UNIVERSITY POLICIES & PROCEDURES
ALCOHOL POLICY
The use of alcoholic beverages on University property must be consistent with University policy and local law. In the case of branch campuses or programs, use of alcoholic beverages must be consistent with the laws of the jurisdiction where University programs are located. All state and local laws regarding alcohol are also University rules. Off-campus conduct related to alcohol which violates the law also violates University policy. The following is a summary from Washington state statutes of some important points related to the use of alcoholic beverages:
- A person must be 21 years of age to acquire, possess or consume any liquor (alcohol, spirits, wine and beer)
- It is a violation of state law for any person under 21 years of age to purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages
- It is a violation of state law to sell alcohol to a person under 21 years of age, as well as to provide alcohol to any person who is underage
- It is a violation of state law to misrepresent age and to use false or forged documents (such as a drivers license from any state) to obtain alcohol
Alcohol provided to students by their parents is prohibited on campus and in University residential facilities except as it relates to specific upper-division housing. Students in the presence of others improperly using alcohol are in violation of the University’s Bystander Conduct policy. The University reserves the right to confiscate, retain and dispose of/destroy any and all alcohol related paraphernalia regardless of value or ownership.
Excessive drinking/intoxication at any location is not acceptable and will not be taken as an excuse for inappropriate conduct.
The following two sections apply specifically to Gonzaga University’s Spokane campus.
Alcoholic beverages in University residential facilities.
The use of alcohol is prohibited in some cases and regulated in others as described below:
A. Possession or consumption of alcohol in common areas, both interior and exterior is prohibited.
B. Residential Facilities reserved for under division (first and second year) students
1. Students of any age and/or their guests of any age may not consume alcoholic beverages. Use, possession, distribution, sale or display of alcoholic beverages and alcohol paraphernalia including possession of empty alcohol containers is prohibited.
2. Should alcohol-related problems arise in individual rooms, student residents will be confronted by University officials and held accountable for their actions and the actions of those present in the room, even when not consuming alcoholic beverages personally.
3. Empty containers may be considered evidence of consumption of alcoholic beverages.
C. Residential Facilities reserved for upper division (third year and above) students
1. Residents of individual rooms and apartments are responsible for ensuring that University policy is upheld at all times with regard to alcoholic beverages
2. The possession and/or consumption of alcohol shall not infringe upon the privacy, peace, and rights of others.
3. Should alcohol-related problems arise in individual rooms, student residents will be confronted by University officials and held accountable for their actions and the actions of those present in the room, even when not consuming alcoholic beverages personally.
4. In individual rooms, suites, or apartments in any residential facility maintained by Gonzaga University, mass quantities of alcoholic beverages are prohibited, regardless of the resident’s age. This includes, but is not limited to such things as kegs, multiple cases of beer, and stocked bars.
5. Beverages must be consumed within the confines of the apartment unit and are prohibited on balconies, stairways, parking lots, grounds, patios, and porches.
6. Residents are encouraged to refrain from having under-aged guests over while consuming alcoholic beverages to avoid the appearance that they may be distributing such beverages to under-aged people.
7. Any apartment unit or house which has an under-aged resident is considered "dry" until all assigned residents are at least 21 years old. This means it is prohibited to consume, possess, distribute, display or otherwise use alcoholic beverages and includes possession of empty containers.
8. Partying that becomes detrimental to the community is inappropriate.
On Campus Gonzaga-owned property and buildings
A. University regulations do not permit the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in common areas (both interior and exterior) except in cases specifically approved by, and registered with, the Student Life Office, and which comply with State and local laws.
B. Intoxication which is dangerous or disruptive, regardless of where the alcohol was consumed or the age of the individual, is prohibited
C. Requests for special events must be reviewed and authorized by the Vice President for Student Life or his/her designee, subject to Washington State Liquor Control regulations. Individuals who sponsor special events involving the serving of alcoholic beverages must be 21 years of age and must abide by all State and local regulations.
D. Organizations or individuals sponsoring any event at which alcoholic beverages are served or present:
1. Are responsible for ensuring laws and University regulations governing the consumption of alcoholic beverages are upheld.
2. Must arrange to serve non-alcoholic beverages and food appropriate to the occasion.
3. Must arrange for a responsible bartender to coordinate serving.
4. Must fulfill all requirements listed by the Vice President for Student Life Office.
Violation of the Alcohol Policy
Violations of the alcohol policy will be enforced by the Student Life Staff, Residence Life Staff, University officials, and other members of the University community. Individuals, student groups, or organizations that violate any of the alcohol regulations will be held accountable and may lose the privilege of sponsoring future events as well as be subject to disciplinary actions by the Student Life Staff.
Students who violate State and local laws or University regulations concerning alcohol usage can expect to attend an alcohol education class and be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with University procedures up to and including suspension or dismissal from the University.
Egregious violations of the alcohol policy may receive enhanced disciplinary follow-up. These violations include, but are not limited to possessing or consuming mass quantities of alcohol, and abusive consumption of alcohol, which includes but is not limited to:
- Requiring medical response, transport, or hospitalization
- Blackouts
- Disruption to the community, such as requiring others to watch over you, including friends
- Impacting University operations, such as Security and Residence staff duties
Service animals are allowed in the care of their handler. Any animal on campus must be leashed and attended at all times. Privately-owned animals are not permitted to run loose on campus or in any campus building. Dangerous animals or animals found unattended may be impounded and turned over to animal control authorities. A University official may determine that a particular animal’s presence on campus is disruptive and direct the owner to remove that animal.
BYSTANDER CONDUCT
Students are expected to refrain from being in the presence of others who are violating University policies and rules. Students will be held accountable for their actions even if they are not participating in prohibited conduct. This includes but is not limited to: students who are in the presence of others using alcohol or drugs in violation of University policy, even if they are not using alcohol or drugs themselves. Students are expected to promptly report conduct or activity which poses a danger to the community or its members.
DRUG POLICY
The illegal use of drugs at Gonzaga University is not tolerated. This includes the abuse and improper use of prescription drugs. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student who is involved in such use of drugs. Documented violations of illegal possession, consumption, provision, or sale of narcotics or drugs, or possession of paraphernalia, may result in disciplinary sanctions from the University and/or referral to law enforcement officials.
The unlawful manufacturing, possessing, having under control, selling, transmitting, using, or being party thereto of any dangerous drug, controlled substance, or drug paraphernalia on University premises or at University sponsored activities is prohibited. Drug paraphernalia, particularly containing drug residue, may be considered evidence of drug use.
It is a violation of the University’s Bystander Conduct policy to knowingly be in the presence of others who possess illegal drugs or paraphernalia, or to the in the presence of others using illegal drugs. The University reserves the right to confiscate, retain, and dispose of/destroy any and all drug related items regardless of value or ownership.
FIRE, HEALTH AND SAFETY DEVICES
Tampering with, or the unauthorized use of fire safety equipment such as extinguishers, smoke and heat detectors, alarm pull stations, signage or emergency exits is prohibited. This includes the activation of a false fire alarm and tampering with any equipment or fixtures used for the purpose of fire, health, or building safety. It also includes failure to evacuate the building during the sounding of a fire alarm or upon the direction of a staff member or other official; or attempting to re-enter the building without permission of the proper authorities.
GUEST CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITY
Anyone visiting a student on campus is considered a "guest" of that student and the host is responsible for that guest’s conduct in relation to the policies, rules and expectations of the University. See also Housing and Residence Life guest policy.
HARASSMENT
Please see separate policy section on Sexual and Relationship Misconduct and Harassment.
HAZING
Any hazing actions, including, but not limited to, those which produce mental discomfort, physical discomfort, or ridicule are expressly prohibited. Willing participation by the persons being hazed does not override this rule.
Hazing is a form of harassment. Hazing is not limited to group activity alone, but includes individual behavior, which subjects another to abusive conduct or ridiculous or annoying tricks or pranks. Because hazing and some initiation-related practices threaten the self-esteem and safety of students, and subsequently affect the University as a whole, Gonzaga University adopts the following policy statement:
- Hazing is defined as any act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property for the purposes of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.
- Hazing-related conduct includes embarrassment, ridicule, sleep deprivation, verbal abuse, personal humiliation, excessive fatigue, physical and/or psychological shock, humiliation, or moral degradation.
- Student organizations, as well as students, are expected to design their programs and policies in accordance with the principles of Gonzaga University as described in the University Mission Statement and this handbook.
- Individual members, organizational activities, and policies should promote the ideals of the University which emphasize individual well-being, a strong academic program, and a sense of worthiness and respect for one’s self and others.
Student organizations and individuals which fail to adhere to this rule and guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action and sanctions.
IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Students are required to obtain an official student identification card within one week of enrollment at the University. Students are required to carry the card at all times and present it when requested by any University official including Security and Dining staff members. If a card is lost or stolen contact Student Accounts immediately for a replacement.
The alteration or misuse of a student identification card is prohibited. This includes presenting or using another person’s card or possessing another person’s card without permission. It also includes using another person’s identification card number. Students must surrender their identification card to a University official upon request.
KEYS, KEYCARDS AND CODES
Loaning keys to any other person for the purpose of entering a University facility, residence hall, room or secured area without being accompanied by the legitimate key holder is prohibited. This includes identification "swipe" cards and keypad codes. This policy also applies to possessing, using making, or causing to be made any keys for any building, laboratory, facility, residence hall room, or University room or secured area except as authorized by the Plant Services Department.
MISSING STUDENTS
If the University is advised of the unusual or unexpected absence of a student, steps may be taken to gather information in order to locate the student. Because the safety and well-being of our students is so important, the University may contact parents, friends and law enforcement officials.
OFF-CAMPUS CONDUCT
Students are subject to the University’s behavioral expectations off-campus. Behavior off-campus that reflects adversely upon the University’s values and image may subject the student to disciplinary action. This includes, but is not limited to: disrespect for the rights of Logan neighbors, hosting or allowing disruptive gatherings to occur at a residence and other nuisance behavior. It also includes facilitating or allowing illegal or dangerous behavior and negative interactions with public safety officials.
OUTDOOR SPECIAL EVENTS & AMPLIFIED SOUND
Amplifiers, bullhorns, musical instruments, and other forms of communication beyond that of the natural voice must receive prior written approval from Office of Student Activities. In some circumstances a noise variance permit may be required by the City of Spokane. It is the student’s or organization’s responsibility to obtain this permit.
PARKING
All students, staff, and faculty who park or use a vehicle on Gonzaga University property must register the vehicle with Campus Public Safety & Security. This applies to all vehicles brought to campus, including motorcycles. Vehicles can be registered at the Security office, located in the lower level of Welch Hall.
Parking lots are designated and posted by permit color and are restricted to particular groups (staff/faculty, law students, residence halls, rental properties, etc). A list of locations is provided at the time of registration, or is available at the Security Office. Parking enforcement is conducted year round, but hours and conditions vary depending on the time of year. Reserved spaces for disabled persons and maintenance vehicles, loading zones, fire lanes, campus interior, and other violations are enforced 24 hours a day year round. Students, staff, and faculty are not permitted to use a temporary visitor pass or park in visitor spaces.
Students receiving an unreasonably high number of citations may be assessed additional fees for non-compliance. An unreasonable number of citations, even those paid promptly, may also result in a referral to the Student Life staff for disciplinary follow-up. In addition to disciplinary action, on-campus parking privileges may be revoked upon adequate notice and an offending vehicle may be towed and impounded.
The University reserves the right to search privately owned vehicles on University property when there is an indication that the vehicle may be involved in a violation of a University policy.
Further information about parking rules and regulations, permit sales and registration, violation fees and payments and appeals is available at the Security office, or by calling the Parking Message Line at extension 4147. Information is also available via the Campus Security website at www.gonzaga.edu/security.
PORTABLE STORAGE UNITS
Students may not bring portable storage units, including cargo containers or trailers, to campus without prior authorization from the Campus Public Safety & Security department. Short-term parking for licensed trailers able to be towed by a car, which do not take up more than one parking space, do not require prior authorization.
POSTING
The University policy has been designed to ensure that Gonzaga University students, faculty, and staff have equal access to common posting areas and that the aesthetic quality of the campus is preserved. Posting on University property is a privilege and therefore the University reserves the right to regulate the posting and distribution of all notices. Approval for posting, as well as complete posting/publicity guidelines, may be obtained at the Crosby Information Desk located in the Crosby Student Center.
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS — GUIDELINES
Please see the on-line version of the handbook or contact the University Ministry office at extension 4242.
RESTRICTED AREA ENTRY
Unauthorized entrance, occupancy or use of University property or premises, including entry onto roofs and secured areas and areas not intended for student use is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: maintenance and custodial areas, construction sites and Lake Arthur and the Spokane River adjacent to University property.
SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP MISCONDUCT
Please see separate policy section which also includes the Harassment policy.
SKATING AND BIKING ON CAMPUS
Safety, courtesy and caution dictate the use of skateboards, in-line skates, bicycles and scooters on campus. The use of these items is not permitted in any university facility or on any stairways. The right of way of pedestrians is to be observed at all times. Stunt riding and skating, including the use of benches, stairways or other objects, is prohibited. Electric and gas powered scooters may be treated as motor vehicles by the University and subject to parking and traffic regulations. Bicycles may not be left in stairwells or in any area likely to impede foot or vehicle traffic. Bicycles may not be secured to any object other than a bike rack. Bicycle riders are expected to observe the city of Spokane’s helmet ordinance while on campus.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in University facilities or vehicles. Smoking will be permitted outdoors only, 25 feet from any University building. In all areas of the campus smoking must not cause unreasonable discomfort or annoyance to others.
SOLICITATION
In order to protect students’ right to privacy, under no circumstances are off-campus solicitors allowed to canvass campus. Any violation of this policy should be reported to the Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Student Services Offices or Campus Public Safety & Security immediately. Permission for public area solicitation must be obtained from the manager of the Crosby Student Center.
Students or student groups wanting permission for solicitation within Residence Halls must contact the Residence Director and the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
WEAPONS, FIREWORKS, & EXPLOSIVES
The presence and use of weapons on campus, except in very limited circumstances, presents a potential threat to the safety of all community members. Use or display of weapons may result in threat or injury to self or others. Use or display of weapons, whether intentional or not, is generally inconsistent with our Ethos Statement and may be illegal.
Possession, use, display, sale or exchange of weapons at any location on campus, including University residential facilities and privately-owned vehicles, is prohibited. Fireworks, explosives and chemicals of an explosive nature are also prohibited. The term "weapon" means any object designed to propel an object, inflict a wound, cause injury, incapacitate, damage property or cause a reasonable fear of such, and includes, but is not limited to, all firearms, pellet/BB/air guns, paintball guns, home-manufactured cannons or explosive devices, bows and arrows, slingshots, clubs, martial arts devices, switchblade or otherwise-illegal knives or knives with a blade longer than three inches (with the exception of kitchen knives in our University homes and apartments). Toy guns and other simulated weapons are covered by this policy. Objects otherwise not considered weapons and knives with blades less than three inches may be covered by this policy if used as a weapon.
Exceptions to this policy may be authorized by the Director of Security. The University retains the right to search persons, possessions and bags and privately-owned vehicles on University property and to confiscate, retain and dispose of/destroy all items covered by this policy regardless of value or ownership. Law enforcement may be contacted for some violations of this policy.
