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III. F. General Student Policies
Individual Rights, Disclosure of Information
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Each and every registered student of the University (hereafter "a student") has the right to review his or her own educational records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The following materials may not be reviewed: private notations in the sole possession of one person, parents' confidential statements, and psychiatric and other medical records. However, psychiatric and other medical records may be reviewed by a physician or other appropriate professional of the student's choice.
- A student has the right to place in his or her own educational records materials of an explanatory nature concerning any item held therein. Any such material shall bear a notation that it was placed in the file at the student's request.
- A student has the right to waive his or her right of access to any materials in his or her own educational records. No such waiver shall be effective unless it is made in writing. All materials collected during the time that such a waiver was in effect shall be exempt from access by the student during any future examination.
- A student has the right to refuse access to his or her own educational records, or to any item contained therein, to any person or agency not authorized under the Act. Those who are authorized under the Act include school officials and faculty who have a legitimate educational interest, officials of other schools in which a student seeks to enroll, and certain federal and state educational agencies.
- A student has the right to request that his or her own educational records be amended if they are inaccurate, misleading, or violate his or her privacy or other rights. If the request is denied, the student is entitled to a hearing according to established University procedures.
- A complete text of the Act, as well as those Federal Regulations issued under the Act, is available for inspection in the office of the Registrar.
Student Right-To-Know Act
In compliance with Title I - Section 103 of the Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act, as amended by the Higher Education Technical Amendments of 1991, the one-year persistence rate for first-time degree seeking students who entered La Salle University in Fall 2001 on a full-time basis was 89 percent. Inquiries pertaining to this information should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.
Curricular Standards
- A student shall have the right to pursue any course of study available within the University, providing he or she can be accommodated within the program, meet the requirements for entering, and continue to meet the requirements in the program.
- A student shall have the right to know at the beginning of each semester, ordinarily during the first week of class, the criteria to be used by the instructor in determining grades in each course.
- A student shall have the right to see his or her own tests and other written material after grading, and the instructor shall have the duty to make this material available within a reasonable time.
- Upon request, a student shall have the right to have his or her grade on such written material explained by the instructor. A request for such explanation must be made within one week after the written material, as graded, is made available to the student.
Final Grades. If a student believes that his or her final grade was based on an arbitrary or capricious action or some other inappropriate criteria not linked to academic performance the student must follow the procedure described in this subsection.
The Grade Appeal Process is initiated by the student. This procedure applies only to assignment of the final course grade. There is a strong presumption that the faculty member's course grade is based solely on academic performance and is authoritative. Thus, the burden of proof to support the alleged unjust grade remains at all times with the student initiating the process. Overturning a final course grade requires substantiating that the alleged unjust final grade was based on an arbitrary or capricious action or some other inappropriate criteria not linked to academic performance. Stage One of the appeal process must be completed before Stage Two of the process is started.
- The Stage One Process
- The student must initiate the Stage One complaint procedure within two weeks of the grade in question being posted or otherwise made available
- The initial complaint must be delivered to the instructor issuing the grade in question and must be in writing. The instructor will normally respond to the student within two weeks in writing.
- After receiving the written response from the course instructor, the student may make a written appeal to the Department Chair, giving his or her reasons, in writing, for believing that the grade was an arbitrary or capricious action or based on some other inappropriate criteria not linked to academic performance. If the faculty member is the Department Chair, then the Dean will perform the duties of the Department Chair in all of the subsequent steps.
- The Department Chair will seek to resolve the conflict between the faculty and student within two weeks whenever possible.
- The Department Chair will issue a written report to the student and faculty member within the subsequent two weeks whenever possible. A template for this report can be found on the portal.
- If the student remains dissatisfied with the Chair's results, the student may initiate a Stage Two appeal to the appropriate academic dean. If the academic dean was the course instructor, the Stage Two grade appeal will be resolved by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
- The Stage Two Process
- The burden of proof continues to remain with the student initiating the process.
- The student will provide a complete and factually detailed written explanation for the complaint to the Dean within two weeks of receiving the Stage One appeal process decision under section (a)(v), above.
- The Chair will forward a Department Report and Recommendation to the Dean within two weeks of issuing the Stage One process decision.
- The Dean will request a written response from the faculty member to be received within two weeks of having received the student's request when possible. The final-grade appeal will be heard by five members of the Grade Appeal Panel.
- The Grade Appeal Panel normally will be comprised of five members. Three members of the standing Academic and Faculty Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate, appointed by the Chair of that committee, and two ad hoc members appointed by the appropriate Dean. The ad hoc members will be full-time employees of the University with a) faculty status, b) at least five years of teaching experience at the University and c) from cognate disciplines. For grade appeals presented by a graduate student, the panel will include at least one representative from a graduate program. Members of the Academic Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate from the department where the appeal originates should recuse themselves from service on the Grade Appeal Panel.
- The Dean will refer the student and faculty documentation to the five member faculty panel.
- The faculty panel review and recommendation will be based exclusively on documentation furnished and other available resources as the panel deems necessary.
- If the panel feels it necessary to speak to members of the appropriate department as resources, it may do so.
- The panel will convene members in person or permit individual review of the record in making their recommendation. All panel members must review the same data.
- Within two weeks (if practical) of receiving the appeal, the Panel will issue a written opinion to the Dean stating the challenged grade was justifiable or was not justifiable based on academic performance.
- If it is found that the grade given was neither arbitrary nor capricious, the appeal shall be denied. If the majority of the panel believe that the grade given was arbitrary or capricious, the decision shall be referred to the appropriate academic administrator for a decision and, if required, appropriate action.
- The Dean will review the record, the opinion of the panel, and then adopt the majority panel recommendation unless there are compelling reasons not to do so. If the recommendation is adopted, the decision of the Dean is final. If appropriate, the Dean will initiate the grade change with the Registrar. The Dean will inform the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs of the final decision in writing.
- If the Dean declines to adopt the majority opinion of the panel, the Dean will send the appeal file to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs will make the final grade determination based upon the entire record, including the Dean's comments. If appropriate, the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs will initiate the grade change with the Registrar.
- Prior to issuing that final decision, the Dean or Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs will notify the faculty member of the proposed decision. If there is a recommendation to change the grade, the faculty member will have an opportunity to change the final grade. If the faculty member declines to change the grade, the Dean or Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, as appropriate will do so with the Registrar.
- The student and faculty member will receive a written final grade determination by the faculty member, Dean or Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs as appropriate. This process should be completed, whenever possible, no later than the end of the first week of classes of the next academic semester.
- If the Dean is the faculty member who issued the grade in question, the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs will perform the duties above instead of the Dean.
- All parties participating in the grade appeal are encouraged to expedite this process. However, upon request, the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs may extend the specified time requirements, due to extenuating circumstances.
This process will be completed in strict confidence. All records related to the grade appeal process will be maintained in accordance with La Salle University record keeping policies.
- The Stage One Process
- A student shall be promptly informed if he or she is placed on any form of academic censure.
Speech and Expression of Opinion
- No student shall be penalized for the reasonable expression of any view which is relevant to the classroom discussion or written material.
- A student participates in student organizations and activities in his or her own time, and by his or her own decision. No student shall be penalized for any such participation, but neither shall any student claim indulgence from academic obligations by virtue of such participation
Collective Rights
- Students shall have the right, through their representatives, to participate with full privileges, together with faculty and administration, in the development of both University and departmental curricula through University Council and Academic and Department Committees and Boards.
- Students shall have the right to express an opinion in decisions regarding the evaluation, tenure, and promotion of faculty and department heads. The University promises to listen to such opinion, if rendered in good faith. However, the University will not be bound by student opinion in such decisions nor will failure to secure such opinion constitute a ground for complaint by a faculty member who has not been rehired, promoted, given tenure, or made department head.
- The University shall establish and adhere to nondiscriminatory policies of equal opportunity to all academic facets of the University.
Academic Responsibilities of Registered Students
University Regulations
Students are responsible for acquainting themselves with the academic regulations of the University as outlined in the Student Guide to Resources, Rights, and Responsibilities and the University Bulletins. Ignorance of the regulations does not excuse any student from their application.
Provision of Information
Students are responsible for supplying standard information, when required by the University, on their own personal background and academic history, in a clear, complete, and accurate manner. Misrepresentation in this respect is a serious matter.
Curricular Standards
- Students are responsible for meeting the requirements of class attendance, test dates, and assignment deadlines, and for proper behavior during classes.
- Students are responsible for the integrity of their academic work. In this regard plagiarism is a serious violation. Plagiarism is defined as the presentation of the ideas of another as one's own. Any use of another's ideas without proper acknowledgment is plagiarism.
Speech and Expression
In exercising the rights of freedom speech and expression, students should respect the sensitivities and the corresponding rights of others.
Collective Responsibilities
Students are responsible for honoring the obligation they assume when accepting positions on collegiate committees and boards.
Academic Integrity Policy
Purpose and mission (abstracted from the La Salle University mission statement):
The central academic mission of La Salle University's undergraduate programs is to maintain, as a foundation of all learning, a common, comprehensive liberal arts core which will challenge all students with courses that address the analytic process (philosophical and/or scientific); the communication process (oral and written; emitted and received); and, the historical, intellectual and creative growth of humanity. The purpose of graduate study at La Salle University is to enhance both practical and theoretical knowledge in order to augment and enrich professional competencies. All programs are designed to prepare students for informed service and progressive leadership in their chosen fields.
The mission of La Salle University underscores the importance of providing students with a values- based education that occurs in the context of an inter-faith educational community. As its basic purpose, the University promotes free search for truth by teaching students basic skills, knowledge and values that they will need to lead a life of dignity. Thus, it is through active engagement in learning that students' personal, social, and religious values may take root and foster mature, value-driven attitudes and behavior. All students and faculty who choose to become part of the La Salle University community also have a moral or ethical obligation to pursue all forms of learning with integrity, dignity, and responsibility towards others.
What is academic integrity?
Integrity is defined as "adherence to moral and ethical principles; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity." The key to academic integrity is setting personal standards for oneself and living up to those standards each day. Routinely displaying honesty, responsibility, respect for others, and fairness will serve as a model of integrity to others, the campus community, region, state, and world. One who has integrity follows moral and ethical standards even when circumstances arise that challenge those standards.
Trust is an essential trait of integrity. A lapse of trust negatively impacts our relationships with others. Who can trust someone who is dishonest or unfair? The act of learning is not a solitary venture and thus requires the scaffolding of a competent instructor or peer. Group work is rooted in trust. Team members must be able to trust that each person's contributions will enhance the group effort and instructors must trust that each student is contributing his or her fair share.
Thus, by becoming a member of La Salle University's community the individual enters an academic world where distinguished faculty, dedicated staff, and students of great potential work collaboratively to achieve and learn from one another. It is only through a strong commitment to La Salle's learning community that the student can live the moral and ethical principles that are supported and maintained by its mission. The faculty has a special responsibility to model appropriate academic integrity and to ensure that these policies are communicated, understood, and maintained at all times.
Sources used
- Academic Integrity - University of California, Davis
- Making A Difference: The Strategic Plan for Duke University - Duke University
- Webster's New World Dictionary.
Why have an Academic Integrity Policy?
All too frequently academic integrity and plagiarism policies are regarded as disciplinary tools employed to ferret out misconduct. It is important, then, to recognize the positive implications of such a policy for students, faculty, and the campus as a whole.
A policy that applies to all students and faculty can provide the reassurance that everyone on campus is held to the same ethical standards. Students can be confident that their attempts to present honest work are not undermined by the dishonest work of others. Faculty may find comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone in aggressively responding to instances of academic dishonesty. Rather, they are a part of a community endeavor to maintain high standards of integrity.
Benefits for students
This policy provides a forum through which students can be educated about the nature of academic integrity. By discouraging "passive" methods of learning and research, the policy can create an atmosphere that promotes active understanding and engagement, thus encouraging students to develop intellectually.
Benefits for faculty
The policy creates an optimal learning environment because it encourages mutual respect and high standards among all members of the classroom learning community. This enables faculty to fulfill course goals without the need for establishing individual academic integrity policies.
Benefits for the La Salle Community
By promoting academic integrity and ethical behavior in the classroom, the policy helps to ensure an environment that fosters trust, mutual respect, and love of learning.
Sources used
- La Salle University English Department Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Honesty.
- La Salle University Graduate Psychology student handbook.
Academic Dishonesty
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." -Isaac Newton
Often, when we develop ideas, they are not free of the effects and influences of others' previous findings, claims, and analyses. This suggests that much of the thinking that we do in a university setting is motivated, shaped, and focused in response to work that may have been published or stated by others. Usually, our ideas evolve in response to reading others' writings. We base research on earlier scholarship and communication with others (Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism - Duke University). We give credit where credit is due. Therefore, we cite the intellectual contributions of others.
Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Cheating is the act of wrongly using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, study aids, or the ideas or work of another. This includes giving or receiving unauthorized aid in the completion of such things as written assignments, quizzes, or tests. Submitting the same written work for two different courses qualifies as another form of cheating.
Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of other people's ideas, both written and unwritten (Avoiding Plagiarism - National Louis University). Scholarly authors generously acknowledge their debts to predecessors by carefully giving credit to each source. Whenever one draws on another's work, one must specify what has been borrowed - whether facts, opinions, or quotations - and its source. Using another person's ideas or expressions in writing without acknowledging the source constitutes plagiarism. Derived from the Latin plagiarius ("kidnapper"), plagiarism refers to a form of intellectual theft. In short, to plagiarize is to give the impression that the author wrote or thought something that in fact was borrowed from someone else, and to do so is a violation of professional ethics. (Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing. 2nd ed., New York: MLA, 1998: 151).
Avoiding Plagiarism
Since plagiarism can be a temptation for those students who are facing an imminent deadline, students can use the following procedures that may help to ensure a project is properly documented.
- Make sure you understand the material you are using before incorporating it into your work.
- Avoid relying too heavily on the ideas of others.
- Make sure you know how to cite correctly. This includes Internet-based sources as well as traditional scholarly works.
- Talk to a librarian and attend library instruction workshops.
- Do not use Internet "paper mills."
This is what must be referenced:
- Direct quotes.
- Paraphrasing.
- Ideas acquired via reading, conversation, or correspondence.
- Statistics and data that are not yours.
Cooperative or Group Learning
When group projects or cooperative learning activities require collaboration, students must understand clearly what is proper and improper cooperation and collaboration and how individuals are expected to contribute to the project (Strategies for Avoiding Plagiarism - Westmont College). If a group member plagiarizes, the entire group may be held accountable. Concern about copying must be dealt with as soon as plagiarism is suspected. Related to plagiarism is the fact that some students may over-rely on other group members to do the majority of the work while they all receive the same mark (Designing Assessment Tasks to Minimize Plagiarism - University of Wollongong, Australia). To ensure fairness, faculty should develop a system of communication whereby students have an opportunity to express their concerns.
Academic Integrity Violation Procedures
Step 1
When a faculty member suspects an academic integrity violation, the faculty member must discuss the suspected violation with the student within one calendar week. This discussion must take place through face-to-face, telephone, or electronic (e.g., Skype) means. Email is not an appropriate medium through which to discuss an alleged academic integrity violation.
Step 2
If, after the discussion with the student, the faculty member believes there to be an academic integrity violation, the faculty member will file a written Academic Dishonesty Report (ADR) within one calendar week of the discussion with the student. The ADR prepared by the faculty member must contain the following:
- Date of the ADR, name of instructor, instructor's department/school, name of student accused of committing the academic integrity violation, student's major/school, date of the violation, and place of the violation.
- A written summary of the incident, fully detailing the academic integrity violation.
- Evidence of the academic integrity violation. In the case where other students have reported the academic violation to the instructor, the instructor will summarize these accusations and evidence gathered. In the case where the instructor has physical evidence of the violation, the evidence should be attached to the ADR.
The ADR will be mailed to the student to his/her home address and campus address (if any). Email in this instance is not an appropriate form of transmittal. A copy of the ADR also must be sent by the faculty member to the Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs, to the faculty member's Department Chair, and to the Director of the Program in which the violation occurred.
Step 3
The student who has been accused of the academic integrity violation has one calendar week from the date that the faculty member's ADR is received to send a rebuttal to the faculty member making the accusation.
Step 4
After receipt of the student's rebuttal, the faculty member has one calendar week to make a final judgment as to whether an academic integrity violation has occurred. In making a final judgment, the faculty should prepare a written response to the student's rebuttal. If the faculty member continues to believe an academic integrity violation occurred, the faculty member may choose to impose one or more of the following sanctions on the student. The choice of sanction(s) will necessarily be matched to the number of previous violations and to the level of the infraction in the faculty member's judgment.
- A reduction in grade recorded for the assignment/test.
- A zero recorded for the assignment/test.
- An "F" grade assigned for the course.
In some Programs, a sanction for an academic integrity violation might result in dismissal from the Program and from the University. The student should consult program information in the catalog, Program Handbook, and course syllabus for more details.
If the faculty member recommends a sanction other than one of those specified in Step 4 (i-iii), each of the stages (i.e., 1 through 5) described below in Step 5 must be followed.
In determining the sanction(s), the faculty member will contact the Assistant Provost to ascertain whether prior ADRs have been filed on this student.
The faculty member's final judgment and sanction(s) will be communicated to the student in writing within one calendar week of the final decision through a hard copy letter and via email with a delivered receipt and a read receipt. The faculty member's ADR, the student's rebuttal, and the faculty member's response to the rebuttal will be sent by the faculty member within one calendar week to the office of the Dean of the School in which the academic integrity violation occurred, the office of the department Chair in which the academic integrity violation occurred, the student's academic advisor, and the Assistant Provost.
Step 5
Students accused of academic integrity violations are protected by certain rights and privileges described below.
Individual Rights: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, every registered student has the right to review his or her educational records, which in this case, include records pertaining to academic integrity violations. After reviewing his or her records, the student has a right to attach an explanatory note to academic integrity ADRs that are contained in that file. The student also has a right to request that his/her records be amended if they are inaccurate, misleading, or violate personal privacy or other rights. If the student's request is denied, the student is entitled to a hearing according to established University procedures.
If the student believes that the charge of academic dishonesty or the sanctions imposed as a result of an alleged academic integrity violation are unfounded, unfair, or based on instructor bias, whimsy, or caprice, the student may appeal the faculty member's decision within two weeks of the date of the faculty member's final judgment and sanction(s) following the steps outlined below.
- If dissatisfied with the instructor's decision, the student may appeal to the department Chair of the relevant department who has assigned the faculty member to the course in which the violation occurred. The Chair will consider the evidence presented in the ADR, the student's written appeal, and the instructor's written response to the appeal. The Chair may confer with the student accused of having committed an academic integrity violation and the member of the faculty who brought the charge. The department Chair will respond in writing to the student and instructor within two weeks of receiving all the evidence in the case and forward a copy of her/his response to the Dean's office in which the violation occurred.
- If dissatisfied with the department Chair's decision, the student may appeal within two weeks of the Chair's decision to the Dean of the School in which the academic integrity violation occurred. The Dean will consider the evidence presented in the ADR, the student's written appeal, the instructor's written response to the appeal, and the Chair's response. The Dean may confer with the student accused of having committed an academic integrity violation, the faculty member who brought the charge, and/or the Chair. The Dean will respond in writing to the department Chair, student, and instructor within two weeks of receiving all the evidence in the case and forward a copy of that ADR, reports from the Instructor and Chair, and her/his response to the Assistant Provost.
- If dissatisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may appeal to the Provost within two weeks of the Dean's decision. The Provost will consider the evidence presented in the ADR, the student's written appeal, the instructor's written response to the appeal, the Chair's response, and the Dean's response. The Provost may confer with the student accused of having committed an academic integrity violation, the faculty member who brought the charge, the Chair, and/or the Dean. Recommendations for further action will be made by the Provost. The Provost will respond in writing to the Dean, department Chair, faculty member, and student within two weeks of receiving all the evidence in the case. The Provost represents the final appeal in the process.
- The Appeals Committee is convened only for a recommendation other than that specified in Step 4 (i-iii). The Appeals Committee will be convened by the Provost. The Appeals Committee will be composed of six faculty members and/or academic administrators, all chosen by the Provost. Of the six members of the Appeals Committee, there will be at least one member from each of the three Schools. Additionally, of the six members, three will be members of the faculty. The following individuals will be excluded from membership on the Appeals Committee: the faculty member who made the accusation of the academic integrity violation, the Chair associated with the student's program of study/major, the Chair in which the violation occurred, and the Dean of the School in which the violation occurred. Once convened, the members will choose a chair. The Chair of the Appeals Committee, typically a member of the faculty, will be charged with convening the group and presenting both sides of the case. The Chair of the Appeals Committee is to confer with the student accused of having committed an academic integrity violation and the member of the faculty who brought the charge and may confer with the relevant department Chair and/or Dean. The Chair of the Appeals Committee will gather information from the student, faculty member, and other relevant sources for the purpose of reporting this information to the Appeals Committee. The Chair of the Appeals Committee will also provide an overview of information gathered from meetings with the student charged with the academic integrity violation, the faculty member who made the charge, and other relevant sources. Copies of the original ADR prepared by the faculty member, the student's response, and the subsequent responses from the faculty member, department Chair, and Dean will be reviewed by Appeals Committee members during this meeting. The Appeals Committee meeting will convene within a reasonable amount of time (depending on circumstances, three or four weeks) after receiving notice. If necessary, the chair of the Appeals Committee may request an extension from the Provost. Recommendations for further action will be made by the Appeals Committee by majority vote. The Chair of the Appeals Committee will respond in writing to the Dean, department Chair, faculty member, student, and Provost within two weeks of receiving all the evidence in the case.
- Once the Provost receives the report from the Appeals Committee, s/he will confer with the student accused of having committed an academic integrity violation, the member of the faculty who brought the charge, the department Chair, and/or Dean. Following these discussions, the Provost will respond in writing to the Chair of the Appeals Committee, the Dean, department Chair, the Director of the student's program, faculty member, and student within two weeks of receiving all the evidence in the case and forward a copy of her/his report to the Assistant Dean in the School where the violation occurred. If the student is dismissed from the University, the Provost will communicate that sanction in writing to the Registrar's office. The Provost represents the final step in the process and determines the ultimate sanction.
The only exception to Steps i-iii immediately above is if the faculty member, Chair, or Dean recommends a sanction of suspension or dismissal. If suspension or dismissal is recommended, the violation will be appealed to the University Academic Integrity Violation Appeals Committee prior to consideration by the Provost.
Policy on Research Misconduct: Allegation, Investigation and Reporting
Each member of the La Salle University community has a responsibility to foster an environment which promotes intellectual honesty and integrity, and which does not tolerate misconduct in any aspect of research or scholarly endeavor. A copy of the complete Policy on Research Misconduct can be obtained from the Office of the Provost on the third floor of the Administration Center.Back to Top
Pre-Registration Procedure
Pre-registration takes place during November and April each year. Complete information about the advisement process is mailed to each enrolled student prior to registration. Schedules of classes are available in the Registrar's Office, as well as the office of the department chairs and on the Registrar's web page (www.lasalle.edu/admin/registrar). All students are asked to speak with an academic advisor to receive the advisor approval code, which is necessary for pre-registration. In addition, any outstanding financial or disciplinary holds will prevent a student from rostering for classes for the next semester. Students are asked to see that these are cleared before pre-registration.
Change of Courses
Until noon of the fifth day of each Fall and Spring semester, a student may make a change in his or her roster, provided that classes being added have not reached their capacity.
Repeated Courses
Students are responsible for reporting to the Office of the Registrar any course in which the student is enrolled that is being repeated in any given semester. If a student repeats a course, only the higher grade is counted in the academic index. However, the previous grade(s) will remain on the academic record of the student. A student may not repeat a course more than once without permission from the dean.
Pass/Fail Option
Students may take two free electives under a pass/fail option. If they indicate this option to the Registrar within three weeks after the course begins, the grade for the course will be recorded as S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory). Such grades will not affect the cumulative index, but semester hours graded S will be counted toward the total required for graduation.
Course Withdrawal/Withdrawal from the University
Under certain circumstances, the student who withdraws may receive a partial refund on his or her tuition. Information on terms and conditions is available in the catalog and on the student's invoice. There are no exceptions to these terms and conditions. Additional inquiries on tuition refund may be directed to the Bursar's Office. When withdrawing from the university, resident students must also complete an Application for Housing Contract Release and submit it to the Office of Community Development.
Graduation Application
Students who will complete requirements for a degree in a given semester must make written application for graduation at the time specified by the Registrar.
Address Change
When there is a change in a student's permanent home address or temporary local address, the Registrar's Office should be notified immediately. Students not living at home with their parents or legal guardians or in University residence facilities, who have not provided their current off-campus address to the Registrar's Office, will not be allowed to pre-register for classes in subsequent semesters until the address change is filed.Back to Top
Financial Delinquency
A student who is financially delinquent forfeits the privilege of attending class and residing on campus. A student who is financially delinquent at the close of a term is not permitted to complete registration or housing renewal for a succeeding term unless his or her account is settled.Back to Top
Student Records
As custodian of student records, the University assumes an implicit and justifiable trust. This trust involves the recognition that student records, both academic and personal, are confidential to the student and the institution. Accordingly, the University accepts responsibility for exercising effective care and concern in recording and disseminating information about students. Student records are released only to appropriate authorities within the University, except when the student has given his or her formal consent, or when the safety of the student and others and/or property is endangered.
Disciplinary Records
Disciplinary Records are for internal use only and are not made available to persons outside the University except on formal written request of the student involved. Disciplinary information is not included on University transcripts. Intra-University use is at the discretion of the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, who may inform other officials in the institution of the student's disciplinary status when necessary to the discharge of their official duties. The Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students assumes the responsibility of maintaining the confidentiality of disciplinary records and for destruction of such records. Disciplinary records are maintained for seven years after the student has graduated, withdrawn or from their date of last attendance at the University with the exception of cases in which a sanction of Suspension or Dismissal was imposed. The records of students Suspended from the University will be maintained for fourteen years after graduation, withdrawal or from their date of last attendance at the University. Records of students who have been dismissed are maintained permanently.
Access to Educational Records and Rights to Privacy
Congress in 1974 enacted legislation - Public Law 93-380, commonly referred to as the Buckley Amendment – with the intention to protect students from having incorrect information contained in their school files, and also to limit those who may have access to their educational records. In compliance with the law, La Salle University is prepared to assist students who wish to review their records or who have questions about the law.
Public Law 93-380 specifically requires that students and parents or guardians of dependent students be permitted to examine official University educational records which contain information used in making decisions or recommendations about students. These records include those normally maintained by the major department, academic dean, Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, Registrar, and Business Offices. Each University office and department having such records has an established procedure for a student to review his or her official records and to challenge the accuracy of them. A STUDENT MUST MAKE A FORMAL REQUEST IN WRITING TO EXAMINE HIS OR HER RECORDS. Material may be permanently removed from a student's file when the promulgator of the information and the student or when the results of a formal hearing called for this specific purpose direct this action, reaches a mutual agreement.
Instructor's notes, campus security records, psychiatric, psychological, and medical records, parents' financial statements, and material to which the student has waived his or her right of access in writing are among the records exempted by the law from examination.
Public law 93-380 also limits those who, outside the University, may have access to a student's records. Except as provided by law, educational records may not be transmitted to individuals or agencies outside of the University without the student's written consent. STUDENTS, THEREFORE, ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE WRITTEN PERMISSION WHEN REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY TO FORWARD RECORDS TO OFF-CAMPUS PERSONS, AGENCIES, OR INSTITUTIONS. The law permits the University to release without permission such information as a student's name, dates of attendance, major field, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and degrees and awards received.
Identification Cards
All students are photographed for an identification card when first entering the University. The ID is non-transferable (individuals who loan their ID to other students or to non-students are subject to disciplinary action) and is carried whenever on campus and presented upon request to University administrators, faculty, or campus security guards. The card verifies status as a student at La Salle and may therefore be required for admission to social or athletic events, for voting rights in student elections, and for other such events demanding evidence of student status. A valid ID is required to use the facilities of the Hayman Center. The ID is intended to last throughout the four years.Back to Top
On Campus Required Residency Policy
Lasallian Living
La Salle University believes that residential living is a valuable way for students to experience what it means to live as part of a broader community; students begin to understand themselves and the dynamic of living with others throughout this unique experience. Students who live within a campus community are generally more likely to be involved in campus life, join student organizations, become involved in student government, and have greater opportunities to interact with faculty. In fact, higher education research validates that students who reside within the campus community tend to be more successful and are more likely to graduate from college.
Required Residency Policy
All full-time undergraduate students are required to live in University housing and participate in a University Dining Services meal plan throughout their first (freshmen) and second (sophomore) years at the University, unless living with parents or a legal guardian.
Exceptions to the residency requirement will be made for students who:
- Reside with a parent or legal guardian.
- Are 21 years of age or older prior to the start date of the housing contract.
- Are military veterans who have had active duty service.
- Are married.
If a first (freshmen) or second (sophomore) year undergraduate student chooses to live off-campus, and does not meet the one of the above exceptions, they will be billed a standard double room rate along with the default meal plan for resident students for the Fall and Spring semesters.
For more information and how to indicate your residency, please refer to the Housing Selection website.Back to Top
Computer Usage
All computer users must practice ethical behavior in computing activities. Abuse of computer access privileges is considered to be a serious matter. The computing resources are provided for the use of staff, faculty, and students who are currently enrolled in courses approved or designated as requiring computer resources. The privilege of use by a student is not transferable to another student, to an outside individual, or to an outside organization. The theft or other abuse of computer time or facilities is not different from the theft or abuse of other University property, and violators of the computing privilege will be subject to disciplinary action. This includes, but is not limited to:
- unauthorized entry into a file, either to read or to change;
- unauthorized transfer of files;
- unauthorized entry into a network;
- unauthorized use of another individual's computer account;
- use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student;
- use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages;
- and, use of computing facilities for frivolous activities during times of high demand.
Persons are to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to accomplish tasks as expeditiously as possible. For reasons of security the University retains the right to review programs and files stored on the University's computers. Computer services allocated to individuals through accounts on the campus networks should be respected by all as private and valuable property for academic pursuits. Users are responsible for their own user names and the security of their passwords. Use of the computing privilege to interfere with the normal operation of University computing systems or of any other system accessible through the University's system is prohibited and is subject to disciplinary action.Back to Top
Universal La Salle WWW Policies
Pages must be date stamped to indicate when they were last modified. This protects the viewer from unknowingly using outdated data, and encourages the home page manager to keep things up to date.
The use of images, recorded sounds, copyrighted materials, trade secrets and trademarks is subject to legal restriction. No one may use photographs, video clips, or sound clips or material which may be subject to copyright, trademark or trade secret restrictions without written permission of all parties, as applicable.
The University was founded and is operated in accordance with the traditions of the Catholic Church and the Christian Brothers, with the intention to promulgate an education that is witness to the ministry of Christ. Publishing materials which are in violation of the commonly accepted standards of the La Salle community (e.g., racism, explicit sexual content, statements derogatory of the Catholic Church or Christian Brothers mission) is prohibited.
Violations of This Policy
In the event that any home pages are discovered which violate any of the policies and guidelines outlined in this document, those pages will be immediately removed by the University without any hostility (any user of the La Salle network hereby releases the university from all such liability by their accessing of, or receipt of messages through, the La Salle network), and the violators shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may include revocation of university network-access privileges, exclusion or suspension of a student, or suspension or termination of employment for a staff member or faculty, in accordance with the terms of the Student Handbook, and the University Personnel Policy and University Handbook, respectively.
University Council has adopted a policy that disciplinary action up to and including dismissal may be taken against any member of the University community who acts to prevent invited lecturers from speaking, disrupts University operations in the course of demonstrations, or obstructs and restrains other members of the academic community and campus visitors by physical force.
The University recognizes that when an issue is of sufficient importance to require extraordinary measures to call attention to it, a demonstration may be deemed justifiable by an aggrieved or advocating sector of the University. When such is the case, the University insists that no demonstrating person or group shall abridge the rights of others in the regular conduct of the University's affairs. At the same time, the University strives to maintain means for open and honest dialogue through normal channels of communication.Back to Top
Employment Policy
La Salle University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment at the University because of race, color, religion, sex, age (40 and above), national origin, sexual orientation, marital status or handicap or disability which does not interfere with performance of essential job functions after reasonable accommodation, if any. This commitment extends to participation in all educational programs and activities of the University. The Affirmative Action Officer is responsible for the coordination of the University's efforts to meet its obligations under the various nondiscrimination in employment laws. The phone number for the Affirmative Action Officer is 215.951.1014.Back to Top
Support Services for Students with Disabilities
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University is committed to providing support services and reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services, if required, include modification in examinations, note-takers, sign language, interpreters, tutoring, etc. Students requesting reasonable accommodations should contact the Affirmative Action Officer (Administration Center 102, 215.951.1014) at least two months before the start of the semester.Back to Top
Veterans attending under the benefits of the "Veterans Readjustment Act of 1966" are required to submit their "Certificate of Eligibility" to the Registrar's Office. The Registrar's Office will certify the Veteran's enrollment and attendance for each term to the Veteran's Administration. If the Veteran withdraws, and returns to the University at a later term, the Veteran must notify the Registrar's Office in writing of the request to again be certified to the Veteran's Administration. Veterans are required to satisfy their financial obligations to the University in the same manner as all other students.Back to Top
Smoking Policy
Smoking, and the use of smoking products of any sort, is prohibited on all University-owned and -operated campus grounds, both indoor and outdoor, except for the clearly marked designated outdoor smoking areas. With the exception of these limited and clearly marked designated outdoor smoking areas, smoking and the use of smoking products of any sort is prohibited everywhere else on campus grounds, including in any campus building, or in University-owned vehicles, such as shuttle buses, vans, and security vehicles.
"Smoking" as used in this policy means smoking any substance, including but not limited to tobacco. "Smoking products" include, but are not limited to, all cigarette products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other electronic smoking products) and all smoke-producing products, such as cigars and pipes.
No tobacco products, smoking materials, or smoking products may be sold or distributed (including but not limited to the distribution of free "samples" or other "give-aways"), as part of product promotion on campus.
Smoking of illegal substances, including but not limited to marijuana, is prohibited and never permitted, including within the designated outdoor smoking areas.
The responsibility to abide by this policy rests with each student, faculty and staff member, and guest. Each member of the campus community is encouraged to courteously inform individuals violating this policy about the smoking policy and the designated smoking locations.
Repeat violators or those who fail to comply with the directions of University officials regarding the enforcement of this policy should be referred to the appropriate office or supervisor: (1) Students should be referred to the Office of Community Development; (2) Faculty and/or staff should be referred to the individual's immediate supervisor.
As with all University policies, no person who makes a complaint of a violation of this policy or who furnishes information concerning a violation of this policy shall be retaliated against in any manner. Retaliation is expressly prohibited.Back to Top
Policy Statement on Weapons and Other Dangerous Articles and Substances
No student or visitor may keep, possess, display, transport, or use any offensive weapons; firearms; ammunition; gunpowder; gas or air powered rifles, guns, or pistols; fireworks; explosives; or other dangerous articles and substances in University buildings, on University property, or at University functions in off-campus settings. Realistic facsimiles of these items are also prohibited, with reasonable exceptions made, in consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs, for theatrical productions and similar circumstances. "Offensive weapon" is defined as any bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, firearm specially made or specially adapted for concealment or silent discharge, any blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism or otherwise, or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose. "Firearms" include any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive, or the frame or receiver of any such weapon. Normal laboratory materials are excluded from this policy when used in an academic laboratory setting to fulfill course requirements or conduct research authorized and supervised by faculty. Members of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) are authorized to store, transport, and use firearms when performing functions associated with their official duties. Active public law enforcement officers are authorized to store, transport, and use firearms when performing functions associated with their official duties or when attending class.
Property Searches
University employees may ask students to reveal the contents of book bags, etc. if there is probable cause to believe a violation of federal, state, or local laws or University regulations is occurring. If a student refuses to cooperate with such a request while entering a building or area, the student may be prohibited from entering with the article(s) in question. If a student refuses such a request while departing a building or area, the student may be detained with the article(s) in question for further investigation by University staff.Back to Top
Hazing, Aggravated Hazing or Organizational Hazing
Activity Policies
Social/Service Fraternities & Sororities
In addition to more than one hundred active student organizations, five local and national social/ service fraternities and four local and national social/service sororities are registered student organizations. For many students, participation in Greek organizations is a rewarding and fulfilling out-of-class activity. The Greek system provides special opportunities for leadership development, community service projects, building life-long friendships, and an increased sense of community, which often enhances a student's experience as both an undergraduate and an alumni/alumnae.
In order to support and assist the La Salle Greek community, the following regulations have been adopted, as the minimum standards required of all its member chapters.
- Membership and participation in Greek letter organizations is open to full-time students and may not be denied based on race, religion, national origin, or physical handicap. Furthermore, the members of the La Salle Greek system advocate the elimination of all forms of discriminatory behavior through explicit statements in their individual chapter constitutions.
- First semester freshmen may not pledge a fraternity/sorority or apply for associate status. Second semester freshmen who have earned twelve (12) or more credits with a 2.5 academic index are eligible to pledge and receive associate status. Students beyond the freshmen year may pledge/apply for associate status if their records are free of Academic Censure as determined by the Academic Deans.
- In order to maintain active status in a sorority/fraternity, students must be in good academic standing, i.e., free of Academic Censure as determined by the Academic Deans.
- Each semester all Greek organizations must submit to the Community Development Office a list of current executive board officers, active members, and pledge/associate members, along with a statement of any significant changes in their constitution or by-laws.
- The list of executive board officers and active members is to be submitted before the start of Rush Week each semester.
- The list of pledges/associates is to be submitted to the Coordinator of Leadership and New Student Programs by 4:30 p.m. on the Monday following each semester's Rush Week. The Coordinator will determine eligibility to pledge. The Interfraternity-Sorority Council will sanction any group(s) failing to submit pledge/associate lists by the deadline by revoking the chapter's privilege to pledge during the current semester or to rush during the following semester. The Interfraternity-Sorority Council will file charges against groups providing inaccurate or incomplete information.
- The lists of active members and pledges/associates may be used by the Community Development Office or the Interfraternity-Sorority Council to calculate chapter and all-Greek academic indexes.
- All student organizations are required to have a full-time member of the University faculty/administrative staff serve as their advisor. An organization whose advisor resigns for any reason will have until the completion of that semester (or the fall semester if the resignation occurs over the summer break) to locate a replacement. If a replacement is not located within the designated period, the organization will not be permitted to:
- recruit, rush or pledge new members,
- use University facilities for meetings or programs,
- access their University Agency Account,
- apply for program funding from the Activities Funding Board,
- participate on the Interfraternity/Sorority Council,
- participate in Greek Week programs,
- nominate a member for the Dennis Dougherty Memorial Scholarship,
- participate in University-wide programs, and
- participate as an organization in intramural athletics.
The Community Coordinator for Leadership Development is available to assist Greek organizations in acquiring a chapter advisor.
- Each fraternity/sorority must establish and communicate to their members the penalties likely for violations of the University's hazing policy.
- Each fraternity/sorority must participate in the educational programs provided by the University concerning alcohol and other drug use and abuse.
- Two representatives of each fraternity/sorority must participate in the Interfraternity-Sorority Council.
- Student organizations funded by the University or the Activities Funding Board must be represented at a minimum of one-half of the leadership training programs offered each semester by the Student Affairs Area.
Academic Standing and Participation in Activities
Students running for major offices or applying for appointment to University Committees must have a minimum cumulative index of 2.25 to be eligible and must maintain an index of at least 2.0 during the duration of their term. A minimum 2.25 cumulative index is required when standing for re-election or re-appointment. This policy applies to the following positions:
- All S.G.A. appointees to University Committees.
- All S.G.A. officers, all members of the Student Senate, and all other S.G.A. Executive Board members.
- Editors-in-Chief and editorial staff of all University funded student publications.
- All elected officers or committee chairs of student groups annually funded by the University.
This policy is administered by the Senior Associate Dean of Students who will certify eligible candidates prior to election campaigns and/or appointment and at the beginning of each semester. The Senior Associate Dean of Students is the final judge of eligibility.
Participation in Intercollegiate Athletics
To be eligible to represent the University as a participant in the intercollegiate athletics program, all student-athletes, managers, trainers, cheerleaders, and dance team members must be in good academic standing (Free of Academic Censure - as determined by the Academic Deans) during each season/semester of competition. Furthermore, all participants must be full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours) day division students and comply with applicable Atlantic 10 Conference and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I eligibility and satisfactory progress requirements.
This policy, as endorsed by the Athletic Committee (Spring, 1991), is administered by the NCAA Faculty Representative who will verify eligible participants at the beginning of each season/semester of competition. The NCAA Faculty Representative is the final judge of eligibility.
Standing for Election/Appointment
A substantial time commitment often is required to fulfill the responsibilities of executive positions in annually funded organizations. In the interests of the officers and of the student organization(s), the Student Affairs Committee recommends that the following guidelines be considered:
- students should hold more than one major position only with the support of the advisors of the organizations involved and/or the Senior Associate Dean of Students; and
- students eligible to be officers who are also scheduled to student teach or to complete an internship or cooperative education experience are strongly encouraged to discuss the expectations of each responsibility with the organization advisor and the student teaching/internship/cooperative education supervisor before deciding whether to accept major leadership responsibilities during that semester(s).
Executive positions normally include those of the president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer or their equivalent roles.
Banner Policy
Student organizations, academic and administrative departments, and individual students, faculty, and administrative staff wishing to hang banners from the balconies of the La Salle Union must secure authorization from the Director of Reservations and Conferences. Approval will be based on the following criteria:
- The banner must not be sexist, racist, or vulgar in content or in substantial opposition to the values and beliefs commonly held by the Christian-Catholic tradition in both its past and present expression. Content must comply with all applicable University policies. When symbols or unfamiliar acronyms are used, a statement of meaning must be filed with the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.
- Normally, a banner may hang for a period no longer than two (2) weeks. Banners may not hang during University-wide events, i.e. Family Weekend, Open House, Discover the Difference Personally, Alumni Reunions, except those advertising that particular event. Exceptions may be granted by the University officer sponsoring the program.
- With the exception of banners promoting University-wide events, banners should be no larger than four (4) by six (6) feet. Approval will be based on content and not the physical appearance of the banner.
- Normally, only five (5) banners may hang at one time. Exceptions may be granted for events involving multiple student organizations or academic/administrative departments. The La Salle Union Director reserves the right to assign space, i.e. Ballroom or Music Room.
- When a University banner is hung, physical space must be compromised, not excluded, for it.
Leadership Development
Student organizations funded by the University or the Activities Funding Board must be represented at a minimum of one-half of the leadership training programs offered each semester by Community Development. Appropriate representatives include Editors-in-Chief and editorial staff of all funded student publications, and all elected or appointed officers and committee chairs of student groups receiving funds from the University or the Funding Board (either annual budgets or Contingency and Travel funds).
Facility Usage
Policies for Reservation of La Salle Union Facilities by Campus Groups
- Whenever La Salle Union facilities are to be used for routine administrative, academic, or extra curricular purposes, a reservation must be secured from the Director of Reservations and Conferences. Reservation requests may be submitted on-line through mylasalle.
- All reservations and related requests (room set up, special equipment, etc.) are tentative until confirmed in writing. This applies, as well, for reservation changes.
- Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The reservation staff reserves the right to assign space to be used for a meeting or function. When a request for a particular area is made, every effort will be made to honor the request.
- Reservation requests and reservation changes must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance.
- Those individuals or groups using facilities are expected to leave them in good order. Sponsoring groups are responsible for damages to facilities.
- University regulations preclude regular use of La Salle Union facilities for classes, course seminars, labs, and other strictly class related meetings. Reservations of this type normally must be for academic facilities.
- Recognized and registered student organizations and University offices and departments will not be charged for use of La Salle Union facilities; however, some personnel costs will be charged to sponsoring groups. Personnel costs may include such items as maintenance supervisor, security staff, janitorial staff, matron, electrical staff, etc. Personnel charges, if any, will be specified when the facility is requested, and the sponsor will sign an agreement for any expenses before confirmation will be given.
Procedures for Reservation of Facilities by Campus Groups
- Requests for routine use of all La Salle Union facilities should be made to the Director of Reservations and Conferences.
- Reservation requests may be submitted through the myasalle portal. Reservations requests in the next academic year will be accepted as of April 1 of the previous Spring Semester and will be filed in order according to the date of receipt.
- Requests for routine meetings/functions in La Salle Union will be confirmed by the reservation staff. The confirmation process for the Fall Semester will begin on July 1 and the review of similar requests for the Spring Semester will begin on November 1. The sponsor of the event will be informed of the confirmation through the return of the appropriate copy of the reservation form.
- In the case of duplicate requests for the same date and facility, the applicants will be notified of the conflict and provided alternate dates and/or facilities. The staff will attempt to resolve the conflict to the mutual satisfaction of the applicants. The revised requests will then be confirmed for each group. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved, the La Salle Union Services Coordinator will assign the facilities and/or dates and inform the persons and groups involved.
- Reservation requests received after June 30 or October 31 will be acted upon as received. Requests for previously reserved facilities will be accommodated with the most suitable alternate facility and/or date.
- Questions regarding the facilities reservation procedures should be directed to the Director of Reservations and Conferences.
Solicitation of any kind is generally not permitted on or in the private property of the University without permission. This includes commercial salespersons, outside organizations, representatives of political parties, vendors, small businesses, etc. Campus-based student organizations, individual students, as well as individuals or groups not affiliated with La Salle interested in a solicitation in any facility, aside from Residential Communities, must receive authorization from the Office of Community Development.Back to Top
Protecting Minors on Campus Policy
Purpose and Scope of Policy
La Salle University is dedicated in the traditions of the Christian Brothers to excellence in teaching and to concern for both ultimate values and individual values. In this spirit, the University puts forth this policy to ensure that the University, through its students, faculty, staff, and visitors, conducts its operations and maintains its facilities consistently with its concern for such values, and with its desire to promote the safety and security of Minors who participate in activities and programs taking place on University property, in University facilities, or under the authority and direction of the University at other locations.
While there may be occasions for Minors to briefly visit faculty, students, and staff on campus, it is the University's general policy that unescorted or unsupervised Minors are not permitted on University premises. In addition to the requirements of this Policy, Minors visiting campus are subject to the same conditions as any other visitors to the University.
This Policy applies to all Schools and Departments within the University, including athletic camps, summer camps, academic programs, and any and all activities and programs intended for Minors, whether they are limited to daily activities or also involve the housing of Minors in University residence halls.
This Policy does not apply to the following circumstances in which Minors participate or are enrolled:
- the University's undergraduate and graduate academic programs;
- research programs subject to the review and approval of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) sponsored by the University or authorized by the University to provide oversight concerning such research programs;
- events on campus which are open to the general public and which Minors attend at the sole discretion of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (e.g., athletic events, open houses, Blue and Gold Days, Carnifall, etc.);
- recruiting visits by prospective student-athletes governed by the University Regulations, Policies & Procedures Related to Official Visits;
- campus visits by prospective students during which the prospective students are not overnight guests at the University;
- private events where minors attend under parental or legal guardian supervision; and
- such other similar, ongoing programs as may be designated from time to time by the appropriate Vice President or the Provost in advance and in writing as exempted by the Policy.
Minors who are present on campus under any of these circumstances are covered by the University's Child Abuse Reporting Obligations, set forth herein.
The following general rules shall apply regarding access of Minors to University premises under appropriate supervision:
- Minors are permitted in the general use facilities (athletic fields, public spaces, academic buildings, food services area, etc.) with an Authorized Adult, but may be restricted from certain areas of the facilities or from utilizing certain equipment.
- Even when accompanied by an Authorized Adult, pre-high school age Minors not participating in a Program on University premises or a University-sponsored off-campus activity are prohibited from laboratories and other areas where significant potential safety hazards and liabilities may exist, and where strict safety precautions are required.
- Minors are not allowed in classrooms while classes are in session unless permission is granted by the faculty member in advance of the start of class. Should a Minor become disruptive, the Authorized Adult and Minor may be asked to leave.
The University expects all members of the University community, including those visitors on University property and/or who use University facilities, to adhere to and act in accordance with this Policy. Failure to comply with this Policy may lead to disciplinary action for employees and/or revocation of the opportunity to use University facilities and land.
Authorized Adult
Any adult who has complied with the requirements to be present with Minors under this Policy and who is responsible for either escorting or supervising the Minor(s) while on campus or while participating in any Programs. An Authorized Adult may also be a Minor's parent, legal guardian.
Child Abuse
Child abuse is defined in Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa. C.S. § 6303. This statutory definition of child abuse includes non-accidental actions or omissions that cause serious physical or mental injuries to a Minor, or the sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a Minor. Child abuse may include acts or omissions that cause or fail to prevent serious physical injury to a Minor; sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of, a Minor; acts or omissions that have an actual or likely severe impact on a Minor's emotional and behavioral development, including those resulting from persistent or severe emotional mistreatment; serious physical neglect, including prolonged or repeated lack of supervision or the failure to provide for a Minor's basic needs, including adequate medical care, that endangers a Minor's life or development, or impairs the Minor's functioning.
Any person under the age of 18.
Any activity or program taking place on University property or in University facilities, or under the authority, direction, or support of the University, that involves the participation or presence of Minors and where the parents or legal guardians are not responsible for the care, custody or control of their children. Programs may include, but are not limited to, camps, conferences, and similar activities. These do not include organized events where parents or guardians are responsible for their children, or the other specific circumstances, such as events open to the public, specifically not covered by this Policy and enumerated in the Scope section, above.
Program Director
The person ultimately responsible for any Program that is covered by this Policy. Program Directors who are not University employees shall work with the University Director of Reservations and Conference Services (herein after referred to as the "University Coordinator") to ensure compliance with this Policy.
University Coordinator of Conferences and Events
The University employee responsible for coordinating with Program Directors who are not University employees to ensure compliance with this Policy. The University Coordinator may be reached at (215) 951-3660.
Policy Statement
In order to promote the safety and general welfare of all Minors who participate in programs at or sponsored by the University, whether on or off campus, it is the University's policy that all such Minors must be reasonably and appropriately supervised by an Authorized Adult who complies with the following Code of Conduct and other requirements of this Policy, as set forth below.
Code of Conduct
Authorized Adults are expected to be positive role models for Minors, and act in a caring, honest, respectful and responsible manner that is consistent with the mission of the University and the tradition of the Christian Brothers. Authorized Adults working in or with Programs covered by this Policy must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the following expectations and to avoid conduct that could cause harm to Minors, as follows:
- DO NOT meet with Minors outside of established times for Program activities. Any exceptions require written parent/legal guardian authorization and must include more than one Authorized Adult from the Program.
- DO NOT invite Minors to your home or residence. Any exceptions require authorization by the Program Director and written authorization by a parent/legal guardian.
- DO NOT engage in any sexual activity, make sexual comments, tell sexual jokes, or share sexually explicit material with Minors, or assist in any way to provide access to such material to Minors. DO NOT use language that would violate the University's harassment policy
- DO NOT engage or allow Minors to engage you in romantic or sexual conversations, or related matters.
- DO NOT engage or communicate with Minors through e-mail, text messages, social networking websites, Internet chat rooms, or other forms of social media at any time except and unless there is an educational or programmatic purpose and the content of the communication is consistent with the mission of the Program and the University.
- DO NOT touch Minors in a manner that a reasonable person could interpret as inappropriate. Touching should generally only be in the open and in response to the Minor's needs, for a purpose that is consistent with the Program's mission and culture, and/or for a clear educational, developmental, or health-related purpose (i.e., treatment of an injury). Any resistance from the Minor should be respected.
- DO NOT engage in any abusive conduct of any kind toward, or in the presence of, a Minor, including but not limited to verbal abuse, striking, hitting, punching, poking, spanking, or restraining. If restraint is necessary to protect a Minor or other Minors from harm, all incidents must be documented and disclosed to the Program Director and the Minor's parent/legal guardian.
- DO NOT participate in a sleepover under the auspices of the Program, unless (1) one of the Minor's parents or legal guardians is present or (2) one of the Minor's parents or legal guardians has given written consent and there is at least one other Authorized Adult present at all times.
- DO NOT share a bed or sleeping bag with a Minor.
- DO NOT shower, bathe, or undress with or in the presence of a Minor or be present in a communal bathroom at any time when a Minor is showering or bathing.
- DO NOT make pornography in any form available to a Minor participating in a Program covered by this Policy or assist them in any way in gaining access or allowing access to pornography.
- DO NOT engage in intimate displays of affection towards others in the presence of Minors, parents/legal guardians, or other Authorized Adults.
- DO NOT take any photographs or videos of Minors or post photographs or videos on a digital, electronic, hosted media, web-based service or any other medium, without first obtaining a release in this regard from the Minor's parent or legal guardian.
- DO NOT use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while on duty or when responsible for a Minor's welfare, or when otherwise in the presence of a Minor during the course of a Program.
- DO NOT possess or use any type of weapon or explosive device.
- DO NOT use a personal vehicle to pick up or drop off Minors participating in the Program, unless the Minor's parent or legal guardian has provided written permission.
- DO have more than one Authorized Adult from the Program present in the vehicle when transporting Minors in a Program, except when multiple Minors will be in the vehicle at all times throughout the transportation.
- DO immediately report abuse, harassment, or exploitation of Minors by other Minors participating in the Program to the Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety (or a designee) and/or the local law enforcement authorities.
- DO immediately remove Minors from dangerous situations and, in such instances as appropriate, immediately notify the Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety (or a designee) and/or the local law enforcement authorities.
Minors and Authorized Adults not meeting relevant University community conduct standards as set forth herein or in any other University policy will be asked to leave the campus, will be precluded from participation in a University-sponsored Program, and/or will be subject to other appropriate action. Authorized Adults against whom an allegation of inappropriate conduct under this Policy has been made will be precluded from any further participation in a Program unless and until such allegation has been satisfactorily resolved.
Application of Policy
Program Approval and Registration
The Program Director shall obtain approval for the Program and register the Program at least sixty (60) days prior to the first scheduled date of participation by Minors. Program approval must be obtained first by the appropriate Vice President/Dean/Provost responsible for the type of Program involved (e.g., the Vice President of Student Affairs through University Ministry for student volunteer programs, the appropriate Dean for internships during which students will interact with Minors, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation for all Programs for which third parties are required to license the use of the University's facilities, the Provost for activities in which third parties are required to license the use of all nonathletic facilities, etc.). Registration may be accomplished by completing the form attached hereto (also available online at http://www.lasalle.edu/financeadmin/formsbydept.htm ) and http://www.mybenergy.com ) and submitting it to the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources (or a designee).
Required information shall include:
- the University community member or third party responsible for the Program or activity (Program Director);
- the dates and locations where Minors will be participating;
- the general nature of the Program or activities to be undertaken or offered;
- the names of all adults who will be participating directly with Minors in the Program or activity;
- the administrative requirements associated with the Program or activity, including but not limited to waivers and permission slips to be obtained from the parents/legal guardians of participating Minors and medical emergency forms; and
- the signatures of the Program Director, University Coordinator (as applicable), and the Vice President/Dean/Provost responsible for and approving the Program.
License Agreement to Operate Programs on University Campuses
All third-party sponsors of Programs must execute a University License Agreement for Programs and Activities prior to the commencement of the Program. This Agreement can be obtained from the University Coordinator. Third-party Program Directors are required to fully comply with all aspects of this Policy before the University will enter into a License Agreement regarding the Program.
Background Checks
The Program Director, whether the Program is sponsored by the University or a third party, is required to certify that (1) all necessary background checks have been conducted on all adults, including but not limited to Authorized Adults, faculty, staff, students, and volunteers, who work with, instruct, or otherwise have a significant likelihood of regular contact with Minors in connection with a Program; and (2) that the Program Director has determined the fitness of all Authorized Adults and program staff.
The following requirements, listed below, are those currently required under Pennsylvania state law, and are provided here for reference only. Program Directors of third-party, non-University sponsored programs are required to independently confirm what is required under Pennsylvania law at the time of the program. Program Directors of University-sponsored programs should check with the University Coordinator to ensure all requirements required at the time of the Program have been met.
- Volunteers:
- If the volunteer has been a resident of PA continuously for the past 10 years:
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check ($10)
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance through the Department of Human Services ($10)
- Signed disclaimer affirming no charges in other states that would prohibit selection as a volunteer
- If the volunteer has NOT been a resident of PA continuously for the past 10 years:
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check ($10)
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance through the Department of Human Services ($10)
- FBI Criminal Background Check (fingerprint check) for federal criminal history records (Tentative $27.50 for DHS and $28.75 for DPE)
- If the volunteer has been a resident of PA continuously for the past 10 years:
- Employees:
- Employees having contact with children must obtain the following three clearances:
- Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP);
- Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse);
- Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI).
- Persons employed prior to Dec. 31, 2014 are required to obtain updated clearances as follows:
- Within 36 months of the date of the most recent clearance;
- By Dec. 31, 2015, if the clearance is older than 36 months; or
- By Dec. 31, 2015, if they have not received a clearance because they were employed in the same position and were not required to obtain a clearance under prior law (grandfathered).
- Employees having contact with children must obtain the following three clearances:
Examples of individuals who should obtain a criminal background check include, but are not limited to: supervisors of cafeteria facilities that the Minors are expected to use, as well as any food service workers who may interact with Minors outside of the presence of an Authorized Adult; Security Desk Receptionists and Resident Advisors (if Minors are expected to stay overnight in the University's residence halls); and Athletic staff who are likely to come into contact with Minors, such as coaches, trainers, and lifeguards.
A successful background check will be required of each adult prior to his or her direct participation with Minors in a Program, and at least once every 36 months thereafter. The background check will be limited to criminal offenses, including, but not limited to, Child Abuse, for which an individual has been convicted, pled guilty to a felony or misdemeanor, or where such charges are currently pending.
The required background check includes the following forms:
- a Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance;
- a Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check Clearance; and
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history.
Unless directed otherwise by the Program Director, the above-referenced background requests should be completed directly by the adult online using the appropriate website. The original background check results must be submitted to the Program Director; individuals may retain a copy of any background check for their own records.
It is the responsibility of the Program Director to ensure and certify that each participating adult has submitted the required background check request form and has subsequently received clearance to participate.
A decision not to permit a University faculty or staff member, student, volunteer, or other third party to participate in a Program covered by this Policy based on the results of a background check report will be made by the Program Director, in consultation with the University Coordinator, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources (when University faculty or staff are involved), the appropriate Vice President(s), and/or others as necessary.
The Program Director shall reference Unsuccessful Background Checks in this Policy in determining whether a background check is successful. Background check reports obtained pursuant to this Policy will be used only for the purposes of this Policy, except that the University reserves the right to take appropriate action with respect to employees who may have falsified or failed to disclose information material to their employment on employment applications uncovered as a result of the background check, including and up to immediate termination of employment.
Copies of background check reports with respect to any adult participating in a University-sponsored Program will be retained by University Human Resources (reports involving University faculty or staff), the University and Ministry and Service office (reports involving students), or the Program Director (reports involving any other third party or volunteer). All Program Directors who are not employees of the University should provide a copy of all background check reports and the Training Certification and acknowledgment forms for all Authorized Adults to the University Coordinator prior to the commencement of any such Program.
Background checks must be completed and evaluated prior to the adult being deemed "Authorized" to work with Minors. Human Resources shall maintain a roster of University faculty, staff, and employees who have been cleared to participate and the dates on which a new background check will be required; the Registrar shall maintain such a roster for students. The Program Director will be required to ensure that criminal background checks are conducted on returning Authorized Adults every 36 Months.
Other Programs at the University may require additional or more frequent background checks and certifications based on the nature of the Program. Please refer to your specific Program requirements for additional information.
- Volunteers:
In recognition of the importance of protecting Minors, the University requires that all adults working with Minors in connection with a Program, including but not limited to Authorized Adults, faculty, staff, students, and volunteers, who work with, instruct, or otherwise have a significant likelihood of regular contact with Minors, be trained on protecting Minors from abusive emotional and physical treatment, on appropriate conduct and reporting requirements, and, for University faculty, staff, students, and volunteers, on this Policy and the reporting requirements under this Policy. The Program Director, whether the Program is sponsored by the University or a third party, is required to confirm that all such adults receive such training.
Training for University faculty, staff, students, and volunteers participating in a University-sponsored program will be conducted by University Ministry and Services ("UMAS"). University-based Program Directors should contact UMAS to schedule all such training. This training shall be completed before an adult begins working with Minors and annually, thereafter. Training must be completed "live" or "in-person" in the person's first year working with minors, and can be completed online in subsequent years. Training must be done "live" or "in-person" at least once every 4 years.
In the event that Programs not affiliated with the University are not able to meet the training requirements of this Policy, the Program Director may contact with the UMAS office to determine if the necessary training may be contracted through the UMAS office.
All adults involved with Programs covered by this policy, whether sponsored by the University or third parties, will be required to certify that they have received training regarding working with Minors, that they have been provided with a copy of this Policy, and that they understand their obligations as Authorized Adults thereunder. A Training Certification and Acknowledgment Form is attached to this Policy. Program Directors are responsible for obtaining and maintaining executed Training Certification and Acknowledgment Forms for all adults participating in a Program; all Program Directors who are not employees of the University should provide a copy of all such completed forms to the University Coordinator prior to the commencement of any such Program.
Communication With and Documentation From Parents/Legal Guardians
The Program Director is responsible for collecting contact information for the parent/legal guardian of every Minor participating in a Program, as well as for providing the parent/legal guardian with information on how to reach his or her Minor in the event of an emergency. Authorized Adults may not release a Minor to anyone other than a custodial parent or legal guardian without written authorization from the parent/legal guardian that his or her child may be released to that individual.
For all Programs, the parent/legal guardian of the Minor will be required to execute a Parental/Legal Guardian Consent, Waiver and Indemnity Form ("Consent Form"). The Program Director is responsible for obtaining and maintaining executed Consent Forms for all Minors participating in any Program; all Program Directors who are not employees of the University should provide a copy of all such completed forms to the University Coordinator. A Consent Form is attached to this Policy.
Reporting Obligations
All University employees, as well as all Authorized Adults, shall immediately report any known or reasonably suspected violation of the Code of Conduct set forth in this Policy which involves or is suspected to involve Child Abuse.
In deciding whether to make a report pursuant to this Policy, it is not required that the reporter have proof that abuse has occurred; any uncertainty in deciding to report suspected Child Abuse should be resolved in favor of making a report. For those individuals without mandatory reporting requirements under this Policy or otherwise, the individual may make the report anonymously.
Mandated Reporting
As required by Pennsylvania law, 23 Pa. C.S. §6301, et seq., and University policy, any mandated reporter who has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse has occurred is obligated to do the following:
- Make a report to ChildLine by telephone at 800-932-0313 or electronically at https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS/Public/ReferralsLearnMore, when the child does not appear to be in immediate danger of abuse or harm.
- Within 48-hours of telephone reports to ChildLine, a written report, form CY-47, must be filed with the county Children & Youth services where the alleged abuse took place. Form CY-47 may be completed electronically on the Department of Human Services website at compass.state.pa.us/CWIS. It is not necessary to complete a CY-47 when you have made an electronic report.
- Notify the Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety (or a designee) immediately. Within twenty-four (24) hours after making this report, the individual, if an employee or volunteer of the University, shall also report the information to his/her immediate supervisor.
- If any University employee or Authorized Adult sees a Minor in imminent danger or a crime against a Minor in progress on University property, in University facilities, or otherwise in connection with a Program, the individual should immediately remove the Minor from the dangerous situation and call (215) 991-2111. The individual shall also then make the required reports, as set forth above
When reporting to the University, all reports of Child Abuse should be made immediately to the Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety (or a designee), at (215) 991-2111, firstname.lastname@example.com. A form to assist individuals in compiling and reporting this information is attached to this Policy.
Immediately upon receiving a report under this Policy, the Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety (or a designee) shall: (1) take action, if possible, to remove all Minors from dangerous situations, (2) if it has not yet been reported to the ChildLine, report the suspected Child Abuse to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare ("DPW"); and (3) where the report implicates potential abuse of a Minor, report the suspected Child Abuse to local law enforcement.
The Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety shall not make an independent determination of whether to make the report to the DPW, but will make the required reports orally, and immediately, to the DPW's ChildLine at (800) 932-0313, providing the available information. After making the initial report to ChildLine, the Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety shall notify the individual making the initial report that the required ChildLine report was made.
Within 48 hours of reporting to ChildLine, the Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety must make a written report of the available information on forms provided by the DPW (Report of Suspected Child Abuse [CY-47]) to the county children and youth agency in the county where the suspected child abuse occurred. The Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety shall maintain records of all reports made under this Policy.
The following are guidelines for the Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety (or a designee) in the event that he or she takes action to remove a Minor from a dangerous situation pursuant to this Policy. All conduct pursuant to these guidelines, to the extent reasonably possible under the circumstances, should comport with the Code of Conduct set forth above.
- If the perpetrator of the dangerous situation is not the Program Director or an Authorized Adult within the Program, the Program Director shall be contacted and the Minor returned to the supervision of the Program Director. If the Program Director cannot be located, then the Minor's parent/legal guardian shall be contacted in the manner set forth on the La Salle University Parental/Legal Guardian Consent, Waiver and Indemnity Form completed in connection with the Minor's participation in the Program and the Minor returned to the parent/legal guardian's custody and supervision.
- If the perpetrator of the dangerous situation is not known or if it is reasonably believed that the perpetrator is the Program Director or an Authorized Adult within the Program, the Minor's parent/legal guardian shall be contacted in the manner set forth on the La Salle University Parental/Legal Guardian Consent, Waiver and Indemnity Form and the Minor returned to the parent/legal guardian's custody and supervision.
- During the time that the Minor is waiting to be transferred to the custody and supervision of one of the individuals set forth above, as appropriate, he or she shall remain under the supervision of University Security and Safety employees, pursuant to the Code of Conduct set forth above, who have received training regarding protecting Minors as set forth above. In the event that the Minor is not returned to the custody and supervision of any of the individuals as set forth above within 5 (five) hours of being under the supervision of University Safety and Security, the Assistant Vice President for Security and Safety (or a designee) shall refer the matter to local law enforcement.
- If it is reasonably believed that the Minor is in need of immediate medical attention, an ambulance shall be called to transport the Minor to a local medical facility.
Prohibition of Retaliation
No person who makes a good faith report of suspected child abuse or neglect will be retaliated against in the terms and conditions of employment or educational program.
Unsuccessful Background Checks
A background check obtained pursuant to the Protecting Minors on Campus Policy shall be deemed unsuccessful in the event that any one of the following is revealed through an individual's background check:
- The individual is named in the central register as the perpetrator of a founded report of child abuse committed within the preceding five years.
- The individual is named in the central register as the perpetrator of a founded report for a school employee committed within the preceding five years.
- The individual has been convicted of (or is currently charged with) one of the following offenses under Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Code (or an equivalent crime under Federal law or the law of another state):
- Chapter 25 (relating to criminal homicide);
- Section 2702 (relating to aggravated assault);
- Section 2709.1 (relating to stalking);
- Section 2901 (relating to kidnapping);
- Section 2902 (relating to unlawful restraint);
- Section 3121 (relating to rape);
- Section 3122.1 (relating to statutory sexual assault);
- Section 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse);
- Section 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault);
- Section 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault);
- Section 3126 (relating to indecent assault);
- Section 3127 (relating to indecent exposure);
- Section 4302 (relating to incest);
- Section 4303 (relating to concealing death of child);
- Section 4304 (relating to endangering welfare of children);
- Section 4305 (relating to dealing in infant children);
- A felony offense under section 5902(b) (relating to prostitution and related offenses);
- Section 5903(c) or (d) (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances);
- Section 6301 (relating to corruption of minors);
- Section 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of children); or
- the attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses set forth in this paragraph.
- The individual has been convicted of a felony offense under the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, committed within the preceding five years.
Reference: 23 Pa. C.S. § 6344(c)
Student Health Insurance Requirements
All registered Undergraduate Day Students, all Resident Students, all registered International Students, all Undergraduate Evening Students registered for 12 or more credits, and all Graduate Students registered for six (6) or more credits or in a full-time program, are required to carry health insurance coverage, either through the University-sponsored plan or through an alternative comparable plan, such as coverage on a parent's health insurance plan. Prior to first attendance at the University, and annually thereafter, students in the identified categories must complete the online student health insurance waiver/enrollment process.Back to Top
Copyright 2017 La Salle University. All rights reserved. Produced by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Effective Date: August 21, 2017