Public Safety - College Policies

College Policies

Harassment

Lebanon Valley College is committed to maintaining an environment conducive to learning for all students and a workplace free from harassment and discrimination for its employees. Lebanon Valley College will not tolerate harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Harassment on the basis of sex or any other protected characteristic may affect the terms and conditions of employment or interfere with a student's work or academic performance and create an intimidating or hostile environment for that employee or student. As such, harassment or discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion or sexual orientation is contrary to the values of Lebanon Valley College. It violates the Student Code of Conduct and is a violation of College policy applicable to faculty, administration and staff.

Ethnic Intimidation Laws

The state of Pennsylvania has recently passed a law that views certain crimes to be more serious when motivated by hatred or malice towards the race, color, religion or national origin of another individual or group. This law provides for a very substantial increase in the severity of the crime if the above conditions can be proved. The Office of Public Safety fully supports such legislation and will aggressively pursue such action, when an offender and motive can be established.

Institutional Vandalism Laws

Another new provision of the Pennsylvania crimes code now allows punishment up to a third-degree felony or second-degree misdemeanor of persons convicted of vandalism or defacement of a church, synagogue, cemetery, school, educational facility, or the grounds surrounding such places. This new provision holds serious implications for any person who might attempt to vandalize or deface Lebanon Valley College property.

Solicitation on Campus

Lebanon Valley College specifically prohibits unauthorized solicitation on the campus. Individuals engaged in such activity will be requested to leave the campus immediately. Refusal to leave or a second violation of the regulations will subject the individual to legal action. College personnel who are approached by unauthorized buyers or salespersons should request the individuals to leave and inform the Office of Public Safety. Only the vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty and the vice president for administration may grant authorization for solicitation on campus.

Sexual Assault

A guide for victims of sexual assault is available for all students and employees. The guide provides information on what to do if you are sexually assaulted, and includes pertinent information on medical and emergency procedures, counseling and emotional support services, reporting procedures, college disciplinary policy and criminal investigation and charges. Copies of the guide are available from the Office of Public Safety and the Office of Student Services.
Educational programs to promote awareness and prevention of sexual assault, rape, and other sexual offenses are offered throughout the academic year.

Use and Abuse of Alcohol

Students 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their rooms and only in the presence of other 21-year-old (or older) students, provided that these individuals do not violate the rights or expressed wishes of others in the room and/or the residence hall floor. The occupants of a room will be responsible for ensuring that alcohol is not consumed in the presence of students under the age of 21. They will also be responsible for the actions of his/her guests.

Kegs, beer balls or an amount of beer equivalent to a keg or beer ball, grain alcohol and open punch bowls (common supply) are not permitted on campus.

The College's alcohol policy will conform with Pennsylvania law. The laws are strict regarding underage drinking, false IDs and selling alcohol to minors. Act 31 of 1988 attempts to deal with the serious problem of underage drinking.

Individuals under the age of 21 who purchase, consume, transport or possess alcoholic beverages are subject to a $300 fine and loss of driver¹s license for 90 days ($500 fine / 1 year suspension for second offense)
Minors carrying or using false ID cards can face a 90-day license suspension, fines up to $500 and possible imprisonment of up to 90 days. (1 year in prison for second/subsequent offenses)
Manufacturing or selling a false ID card has been made a criminal offense, with minimum fines of $1000 for a first offense and $2500 for subsequent offenses. (Maximum penalties are $5000 in fines and two years in prison)
Selling or furnishing alcohol to minors carries a minimum of $1000 fine for the first offense and a $2500 fine for subsequent offenses.

Drug Use and Abuse

People "under the influence" of drugs are considered dangerous to themselves and others. The use, sale, production or distribution of drugs, controlled substances or other addictive and illegal substances are strictly forbidden on campus. Disciplinary and criminal charges can and will be instituted against violators.