University Policies, Standards, and Guidelines




Alcohol Policy
Drug Policy
Appropriate Dress
Assault
Care & Use of Facilities
Commercial Enterprise & Advertising
Disruptive Behavior
Fire Safety Policies
Hazing
Identification Cards
Pets/Animals
Sign Posting
Smoking
Soliciting & Selling
Weapons
Residential Policies
Access to Facilities
Courtesy Noise Policy
Furniture
Guests
Hall Sports
Lofts
Pets
Residential Identification Cards
Room Changes
Room Decorations
Room Occupancy
Safety and Security
Sexual Assault

Alcohol & Drug Policy

Alcohol Policy

Point Park University upholds on standards set forth in all state and federal laws with respect to the consumption, sale, and possession of alcohol by persons under the age of 21.  Behavior which abuses the lawful use of alcohol is also prohibited.
The University prohibits alcohol intoxication; the unauthorized possession, use, consumption, manufacture, sale or distribution of alcohol; and driving while impaired due to alcohol consumption.  Specifically this includes, but is not limited to:

  • Students under the age of 21 are not permitted to consume, transport, or possess alcoholic beverages.
  • No Point Park student, regardless of age, may provide alcohol to those under 21 years of age.
  • No Point Park student, nor guest, regardless of age, is permitted to be intoxicated on campus.
  • The possession of beer kegs, cases of beer, or any common source container in any University building, facility or property, unless authorized by University administration is prohibited.
  • The possession of any apparatus used to facilitate the rapid consumption of alcohol or drinking games is prohibited.
  • Students will be held responsible for the actions of their guests who fail to comply to the University Alcohol Policy.

 
Residential Alcohol Related Policies

  • No person regardless of age may consume alcohol in a room where all residents are under the age of 21.
  • Residents and their guest(s) of legal drinking age may consume alcoholic beverages within the privacy of their room, with the door closed.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted, without expressed written permission from the Dean of Student Affairs in public (common) areas of the residence halls (eg. lounge spaces).
  • Alcohol consumption is prohibited in all residence building hallways.
  • Students and their guests who appear to be intoxicated will be stopped by the security and/or public safety and/or campus life staff to assess any wellness or safety needs.  Intoxicated, or seemingly intoxicated, guests will not be permitted access to the residence halls. Students who appear intoxicated must comply with the direction given by staff.
  • All violations will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs for disciplinary action. Students being found in violation of the University alcohol policy will be sanctioned to meet with the Alcohol and Other Drug Educator.  Students will also be assessed a fine to fund the alcohol education programs and resources.
    • First Offense—$25
    • Second Offense—$75
    • Third Offense—$125
  • Severe Alcohol Offenses are when students are in need of medical attention.
    • First Offense—$75
    • Second Offense—$125

In addition to the sanctions above, students are subject to, but not limited to, disciplinary probation, loss of housing, or suspension from the University depending on the severity of the incident.

As permitted under FERPA, Point Park University at its discretion, may contact parents or guardians of students under 21 in alcohol related incidents.

Drug Policy

Point Park University strictly adheres to federal and state laws with respect to prohibiting possession, use, distribution, and cultivation of illegal or controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.  Residents who violate these prohibitions will be subject to the termination of their residence contracts, room fees forfeited. Any student believed to have violated the drug policy will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs with sanctions to include possible suspension or expulsion from the University.
Evidence of drug use such as paraphernalia, smoke, or smell is also prohibited and a violation of this policy.


Additional University Policies

Appropriate Dress

Proper attire, including shirt and shoes, must be worn at all times in public areas of campus (i.e. lobby, laundry rooms, food service areas, elevators, etc).

Assault

A student or guest(s) who threatens, intimidates, coerces, or uses physical force in a manner, which causes a person to be fearful of physical harm, is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This will result in immediate disciplinary action including, but not limited to, termination from the residence halls and interim suspension from the University.

Care and Use of Facilities

Students may not engage in behaviors that may damage University facilities or property. Students will be held financially responsible for any damages caused by their actions.  Specifically the following policies apply:

  • Students and/or their guests are not permitted on any of the building roofs. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
  • The dropping or throwing of any objects, including water, out of the windows is a serious offense, (Crime Code Section 2705). This will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to termination from the residence halls (if applicable).
  • Students and guests may not enter restricted areas including but not limited to mechanical rooms, closed floors of buildings, dance studios after-hours (unless given permission), and areas marked staff-only or restricted.
  • Tampering or altering electrical systems, cables, circuit breakers, switches, wiring, data cables, elevator wiring is prohibited.
  • Accessing fire escapes, fire ladders, or entering/exiting buildings through windows is not permitted in non-emergency situations.
  • Painting, graffiti, or marking University facilities, furniture, or property is considered vandalism and is not permitted.

Commercial Enterprise and Advertising

Commercial enterprise of any kind—solicitation, sales, distribution, etc.—by students or student organizations is permitted on campus only with the approval of the student Activities Office.  Advertising of commercial products is allowed in the usual published space in student publications. All other forms of advertising must be approved by the student Affairs Office.

Disruptive Behavior

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe and orderly fashion.  Behavior which disrupts the Point Park University community or is deemed threatening is not acceptable.

Fire Safety Policies

Violating any of the fire safety policies will result in University judicial action to include the possibility of losing University housing privileges and/or being suspended from the University.

  • Fire Alarms and Evacuation: In the event of a fire alarm, all students and guests must evacuate the building(s). Failure to evacuate the building(s) during a fire alarm will result in disciplinary action by the Office of Judicial Affairs which may include a sanction of housing termination or suspension from the University.
  • Falsely activating a fire alarm or being the cause of a false fire alarm will result in judicial action to include a fine of up to $500 to cover the expense that the City of Pittsburgh assesses to Point Park University for each false alarm.
  • Fire Equipment: Unauthorized use or tampering with emergency safety equipment (including automatic door closures) is strictly prohibited. Illegal use of fire alarms, fire hoses, sprinkler system, emergency phones, and fire extinguishers are a violation of state and local laws, which jeopardizes the safety of all of the residents. Students violating this policy will be charged through the Office of Judicial Affairs. Sanctions resulting from a violation could include, but are not limited to, a charge for the repair/replacement cost, a fine of $100, and risk losing their housing or being suspended from the University.
  • Flammable Materials: flammable liquids or materials (i.e. spray paint, gasoline, kerosene, etc) and explosives (i.e. fire crackers) are strictly prohibited in the all University owned or leased buildings.

Hazing Policy

The University forbids the practice or act of hazing among students or within student organizations. Hazing is defined as any activity (on or off campus) that subjects a person, with or without their consent, to the risk of bodily harm or emotional distress, or causing or encouraging behaviors that would be a violation of law or University policies, for the purpose of initiating, promoting, fostering, or confirming any form of affiliation with a student group (University recognized or not) or organization.  Violations of this policy will result in the dissolution of the organization and expulsion of students involved. Additional information on hazing can be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs.

Identification Cards

  • Students are required to carry their Point Park University identification card that is issued by the Student Service Center
  • Students must present their identification card upon request to University Officials
  • The identification card is property of Point Park University, and upon termination of a residence hall contract the id must be returned to the Office of Campus Life
  • Using or allowing use of another’s ID for any purpose (including gaining access to the residence halls) is not permitted

Pets/Animals

Pets with the exception of service animals are not permitted on campus.

Sign Posting

Signs may not be posted without seeking the proper approvals.  Academic related signage is to be approved by the academic dean or department, extracurricular activities must be approved by the Office of Student Activities, and signs to be hung in the residence halls must go through the Office of Campus Life. 

Smoking

It is the policy of the University to provide a smoke-free environment in all campus facilities and vehicles in which University functions or services are carried out. Smoking of any material is prohibited in all University facilities, at all locations, including all enclosed locations in buildings, including University-owned vehicles, other than authorized areas. It is also prohibited within five (5) feet of any entrance or exit doors, and all areas of Alumni Park. It also is prohibited in any outside area adjacent to a facility whose configuration and/or other physical circumstances allow smoke either to enter and affect the internal environment or to unduly affect the environment of those entering or exiting the facility.

Definition: Smoking includes the burning or carrying of any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other smoking equipment, whether filled with tobacco or any other type of combustible material.

Violating this policy will result in a $50 fine.

Authorized Smoking Areas:
Effective August 1, 2008, smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking area located behind the West Penn Building (corner of First Avenue and Wood Street).

Enforcement:
The success of this policy depends upon obtaining and maintaining the willingness, understanding and cooperation of all smokers and non-smokers in all University facilities. It is the responsibility of all members of the Point Park community to observe this smoking policy. Each University member is responsible for monitoring compliance with this policy at his/her level of involvement in the University community. Violations of this policy should be reported to the Security Department.

Soliciting and Selling

For the safety and protection of all students, staff, and faculty and to prevent the interruption of studies, class, or sleep, solicitation on campus is prohibited unless prior approval has been given from the Director of Student of Student Activities. Students encountering a solicitor are encouraged to notify a Point Park University staff member immediately or call Security at Extension 3960.

Weapons

Weapons and/or ammunitions are not permitted in or on campus. Weapons are defined as, but not limited to, the following: firearms (including BB guns or any other compressed air or spring propelled gun), knives, martial arts weapons (throwing stars, nunchuku, swords) and whips. The University will confiscate objects defined as weapons and a policy violation may result in termination of residence halls contract and/or suspension or expulsion from the University.

On-Campus Residential Policies

Access to Facilities

Authorized representatives of the University may enter any University space at any time to inspect facilities or carry out repairs and maintenance. Such inspections will normally be conducted according to announced schedules but the University may authorize entrance to an accommodation if convinced that a clear and present danger or violation of the University’s regulations requires such entrance. Any maintenance issue that requires the Physical Plant Department to enter a room will be accompanied by a form left in the room. The form will state who, why, and when the room was entered.

The University reserves the right to enter any room for the following reasons:

  • In the case of an emergency
  • For safety or health reasons
  • To make repairs or supply services
  • To do periodic inspections during the year and at the end of each term closing
  • To assure compliance with federal, state, local laws and University policies
  • Whenever there is cause to believe a violation has occurred or is taking place

Hindering or delaying a University Official’s entrance into an area is prohibited.

Courtesy Noise Policy

Although each residential community creates their own quiet hour guideline, the residence hall environment should always be conducive to study and sleep.  If asked by another student or staff member to adjust the noise volume, a student is expected to comply.  Excessive or unreasonable noise levels are not acceptable.

Furniture

Residents may arrange the furniture in their rooms in a reasonable manner. Furniture must remain in the room and may not be moved from room to room. Furniture must be reassembled and rearranged prior to departure. You and your roommate(s) are responsible for the furniture in your room. If furniture is broken you will be assessed a fine for replacement. Furniture provided to the student lounges are public areas may not be moved to residents’ rooms. Each room has a bed, desk and chair, and a closet/dresser/wardrobe per student. The student must provide lamps. NOTE: Thayer Hall has no overhead lights.

Guests 

Students are responsible for the actions of their guests. Guests may be current Point Park University students, residence hall students, or non-students.

A residence hall student’s guest is considered to be any person who does not reside in their room.

The following guidelines have been established to ensure a comfortable and safe community environment in the residence halls:

  1. All guests, regardless of their designation, must abide by Point Park University policies, as well as the Student Code of Conduct.
  2. Visitation must always be with the consent of roommates. Additionally, where visiting hours are determined by a community compact or other University directives, these policies must be followed.
  3. Visitation must not interfere with the sleep and study of roommates and neighbors.
  4. Guests are not allowed in the residence halls without a resident host or hostess. Guests must always be accompanied by a host or hostess of the hall.
  5. Guests (including overnight guests) will not be issued keys by University staff or by their hosts or hostesses.
  6. Residents will be held responsible for the behavior of their guests and of their guests’ adherence to University rules and regulations.
  7. Guests must carry valid photo identification at all times; and must produce that identification upon request by any security or residence hall staff member.
  8. Guests in violation of University policies may be escorted from the premises and barred from further entry into the residence halls.
  9. Any guest may be asked to leave by a roommate. Such a request must be met with complete compliance.
  10. A residence hall may be closed to non-residents at any time in order to insure the safety and welfare of the resident population.
  11. Additional sign-in procedures, which may include requests to show additional forms of identification, may be put in place in any residence hall where it is deemed necessary to maintain a safe and secure environment.

Sign-in Policy:

  1. Students must sign-in and sign-out all guests at their respective security stations during sign-in.
  2. Guests must have a valid photo ID during sign-in (Passports will not be accepted as valid photo ID). Students without valid photo ID will not be permitted into the residence halls; no exceptions will be made.
  3. Guests whose names appear on the PNG List (persona non grata list) will not be permitted into the residence halls.  If a guest happens to share a name with, but is not, someone on the PNG list, the guest must show proof of birth date to verify that they are not the banned individual.
  4. A student may not host or allow a person access to the residence halls who is on the PNG list.
  5. All guests must sign out. (Hosts or Hostesses will be held responsible for those guests failing to sign out.)

Overnight Guests:

  1. Guests may not remain in a hall more than three nights per month.
  2. No overnight guests will be permitted during examination periods or during vacation periods.

Conflicts regarding visitation and infractions of the guest policy will be handled through disciplinary action, as appropriate.

Hall Sports

The playing of sports (i.e. baseball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, golf, Frisbee, etc.) in the hallways and public areas is prohibited. The riding of skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades, etc. is also prohibited. If the item is used within the University it could be confiscated.

Lofts

Lofts are permitted in the residence halls if built of fire retardant wood and able to hold 500 pounds. Lofts are not permitted to be left in your room over the summer months or when you terminate from the residence halls. The University does not provide tools to build or dismantle a loft.

Pets

Possession, care or harboring of all animal or insect life forms, with the exception of fish and documented pre-approved service animals, is strictly prohibited in the residence halls. If an animal or insect is found in a resident’s room, the resident will have 24 hours to remove it or be assessed a daily. Evidence of pet care such as pet food, terrariums, etc is also prohibited.
$25 charge per day until the animal or insect is removed from the residence hall.

Resident Identification Card

Residents are expected to carry their Point Park University ID card at all times. Residents must present their ID card to Security, Community Facilitators, or any other University official upon request. You must have a valid ID card to gain entrance to the residence halls floors. Your ID card will access all dormitory floors from 7 a.m. to midnight. After midnight you will only have access to your floor. Lost or stolen ID cards can be replaced through the Student Service Center. There is a $25 replacement charge for a new ID card.

Room Changes

The Office of Campus Life will consider room and/or roommate changes only after the student(s) involved make every effort to resolve current issues. The Director of Occupancy Management must approve requests for room changes. No room changes will be approved during the first two weeks of the semester.

Room Decorations

While every person likes to personalize his/her space in order to feel at "home," the residence halls are governed by certain local fire safety ordinances. It is necessary for residents to be aware of the following guidelines.

  • Students are not permitted to paint, renovate or modify their rooms in any way.
  • Furniture must not obstruct smoke detectors or sprinklers or impair a quick exit from the room.
  • Students are permitted to hang decorations (pictures, posters, etc). in their room, however, any damage that necessitates painting and/or repairs will be at the resident’s expense.
  • Decorations must not be hung from or covering smoke detectors or sprinklers.
  • Candles, incense, and halogen lamps are not permitted.
  • Live-cut trees are not permitted in the residence halls.
  • Students may hang minimal decorations on their room door. If door hangings are, determined to be a fire hazard students will be required to remove such decorations. The Office of Campus Life reserves the right to deny any decorations that are deemed inappropriate or offensive.
  • Alcohol bottles, binge drinking paraphernalia (i.e. beer pong tables, beer funnels, etc), and drug paraphernalia are not considered decorative items. Students possessing these items may be charged with a violation of the University’s alcohol or drug policy.

Room Occupancy

For noise, fire, and safety reasons, you cannot host large gatherings in your room.  Room occupancy is restricted to the number of residents, doubled, plus one. (Ex. For a triple room, the capacity would be 7 people—3(number of occupants)x2(doubled)+1=7)

Safety and Security

Fire Safety

  • Smoke detectors may not be damaged, tampered, or covered. If the maintenance staff determines that a smoke detector has been damaged or tampered with, a $100 charge will be assessed to the occupants of the room and/or replacement costs and disciplinary action will be taken.
  • Combustible material is not to be used for decorative purposes.
  • Candles and incense are prohibited from the residence halls.
  • Propping of doors is strictly prohibited. 
  • All appliances with the exception of thermostatically controlled hotpots for boiling water only, are prohibited in Lawrence and Thayer Halls. Prohibited appliances will be confiscated by the Campus Life staff.

  • Storage of flammable liquids is prohibited

Residence Hall Security

  • All students are required to show their Point Park ID upon entrance to the residence halls and apartments as requested by security staff.
  • In non-emergencies, students may not exit/enter any building through a fire exit only door, window, or other restricted area. Students may only access fire escapes in cases or emergency.
  • Door propping is prohibited.
  • Entering or allowing entrance to exit-only or non-secured doors (ex. Thayer side door after-hours) is prohibited.
  • Removing window screens, bolts, or blocks from residence hall windows is not permitted.

Sexual Assault On-Campus Disciplinary Actions

If the alleged perpetrator of a sexual assault is a member of the University community, an interim suspension will immediately be imposed. This is an immediate exclusion from all classes and all other University privileges and activities. Interim suspension includes exclusion from all campus properties. The interim suspension shall be imposed as a temporary measure pending the determination of the appropriate student judicial board or any appeal thereof. Interim suspension is imposed to ensure the safety and well-being of other members of the University community.

Following the filing of a complaint of sexual assault against a member of the University community, a hearing may be scheduled through appropriate collegiate jurisdictions. The alleged perpetrator shall be entitled to have an advisor present.