 to participating in any new member education members, the following policies will take effect: activities. 5. Organizations are required to certify that all 1. To petition for provisional active status, student new members qualify in every way. They are to organizations whose membership has fallen submit a New Member Roster Form to the below the required threshold must submit a Director of Student Activities for final written appeal to SGA and be prepared to certification of eligibility, along with a signed appear before the assembly if requested. Greek Life New Member Form for each prospective new member. Improper certification of a new member may result in 2. For the written appeal to be considered, it must sanctions against the organization. contain the following information as a 6. New member education will be restricted to the condition of receiving provisional active status hours of 8:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday for one academic year: 1) a recruiting strategy through Saturday. that details a recruitment timeline and goals; 7. New member education activities, either group 2) a calendar of proposed events for the or individual, will not be allowed in classes. academic year; and 3) a list of fundraisers that 8. New member education activities are not the organization will accomplish during the allowed in Chapel/Student Assembly. provisional period. 9. New member education activities are not allowed in the cafeteria. 24 10. New member education activities should not For off-campus banking, checking accounts must be exceed six (6) weeks in length. The new set up to require two signatures: the organization member education period may be shorter than advisor's and treasurer's, and monthly statements six (6) weeks. must be submitted to the Director of Student 11. Organization presidents, new member Activities. An organization may choose to maintain educators, and advisors must collaboratively an on-campus and an off-campus account at the complete and submit a New Member Education beginning of the semester, but must fill out all of Proposal that explains the organization’s events the proper paperwork with the Director of Student and policies to the Director of Student Activities. To maintain compliance with state Activities. fundraising and occasional sales laws, all monies 12. Prior to participating in the new member generated through fundraising efforts must be education process, prospective new members deposited and maintained in an on-campus account. must attend a mandatory meeting coordinated Organizations may deposit non-fundraised monies by the Director of Student Activities where (e.g., dues) in an off-campus bank account if these guidelines will be explained. desired. 13. New Members who do not complete the new member education process must meet with the Fundraising/Solicitation of Donations Director of Student Activities and take their There are several reasons for organization names off the chapter’s roster. fundraising and/or solicitation of donations. These 14. Students may not begin the new member include fundraising to support: process with more than one organization within approved school-related travel involving the the same semester. representation of the university 15. Students who discontinue new membership approved mission trips education at any point during the process may approved activities benefitting non-profit not go through the process with another organization for one full calendar year. organizations 16. New members who are initiated into one Local approved activities that promote campus Greek organization may not join another Local community and student involvement Greek organization at HPU. In order to solicit funds and donations on or off REACH campus, the following steps are required: The Greek REACH (Recognition of Excellence and 1. Submit a Student Organization Fundraising Achievement) annual accreditation will be Approval Form at least two weeks prior to the completed by all local Greek chapters as well as proposed fundraising activity. Nationally affiliated Greek letter organizations with 2. The request will be reviewed by the Dean of a formal new member process. This accreditation Students and the Chief Development Officer. program will serve as a basis for Greek Chapter The decision to approve or deny the request awards and create a venue for recognizing will be communicated to the primary contact achievements within the community. This person. document is compiled annually with the Director of 3. If approval is granted, the organization must Student Activities and revised annually by the follow all university policies. Greek Council. Prior to submitting a request, student organizations Organization Financial Accounting should be aware of the following resources and Each organization is responsible for its financial guidelines: obligations and is expected to fulfill all financial SGA funding is available for student commitments. The University is in no way organization events. Student organizations responsible for the financial obligations of the should review the SGA policies and request organizations. The University Business Office must funds from SGA before requesting fundraising/ be the depository for all funds of those solicitation approval. organizations that receive a budget from HPU or The Director of Student Activities is available desire to utilize the University’s tax-exempt status. to assist organizations with budgeting and 25 planning in an effort to reduce the need for SECTION 1. Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Section fundraising. 51.9361. Raffles are not permitted. Potential donors must not be contacted before Prohibition of Hazing fundraising approval is granted. Under state law (V.T.C.A., Education Code, Sections 4.51 through 4.58), individuals or Following an approved fundraising event, the organizations engaging in hazing could be subject following steps are required: to fines and charged with a criminal offense. 1. Donations, goods, money, and/or services must be reported to the Development Office The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, (Harrison House, 803 Center Ave). or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an 2. Received funds must be deposited into to the educational institution, by one person alone or student organization’s account on campus. acting with others, directed against a student, that (Deposits should be made at the Cashier’s endangers the mental or physical health or safety of office.) a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated 3. The student organization must send thank you into, affiliating with, holding office in, or notes or letters to the donors. This should be maintaining membership in any organization whose done in coordination with the Development members are or include students at an educational Office. institution.
Risk Management Hazing includes but is not limited to: 1. any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, At least once per academic year, the Director of beating, striking, branding, electric shocking, Student Activities will coordinate a risk placing a harmful substance on the body, or management training program for student similar activity; organization leaders and new advisors. The training 2. any type of physical activity, such as sleep is required for up to four officers (e.g., president, deprivation, exposure to the elements, vice president, social/events chair, new member confinement to a small space, calisthenics, or educator) and advisors. All must sign a statement of other activity that subjects the student to an acknowledgement, confirming that training has unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely been provided and the group will take adequate affects the mental or physical health or safety of steps to minimize risks. The trained officers and the student; advisors must report on the training program’s 3. any activity involving consumption of food, contents at a meeting of the full membership of liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other their student organization. Failure to meet the substance which subjects the students to an training attendance requirements will result in loss unreasonable risk or harm or which adversely of recognition as a student organization. The risk affects the mental or physical health of the management training may include any topic deemed student; appropriate by HPU but must address the following 4. any activity that intimidates or threatens the topics: student with ostracism, that subjects the student 1. Alcohol and illegal drugs – possession, use, to extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation, and penalties or that adversely affects the mental health or 2. Hazing dignity of the student or discourages the student 3. Sexual abuse and harassment from entering or remaining registered in an 4. Fire and other safety issues, including educational institution, or that may reasonably possession/use of firearms, weapons, be expected to cause a student to leave the explosives organization or the institution rather than submit 5. Group travel outside the surrounding area to acts described in this subsection; 6. Behavior at parties and other organization- 5. any activity that induces, causes, or requires the sponsored events student to perform a duty or task which involves 7. Adoption by student organizations of a risk a violation of the Penal Code. management policy This policy is derived from Texas Education Code, 26 According to the law, a person can commit a 2. To attend organization and officer meetings as hazing offense not only by engaging in a hazing determined appropriate. activity, but also by soliciting, directing, 3. To attend all events where an Activity Request encouraging, aiding, or attempting to aid another in Form was submitted and approved through hazing; by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly Student Activities. allowing hazing to occur; or by failing to report in 4. To attend, as the University representative, all writing to the Dean of Students first-hand off-campus and overnight activities providing knowledge that a hazing incident is planned or has guidance and support and assuming leadership occurred. A person’s consent to a hazing activity in the event of an emergency. In cases where does not legalize the activity. an event is not for the entire membership (such as small service projects, group Bible studies, In an effort to encourage reporting of hazing group cook-outs, etc.), the advisor may use incidents, the law grants immunity from civil or discretion about whether or not advisor criminal liability to any person who reports a attendance is required. The University strongly specific hazing event to the Dean of Students and encourages each advisor to occasionally check immunizes that person from participation in any on various events to ensure transparency judicial proceeding resulting from that report. The between chapter leaders and advisors. penalty for failure to report is a fine of up to 5. To review and approve all activity requests $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both. Penalties for and return them to the Director of Student other hazing offenses vary according to the severity Activities in a timely manner. of the injury which results and includes fines from 6. To provide continuity for the organization $4,500 to $10,000 and/or confinement for up to from year to year. two years. The law does not affect or in any way 7. To provide guidance for understanding and restrict the right of the University to enforce its adhering to University policies, including own rules against hazing. those regarding new members (pledging) and membership. Howard Payne provides an anonymous hazing 8. To supervise financial arrangements making submission form for students to report incidents to certain that a purchase order is obtained and the Director of Student Activities. available before signing the requisition. Invoices should be submitted to the Business Copies of the entire hazing bill enacted by the Office promptly. Texas legislature are available from the Office of 9. To attend an initial risk management training Student Life or the hazing bill may be viewed in its coordinated by the Director of Student entirety at the “Texas Legislature Online” website Activities and help ensure advised at: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/ organization complies with sound risk management protocols. Advisors are The hazing bill is found in the Texas Education encouraged to attend annually for updates. Code, Chapter 37, sections 37.151 through 37.157. 10. At least one advisor per organization attends the Student Organization Advisor meetings Advisor Responsibilities when scheduled with the Student Activities Each organization is required to have at least two Director. faculty or staff advisors, registered and approved 11. Float Building and Spring Sing practices: by the Director of Student Activities by the Advisors are not expected to be present during conclusion of the first meeting. Organization float construction or rehearsals for Spring Sing advisors must be employed by the university at at off-campus locations, though they are asked least half-time and may not serve more than one to go to the location occasionally to check social fraternity/sorority concurrently. The advisors progress and provide encouragement to the role is as follows: organization members. Advisors must approve 1. To act as a consultant in the areas of setting the final Spring Sing production to ensure goals, problem solving, policy making, and appropriate conduct. Advisors must also upholding guidelines and purposes. ensure that the building where the float is constructed is used respectfully.
27 Organization Responsibilities to Advisors 7. Messages shall not be written on any vertical Student Organizations must give the following surface which includes buildings, signs, walls, considerations to their advisors: pillars, posts, benches, planters, doors, 1. The leaders of the organization are expected to windows, fountains, gates, bridges, trash consult the advisors well in advance of all receptacles, steps, and light posts. activities and obtain their approval before plans 8. Chalking is allowed for five (5) business days. are finalized. Advisors may refuse to approve Clean up must be conducted by the responsible any activity that they believe is not consistent party at the conclusion of the 5th working day. with the university mission, policy, or If chalking is not totally removed, there will be procedure, or is not in the best interest of the a charge for clean-up. organization and/or its members. 9. Water-soluble chalk must be used. 2. The organization is expected to keep the advisor informed of all organization business. Music Policy for University-Sponsored Events It is an expectation that advisors are welcome As a Christian institution of higher education, to attend any meeting (committee, new Howard Payne University remains dedicated to member, or executive council included) at any honoring Christ and serving His Church by time. providing an educational experience that integrates 3. The organization is expected to pay babysitting faith, learning, and living. The music selected for fees for advisors who need this service in order play at University-sponsored events, including but for them to attend an activity for the not limited to athletic events, cheerleading/drill organization; food, travel, and lodging must team performances, and Spring Sing, should reflect also be paid for advisors and spouses when the character of the institution and its dedication to attending required events off-campus or out-of- honoring Christ. As such, music selected should not town. contain lyrics or messages that are explicit, such as 4. Students are expected to recognize the major those containing sexual content, foul language, or responsibilities of an advisor and show them racist connotations. Songs in which the original their appreciation throughout the year. lyrics are explicit but for which edited versions are available are also prohibited; this prohibition Campus Chalking Policy includes re-written lyrics for a song that would 1. Chalk on sidewalks is permitted for use by otherwise be disallowed under this policy. registered student organizations and University departments to publicize campus events. It is Posting Policy also permitted for SGA candidates according to For posting flyers on campus, an approval stamp is the campaign guidelines furnished by Student required from Student Activities (2nd floor, Mabee Government. University Center). Activities/events must first be 2. Use of chalk for any purpose other than approved through the Event Request Form before announcing the time and place of an event and any advertising is displayed. Approved the specific topics or title of the event is advertisements by registered student organizations prohibited. Failure to abide by this standard should be posted for a period not longer than one will result in disciplinary action and removal of month. Advertisements should be removed by the the chalked messages. posting organization when expired. When posting, 3. Requests must be made through the Intent to do not cover up existing flyers or take down other Chalk Form and submitted to the Director of flyers unless they are clearly expired. Additional Student Activities at least three (3) business guidelines for posting flyers, banners, handbills, or days prior to chalking. posters include: 4. Messages must be written at least 30 feet from 1. Only 20 flyers may be posted on campus per the entrance to any building. event. Within the residence halls, only two 5. Messages must be written on horizontal flyers per facility are allowed. It is preferable to sidewalks and fully exposed to the weather have an original copy stamped and then make elements. copies to be posted. 6. Chalking is not permitted on brick paving 2. Posting on automobiles is forbidden. surfaces. 3. No glitter is to be used on any flyer, banner, 28 handbill or poster. 4. Students should allow sufficient time in the STUDENT SERVICES event planning timeline to have advertisements & RESOURCES approved, accounting for weekends and University breaks. Bookstore 5. All flyers, banners, handbills, or posters must The HPU Bookstore is powered by eCampus include the date, time, place, and the name of Virtual Bookstore and may be accessed by visiting the sponsoring organization. the school website or www.ecampus.com/hputx. 6. Advertising materials will not be stamped if Links to the bookstore are provided at both the they are laminated or if the stamp cannot be bottom of the HPU webpage and under the “Current clearly seen from the front. Students” menu. 7. Post on designated bulletin boards only – not on doors, windows, light posts, walls, trees, The Bookstore will accept returns for a full refund outdoor furniture, etc. Help keep the Howard with 30 days from the course start date under the Payne campus attractive and free from clutter. following conditions: 8. Off-campus organizations, businesses, Items must be returned in the condition in churches, etc. must have flyers approved and which they were received. stamped in the Office of Student Life. Shrink-wrapped items cannot be returned if the 9. University departments are not required to wrapping is broken unless the items are obtain approval stamps for postings. defective. Items with open diskette or CD-ROM packages Student Transportation in with broken seals, or access codes/cards that have Open Pickup Beds Policy been opened are non-refundable. For specific return While the University discourages the use of truck instructions, please see the bookstore website. beds for transporting people, Texas state law has made provisions for this practice. Based upon an As a service to the students, representatives from interpretation of state law, the following guidelines eCampus Virtual Bookstore will be on campus for for pledging activities or other student activities two days at the end of each semester and will pay involving the transportation of students in open cash for books. Students may also sell their books pickup beds are provided: back and return their rentals online at any time by 1. Organizations must verify that all students to visiting the bookstore website. be transported are 18 years of age or older before the time of the event. Book buybacks will operate under the following 2. All students being transported in pickups must conditions: be seated or lying down flat in the truck bed. 3. At no time should the speed of the transporting The price offered for a used book is based on truck exceed 40 mph. its future use. Up to half of the purchase price 4. A licensed driver shall be operating the vehicle, may be offered for books that will be re-used in free of any intoxicants or medicines with upcoming semesters. drowsiness as a noted side effect. Although students can sell their books back 5. An officer or advisor of the organization shall online at any time, the highest price will be be in the truck cab while transporting students. offered at the end of each term. 6. Roadways must be dry and free of debris to Buyback items may contain highlighting, avoid skidding and hydroplaning; otherwise, writing or margin notes throughout, but not to the organization shall seek alternate, safer excess. Items must be generally clean in transportation. appearance with no torn pages and with the For more information on this law, consult Texas cover and spine still intact. Transportation Code, Chapter 545, section 414. Items listed on the buyback page as package editions must arrive with all items intact or they will not be accepted. Teacher’s editions, instructor’s editions, and international editions will not be accepted. 29 If students choose to sell their books back or The Mailroom staff must be notified of any return their rentals online, they will be changes, additions, and/or nicknames, so that furnished with a free shipping label. mail is not returned. All mail should be addressed as follows: Students may sell their books back online and Name receive a check, direct deposit, or in-store credit. If 1000 Center Ave. # ______(box number) the student chooses in-store credit, a 20% bonus Brownwood, TX 76801. will be added to the book price. The full credit A student moving off-campus should fill out a amount is good towards a future order on the HPU change-of-address form. This form is bookstore website and has no expiration date. required for mail to be forwarded. Only First Class mail can be forwarded. Neither UPS, For Frequently Asked Questions, please select the FedEx, nor other couriers can be forwarded; they can only be returned to sender. Help Desk link at the bottom of the bookstore website. Some boxes require keys. Failure to turn in a key will result in mail being returned to sender
Check Cashing and a hold being placed on the student’s records. Checks amounting to $50.00 or less may be cashed Mail from a student’s box cannot be released to at the Cashier Window (second floor Packer anyone except the student. Administration bldg.), limit one check per student Students must show Student ID cards to receive per day. A $25.00 charge will be made for each any packages or to have a mail box opened. returned check. A returned check may result in Students may not share mailboxes unless there check cashing privileges being revoked. A person are more students than available mailboxes, at knowingly giving a bad check may be prosecuted. which time the Mailroom staff will make the No checks will be cashed other than those made out necessary arrangements. to Howard Payne. Fees Copy Center & Mailroom Replacement post office box keys are $20.00 each Mail Service and can be picked up at the Copy Center & The HPU Copy Center & Mailroom is located in the Mailroom five to ten days after ordering. Payment Mabee University Center. is required prior to ordering. Refunds are not given for replacement keys. Window Services The Copy Center & Mailroom is open from Faxes 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may send and receive faxes at the post Mail is not posted on weekends, federal office. The cost is $.50 plus .05 for any copies that holidays, or University holidays. have to be made. The Mailroom receives mail and packages from all couriers. Nothing is delivered to the Counseling residence halls. Should a student receive a Counseling services are available for HPU students. package, an e-mail or text message will be sent. A licensed professional counselor is on staff to provide “short-term” counseling sessions. At times, Mailboxes additional counseling services are available through Only on-campus residents enrolled at HPU are interns working toward their Licensed Professional permitted to have mailboxes. All on-campus Counselor certifications. Such interns work under residents must maintain and regularly check the supervision of the University Counselor. All their assigned mailboxes. counseling sessions are confidential except where a Mail addressed to an HPU box number with a legal requirement to report is mandated or where name that is not in the Mailroom records will there is an indication that the student may be "a be returned to sender. harm" to himself, herself, or others. Those in need of long-term counseling will be referred to appropriate sources where these services may be
30 secured by the student. be forfeited. Hours of operation for all dining operations will be posted by the front doors and are Medical diagnosis and/or pharmacological subject to change. assistance are not provided through the HPU counseling program. There is no charge for Dining Service Policies counseling sessions for current students. Issues Cafeteria addressed through this University-sponsored 1. The student identification card must be program may include goal-setting, relationships presented to the cashier at the entrance of the [roommate, dating/marriage, parenting etc.], self- cafeteria so that the card can be scanned. An esteem, grief, sadness and depression, spirituality, ID/Meal card is non-transferable and cannot be sexual topics, and alcohol and drug abuse. used by any other individual. Only those persons with valid meal cards, or those paying The counseling sessions are conducted in a cash for a meal, have permission to enter and professional counseling environment with a remain in the cafeteria. Christian perspective. Students are encouraged to 2. Students should only take food which they plan utilize this service in times of difficulty but also as to eat. Wasted food results in higher meal an opportunity for personal growth. Seminars and service prices and limits the number of food workshops may be offered to enhance personal options that can be made available. growth by dealing with emotional/relational issues 3. Because the cafeteria is an all-you-care-to-eat and integrating faith and life issues. dining room, no food is to be taken out except in certain pre-approved instances. For more information on counseling services, 4. Students are not permitted to take dishes, please contact: glasses, silverware, trays, etc. from the Counseling Services cafeteria. Mabee University Center - 2nd Floor 5. No food may be brought into the cafeteria from 325-649-8195 or 325-649-8017 any outside vendors. [email protected] or [email protected] 6. Students are expected to carry their own dishes, silverware, etc. to the conveyor. This is a A time may be scheduled with the University significant element in attempting to keep meal Counselor during the hours of 8:00 a.m. through service cost as low as possible. 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday during the fall and 7. Should a student’s class schedule interfere with spring semesters. If you call and receive a cafeteria meal times, the student may choose to voicemail greeting, please leave a message with schedule a to-go meal for pick-up. This your name and how you would prefer to be program is available seven days a week and will contacted. deduct one meal for each meal provided. Requests must be made at least 24 hours in In the event of an emergency, students should advance. contact the HPU DPS at 325-649-8609. 8. Meal arrangements may be made for anyone with special dietary needs by providing a Dining Services written statement from a licensed medical HPU contracts with Sodexo Campus Services to authority. Please see the general manager to provide all dining services on campus. All create a plan. residence hall students are charged for room and 9. Student feedback is important. In order to board at the time of registration. Off-campus solicit student feedback, comment cards are students may also purchase a meal plan. Weekly available inside the cafeteria. Responses are meal plans (e.g., 21, 15, 12) start over each week on made to each legitimate comment submitted Monday morning. Unused meals each week are and are posted for viewing inside the cafeteria. forfeited and are not subject to refund or rollover. Also, the Student Government Association Unused Jacket Bucks on a student account at the Dining Services Committee is established and end of the fall semester will roll over to his/her meets regularly to discuss operations and to balance for the spring semester; however, unused propose future changes. Contact those Jacket Bucks at the end of the spring semester will 31 representatives with suggestions that would University catalog and in the Office of Financial enhance our service. Aid. 10. Students are welcome to bring guests to the cafeteria. Guest charges for meals are posted at Financial Information the cashier stand inside the cafeteria. All information related to financial affairs, student accounts, etc. can be found in the University Fambrough’s catalog. 1. A valid student identification card must be presented to the cashier in order to purchase Refunds food products with Jacket Bucks or Stinger Refunds of tuition will be considered in cases where Bucks. The ID/Meal card is non-transferable students find it necessary to withdraw from the and cannot be used by any other individual. University or drop a course prior to the end of the fourth week of the regular semester. Details can be Stinger Bucks found in the University catalog. 1. A valid student identification card must be presented to the cashier at all participating Health Services and Insurance vendors in order to make purchases using The University employs a nurse who is available for Stinger Bucks. No exceptions will be made to consultation on minor ailments and first aid. In this policy. addition, the nurse will approve individual health 2. A student's Stinger Bucks will not be activated readiness of students to return to school after an until he/she finalizes registration. illness. However, each student is responsible for 3. Stinger Bucks may be used at participating off- his/her own health care, medical expenses and campus vendors as well as in Fambrough's and treatment if needed. The nurse’s office provides the cafeteria. some over the counter medications free of charge to 4. Additional dollars maybe added to the Stinger students. Bucks balance via an online credit/debit card transaction or at the HPU Cashier's office. Each student may select his/her own physician and 5. Stinger Bucks roll over from semester-to- hospital when such services are needed. The semester and year-to-year (provided you are University does not provide a health insurance enrolled in consecutive academic semesters). policy for students. All students are responsible for securing their own accident and health policies. Financial Aid Office Students wishing to purchase their own insurance The primary purpose of the student financial aid should shop the open market for policy options. program is to provide assistance to qualified Students should consult with the attending students who, without some aid, would be unable to physician’s office to determine the acceptance of attend HPU. insurance coverage. If a student will continue to be covered on his/her family insurance policy, s/he Financial aid consists of loans, grants, scholarships, should consult that company regarding coverage in and student employment. A financial aid application the local area regarding in-plan physicians and the must be submitted to assist in determining process of filing insurance paperwork. eligibility. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Students needing medical attention can contact the to determine eligibility for federal, state, and some following medical facilities for assistance or a local institutional forms of Financial Aid. Recipients are physician of their choice: selected on the basis of need, academic achievement and future promise. Students are • Brownwood Regional Medical Center required to be making Satisfactory Academic 1501 Burnet Drive Progress to be eligible for financial aid. This Brownwood, Texas 76801 includes the opportunity to work through the (325) 646-8541 federal, state, or institutional work programs. Additional information may be found in the • One Source Health Center in Early 2005 Hwy 183 North
32 Early, Texas 76802 is enrolled only in online or other distance (325) 643-3010 education courses or who is 22 years of age or older. The University Health Center is located on the first floor of Veda Hodge Hall and is generally open New and former HPU students to whom this from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday requirement applies will not be permitted to and from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday schedule classes until compliance with this law is during the fall and spring semesters. Summer hours demonstrated by submitting the necessary are limited. paperwork (i.e., shot record, state affidavit, or physician's certificate). The vaccination or a booster Health Forms must have been received within five years of the Each student must have a copy of the HPU Student student's first day of classes. Additionally, a booster Health Form and shot records on file with the will be required if the first dose was received prior University Nurse. Also, students must notify the to the student’s 16th birthday to ensure protection University Nurse of any changes in medical status during the student’s college career or at least until that would be regarded as updates to the health 22 years of age or older. form. Identification Cards Vaccination Requirements A student’s identification card is his/her official On and after January 1, 2012, all first-time students, University identification. It should be carried at all including transfer students, must present a times. Loss should be reported to the Office of certificate to the institution demonstrating they have Student Life. Replacements are made in the Office been vaccinated against bacterial meningitis. The of Student Life (Mabee University Center, 2nd certificate must comply with the rules of the Texas floor) at a cost of $15. A student must first pay for a Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). replacement card at the Cashier Office (Packer A student may be exempt from the requirement if Administration Building, 2nd floor) and then he or she presents a physician’s certificate present his/her receipt in Student Life for a indicating the vaccination would injure the health of replacement card to be made. the student or if he or she signs an affidavit declining the vaccination due to reasons of Information Systems Policies conscience including religious belief. The latter Howard Payne University Information Systems provision does not apply during a public health includes, but is not limited to, all university owned emergency, terrorist attack, hostile military or computers, printers, network hardware, cabling, paramilitary action or extraordinary law computer accounts, Internet access, web pages, enforcement emergency. Students residing on software, video, telephone equipment, long distance campus must obtain the Texas Department of State service, and voice mail. Accounts to these systems Health Services affidavit at http:// are provided to students and employees to support www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/ University programs. It is the responsibility of each default.shtm#exclusions Students residing off student and employee to use the information campus may utilize the THECB affidavit form at systems in a professional and ethical manner, http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/ consistent with the overall policies of the university. Use of the information systems is a privilege and A new student is defined by state law as a first-time any misuse can result in a student or employee student of an institution of higher education or being denied access to the information systems. The private or independent institution of higher same policies on conduct stated in the Student education, including a student who transfers to the Handbook and Employee Policies and Procedures institution from another institution, and a student Manual apply to any use of the information who previously attended such institutions of higher systems. By connecting to the university network, education before January 1, 2012, and who is all users agree to abide by the Information Systems enrolling in the same or another institution Policies. following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester. The bill exempts a student who 1. All computers which are connected to the 33 university network are subject to monitoring by Unless they are placed in public domain by their the university system’s administrator and owners, software programs are protected by Section technology staff. The university reserves the 117 of the 1976 Copyright Act. right to monitor any computer action that a user performs while using the campus network. 1. Educational institutions and their constituencies 2. All computers, including student owned are not exempt from the law. It is illegal to computers, attached to the university network duplicate, copy, or distribute software or its must have antivirus software with a current documentation, or anything else that is update subscription, and the computer name considered to be intellectual property, without must identify the owner or user by containing the permission of the copyright owner. their user name. Computers that do not comply 2. Since use of the Internet enhances the will be removed from the network. educational process, it is a resource that should 3. Individuals are responsible for the proper use be utilized in agreement with and support of the of any information system account issued to mission statement of Howard Payne University. them. Individuals who give someone else 3. Violations of these policies will be handled by access to their account are responsible for the the normal disciplinary procedures as outlined other person's actions. The proper use of in the Policies and Procedures Manual, and the password protection to prevent unauthorized Student Handbook. Some violations may result access to accounts is expected of all users. in penalties under the Texas Computer Crime 4. When accounts expire, any files or messages Law (Texas Penal Code, Title 7, Chapter 33) or associated with that account are deleted. federal laws that govern computer crime. Student accounts expire the last day of the semester in which the student either graduates University E-mail Policies or leaves school. Employee accounts expire the last day of employment. Official Use and University E-mail Accounts 5. Some information transmitted on the system is Required private and confidential. Each authorized user E-mail is an official communication means used by is responsible for maintaining the the Howard Payne University community. As such, confidentiality of such information. all students and employees are required to access 6. The system is not to be used to promote their HPU e-mail accounts for university business. political or other campaigns. The University expects recipients of university e- 7. Use of the system to display antagonism mail to retrieve and read the communication in a toward the Christian faith, the university, or its timely fashion. As an official communications tool, personnel will not be permitted. the HPU e-mail system should be used primarily to 8. Threatening, sexist, racist, obscene, facilitate the academic and administrative needs of pornographic, or harassing materials or the University. Personal use is allowed, but should messages may not to be accessed, sent from or be kept to a minimum. stored on a university computer system. 9. Any action that would cause damage to E-mail User Names hardware, software, or disrupt the operation of Student addresses are standardized in the form of any information system is prohibited. [email protected]. The names used are 10. All computer software residing on any the official first and last names of the student as computer connected to the network must be registered and may not contain middle names or installed in compliance with the licensing nicknames. Faculty/staff addresses utilize the first agreement accompanying the software. The letter of the first name and the entire last name (e.g., user of a university owned computer is [email protected]). responsible for all software residing on that computer. University Oversight of the HPU E-mail System The University’s Information Systems Department is responsible for the implementation, direction and supervision of the HPU e-mail system. Users are required to abide by all e-mail policies and 34 procedures issued by the University and reading official communications sent to his or her Information Systems Department. While the HPU e-mail account. Instructions to forward e-mail University strives to respect the privacy of to another address are located at http:// individuals, the HPU e-mail system and helpdesk.hputx.edu/ communications transmitted through it are the property of the University. As such, the University Library reserves the right to monitor any and all Walker Memorial Library has print books, journals, communications and activity involving the HPU E- government documents, electronic books and mail system. journals accessible through the library’s website. The barcode on the back of your student ID allows Inappropriate Usage you to access all the online materials from any As a Christian university, HPU expects all users to computer anywhere. There are many areas in the be responsible in their usage of the e-mail system. library for quiet study and/or group work. There are The HPU e-mail system may not be used for illegal also special libraries for music and education purposes, slander, harassment or offensive students. Wireless access is available for personal communications, profanity, vulgar or lewd laptops, and computers are available within the materials, or transmittal of any materials, images or library. messages inconsistent with our Christian mission. The HPU e-mail system may not be used to solicit Lost and Found business or fundraising endeavors unrelated to the The lost and found is located in the Office of academic or administrative needs of the University. Student Life. Found items should be turned in to the Users should not advertise items for sale or rent or Lost & Found. Lost items can be reported to the communicate information not applicable to the Office of Student Life, and every attempt will be general campus community. Misuse or abuse of the made to return the item to the owner. Students HPU e-mail system may result in disciplinary searching for lost articles may also check with HPU action. Illegal usage may result in criminal DPS. Unclaimed articles will be disposed of after prosecution. 60 days. The University is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Expectations Regarding Regular Use of E-mail Students and employees are expected to check their Shuttle Service official HPU e-mail accounts on a frequent and HPU provides a shuttle service throughout the main consistent basis in order to stay current with campus and east campus. Shuttle routes, times, and university-related communications. Students and stops can be obtained from the University website employees have the responsibility to recognize that and posted flyers. certain communications may be time-critical. Failure to read and properly manage one’s HPU e- Student Complaint Process mail account is not an acceptable excuse for not receiving official university communications via e- Informal Complaint Procedures mail. Additionally, no student should share his or It is the wish of the University to provide an her HPU e-mail password with any other individual. education and services of high quality to its students Official e-mail addresses will be included in and to provide equity and harmony in the directory information, unless a student requests application of policies and procedures. When a otherwise. student has a complaint which does not involve sexual violence or assault, the University would Forwarding E-mail encourage resolution be sought through informal If a student or employee forwards e-mail from their communication with the appropriate instructor, HPU address to another e-mail address (e.g., school dean, staff member, or administrative officer @aol.com, @hotmail.com), they assume risks in who may be able to help rectify or clarify the doing so. The University is not responsible for the situation before a written complaint is initiated. handling of e-mail by outside vendors. Forwarding e-mail does not absolve a student or employee from Formal Complaint Procedures the responsibilities associated with retrieving and This Complaint Policy does not supersede specific 35 policies involving special cases such as grade appeal must be made in writing within five working appeals, illegal discrimination, sexual violence or days of receiving the Administrative response. In assault, sexual harassment, appeal and due process, each case, the student will receive an etc. acknowledgement of the appeal within five working days and a deliberation response within fifteen Lodging a Formal Student Complaint working days from the date of the acknowledgment A student who wishes to lodge a formal complaint letter. with the University must complete and submit the formal complaint form to the appropriate cabinet Administrative Levels for Student Complaints level officer. A form is available in the Office of The appropriate cabinet level officer for student Student Life and Office of Academic Affairs, as complaints will be as follows: well as online. Provost and Chief Academic Officer: Administrative Complaint Acknowledgment academic, accreditation, information technology, Formal student complaints will be forwarded to the institutional research, library, registrar, and administrator most immediately responsible for the retention issues area to which the complaint pertains. The administrator will send a written acknowledgment Vice President for Finance and Administration: to the student within five working days of receiving auxiliary services (bookstore, dining hall), facilities, the complaint indicating that: (1) the formal financial aid, human resources, and student complaint form has been received, (2) the nature of accounts issues the complaint, and (3) the student will receive a written response after deliberation within fifteen Vice President for Development: working days. Copies of the written student alumni, development, and fundraising issues complaint and the acknowledgement letter will be sent to the cabinet level officer over the area. Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students: athletics, public safety, residence life, spiritual life, Administrative Deliberation and Response student activities, student organizations, and student If the administrator to whom the complaint is services issues forwarded determines that the nature of the complaint is beyond his/her area of supervision or Associate Vice President for Enrollment expertise, the next level administrator in the area Management: should be consulted and may be requested to admission and extension campus issues respond to the student. Administrative disposition of the complaint will generally consist of Assistant Vice President for Marketing and investigation into the source of the complaint, Communications: previous efforts to resolve the issue, and any media, publications, and public relations issues contingencies that will aid in the deliberation and disposition of the problem. The responding In the event that the original Administrative administrator will send to the student a written response was sent by one of the cabinet level statement of attempted resolution to the problem. A officers listed above, the student's appeal should be copy of the deliberation response will be sent to the directed to the Student Life Appeals committee. appropriate cabinet level officer. All formal student The appeal timeline stated above applies. Following complaints will be forwarded upon resolution to the its investigation and deliberation, the committee President’s office by each cabinet officer where a will send the student a written statement of the log will be kept. decision. The decision of the committee will be final. Student Appeal Process Upon receiving a deliberation response to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board written complaint, the student has the right of (THECB) Student Complaint Process appeal to a senior administrator who oversees the After exhausting the Howard Payne’s complaint area about which the complaint was lodged. This process, current, former, and prospective students 36 may initiate a complaint with THECB by sending Certifying Official in the Office of the Registrar, the required forms either by electronic mail to Packer Administration Building - Room 209 or at [email protected], or by mail to 325-649-8011. the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Office of General Counsel, P.O. Box 12788, Howard Payne University's programs are approved Austin, Texas 78711-2788. Facsimile transmissions for individuals who wish to attend and receive of the forms are not accepted. For more information benefits under Chapter 30 - Montgomery G.I. Bill - regarding the THECB Complaint Process, visit Active Duty, Chapter 31 - Vocational http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm? Rehabilitation and Employment, Chapter 33 - Post objectid=051F93F5-03D4-9CCE- 9/11 G.I. Bill, Chapter 35 - Survivors/Dependents 40FA9F46F2CD3C9D. Education Benefits, Chapter 1606 - Montgomery G.I. Bill - Selected Reserve, and Chapter 1607 - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Reserve Education Assistance Program. Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Complaint Process Veterans applying for admission to HPU follow the For information regarding the process of filing a same procedures as other applicants, but they complaint with HPU’s accrediting organization, should also contact the VA Certifying Official in SACSCOC, visit http://www.sacscoc.org/ the Registrar's Office to expedite handling of VA pdf/081705/complaintpolicy.pdf. Note that the forms needed to qualify for benefits. complaint policy only addresses significant, documented, alleged non-compliance with the Certification of Enrollment SACSCOC accreditation standards, policies, or A VA student may not receive payment for courses procedures. Complainants are expected to have previously completed, for courses that are in excess attempted to resolve the issue through the of degree requirements, for courses not required for institution’s complaint processes before filing a the student's approved degree, course repeats in complaint with SACSCOC. The SACSCOC which a grade of "D" or better was earned, unless a complaint process is not intended to be used to higher grade is required for a particular course of involve the Commission in disputes between study (example, a "C" required for all courses in a individuals and member institutions or to cause the major), or courses from which the student Commission to interpose itself as a reviewing withdraws without mitigating circumstances. The authority in individual matters; nor does the policy fact that a "D" will not transfer to an upper-level allow the Commission to seek redress on an school is NOT a consideration. individual’s behalf. The primary purpose of the SACSCOC complaint procedure is to acquire The official letter of eligibility or Certificate of valuable information regarding an accredited Eligibility received from the Veterans institution’s possible non-compliance with Administration by the veteran or veteran dependent accreditation standards, policies, and procedures must be submitted to the VA Certification Officer rather than to resolve individual disputes. before certification of their enrollment may be Complaints must be tied to specific standard submitted. The enrollment of students receiving numbers from The Principles of Accreditation: VA Education Benefits will be certified when their Foundations for Quality Enhancement. To file a registration is "finalized." Certification cannot be complaint, Complete the Commission’s Complaint submitted more than 30 days in advance of the Form and send two print copies to the President, beginning of the semester. Benefits take 4 to 8 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools weeks after the certification has been submitted to Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, arrive at the student's home or banking institution. Decatur, GA 30033-4097. Students must notify the certifying official in the Veteran’s Affairs Office of the Registrar of any changes in their status caused by their failure to enroll, any increase Veteran's Education Benefit Program or decrease in their training time, or if they stop Students eligible for educational benefits from the attending class. Veteran's Administration may contact the VA 37 Progress Policy Guidelines The academic standards for a student who is STUDENT RIGHTS receiving VA educational benefits will be governed & RESPONSIBILITIES by the Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, and Satisfactory Progress policies for all students as Howard Payne University believes in individual stated in the University catalog. Students who fail to freedom, both as a right and as a responsibility. make satisfactory progress, who are placed on Students, by virtue of admission to and enrollment academic suspension, or whose cumulative grade at HPU, accept responsibility for complying with point average does not meet the required level for HPU behavioral standards, academic regulations, two consecutive semesters will be reported to the and University policies. Veterans Affairs Regional Office. HPU expects its students to abide by local, state, Information Links and federal laws as well as the University policies GI Bill Website: www.gibill.va.gov/ and behavior standards. Although the University’s Veterans Administration role is not to duplicate civil law enforcement or Muskogee Regional Office judicial actions, it may exercise authority for Phone: 1-888-442-4551 reasons indigenous to its functioning as an VA Certifying Official at HPU educational institution. Compliance with civil law is Phone: 325-649-8011 the minimum standard for acceptable behavior for Fax: 325-649-8909 any student who wishes to become or remain a part of HPU’s academic and social community.
Intellectual Property Right and Ownership “Intellectual property” is defined as anything developed that fits, but is not limited to, one or more of the following categories: an invention, an issued patent, a copyrighted work, a legal right that inheres in a patent, copyright, trademark, or know- how or trade secrets.
Generally, employees or students have the right to patent, copyright, publish, or otherwise establish ownership of a creative work, to market any commercially valuable creative work which they produce by means of their own expertise and labor, and to receive any and all royalties which result from such a work subject only to the following conditions:
A. If a creative work is produced as an assigned duty, i.e. a specific directive to prepare such a work, the intellectual property is considered “work for hire” and ownership rights belong to Howard Payne University, unless these rights are relinquished by the University to the individual.
Note: The general obligation to engage in research and scholarship which may result in publication is not an assigned duty nor does it result in works “made for hire”.
38 B. If a creative work is produced by employees or conducted as a campaign rally, and any event shall students by making significant use of Howard begin and end with a clear statement that the Payne University facilities and resources, University does not support or oppose the ownership rights may be jointly shared candidate. between the individual and Howard Payne University. What constitutes significant use of No literature or materials in support of or in University facilities, personnel, and resources opposition to a candidate may be posted, displayed is a question that must be answered on the or distributed on the campus or at any University basis of the facts and circumstances of each sponsored event or any event sponsored by a case. A University-wide formula to define University-approved student organization. Students “significant use” is inappropriate because of may have such materials in their residence hall the different needs among various disciplines. rooms and campus apartments/duplexes, but may Normal usage of library resources, secretarial not post them in windows and/or make them help, word processing equipment, or other otherwise visible to persons outside the support services do not constitute a significant room. Students may wear small campaign buttons, use. If a question arises, the creator should seek and students and employees may place campaign a written opinion from the appropriate school bumper stickers on their automobiles brought onto dean. If there is a disagreement, the matter the campus. should be appealed to the Provost. The University's facilities and services may not be Political Activity used by or on behalf of an outside organization or The University is a nonprofit institution of higher individual whose purpose is to further the cause of a education and is a charity regulated by Section 501 particular candidate or political party. No political (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, the activities on behalf of or in opposition to a University is prohibited from participating or candidate, including services and materials, may be intervening in any political campaign of a candidate paid for with University funds. Funds or for public office. Students are expected to act in contributions for a political candidate, or the harmony with this restriction upon the University, recruitment of campaign workers, may not be and avoid the appearance of policy, practice, or solicited in the name of the University, or on the conduct by the University which is inconsistent campus, or at any event sponsored by a University- with this restriction. approved student organization.
Students are free to express their individual and University-approved student organizations, collective political views provided they make clear administrators, and faculty may use campus that they are not speaking for or in the name of the communications to announce political forums and University, and provided they abide by other discussions sponsored by the University or University policies as they express their approved student organizations. views. However, endorsement of a particular candidate by a recognized student organization is Student Participation in Decision-Making not permitted. Student expressions of their personal Students are involved in the decision-making endorsement of political candidates to others in the process through their inclusion in University-wide University community should be made with respect committees. Students do not attend Board of for the opinions of others, should be guarded so as Trustee meetings except by invitation. not to be intimidating or harassing, and should in all respects be professional. Student Gatherings Public assemblies on University property must be The appearance of a candidate for public office on approved at least three working days in advance by campus must be for an educational purpose. Such the Office of Student Activities via the activity appearances may only occur upon the approval of request form. Any student or group of students who the University President, who will ensure that seek to disrupt the normal operation of the opportunities to appear are extended to all viable University will be subject to disciplinary action. candidates for the office. No event shall be 39 Voter Registration Students at Howard Payne University are the STUDENT CONDUCT beneficiaries of many freedoms and privileges and are encouraged to promote good citizenship at the University Policies and Regulations federal, state, local, and institutional levels. One of The University expects its students to enjoy and these privileges is the right to vote. Students are nurture this academic community whose purpose is encouraged to vote either absentee or in person for to be a Christian institution of learning. They are all federal, state, and local elections. The University expected to help sustain the University’s values. It encourages its students to be good citizens and to is the University’s goal that all members of the exercise their voting rights. Texas voter registration community adhere to a set of ethical and behavioral forms may be obtained from the Copy Center & standards that are reflected by the rules which apply Mailroom in the Mabee University Center. to students. Students are expected to be honest, respectful of others, helpful to the University’s pursuit of its purpose and mission, and law abiding.
The code of conduct provides students with a general notice of expected and prohibited conduct. The code is not written with the specificity of a criminal statute. Some offenses are specifically described. This does not mean that these are the only offenses for which disciplinary action may be taken.
Philosophy of Student Conduct The student at HPU is considered an adult. As an adult it is important that one positively contributes to the University community. When actions are inappropriate within the University community, certain consequences must follow. The University attempts to help a student learn how to assume the responsibilities of being an adult member of this community. The University judicial process is not designed to act like a court of law, but rather is designed as a learning tool to assist students in understanding how their choices impact their own lives and the lives of others around them. The University does not permit the use of legal counsel in any of its judicial proceedings. Behavioral matters are decided based on the preponderance of the evidence, which simply means the greater weight of the evidence. This is not determined by the greater number of witnesses testifying one way or another about the issue sought to be proved, but the preponderance is that evidence which, in the minds of University administrators or their designees, more closely details the factual truth.
Understanding that university students are experiencing an intense period of personal growth and change, it is important for the University to establish parameters within which students agree to 40 abide. For this reason, the University has knowledge, understanding or abilities of another. established four primary values which students Instances include, but are not limited to: agree to uphold by nature of their enrollment at HPU. Students should make their behavioral Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in choices based on these primary values: the completion of any assignment; Using any form of technology to send or Respect for Self: Students should conduct receive information pertaining to any themselves through their words, actions, and assignment during the administration of the appearance in a way which is honoring to God their assignment; Creator. Working with another student or students on an out-of-class assignment or assessment and Respect for Others: In recognition that God has presenting the group work product as one's created each of us, students should be courteous and own; respectful in their dealings with other individuals. Offering or receiving remuneration, monetary Respect for the Environment: Students should or otherwise, to or from any student, staff respect the environment in which they find member or faculty member in exchange for themselves, conducting themselves in a manner that information about examination materials or to is respectful to the property of others. procure or distribute academic papers, in whole or in part. Respect for Authority: Students should respect all other individuals, but in particular, those individuals Plagiarism is the act of representing another who have been placed in positions of leadership. person's intellectual property as one's own. Due to the serious nature of the change, no faculty member Student Behavior will accuse a student of plagiarism without The University’s expectations regarding student compelling evidence. Such evidence may consist of, behavior commence when a student is initially but not limited to, writing samples identified by admitted to the University. The expectations and proprietary and/or open internet search engines, policies apply to the student’s conduct wherever the commonality between the student's work and student may be, on or off the campus, when the written/ published works, the inability of the student student is engaged in University-related activities, to discuss on a rudimentary level the ideas or and when the student is not engaged in University- concepts presented as the student's own. Charges of related activities. plagiarism must be documented by the faculty member. Examples of plagiarism include, but are Routine matters of misconduct, whether in the not limited to, the following: classroom, residence hall, chapel, or elsewhere on Presenting another's words or ideas without campus, are generally handled by the instructor, duly noting the original source; resident director, or supervising staff person. When Cutting and pasting text from electronic conduct issues escalate or are of a serious enough sources without duly noting the original source; nature to warrant, they should be directed to the Purchasing or receiving academic work product Office of Student Life and will be handled by the and attaching one's name as though originating Dean of Students or his/her designee. This provides the words and ideas; greater assurance that serious matters of Simply altering the work of another misconduct, legal parameters, and issues of civil (paraphrasing) without duly noting the original liberties are handled consistently. Conduct leading source. to or rising to the level of a felony may result in suspension or expulsion by the University. Because the University seeks to help its students become persons of personal and professional Breach of Personal and Professional Integrity integrity, breaches of this policy will not be taken Cheating is defined as any attempt to misrepresent lightly as both the University and the student are a student's knowledge, understanding or ability to damaged by lack of integrity. As circumstances will perform or any attempt to represent as their own the differ in all cases, the faculty member observing the 41 breach of integrity, either cheating or plagiarism, 6. Intentionally interfering with teaching or will assess the extent of the issue. The faculty engaging in behavior which disrupts the member, in consultation with the School Dean, may teaching-learning environment. record the grade of F for the assignment, or for the 7. Unauthorized entry into or use of University entire course. Furthermore, the incident will be property. communicated in writing to the University Provost 8. Tampering with locks in University buildings, who will maintain a Personal and Professional unauthorized possession or use of University Integrity file. Repeated occurrence of a breach of keys, or duplication of keys. integrity by the same student may result in 9. Tampering with security and safety devices and suspension or expulsion. As with any grade, the making false reports of emergency situations. student has a right to appeal the action of the 10. Violation of any law. faculty. 11. Lewd or indecent conduct. 11. Mischievous behavior. Prohibited Behaviors 12. The use of tobacco products and/or electronic The University requires its students to be smoking devices inside University buildings. responsible for their actions and to respect the (The use of tobacco and/or electronic smoking rights of others. The University expects its students devices is prohibited in all campus buildings to conduct themselves, on and off the campus, in a and within 15 feet of any building entrance.) manner consistent with the objectives of the 13. The use or possession of illegal drugs, non- University and with its standards of conduct. A prescription hallucinatory drugs, synthetic student who fails to act in conformity with the drugs, and/or prescription drugs for which an University’s expectations shall be subject to individual does not have a valid prescription. disciplinary action including expulsion. 14. The use or possession of drug paraphernalia (e.g., pipes, roach clips, etc.), or tobacco Examples of prohibited conduct include: paraphernalia (e.g., e-cigarettes, hookah pipes, tobacco paper, etc.). 1. The intentional infringement upon the rights of 15. The use or possession of alcohol on campus, at any member of the community including the a University-sponsored event or trip, or in any persistent interruption of a reasonable level of manner that violates municipal, county, state, peace and quiet. Amplification of sound shall or federal law. not occur on the campus or outside a building 16. The use or possession of alcohol paraphernalia without the consent of the Dean of Students. (e.g., bongs, funnels, shot glasses, empty beer/ Amplification of sound inside a building or liquor containers, posters, clothing, etc.). vehicle shall be at a volume which does not 18. Any conduct which might be deemed to be cause those outside the room or automobile to hazing, including but not limited to whipping, hear the sound. paddling, forcing conduct, or any behavior 2. Engaging in physical, and/or verbal abuse, which is detrimental to the physical, mental, or fighting, domestic violence, threats, spiritual welfare, or which invades the personal intimidation, harassment, coercion, physical or rights and dignity of another. electronic stalking or any other conduct which 19. The use of obscene language/profanity threatens or endangers the health, safety or (whether verbal, printed, or electronic). welfare of any person. 20. The viewing of or the possession of obscene 3. The unauthorized use of, or the abuse, and/or pornographic literature, pictures, destruction, or theft of property of the clothing, music, and movies. University or of others. 21. Violation of motor vehicle regulations of the 4. Knowingly furnishing false information to a University or negligent or unlawful use of University officer or agent or the failure to vehicles on the campus or in relationship to provide University personnel with adequate University functions. identification upon request. 22. Dangerous horseplay and throwing objects 5. Forgery, alteration, or the unauthorized within the proximity of others and near possession or use of University documents or buildings on the campus. instruments of identification. 23. Gambling or cheating. 42 24. Violation of copyright policies, laws, etc. (see For information regarding service animals and/or pp. 44-46). emotional support animals, contact the Office of 25. Possession, use, and/or illegal carry of any Student Life. firearms, handguns, knives, pellet guns, BB guns, electroshock weapons, guns that fire Dress and Appearance plastic projectiles of any type, and fireworks The purpose of the University is to conduct an in or on university property or at a education program, and the University considers university-sponsored activity or event. this program an activity second to none in its Under no circumstance is a university importance and believes it should be so regarded by student permitted to possess a firearm on the students. Thus, evidence of a mature attitude university property or at a university- should be demonstrated by the dress and sponsored activity or event. appearance of the students while attending classes, eating in the cafeteria, or engaging in the other (This includes, but is not limited to, shotguns, academic pursuits about the campus. The student is rifles, pistols, BB/pellet guns, paint guns, air expected to maintain standards of dress and soft guns, etc. Ammunition for firearms is also personal grooming that are appropriate for a prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, Christian academic environment. Specific policies shotgun shells, ammunition, BBs, pellets, etc.) or rules regarding dress and personal grooming are difficult to draft and to enforce. For this reason, Effective August 10, 2016, Texas Senate Bill considerable discretion must be vested in the Office 11 became law. The bill allows private of Student Life to maintain these standards. universities to opt out, not allowing Obvious violation of these standards, such as concealed handgun license holders to carry failure to cover the midriff adequately or to wear their handguns on the campus. Howard Payne shoes to class, in cafeterias, in University offices, University has opted out. Therefore, it is a and at other appropriate places and times, may criminal violation for a license holder to subject the student to disciplinary action. Clothing carry his or her handgun on the Howard should be gender appropriate, though exceptions Payne campus, any grounds or building on may be made for participants in approved which an activity sponsored by the institution University activities or events. Refusal to comply is being conducted, or a passenger with reasonable requests will be grounds for transportation vehicle owned or leased by the disciplinary action. university. Note: The open carry of handguns (or other firearms) on a Texas college No student may modify his or her manner of campus continues to be prohibited by state behavior or appearance in order to prevent law. recognition unless the student has received the express permission of the University to do so. Any Animals/Pets student found guilty of violating this policy may be Animals/pets are not allowed in University subject to University disciplinary action. buildings and facilities including outdoor spaces and athletic facilities. Exceptions include service Pedestrians Crossing the Railroad Tracks animals, approved animals for classroom activities, The Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad Police approved emotional support animals (housing will ticket anyone crossing the railroad tracks at only), approved dogs belonging to Resident places other than the main crossing that leads from Directors (housing only), and goldfish/tropical fish the main campus to the Athletic Complex. (housing only). Pedestrians crossing the tracks illegally are subject Approved animals must be under the control of the to a Class C Misdemeanor charge that could carry a owner at all times. The owner will be held substantial fine depending on the judicial decision. responsible for all actions of his/her animal A second offense is criminal trespassing, a Class B including liability and damages. Misdemeanor. Crossing the railroad tracks illegally or unwisely can be deadly. Students should always cross the tracks at the main crossing gate and 43 exercise caution. Special Note: A student who reports an incident of sexual assault will not be sanctioned for behaviors Recreational/Stunt Devices that violate the student code of conduct and Personal transportation devices (e.g., razor scooters, occurred in conjunction with the reported incident. rollerblades, skateboards, and similar devices) may be used for transportation and responsible Sportsmanship recreation, but are not permitted to be used in a Pursuant to the integrity of higher education, HPU manner having the high probability to incur damage joins our athletic conference--the American to University property. Such devices may only be Southwest Conference--and the National Collegiate used outdoors and may not be used on building Athletic Association in seeking to promote the porches, monuments, or other elevated areas. highest ideals of sportsmanship among all individuals associated with HPU's athletic Sexuality and Gender department and events. Howard Payne University welcomes all students into a safe and supportive environment in which to All athletic administrators, coaches, student- discuss and learn about a variety of issues, athletes, spirit groups, and fans shall act with including those of sexuality and gender. Howard respect, fairness, civility, and honesty in an effort to Payne affirms the biblical understanding of create an appropriate environment for athletics sexuality and gender as gifts from God. competition as well as a positive image for our institution. HPU students are reminded to uphold Using the Bible and BGCT affirmed documents as the Christian ideals upon which our University is the foundation for institutional policies and based while attending HPU athletic events, whether practices, HPU affirms fidelity in marriage, purity/ the contests are in Brownwood or another location. celibacy in singleness, marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and God’s creation of male The following expectations will be enforced at HPU and female through biological gender assignments. athletic events: (1) Cheer for HPU teams, not against the visitors; (2) Students should avoid HPU students are expected to conduct themselves in getting personal in their comments about players, accordance with these standards of Christian coaches, or officials; and (3) Profanity, vulgarity, morality. Students who engage in behaviors that and racist or sexist comments will not be tolerated. violate these standards including, but not limited to, Students found violating the sportsmanship policy sexual activity outside of marriage, sexual activity may be subject to disciplinary action. with a person of the same sex, sexual assault/ violence, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, the use Copyright Infringement Policy of pornographic material, and activities related to Institutions must annually make available to current adopting a gender other than one’s birth gender, are and prospective students the institution's policies subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including and sanctions related to copyright infringement, expulsion from the University. including a statement that explicitly informs students that HPU students are expected to refrain from unauthorized distribution of copyrighted participating in advocacy groups and/or material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer organizations that promote understandings of file sharing, may subject the students to civil sexuality and gender identity that are contrary to and criminal liabilities; these biblical teachings and norms as defined by the University. a summary of the penalties for violation of federal copyright laws*; and Students who have questions and/or struggle with the institution's policies with respect to these issues are encouraged to engage in unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, confidential discussions with the University including disciplinary actions taken against Counselor and/or appropriate Student Life students who engage in illegal downloading or personnel. unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials using the institution's information 44 technology system. All students obtaining access to any material prepared or created by another company or Source Federal Regulation HEOA Sec. 488(a)(1) individual must respect any attached copyrights (E) amended HEA Sec. 485(a)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1092 and may not copy, retrieve, modify or forward such (a)(1)): added HEA Sec. 485(a)(1)(P); HEOA copyrighted materials, except with written amendment effective August 14, 2008; October 29, permission of the lawful owner. Students receiving 2009 FR notice (added 34 CFR 668.43(a)(10)) electronic files via the Howard Payne University’s e-mail system or Internet connection should ensure Copyright law, as defined in Title 17 of the United that the sender is the lawful owner or has obtained States Code, protects "original works of authorship the necessary license. fixed in a tangible medium of expression" for a limited period. Copyright protection includes, for Library Policy instance, the legal right to publish and sell literary, Walker Memorial Library and all libraries artistic, or musical work, and copyright protects contained within the Walker building have a authors, publishers and producers, and the special set of exemptions from liability for public. Copyright applies both to traditional media copyright infringement when they exercise some of (books, records, etc.) and to digital media the exclusive rights of copyright holders such as (electronic journals, web sites, etc.). making copies, displaying and performing works publicly, and distributing works to the public Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, (section 108). Our libraries are also protected by without permission or legal authority, one or more fair use as guided by Federal guidelines (section of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright 107) and advised by the American Library owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act Association. (Title 17 of the United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a Library employees educate students on copyright copyrighted work. In the file-sharing context, policies and fair use through library instructions downloading or uploading substantial parts of a and guidance during reference interviews. copyrighted work without authority constitutes an Copyright policies are posted by the copiers and infringement. other areas of the library. These polices are available online in the HPU student handbook. Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found Photocopies liable for civil copyright infringement may be The copyright law of the United States governs the ordered to pay either actual damages or "statutory" making of photocopies or other reproductions of damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more copyrighted material. than $30,000 per work infringed. A court may Libraries and archives are authorized to provide award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted can, in its discretion, also assess costs and material only under certain conditions, one of attorneys’ feed. For details, see Title 17, United which is that the reproduction is to be used for States Code, Sections 504, 505. private study, scholarship, or research only. Signs noting this provision are placed at the library Willful copyright infringement can also result in copiers and scanners. criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. Fair Use The Fair Use Doctrine is arguably the most For additional information regarding U.S. important limitation on the exclusive rights of the Copyright Law, please visit www.copyright.com. copyright holder. It not only allows but also encourages socially beneficial uses of copyrighted Students are responsible for complying with works such as teaching, learning, and scholarship. copyright law and applicable licenses that apply to Without fair use, those beneficial uses – quoting software, files, documents, messages and other from copyrighted works, providing multiple copies material they wish to download, copy, or transmit. to students in class, creating new knowledge based 45 on previously published knowledge – would be of music and movies. Any attempt to circumvent or infringements. Fair use is the means for assuring a violate these technology-based deterrents is strictly robust and vigorous exchange of copyrighted prohibited. information. Current deterrents include: Public Domain configuring the network firewall to block all known A public domain work is a creative work that is not and suspected peer-to-peer/file-sharing websites or protected by copyright and which may be freely IP addresses; configuring the network firewall to used by everyone. The reasons that the work is not throttle any other traffic typical of these downloads; protected include: running reports that monitor bandwidth to check for (1) the term of copyright for the work has excessive downloading or uploading or other expired; unusual spikes of activity; configuring network (2) the author failed to satisfy statutory access to prevent multiple (file/server) connections formalities to perfect the copyright or to a single computer connected to the network; and (3) the work is a work of the U.S. Government. blocking access in the event of repeat offenses.
For more information on public domain please go Disciplinary Actions by the University to: https://www.teachingcopyright.org/handout/ All policies regarding disciplinary action for public-domain-faq students can be found in the Student Handbook under Student Conduct Sanctions and Processes. Digital Archives Policies regarding faculty and staff are included in Patrons and users have the right to use any online the Policies and Procedures Manual for Employees materials for educational fair use from our digital under Code of Employees Ethics and Conduct. media, databases, and online archives without prior permission. Our libraries ask that you provide Questions concerning academic copyright proper citation information, indicated above, in all infringement may be directed to the Dean of copies. Access to our original copies of online Library at 325/649-8610 or 325/649-8602. digital content need to set up an appointment with a librarian to access the original content. Questions related to technology may be directed to the Information Technology Office at 325/649- For additional information on fair use and 8075. copyright patrons will be encourage to visit: The Fair Use Index http://copyright.gov/fair-use/ Questions related to student violations or Copyright Clearance Center Copyright Basics: disciplinary actions may be directed to the Office of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uiq42O6rhW4 Student Life at 325/649-8017. Faculty Faculty are encouraged to know their rights by Questions related to employee violations may be visiting websites and links including: directed to the Office of Human Resources at Association for Research Libraries Guide to 325/649-8974. Copyright: http://www.knowyourcopyrights.org/ resources-for-teaching-faculty MPAA and RIAA: http://www.mpaa.org/ & http:// www.riaa.com/ American Library Association: http:// www.districtdispatch.org/policy-issues/copyright/
Technology Deterrents Regarding Copyright Infringement The University has a plan to combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials; this plan includes a variety of technology deterrents, including a method for deterring the downloading 46 The following types of violations are typically STUDENT CONDUCT handled at level two: repeated violations of level SANCTIONS one offenses, failure to cooperate with a University official, fighting, harassment, threats, visitation & PROCESSES violations, academic dishonesty, theft or vandalism, or any violation referred by a Resident Director, Notice, Hearing, and Sanctions faculty member, etc. Under most circumstances, before a student receives any sanction for the violation of the Sanctions for level two violations may include but University’s behavioral rules and policies, the are not limited to, loss of privileges, restitution, student will be informed of the charges and offered changes in living assignment, assigned work, the opportunity to be heard and to offer evidence in behavioral contract, disciplinary probation, his or her defense. suspension or expulsion, and/or loss of institutional financial aid. Notification is a written notice, the purpose of which is to bring a specific student into a particular Level Three: Student conduct proceedings office for a conference with a specific individual or adjudicated at level three are under the supervision group. Failure to honor an administrative of the Dean of Students. notification to appear is a serious breach of conduct and will only serve to complicate the original The following types of violations are typically situation. handled at level three: repeated violations of level one or level two offenses, possession of alcohol or At no point during any student conduct proceedings illegal drugs, illegal activity, assault, inappropriate may legal representation be present on behalf of the sexual activity, possession of a firearm on campus, student or the student organization. etc.
The ultimate objective of the judicial process is to Sanctions for level three violations may include but create a positive change in behavior utilizing those are not limited to, loss of housing privileges, sanctions which are deemed to be most effective restitution, changes in living assignment, assigned and appropriate in each situation. work, behavioral contract, disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion, and/or loss of institutional The University judicial process consists of three financial aid. levels: Students under sanctions are not eligible for any Level One: Student conduct proceedings extracurricular activities as a representative of HPU, adjudicated at the first level are under the including athletics, until all sanctions are complete. supervision of the Resident Directors for on-campus students and the Dean of Students for students Assigned Work residing off campus. All assigned work given will be administered through the Office of Student Life. All time sheets The following types of violations are typically and related documentation will be turned into the handled at level one: profanity, noise violations, executive assistant in the Office of Student Life. possession or viewing of pornography, gambling, While completing assigned work hours an and disrespectful behavior. individual may practice, but may not compete, in intercollegiate athletics or intramurals. A student Sanctions for level one violations may include but should never miss class to complete assigned work. are not limited to, loss of privileges, restitution, Whenever assigned work is issued near the end of a changes in living assignment, assigned work, and/or semester it will be determined by the Dean of behavior contract. Students or his/her designee if there is time to Level Two: Student conduct proceedings complete the assigned work. If it is determined that adjudicated at level two are under the supervision of there is not enough time remaining to complete the the Dean of Students. assigned work, the student will be given the 47 opportunity to pay a fine for the hours not 4. A student who has been expelled will be given completed. The fine will be the existing minimum notification of the time within which he/she is wage for each hour of assigned work not completed. expected to leave the campus after his/her Assigned work fines should be paid in the Office of relationship to the University has been Student Life. Assigned work hours issued for code terminated. of conduct violations occurring during the last three weeks of each semester may be doubled. Student Conduct Appeals Process Howard Payne University has established a process Probation for students to appeal disciplinary actions. 1. A student is placed on disciplinary probation Disciplinary action taken at the lowest levels should for willful and/or continued disregard of be appealed to the Dean of Students. More serious University policies and regulations. violations of student conduct will likely begin with 2. A student on disciplinary probation is not a conduct hearing with the Dean of Students, eligible to hold membership in a campus though the case may be referred by the Dean to the organization, to serve on a committee, to play Supreme Court of the Student Government on a college or intramural team, to sing in a Association (SGA) for consideration. In either case, choir, to play in a band, or to perform or to the ruling made by the Dean of Students or SGA represent the University in any public or Supreme Court may be appealed. Appeals of an intercollegiate activity. SGA Supreme Court decision should be directed to 3. Counseling services may be required for the Dean of Students. Appeals of a Dean of students on disciplinary probation. Students decision should be made to the Student 4. Disciplinary probation is typically issued in Life Appeals Committee. increments of semesters. 5. Further disregard of University policies and While a student may appeal any decision, an appeal regulations may result in automatic suspension might be appropriate if the student feels: or expulsion from the University. He/she has received unjust treatment, All the facts in the situation were not Suspension considered, or 1. Suspension terminates a student’s active status The action taken was too severe for the at the University for a specified period of time. behavior involved. 2. A student who is suspended from the
University will not be allowed on campus or Appeals must be made in writing to the appropriate allowed to attend University events during the individual/committee within 48 hours, not counting suspension. weekends and holidays, of receiving the decision 3. A student who has been suspended has the that is being appealed. The Student Life Appeals option to apply for re-admission to the Committee is comprised of students, faculty, and University following the completion of the staff. The Student Life Appeals Committee may suspension. reverse, reduce, uphold, or alter the original 4. A student who has been suspended will be sanction(s). All levels of the University Appeals given notification of the time within which he/ Process are outlined in the University Catalog. she is expected to leave the campus after the
suspension becomes effective. Charges of Violations of Local, State, or Federal Laws; Felony Charges Expulsion If the University (a) has information from which to 1. Expulsion terminates a student’s active status at conclude that a student has been convicted of, has the University permanently. not contested having committed (e.g., has pleaded 2. A student who is expelled from the University guilty or no contest/nolo contendere), or has been is ineligible for re-admission to the University. charged with or arrested for a violation of local, 3. A student who is expelled will not be allowed state, or federal law involving drugs, gambling, or on campus or allowed to attend University violence (e.g., rape, assault, destruction of property, events. etc.) or any felony, irrespective of the jurisdiction, or (b) has confirmed information that a student has 48 engaged in conduct that may constitute a violation Individual Threat Assessment of the law as outlined above, the student shall be HPU takes seriously any behavior by a student, immediately suspended from participation in including verbal conduct, which demonstrates a student athletics or activities until any charges have desire to inflict harm upon oneself or others. been addressed by the legal system and/or any applicable university or departmental disciplinary The Dean of Students will initiate an individual process has been completed. Information that may threat assessment of any student if the Dean has trigger the application of this policy shall include, reason to believe that the student has (a) engaged in but not be limited to, court, arrest, or other law or threatened to engage in behavior which creates a enforcement, university or departmental records. direct threat to the health or safety of another person or a high probability of substantial harm to the Students are expected to immediately self-report student himself or herself; (b) contracted a criminal convictions. contagious disease or virus which creates a direct threat to the health or safety of another person or a By suspending the student's participation, the high probability of substantial harm to the student; department and the university are in no way (c) caused or is likely to cause a substantial prejudging whether any crime has been committed disruption in the University's academic or other or whether any institutional or departmental programs; or (d) damaged or threatened to damage discipline is warranted. Such action is taken to another's property. protect the integrity of University life and activities. The threat assessment will be made by the Dean of Withdrawal or Suspension Due to Students along with other individuals selected by Health Problems the Dean. The assessment will be based upon the Students who are no longer qualified to participate student's conduct, actions, and statements in order in the University’s educational programs due to to create an individualized and objective assessment physical or mental health issues may be of the student's ability to participate safely in the involuntarily withdrawn or suspended from the University’s programs. The team will consult when University. Whenever possible, the University will necessary with medical or mental health work with students who are experiencing health professionals to assist in collecting or interpreting problems to resolve any issues by agreement. If an any information. Unless the circumstances make it agreement cannot be reached, the University will impractical or impossible, the student will be given follow the process below for imposing restrictions notice that a threat assessment is being made and an or sanctions on students who disrupt, or are unable opportunity to be heard before any adverse action is to participate in, the University’s programs. taken with respect to the student. Any appropriate accommodations or adjustments will be considered. As with all university policies, the University will apply this policy in a manner which does not The Dean of Students will take action with respect illegally discriminate against students on the basis to a particular student only if it is determined that of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. the situation creates a high probability of substantial harm rather than merely a slightly increased, Physical or Mental Health Emergency Procedures speculative, or remote risk of harm. Action will Any student who needs help because of an never be taken on the basis of generalizations or immediate crisis or life-threatening situation should stereotypes about the effects of a particular contact HPU's Department of Public Safety at 325- disability or condition. 649-8609 or dial 911. Responses and Interventions If a student observes anyone harming, attempting to The Dean of Students will notify the student of any harm, or stating an intent to harm himself, herself, restrictions, interventions, or sanctions imposed on or another person, the student should report the the student as a result of the threat assessment, matter immediately to the Dean of Students, the which may include: HPU Department of Public Safety, or another A required course of medical treatment or University official. mental health counseling; 49 Removal from university housing; 1) Evaluation by a qualified health care professional Removal from one or more classes or activities; If the situation constitutes a medical or Removal from the campus; psychological emergency, the student may use a local emergency room physician. If the student is Withdrawal from the university; or currently under the care of a qualified health care Other or additional appropriate sanctions or professional, that person may evaluate the student. precautions. If the student is not currently in treatment, he or she Sanctions imposed on a student under this will need to contact the qualified health care procedure are not disciplinary in nature and will not provider of his/her choice. If the student needs be entered in the student’s educational records as assistance with this process, he or she may contact arising from disciplinary violations. However, if the the Office of Student Life. student violates any restrictions imposed, the violation may result in disciplinary action in 2) Communication of evaluation results by the accordance with the student disciplinary process. qualified health care professional to the Dean of Students It is the sole responsibility of the student to obtain This will require written authorization by the at his/her expense any services which are necessary student to the healthcare professional. Evaluation as a result of restrictions imposed by the Dean of results must substantiate (1) the readiness of the Students, such as alternative lodging or academic student to return to residential facilities, classes, tutoring. Any departure from university housing and/or activities, and (2) any recommendations for rules must be approved by the Dean of Students. continuing treatment. For preliminary purposes, the health care professional may communicate this Appeals Process information verbally; however, it is mandatory that A student may appeal the Dean of Student's written evaluation results be provided promptly. decision by submitting a written appeal to the Office of Student Life within 10 calendar days after 3) Reinstatement interview with the Dean of the decision. The student may submit medical Students evaluations, statements, or other pertinent The student must schedule an interview with the information along with the appeal. A vice president Dean of Students during regular office hours. If the level administrator selected by the president shall Dean of Students is not available, the student may review any material provided by the student, the contact the University Counselor or University individual threat assessment, the decision of the Nurse. If the University official consulted Dean of Students, and such other information as it determines that the student is able to resume may consider appropriate. A decision on the appeal restricted activities, the student will be provided a shall be made within five business days or as soon reinstatement letter. thereafter as practical. The student shall be notified in writing of the reviewing administrator's decision, which shall be final. Any restrictions, interventions, or sanctions shall remain in effect before and during the appeal unless the reviewing administrator determines otherwise.
Reinstatement Process The restrictions, interventions, or sanctions imposed may be removed only with express permission from the Dean of Students. Upon the student’s request for reinstatement, the Dean of Students will clearly communicate to the student a specific reinstatement process, which may include:
50 DRUGS/ The University expects its students to obey the law. Therefore, a violation of alcohol or drug laws while ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/ admitted to the University, wherever that violation TOBACCO PRODUCTS occurs, is a violation of the University’s Student Conduct code. Because of the desire to protect the health and lives of everyone in the Howard Payne University Further, it is a violation of the University’s community, smoking is banned in all University expectations for a student to drink, possess, or be facilities. Smoking and use of smokeless tobacco impaired by drinking, alcoholic beverages, or to have been documented to be injurious to one’s possess, use, or be under the influence of, illegal health and to violate the health and rights of non- drugs or non-prescription hallucinatory drugs, on smokers. Tobacco use of all kinds is prohibited in campus or at any event sponsored by the University all campus buildings, and within 15 feet of any or by a University-approved student organization. building entrance. Without limiting the foregoing, this prohibition specifically includes any University sponsored trip. Howard Payne University prohibits the use of illegal drugs both on and off campus because they Students may be requested to provide proof that use are detrimental to the physical, psychological, of prescription drugs or other controlled substances social, and spiritual well being of the individual. are under the supervision of a medical doctor. For the same reasons, the use or possession of Students must provide this proof immediately upon alcohol on campus, at a University-sponsored event demand by a University official. It is illegal to or trip, or in any manner that violates municipal, provide prescription drug(s) to another person. county, state, or federal law is prohibited. Abuses of Using another person’s prescription drug(s) is also substances also impede the student’s academic illegal. progress and thus work against the very purpose of the University. HPU intends to cooperate fully with The University encourages students to notify their the Federal Government, the State of Texas, and parents or guardians if the student is found to have local authorities in the war against drug and alcohol acted in violation of this policy. If the University, abuse. through its judicial procedures, determines that a student has violated this policy, the University may In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and disclose the violation to a student’s parent or legal Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public guardian if the student is under 21 years of age at Law 101-226), Howard Payne University supports the time of the notification. the reports prepared by the Surgeon General and asserts that drugs and alcohol have proven to be Violation of this policy may result in any sanction hazardous to the health and well being of students deemed appropriate by the University, including, and employees. but not limited to, required participation in a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program, As a practical matter of enforcement and in order to suspension, or expulsion. The University may refer prevent disagreements regarding violations of the any violation of the law to the proper law alcohol policy and health hazards, empty alcoholic enforcement authorities. beverage containers are not permitted on campus. Such containers, if observed by staff, will result in Drug Testing Policy students being charged with an alcohol violation. Designated University officials reserve the right to require a student to show proof of a drug-free Information about a drug and alcohol counseling condition including drug testing whenever such and rehabilitation program is available through the officials suspect or have reason to believe that a Office of Student Life. student might be engaging in drug use on or off campus. Reasonable suspicion for testing is to be Criminal convictions are not required for these determined by the sole discretion of University sanctions to be imposed on employees and students officials. Reasonable grounds for drug testing may of the University. include, but are not limited to: 51 Unexplainable incoherent behavior various governmental statues, please refer to the Repeated tardiness and/or absenteeism from original sources. class City, County, and State Law Drug-related odors on person, clothing, and/or
equipment Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.02: Sudden, unexplainable drop in academic Being intoxicated in public such that one is a danger performance to oneself or others is punishable by a fine of up to Possession of drug paraphernalia $500. Previous positive drug screen results Being cited for or convicted of substance abuse Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Sec. 1.05, 101.31: violations by University or municipal It is illegal to possess or distribute alcoholic authorities beverages in a dry area. Violation of this law carries Observable phenomena, such as direct a penalty of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in observation of substance abuse or physical prison. symptoms or manifestations of being impaired due to substance abuse Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Sec. 106.02, 106.04 A report of substance abuse or use provided by -106.05: a reliable and credible source The purchase, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21 years of A student who refuses to submit to drug testing or age subjects that person to a fine of up to $500 for to required assessment or refuses to authorize the the first offense and up to $2,000 for the second release of test results as provided in this policy can offense. Regarding consumption and possession, a be disciplinarily sanctioned up to and including minor may avoid charges if s/he requests dismissal from the University. A positive drug test emergency medical assistance in response to the may result in disciplinary action including, but not possible alcohol overdose of the minor or another limited to, suspension or dismissal from the person, was the first person to make the request, and University. A professional drug assessment and if the minor remained on the scene until medical professional counseling may be required of any assistance arrived and cooperated with medical and student. Any charges incurred for an outside law enforcement personnel. assessment or for counseling will be the responsibility of the student. Testing for drugs will Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Sec. 106.06: be administered at a local clinic or hospital. Refusal Furnishing alcoholic beverages to a minor is to comply with testing when it is requested will be punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and potential considered a violation of the University’s drug imprisonment of up to 180 days in jail. If charges policy. If a student’s test results are positive for stemmed from gatherings were participants were drug use, the student will be responsible for the involved in alcohol abuse, including binge drinking expense of the test. If a student’s test results are or forcing/coercing individuals to consume alcohol, negative for drug use, the University will be defendants charged for such crimes shall, in responsible for the expense of the test. addition to standard sentences handed down by a judge, be required to perform 20-40 hours of The University reserves the right to use canine community service (related to alcohol education, detection services whenever drugs are suspected on misuse, or prevention), be mandated to attend an University property and are undetected by other alcohol awareness program, and have the driver's means, as well as a deterrent to drug possession or license suspended or denied for 180 days. use among students. Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.04: Criminal Sanctions Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable The University provides the following information by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or three days to two to give notice regarding legal considerations related years in prison for the first offense and up to a to drug and alcohol use, possession, purchase, etc. $4,000 fine and 60 days to five years in prison for For the latest and most detailed versions of these subsequent offenses. 52 Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Sec. 106.07: (b) 2nd crack conviction and the amount of crack A person under 21 years of age who misrepresents possessed exceeds three grams. his or her age for the purpose of purchasing (c) 3rd or subsequent crack conviction and the alcoholic beverages may be punished by a fine of amount of crack possessed exceeds one gram. up to $500. 21 United States Code 853(a)(2) and 881(a)(7): Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 481.106-107: Forfeiture of personal and real property used to The illegal distribution, possession, or use of possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled controlled substances may be punished by five substance if that offense is punishable by more than years to life in prison and up to a $20,000 fine. one year imprisonment. (See special sentencing provisions re: crack.) Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 481.112-120 and 481.121(c) and (d): 21 United States Code 881(a)(4): The delivery or possession of controlled substances Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other with the intent to manufacture controlled substances conveyance used to transport or conceal a is punishable by a jail term of ten years to life and controlled substance. up to a $100,000 fine. 21 United States Code 853a: Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 481.121(a) and Denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, (b): grants, contracts, and professional and commercial The possession of marijuana may be punished by licenses, up to one year for first offense, up to five six months to 20 years in prison and/or up to a years for second and subsequent offenses. $10,000 fine depending on the amount of marijuana 18 United States Code 922(g): involved. Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.
Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 481.122: Miscellaneous: The distribution of marijuana to a minor is Revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits punishable by two to 20 years in prison and/or up to (e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc.) a $10,000 fine. are vested within the authorities of individual federal agencies. Federal Law Health Risks Associated with Drug 21 United States Code 844(a): or Alcohol Use 1st conviction: Up to one year imprisonment and Narcotics such as opium, morphine, and heroin can fined at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000, or cause euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, both. constricted pupils, and nausea. The symptoms of an overdose of narcotics are slow and shallow After one prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and prison, not to exceed two years, and fined at least possible death. Persons experiencing withdrawal $2,500 but not more than $250,000, or both. from addiction to narcotics can experience watery After two or more prior drug convictions: At least eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, 90 days in prison, not to exceed three years, and irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills, fined at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000, or and sweating. both. Depressants such as barbiturates and Quaaludes can Special sentencing provisions for possession of cause slurred speech, disorientation, and drunken crack cocaine: Mandatory at least five years in behavior. An overdose of a depressant can result in prison, not to exceed 20 years, and fined up to shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, $250,000, or both, if: weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death. (a) 1st conviction and the amount of crack Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, possessed exceeds five grams. tremors, delirium, convulsions, and possible death.
53 Stimulants such as cocaine and crack can cause are at greater risk than other individuals of increased alertness or euphoria, an increased pulse becoming alcoholics. rate and blood pressure, insomnia, and loss of appetite. An overdose of stimulants results in agitation, an increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death. Withdrawal symptoms include apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, and disorientation.
Hallucinogens such as LSD and amphetamines cause illusions and hallucinations, and poor perception of time and distance. The effects of an overdose include psychosis and possible death.
Marijuana and hashish can cause euphoria, increased appetite, relaxed inhibitions, and disoriented behavior. The effects of an overdose include fatigue, paranoia, and possible psychosis. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, hyperactivity, and decreased appetite.
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long- term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents
54 case will any of the deposit be refunded until the RESIDENCE LIFE student has cleared all financial obligations to the (UNIVERSITY HOUSING) University and requested the deposit.
The Howard Payne University residential Housing Agreements communities provide a supportive framework for A student living in University housing must sign or intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. submit an online Housing Application/Agreement. Upon signing or submitting, the student assumes the Living in community involves the cooperation of all responsibility and obligations of the agreement. The community members. To promote a positive, safe, Housing Agreement is binding for the full term and healthy experience for all students, HPU has stated unless a student leaves HPU, gets married, established a Student Code of Conduct and graduates, or studies abroad. expectations for student behavior. Students are responsible for knowing and following the HPU Any request for cancellation of a housing agreement policies and guidelines. should be made to the Office of Student Life. Any resident who moves off campus without official Howard Payne University requires all full-time, permission is held financially responsible for the unmarried students between the ages of 17 and 22, full financial term agreed upon between the resident who are not living with parents, to live in a University and the University. The University reserves the residence hall for four (4) full semesters (i.e., fall and right to terminate the contract for disciplinary spring semesters) or until 60 verifiable credit hours reasons. Any student who cancels his/her room are completed or the student reaches 22 years of age. reservation after June 1 for the fall semester or Students under the age of 17 are restricted from living January 1 for the spring semester will forfeit his/her in University housing. Students who desire to live at deposit. home with parents and commute, or who would otherwise seek exemption from the housing Residents who request to privately occupy a room requirement, may make application to live off at less than capacity (and space is available) may be campus. Applications for permission to live off granted approval by the Resident Director and the campus are available online at the University’s Business Office and then pay the additional rent of website. All requests for exemption to the housing $600.00 per semester. policy must be submitted to the Office of Student Life by December 1 for spring exemptions and May If there is only one student occupying a room for 1 for fall exemptions. The Dean of Students reviews any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to all requests for exemption to the housing policy. work with the Resident Director in locating a Without off-campus approval, students with less roommate. The student will then be required to than 60 credit hours and/or four semesters of move in with a new roommate or a private room college completed are required to live on campus charge will be incurred. Private rooms are not and purchase a residential meal plan to for the permitted for first-year students in their first dining hall. semester of college (since graduating from high school) or in the University apartments. The Housing Application University reserves the right to make changes in All students applying for admission to University room assignments when deemed necessary. housing must forward to the Office of Student Life a deposit of $100.00 (along with a Housing “Consolidation” is the process undertaken at the Application/Agreement) which will be held as beginning of each semester, and other times as security for damages. needed, to consolidate residents who do not have roommates. Facilitated by the Resident Director, Any unused portion will be refunded on written students in the consolidation process must comply request within one year after properly checking out. with all written or verbal requests of the Resident If the room deposit is not requested within one year Director by the stated deadline. Failure to comply of vacating University housing, the deposit will be may result in automatic room reassignment and forfeited into a general scholarship account. In no disciplinary action.
55 No one is to occupy a room until he/she has been agreement with the University for the apartment. officially checked into that room by the Resident Upon signing the University Apartment Housing Director or a Resident Assistant. Each student must Agreement, the student automatically assumes complete and sign a Check-in/Check-out Form and responsibility for the terms stated therein. get a key before moving into the assigned room. The Check-in/Check-out Form must be signed upon Residence Hall Hours, Secure Access, and vacating a room for any reason. A student is not Surveillance Cameras officially checked out of a room until the key has Residents, Residence Life Staff, and the HPU been turned in and a staff member has checked the Department of Public Safety are partners in creating room for damage and cleanliness. Failure to a secure and safe residential community. complete all of the above steps will result in charges and fines. A student may occupy only the room The residence halls are equipped with ID card assigned to him/her. No moves are to be made for readers to promote secure access to the residence any reason unless first approved by the Resident halls. Residents must use their ID cards to access Director. the buildings at all times.
The housing agreement period for the residence Surveillance cameras are used in the residence halls halls covers two semesters, which ends the day of (entry doors, lobbies, and corridors on each floor). commencement exercises in May. It does not include Thanksgiving vacation, Christmas vacation, Housing Damages spring break, other holidays declared by the Students will be charged for damage to furniture, administration, or the days between semesters. equipment, or rooms. Each room is checked before Students must vacate the residence halls within 24 and after occupancy. If damage is noted, it should hours of their last final exam. Whenever possible, be reported immediately to the Resident Director. graduating seniors will be given an additional 24 hours beyond hall closing/agreement ending date/ Individual Rooms time to check out. For further information about Occupants of University housing are responsible for housing during break periods, contact the Office of any damage done to their rooms whether or not they Student Life. caused the damage. Students are required to maintain their room in a clean and orderly condition All activities in the residence halls are under the and should not obstruct any of the walkways, supervision of the Resident Director. Any unusual hallways, or surrounding premises. No partitions or behavior, difficulties, or anything of concern should other alterations or additions may be made to the be reported to him/her. room unless the prior written consent of the Resident Director is obtained. This shall include, University Apartments but is not limited to, the addition or changing of any The University maintains nine units in a duplex locks, removal of window screens, altering or arrangement primarily for junior and senior tampering with the heating or lighting fixtures, students. The University also maintains three 8-unit removal or painting of any surface, installation of apartment complexes (four students per unit). These any television or radio antenna; addition of apartment spaces are assigned each spring semester electrical, cable television or telephone wiring; and during the Apartment Selection Process, which will all other such changes and additions. Nails, screws, be advertised by the Residence Life staff. The and adhesives which may cause damage shall not be University does not offer married student housing. inserted into or used on the walls for any reason. Any damage done to a room or to the residence hall All policies referring to student conduct apply to must be reported to an RA or the Resident Director. students occupying University apartments. Students moving into the apartments must pay a $100.00 Residence Hall Furniture deposit which will be held for damages or cleaning Students are not permitted to dismantle any upon moving out. If the apartment is left in good furniture supplied to them in their room. All condition, a request may be made for the return of furniture must remain intact, and in the individual the deposit. Students will also sign a housing student’s room. Students are responsible for all
56 furniture issued to them in their room. Dressers may Appliances for Cooking and Storing Food not be stacked, nor may refrigerators or other heavy (Residence Halls Only) items be placed on top of dressers. Any furniture Cooking in residence halls is strictly prohibited for that is missing, dismantled, or not returned to its reasons of health, safety, and maintenance. Cooking proper location will be the responsibility of the equipment such as hot plates, toasters, electric fry residents in that room and charges will be assessed pans, microwaves, and coffee pots (unless coffee accordingly. maker is equipped with an automatic shut-off or is a single-cup maker with no hot plate) are not Residence Hall Damages permitted and will be removed from residence halls. As a community of students, it is necessary that Small refrigerators, no larger than 36” tall, may be everyone living in the halls assume responsibility used in residence hall rooms. A Fridge/Microwave for maintaining the building in which they live. As combination unit is permitted (only the microwave/ a good citizen of the Howard Payne community, fridge models– 2.7 cubic feet or 3.7 cubic feet– are residents should take responsibility for the care and allowed.) Additionally, an amperage overload monitoring of their living quarters. Persons protector for microwave/refrigerator combos is witnessing or hearing about damages to any facility allowed provided that the two devices together do by members of the community or individuals from not exceed 10 AMPS. outside the community should report them immediately to a member of the Residence Life Appearance Expectations Staff. Students should be fully clothed when appearing in residence hall public areas. Appropriateness should Defacing of Property be maintained at all times. Damaging or defacing of property at HPU by painting, signs, posters, stickers, or any other Authorized Entry and Search method is expressly prohibited. Anyone involved in The University respects the student’s right to such an infraction will be subject to disciplinary privacy and to protection against unwarranted and/ action. or unreasonable search. The policy regarding room entry, inspection, and/or Repairs search and seizure is that university officials will Any damage occurring or repairs that are needed enter the room of a student only with the consent of through the year should be reported as soon as possible by completing the online work order the student except in specific situations. system (Sprocket) found on the HPU website. When you fill out the online work order, it will be Authorized agents and personnel of HPU will enter submitted to HPU maintenance. You will be able to the residence of a student in the event of: track the progress of your request online at any 1. An emergency situation; time. Repairs will take place on a priority basis. All 2. Health and safety checks; emergency repairs should be reported to the Residence Life staff immediately. 3. Maintenance purposes; 4. Reasonable grounds to believe the room contains Housing Policies evidence of the commission of a criminal offense or a violation of University rules or policies; or Animals/Pets 5. A valid search warrant being presented by the Residents are allowed to have goldfish/tropical fish proper authority. in a small aquarium (no larger than five gallons). Prior to holidays and housing closures, residence All other animals/pets are prohibited in university housing. life staff will check all rooms to ensure that rooms are secured and proper procedures have been For information regarding Service Animals and/or followed. Emotional Support Animals, contact the Office of Student Life. Bicycles Bicycle racks are provided outside each residence
57 hall. Bicycles may also be stored in student rooms Student rooms should be decorated in a tasteful with the agreement of the roommate. Bicycles may manner. Offensive materials are strictly prohibited. not be stored in halls, stairways, bathrooms, or Possession and/or display of road signs or other storage closets. If a bicycle is found in a hallway, stolen property is a criminal offense and will be storage closet, or trash room, it will be placed dealt with accordingly. All window treatments, outside without a lock or key. Bicycles may not be including drapes, sun blocking material, posters, locked to HPU apartment railings. Bicycles should signs etc., should not be viewable from outside the not be left during the summer sessions unless a building. student is taking summer classes. Bicycles that appear to be abandoned are subject to removal and Electrical Appliances disposal. The following electrical appliances may be used in a student’s room: computer, television, video game Check-In/Check-Out system, DVD player, stereo, clock, personal lamp, A room condition report must be completed and shaver, hairdryer, flat iron, and candle warmer. Air turned in at check-in. It is the responsibility of the conditioners, sun lamps, and heaters may not be resident to make note of any existing damages in used because of safety regulations. Burned-out light the room (e.g. wall damages, chipped paint, missing bulbs will be replaced without charge. They should items, etc.). This form will be used to determine not be replaced with larger bulbs than those damages which have occurred during a resident’s provided. Any needed fuses or repairs should be use of the room. Each resident must also follow all reported to the Resident Assistant or Resident check-out procedures. Failure to check-out properly Director. will result in an improper check-out charge. Failure to check-out properly may also result in the loss of Owners and users of stereos and televisions must the student’s room deposit and/or disciplinary operate them at a reasonable volume which is only action. for their own benefit and should keep the door of their room closed when using them. Whenever they Check-out includes: are operated, it should be with consideration for 1. All resident’s possessions must be out of the other people. Students may lose the privilege of using stereos and televisions if they refuse to room/apartment/duplex, and the room/apartment/ operate them at an acceptable volume level. duplex must be clean. 2. All furniture must be in the proper location. Entrance and Exit 3. Return of room/apartment/duplex key. Students entering or exiting University buildings 4. Approval of the RD or RA prior to leaving. must do so through exterior access doors only. Entering or exiting through windows, or occupying Cleaning Expectations ledges, balconies, or the roof of any building, is Students are expected to maintain clean and orderly strictly prohibited. residences. Periodically throughout the semester, Resident Directors and/or Resident Assistants will False Alarms/False Emergency Reports conduct health, hygiene, safety, and security checks It is a violation of Texas Penal Code 42.06 to make in campus housing. All rooms/apartments/duplexes a false alarm or report to a public institution of must comply with the standards given by the higher education. Students accused of this crime Resident Director and/or Resident Assistant. may face charges up to a state jail felony and will be referred through the student conduct process. A Custodial service is limited to cleaning public use full description of the code and subsequent penalty areas and emptying trash from public area is provided below. Please help us keep our receptacles. Trash should not be swept into the hall, university safe and report any suspicious activities but should be deposited in public area waste to HPU DPS, the Office of Student Life, a Resident containers. Students are not permitted to store Director, or other University personnel. empty alcohol bottles, cans, etc. in their residence hall rooms. Any unauthorized items should be According to Sec. 42.06 of the Texas Penal Code, reported to the Resident Assistant. (a) A person commits an offense if he knowingly Decorations 58 initiates, communicates or circulates a report of a Food Storage present, past, or future bombing, fire, offense, or In order to maintain a healthy and pest-free other emergency that he knows is false or baseless environment, students are expected to store food in and that would ordinarily: their rooms in sealed containers. (1) cause action by an official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies; Guests and Visitation (2) place a person in fear of imminent serious All guests are subject to University policies and bodily injury; or regulations. A student is responsible for the (3) prevent or interrupt the occupation of a building, conduct of his/her guests. Individuals under 18 room, place of assembly, place to which the public years old are not allowed to visit the residence halls has access, or aircraft, automobile, or other mode of or stay overnight. Exceptions may be made if the conveyance. minor is a relative of the student, but the Resident Director must be informed and provide approval in An offense under this section is a Class A advance. misdemeanor unless the false report is of an emergency involving a public primary or secondary Overnight Guests of Same Sex school, public communications, public Guests of the same sex are permitted to stay transportation, public water, gas, or power supply or overnight under the following conditions: other public service, in which event the offense is a 1. The student has requested and received state jail felony. permission in advance from the Resident Director and his/her roommate. Firearms/Weapons 2. The overnight stay is NOT during finals week. Firearms for protection or for sport are strictly 3. The length of stay is no more than three (3) prohibited at HPU except as allowed by State law. days and two (2) nights. Exceptions must be This includes, but is not limited to, shotguns, rifles, approved by the Resident Director. pistols, BB/pellet guns, paint guns, air soft guns, 4. The guest is 12 years of age or older. etc. Ammunition for firearms is also prohibited. Babysitting is not allowed in HPU housing. This includes, but is not limited to, shotgun shells, 5. The guest registers his/her presence with the ammunition, BBs, pellets, etc. Illegal knives are Resident Director. Guests are expected to prohibited. conform to the same standards of conduct as students. Violations of university policies and Fire Drills standards by visitors are the responsibility of Fire drills will be held periodically, and anytime the the student whom the guest is visiting and may fire alarm sounds everyone is required to leave the result in disciplinary action against the student, building immediately. Failure to leave immediately requiring the guest to leave campus, or both. or to follow directions of the residence hall staff or HPU Dept. of Public Safety officers will result in The Resident Director may limit a) the number of disciplinary action. guests, b) the length of stay of a guest, and/or c) the number of times a student has guests during the Fire Extinguishers and Fire Equipment semester if any of these factors adversely affect the All residence halls are equipped with several fire residents of the hall/apartment or put an undue extinguishers which are to be used only in the event burden on the facilities and utilities of the a minor fire should occur. If you find a fire University. extinguisher not in its proper place, or not properly charged, please notify a residence hall staff member Visiting Residents of Opposite Sex: immediately. Any student caught discharging a fire Residence Halls extinguisher for uses other than those intended, Men or women are not permitted in living areas or pulling false fire alarms, tampering with sprinkler residence halls of the opposite sex except during systems, or otherwise jeopardizing the health and administratively approved visitation hours. safety of others through improper use of fire Visitation hours are 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Monday equipment will be subject to immediate suspension through Sunday. When hosting opposite-sex from the University. visitors, guests must enter the front lobby door of 59 the residence hall, sign in and sign out through the Opening and Closing Hours logbook at the Resident Director office, and be The residence halls are equipped with ID card escorted by their host at all times. The room door readers to promote secure access to the residence must remain completely open at all times. Student halls. Residents must use their ID cards to access and guest behavior must comply with University the buildings at all times. expectations of conduct. Violations of university policies and standards by guests are the Lobby visitation begins at 8:00 a.m. Students of the responsibility of the student whom the guest is opposite sex may continue to visit the hall lobby visiting and may result in disciplinary action against until midnight Sunday - Thursday and 2:00 a.m. the student, requiring the guest to leave campus, or Friday - Saturday. both. Non-resident students and/or guests who wish to Visiting Residents of Opposite Sex: enter the building should contact the resident they Apartments and Duplexes intend to visit, and visitors should enter through the References to “apartment(s)” include Smith Bell front lobby door. Duplexes and Newbury Place Apartments. These suggestions and policies are based on the need for Students found propping open exterior doors or consideration among the roommates, and to assist otherwise tampering with door devices will face couples in maintaining the purity of their disciplinary action. The residence halls will close relationships. Apartment visitation by the opposite the day of commencement at 2:00 p.m. in the fall sex is to be conducted with discretion. It is and spring semesters. suggested that other individuals be present in the apartment while a guest of the opposite sex is Personal Property visiting. Students who are having difficulty with It is important that students take precautions to roommates who are taking advantage of the secure personal property (e.g. locking your door visitation policy should consult their roommate first when not in your room, engraving your possessions, and then bring the situation to the attention of the etc.). With so many people living together, Resident Assistant and/or Resident Director in the University housing can be prime targets for theft. community. Opposite-sex guests, including but not Careful attention to security is in everyone’s best limited to other students, may not sleep over/stay interest. The University is not responsible for overnight in the apartment. When hosting opposite- student property which is lost, stolen, or damaged. sex visitors, both the hosts’ and visitors’ behaviors All valuables should be kept securely locked to must comply with University expectations of guard against theft. Students should lock room conduct. Violations of University policies and doors whenever they leave the room and when they standards by visitors are the responsibility of the go to sleep. A list of serial numbers of watches, student whom the guest is visiting and may result in televisions, stereos, computer equipment, etc. will disciplinary action against the student, requiring the be an aid in helping locate stolen articles. Any theft guest to leave campus, or both. of items of value over $50.00 should be reported to the HPU Dept. of Public Safety. Any theft or Hall Meetings criminal activity must be reported to the Resident When mandatory meetings are called in the Director. Students are strongly encouraged to have residence halls, all residents are required to attend. adequate insurance for their personal property. If a student is prevented from attending, he/she is to inform the Resident Director. Failure to attend Pornographic & Obscene Materials without prior approval from the Resident Director Realizing that the display of certain items may be will result in disciplinary action. Mandatory considered offensive and disrespectful to some meetings cannot be called without permission of the community members, the University requires the Resident Director. use of discretion concerning the “content” of pictures, posters, written, and electronic materials displayed in rooms and hallways. Decorations inconsistent with University philosophy may not be displayed. This includes sexually oriented or 60 suggestive items or depictions (including “soft move to a new location. pornography”) or any other material which presents the human body in a degrading manner, occult Room Keys materials, and alcohol, drug, and tobacco Students should carry their room keys with them at advertisements or paraphernalia. The final all times. Lost room keys should be reported to the interpretation of whether a decoration/posting is Resident Director. Students who lose their keys will inappropriate will rest with the Resident Director. be charged a nonrefundable fee of $75 to replace Residents possessing any materials that the their keys and re-core the lock. university deems questionable may be asked to remove such items from their rooms. The viewing Smoke Alarms or possession of pornographic materials anywhere Smoke alarms are placed in rooms for the on campus is strictly prohibited. protection of the students. A fine of $100.00 will be charged for vandalism, tampering, or removal of Prohibited Materials these alarms. Substances which could cause a fire, such as paints and chemicals, may not be stored in University Batteries in smoke alarms are not to be used by housing. Students may not store or repair motor students for any other purposes than that for which vehicles in their residence. Flammable liquids such they were installed. Unauthorized removal of as gasoline, kerosene, and other fuel products may batteries will result in a $100.00 fine. In certain not be kept in University housing. Fireworks and/or situations, such as the malfunction of the system, a firecrackers are not allowed on the campus. The student will need to remove the battery. If such a burning of candles, incense etc. is also prohibited in situation should occur, the proper procedure is to all on-campus housing. report the incident either to the Resident Assistant or Resident Director by the following day. If the Room Changes problem is with the battery, then the bad battery Prior to requesting a room change, talk with your will be exchanged and a new battery issued. If the Resident Assistant and/or Resident Director. There alarm itself has malfunctioned, then the problem may be some possible solutions to the problem will be reported to the Resident Assistant for repair. other than moving from your current location. If you are sure you want to change rooms, follow Soliciting these steps: Soliciting is not permitted in the halls/apartments/ duplexes. Solicitors should be reported immediately 1. Room change requests will be considered after to the Resident Director. Ticket sales for University the first two weeks of each semester. or hall functions are exceptions. Residents who (Consolidation may occur earlier.) wish to sell certain merchandise or services should 2. Discuss available rooms/roommates with your contact the Resident Director for information. Resident Director. 3. After you have identified a new room/roommate, Quiet Hours coordinate arrangements with your Resident Quiet hours are observed every night from 10:00 Director. Remember, you must have prior p.m. to 8:00 a.m. All other times are courtesy hours. approval from your Resident Director before Students are to be considerate of the fact that they moving. Failure to follow these procedures, live in a community setting where not everyone has and moving before you receive approval, may the same waking and sleeping schedules. Therefore, result in disciplinary sanctions, charges, and loss students need to be sensitive to the needs of others of moving approval. (You may also be required living around them. Special quiet hours are posted to move back to your original room.) for the finals week time period and must be 4. A $25 charge may be assessed per requested followed. room change. Note: A person cannot ask a roommate to move out for the sake of convenience. The roommate who desires a change/new roommate must be the one to
61 Amenities PARKING, Cable TV VEHICLE REGISTRATION, Each student room is wired for expanded cable TV. No cable or satellite service beyond what HPU & TRAFFIC SAFETY provides is allowed. Policy Statement and Advisement Internet HPU has enacted the following parking and traffic Each student room is also wired to have access to safety regulations for the safety and security of all the Internet. This access is provided to students as a persons, as well as to make parking and traffic flow part of the Student Life fee for educational at HPU as efficient as possible. These regulations purposes. Students are reminded not to give out apply to all students, visitors, staff, and faculty. personal information (e.g. middle name, social Voluntary compliance with these regulations is the security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden goal, rather than to assess fines. However, Parking name, etc.) to anyone on the Internet. The campus’ and/or Traffic Safety Citations bearing fines have Internet traffic is monitored by the University’s ITS been authorized and enacted by the Dean of department. Inappropriate use will not be tolerated. Students and the University Administration to deter The use of routers and wireless spots is prohibited. violations. Whenever possible, the enforcing officer All campus housing facilities are equipped with (s) shall consider unusual circumstances before wireless connectivity to the HPU network. taking enforcement action(s).
Laundry Rooms A violator may be issued one of two types of Washers and dryers are available in each residence citations: (1) a University Citation or (2) a Texas hall, along with coin vending machines. Washers State Criminal Code Citation by the HPU Dept. of and dryers are available in each Newbury Place Public Safety. Apartment. Students encountering problems with the machines should contact the RA or Resident Parking is on a first-come basis. Purchasing a Director. parking permit does not guarantee a parking place nor does the perceived lack of parking space justify Lounges violation of any parking or traffic safety Each of the residence halls has a lounge on the first regulation(s). floor where students can sit and talk, study, etc. Because these lounges are for the benefit of all the All persons who operate motor vehicles on the HPU students living in the building, they should be campus should take note of the following guidelines treated accordingly. All furniture must remain in the and policies: lounges, must not be rearranged, and is not Rules and regulations are enforced year round, permitted to be in individual student rooms at any including weekends, holidays, breaks, and time. Students are also reminded that they are summer. responsible to clean up any mess made while they The speed limit on all University property is 10 are using the lounge. Students may not block access MPH. Violators may be issued a University to hallways/walkways in and adjacent to lobby Citation for violations. areas for videogame play, movie viewing, etc. The fact that a citation is not issued when a vehicle is illegally parked does not mean nor Telephone imply that the regulation or rule is no longer in Telephone services are available upon request. effect. Contact the Resident Director for information. HPU is not responsible for loss or damage to Vending Machines vehicles parked on or in transit on HPU Vending machines are located in each residence property. hall. Students encountering problems with the Any vehicle operated or parked on University machines should contact the RA or Resident property must comply with the state Director. registration requirements and display a current
62 vehicle registration sticker and license plates. allowed. Additionally, proof of liability insurance must be carried in the vehicle and shown to the HPU Parking Permits and Regulations Public Safety Officers upon request. Failure to MAIN CAMPUS (MC) – Parking is allowed in meet these requirements may result in the clearly designated/lined spaces in all lots and along vehicle being banned from campus. all public and private streets throughout the campus. Any inoperable vehicle on the HPU campus No parking is allowed in any designated visitor may be towed at the owner’s expense. parking space by anyone other than visitors to the Throughout the year the campus hosts several campus. Visitors are defined as persons who are not special events that require reserved parking for students, staff, or faculty of HPU. the patrons. This may result in some inconvenience to students, but does not Special Designations and Permits authorize drivers to violate parking regulations. MOTORCYCLE (M) – Parking allowed in any The Cashier’s Office can be contacted during designated/lined space campus wide (excluding business hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - visitor spaces), and at any location designated as Friday) at 325-649-8013. The Department of motorcycle only parking. Public Safety (DPS) is open 24 hours a day, 7
days a week and may be contacted at any time HANDICAP (H) – Only vehicles with Federal or by calling 325-649-8609. State handicap license plates or parking placards
Motor Vehicle Registration (hang tags) may park in University designated handicap spaces. The HPU Dept. of Public Safety All vehicles parked at any time on HPU property reserves the right to inquire as to the rightful owner must display a current parking permit. Permits may not be falsified, transferred to another person or of disabled placards or disabled license plates and vehicle, forged, or altered. Student permits must be to request proof of ownership if deemed necessary (in accordance with state law). Per Texas State permanently affixed to the outside of the vehicle’s Statute, the individual to whom the Handicap rear window, lower left side. (Permits for convertibles may be placed on the rear bumper, Placard was issued MUST be in the vehicle when it driver’s side.) Motorcycle permits must be is being parked for the placard to be used for parking in restricted/designated areas. displayed in a place upon the motorcycle which is readily visible. Faculty/staff permits should be hung from the rearview mirror. LONG-TERM VISITOR (V) – Parking Permits for Long-Term Visitors (defined as any visitor’s vehicle which shall regularly be parked on All fees for parking permits are set by the University. All parking permits must be obtained at University property in excess of a 48 hour or two- the Cashier’s Office. day time frame) may be obtained from the University Cashier’s Office. There shall be no fee for these types of permits. Purchasing a new vehicle or changing from the vehicle originally registered requires a replacement permit, which may be obtained from the Cashier's If a parking space or area is designated for Faculty, Office free of charge if the remains of the original Staff, or Official Use, students MAY NOT park within these designated areas. permit are returned; otherwise, a replacement fee of $5.00 is required. A student parking space is defined by a white or Temporary permits for extenuating circumstances yellow line on both sides of the vehicle space and are affixed to the surface of the parking lot. If the are available upon request at the Cashier’s Office. There is no charge for a temporary permit; however, area is not striped/lined as a parking space, then it these will be issued for a maximum of 30 days. If IS NOT a parking space. Further, areas designated another vehicle is being used for longer than 30 as Safety Zones (areas located at the end of a parking row as to allow fire apparatus the ability to days, a permanent permit must be purchased. Only one current HPU parking permit per vehicle is maneuver down the row) may be designated by stripes and/or posted signs. 63 Handicap Parking Spaces or Access Areas shall be University Parking and Traffic Safety Violations identified by a posted sign displaying wording so designating the restriction and/or by the displaying Parking and Safety Enforcement is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The more severe and of the international handicap symbol ( ) and/or dangerous the violation, the greater the fine amount by striping or wording affixed to the parking lot for such violation(s). The violation for which a surface. person is charged shall be plainly stated on the citation(s) issued for the offense(s). Campus Visitors A visitor is defined as one who has no affiliation, $35 Failure to Display Parking Permit association, or relationship with HPU as a student $35 Display of Expired Permit or Improperly or employee. Affixed Permit $35 Improper Parking or Not Parked in Defined Currently enrolled HPU students are never Limits of Parking Space considered visitors. Students who are driving a $35 Parked After Posted Lot Closing Time vehicle other than the one registered to them via the $35 Parked Overtime in Time-Limited Zone University Cashier’s Office, even if on a temporary $35 Unauthorized Parking or Stopping in a basis, must obtain a Temporary Parking Permit Visitor or Reserved Parking Space from the University Cashier’s Office. 35 Other Violation--indicated by Issuing Visitors to HPU should be given parking Officer guidance by the person or organization inviting $50 Double Parking, Obstruction of Traffic, or them to campus. Parking in Traffic Lane Visitors using vehicles that have a current HPU $50 Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device-- parking permit must comply with the rules and cones, barricades, etc. regulations that apply to that permit. $50 Parked in Designated “No Parking Zone” or Visitors should be encouraged to use the shuttle “Designated Safety Zone” service when traveling to multiple HPU $75 Reuse of Old Citation to Avoid New or properties to minimize disruption of campus Additional Citation parking. $75 Vehicle Traveling at Unsafe Speed or Visitor lots and/or parking spaces are open Reckless Driving on HPU Property from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. every day. No $100 Unlawful Parking in Fire Lane overnight parking is allowed in visitor spaces $150 Unlawful Parking in a Designated Handicap unless approval is obtained from HPU Dept. of Parking Space/Access Space Public Safety. This regulation is enacted to help prevent non-HPU related parking within the Persons in receipt of a citation should read the limited parking spaces that the University is citation very carefully to determine if it is a able to provide. “University Citation” or a citation issued for a violation of State Statute/Law. “State Citations” are University Parking and Traffic Safety Fines those issued by Texas Peace Officers for violations Students are responsible for any citation issued to of State Statute or City Ordinance. For disposition their vehicles. Fines not paid by the violator (or a responsibility and fines for “State Citations” the request for an appeal filed) within TEN (10) recipient must contact the Court designated on the working/business days of the date of issuance of the citation. citation shall automatically be charged to the registered student’s account, or in the case of an Appeals unregistered vehicle, the operator or registered All University Citations issued by the HPU Dept. of owner of the vehicle shall be responsible for the Public Safety Officers may be appealed. However, violation and all fines that may be charged for the if the recipient of the citation chooses to appeal, he/ violation. Fines may be paid at the Cashier’s Office she must file an appeal within TEN (10) working/ (Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., business days of the date of the citation, excluding excluding University holidays). University holidays.
64 Appeals are processed during business hours and privileges of the habitual violator, then the violator must be filed in person at the Office of Student Life shall at that time be notified to surrender their (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday). A parking permit. telephone call or email does not constitute an appearance. Failure to comply with the terms of the suspension, or continued receipt of citations may result in an Appeals will initially be reviewed by the Director of additional $100.00 fine along with the offense fine Public Safety/Chief of HPU DPS. Consult the (s), immediate towing, and further administrative Student Handbook and University Catalog for disciplinary action by the Dean of Students. additional information regarding the appeals process. Results of the appeal will be sent via one or Residence Hall Move In/Out Procedures more of the following methods: campus mail, U.S. Special loading/unloading areas will be designated mail, or e-mail. for major timeframes of residence hall “move in” and “move out” by temporary signs erected by the Immobilized (Booted) or Towed Vehicles University DPS. Visitors/parents and students are Vehicles that have been charged with three or more expected to show courtesy to others by moving citations may be immobilized or impounded/towed vehicles from these zones into other authorized with all towing fees being the sole responsibility of parking spaces as soon as possible. Vehicles are the vehicle’s owner/operator. There is a $50 service forbidden from driving or parking on sidewalks or charge to release an immobilized (booted) vehicle. grass at any time. Violators are subject to receiving The University shall not, nor shall any of its a University Citation and having their vehicles authorized personnel, be liable or assume any towed at owner’s expense. Once the temporary responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from signs are removed, regular parking rules will be a vehicle being immobilized (booted) or towed. enforced. The payment of fines for University Citations does not remove citations from the record. Citations Miscellaneous Information accumulate during the academic year. All persons should lock their vehicles while parked on campus. Vehicles illegally parked (regardless of number of Personal safety escorts to and from vehicles are violations) are subject to being immobilized or available from the DPS upon request. towed when parked in or obstructing a fire lane, Theft of, damage to, or accidents involving reserved space, handicap or handicap access space, vehicles should be reported to DPS overtime in a loading zone, blocking another immediately. vehicle in a parking space, or blocking a driveway, aisle, entry or exit to any parking area. Theft of or damage to personal property or property owned by HPU (while on campus) If a vehicle has been towed or immobilized, the should be reported to the DPS immediately. individual seeking release of the vehicle may obtain All lost and found items should be reported to the necessary information from the HPU Dept. of and turned over to DPS as soon as possible. Public Safety by calling 325-649-8609. Students may not leave their vehicle on HPU property during a semester in which they are Disciplinary Action for Excessive Parking or not enrolled (including summer). Such Traffic Safety Related Violations vehicles may be towed. An indefinite number of University Parking or Student may at any time enter the parking lot to Traffic Safety related citations will not be tolerated. make use of their private vehicles as a place to Upon receipt of the fifth University Citation, study or talk privately with others. If the parking privileges shall be immediately suspended vehicle is a truck or SUV, they may sit on its pending a review by the Director of University tailgate to study or talk with others. Students Public Safety. The Director shall send a formal may take advantage of this privilege at any recommendation to the Dean of Students for final hour they wish so long as they are not engaging determination. If the Dean of Students elects to in criminal activity or becoming involved in suspend or permanently revoke the parking inappropriate behavior. Students are not 65 permitted to sit in/on or touch vehicles which they do not own without authorization or the SAFETY & SECURITY owner, nor may they loiter aimlessly or INFORMATION suspiciously in the parking lots. Public Safety officers may question students and request to Clery Act - see HPU ID cards. Crime Prevention and Security Report On or before October 1 of each year, the University Special Regulations will make available an annual security report. This Special temporary disabled/handicap permits report includes campus crime statistics, policies by may be obtained from the Cashier’s Office with which crime is reported, policies regarding response specific approval by the Director of University by the institution, various security policies, crime Public Safety. In all cases the applicant shall prevention programs, alcohol and drug and campus present for review and verification the sexual assault policies, rape awareness, sexual prescribing physician’s certificate stating the offense reporting policies, and so forth. The most disability, necessity for special privileges, and recent security report may be obtained from the length of disability. The special permit is a University website. Information concerning University Issued Permit and ONLY allows registered sex offenders may be obtained from the parking in all student, faculty, and staff areas Texas Department of Public Safety website https:// and visitor lots. It DOES NOT allow parking records.txdps.state.tx.us/DpsWebsite/Index.aspx. in designated State Handicap Spaces or Access Areas (where State of Texas Permits are Annual Crime Statistics are available to all current required by State Statute/Law), Reserved students and employees of Howard Payne Spaces, Fire Lanes, or Time-Restricted Parking University in Brownwood, Texas, and, upon Zones/Spaces/Areas. request, to any applicant for enrollment or All buses, RV’s, trailers, and boats must obtain employment. Information is provided pursuant to permission from DPS before parking on HPU the disclosure requirements of the Crime Awareness property. No permanent parking allowed for and Campus Security Act of 1990 and the Drug- these types of vehicles. Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.
The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act specifically requires that crimes occurring on the campus be reported to the Howard Payne University community.
66 University will also seek to deploy its EMERGENCY Emergency Notification System. PROCEDURES 3. Go immediately to the center of the lowest floor of the building where you are; avoid Emergency Notification windows and glass doors; listen to any Howard Payne University will employ several instructions given by the building supervisor. methods of communication during emergency 4. If you are outside, seek shelter! If no shelter is situations, including campus-wide e-mail messages, available and the threat of danger is imminent, telephone voice mail messages to campus get in the closest ditch, lie flat, and cover your extensions, text messages and voice messages to head. cellular phones for students, faculty, and staff provided up-to-date contact information is Snow and Ice available. 1. In the case of inclement weather, listen to local radio stations for road conditions and possible Missing Persons Policy school closings. If a student who resides in campus housing has not 2. Classes are not canceled unless it is absolutely been seen on campus for more than 24 hours and necessary. acquaintances do not know where the student may 3. If classes are not canceled and travel for you is be, the Dean of Students or a Resident Director dangerous, stay where you are and call the should be notified. Students under the age of 18 will University to notify your professors. have their parents notified if they are determined missing for more than 24 hours. Law enforcement Fire will be notified for any student missing for more A fire alarm will sound when a manual pull station than 24 hours. If a student has been seen in the and/or smoke detector has been activated. Any time company of an individual(s) indicating that he/she an alarm goes off, it should be treated as real and may be in danger, the HPU Dept. of Public Safety the building should be evacuated. If you don’t know (325-649-8609) and/or the Brownwood Police the escape route for the building you are in, look on Department (911) should be notified. If desired, the walls nearest stairwells for a map. students will be able to designate a confidential 1. If fire alarms have not been activated and fire is contact person on their Emergency Information seen, pull the nearest manual alarm. Call 911 Form to contact if the student is deemed missing. At and HPU Dept. of Public Safety at the earliest the University’s discretion, in addition to a possible moment. confidential contact, the University reserves the 2. If alarms are sounding, evacuate the building as right to contact a parent and/or guardian. quickly and calmly as possible. 3. Use stairs and not elevators. Tornado Watch 4. Before opening a door, feel the door for heat. If 1. A tornado watch is issued when conditions are it is hot, find an alternative route. favorable for the formation of tornadoes. 5. When outside the building, move at least 300 2. In the event of a tornado, watch and/or listen to feet away. local media sources to monitor the situation. 6. When outside, keep access roads clear for 3. Continue with normal activities but be alert to emergency vehicles. changes in the weather. 7. Do not return to the building until it has been declared safe by emergency responders. Tornado Warning 1. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado A.L.I.C.E./Dangerous Person(s) has been sighted nearby and is approaching or An active shooter is a person who is actively when weather radar indicates certain features engaged in seriously harming or killing or indicative of tornadoes. There is significant attempting to seriously harm or kill people in a danger during a tornado warning. confined and populated area. In most cases, active 2. The Brownwood Emergency Preparedness shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or system will give a public warning siren blast method to their selection of victims. These dynamic for five minutes indicating an emergency. The situations evolve quickly and are usually over 67 within ten to fifteen minutes. This demands phone line can remain “open” which helps the immediate deployment of law enforcement 911 operator in hearing what is happening. resources to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to Do not open the door for anyone. Responding innocent victims. Faculty, staff, and students must law enforcement personnel will have access to be prepared both mentally and physically to deal all of the rooms in a building. with the situation. HPU DPS advocates You may have to take the offensive if the preparedness for this type of incident and pro- shooter enters your area. There are numerous actively instructs members of our community on the weapons in the room (chairs, trashcans, A.L.I.C.E. (Alert Lockdown Inform Counter computers, etc.). Be prepared to utilize Escape) principle of responding to an active anything close at hand and prepare yourself for shooter. Below are guidelines for those who may be the physical encounter. caught in an active shooter situation and a Position yourself in a location that will allow description of how to react. for the element of surprise if the shooter enters.
When there is an active shooter incident and you When there is an active shooter incident and you can evacuate the building: must evacuate the area where the shooter may be When a threat is recognized, rapidly assess the located: threat level and immediately initiate a response. When a threat is recognized, rapidly assess the Your perception is your reality. There can be threat level and immediately initiate a response. no second guessing the option you select for Your perception is your reality. There can be reacting to the situation. no second guessing the option you select for If you can evacuate, do it. reacting to the situation. Run away from the building as quickly as Run in a zig – zag pattern. possible. Do not stop running until you are well clear of Stop when you feel you are in a safe zone and the building. contact 911. Is escaping through a window an option?
When there is an active shooter incident, you are Consider the risk factor of falling from a unable to evacuate the building, and your door window. opens to the inside / outside of the room: Make an improvised rope out of clothing, belts, When a threat is recognized, rapidly assess the or any other item that can be used to limit the threat level and immediately initiate a response. distance you would fall. Your perception is your reality; there can be no Hang by your hands from the window ledge. second guessing the option you select for Attempt to fall into shrubs, mulch, grass, etc. reacting to the situation. Take shelter in the nearest office, room, or When there is an active shooter, you cannot escape closet. and the shooter is in your room: Silence your cell phone and quietly encourage When a threat is recognized, rapidly assess the others to do the same. threat level and immediately initiate a response. Stay low to the ground. Maintain a position Your perception is your reality. There can be where a person in the hallway cannot see you no second guessing the option you select for through glass. reacting to the situation. Lock and barricade the door with anything Run available in the room (chairs, desks, trashcans, Fight etc.). Throw anything at the shooter. Aim at the face If possible, tie down the door by attaching a to distract them. belt to the door handle. Attack in a group. Grab the shooter’s Look for alternate escape routes (windows, extremities and take them to the ground using additional doors, etc.). body weight to secure them. Call 911 and provide detailed information. The Fight Dirty!!! There is no unfair fighting when 68 survival is the goal. demand that a victim do anything that they do not wish to do – let them have control. When there is an active shooter incident and you 3. Attempt to determine the victim’s wishes: do have incapacitated the shooter: they want to notify police, do they want to go When a threat is recognized, rapidly assess the to a hospital, etc.? If the victim indicates that threat level and immediately initiate a response. they might want to notify police at some point, Your perception is your reality. There can be encourage them to go immediately to a hospital no second guessing the option you select for for an exam; the victim should not change reacting to the situation. clothes or shower before going for an exam as Call 911 and advise law enforcement the physical evidence might be destroyed. shooter is down. 4. If the victim wishes to notify University Provide your location and stay on the line. personnel, the appropriate person would be a member of the Student Life staff. Any referral Secure the suspect (body weight, belts, etc.). to University authorities would be made in Move any weapons away from the suspect. Do confidence and the wishes of the victim would Not Hold It! Place a trash can over the weapon be honored to the extent possible. if available. 5. Even if the victim does not wish to notify Do not run from the room. Help is on the way. authorities formally about the rape, the victim should still be encouraged to see a counselor. Bomb Threats If someone calls with a bomb threat, do not panic. Serious Injury or Illness Listen carefully for details. Ask questions like: In the case of a serious injury or illness, the 1. Where is the bomb? immediate concern is to aid the injured or sick 2. What time is it set to detonate? person. The following should be used as general 3. Who called (man or woman, young person or guidelines only: adult)? 1. Contact the University Nurse at 649-8601 for 4. Was anything unusual about the call (e.g., assistance. background noise)? 2. Notify a member of the residence hall staff if 5. Why was it placed? the accident occurs in a residence hall. Obtain as many details from the caller as possible 3. If other channels fail or if the injury is life and try to remember the caller’s exact words. threatening call 911. 4. In the case of serious injury, do not attempt to What to do: move the student, but call 911 immediately. 1. Call HPU Dept. of Public Safety (325-649- 8609). They will call police and fire Suicide departments. Warning signs: People considering suicide exhibit 2. Building supervisors will make the decision signals and behaviors that can be identified. Some whether or not to evacuate. (EVACUATION IS of these include extreme depression, withdrawal RECOMMENDED IN ALL CASES.) from family and friends, discussions about death 3. Do not touch anything. (including their own), self-destructive behavior 4. Report anything suspicious or out of the (including previous suicide attempts), drug or ordinary to building supervisor. alcohol use, giving away personal property, 5. Do not use cell phones as the signal could problems in classes, feelings of rejection, and/or detonate the device. breakup of a relationship. If threat is made for the immediate detonation of the bomb, evacuate the building. What can I do? Steps for one who believes that a friend may be Rape Crisis contemplating suicide: 1. Provide a safe environment for the victim. 1. Encourage your friend to seek professional 2. If the victim is in need of medical attention due help. to any injuries sustained during the attack, encourage them to seek assistance. NEVER 69 2. Go personally to a counselor and discuss your concerns. You won’t betray your friend, but you might save his/her life. 3. Continue to support your friend and be available to listen. 4. Watch and report back to counselors with any changes in your friend’s behavior.
Crisis point reached (you believe a suicide attempt is imminent): 1. Contact your Resident Director or HPU Dept. of Public Safety (325-649-8609). Local MHMR may also be contacted any time at 325-646-6467. 1. If you are with the person, do not leave him/her alone. 2. If the person is in immediate danger, contact police at 911. 3. After an administrator or the police have taken control of the situation, and you are no longer directly involved in the situation, complete an Incident Report and file it in the Office of Student Life. 4. Do not discuss the situation with anyone except the administrators involved.
Other Potentially Threatening Situations If other threatening situations arise on campus, please call HPU Dept. of Public Safety personnel immediately at 325-649-8609. In the event that the situation is life-threatening, do not hesitate to call 911.
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