Ohio Administrative Code
Title 3337 - Ohio University
Chapter 3337-4 - Policies
Section 3337-4-09 - General policies affecting students

(A) Your first amendment rights and community responsibilities. The most effective and responsible way to air one's views on university matters, or to seek change within the university or community, is through student and university governing bodies, established campus media, and recognized groups. Students can seek out Athens city and county officials and governing bodies. Each of these bodies is subject to petition, and ordinarily have open meetings for discussion of public issues. So, also, administrative officials of the university and town are receptive to private and public complaints and proposals respectfully made. A university ombudsman is available to work on all problems involving university policies. All members of the community need to realize that certain types of large gatherings in the street and especially on the college green have in the past gotten out of control and can do so again. Controlling a large crowd is difficult, especially when persons who are on the sidelines are provoked into joining. It is important to remember the consequences of crowd assemblies and to anticipate the effects of acts which may be unacceptable or illegal in the community. Persons present at any public display which violates university policy can be deemed, participants. At a time when protests or demonstrations become disruptive of any university process, bystanders will be expected to leave and will be subject to disciplinary measures and/or arrest if they do not. Any official curfew or restriction of access to any area announced by lawful town or university officials will be strictly enforced, and those who are moving about at times after these curfews or restrictions are made may be arrested. Violations of laws and university regulations will be met with disciplinary action, arrest, and/or removal from the university. Those who ""fail to comply with the orders of law enforcement officers and officials of the university acting in performance of their duties will be liable for university or civil prosecution. This duty to comply includes presenting proper identification on request or leaving buildings or areas when such officers deem it necessary in order to -protect the health, welfare, or safety of the university or members of the community. When students wish to organize a parade or demonstration, those arranging it should consult the university security office and city officials to ascertain whether or not their plans fall within legal limitations. They should also consult with the coordinator of student life programs on specific arrangements for use of any area or facility. These consultations should take place at least twenty-four hours before the event. Organizers shall see that every effort is made to assure that the event takes place in an orderly way, which will not interfere with the rights and privileges of others or with the orderly conduct of university affairs. The free flow of traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, must be maintained at all times. No gathering will be allowed to take on the character of a riot. Should escalation in a protest or demonstration will be held responsible to university authorities. It cannot, be-overemphasized that the reputation of integrity of Ohio university can only be maintained through a climate of free inquiry. The university strongly supports the basic rights of all citizens to free assembly, speech and petition. Responsible exercise of these freedoms is incumbent on all members of the Ohio university community. Questions on first amendment rights should be referred to the director of university judiciaries.

(B) Administrative search and seizure policy. Ohio university, as a state institution of higher education, recognizes that there must be a balance drawn between its right to maintain an ordered educational environment and its students' constitutional right to privacy. In regard to its residence halls, Ohio university draws the balance through the use of an administrative search warrant policy. This policy is designed to maintain an ordered educational environment while protecting a student's right to privacy in his or her residence hall; and falls within the constitutional limits placed upon state action under the fourth and fourteenth amendments. The policy is further designed to reflect the principle of due process and fairness found in the constitution and criminal law; it complements the university's health and safety searches provided for in the residence hall contract, it complements searches authorized by a student's consent, and it reflects the university's concern for protection of the rights of all members of the academic community. To implement this policy, the following procedure will be complied with:

(C) Alcoholic beverage policy. It is the policy of Ohio university to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus if such possession and consumption are in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio and the ordinances of the city of Athens. A brief review of these laws and ordinances is in order:

(D) Housing regulations. The following housing policy is commonly referred to as the "parietal rule". In essence, it requires that until they have earned ninety quarter hours of academic credit students must reside in university residence halls. Freshman status is defined as zero to forty-five hours of credit earned, and sophomore status is defined as forty-six to ninety hours of credit earned. A sophomore student who has fewer than ninety hours of credit at the conclusion of the spring quarter may petition to delay satisfaction of his or her housing status until the end of the summer in order to earn additional hours. For transfer and reenrolling students the number of hours earned will be subject to certification by the director of admission. For relocating students the number of hours earned will be subject to certification by the director of registration. Failure of a student to comply with this condition of registration is cause for denial or cancellation of registration. Exemptions, which must be requested in writing, are:

(E) Policy regarding illegal use of drugs. Ohio university is unequivocally opposed to the misuse of drugs, including marijuanas As a public institution, Ohio university has the responsibility of upholding federal, state and local laws regarding illegal use of drugs on campus. Students who choose to illegally possess or use drugs subject themselves to both arrest and prosecution, and university judicial action.

(F) Student complaints: academic and employment. The student complaint board reviews student grievances relating to academic and nonacademic matters, with the exception of disciplinary appeals. If a student has failed to satisfactorily resolve an academic grievance with the course instructor, department chairperson, college dean or other administrator, the board will hear the appeal and submit its recommendations to the appropriate parties. Any further appeal is made to the provost.

(G) Student dress and appearance policy. Members of the faculty or Ohio university staff shall not require students to adhere to any particular form of dress or appearance as a condition of admission to or membership in any class or university-sponsored activity unless the requirement has academic or other justifiable relevance to the particular course of study or activity or is made to insure the students safety. When a faculty member does find this necessary, these requirements are subject to the following conditions: A faculty or staff member may not set requirements of personal dress and appearance which violate civil law. Requirements regarding personal dress and appearance shall be published no later than the first meeting. Such requirements should be on file with the department chairman. When requirements of dress or appearance are made, they shall be such that they affect the student only during the particular class or activity in question, and time should be allowed within the class period for dressing.

(H) Student vehicle registration and parking. Any student, before driving and/or parking on university property, must register any motor vehicle owned by the student, a relative, friend, dealer or rental agency. Failure to register a motor vehicle or failure to park legally makes the violator subject to penalties as printed in violation notification citations. Student parking is avialable in university residence hall garages. Daytime parking in parking lots is restricted to students of junior, senior and graduate rank, commuters, and married students. Overnight parking on campus, except for renters of garage space, is not permitted without special permission. Motorcycles are not. permitted on university' property except in specially designated areas. Check with the security office for specific information. Parking permits for your guests can be obtained any time at the security office.