UNIVERSITY REGULATION OF STUDENT CONDUCT

As students willingly accept the benefits of membership in the UNC Charlotte academic community, they acquire obligations to observe and uphold the principles and standards that define the terms of the UNC Charlotte community.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has enacted two codes governing student conduct, The UNC Charlotte of Student Academic Integrity and The UNC Charlotte Code of Student Responsibility. The University has also enacted a program for the prevention of the use of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse. All UNC Charlotte students are obligated to be familiar with these codes and to conduct themselves in accordance with the standards set forth.

Additionally, the Student Government Association has created a code called The Noble Niner that solidifies the high standard of morals, principles, and integrity that all students should strive to uphold to bolster the growing reputation of excellence at UNC Charlotte.

THE UNC CHARLOTTE CODE OF STUDENT ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

The UNC Charlotte Code of Student Academic Integrity governs the responsibility of students to maintain integrity in academic work, defines violations of the standards, describes procedures for handling alleged violations of the standards, and lists applicable penalties. The following conduct is prohibited in that Code as violating those standards:

A. Cheating. Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices in any academic exercise. This definition includes unauthorized communication of information during an academic exercise.

B. Fabrication and Falsification. Intentional and unauthorized alteration or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. Falsification is a matter of altering information, while fabrication is a matter of inventing or counterfeiting information for use in any academic exercise.

C. Multiple Submission. The submission of substantial portions of the same academic work (including oral reports) for credit more than once without authorization.

D. Plagiarism. Intentionally or knowingly presenting the work of another as one's own (i.e., without proper acknowledgment of the source). The sole exception to the requirement of acknowledging sources is when the ideas, information, etc., are common knowledge.

E. Abuse of Academic Materials. Intentionally or knowingly destroying, stealing, or making inaccessible library or other academic resource material.

F. Complicity in Academic Dishonesty. Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty.

A full explanation of these definitions, and a description of procedures used in cases where student violations are alleged, is found in the complete text of The UNC Charlotte Code of Student Academic Integrity. This Code may be modified from time to time. Students are advised to contact the Office of the Dean of Students or go to www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-105.html to ensure they consult the most recent edition.

THE UNC CHARLOTTE CODE OF STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

Conduct Rules and Regulations

The following conduct, or an attempt to engage in the following conduct, is subject to disciplinary action: [Note: Letters J, P, and U have been intentionally omitted for continuity in record-keeping.]

A. 1. Inflicting physical injury upon a person
    2. Placing a person in fear of or at risk of imminent physical injury or danger;
    3. Committing sexual invasion, sexual assault, or sexual misconduct, as those terms are defined herein;
    4. Committing sexual harassment as defined herein;
    5. Inflicting severe mental or emotional distress upon a person through a course of conduct involving repeated abuse or disparagement;
    6. Engaging in "fighting words" harassment, as that term is defined in Policy Statement #95 (online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-95.html ).  The full text of Policy Statement #95 is available online or in the Office of the Dean of Students).

B. Using, possessing, or storing any weapon, dangerous chemical, or explosive without authorization.

C. Initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency.

D. Interfering with normal University activities including, but not limited to, teaching, studying, research, the expression of ideas, University administration, speeches and other public or private events, and fire, police or other emergency services. Acts prohibited by this rule include, but are not limited to, those acts prohibited in University Policy Statement #58, "Interference with University Operations," found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-58.html, which prohibits student action taken "with intent to obstruct or disrupt any normal operation or function of the University," and Policy Statement #96, "Conduct at Speech Events," found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-96.html, which prohibits certain disruptive activities at speech events on campus. Full texts of both policies are available online or in the Office of the Dean of Students.

E. Knowingly violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with this Code.

F. Possessing, consuming, or using any controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, or manufacturing, selling or delivering any controlled substance or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver, any controlled substance; huffing or sniffing any substance not intended for such use. Minimum penalties and certain other requirements apply where controlled substance offenses are at issue, pursuant to University Policy Statement #87, "Program to Prevent Use of Illegal Drugs and Alcohol Abuse." That Policy is available online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-87.html  or in the Office of the Dean of Students.

G. Setting fires, or misusing or damaging fire safety equipment or elevators.

H. Furnishing false information to the University; misrepresenting or concealing one's organizational affiliation(s) or sponsorship(s) for the purpose of enticing another person into joining or participating in a group or organization.

I. Forgery, unauthorized alteration, or unauthorized use or misuse of any document or instrument of identification (ID); displaying or using an ID that is not one’s own or is fictitious, canceled, revoked, suspended, or altered; counterfeiting, loaning, or selling an ID to another person not entitled thereto.

K. Theft or attempted theft of property or services, the unauthorized use or access to private or confidential information in any medium, possessing stolen property; or possessing property that is not your own without owner authorization.

L. Destroying or damaging the property of others or University property.

M. Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of University officials, including but not limited to campus police officers or Residence Life Staff, acting in performance of their duties.

N. Violating published University regulations or policies, as approved by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Such regulations or policies include but are not limited to all Housing and Residence Life policies and the residence hall contract, as well as regulations relating to entry and use of University facilities, use of vehicles and amplifying equipment, campus demonstrations, and misuse of identification cards.

O. Possessing, consuming, or distributing alcoholic beverages without University authorization, including but not limited to:

   1. operating a motor vehicle under the influence alcohol or while impaired by the consumption of alcohol;
   2. possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages by students below the legal minimum age;
   3. displaying or consumption of alcoholic beverages in campus residences by students less than twenty-one years of age;
   4. furnishing, or selling any alcoholic beverages to any person not of sufficient legal age to possess or consume such alcoholic beverage;
   5. failing to abide by the provisions of an "Acknowledgment of Responsibility for Service of Alcoholic Beverages" form; or
   6. making any sale of any alcoholic beverage on the University campus. (The full text of University Policy Statement #57, "Alcoholic Beverages," is available online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-57.html or in the Office of the Dean of Students.)

Q. Being present in or using University premises, facilities, or property without University authorization.

R. Using or possessing fireworks on University premises or at University activities without University authorization.

S. Engaging in conduct that disrupts or interferes with the normal functions of a class, including use of cell phones or other electronic devices for voice or text communication, unless permitted by the instructor, or engaging in disorderly conduct such as fighting, threatening behavior, public disturbance, or drunk and disorderly conduct. Disorderly conduct also includes any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on University premises without his/her prior knowledge, or without his/her effective consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom.

T. Violation of Policy Statement #83, "Hazing," found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-83.html or in the Office of the Dean of Students.

V. Engaging in computer abuse, including but not limited to violation of:
   1. Policy Statement #8, “World Wide Web,” found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-8.html  
   2. Policy Statement #10, “Network Security,” found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-10.html  
   3. Policy Statement #20, “Electronic Communication Systems,” found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-20.html  
   4. Policy Statement #66, "Responsible Use of University Computing and Electronic Communication Resources," found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-66.html  
   5. Policy Statement #67, "Proprietary Software," found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-67.html  
   6. Policy Statement #102, “Data and Information Security,” found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-102.html  
   7. Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Regulation, found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/p2p.html  
   8. Regulation on Security of Electronic Individually Identifiable Health Care Information under HIPAA, found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/HIPAA.html  
   9. Regulations on Information Systems Security, found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/infosystemssecurity.html  
   10. Regulations on the Use of Social Security Numbers, found online at www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ssn.html  

W. Gambling for money or other things of value except as allowed by law. Prohibited gambling includes, but is not limited to, betting on, wagering on, or selling pools on any University athletic event; possessing any card, book, or other device for registering bets, or bookmaking in connection with betting.

A full explanation of prohibited conduct, and a description of procedures used in cases where student violations are alleged, is found in the complete text of The UNC Charlotte Code of Student Responsibility. This Code may be modified from time to time. Students are advised to contact the Office of the Dean of Students or go to www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-104.html to ensure they consult the most recent edition.

PROGRAM TO PREVENT USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS
AND ALCOHOL ABUSE (POLICY #87)

General. In keeping with efforts to maintain an environment that supports and encourages the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, it is the policy of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte to consider the use of illegal drugs or alcohol abuse by students, faculty and staff or by others on premises under University control to be unacceptable conduct that adversely affects the educational environment.

To remind students, faculty, and staff of their responsibilities for maintaining a drug-free environment, this Policy will be distributed throughout the University community each year. Further, the University considers a sound awareness, education, and training program indispensable in combating illegal use of drugs and alcohol abuse, both as a preventive measure and as a remedy. The scope of the University program addresses the awareness needs of students, faculty, administrators, and other staff members and includes the following minimum components.

• The health hazards associated with the use of illegal drugs and with alcohol alone.

• The incompatibility of the use of illegal drugs or abuse of alcohol with maximum achievement of personal, social, and educational goals.

• The potential legal consequences (including both criminal law and University discipline) of illegal drug abuse.

• The effective use of available campus and community resources in dealing with illegal drug abuse and alcohol abuse problems.

Definitions. For the purposes of this Policy, the following definitions apply:
The term “alcohol abuse” is defined as a pattern of alcohol use leading to impairment or distress, including:

1. alcohol use that contributes to:
   (a) a failure to meet satisfactory job expectations or
   (b) interference with the ability to perform job responsibilities, (including repeated absences or poor work performance related to alcohol use)

2. alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous to the user or others

3. alcohol-related legal problems

4. social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol use

The term “illegal drug use” is defined as use of those drugs or substances that is prohibited by state or federal law.

Responsibilities. It is the responsibility of all students, faculty, and staff to conduct themselves in a way that contributes to an environment free of illegal drug use and abuse of alcohol. In addition, students, faculty, and staff are responsible, as citizens, for knowing about and complying with the provisions of North Carolina law that make it a crime to possess, sell, deliver, or manufacture those drugs designated collectively as "controlled substances" in Article 5 of Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes, as well as federal law (Drug Free Workplace Act), which prohibits unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance in the workplace of any employer receiving federal grant funds.

The Director of Wellness Promotion is responsible for designing and carrying out a program of awareness education and training for students on the subject of preventing the illegal use of drugs and abuse of alcohol. The Director of Employee Relations, Training, and Compliance in the Department of Human Resources is responsible for awareness education and training programs for faculty and staff members in supervisory positions on the subject of preventing substance abuse.

The Director of the Counseling Center shall, within the limits of available resources, provide services and programs to students seeking assistance with problems of illegal drug use or alcohol abuse. In cases in which the treatment needs of such students exceed the resources of the Center, the Center shall provide referral to appropriate facilities in the community. The Director of Employee Relations in the Department of Human Resources shall provide faculty and staff information regarding the University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which will offer consultation about alcohol and drug problems and referral to alcohol and drug treatment facilities in the community. The Counseling Center shall also be available to provide community referral information for treatment of faculty and staff on request.

Collaboration with Community Resources. The University's program emphasizes collaboration with local resources such as the Substance Abuse Prevention Services of the Carolinas, Chemical Dependency Center of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Mecklenburg County Substance Abuse Services, McLeod Center, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, etc. To this end, the University shall participate in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Drug-Free Coalition and will work with local advisory boards to further collaborate between the University and the Charlotte Community.

Education and Prevention Activities. The University's institution-wide awareness, education, and training efforts stress prevention. The goal of these efforts is (1) to encourage non-users of illegal drugs and alcohol to continue to be non-users, (2) to encourage users of alcohol to do so responsibly, and (3) to encourage users of illegal drugs to stop such use.

Illegal Use of Drugs and Abuse of Alcohol. The use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol are considered by the University to be problems that can be overcome. Therefore, the educational and rehabilitative services cited above are available on a confidential basis. However, the possession, sale, delivery, or manufacture of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on campus or off campus in the event that the interests of the University may be affected.

The University will cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies and will apply appropriate disciplinary procedures should a student, faculty member, or staff member violate criminal statues with regard to illegal drugs. Violations subject a student, faculty member, or staff member to prosecution and punishment by civil authorities and to disciplinary action by the University. It does not constitute "double jeopardy" for the University to initiate its own disciplinary proceedings for the same offense when the alleged conduct is deemed to affect the interests of the University.

Under federal law, employees convicted of any criminal drug offense occurring in the workplace are required to notify the University by informing the appropriate Vice Chancellor's office no later than five (5) days after such conviction. Disciplinary action and/or participation in a drug rehabilitation/education program as a result of University disciplinary proceedings must commence within 30 days of notice of conviction.

Upon receiving notice of a violation of this Policy, the University will initiate disciplinary procedures applicable to one's status as a member of the University community:

Minimum sanctions set forth below in the Policy shall also apply to employees who do not fall in any of the categories above. In the event a student is also an employee of the University, the minimum sanctions for employment status as well as student status shall apply.

The use of illegal drugs may result in a variety of sanctions, from written warnings with probationary status to expulsion from enrollment or discharge from employment. However, in accordance with the Policy on Illegal Drugs adopted by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina, the following minimum penalties shall be imposed for the particular offenses described.

Trafficking in Illegal Drugs

1. For the illegal manufacture, sale, or delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver, of any controlled substance, identified in Schedule I, N.C. General Statutes 90-89, or Schedule II, N.C. General Statutes 90-90, a student shall be expelled and a faculty member or staff member shall be discharged.

2. For a first offense involving the illegal manufacture, sale, or delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver, of any controlled substance identified in Schedules III through VI; N.C. General Statutes 90-91, 90-92, 90-93, and 90-94, the minimum penalty shall be suspension from enrollment or disciplinary suspension without pay from employment for a period of at least one semester or its equivalent. For a second offense, a student shall be expelled and a faculty member or staff member shall be discharged.

Illegal Possession of Drugs

1. For a first offense involving the illegal possession of any controlled substance identified in Schedule I, N.C. General Statutes 90-89, or Schedule II, N.C. General Statutes 90-90, the minimum penalty shall be suspension from enrollment or disciplinary suspension without pay from employment for a period of at least one semester or its equivalent.

2. For a first offense involving the illegal possession of controlled substance identified in Schedule III through VI, N.C. General Statutes 90-91, 90-92, 90-93, and 90-94, the minimum penalty shall be probation, for a period to be determined on a case-by-case basis. A person on probation must agree to participate in a drug education and counseling program, consent to regular drug testing, and accept such other conditions and restrictions, including a program of community service, as the Chancellor or the Chancellor's designee deems appropriate. A requirement to undertake community service under this Policy may not be fulfilled by using paid Community Service Leave (www.hr.uncc.edu/Policies/PIM46.htm). Refusal or failure to abide by the terms of probation shall result in suspension from enrollment or disciplinary suspension without pay from employment for any unexpired balance of the prescribed period of probation.

3. For second or other subsequent offenses involving the illegal possession of controlled substances, progressively more severe penalties shall be imposed, including expulsion of students and discharge of faculty members or staff members.

Suspension for a Minimum Period of "One Semester or its Equivalent." Suspension for a minimum period of “one semester or its equivalent” means forfeiture of at least one full semester of academic credit or attendance. Such a sanction may be accomplished either (1) by suspending the student for the unexpired balance or the semester during which responsibility is determined, with attendant loss of all academic credit for that semester, or (2) by placing the student on probation for the unexpired balance of the semester during which responsibility is determined and suspending the student for the duration of the next succeeding semester.

In the case of a faculty member or staff member, suspension for a minimum period of “one semester or its equivalent” means forfeiture of pay for a period of 18 weeks. Since the current State Personnel Act specifies that disciplinary suspensions cannot exceed two work weeks, offenses for which an eighteen-week minimum suspension is required by the Board of Governors’ policy will result in discharge of an employee subject to the State Personnel Act.

Suspension Pending Final Disposition. When a student, faculty member, or staff member has been charged by the University with a violation of policies concerning illegal drugs, he or she may be suspended from enrollment or employment before initiation or completion of regular disciplinary proceedings if, assuming the truth of the charges, the Chancellor or, in the Chancellor's absence, the Chancellor's designee concludes that the person's continued presence within the University community would constitute a clear and immediate danger to the health or welfare or other members of the University community; provided, that if such a suspension is imposed, an appropriate hearing of the charges against the suspended person shall be held as promptly as possible thereafter.

References. The use of alcoholic beverages on the University campus is regulated by Policy Statement #57, "Policy on Alcoholic Beverages." Policy Statement #62, "Employee Assistance Program," establishes a free employee assistance service as part of the Department of Human Resources. Please also see Personnel Information Memorandum #18, “Drug Free Workplace Reporting Requirements” (www.hr.uncc.edu/Policies/PIM18.htm).

THE NOBLE NINER CODE

Scholarship
A Niner shall strive for academic excellence in and out of the classroom without compromising academic honesty and ethical values.

Integrity
A Niner shall act to uphold and improve one’s self, the community, and the university’s reputation.

Respect
A Niner shall welcome all aspects of individuality and self-worth while embracing the learning opportunities that diversity provides.

Accountability
A Niner shall hold others responsible for their actions while accepting responsibility of their own.

Dignity
A Niner shall display appreciation for the formality of the institution and preservation of the environment.

Honor
A Niner shall appreciate students, faculty and administration as essential members of the University community.

Compassion
A Niner shall demonstrate genuine consideration and concern for the needs, feelings, ideas, and well-being of others.

Character
A Niner shall exemplify all qualities and traits that promote fellowship and comradery among the study body and administration.

Nobility
A Niner shall exhibit the virtues and values deeming them a distinguished member of our Niner Nation.