Abuse/Bullying

Actions toward another person(s) that emotionally and/or physically intimidate, harm, or control through repetition and/or severity. Actions may be verbal, non-verbal, written, or physical. Examples include but are not limited to: sending mean or inappropriate online messages, texts, or emails or posting/sharing humiliating images or information about another online, a.k.a. cyber-bullying; making threats; physical intimidation of another; starting or spreading degrading rumors about another; verbal insults or attacks; or ostracism.

Aggressive Behavior 

Any conduct which involves or interferes with the person of another including, but not limited to, fighting, physical assault, unlawful detention, interference with another’s freedom of movement, pushing or shoving, or threats to do physical harm. 

Alcohol

See "Substance Use - Alcohol and Other Drugs Violations" below.

Appropriate Use of Information and Technology Resources

Refer to the complete Appropriate Use of Information and Technology policy here in the Guilford Policy Library: https://www.guilford.edu/policy/appropriate-use-information-and-technology-resources.

Bias-Motivated Incident

An act of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation involving a member of the Guilford community that a reasonable person would conclude is directed at a member or group within the Guilford community based on sex/gender, age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, identity, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, ordinance or regulation.

A bias incident can occur whether the act is intentional or unintentional.

Hate crimes fall under this violation in addition to the criminal violation.

Disorderly Assembly

Guilford, as an academic institution, is committed to free and open inquiry into matters of social, political and economic concern and encourages the presentation of all views and dissent by orderly means. A group will not be allowed to assemble if that group’s conduct is riotous and/or impedes the normal operations of the College as determined by the President or the appropriate administrative official. See also Peaceful Assembly Policy.

Disruptive Conduct 

Any behavior that disrupts the academic, social, residential or job-related pursuits of members of the College community. Examples include but are not limited to:

• outbursts during an academic class
• verbal or written insults directed at a College official
• nudity in public areas or at public events
• behavior that poses a direct threat to the health and safety of self or others
• misuse of bathroom facilities or public urination
• conduct which adversely and seriously affects the suitability of the student as a member of the Guilford community
• refusal to intervene in a situation where harm of whatever nature is being enacted (see also Bystander Policy)

Drugs 

See "Substance Use - Alcohol and Other Drugs Violations" below.

Endangering Health and/or Safety

Behaviors that create a risk of danger or direct threat to the health or safety of self or others including, but not limited to:

• noncompliance with any communicated health and safety regulations implemented by the College to protect the well-being of community members
• violations of the health and safety standards as outlined in the Residence Hall Information and Policies
• reckless driving
• propping residence hall doors open
• tampering with residence hall access systems
• throwing objects from or hanging from windows or balconies
• misuse of restroom facilities
• camping anywhere on campus grounds
• using skateboards for anything other than transportation
• misuse of slacklines

Failure to Comply

Students are required to comply with the reasonable requests of faculty, staff, or agents of the College in the performance of their duties or any College policies, protocols, or procedures.  Noncompliance with verbal or written instructions, policies, protocols, or procedures is considered failure to comply.  It also includes the failure to identify oneself with proper ID when asked, disruption of any aspect of the student conduct system, failure to attend a student conduct hearing or meetings, or the incompletion of required sanctions.

The failure to comply charge may also be applied in instances when a student has repeated violations of the same type as, through the student conduct process, they have previously been directly advised of the College policies.

Falsification of Information

Portraying, providing, or relaying false or falsified information/documentation. Such falsification includes, but is not limited to, forged signatures or falsified authorization; inaccurately recorded, reported, or relayed information; inaccurate portrayal of circumstances; impersonating another; or the misrepresentation of oneself. Falsification of information may occur verbally or through documentation, through the use of College property or resources (including email, the College networks, phone), or by other means. Examples of falsification of information may occur on/in, but are not limited to, course or registration materials, admissions applications, work-study forms, College records, ID or student ID card documentation or usage, notes from medical personnel, and College reports and forms.

Fire Safety

Fire Safety regulations must be strictly observed to protect the health and safety of members of the Guilford community. Any violation of fire safety regulations may, by law, be reported to the Greensboro Fire Department for possible prosecution of the perpetrator(s) under North Carolina General Statute 14-286.

Examples of fire safety violations include but are not limited to:

• Accidental or intentional fires; any lit flame indoors; the burning of any substance/material indoors
• Failure to evacuate a building during an alarm
• Failure to report a fire safety hazard or violation
• Exceeding occupancy limits
• Smoking or vaping indoors or in unapproved locations (see Smoking policy below)
• Misuse, tampering with, or disabling emergency equipment such as smoke detectors, the x2909 campus emergency number, “blue light” telephones, whistles, College vehicles and their contents, fire alarm pull stations, or fire extinguishers.
• Alterations of the electrical circuits and equipment
• Turning off lights in bathrooms and corridors
• Using fire escapes in non-emergency situations
• Storing personal possessions in hallways, stairwells, or basements

Fire Safety officials have established occupancy limits for all residence hall spaces based on size and egress. Failure to adhere to these limits will result in student conduct charges.

• Bryan Hall suite - 16 person maximum
• Apartments East suite – 14 person maximum
• Apartments North suite - 14 person maximum; porches - 15 person maximum
• Apartments South suite - 18 person maximum
• Binford, English or Shore bedroom - 7 person maximum
• Mary Hobbs or Milner bedroom - 6 person maximum

The possession and/or use of items that may create a fire hazard are prohibited and will result in fines and/or student conduct charges. Use and/or subsequent possession offenses may result in student conduct charges and greater fines.  Examples of prohibited items include but are not limited to:

• Open-coiled appliances such as hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, air fryers, electric frying pans, and space heaters
• Induction cooktops
• Sun lamps
• Refrigerators and air-conditioners not approved and/or installed by the College
• Extension cords other than UL-approved power strips
• Fresh cut or live Christmas trees
• Candles in any residence hall room or common area (even if for religious purposes)
• Halogen lights
• Grills - charcoal or gas
• Light fixtures or electrical outlets which are covered with cloth or papers (or any material considered flammable)
• Butane torches, lighter fluids, gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquids
• Decorative string lighting of any type (i.e. Christmas or running lights, battery powered, LED)

Harassment

Conduct that is unwelcome and persistent or pervasive, and has the purpose or effect of being serious enough to

• create a hostile or demeaning educational, living, or work environment at Guilford College; or
• deny a person’s educational, living, or work opportunities or benefits at Guilford College.

To constitute harassment, conduct would exceed a mere expression of views, words, symbols, or thoughts which some may consider offensive (see also the Freedom of Artistic Expression Policy) and will be evaluated from an objective and subjective point of view.

Harassment may also be categorized as a violation of the Guilford College Nondiscriminatory Policy when on a basis of sex/gender, age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, ordinance or regulation.

Harassment of a sexual or gender-based nature that falls under Title IX definitions will follow the Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedures or the Sexual Misconduct and Gender-Based Harassment or Discrimination definition.

Hazing 

Under North Carolina law, "It is unlawful for any student in attendance at any university, college, or school in this State to engage in hazing, or to aid or abet any other student in the commission of this offense. to physical injury as part of an initiation, or as a prerequisite to membership, into any organized school group, including any society, athletic team, fraternity or sorority, or other similar group.” Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor according to North Carolina General Statute 14.35. 

Host Responsibility

Guilford students are responsible for their guests, this includes student and non-student guests. Students will be charged with Host Responsibility for any violations of the Student Code of Conduct committed by their guests. Host Responsibility includes violations that may occur in a student’s own assigned living space, elsewhere on-campus, or in the student's vehicle, whether or not the host is physically present in the space/vehicle at the time of the violation.

Littering

The public disposal of any substance or item in an area other than the proper trash receptacle is prohibited. This includes excessive personal trash in residence hall or academic building common areas. 

Local, State, and/or Federal Law

All local, state, and federal laws are enforced as part of Guilford College's student conduct system. This includes behavior while on-campus as well as that of enrolled students while off-campus. Students who are found responsible for this violations of local, state, and/or federal law may go through the Guilford College student conduct process in addition to or in parallel with proceedings enacted by law enforcement. (See definition of "Student" under Student Conduct Process Definitions.)

Misuse of Student Identification

The Guilford College ID or Quaker Card serves as your campus identification, library card, meal ticket, and residence hall access key and is non-transferable. Guilford ID cards may not be used for fraudulent purposes. The following demonstrates typical improper uses of student identification: failure to carry student ID card, gaining access to the College’s facilities and/or activities by use of another or inactive student’s ID card or by the fraudulent use of an ID. All parties are held accountable, assuming they had knowledge of the improper use, loaning one’s card to another for any purpose or obtaining additional cards under false pretense.

Noise

Causing noise on campus grounds or in any College building, which disrupts an atmosphere conducive to work, study and rest or which is in violation of the residence hall quiet hours policy is prohibited. Certain items in conflict with this policy are prohibited, including but not limited to, amplified instruments, drum sets, and subwoofers. 

Other College Policies

Students may be held judicially responsible for violations Other College Policies as outlined in the College Policies and Procedures section of the Student Handbook, the College Catalog, the College Policy Library, and otherwise published or conveyed by the College.

Other Residence Hall Policies & Procedures

As a primarily residential campus, all students are expected to abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Residence Halls Policies & Information section of the Student Handbook, the Residential Contract, and policies/procedures otherwise published or conveyed by Residential Education & Housing.

Pets

Because of North Carolina and Greensboro Public Health Regulations and the College's concern for the health and well being of all, ALL pets, except for fish in a 10 gallon or less tank, are prohibited from residing in the residence halls and on-campus apartment or entering on-campus residential spaces for any length of time. Students are responsible for abiding by this policy, for ensuring that their guests abide by this policy, and for ensuring that their residence hall space is in compliance with this policy. (Pet fish may not remain in the residence halls during break periods when the pet owners cannot directly care for the animals.)

It is the expectation that individuals with pets on campus in permitted areas be in control of their pet at all times (dogs on a leash, animals being transported in a crate, etc.) and that owners will clean up after their pets. 

Service animals and emotional support animals are permitted and approved on a case-by-case basis under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA) regulations and restrictions, (contact the Accessibility Resource Center for more information on ADA accommodations in housing). Emotional support animals must be fully approved by the Guilford Accessibility Resource Center prior to entering a residence hall space. Students with approved animals are responsible for ensuring that their animal does not cause disruption or damage, nor or endanger others.

Property Damage

Damage to another’s belongings or to College property (beyond that incurred through normal use) is prohibited. Damage may be caused intentionally, by accident, or by neglectful or reckless behavior. Students who are found responsible for any damage to College property will be billed for the actual cost of repair/replacement and labor in addition to potential student conduct fines.

Sexual Misconduct and Gender-Based Harassment or Discrimination

The Guilford College Title IX Policy and Grievance Procedures supersede the student conduct procedures in all applicable cases of reported sexual misconduct and gender-based harassment or discrimination. However, when a reported case of this type of misconduct does not fall under the specific parameters of Title IX, and the respondent is a student, then the Student Conduct Process shall assume authority for its adjudication.

Smoking

For the promotion of wellness of the Guilford community and to maintain fire safety regulations, all smoking (including e-cigarettes, vape pens, and hookahs) on campus property is prohibited in all areas except for the four designated approved smoking areas:

1. on the north side of Hege Library facing King Hall
2. behind the Public Safety Building
3. between the Community Center and North Apartments, in the space east of the walkway and stairs
4. the picnic table at the north end of the East Apartments parking lot

Note: In designated smoking areas where a smoking shelter such as a bench or picnic table is provided, the approved smoking area is within that shelter.

Any smoking outside of these permitted areas is considered a violation of College policy and subject to action as outlined in the Faculty, Staff and Student Handbooks. Waste from smoking (such as cigarette remains) must be completely snuffed out and disposed of in appropriate waste or ash receptacles.

Substance Use - Alcohol and Other Drug Violations

Alcohol Policies: The following constitute violations of the College’s alcohol policies. Whenever Guilford College staff respond to an incident clearly involving students under the age limit, of age students in violation of the policies, or there is a medical or safety concern, all alcohol present will be disposed of by the staff. All first-year student living spaces are considered dry areas of campus and alcohol is not permitted. 

Abusive Use / Misconduct Under the Influence of Alcohol: Behavior that is considered disruptive, inappropriate, or harmful to self or others in any way; leads to medical consequences or police reports; or includes other violations while under the influence will be considered for this violation. 

Common Containers: Kegs and other common containers along with beer “bongs” and funnels are not permitted on campus or at College-sponsored events off-campus.

Drinking Games: Drinking games of any type are considered dangerous and are considered to be a violation of the alcohol policies of the College. 

Public Display: Consumption or possession of alcohol is prohibited in all communal or open access areas, such as hallways, balconies, the Bryan Quad, East Apartment breezeways, basements, bathrooms, lounges, campus grounds, administrative or classroom buildings. Alcohol being transported onto campus or between buildings by students of legal drinking age must be placed in a bag or other concealing container. 

Purchase of Alcohol with College Funds: Neither the College nor any group which owes its existence to Guilford, whether officially or unofficially, formally or informally, will be permitted to use any organizational funds derived from or held by the institution for the purchase of any kind of alcoholic beverage. 

Underage Possession / Use: The laws of the State of North Carolina pertaining to the possession and use of alcoholic beverages shall be followed specifically. It is illegal for persons under the age of 21 to consume or possess alcohol. It is also illegal for persons under or over 21 to supply alcohol to a person who has not reached the age of 21. The laws of North Carolina will apply to all students and visitors of Guilford College. In addition, the presence of empty alcohol containers (bottles, boxes, caps etc.) in the residential living space of a student under the age of 21 will constitute a violation of the Underage Possession / Use policy. Some residential areas are designated as alcohol-prohibited or "dry," such as first-year residential areas, and possession or consumption of alcohol in these areas will constitute a violation of the Underage Possession / Use policy regardless of the involved party's ages.

Note: It is not a policy violation for an individual under the age of 21, but not consuming alcohol, to be in the presence of someone over 21 who is consuming alcohol if the latter is permitted by law and College policies. Students in possession of excessive amounts of alcohol, in the presence of minors, may be presumed to be distributing to minors.

Drug Policies: The College does not tolerate and strictly prohibits the possession, use, or selling/distribution of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and other controlled substances. The College reserves the right to notify appropriate law enforcement authorities for any level of drug violation that involves a violation of local, state, or federal laws.

Dealing/Distributing: Selling, making and/or distributing illegal drugs or other controlled substances will likely result in suspension or dismissal from the College on the first offense.

Possession/Use/Paraphernalia: Examples of items for which possession and/or use is prohibited include, but are not limited to, any amount of an illicit drug in any form, drug paraphernalia whether purchased or homemade, bongs, pot pipes/bowls, scales, blow tubes, medication not prescribed to oneself, etc. Further, substances that appear to be illegal or controlled (by virtue of sight, smell, or other contextual factors) will be treated as such and are prohibited under this policy.

Abusive Use / Misconduct Under the Influence of Drugs: Behavior that is considered disruptive, inappropriate, or harmful to self or others in any way; leads to medical consequences or police reports; or includes other violations while under the influence. In addition to the prohibited and illegal items and substances listed above, this policy may be applied when recreational, over-the-counter, prescribed, or legally-obtained substances are misused or abused.

IMPORTANT: A second drug violation of possession/use/paraphernalia and/or abusive use / misconduct under the influence in a single academic year (fall-to-spring or spring-to-fall) may result in suspension regardless of the number of accrued points, student academic year, or time in the semester.

Theft

Theft of property and possession of stolen items are prohibited and considered intolerable.

Note: The College is not liable for any theft or loss due to fire, water, etc., in campus buildings either during the semester or during the vacation periods. Students are urged to carry insurance coverage on their personal property through their families’ homeowners policies or purchase their own policy. Students are expected to take the reasonable precautions of locking their room doors, carrying their keys with them, and avoiding keeping large sums of money in rooms or apartments. Any student who has lost property should contact the Department of Public Safety immediately at 336.316.2909. 

Unauthorized Entry, Use, or Possession

Entry, use, and possession of certain College resources, spaces, equipment, etc. is restricted to authorized individuals only, whether this is explicitly stated or understood. Violators may be subject to student conduct charges.  Examples include but are not limited to:

• Duplication of College-issued keys.
• Entry into buildings after regular closing hours without permission.
• Entry to rooftops, maintenance areas, or other closed areas without authorization.
• Entry or use of unoccupied/unassigned residence hall rooms.  
• Entry into faculty or staff offices or working areas at any time without permission of that employee.
• Use of College phone lines or office equipment without permission.

Weapons

Neither possession of weapons nor use of those weapons is tolerated on the Guilford campus as pursuant to North Carolina law and the testimonies of the College. North Carolina law prohibits the possession of weapons, concealed or otherwise, on private or public campuses. The only exception would be for “a weapon used solely for educational or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes or used in a school-approved program conducted under the supervision of an adult whose supervision has been approved by the school authority.” (North Carolina General Statute Section, 14-269.2) In addition, the possession, storage or use of any instrument, device or substances that intentionally or recklessly creates a reasonable apprehension of imminent bodily harm to the person or property of another on College or College-related premises is strictly prohibited. Possession of non-edged weapons such as swords used in martial arts must be approved by the Dean of Students. This policy covers, but is not limited to the following:

• fireworks of any type
• firearms of any type
• ammunition
• BB guns
• paintball guns, air pistols, or splat guns
• realistic toy guns
• pepper spray
• Tasers
• knives (non-kitchen utensils, longer than four (4) inches)

Note: This policy does not apply to sworn police officers that may be on campus either to attend classes or to complement on-campus security staff for special events and emergency calls.