Infractions to the Student Code of Conduct

Frequently considered infractions of the Student Code of Conduct are outlined and defined below.

  1. Alcohol and Other Drugs
    Converse students and their guests are expected to comply with local, state, and federal laws and the general University policies regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Converse University in no way condones the breaking of laws relating to alcohol or other drugs and is concerned with helping students develop a realistic understanding of the consequences for themselves and for those around them. The goals of this policy are to help students make informed, responsible decisions about the use of alcohol and other drugs, to define the misuse or abuse of alcohol and other drugs for the individual and the community, and to educate students regarding assistance for alcohol or drug abuse that is available to them.
    Converse University affirms the decision of students not to drink alcohol or partake in other drugs. The University emphasizes prevention education, low-risk decision-making, and healthy living that models the core values of the institution. The University provides on-going educational programs, workshops, awareness weeks, speakers, and special programs that raise awareness and encourage the development of a campus free of alcohol and drug abuse.
    Drug Policy
    Cases involving the possession and use of illegal drugs and/or narcotics are state and federal offenses. The University cooperates with the Federal and State authorities when it is desirable and/or necessary to do so. Violations of the Drug Policy include but are not limited to:
    1. Possession of stimulant, depressant, narcotic or hallucinogenic drugs, drug paraphernalia, and other agents having potential for abuse, and/or potential for health risks, except on physician‘s or dentist‘s prescription, violates the State and Federal laws and is prohibited.
    2. The abuse of prescription drugs and/or over-the-counter drugs is considered to be a health risk and is, therefore, not permitted. The use, selling, bartering, exchanging, and giving away such drugs to any person not intended to possess them is also illegal and prohibited.
    3. Possession, consumption, sale, and/or distribution of synthetic stimulants, such as "bath salts" (i.e. drugs known as Cloud 9, White Dove, Hurricane Charlie, White Lightning) or synthetic cannabinoids (i.e. K2, spice, etc.) is prohibited.
    4. Students may not use or possess drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to hookahs, pipes, and other smoking devices, weights, scales, and/or rolling papers.

The use of illegal drugs, misuse of prescription drugs, and abuse of over-the-counter drugs poses significant health risks to students, such as severe mental and physical incapacitation or even death. These are issues of primary concern to the University. Educational programs concerning the risks of drugs will be offered on campus throughout the year. Assistance with any problem related to the use of drugs is available through the counseling service. This service is confidential.

Any student who becomes aware of a violation should notify Student Life. All cases of students who are convicted of a violation of federal or state drug laws will be reviewed by University authorities.

Alcohol Use On-Campus
Within the context of local, state, and federal laws, any use of alcohol that is coupled with behaviors that interfere with the learning process, living conditions, or social life of other students is considered a violation of our community standards and may be reviewed by the Civitas Council and/or the professional staff in Student Development and Success. Such behaviors might include but are not limited to: public intoxication, excessive noise, drinking in public areas, vandalism, disruptive guests, endangering self or others. Violations of the Alcohol and Other Drug policy of the University could result in students losing the privilege of living on campus and/or in the University apartments.

In addition, students who show a pattern of alcohol use that results in personal risk or injury, disruptive behavior to the community, excessive class absences, or multiple appearances before Civitas, Honor Board, and/or the Student Development and Success staff may be referred to the Dean of Students and/or the Counseling Center for mandatory evaluation, reflection and planning. Repeat offenses may result in an involuntary withdrawal from the University.

As with all student conduct policies, the responsibility for knowing and abiding by the alcohol policy resides with the student. Violations of University policies may result in sanctions by the student judicial boards, Civitas and/or Honor Board, and the Dean of Students or her/his/their designee, depending on the nature of the violation. Procedures for each are outlined in the Converse University Undergraduate Student Handbook. Violations of multiple policies and/or of severe nature may result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

Consumption of Alcohol On Campus 

  1. Possession and/or consumption of alcohol under the age of 21 are strictly prohibited. Distribution and/or provision of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 are strictly prohibited.
  2. Students under age 21 who are in the direct vicinity of alcoholic beverages may be held responsible for constructive possession in accordance with South Carolina law despite the claim of ownership.
  3. Alcoholic beverages may be served during social gatherings with the prior, written approval from the Dean of Students or designee and in compliance with University policies regarding alcohol licenses. Two IDs are required for proof of age.
  4. Consumption of alcohol by students and their guests is not allowed, regardless of age, in any University residence hall. Students and guests of legal age may consume alcohol in the University apartments as outlined in the apartment alcohol policy.
  5. Consuming alcohol in public areas such as lounges, corridors, elevators, stairwells, and grounds is not permitted unless approved for a designated event as outlined in subsection e. above.
  6. Students will be held accountable for the behavior of all guests in accordance with all University alcohol policies.

Apartment Alcohol Policy
The University apartments are small group living environments designed to foster independence, autonomy, and responsible decision-making. Converse University maintains high expectations of accountability and responsibility regarding the consumption of alcohol. Decisions regarding the use of alcohol reside with the student within the constraints of local, state, and federal laws and within the constraints of University policy.

  1. Possession and/or consumption of alcohol under the age of 21 are strictly prohibited.
  2. Distribution and/or provision of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 are strictly prohibited.
  3. Those of legal drinking age have the option to consume alcohol in the privacy of their University apartment after:
    1. all roommates are age 21 and above
    2. all roommates have completed the alcohol education program for apartment living as conducted by the University Student Development and Success staff; and
    3. all roommates have completed the roommate contract.
  4. Guests under the age of 21 may not be present when alcohol is being consumed.
  5. Common sources such as kegs, pony kegs, party balls, punches, bulk sources, etc. and any paraphernalia that aids in the rapid consumption of alcohol, such as beer bongs, are not permitted
  6. Alcohol is prohibited on balconies and porches unless it is served as a part of a college sanctioned event. See subsection (d) in the “Consumption of Alcohol On Campus” section.
  7. Resident students must ensure that the occupancy in a University apartment never exceeds the capacity of occupants as designated by the Fire Marshal.
  8. Resident students are expected to abide by all policies as outlined in the University Alcohol policies above.
  9. Resident students of a University apartment will be held accountable for the behavior of all guests in accordance with all University alcohol policies and may face sanctions based on the behavior of the guest(s).

Special Notes on the privilege of living in the University apartments -

  • Violations of the Alcohol and Drug policy of the University could result in students losing the privilege of living in the University apartments or in university residence halls.
  • Violations of multiple policies and/or of severe nature, such as providing alcohol to others under the legal drinking age, may result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

Behavioral Intervention & Amnesty Policy
Converse University strives to maintain a balance between student support and accountability. The University believes strongly in addressing dangerous and disruptive behaviors but it also encourages students to seek help in situations where human health and safety may be of concern. The University’s first priority is to the care and wellbeing of its students and guests.

  1. A student, students, and/or guests who require intervention and/or medical attention may be granted amnesty from the student judicial system. Students in such situations are encouraged to seek assistance from the Emergency On-call staff and/or Campus Safety. If amnesty is granted, students will not face judicial charges; however, s/he will be required to meet with the Dean of Students, or their designee, and may be expected to comply with education-related recommendations.
  2. Students who seek intervention and/or medical attention for their peer(s) may be granted amnesty from the student judicial system. Students in such situations are encouraged to seek assistance from the Emergency On-call staff and/or Campus Safety. If amnesty is granted, students will not face judicial charges, however, they will be required to meet with the Dean of Students, or her/his/their designee, and may be expected to comply with education-related recommendations.

Parental Notification Policy
Based on a 1998 amendment to the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, Converse University is permitted to notify parents of alcohol and drug infractions committed by students under the age of 21. Because Converse University is committed to the health and wellness of our students, parents may be notified when a student violates the Alcohol Policy of the university for the second time, violates the Drug Policy of the university, is hospitalized for a serious alcohol and/or drug incident, is arrested, is deemed unable to make responsible judgments, and/or is involved in a serious incident and the Dean of Students deems it necessary to contact the parent.

Student Assistance Program
The misuse of alcohol can cause significant health risks to students, such as severe mental and physical incapacitation or even death. These are issues of primary concern to the University. In an effort to continually assist students in making informed decisions about the use of alcohol and drugs, the University will provide educational programs throughout the year.

Counseling services are available for those who desire assistance with problems relating to the use and/or abuse of alcohol and other drugs through the Health Center and the Counseling Center. Referrals are made to organizations off-campus for those who require more intensive therapy or assistance.

Students will assume individual responsibility regarding the use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Converse expects each student to conduct herself/himself/themself in a manner that demonstrates respect for self, her/his/their fellow students, and the Converse University community.

NOTE: Guests at Converse University in violation of the University alcohol policy are subject to expulsion from campus by University Campus Safety, and or the issue of a trespass notice.

  1. Breach of Safety/Security
    Acts that jeopardize the safety and security of the campus community are prohibited. Violations include but are not limited to key/access card misusage; tampering with locked doors; unauthorized access to campus roofs/ window sills; damage to exterior lighting/exit signs; and propping doors.
  2. Campus Technology
    Converse University provides campus technology resources to support educational and administrative activities. It is contrary to Converse University’s acceptable use policy to engage in the following:
    1. Generating excessive network traffic or consuming excessive network resources when using file-sharing programs (Kazaa, Bearshare, etc.)
    2. Violating the US Copyright Law (www.converse.edu/Academics/copyrightPolicy.html) by downloading from the Internet any audio, video, graphic, or text material that is copyrighted without proof of proper license arrangements.
    3. Activities involving unprofessional, harassing, discriminatory, illegal, and/or unethical behavior;
    4. Forgery of messages;
    5. Hacking or otherwise breaking into someone's files or stealing their password;
    6. Providing unauthorized access to copyrighted materials;
    7. Any activity that significantly prevents or inhibits the conduct of university academic or administrative work.
  3. Civility
    The Converse University community discourages all acts of bigotry (intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself) and discrimination of others. Violations include but are not limited to:
    1. acts of intolerance can include either overt or covert actions, verbal attacks, electronic (phones, personal AI devices, recording devices, etc) and social media attacks, and/or physical assaults on students and/or their property (including campus housing doors), which interfere with the educational process or cause physical and/or emotional harm
    2. acts that threaten and/or be personally directed against or target an individual or group
    3. behaviors based on perceived or actual characteristics such as race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable state or federal law.

When a civility violation or act of intolerance targets a person based upon their actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin or other protected status as defined by federal or state law, it may rise to the level of harassment (as defined in the Community Responsibility section). If the behavior causes physical injury or through the use of a weapon the behavior attempts physical injury, it may also constitute a hate crime as defined by federal or state law.

  1. Civil Disturbance/Demonstration Policy
    Converse University recognizes the right of any employee, student, or sponsored student group to demonstrate peacefully. Campus demonstrations such as marches, meetings, picketing, and rallies will be peaceful and non-obstructive. Any group that wishes to assemble for such purposes must first register with the Dean of Students or their designee 48 hours prior to the planned event in order to ensure that the University can provide adequate security and safety measures. Guidelines for demonstrations are as follows:
    1. Demonstrators will remain orderly and peaceful at all times.
    2. Demonstrators will remain outside campus buildings while demonstrating.
    3. Demonstrators will not invite or encourage participants who are not part of the campus community to join them on campus.
    4. Demonstrators will remain on the sidewalks and crosswalks or within such other outdoor paved areas as designated by Campus Safety.
    5. Demonstrators will not block building entrances or exits, and will not block driveways, public or private streets or intersections.
    6. Demonstrators will obey all campus policies and all instructions of Campus Safety.
    7. Demonstrators will not abuse, verbally or physically, any person or damage any property.
    8. Demonstrators will not engage in indecent, lewd, or obscene behavior.
    9. Demonstrators will not incite others to commit acts of violence.
    10. Demonstrators will not use amplified sound.
    11. Demonstrators will not disrupt the education of students or the administration of the University.
    12. Demonstrators will not disrupt campus events or approved speakers invited to the campus.

The right to assemble peacefully for the purpose of public expression or opinion is restricted to those students or employees who are currently enrolled or employed at Converse University. Converse University is a private institution and will not allow outside individuals or groups to demonstrate on the Converse University campus for any reason. If the demonstrators create a condition believed by University officials to threaten persons or property, to create a public disturbance or dangerous condition, or which may lead to the creation of a public disturbance or dangerous condition, or which otherwise is believed by the University to unreasonably interfere with University business, or with its faculty, staff, or students, Campus Safety may order all demonstrators to disperse immediately. If the demonstrators fail to disperse upon request, University officials may request assistance from the Spartanburg Public Safety Office. Trespassers and violent, disruptive demonstrators may be subject to prosecution by the law.

  1. Community Responsibility
    The Converse University community discourages all acts that violate the well-being of our environment. Violations include but are not limited to unwelcome behavior which questions, nags, pesters, and/or harasses others for information, disrespect for authority; lewd and vulgar language expression and behaviors; vandalism; harassment; bullying/ hazing; assault; and violation of the consensual relationships policy.
    Assault is defined as an attempt, made with force or violence, to do harm to another person. Violations include but are not limited to pushing, striking, or physically attacking any member of the faculty, staff, student body, or guests of members of the community.

Consensual Relationships: In their relationships with students, members of the faculty and staff at Converse are expected to be aware of their professional responsibilities. Sexual relations (which include contact of a sexual nature) or requests for sexual relations between students and faculty/staff members are fraught with the potential for exploitation and must be avoided and are prohibited. All faculty and staff at Converse in violation of this policy may be disciplined by the University, and such discipline may include termination.

Harassment disrupts the environment that Converse seeks to maintain. Converse is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment which is free from harassment. Converse does not approve of harassment of any type within the workplace and will not tolerate the harassment of its employees or students by anyone, including faculty, staff, managers, administrators, customers, vendors, or students. Harassment consists of unwelcome conduct that is based upon an individual’s protected status such as race, color, religion, genetic information, sex, pregnancy, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. While all forms of unlawful harassment are prohibited, sexual harassment deserves special attention. (SEE CONVERSE’S Sex & Gender Discrimination and Harassment Policy AND Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedures). Incidents of sexual harassment or assault will be evaluated and determined whether they are subject to Converse’s Sex Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure. If such behavior does fall within the narrower definition of that policy, such behavior may still be a violation of this Code of Conduct and subject to the process set forth herein.

Hazing encompasses any activity or activities which do not contribute to the positive development of an individual or which causes fear, intimidation, physical exhaustion, mental or physical discomfort or anxieties, human degradation, public humiliation, or public embarrassment. No organization or student may participate in the activity of hazing on the Converse campus or at an off-campus location. Hazing is forbidden by the laws of the State of South Carolina. The following shall not constitute a defense against hazing: that participants took part voluntarily, that participants voluntarily assumed the risks or hardships of the activity, or that no injury was suffered. Faculty, staff, and students may submit complaints involving harassing behavior at the Converse Cares  webpage: http://www.converse.edu/life-at-converse/student-development-success/converse-cares/

  1. Damage to Property
    Converse students and their guests are expected to care for and protect all belongings and facilities of the University. Violations include but are not limited to:
    1. ​​​​​​​Vandalism, malicious or unwarranted damage or destruction of property belonging to the University and/or members of the University community including facilities, property, and vehicles. This also includes equipment rented, leased, or placed on the campus at the request of the institution. Actions which may lead to future damage or problems, such as unnecessary wetting of carpet or flooring, are also considered violations of the policy.
    2. Chalking is permitted on exterior walkways but is not permitted on walls, slate surfaces, or covered areas. Chalking in unapproved areas is subject to $25-$100 fine per area.
    3. Taping of signs on surfaces that may be damaged by the tape. Signs should be posted in designated areas.
  2. Disorderly Conduct
    Disorderly conduct is defined as any unreasonable or reckless conduct by an individual or group that is inherently or potentially unhealthy or unsafe to other persons or their properties. Any unruly behavior or unauthorized activity which unnecessarily disturbs the academic pursuits or infringes upon the privacy, rights, privileges, health, or safety of other persons or their properties is prohibited.
  3. Failure to Comply
    Students are expected to comply with the directives of University officials, including student staff. Failure to comply is considered a serious offense of the Student Code of Conduct. As such, the minimum presumptive sanction may include a fine, community service, and/or disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. Violations include but are not limited to:
    1. Lying to or misleading University officials;
    2. Not provide correct information to or cooperating with properly identified University officials, including Residence Life student staff members when such officials are performing their duties;
    3. Failing to present proper credentials to identified University officials upon their request while these persons are in the performance of their duties;
    4. Failing to appear before University officials or student conduct bodies such as the Honor Board or Civitas Council;
    5. Interfering with the proper procedures of the student conduct system either by false testimony or otherwise obstructing the system's function.
  4. Falsification of Records
    1. Each student is expected to honestly complete the University record.
    2. No student shall alter, counterfeit, forge or cause to be altered, counterfeited, or forged any official record, form, or document.
    3. The possession of any "fake" or false identification is prohibited.
  5. Financial Responsibility to the University
    1. Students are required to meet all financial obligations to the University by required deadlines.
    2. Use of Student Government Association monies by individuals and student groups must follow the guidelines established by SGA and approved by the Dean of Students or her/his/their designee. 
  6. Fire & Emergency Safety
    1. No student shall set or cause to be set any unauthorized fire in or on University property. In addition, there may be an investigation by local arson officials and if the offense is determined to be in violation of a federal, state, or local law, the student could be subject to civil or criminal prosecution.
    2. No student shall intentionally cause a false fire alarm. In addition, if the offense is determined to be in violation of a federal, state, or local law, the student could be subject to civil or criminal prosecution.
    3. Students may be held responsible for inadvertently causing a false fire alarm.
    4. No student shall tamper with fire safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, hoses, sprinkler systems, etc.). This includes tampering with or damaging smoke detectors within campus housing or hallways. Should a smoke detector within a housing assignment malfunction, the problem should be immediately reported to Campus Safety. No flags or other coverings may be placed under or over electric lights, heat-actuating fire detection devices, smoke detectors, or fire extinguishers in campus housing. Covering or hanging anything on or near sprinkler heads is prohibited.
    5. All people must vacate the campus building when an alarm sounds. Regular unannounced fire drills are required by state fire regulations and occupants must participate in the drills when they occur. When a smoke alarm sounds in an individual residence hall room, the resident should notify Campus Safety and on-call residence hall staff immediately (even in the case of false or accidental alarms).
    6. Students may not block the fire exits of any campus building for any reason.
    7. Students may not leave belongings (Shoes, racks, bags,etc) in resident building hallways.
    8. No student shall possess or use fireworks on University property. Fireworks are defined as any substance prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, or detonation.
    9. No candles, incense, or open flames are allowed in any residence or common area on campus.
    10. All students must take shelter and follow directions in an emergency (i.e. tornado, dangerous conditions, active shooter, other threats to campus).
  7. Motor Vehicles, Golf Carts, and Mopeds
    Motor Vehicles
    ​​​​​​​Students are eligible to keep motor vehicles on campus providing they are properly registered and traffic laws are obeyed. Every student is responsible for knowing and observing the traffic and parking regulations as stated on the Converse University website at http://www.converse.edu/life-at-converse/campus-services/parking-and-vehicle-info/ The initial motor vehicle registration will take place at the beginning of the fall term. Vehicles must be registered within the first 10 days of each academic year.
    Golf Carts
    Students may not have golf carts on campus unless they are needed for medical or handicap purposes. To obtain permission to use a golf cart on campus, students must meet with the Director of Campus Safety and present documentation for the medical reason or handicap need. The availability of additional services will be discussed at that meeting.
  8. Motorcycles, Mopeds & Scooters 
  9. Mopeds differ from scooters and motorcycles. Scooters and motorcycles must be state registered and insured. All motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds must be registered with the University and parked in official university parking spaces, must be operated on campus streets and drivers must obey all campus traffic regulations which includes traveling with the flow of motor vehicles.
  10. Gas cans
    Storing gas cans inside campus housing or on porches/balconies, landings, and walkways is prohibited and may be considered violations of the Fire Safety Policy. This includes lighter fluid, kerosene, and other highly flammable products. Gas cans found stored inside campus housing are subject to immediate confiscation and storage at the owner's cost, as well as a maximum fine of $500. Parking in any campus Fire Lane is strictly prohibited for any and all vehicles at ALL TIMES, to include occupied or running vehicles as well as vehicles with 4 way flashers on.
  11. Off-Campus Conduct Policy
    Converse University students are required to abide by the laws of local, state, and national governments and are subject to student conduct action by the University for violation of any of the laws. Alleged violation of any federal, state, or local law may be adjudicated as a University violation also and may subject a student to University student conduct action as well as appropriate criminal or civil action.
  12. Smoking and Tobacco Policy
    Converse University seeks to provide a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment in which all members of our campus community can live and work. Converse University and The American College Health Association support the findings of the Surgeon General and acknowledge that any form of tobacco use, whether active or passive, is a significant health hazard. The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have both classified second-hand smoke as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing). The University realizes that a smoke and tobacco-free environment is a goal we can achieve, through intentional and positive steps to ensure a healthier environment. In pursuit of this goal, Converse University became a tobacco-free campus effective August 1, 2012.
    1. The use of any tobacco products is prohibited on all University property. “University property” includes all buildings, facilities, grounds, and spaces leased, owned or controlled by the Converse University whether or not signs are posted. This includes, but is not limited to: buildings on university-owned land, offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, laboratories, residential rooms and apartments, elevators, stairwells, balconies, decks, restrooms, bridges and walkways, sidewalks, parking structure/areas/lots, hallways, outdoor passageways and entrances, lobbies, common areas and athletic venues, including those with outdoor fixed seating.
    2. No ashtrays, receptacles, or smoking shelters will be permitted.
    3. The use of tobacco products is prohibited in university-owned, operated, or leased vehicles.
    4. The use of tobacco products is prohibited in personal vehicles parked on University property.
    5. “Tobacco and smoking products” include all tobacco-derived or containing products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes (e.g. clove, bidis, kreteks), electronic cigarettes (Juuls, etc) vaping devices, cigars, and cigarillos, pipes, water pipes, smokeless tobacco products or substitutions (spit and spit-less, chew, pouches, snuff) or any other device intended to simulate smoked tobacco. This does not apply to nicotine replacement therapy, which is designed to assist tobacco users to quit tobacco.
    6. The sale or advertisement of tobacco and smoke products is prohibited on campus and in all University publications.
    7. Enforcement of the policy is the responsibility of all members of the Converse community. Faculty, staff, and students are expected to uphold and enforce the policy for the health and safety of our campus.
    8. Campus Safety Officers may issue a citation for use of tobacco products in violation of this policy with a fine of $25 when a violation is noted. Continual violations of the policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products may result in disciplinary action.
      1. Failure on the part of faculty or staff to abide by the policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products may result in administrative action up to and including discharge.
      2. Failure on the part of students to follow the policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products may result in a violation adjudicated by the appropriate board or administrative sanctioning, which could include but is not limited to community service, monetary fines, and/or suspension from the University.
      3. Visitors to the campus who repeatedly violate the policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products may be asked to leave University property.
    9. All campus event organizers should inform, and advertise to outside groups that “Converse University is a Tobacco-Free campus.”
    10. The provisions of this policy apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all students, faculty, staff, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors unless otherwise noted.
  13. Weapons
    Converse University strictly prohibits possessing, using, storing, or manufacturing any weapon or any facsimile of a weapon on university-controlled property or in connection with a University affiliated activity, unless (1) authorized IN WRITING by the Director of Campus Safety (or designee). Both concealed and visible weapons are forbidden without regard to the validity of permits. Fireworks, air guns, BB guns, pellet guns and paintball guns are also prohibited. Weapons will be confiscated upon discovery and appropriate student conduct action will be taken. Violators are subject to expulsion, suspension, or any combination of sanctions as determined through the student conduct process. Violators are also subject to criminal prosecution. The possession of a firearm on the campus is a violation of South Carolina state law.

***This policy does not apply to Campus Safety Officers on or off duty or auxiliary officers

Definition of a Weapon
The term “weapon” means any device, instrument, or substance that is designed to, or reasonably could be expected to, inflict a wound, incapacitate, or cause serious bodily injury or death, including but not limited to, firearms (loaded and unloaded, real, replica and toy); ammunition; electronic control devices (such as tasers and stun guns); devices designed to discharge an object (such as BB guns, air guns, pellet guns, potato guns, bows, and slingshots); explosives; martial arts weapons; bows and arrows; artificial knuckles; nightsticks, blackjacks, dirks, daggers, and swords; and knives, switchblades, and fixed/folding blades longer than three inches. The term “weapon” does not include chemical pest repellents available over-the-counter when used for self-defense; razors, fingernail files, and similar instruments used solely for personal hygiene; kitchen knives used solely in preparation of food; or commercially available cleaning solutions used solely for cleaning purposes. Mace and Oleoresin Capsicum in 59 grams (2 oz) or less is authorized to be carried by students for personal protection purposes only.

  1. Confiscated Items
    Any property that is confiscated during an incident and determined to be contraband (i.e. alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons, etc.) will be disposed of by professional staff or stored for evidence in the Campus Safety Office. Confiscated items will not be returned to students/residents
  2. Breach of Confidentiality
    ​​​​​​​In order to maintain the integrity of the Honor Tradition, all information related to the student, the evidence, the testimony, and the outcomes are to be kept confidential by all involved in the case. Those bringing charges, as well as respondent students, should seek guidance from the Advisor to the Board, the Chair of the Board and/or a faculty/staff member of the University for any clarification of this mandate.