General Policies

• Statement on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
• Conduct within the University Community
• Immunization Requirements
• Drugs and Alcohol Policy
• Responsible Use of Computing Policy
• Parking Policy
• Sexual Assault Policy
• Sexual Harassment Policy
• Stalking Policy
• Individuals with Disabilities Policy
• Other Regulations
  • Weapons
  • Smoking
  • Bicycles/Skateboards
  • Pets
  • Solicitors and Salespeople

Statement on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

George Mason University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution committed to the principle that access to study or employment opportunities afforded by the university, including all benefits and privileges, be accorded to each personstudent, faculty, or staff memberon the basis of individual merit and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, sex, or age (except where sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification).

George Mason shall maintain a continuing affirmative program to promote equal opportunity and to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices in every phase of university operations. Furthermore, affirmative action will be taken to ensure that opportunities afforded by the university are fully available to persons with disabilities, women, disabled and Vietnam veterans, and minorities. The university will make every reasonable accommodation to enable students or employees with disabilities to undertake work or study for which they qualify.

As required by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the university is committed to the broad application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.

Students and employees should bring problems or questions regarding EO/AA/sexual harassment policies to the attention of the supervisor, department chair, the vice president for University Life, the student ombudsmen, an academic dean, the director of Human Resources, a trusted faculty or staff member, the Women's Studies Research and Resource Center, or the vice president and university equity officer, Mason Hall, Suite D105, (703) 993-8730. Employees with disabilities may contact the ADA specialist in Mason Hall, Room D111, (703) 993-8857 or (703) 993-8787 (TDD).Students with disabilities may contact the Disability Resource Center in SUB I, Room 234, (703) 993-2474.

Conduct within the University Community

The George Mason University community respects and protects the individual dignity, integrity, and reputation of all its members. All students, faculty and staff must comply with the conventions and regulations of university life that are necessary to maintain order, protect individuals and property, and fulfill the purposes and responsibilities of a university. This includes ensuring our commitment to high standards of civility and decency toward all.

Students enrolling in the university assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the university's function as an educational institution. The Code of Virginia (Section 23-9.2:3) confers upon the university the responsibility for maintaining order within the university and the right to exclude those who are disruptive.

The Office of the Judicial Administrator is administratively responsible for supervising student conduct on campus. Asystem of courts administers nonacademic discipline. In addition to these courts, the student Honor Committee, described in the "Academic Policies" chapter, is responsible for adjudicating violations of the Honor Code that relate to academic matters. Questions regarding student conduct should be directed to the Judicial Affairs Office, Student Union I, Room 302, (703) 993-2884.

Immunization Requirements

University policy requires that all students show documented evidence that they are immunized against certain communicable diseases. Immunizations that are required before registration for classes are as follows:

Polio: original series of three

DPT: original series of three

Tetanus/diptheria: last booster within 10 years

Measles: two doses for anyone born after 1956; both doses must have been administered after 1967 and after the first birthday

Rubella: one dose required after the first birthday

Mumps: one dose required

PPD (TB screening): required within the past year for admission

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended

Records of immunization are to be sent to the Student Health Center, SUB I, MS 2D3, or faxed to the center at (703)993-4053. If you have questions, or need additional information, call (703) 993-2836.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

(Adopted by the Board of Visitors, May 1990) Revised August 10, 1998

The abuse of drugs and alcohol by members of the George Mason University community is incompatible with the goals of the university. By defining standards of behavior and by providing educational programs to create an awareness of drug- and alcohol-related problems, the university attempts to prepare individuals to act responsibly. Those in need of assistance in dealing with such problems are encouraged to seek the confidential help of the university's Counseling Services, Student Health Services, or Drug Education Services.

Drugs

1. Use and/or possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia are prohibited on the campuses of George Mason University. Violation of this community standard will be considered a serious offense. Implementation of this policy will be in accord with established university procedures as contained in the University Judicial Code.

2. The University Police will enforce all applicable local, state, and federal laws in accord with established standing orders, procedures, and guidelines.

3. There will be a university judicial review of all reports of drug offenses occurring on campus. Action under the University Judicial Code will neither prejudice nor be prejudiced by action taken either in the criminal justice system or by the management of university housing.

4. Any student found responsible for a violation of law or regulation involving illegal drugs will be required to undergo an evaluation administered by personnel of the university's Drug Education Services.

5. The housing status of a resident student found in violation of a campus drug regulation while in a residence hall will be determined by the appropriate housing official. Guests and visitors found responsible for violating a campus drug regulation while in a residence hall will be issued a trespass order prohibiting their presence in any and all residential buildings on the George Mason University campuses. This trespass order will be in effect for a minimum of one calendar year.

6. In addition to any action taken by the Office of Housing and Residence Life, the standard sanction for a student's first on-campus violation involving possession or use of marijuana or possession of drug paraphernalia will be suspension from the university for a minimum of one academic semester. However, on the basis of the result of an evaluation by the Drug Education Center and any mitigating circumstances, the judicial administrator may reduce the sanction to one-year probationary status with any future violation resulting in permanent separation from the university. Additional educational sanctions may be included in the conditions of probation.

7. Any student found responsible for a violation involving sale or possession of an illegal substance with intent to distribute will be permanently separated from the university.

8. Any student found responsible for use or possession of an illegal drug other than marijuana will be suspended from the university for a minimum of one year. The suspended student must provide evidence of successful participation in a drug treatment program prior to reinstatement.

Alcohol

1. The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is limited to those locations and circumstances authorized by university policy.

2. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in Presidents Park.

3. Students who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to possess alcohol in residence hall rooms other than those located in Presidents Park. The quantity of alcohol may be limited by residence hall regulations.

4. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed in public areas of a residence hall. These areas include, but are not limited to, hallways, study rooms, and lounges.

5. All first-time offenses of this policy by residential students, except those involving severe intoxication and/or a police or emergency medical response, will be adjudicated through the housing judicial system. All offenses by nonresident students will be referred to the university judicial administrator.

6. Housing discipline sanctions will be primarily educational, but may include a housing assignment change, referral to the university judicial administrator, and/or removal from housing.

7. All cases involving severely intoxicated students and/or a police or emergency medical response will be referred to both the university judicial administrator for disciplinary action and the Drug Education Center for appropriate evaluation and referral.

8. All students referred to the university judicial administrator will have their alcohol abuse evaluated by personnel of the Drug Education Services. The sanctions imposed in these cases will be designed to offer assistance in overcoming any identified problem. While the purpose of the judicial action will be educational and remedial, it may be appropriate to remove the student from campus housing or from the university.

9. The university will encourage parental involvement whenever there is a repeat offense or when the first offense indicates a serious problem. This involvement will be in accord with provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

Notice to All State Employees

The federal Drug-Free Workplace Act requires that we inform you that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace. The workplace consists of any state-owned, controlled, or leased property, or the site where state work is performed. Any employee who violates this prohibition will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge and/or will be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program at the discretion of management. As a condition of employment, each employee must abide by the terms of this prohibition and notify his/her supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.

1. General Laws and Regulations

   1. Those who choose to purchase, possess, and consume alcoholic beverages on campus must do so responsibly and be of legal age (21). All members of the university community, to include students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their guests, are expected to comply with federal and state laws regarding the use of alcohol and university-related regulations contained in this policy. This compliance also extends to university-sponsored activities held off campus. Students and employees are expected to take personal responsibility for their own conduct when making decisions regarding the use of alcohol.

   2. Virginia state law prohibits the purchase, possession, or consumption of beer, 3.2 beverages, wine, or distilled spirits by persons under the age of 21. It is also prohibited to purchase for, or to serve such beverages to, a person under 21. Underage persons who use or attempt to use a driver's license that has been altered, forged, borrowed from another, or is in any way deceptive in an attempt to obtain beverages prohibited to them shall have their driver's licenses revoked for not fewer than 30 days but for not more than one year. Consuming alcohol in nonlicensed public places or offering a drink to another in a nonlicensed public place is also a violation of Virginia law. The sale of alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person is prohibited. It is also unlawful for an intoxicated person to purchase or possess alcoholic beverages. While this purchase or possession is a misdemeanor, violators are also subject to having their driver's licenses revoked for one year. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle-including mopeds-while a person has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. For a driver under 21 who drives with a BAC of more than .02 percent, but less than .08 percent, the driver's license is suspended for six months and a fine of up to $500 is imposed. If a person is arrested for driving with a license revoked or suspended under a prior DUI conviction, the offender's car is immediately impounded for 30 days. The court can impound the vehicle for an additional 90 days following conviction. If the car does not belong to the offender, the car owner may petition the court for release of the vehicle.

      Your driver's license will automatically be revoked for seven days if you refuse a breath test or if your BAC is .08 percent or higher. You no longer have the option of requesting a blood test instead of a breath test for an alcohol-related offense. Sobriety spot-checks to detect drunken drivers are legal. It is illegal to serve alcohol from an unregistered keg (common container holding four gallons or more). Only University Dining Services or authorized entity may serve alcohol from kegs.

   3. Possession, use, sale, or distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana, is a violation of both federal and state laws and university regulations. The 1988 federal Drug-Free Workplace Act also prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance in the workplace.

   4. Students, faculty, staff, and sponsoring organizations found in violation of state and/or university regulations may be subject to disciplinary action, civil action, and/or loss of the privilege to reserve or use university facilities. Disciplinary action for students or student organizations will be conducted in accordance with the George Mason University Judicial System for Student Conduct; civil proceedings may occur in certain situations. University sanctions are intended not to punish individuals but to provide education and rehabilitation services.

      Sanctions vary with severity of violation and range fromwritten warnings to expulsion from the university. Included in most sanctions for students is an evaluation by the director of Drug Education Services to ascertain severity of alcohol and other drug problems and a referral to arrange community service hours. Employees found in violation may be subject to action by their appropriate administrative office.

2. Health Risks

   For many people in our society, the use of chemicals is a daily reality. These chemicals include over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and LSD. They also include legal chemicals such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. Many chemicals have the potential to improve our health and enrich our lives. Yet, many of these chemicals also have the potential to cause serious health problems.

   Alcohol is a depressant that slows down brain activity. Like any drug that affects the mind, alcohol has the potential to be abused. Decision-making abilities can be impaired by alcohol use, which can cause negative consequences such as risky sexual behavior. It is expected that all students and employees respect those who choose not to drink. Drinking alcohol should be avoided particularly by pregnant women and anyone taking prescribed medications or operating a motor vehicle. Long-term or heavy use of alcohol is linked to cancer, heart and liver damage, and other serious illnesses. Tolerance and physical and psychological dependence can develop. The potential for health problems can also develop from the use of nicotine or caffeine products. Excess use of alcohol can cause death due to alcohol poisoning.

   Illicit drugs have more than legal consequences; they have specific health and ethical risks that can cause dangerous consequences and/or unhealthy dependent behavior. Use of alcohol or any other drug in a manner that leads to impairment or intoxication is unhealthy, risky, and should be avoided and discouraged.

   Those in need of assistance in dealing with alcohol and other drug problems are encouraged to seek the confidential services of campus departments listed in Section IV.

3. General Regulations for Individuals and Organizations Serving Alcoholic Beverages
   1. University regulations prohibit the possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage on university grounds unless the university has sanctioned the location and/or conditions for possession or consumption (e.g., Bistro). For further information regarding service of alcohol at public and private events, as well as at the Patriot Center, Arlington Campus, and Prince William Campus, please review the comprehensive guidelines for alcohol service available in Drug Education Services.

4. Campus and Community Resources

   Drug Education Services-- Nancy Schulte, LCSW, MSWAC

   Student Union I, Room 252D, (703) 993-3686

   Health and Wellness Resources

   Student Union I, Room 238, (703) 993-3686

   The State Employee Assistance Service (SEAS), (804)786-6741

   Alcoholics Anonymous-- for campus meetings, call (703) 993-3686; in Virginia, call (703) 281-7501

   Narcotics Anonymous-- in Virginia, call (703) 281-8638

The Alcohol and Other Drug Policy, composed of these four sections, outlines subject matter pertaining to university regulations on substance use and abuse. This policy is annually distributed to all employees and students as a means of informing the campus community of alcohol and other drug laws, health risks, and campus and community resources. University regulations regarding the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy have been developed by a committee of faculty, staff, and students. This policy statement is available in Drug Education Services in Student Union I, Room 252D. This policy is also distributed through the student and faculty/staff handbooks and the university's two newspapers: Broadside and the Mason Gazette.

Parking Policy

All faculty, staff, and students who park in lots owned or operated by George Mason University must display a valid decal or day pass, or must park in the Parking Deck and pay an hourly or daily rate. The Parking Deck is located on Mason Drive off Patriot Circle. Visitors and guests must park in the Parking Deck or at a meter, unless special arrangements have been made through Parking Services.

Decal and day pass enforcement runs from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Metered parking is designated for short-term use and is monitored from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, at Presidents Park, Student Apartments, and Lot T. Meters at Finley, SUB I, and Lot E are monitored Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Broken meters are considered closed parking spaces, and any vehicle parked in such spaces are subject to citation.

Restricted areas such as yellow curbs, crosswalks, sidewalks, landscaped/barricaded areas, loading zones, handicapped spaces, and fire/emergency lanes are monitored 24 hours, seven days a week.

To avoid receiving a substantial fine, students, faculty, and staff should purchase a decal as soon as they drive onto the campus. Three types of parking decals are available: yearly, semester, and summer. Day passes are available for faculty, staff, and students with a valid ID from an accredited university. Decals and multiple-day passes may be purchased at the Parking Services Sales Office located in Room 201 off the main lobby of Student Union I. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and until 5 p.m. on Friday when classes are in session.

Single-day passes may be purchased at the parking information booths located in front of the Finley Building and in Lot K off Roanoke Lane. The information booths are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. Finley Booth is also open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours of operation for the summer can be obtained by calling the Parking Services Office.

Handicapped parking is available at a number of convenient locations at George Mason University facilities. A DMV handicapped permit must be presented to obtain a permanent George Mason handicapped permit. Temporarily handicapped persons must display a decal or day pass along with a valid George Mason handicapped permit to avoid citation. Parking in or blocking access to a handicapped space carries a fine at the prevailing rate.

Some parking lots have designated spaces that are reserved for special permit holders, or for service and repair vehicles. Please read all signs posted at entrances to the parking lots. For additional parking information, call the Parking Services Office at (703) 993-2710.

Motorist Assistance Program

The Motorist Assistance Program helps motorists with flat tires, jump starts, and lockouts. Call (703) 993-2715 to access this service.

Sexual Assault Policy

The following policy applies to all members of the George Mason University community: students, faculty, administrators, staff, contract employees, and visitors.

The university is committed to providing an institutional environment where all persons may pursue their studies, careers, duties, and activities in an atmosphere free of the threat of unwelcome and unwanted sexual actions. It strongly condemns sexual offenses and will not tolerate sexual offenders.

Sexual assaults are serious violations of the university's student judicial code, faculty standards, and university employee policies. They are crimes under state law and are punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. In addition, these actions are subject to civil suit for damages.

The university will respond promptly, fairly, and decisively to all reports of sexual assault. Members of the university community accused of these actions will be subject to university disciplinary procedures when the alleged incident has occurred on campus or when the action has occurred off campus and materially affects the learning environment or operations of the university.

Sexual assault includes the attempt or act of rape (sexual intercourse without consent, both by a stranger and acquaintance), forced sodomy (oral or anal sex), or forced penetration by a foreign object including a finger. Nonpenetration sexual assault includes the act of touching an unwilling person's intimate parts such as genitalia, groin, breast, or buttocks or the clothing covering these parts, or forcing an unwilling person to touch another's intimate parts.

The above acts constitute sexual assault when they are committed against a person's will as evidenced by refusal of consent or through the use of force, threat, or intimidation, or against a person who, by virtue of mental incapacity or physical helplessness, is unable to give or withhold consent. This includes, but is not limited to, incapacity or helplessness caused by alcohol or other drugs. Intoxication of the assailant shall not diminish the assailant's responsibility for sexual assault.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual harassment is unacceptable conduct and will not be condoned in any form at George Mason University. This policy is part of the university's efforts to maintain learning and work environments free from sexual harassment. While this problem can seriously affect all members of an educational community, sexual harassment can be particularly devastating for our student population. A sexual harassment experience can affect a student's emotional well being, impair academic progress, and even inhibit the attainment of career goals. This problem can likewise affect employees and applicants for both employment and admission to the university in the same manner. Therefore, George Mason University must move to eliminate this problem from the community.

It is generally agreed that what constitutes and defines sexual harassment can vary under particular circumstances and events. Nevertheless, using the definitions of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, the university defines sexual harassment as follows:

"Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when (1) submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's academic performance or employment; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions about academic evaluation, employment, promotion, transfer, selection for training, performance evaluation, or selection for academic awards or benefits, etc; (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment or substantially interferes with a student's academic or an employee's work performance."

While the definition quoted above reflects the historical fact that the majority of sexual harassment complaints involve a male harasser and a female complainant (or victim), the definition applies equally to female harassers and male victims as well as same-sex harassment.

George Mason University is committed to eliminating sexual harassment from the campus while ensuring basic protection for all parties. The Office of the Vice President and University Equity Officer (a.k.a. Equity Office) is specifically charged to assist in the investigation and resolution of allegations of discrimination and harassment including sexual harassment. Further, the office exists, in part, to ensure that members of the campus community understand their responsibility to create and maintain an environment free from discriminatory actions and behaviors.

For more information, contact the University Equity Office at (703) 993-8730 or (703) 993-8787 (TDD).

Stalking Policy

(Effective February 1, 1999)

This policy applies equally to all members of the George Mason University community: students, faculty, administrators, staff, contract employees, and visitors.

The university is committed to protecting the right of all individuals to pursue their intellectual, vocational, and personal interests without harassment or interference. The university is also committed to providing an environment in which visitors to and members of the campus community are treated with dignity, respect, and regard for their welfare and learning needs.

George Mason University defines stalking as any behaviors or activities occurring on more than one occasion that collectively instill fear in the victim, and/or threaten his or her safety, mental health, or physical health. Such behaviors and activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Nonconsensual communication, including face-to-face, telephone calls, voice messages, electronic mail, written letters, unwanted gifts, etc.

• Threatening or obscene gestures

• Pursuing or following

• Surveillance or other types of observation

• Trespassing*

• Vandalism*

• Nonconsensual touching*

*These offenses may result in additional criminal charges.

Stalking behavior will not be tolerated. Incidents occurring on or off campus are subject to university discipline when such actions materially affect the learning environment or operations of the university.

Stalking is a crime under Virginia state law. Incidences of stalking outside the Commonwealth of Virginia may be admissible in court if they are relevant to the case and may be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor or a felony. Legal options available to victims of stalking include reporting to the local police, seeking a remedy through civil proceedings, and/or utilizing the campus judicial process.

For more information on stalking issues or this policy, please contact Sexual Assault Services at (703) 993-4364.

Individuals with Disabilities Policy

The university is committed to complying with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 by providing reasonable accommodations for applicants for admission, students, applicants for employment, employees, and visitors who are disabled. Applicants for admission and students requiring specific accommodations for a disability should contact the Disability Resource Center at (703) 993-2474 or the University Equity Office at (703) 993-8730. Students are responsible for providing appropriate documentation for their files and for requesting reasonable accommodation services in a timely manner. Applicants for employment and employees should contact Human Resources at (703) 993-2600 or the University Equity Office.

Other Regulations

Weapons

The unauthorized possession, storage, display, or use of any kind of ammunition, firearms, fireworks, explosives, air rifles, air pistols, or other lethal instruments are prohibited on university property. Any questions regarding this regulation should be directed to University Police, (703) 993-2810.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any building on campus.

Bicycles/Skateboards

Bike racks are provided at various on-campus locations for the convenience of students who bike to and from campus. For resident students, there are bike racks in the residential complexes.

Bikes and skateboards are not permitted on sidewalks, stairs, ramps, footpaths, or grassy areas of the campus or inside university buildings.

Pets

No pets are permitted in university buildings at any time. In addition, pets that are on campus grounds must be on a leash and under supervision at all times.

Solicitors and Salespeople

Solicitors and salespeople, except on official business with the university, are not permitted on the campus without prior approval of the Auxiliary Enterprises Office.