2014-2015

EC-Book
The Eckerd College
Student Handbook

 2014-2015 EC Book

The 2014-2015 EC-Book

The Eckerd College Student Handbook
INTRODUCTION
The Eckerd College Mission ........................................................................................................................... 3
Mission and Vision of the Student Life Program .......................................................................................... 4
Honor Pledge and Shared Commitment ....................................................................................................... 4
Historical Sketch of Eckerd College ............................................................................................................... 5
A Message from the Deans ........................................................................................................................... 7
A Message from ECOS................................................................................................................................... 7
Academic Calendar ........................................................................................................................................ 8

COMMUNITY STANDARDS & POLICIES

Statement of the Rights, Responsibilities, and Freedoms of Students ...................................................... 10
Expectations for Student Conduct ............................................................................................................... 12
Academic Honesty Policy ............................................................................................................................ 16
Abusive Affiliation (Hazing) Policy ............................................................................................................... 17
Alcohol and Other Drug Policy .................................................................................................................... 17
Stalking and Intrusive Contact Policy ........................................................................................................... 25
Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct Policy ........................................................................................... 26
Firearms and Weapons Policy .................................................................................................................... 34
Parking Policies and Procedures ................................................................................................................ 34
Yellow Bike Policy .37
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Policy..38
Residence Life Policies and Procedures .................................................................................................... 38
Housing Agreement...41
Meal Plan Participation Policy ..................................................................................................................... 44
Pet Policy ...................................................................................................................................................... 45
Computer Usage Policy ................................................................................................................................ 49
Posting Policy ................................................................................................................................................ 50
Policy on College-Initiated Medical Leaves .51
Other Policies and Grievances Procedures ......53

PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCT ACTION

............................................................................... 54

Procedures for Conduct Action Regarding Alumni...... 68

DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................................ 69

Page 2

 2014-2015 EC Book

The Eckerd College Mission

The mission of Eckerd College is to provide excellent, innovative undergraduate liberal arts education and
lifelong learning programs in the unique Florida environment, within the context of a covenant relationship
with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The College expects its students to acquire a broad knowledge of past and present human cultures and of
the rich and varied perspectives of different academic areas.
The College expects its students to engage intellectually with the enduring questions of purpose, value, and
meaning and to reflect seriously on the spiritual dimension of human existence.
The College expects its students to acquire the intellectual depth appropriate to a baccalaureate education
in a single discipline or subject, including mastery of a particular body of knowledge and an understanding of
its principal modes of inquiry.
The College expects its students to deepen their awareness and comprehension of two central issues:
sustaining the natural environment, and fostering cross-cultural understanding and respect for diversity in a
global society.
The College expects its students to strengthen their sense of personal and social responsibility for ethical
reasoning and action, constructive community engagement, and thoughtful leadership through meaningful
participation in campus life and the wider community.
The College expects its students to develop and nurture the intellectual and practical skills that result from a
liberal arts education: critical inquiry and analysis, effective written and oral communication, quantitative and
information literacy, and teamwork and creative problem solving.
The College offers lifelong learning programs consistent with the purposes, content, and values of a liberal
arts education.
Pursuant to these aims Eckerd College supports a faculty dedicated to fostering student learning through
effective teaching and mentoring, productive scholarship and artistic endeavor, and broad participation in the
campus community. Eckerd also supports a staff dedicated to creating an environment that fosters the
College's learning community and supports the students in their intellectual, artistic, and moral development.
The governing board, administration, faculty, and staff share a commitment to sustaining and improving a
college community that fosters a strong values-oriented liberal arts education for its students.
Approved by the Board of Trustees
November 15, 2008

Equal Opportunity and Compliance

Eckerd College is committed to providing equal opportunity for all persons and will not discriminate in regard
to admissions, programs, and any other educational function or service on the basis of race, color, creed,
national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other
classification protected by local, state or federal law, with respect to any person who meets the Colleges
admission criteria and is willing to abide by the Colleges standards of conduct. In employment, including
hiring and other conditions of employment, Eckerd College will not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
creed, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other
classification protected by local, state, or federal law. Eckerd College operates within the regulation of Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as
amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the
requirements of any other local, state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination. Inquiries concerning the
application of this policy may be directed to the Eckerd College Title IX Coordinator, Lorisa Lorenzo,
th
Associate Dean of Students, Eckerd College, 4200 54 Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33711, or by
telephone at (727) 864-8421.

Page 3

 2014-2015 EC Book

The Mission and Vision of the Student Life Program

The Division of Student Life collaborates with the Division of Academic Affairs in providing for students cocurricular programs, residential life programs, sports and fitness activities, and student support resources
that enhance students learning and educational development and that enrich their lives in key areas: social
and interpersonal development, health and wellness, spiritual life, recreation, civic responsibility and
community service, leadership development, multicultural appreciation, and career and graduate school
planning.
This mission will be manifested in the following vision:
1. Close collaboration of faculty and Student Life staff and the seamless integration of the Colleges
Academic and Student Life programs.
2. An intellectually and socially enriching campus atmosphere distinguished by student selfgovernance and accountability.
3. An inclusive community, characterized by a network of strong interpersonal relationships, where
diversity and differences are respected and valued.
4. A community of engaged global citizens and environmental stewards.
5. Student Life programs with identified learning goals and opportunities for students to reflect upon
their co-curricular experiences.
6. The integration of intercollegiate athletics, recreational sports, and fitness programs into campus
life with a focus on wellness and holistic development.
7. Support services, reflective of best practices, which empower students to achieve their full
academic and personal potential.
8. Student satisfaction with colleges facilities services, dining service and residential operations.
9. Reflective, self-directed, and responsible graduates who are well-prepared for a productive and
purposeful life.

Honor Pledge and Shared Commitment

Upon entering Eckerd College, every student is asked to sign a promise to uphold the Honor Pledge and the
Shared Commitment.
Honor Pledge
On my honor, as an Eckerd College student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, or steal, nor to tolerate these
behaviors in others.
Shared Commitment
The choice to join the community of scholars of Eckerd College commits each student to the values
embodied in the mission and objectives of this church-related College of liberal arts and sciences. Inherent
in this commitment is the responsibility:
1. To use one's abilities and opportunities to pursue personal and academic growth and excellence
2. To exercise respect for human dignity in attitudes and relationships
3. To conduct oneself with integrity in academic work and as a citizen of the College community
4. To respect the rights and property of other students and their need for an environment conducive to
scholarly work
5. To respect the rights and property of Eckerd College and to protect its reputation as a College of
distinction with a student body of high quality
6. To respect and learn from human differences and the diversity of ideas and opinions
7. To seek out opportunity to prepare for a life of leadership and service.
Each student's commitment to these ideals obligates that student to abide by the Colleges Student Code of
Conduct and to work with others to prevent the following behaviors that threaten the freedom and respect
that members of the Eckerd community enjoy:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Academic dishonesty
Chronic interference with the right to study
Willful destruction of property
Taking of personal or College property
Personal violence
Bigotry
Disruptive intoxication.

Thus all students share a commitment to excellence and to the creation of a College community in which
they can take pride.

Page 4

 2014-2015 EC Book

Historical Sketch of Eckerd College

In 1958, the founders of the College said, "What is envisioned here is not just another College that lives from
day to day on a routine, unimaginative basis. A new College requires a high degree of vision and creativity
and should capture the imagination not only of Florida, but of the American public." So the story began.
The exciting story of Eckerd College has unfolded since its incorporation in 1959 and its groundbreaking
ceremony in the palmetto scrub on the southern tip of Pinellas County in 1960. It is the story of a visionary
church, a courageous board of trustees, a highly committed faculty and staff, able students, and thousands
of friends who turned an idea into a reality.
At the end of World War II, existing colleges and universities expanded and new ones were founded to
accommodate returning GIs eager to earn a college education. Florida needed a college innovative in
character and superior in academic quality. Members of the United Presbyterian Church (USA) and the
Presbyterian Church (US) first separately, and then jointly, acted on this need. The two synods created a
committee that drafted an extended statement of the nature of the College to be founded, selected St.
Petersburg as its location, and conducted a campaign to provide financial support.
In 1958, the Florida Legislature granted the charter and the Presbyterian synods appointed a board of
trustees. The chartered name was Florida Presbyterian College, accepted as a temporary designation until
the College could be named to recognize a significant donor. William Kadel was elected President, John
Bevan was appointed dean to develop the academic program, and Professor Tom West was sent all over
Florida to recruit the first class.
In 1960, the College began its first instructional program with 155 freshman students and 22 faculty. A
groundbreaking ceremony was held on 267 waterfront acres on the Gulf of Mexico, which was land acquired
from the City of St. Petersburg for a college. For the College's first three years, courses were held in the
Merchant Marine buildings on Bayboro Harbor in downtown St. Petersburg. The College moved to its
waterfront location when the initial phase of construction was completed in 1963.
In its first ten years, the College grew to 1,108 students and 80 faculty. It was accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The College received national recognition for
many features of its program, especially its pioneering 4-1-4 (Winter Term) calendar and its core general
education program. Concluding his term in 1968, President Kadel was succeeded by Billy O. Wireman as
the College's second president.
When he was appointed president in 1968 at the age of 35, Billy Wireman was the youngest College
president in America. He had begun his service at the College in 1960 as a physical education instructor and
had served as Dean of Men and Vice President for Development on his way to the presidency. Later to be
known as an innovative College-builder, President Wireman's passion for lifelong learning laid the
cornerstone for a structure that would make the College known for intergenerational learning.
In 1971, with the largest gift given to the College in its brief history, Jack M. Eckerd provided the means for
the College to survive. Mr. Eckerd first became affiliated with the College as a member of the Board of
Trustees, Class of 1966. In June of 1971, the two Presbyterian synods transferred full control of the College
to a self-perpetuating board of trustees and affirmed a covenant relationship between the College and the
Church. In 1972, in gratitude for and recognition of his support, trustees changed the name Florida
Presbyterian College to Eckerd College.
Known for his philanthropy, abiding faith, and public service, Mr. Eckerd was the College's principal
benefactor until his death in 2004. He served as Interim President in 1977 and Chairman of the Board from
1977 to 1981. Since 1966, gifts to the College from the family endowed scholarships, a youth ministry
program, and other significant campus projects. A gift in 2001 provided the needed match for the
construction of the College's new library. A true gentleman, Mr. Eckerd led his life with great dignity, guided
by spiritual values manifested in his daily life. Eckerd College stands as testimony to his faith that education
should be delivered in service to the public good.
In 1973, the College reorganized its academic program and adopted a "collegium" structure (akin to a
divisional structure) which groups faculty in interdisciplinary groups according to methods of teaching and

Page 5

 2014-2015 EC Book

investigation. Despite an excellent faculty and academic program, over time enrollment dropped from a high
of 1,108 to 853, and the number of faculty fell from 80 to 63. In 1977, the Board of Trustees accepted
President Wireman's resignation. [In 1978, Billy Wireman began what became a distinguished 25-year term
as president of Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina.] During Mr. Eckerd's service as interim
president in 1977, the Board of Trustees selected Peter Hayden Armacost as the College's third president.
Beginning service in October of 1977, President Armacost led the College through a series of strategic
initiatives to reverse the downward financial and enrollment trend. The faculty revised the curriculum to
include a stronger general education program with a core curriculum, and added new majors in such fields
as computer science, marine science, environmental studies, international business, and international
relations and global affairs. The College also created a series of special programs including a degree
completion program for adults called the Program for Experienced Learners (PEL), an intergenerational
learning program through the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC), and executive
education programs through the Leadership Development Institute (LDI). The College also became the host
site for Elderhostel programs and ELS Language Centers.
During President Armacost's 23 years of service, grants from the Ford Foundation, the Howard Hughes
Medical Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation, and
several other private foundations, plus the announcement from a research study indicating that Eckerd
College was ranked 24th among over 3,000 Colleges in the nation in the percentage of graduates who
attained PhDs, attested to the College's established academic strengths. In US News & World Report in
1987, Eckerd College was named one of the five most innovative Colleges in America. By 2000, College
enrollment had grown to 1,485 students in the residential program, 1,200 students in the Program for
Experienced Learners, and 92 full-time faculty members.
In 2000 trustees learned that a significant portion of the College's endowment funds had been spent without
their knowledge to support two business ventures: an assisted living facility and a residential development
on College property. In the summer of 2000, President Armacost retired; and Eugene Hotchkiss, President
Emeritus of Lake Forest College (IL), was selected to serve one year as interim president. College trustees
also pledged to replace the funds that had been spent, and those pledges have all been fulfilled. This
commitment by the College's trustees is one of the most honorable acts known today in American higher
education.
Dr. Donald R. Eastman III joined the community as Eckerd College's fourth president on July 1, 2001.
Trustees saw in President Eastman the experience and skills they believed would be necessary to move the
College forward. Before his appointment, Dr. Eastman served ten years at the University of Georgia, first as
Vice President for Development and University Relations and then as Vice President for Strategic Planning
and Public Affairs. From 1989 to 1991, Dr. Eastman served at Cornell University as Executive Director of
University Communications and as Acting Vice President for University Relations. At the University of
Tennessee, from 1975 to 1989, Dr. Eastman served as the Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, Executive
Director of University Communications, and Director of International Affairs. From 1972 to 1975, Dr.
Eastman served as the Executive Director of the Florida Endowment for the Humanities, the Florida Division
of the National Endowment for the Humanities' State Program.
Bringing a fresh perspective to the College, President Eastman affirmed the high quality of the academic
program and the need to establish good management practices. By June 2003, the College had achieved a
number of important management goals. The budget was balanced and a reserve fund established. The
College's bylaws were re-written and the size of the Board of Trustees was reduced from 53 to 30. A new
resource allocation model and investment strategy was established. A campus master plan was adopted.
The College's real estate development project was sold. In April and May 2004, faculty and trustees
unanimously adopted a ten-year strategic plan for the development of the College's academic programs.
External accolades have continued to flow to the College's academic programs. In December 2002, the
Policy Center on the First Year of College selected Eckerd College as one the nation's top 13 Institutions of
Excellence in the First College Year. In a study reported in a 2003 article in the Chronicle of Higher
Education, Eckerd College was the top-ranked College in America in the percentage of students who study
abroad. In February 2004, the College installed its Phi Beta Kappa chapter, placing it among the youngest of
the nation's 270 college and universities granted Phi Beta Kappa chapters. For three consecutive years, the
College's leadership development program, which is an affiliate of the Center for Creative Leadership in
North Carolina, was ranked number one by BusinessWeek.

Page 6

 2014-2015 EC Book

A Message from the Dean of Students and the Dean of

Faculty
You are a part of a unique academic community with a rich heritage. The values reflected in the Founders
vision continue to shape who we are as a campus community. Academic excellence, environmental
sensitivity, a focus on social justice, a global perspective, a commitment to service, and a celebration of
diversity define the Eckerd College ethos.
Being a part of any community involves affirming, internalizing, and respecting the values and standards that
reflect that communitys mission. In the pages that follow, you will find delineations of these values and
standards in the form of policies, rules, and regulations. These policies and regulations exist as guideposts
as we live out the mission of our academic community. As important as they are, such policies and
regulations should be respected not as ends in themselves, but rather because doing so will help to maintain
and enhance a high quality of community life.
Let us, in partnership with one another, continue to build the Eckerd community, walking in the footsteps of
our visionary Founders.
With Best Wishes,
James J. Annarelli
Dean of Students

Suzan Harrison
Dean of Faculty

A Message from the Executive Officers of ECOS

Dear Eckerd College Community,
We, the Executive Council of the Eckerd College Organization of Students (ECOS), would like to welcome
all new and returning students to a new and exciting school year. We are looking forward to the opportunity
to serve the extraordinary student body of Eckerd College during the upcoming academic year. We plan on
continuing many of the established programs, as well as creating new and more effective ideas to
comprehensively address student needs. The Executive Council envisions a campus based on collaboration
between students and their representatives. The student body must utilize and assist the Executive Council
in creating change, making improvements, and upholding the values, aesthetics, and distinction that drew
each of us here. We pledge to increase our direct accessibility to students and, in return, expect students to
be responsible and productive members of the Eckerd family. It is our intention to provide each student
endless possibilities within the College atmosphere. Through increased community interaction, we truly
believe that each of us can make a difference. We welcome your thoughts, suggestions, or ideas. Our doors
are always open to you. Every student is a part of ECOS.
Sincerely,
Your ECOS Officers

Page 7

 2014-2015 EC Book

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2014-2015

AUTUMN TERM
Fri., Aug. 8

Freshmen arrive. Students check-in before 2:00 p.m. Ceremony of Lights.

Sat., Aug. 9

Autumn Term begins.

Wed., Aug. 20

Fall Semester 2014 Freshmen registration begins.

Thurs., Aug. 28

Autumn Term ends.

Fri., Aug. 29

Autumn Term make-up day, if needed.

FALL SEMESTER
Wed., Aug. 27

Orientation begins for transfer students who did not participate in Autumn Term.
Move into residence hall. Orientation runs Wed, Aug. 27 thru Sat., Aug. 30.

Fri., Aug. 29

Residence halls open for returning students at 9:00 a.m.

Sat., Aug. 30

Last day of Orientation for transfers who did not participate in Autumn Term.

Mon., Sept. 1

Fall Semester begins.

Tues. Sept. 9

End of drop/add period for Fall Semester courses.

Mon.-Tues., Oct. 27-28

Fall recess (if not needed to make up class days).

Sat., Nov. 1

Winter Term/Spring Semester 2015 registration begins at 10:00 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 7

Last day to withdraw from Fall Semester courses with W grade or change from
audit to credit.

Thurs.-Fri., Nov 27-28

Thanksgiving holiday, no classes.

Fri., Dec 5

Last day of classes.

Mon.-Thurs. Dec 8-11

Examination period. Students must vacate residence halls 24 hours after their
last exam.

Fri., Dec 12

Fall Semester ends. Residence halls close at noon for all students.

WINTER TERM
Fri., Jan. 2

Residence halls open at 9:00 a.m. New student registration/orientation for Winter
Term.

Mon., Jan. 5

Winter Term begins.

Wed., Jan. 7

Last day to enter Winter Term; end of drop/add period; last day for change of
project.

Mon., Jan. 12

Last day to withdraw from Winter Term with W grade.

Mon., Jan 19

Martin Luther King day, no classes.

Thurs.-Fri., Jan. 22-23

First comprehensive examination period.

Fri., Jan. 23

Winter Term ends.

Page 8

 2014-2015 EC Book

SPRING SEMESTER
Mon., Jan. 26

Residence halls open at 9:00 a.m.

Tues., Jan. 27

Spring Semester begins.

Tues., Feb. 3

End of drop/add period for Spring Semester courses.

Fri-Sun., Feb. 20-22

Family Weekend.

Sat. March 14

Spring recess begins.

Mon., March 23

Classes resume.

Fri., April 3

Good Friday, no classes.

Sat., April 4

Fall Semester 2015 registration begins at 10:00 p.m.

Fri., April 10

Last day to withdraw from Spring Semester courses with W grade, or change
from audit to credit.

Thurs.-Fri., Apr. 23-24

Second comprehensive examination period.

Fri., May 8

Last day of classes.

Mon.-Thurs., May 11-14

Examination period. Non-graduates must vacate residence halls 24-hours after

their last exam.

Fri., May 15

Spring Semester ends. Residence halls close at noon for all non-graduates.

Sat., May 16

Baccalaureate.

Sun., May 17

Commencement.

Mon., May 18

Residence halls close at noon for graduates.

Mon., May 25

Memorial Day holiday.

SUMMER TERM
Tues., May 26

Residence halls open for Summer Session A.

May 26-July 17

Summer Term.

May 26-June 19

Session A.

June 22-July 17

Session B.

Sat., July 18

Residence halls close at noon.

Page 9

 2014-2015 EC Book

Eckerd College Statement of the Rights,

Responsibilities, and Freedoms of Students
Adapted from the 1967 Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students by the American Association
of University Professors et al. Please see http://www.aaup.org/statements/Redbook/Studentrights.htm.

Preamble
As members of the academic community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical
judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth. Freedom to teach, investigate,
learn, and create are inseparable facets of academic freedom. These freedoms depend on appropriate
opportunities and conditions in the classroom. On campus, and in the larger community, students will
exercise their freedom with responsibility, recognizing their obligations to the continuation of the larger
academic community of which they are a part.
The College community is set in the context of the larger community. Its members are subject to the laws of
the city, state and the nation. By law, the Board of Trustees is legally constituted and has final responsibility
for all general matters pertaining to the College. However, the responsibility to secure and to respect general
conditions conducive to the freedom to learn is shared by all members of the academic community.
The mentoring relationship between Eckerd professors and their student-associates is an important one.
Mentors are expected to help their students with academic planning, career planning, and personal growth.
Students also have responsibilities in the mentoring relationship, including initiating frequent contact with
mentors, preparation for meetings, awareness of academic requirements, and knowledge of campus
resources. The quality of the mentoring relationship is significantly enhanced when both parties share a
clear understanding of their respective roles.

I. Freedom of Access
Eckerd is open to all students who are qualified according to its admission standards, and all facilities and
services of the College are open to any student currently enrolled, unless otherwise indicated by the Office
of Student Affairs.

II. In the Classroom

Professors and students in the classroom and in conference will engage in free discussion, inquiry, and
expression. Evaluation of student work will be based on the work itself and not the attitude of the instructor
towards the personality of the student.
A. Protection of Freedom of Expression
Students will be free to take reasoned exception to the data and views offered in any course of study
and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion. They will be responsible, however, for understanding
the methodology and content of a course of study for which they are enrolled.
B. Protection Against Improper Evaluation
Students will have protection through orderly processes against prejudiced or capricious academic
evaluations. At the same time, students will be responsible for meeting reasonable standards for
academic performance for each course in which they are enrolled.
C. Privacy of Records and Protection Against Improper Disclosures
Protection against improper disclosures is a serious professional obligation.
Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which professors acquire in the course of
their work will be considered confidential. Judgments of their ability and character may be provided under
appropriate circumstances. The right of privacy is governed by federal law, under the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This law applies to any records, either on paper or on computer, with
students names on them, records that contain information directly related to students, or any data from
students that can be individually identified. To see more information on the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act, please visit http://www.eckerd.edu/registrar and see Student Rights under FERPA.

Page 10

 2014-2015 EC Book

Guidelines in the law clearly specify that directory information about a student may be released to the public.
Directory information includes: students name; home and school addresses; home and school telephone
numbers; parents or guardians name, address, and telephone number; date and place of birth; major field
of study; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; dates of attendance; degrees, honors,
scholarships, and awards; most recent previous educational institutions attended; weight and height of
members of athletic teams. The College does reserve the right, however, to release this information at its
discretion. Students who DO NOT wish directory information to be released must notify the Registrar IN
WRITING.
Information such as grades, course schedules, financial data, and conduct action can only be released to
individuals with a legitimate educational interest or pursuant to the exceptions to the law.

III. Student Records

The College is committed to protecting the privacy rights of its students, under the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please see the college policy regarding student records in the Eckerd College
catalog or at http://www.eckerd.edu/registrar/ferpa.php. Questions concerning FERPA should be directed to
the Office of the Registrar.

IV. Student Affairs

In Student Affairs, certain standards must be maintained if the freedom of students is to be preserved.
A. Freedom of Association
Students bring to campus a variety of interests previously acquired and develop many new interests as
members of the academic community. They are and will be free to organize and join associations to
promote common interests.
1.

2.
3.

4.

5.

The membership policies and actions of a student organization will be determined by vote only
of those persons who hold a bona fide membership in the Eckerd College Organization of
Students.
Affiliation with an extramural organization will not in itself disqualify a student organization from
recognition.
Each organization will be free to choose its own advisor(s). Campus advisors may advise
organizations in the exercise of responsibility, but they will not have authority to control the
policy of such organization.
Student organizations may be required to submit a statement of purpose, criteria of
membership, rules of procedure, and a current list of officers. They will not be required to
submit a membership list as a condition of institutional recognition, a qualification which may
be required by groups whose aims are primarily religious.
Campus organizations, including those affiliated with an extramural organization, will be open
to all students without respect to gender, race, creed, disability, sexual orientation, and ethnic
or national origin unless such a belief or characteristic is a bona fide qualifier for inclusion in
the organization. What is or is not a bona fide qualifier will be determined by ECOS.

B. Freedom of Inquiry and Expression

1. At Eckerd College, rights of free inquiry and free expression are co-extensive with the rights
guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Students and student
organizations are free to discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions
publicly and privately. They will always be free to support causes by orderly means that do not
disrupt the regular and essential operations of the institution. At the same time, students will
make it clear to the academic and larger community that, in their public expressions or
demonstrations, they and their organizations speak only for themselves.
2. Any student organization, the existence of which is in accordance with its charter and is
recognized by ECOS, may invite any person or persons to appear on campus provided that:
(a) the College community is notified of the appearance; (b) the College facilities are obtained
through prescribed procedures established by ECOS and the College. Any student or group
not duly recognized wishing to sponsor a speaker on campus must first petition the Student
Senate and Campus Activities for permission. The College will not attempt to censor or prohibit
the appearance of any person or persons. Sponsorship of guest speakers does not necessarily
imply approval or endorsement of the views expressed, either by the sponsoring group or by
the institution. The institutional control of campus facilities will not be used as a device for
censorship.

Page 11

 2014-2015 EC Book

C. Student Participation in Institutional Government

As constituents of the academic community, students are and will be free, individually and collectively,
to express their views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of general interest to the student
body. The student body, through its representatives on student-faculty committees in ECOS, can
participate in the formulation and application of institutional policy affecting both academic and student
affairs.

V. Off-Campus Freedom of Students

A. Exercise of Rights of Citizenship
College students are both citizens and members of the academic community. As students, they will
enjoy the same freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and the right to petition that other citizens enjoy
and, as members of the academic community, they are subject to the obligations and responsibilities
that accrue to them by virtue of this membership. Faculty members and administrative officials will
assure that institutional powers are not employed to inhibit exercise of the rights of citizenship both onand-off campus.
B. Access to Public Facilities
The College uses its influence to secure equal access for all students to public facilities in the local
community.

Expectations for Student Conduct

The essence of our community depends on how its members treat each other. The Shared Commitment is
the cornerstone on which these relationships are based. In keeping with the community agreement, students
are expected to become familiar with and abide by the public laws and the formal College policies. Physical
or verbal behavior that is contrary to the principles of the Shared Commitment is considered to be
detrimental to the well-being of the College community. Eckerd College is committed to maintaining an
educational environment characterized by care for the individual, service to others, and opportunities for
intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth. The student community standards are divided into five sections
based upon the values of our community, and derived from the Shared Commitment, including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Academic Growth and Honor;

Respect for Human Dignity;
Respect for Property;
Respect for Differences and Diversity; and
A Commitment to Community.

These sections, immediately below, are straightforward statements of our rules. There is also a set of
policies that amplify on the rules in the following pages.
The following actions are considered violations of the rights of others or of the community and constitute
misconduct for which students will face consequences:
Academic Growth and Honor
Eckerd College students exemplify honor, honesty, integrity and a respect for truth in their quest for
academic growth. Behavior that demonstrates a lapse of honor includes, but is not limited to:
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.

7.

Falsification. Knowingly furnishing or possessing false, falsified or forged materials, documents,

accounts, records, identification or financial instruments;
Academic Dishonesty. Acts of academic dishonesty as outlined in the Academic Honesty Policy;
Unauthorized Access. Unauthorized access to any College building (i.e. keys, cards, etc.) or
unauthorized possession, duplication or use of means of access to any College building or failing to
timely report a lost College identification card or key;
Collusion. Action or inaction with another or others to violate the EC-Book;
Violation of Trust. Violations of positions of trust within the community;
Election Tampering. Tampering with the election of any College-recognized student organization
(minor election code violations are addressed by the Eckerd College Organization of Students,
ECOS);
Financial Irresponsibility. Failure to promptly meet financial responsibilities to the institution,
including, but not limited to; knowingly passing a worthless check or money order in payment to the
institution or to an official of the institution acting in an official capacity.

Page 12

 2014-2015 EC Book

Respect for Human Dignity

Eckerd College students have a fundamental respect for human dignity and demonstrate that respect in
word and deed. Behavior that demonstrates a lack of respect for human dignity includes, but is not limited
to:
1.

Harm to Persons. Intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm or endangering the health or
safety of any person.
2. Threat. Written or verbal conduct that causes a reasonable expectation of injury to the health or
safety of any person or damage to any property.
3. Intimidation. Intimidation defined as implied threats or acts that cause a reasonable fear of harm in
another.
4. Bullying and Cyberbullying. Bullying and cyberbullying are repeated and/or severe aggressive
behaviors that intimidate or intentionally harm or control another person physically or emotionally,
and are not protected by freedom of expression.
5. Abusive Affiliation (Hazing). Defined as an act that endangers the mental or physical health or
safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of
initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or
organization. Participation or cooperation by the person(s) being hazed does not excuse the
violation. Failing to intervene to prevent and/or failing to discourage and/or failing to report those
acts may also violate this policy (See detailed policy on Abusive Affiliation (Hazing)).
6. Intimate Partner/Relationship Violence. Violence or abuse by a person in an intimate relationship
with another;
7. Stalking and Intrusive Contact. Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that
is unwelcome and would cause a reasonable person to feel fear (See detailed Stalking and
Intrusive Contact Policy).
8. Sexual Misconduct. Includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual
contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse, and/or sexual exploitation (See detailed Sexual
Misconduct Policy for further information);
9. Public Exposure. Includes deliberately and publicly exposing ones intimate body parts, public
urination, defecation, and public sex acts.
10. Bystanding.
a. Complicity with or failure of any student to appropriately address known or obvious
violations of the EC-Book or law;
b. Complicity with or failure of any organized group to appropriately address known or
obvious violations of the EC-Book or law by its members.
11. Abuse of Conduct Process. Abuse or interference with, or failure to comply in, College processes
including conduct and academic integrity hearings including, but not limited to:
a. Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information;
b. Failure to provide, destroying or concealing information during an investigation of an
alleged policy violation;
c. Attempting to discourage an individuals proper participation in, or use of, the campus
conduct system;
d. Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a campus conduct
body prior to, during, and/or following a campus conduct proceeding;
e. Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed by the campus conduct system;
f. Influencing, or attempting to influence, another person to commit an abuse of the campus
conduct system.
12. Failure to Comply. Failure to comply with the reasonable directives of College officials or law
enforcement officers during the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these
persons when requested to do so;

Page 13

 2014-2015 EC Book

Respect for Property

Eckerd College students respect their own property, the property of others, and College property.
1
Behavior that demonstrates a lack of respect for property includes, but is not limited to:
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

Damage and Destruction. Intentional, reckless and/or unauthorized damage to or destruction of

College property or the personal property of another;
Interference with Access. Actions that obstruct, disrupt, or physically interfere with the use of
College premises, buildings, rooms, or passages;
Unauthorized Taking. Unauthorized, intentional taking, possession, or use of College property or
services, or the property or services of others. This also includes possession of College property
from lounge and public areas, as well as library books, without procedural checkout;
Failure to Evacuate. Failure to leave a College-owned building when instructed to evacuate;
Unauthorized Use of the College Name. Publicly or privately using the name of the college, its
emblems, symbols, trademarks and other intellectual property to misrepresent or accrue personal
gain without authorization. Students of Eckerd College, either individually or collectively, may not,
without the written consent of the proper authorities, use the name of Eckerd College or any of its
units in any activity outside the regular work of the school. Violation of this rule will result in conduct
action.
(Adapted from the St. Johns University Student Handbook.)

6. Stolen Property. Knowingly taking possession of stolen property. This includes accessing and/or
removing items from anothers car or summer storage facilities, such as Pods, without permission.
Respect for Differences and Diversity
Eckerd College fosters a culture of tolerance, civility, and mature conflict resolution. Hate, discrimination
and prejudice are not hallmarks of our community. Behavior that demonstrates lack of respect for
differences and diversity includes, but is not limited to:
1.

2.

3.

Discrimination. Any act or failure to act that is based upon an individual or groups actual or
perceived status (sex, gender, gender identity or expression, race, color, age, creed, national or
ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, or sexual
orientation, or other protected status) that is sufficiently severe that it limits or denies the ability to
participate in or benefit from the Colleges educational program or activities.
Harassment. Any unwelcome conduct based on actual or perceived status including: sex, gender,
gender identity or expression, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental
disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, sexual orientation or other protected status.
Any unwelcome conduct should be reported to campus officials, who will act to remedy and resolve
reported incidents on behalf of the victim and community.
a.
Hostile Environment. Sanctions can and will be imposed for the creation of a hostile
environment only when [unwelcome] harassment is sufficiently severe, pervasive (or
persistent) and objectively offensive that it unreasonably interferes with, limits or denies
the ability to participate in or benefit from the Colleges educational or employment
program or activities.
Retaliatory Discrimination or Harassment. Any intentional, adverse action taken by an
responding individual or allied third party, absent legitimate nondiscriminatory purposes, against a
participant or supporter of a participant in a civil rights grievance proceeding or other protected
activity under this Code.

Inquiries concerning the application of this policy may be directed to the Eckerd College Title IX Coordinator,
th
Lorisa Lorenzo, Associate Dean of Students, Eckerd College, 4200 54 Avenue South, St. Petersburg,
Florida 33711, or by telephone at (727) 864-7810.
A Commitment to Community
Eckerd College students are committed to community, and demonstrate this commitment through actions.
Behavior that violates our commitment to community includes, but is not limited to:

If a student is found responsible for intentionally and falsely pulling a fire alarm or discharging a fire
extinguisher which results in the unnecessary dispatch of emergency services to campus, the student will be
removed from campus housing in addition to any other assigned sanctions.

Page 14

 2014-2015 EC Book

1.
2.

3.
4.

5.

6.
7.

8.
9.

10.
11.
12.

13.
14.

15.
16.

Alcohol. Use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or paraphernalia in violation of the

Colleges Alcohol Policy (See policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs for further information);
Drugs. Use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs and other controlled substances or drug
paraphernalia in violation of the Colleges Drug Policy (See policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs for
further information);
Prescription Medications. Abuse, misuse, sale, or distribution of prescription or over-the-counter
medications;
Gambling. Defined to include playing or sponsoring an unlawful game of chance for money or for
anything of value on College premises or at a College or student-organization sponsored activity or
event; unlawfully selling, bartering, or disposing of a ticket, order, or any interest in a scheme of
chance on College premises or at a College or student-organization sponsored activity or event;
wagering on a College team or organization in a competition, with or without an intent to have a
direct influence in the success of the competition. Exceptions to this policy will be reviewed by the
Assistant Dean of Students for Campus Activities and may be permitted in accordance with local,
state and federal laws;
Violation of Other College Policies. Violation of policies adopted in accordance with approved
College procedures, verbal communication from College personnel, or policies published by
College offices and departments including, but not limited to, parking and traffic rules published by
the Office of Campus Safety and Security; student organization rules published by ECOS; general
campus life policies published in the EC-Book; campus event contracts, regulations of the Office of
Residence Life, Office of Campus Activities, and Information Technology Services, the Eckerd
College Waterfront, Dining Services, and the Peter H. Armacost Library;
Failure to Protect Good Name. Conduct that brings into disrepute the good name and reputation
of Eckerd College.
Disruptive Behavior. Substantial disruption of College operations including obstruction of
teaching, research, administration, other College activities, and/or other authorized non-College
activities which occur on campus;
Rioting. Causing, inciting or participating in any disturbance that presents a clear and present
danger to self or others, causes physical harm to others, or damage and/or destruction of property;
Unauthorized Entry. Misuse of access privileges to College premises or unauthorized entry to or
use of buildings, including trespassing, propping or unauthorized use of alarmed doors for entry
into or exit from a College building;
Trademark. Unauthorized use (including misuse) of College or organizational names and images;
IT and Acceptable Use Violation. Violating the College Acceptable Use and Computing Policy,
found online at http://www.eckerd.edu/its/policies/index.php:
Weapons. Possession, use, or distribution of explosives (including fireworks and ammunition),
guns (including air, BB, paintball, facsimile weapons and pellet guns), or other weapons or
dangerous objects such as arrows, axes, machetes, nun chucks, throwing stars, or knives with a
blade of longer than three (3) inches, including the storage of any item that falls within the category
of a weapon in a vehicle parked on College property; (Please review the Firearms and Weapons
policy for further information).
Tobacco. Smoking or tobacco use in any area of campus where smoking or tobacco use are
prohibited;
2
Fire Hazard . Violation of local, state, federal or campus fire policies including, but not limited to:
a. Intentionally or recklessly causing a fire which damages College or personal property or
which causes injury.
b. Failure to evacuate a College-controlled building during a fire alarm;
c. Improper use of College fire safety equipment; or
d. Tampering with or improperly engaging a fire alarm or fire detection/control equipment
while on College property. Such action may result in a local fine in addition to College
sanctions;
Ineligible Pledging or Association. Pledging or associating with a student organization without
having met eligibility requirements established by the College.
Unauthorized Animals. Animals, with the exception of animals that provide assistance (e.g.
seeing-eye dogs), and pets as outlined in the Pet Policy, are not permitted on campus except as
permitted by law.

If a student is found responsible for intentionally and falsely pulling a fire alarm or discharging a fire
extinguisher which results in the unnecessary dispatch of emergency services to campus, the student will be
removed from campus housing in addition to any other assigned sanctions.

Page 15

 2014-2015 EC Book

17. Health and Safety Risk. Creation of health and/or safety hazards (dangerous pranks, hanging out
of or climbing from/on/in windows, balconies, roofs, etc.)
18. Violations of Law. Evidence of violation of local, state or federal laws, when substantiated through
the Colleges conduct process.

Academic Honesty Policy

Our community of scholars pursues academic excellence. In our conversations through the media of
discussion, oral presentation, essays, artistic works, research reports, and examination, we must hear every
persons distinctive voice. The Faculty hopes that every student realizes that his or her voice counts in our
exchange of ideas, and that academic conventions are meant to clarify just who is responsible for each
position, interpretation, or original contribution to knowledge. The Faculty insists upon careful citation and
attribution so that your thinking stands out clearly delineated among your fellow scholars.
Students who are academically dishonest undermine the integrity of the College. If students receive
recognition through academic dishonesty, the value of the degrees is diminished, and the reputations of the
College and its graduates are jeopardized. Therefore, upon enrolling at Eckerd College, all students are
asked to sign and uphold the following honor code: On my honor, as an Eckerd College student, I pledge
not to lie, cheat, or steal, nor to tolerate those behaviors in others. Faculty members will include the honor
code on the syllabus for each course and require students to write, pledged, and sign it on every
assignment.
Eckerd faculty members hold themselves to the very same standards of academic honesty that they ask of
students. The American Association of University Professors recently restated these standards in the
Committee of Professional Ethics Statement on Plagiarism (Academe 76:47-48).
Their first precept is: In his or her own work, the professor must scrupulously acknowledge every intellectual
debtfor ideas, methods, and expressionby means appropriate to the form of communication (47). The
usual means for giving credit to sources is to follow guidelines published by the American Psychological
Association (APA) for most papers in the social sciences, or by the Modern Language Association (MLA) for
most papers in the humanities fields. If you are in doubt as to the standard you should use, ask your
professor. If you do not understand how to do proper citations, attribution or bibliographies, consult A
Writers Reference, by Diana Hacker (available in the Bookstore), ask your professors to explain, and/or go
to the Writing Center, in SE-103, for help. The following information is intended to help students understand
academic honesty and protect themselves from academic dishonesty. It is intended as a guide to the issues,
but cannot cover every potential situation. Consequently, students must maintain close communication with
their instructors in order to clarify all situations.
Academic Honesty Policy
Cheating and plagiarism are offenses that strike at the heart of the academic community and are strictly
prohibited as set forth by the Eckerd College Honor Code: "On my honor, as an Eckerd College student, I
pledge not to lie, cheat, or steal, nor to tolerate those behaviors in others."
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is abiding by the Eckerd College Honor Code. The most common classroom forms of
violating the Honor Code are cheating and plagiarism. Cheating includes obtaining information illegitimately,
giving others information illegitimately, or acting as an accomplice in a cheating situation.
Plagiarism is intentionally representing someone elses work as ones own. Any misrepresentation of a
students academic work may be considered academic dishonesty.
Academic Honor Council
Eckerd College has established an Academic Honor Council (AHC) to investigate alleged violations of the
College's Academic Honesty Policy.
Please see http://www.eckerd.edu/academics/ahc/index.php for more information regarding the AHC,
its policies and its procedures. The procedures of the AHC shall serve as guidelines only and may
be changed at the discretion of the Chair of the AHC or the Dean of Faculty at any time in the
interests of equity and fairness in a given situation.
Academic Grievance Policy
The design and delivery of academic course work is the professional responsibility of the Faculty. The
institution gives instructors, individually or collectively, the authority to structure course content, assign

Page 16

 2014-2015 EC Book

course requirements, determine due dates, and establish classroom policies based on practices that are
professionally acceptable and applied equally to all students in a class. An academic grievance shall be
confined to charges of unfair action toward an individual student with respect to course requirements, the
application of due dates and extensions for late work, and similar matters.
A student who believes he/she has a legitimate grievance should contact the Dean of Faculty's Office in
writing.
Grade Appeal Policy
Grading is a matter of professional judgment of the course instructor. The institution gives instructors the
responsibility of assigning grades based on a method that is professionally acceptable and applied equally
to all students in a class. It must be recognized that individual faculty members may have different standards
and individual approaches to grading that are valid. Eckerd College presumes that the judgment of the
instructor of record is authoritative, and the final grades assigned are correct.
A grade appeal shall be confined to charges of unfair action toward an individual student and may not
involve a challenge of an instructor's grading standard. The grade appeal considers whether a grade was
determined in a fair and appropriate manner; it does not attempt to grade or re-grade individual assignments
or projects. It is incumbent on the student to substantiate the claim that his or her final grade represents
unfair treatment, compared to the standard applied to other students. Only the final grade in a course or
project may be appealed. In the absence of compelling reasons, such as clerical error, prejudice, or
capriciousness, the grade assigned by the instructor of record is to be considered final.
If a student wishes to appeal a grade based on a compelling reason, such as clerical error, prejudice, or
capriciousness, he/she should make that appeal in writing to the Dean of Faculty's Office.

Abusive Affiliation (Hazing) Policy

All acts of abusive affiliation by any individual student, intercollegiate athletic team, College registered
student club or organization, and any of its members or alumni are prohibited. Students are entitled to be
treated with consideration and respect, and no individual may perform an act, or force another individual to
perform an act, that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm or social ostracism to any person.
Accordingly, the following behavior is expressly forbidden as abusive affiliation when related to the
admission, initiation, pledging, joining, rite of passage or any other group-affiliation activity:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Physical abuse (on-or-off campus), including, but not limited to, paddling, slapping, kicking,
choking, scratching and exposure to extreme (i.e., cold or hot) water temperatures;
Forced consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs, disgusting and/or dangerous concoctions, or
any other substance in large amounts;
Causing excessive mental stress, including, but not limited to, placing prospective members of an
organization or group in situations which lead to confusion and emotional stress, sleep deprivation;
Verbal abuse, including, but not limited to shouting, screaming or use of derogatory, profane, or
obscene language; or
Subservience, including, but not limited to, any activity which promotes a class system within
organizations or activities which facilitate inappropriate levels of authority over students.

This list is not exhaustive and any student or organization found to be involved in any form of abusive
affiliation will face conduct action and may be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from the College.
Violation of this policy exists irrespective of the voluntary or consensual participation in the abusive affiliation
(hazing) activity by the person being abused.
When members of groups, individuals acting collusively, or members of an organization act in concert in
violation of any policy, they may be held accountable as a group, and a hearing may proceed against the
group as jointly accused students. In any such action, a separate finding will be made with respect to the
involvement of each individual student.

Alcohol and Other Drug Policy

In a manner consistent with the Colleges Mission Statement and Shared Commitment, and in accordance
with state, local, and federal laws, including the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act, it is the policy of
Eckerd College to promote personal responsibility regarding the use of alcohol, ensure a non-coercive
environment for those who choose not to drink alcohol, and prohibit the illegal use of alcohol and other
drugs.

Page 17

 2014-2015 EC Book

Purpose

To inform the Eckerd community about the Colleges policies, as well as local, state, and federal
laws pertaining to the use of alcohol and other drugs.
To develop a creative and healthy social environment.
To state explicitly the consequences for choices regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs.
To ensure the responsible use of alcohol by individuals who choose to use alcohol and are
permitted to do so by law.

Procedures
I. Alcohol: General Policies
The possession and consumption of alcohol is limited to those twenty-one years of age and older in
accordance with local, state and federal laws. (Florida Statute 562.111)
Distribution or sale of alcohol to any individual who is under the age of twenty-one is prohibited and unlawful
(Florida Statute 562.11). Individuals found responsible for supplying alcohol to underage students will be
placed on housing probation and may be removed from campus housing in addition to any other sanctions
issued.
Manufacture of alcohol on campus is prohibited.
Beginning August 1 and continuing until the residence halls open for the fall semester the campus is dry.
No one, even those over the age of 21, is permitted to possess or consume alcohol during this time on
campus.
Any individual who supplies alcohol to another will be held responsible and may be legally liable for the
actions of the other individual.
Misrepresenting ones age to obtain alcohol, using the I.D. of another, or altering any form of I.D. to
misrepresent ones age to obtain alcohol is prohibited and unlawful. (Florida Statutes 562.11 and 322.32)
Possession and/or manufacturing of fraudulent identification is prohibited.
Lending or borrowing an I.D. in order to obtain alcohol is prohibited and unlawful. (Florida Statute 322.32)
Eckerd students who are drinking alcohol must be able to furnish, at any time, a valid Eckerd College
identification card and a second acceptable form of I.D. (i.e., valid drivers license or state-issued card, U.S.
active military I.D., passport or Alien registration card.)
At Eckerd sponsored events, whether on-or-off campus, and the Pub, Eckerd students who are drinking
alcohol must be able to furnish a valid Eckerd College identification card and a second acceptable form of
I.D. (i.e., valid drivers license or state-issued card, U.S. active military I.D., passport, or Alien registration
card).
Student sponsored fundraising events, whether held on-or-off campus, that involve the promotion and/or use
or sale of alcohol must first be approved by the Dean of Students or his/her designee.
Campus visitors who are drinking alcohol must be able to furnish a valid photo I.D. showing that they are
twenty-one years of age or older, and must be accompanied by their Eckerd College host, who must also be
carrying an Eckerd College identification card. Acceptable forms of I.D. include a valid drivers license or
state-issued card, U.S. active military I.D., passport, or Alien registration card.
Display of promotional materials relating to any on-or-off campus event will not refer to alcohol or use
symbols related to alcohol or alcohol use.
Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs is prohibited and unlawful.
(Florida Statute 316.193)
Residential Areas
Alcohol may be consumed and possessed by those twenty-one years of age and older only in the following
locations:

Residence houses

Page 18

 2014-2015 EC Book

Complex lounges
Complex courtyards

Alcohol is not permitted in the following areas:

Within residence hall rooms and/or suites where all residents are under the age of twenty-one;

Within a Health and Wellness house, even if the alcohol is possessed by someone twenty-one
years of age or older;

On the academic side of campus;

At the Waterfront;

On South Field or South Beach;

On any other recreational areas;

On the public walkways of Omega, Nu, Sigma and West Lodge;

On the breezeways and stairways of residence clusters;

In any other area designated by the College to be alcohol-free.

Individual houses, other than Health and Wellness houses, may determine whether or not they wish alcohol
use to be permitted in their interior house lounges.
The College, including, but not limited to, Campus Safety and Residence Life staff, maintains the right to
dispose of alcohol in instances when a person under twenty-one is consuming alcohol, even if a person over
twenty-one years of age is present.
Irresponsible use of alcohol, such as drinking games and contests, binge drinking, and activities for the rapid
consumption of alcohol such as pre-loading/pre-gaming, is prohibited. Any form or display of the game Beer
Pong, using any liquid, is prohibited.
Devices designed for the rapid consumption of alcohol, including, but not limited to, funnels, ice luges, and
beer bongs are prohibited.
Containers
For environmental and safety purposes, no glass drinking containers are permitted outside of residence
rooms and suites.
Transportation of open containers of alcohol between buildings, in academic areas, and in areas beyond
residential complexes where alcohol is permitted is prohibited.
The possession and/or use of single-source containers of alcohol, including, but not limited to, kegs, coolers,
pony kegs, party balls and punch bowls is prohibited.
Coolers, wine boxes, pitchers, bottles of wine, or bottles of liquor are not permitted in common areas.
Advertisements and/or promotional materials of alcohol beverage containers and alcohol may not be placed
on windows, exterior facing doors, or balconies by any person regardless of age.
Empty alcohol beverage containers may not be displayed within the residence hall rooms/suites/houses of
students under the age of twenty-one.
Non-Residential Areas on Campus
Alcohol may be purchased and consumed by those twenty-one years of age and older in Tritons Pub and its
adjacent patio only during hours authorized for alcohol sales.
Alcohol may be consumed by those twenty-one years of age and older at Lewis House events where alcohol
is served.
Alcohol may be purchased and/or consumed by those twenty-one years of age and older at sanctioned
events in other campus buildings and grounds only as explicitly permitted by the Dean of Students or his/her
designee.
Alcohol is not permitted at NCAA sporting events or other College sporting events (i.e., club sports and
intramural events) unless otherwise directed by the Dean of Students and/or designee. Violation of this
policy may result in removal from the game and additional sanctions.

Page 19

 2014-2015 EC Book

Intoxication
Excessive and/or disruptive intoxication by persons of any age is prohibited. The College maintains the right
to dispose of alcohol found on any person, no matter age, who appears to be excessively intoxicated, is
displaying disorderly and/or disruptive behavior, or is a danger to his/herself, and/or a danger to those
around them. If a student is intoxicated and College staff views the person as unable to care for him/herself,
the staff will call to have the student transported to the hospital. This action will be taken to protect the
student and the community, and will be the financial responsibility of the student. If the student refuses
transport, he or she may face a conduct complaint for failure to comply with the directives of a College
official.
Good Samaritan /Medical Amnesty
The welfare of students in our community is of paramount importance. At times, students on-and-off
campus may need assistance. Eckerd College expects students to offer help and assistance to others in
need. Sometimes, students are hesitant to offer assistance to others, for fear that they may get themselves
in trouble (for example, students who have been drinking underage might hesitate to call for help for a friend
who drank too much). Eckerd College pursues a policy of limited immunity for students who seek help for
themselves and/or offer help to others in need. This means that whenever a student seeks medical aid for
him/herself or another due to the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, he/she will not be subject to conduct
action by the College. Instead, the impaired students and the assisting student(s) conduct will be
addressed by the College through education, assessment, and/or treatment. No conduct procedures or
outcomes will result. This policy refers to isolated incidents only and does not excuse or protect those who
flagrantly or repeatedly violate the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy. Students who choose not to seek help for
themselves and/or assist a fellow community member when in need of assistance may face conduct action
by the College.
II. Other Drugs (Including Prescription Drugs)
The possession, distribution or intent to distribute, sale or intent to sell, manufacture or intent to
manufacture, cultivation or intent to cultivate, or use of illegal drugs and/or possession or use of drug
paraphernalia is a violation of College policy and local, state and federal laws. Any item that may be used in
the manufacture, distribution, sale, preparation, or use of drugs may be construed to be paraphernalia
(Florida Statutes 893.13 and 893.147).
The distribution or intent to distribute, sale or intent to sell to others, possession of, or use of prescription
medication for other than its prescribed use by the individual for whom it was prescribed is a violation of
College policy and state law (Florida Statute 893.13).
In compliance with Title 21 U.S.C. Section 813, any chemical "substantially similar" to a controlled
substance listed in Schedule I or II (of the US Controlled Substances Act) will be treated as if it were also
listed in those schedules. Any substance placed on a Schedule to avoid an imminent hazard to the public
safety, shall be treated as if it were also listed in that schedule. Any recommendation by the World Health
Organization for the placing of substances on a schedule of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the
Convention on Psychotropic Substances shall be treated as binding until such time as this decision is ratified
by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (Courtesy of Randolph-Macon College).
The College may determine that possession of a felonious amount of a drug may be interpreted as evidence
of sale/distribution of that drug.
Excessive use or abuse of over-the-counter and/or prescription medications beyond recommended dosages
or consumption is prohibited.
Possession and/or use of prescription drugs without a prescription is prohibited.
Sending or receiving an illegal drug/substance through the United States mail is a violation of College policy
and local, state and federal laws.
Intentionally or recklessly inhaling or ingesting substances (e.g. nitrous oxide, glue, paint, etc.) that will alter
a students mental state is prohibited (Courtesy of the University of Florida). CO2 canisters are not permitted
on the residential side of campus.

Page 20

 2014-2015 EC Book

III. EC Smoke Free

Eckerd College is a smoke free campus. All indoor areas on campus are smoke free, including the indoor
areas of the residential complexes. The indoor use of electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers, and/or
electronic nicotine delivery system is also prohibited.
Outdoor smoke-free areas of the campus include the areas surrounding all administrative, academic,
athletic, and dining facilities, as well as the outdoor areas surrounding the Alpha, Beta, Iota, and Sigma
Complexes. These areas include, but are not limited to, the second floor balcony of Franklin Templeton, the
steps outside of Armacost Library, the Galbraith Marine Science Lab balcony, and the patios outside of
Tritons Pub and the Main and CEC cafeterias, the Alpha, Beta, and Iota courtyards, and the Sigma
balconies/walkways. These areas are smoke free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The EC Smoke Free initiative aims to improve the overall health of the Eckerd community by restricting
smoking and exposure to second hand smoke on campus. A detailed map of the smoke free areas of
campus is available at www.eckerd.edu/outreachandhealth/health.php. Students repeatedly found smoking
in smoke free areas of campus may be subject to conduct action.
IV. Role of the Office of the Dean of Students
The Dean of Students has authority for the development and implementation of the Alcohol and Other Drug
Policy. Portions of the policy can be waived, within legal limits, at the discretion of the Dean of Students.
V. Education and Treatment
Eckerd College provides educational programming (i.e., TIPS training, AlcoholEDU, Alcohol Awareness
programs for incoming students) and literature that informs students about the use and abuse of alcohol and
other drugs. Literature concerning alcohol and other drug use and abuse is available through Counseling
Services, Outreach Services, Residence Life, Campus Ministries, and Campus Safety.
It is the intent of Eckerd College to provide a program of intervention, assessment, treatment, and support
for those students who are at risk from the abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs.
1. Students who are identified as being at risk from the abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs will be
given opportunities for assessment, counseling, and/or referral to off-campus treatment.
2. Help may be initiated for a student by contacting any of the following: Outreach Services, Resident
Advisors, Assistant Residence Coordinators, Office of Residence Life, Office of the Dean of
Students, Counseling Services, Student Ministry Coordinators, Office of Campus Ministries,
Academic Mentors, or Campus Safety.
A list of resources for assistance with alcohol and other drug problems is available through the Office of
Health Promotion, Outreach Services, Resident Advisors, Assistant Residence Coordinators, Office of
Residence Life, Office of the Dean of Students, Counseling Services, Campus Safety, and the Eckerd
College website: www.eckerd.edu/counselinghealth .
VI. Legal Risks of Alcohol and Other Drug Use:
Florida Laws
Selling, giving, or serving alcohol to any person under age twenty-one may result in conviction of a
misdemeanor in the second degree, punishable by fines of $500 and a definite term of imprisonment not to
exceed sixty days. (Florida Statutes 562.11, 775.082, and 775.083) Conviction may also result in
revocation of ones drivers license. (Florida Statute 562.111)
Acceptable forms of identification include:
1. Valid drivers license
2. Valid state-issued I.D. card
3. U.S. active duty military I.D.
4. Passport
5. Alien registration card (green card)
A person over eighteen years of age convicted of certain drug offenses may have his or her drivers license
revoked. (Florida Statute 322.055)
Use of a false state issued I.D. or the use of another persons state-issued I.D., or misrepresenting ones
true age to obtain alcohol illegally may result in conviction of a misdemeanor in the second degree,
punishable by fines of $500 and a definite term of imprisonment not to exceed sixty days (Florida Statutes
775.082 and 775.083).

Page 21

 2014-2015 EC Book

Manufacture, sale, alteration, or re-manufacture of a state issued I.D. may result in a conviction of a thirddegree felony.
Persons under twenty-one years of age are not permitted to possess alcohol. A first offense is a
misdemeanor in the second degree, punishable by fines of $500 and a definite term of imprisonment not to
exceed sixty days (Florida Statutes 775.082 and 775.083).
Conviction for possessing, delivering, and/or manufacturing drug paraphernalia is a first-degree
misdemeanor that may result in imprisonment of not more than one year. If conviction is for delivery to a
minor person, it is a second-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment of not more than fifteen years.
(Florida Statute 893.147)
Miscellaneous Legal Consequences
Federal law makes the distribution of drugs to persons under age twenty-one punishable with a mandatory
one year in prison.
Per Federal Financial Aid Regulations 34 CFR 668.40, HEAO Sec. 488(g), amended HEA Sec. 485 (20 U.S.
C. 1092), HEA Sec. 485(k):
In compliance with the above regulation, this statement serves as notice that a student who has a drug
conviction for any offense, during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV HEA
program funds (Federal Pell, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Academic Competiveness Grant,
SMART Grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins loan, Federal Stafford loans, Federal PLUS loans,
Federal Grad PLUS loans) under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs
will result in the loss of eligibility for any Title IV program funds (see above listing of program funds).
Persons convicted of drug possession are ineligible for federal student grants and loans for five years
following the first conviction, ten years after the second, and permanently after the third.
A criminal record (misdemeanor or felony) may prevent admission to graduate or professional schools,
professional licensure or certification, or security clearance for certain professions and positions.
VII. Policy Enforcement
All members of the Eckerd College community (students, faculty, alumni, ASPEC members, and staff) have
a shared responsibility in upholding the Eckerd College Alcohol and Other Drug Policy. Eckerd College
community members are expected to report violations of the policy to the Office of Residence Life, Office of
the Dean of Students, or the Office of Campus Safety.
Loss of control due to intoxication does not excuse or justify violation of local, state or federal laws, College
regulations, or the rights of others (Florida Statute 775.051).
Eckerd College has the right to involve off-campus law enforcement in infractions that violate local, state and
federal laws.
Conduct Procedures
Violations of the Alcohol & Other Drug Policy will be reviewed by the Community Standards Incident Review
Committee (CSIRC) and assigned to one of the following forums for hearing: Student Community Standards
Board, Conduct Conference, Conduct Hearing or Conduct Review Committee, depending on the type and/or
severity of the policy violation.
The following policy violations will most likely be heard by the Student Community Standards Board, in a
Conduct Conference, or a Conduct Hearing, but may be heard in another forum as determined by the Dean
of Students or his/her designee:
a. First offense of alcohol use and/or possession
b. Possession of an open container of alcohol in a prohibited area
c. Possession of a glass drinking container outside a residence room
d. Use of a single-source alcohol container
e. Vandalism related to alcohol use
f. First offense marijuana or synthetic marijuana possession
g. First offense possession of drug paraphernalia with residue
h. Alcohol violations and other drug violations beyond the first offense for both underage and of-age
students

Page 22

 2014-2015 EC Book

i.
j.
k.
l.
m.

Hazardous operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs
Disruptive behavior related to alcohol and/or other drug use
Other offenses against persons or property while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs
Distribution of alcohol to someone under twenty-one years of age
Use of a false I.D. to misrepresent age with intent to obtain and/or consume alcohol

The following policy violations are considered to be of a very serious nature and may require immediate
appearance before the Dean of Students or his/her designee and/or appearance before a formal Conduct
Review Committee. These policy violations may jeopardize the students continued enrollment at Eckerd
College and may result in referral to law enforcement:
a. Offenses by an individual with a record of repeated policy violations
b. First offense marijuana possession of a quantity that exceeds a first degree misdemeanor (twenty
grams or more)
c. Sale, manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver any drugs
(including prescription drugs)
d. Serious vandalism related to alcohol and/or other drug use
e. Physical violence or sexual misconduct while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs
f. The manufacture and/or sale of false, altered, remanufactured I.D. with intent to misrepresent
g. First offense drug use other than marijuana
Eckerd Colleges Sanctions for Alcohol and Other Drug Violations
The following reflect institutional sanctions that may be accompanied by criminal sanctions when the offense
constitutes a violation of state or federal law:
1.

The sanction generally is related to the seriousness of the offense (see Conduct Procedures);
however, the Dean of Students or his/her designee reserves the right to assign any sanction, or
combination of sanctions, deemed appropriate.

2.

Sanctions for violations of the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy include, but are not limited to, the
following:
a. Verbal warning
b. Written warning
c. Fines
d. Restitution
e. Community service
f. Mentor notification
g. Housing Probation
h. Conduct (Disciplinary) Probation
i. Parental notification
j. Referral for education programs
k. Referral for psychological and/or substance abuse assessment
l. Mandatory drug testing
m. Restriction, relocation, and/or removal from residence halls
n. Suspension from the College
o. Expulsion from the College
p. Referral to law enforcement

Students found responsible for three or more substance-related violations of the Alcohol and Other Drug
Policy may be subject to suspension from campus housing.
Any student found responsible for violating the policy regarding sale, manufacture, delivery, or possession
with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver any drugs (including prescription drugs) will likely face a
recommended sanction of suspension from the College for at least one academic year.
Parental Notification
The law that governs the privacy of student records, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA), permits colleges and universities to inform parents/guardians of students under twenty-one years
of age when their student has been found in violation of the Colleges Alcohol and Other Drug Policy. The
purpose of parental notification is twofold:
1. To partner with parents in assisting students to make healthy and responsible decisions regarding
alcohol and other drug use;

Page 23

 2014-2015 EC Book

2.

To deter irresponsible drinking and the illegal use of drugs. (Adapted from the Ball State University
Student Handbook.)

Eckerd College reserves the right to notify parents/guardians of dependent students regarding any conduct
situation. Parents/guardians of students under twenty-one years of age may be notified when a student is
found responsible for second and subsequent violations of the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy. Violations
involving illegal drug use and/or possession or use and/or possession of drug paraphernalia may result in
parental notification on a first offense.
For all students, including those who are not dependent, Eckerd College may contact parents/guardians to
inform them of situations in which there is a health and/or safety risk or to inform them of incidents involving
destructive or violent behavior. Examples include the following:

The student demonstrates a reckless disregard for their personal safety or the safety of others.

Medical attention to any person, including the student, is required as a result of the students
behavior.

The students behavior under the influence of alcohol or other drugs negatively impacts the campus
community.
Further Revisions of the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy
Revisions to this policy, required by changing circumstances, may be initiated by the Dean of Students or
his/her designee or an Alcohol and Other Drug Policy Committee appointed by the Dean.
VIII. Room Inspection/Search
Room Inspection
All due respect is given to the privacy that residents enjoy in their rooms/suites. Occasionally,
circumstances present themselves which necessitate authorized College personnel to enter student
rooms/suites for the purpose of health and safety inspections, repair and maintenance, assessment of
damages, inventory of College property, determination of compliance with College policies, state or federal
laws, or emergencies where imminent danger to life, safety, health, or property is reasonably suspected.
Whenever a room/suite is entered, the College personnel will knock and announce themselves. If no
response by the resident is made, the staff member will key-in, announcing the intention to do so, and
then enter. Whenever a room/suite is entered without a resident being present, the staff member(s) will
leave a note stating the room/suite has been entered, by whom, and the purpose for the entry. Any
items in violation of College policies which are in plain view will be confiscated and handled through the
student conduct process. The College reserves the right, when deemed appropriate, not to release
items which have been confiscated.
Room Search
For reasonable cause, as determined by the Dean of Students or his/her designee, a formal search of a
residence hall room/suite may be conducted if appropriate personnel believe one or more of the following
conditions exist:
There is a suspected violation of College policy and/or local, state or federal laws
There is a serious threat to persons within the residence hall/suite
There is possible stolen property in the room/suite
There are possible illegal substances in the room/suite
There is a sick or injured individual in the room/suite
There is a neglected or abandoned pet in the room/suite
Student Affairs staff and/or Campus Safety are permitted, with reasonable cause, to enter a residence hall
room/suite. Residence Life staff will be called upon to support a search by Campus Safety. When felonious
criminal activity or a serious threat of harm is suspected, law enforcement agencies will be contacted for
assistance. During a search, Eckerd College staff is entitled to look in areas and personal possessions
within the room/suite as needed. If such a search proves fruitless, staff will not conduct more extensive
searches without first communicating with and receiving approval from the Dean of Students or his/her
designee. During a search, staff are permitted to bar students from the area being searched, if necessary,
and to prohibit their return on an interim basis in order to secure the area.

Page 24

 2014-2015 EC Book

Stalking and Intrusive Contact Policy

Eckerd College is committed to protecting the right of all individuals to pursue their intellectual, vocational,
and personal interests in a harassment-free environment. Intrusive Contact, defined below, violates this right
and will not be tolerated.
The College defines intrusive contact as repetitive, menacing pursuit, following, harassment and/or
interference with the peace and/or safety of a member of the community, or the safety of any of the
immediate family members. Repetitive is defined as composed of a series of acts over a period of time,
however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose.
Such behaviors and activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

non-consensual communication, including, but not limited to, face-to-face, phone calls, voice
messages, text messages, written letters, unwanted gifts;

cyberstalking and/or cyberbullying, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, social networking
sites, and any form of online sources;

threatening or obscene gestures;

lurking, pursuing or following;

surveillance or other types of observation;

trespassing;

vandalism;

non-consensual touching.
Stalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a
reasonable person to: fear for his or her safety or the safety of others and/or suffer substantial emotional
distress.
Guidelines

If you believe that you may be a victim of intrusive contact and/or stalking, report this immediately
to Campus Safety (727-864-8260).

No Contact Agreements and other protective options may be available to you.

Please get help from someone you trust.

Ask your friends, family, and classmates to support your decision to remain apart from the
suspected stalker.

Do not assume you are overreacting.

Trust your instincts.

The following on-campus resources are here to assist you:

Campus Safety: 727-864-8260

Counseling Services: 727-864-8248 (confidential counseling)

Outreach Services: 727-864-8407 (located in Brown Hall to provide support and referrals to
campus and community agencies)

Residence Life: 727-864-8421

Dean of Students Office: 727-864-8421

Campus Ministries: 727-864-8587

Community Standards/Conduct: 727-864-7874

Stalking is a crime under Florida state law. Options available to victims of stalking include reporting to the
local police, seeking a remedy through civil proceedings, and/or utilizing the campus conduct process. For
police assistance, call the non-emergency number of the St. Petersburg Police Department (727-893-7780).
In an emergency, call 911.
How to File a Formal Complaint with the College
A complaint may be filed with the College by reporting the incident to Campus Safety (727-864-8260), by
emailing statements@eckerd.edu or by reporting to the Office of the Dean of Students in Brown Hall (727864-8421). Designated staff members in these offices will provide assistance in filing a complaint and
explaining the Colleges follow-up process.
In a report, do your best to document all stalking incidents by stating the date, time, place, event, and any
witnesses to the incident. Save any evidence such as notes, photos, objects, gifts, printed e-mail

Page 25

 2014-2015 EC Book

messages, text messages or any other electronic communication, and recorded voice messages. All reports
will be investigated in a thorough and timely manner.
If there is sufficient evidence to suggest a policy violation, the College will make a determination as to
whether to proceed with a formal conduct hearing. (See Procedures for Conduct Action section.)
During the investigation and until resolution of the matter, certain restrictions may be issued as deemed
appropriate, including, but not limited to, restrictions on contact between the complainant and the accused
student, exclusion from specified areas of campus, and removal or relocation from residential areas. A No
Contact Agreement may be established between parties and prohibit contact in person, in writing, via e-mail,
via cell or telephone, via text messages, via third parties or through any form of on-line sources. If either
party violates this agreement they may be subject to conduct action, including, but not limited to, an
immediate summary suspension from the College.
The term Intrusive Contact is language borrowed from Cornell University, College of Human Ecology

Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Eckerd College is committed to complying with all requirements as set forth by Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). As such, discrimination on the basis of sex or gender will not be tolerated
in any of Colleges education programs or activities. Such discrimination includes, but is not limited to:
sexual harassment; sexual violence; sex or gender-based bullying; hazing; stalking; relationship violence
(including domestic violence and dating violence), and failure to provide equal opportunity in admissions,
activities, employment or athletics. Student workers will be covered by this policy, and may also fall under
the jurisdiction of human resources, which will jointly resolve all complaints with the Dean of Students.
Eckerd College does not tolerate sexual misconduct. When sexual misconduct is reported, the College will:

offer the victim immediate and ongoing support, guidance, and counseling from a variety of campus
and community resources;

assist the victim in arranging appropriate medical evaluation and/or treatment;

document the reported incident, initiate an investigation and, if warranted, conduct a hearing to
determine whether sexual misconduct has occurred;

take appropriate conduct action against any member of the Eckerd community who is found to
have violated the Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct Policy;

maintain privacy at all times with regard to the identity of the victim, the accused, and the details of
the incident;

encourage the victim of any sexual battery, defined as a felony under Florida law, to report the
incident to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

The College Title IX Coordinator will be informed of, and oversee, all complaints of sex discrimination and is
responsible for identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems that arise during the review of
such complaints. Questions or concerns regarding the Colleges procedures and Title IX may be directed to
one or more of the following resources:
Inquiries concerning the application of this policy may be directed to the Eckerd College Title IX Coordinator,
th
Lorisa Lorenzo, Associate Dean of Students, Eckerd College, 4200 54 Avenue South, St. Petersburg,
Florida 33711, or by telephone at (727) 864-7810.
Inquiries may be made externally to:
Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
Customer Service Hotline #: (800) 421-3481
Facsimile: (202) 453-6012
TDD#: (877) 521-2172
Email: OCR@ed.gov
Web: http://www.ed.gov/ocr

Page 26

 2014-2015 EC Book

The College will make every effort to successfully complete the grievance process for complaints of sex
discrimination over a period of 60 days or less. The complaining party will receive periodic status updates on
the progress of the complaint and any subsequent appeals.
During the investigation and/or grievance process for complaints of sex discrimination, the College may take
a number of interim actions in order to ensure the preservation of the educational experience and the overall
College environment of the party bringing the complaint. These actions may include, but are not limited to:
imposing a no contact order on the responding party; residence hall room change for one or more involved
parties; changes in academic schedules or assignments for one or both parties and interim suspension of
the responding party.
To read more about Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, please visit:
http://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/statutes/titleix.htm.

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Members of College community, guests and visitors have the right to be free from sexual violence and
discrimination. All members of the College community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that
does not infringe upon the rights of others. The College sexual misconduct policy has been developed to
reaffirm this expectation and to provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated. The
College maintains a policy of zero tolerance for sexual misconduct regardless of the sexual orientation or
gender identity of individuals engaging in sexual activity. Zero tolerance means the College will remedy all
unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature and will impose serious sanctions on anyone who violates this policy.
Resolution by the College is intended to bring an end to harassing or discriminatory conduct, prevent its
recurrence and remedy the effects on the victim and the community. This policy has dual purposes; it serves
as a measure to determine, after-the-fact, if behaviors trespassed on community values and as a guide for
students on the Colleges expectations, preventatively, for sexual communication and interaction,
responsibility and respect.
While the policy below is quite detailed and specific, the expectations of this community can be summarized
in this simple paragraph: Consent is clear sexual permission and can only be given by one of legal age.
Consent can be given by word or action, but non-verbal consent is more ambiguous than explicitly stating
ones wants and limitations. Consent to one form of sexual activity should not, and cannot, be taken as
consent to any other sexual activity. Individuals who consent to sex must be able to fully understand what
they are doing. Under this policy, No always means No and Yes may not always mean Yes. For
example, when alcohol or other drugs are used, a person will be considered unable to give valid consent if
the person cannot appreciate the who, what, where, when, why, or how of a sexual interaction. In addition,
silencewithout clear actions demonstrating permissioncannot be assumed to indicate consent.
Finally, there is a difference between seduction and coercion; coercion is defined in this policy as
unreasonably pressuring another person for sex. Coercing someone into engaging in sexual activity violates
this policy in the same way as physically forcing someone into engaging in sexual activity.
Violations of the College Sexual Misconduct Policy
Sexual misconduct is a serious offense and such violations are subject to any combination of conduct
sanctions as described in the Code of Student Conduct - Section 7: Formal Conduct Procedures, with
individuals found responsible for violation of the nonconsensual sexual intercourse policy facing a
recommended sanction of College suspension or College expulsion. Deviations from this range are rare and
only made where there are compelling mitigating circumstances. Suspensions, if given, are based on
satisfying conditions rather than solely on a period of time. Predatory, pattern and/or repeat offenders face
expulsion, which is also available for any serious offense whether pattern, predatory or repeat offending is
evidenced or not. The other forms of sexual misconduct defined below cover a range of behaviors, and
therefore a range of sanctions from warning to expulsion can be applied, depending on the nature of the
misconduct. A partial list of College sexual misconduct policy violations is listed below.
a)

Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome sex-based conduct or unwelcome conduct of a sexual

nature. The College encourages the reporting of all sexual harassment to a supervisor and/or the Title
IX Coordinator (referenced above). The College will promptly and effectively remedy all instances of
reported sexual harassment by providing resources to the victim and addressing the effects on the
victim and the community. To impose discipline on a harasser, sexual harassment must also meet the
definition of hostile environment, quid pro quo or retaliation defined immediately below:

Page 27

 2014-2015 EC Book

1.

Hostile Environment includes situations where harassment is sufficiently severe, pervasive or

persistent and objectively offensive that it unreasonably interferes with, limits or denies the
ability to participate in or benefit from Colleges educational or employment program or
activities, sanctions can be imposed for the creation of a hostile environment.
The determination of whether an environment is hostile must be based on all the
circumstances. These circumstances could include, but are not limited to:

The frequency of the speech or conduct;

The nature and severity of the speech or conduct;
Whether the conduct was physically threatening;
Whether the speech or conduct was humiliating;
The effect of the speech or conduct on the alleged victims mental and/or emotional state;
Whether the speech or conduct was directed at more than one person;
Whether the speech or conduct arose in the context of other discriminatory conduct;
Whether the speech or conduct unreasonably interfered with the alleged victims
educational or work performance;
Whether a statement is a mere utterance of an epithet, which engenders offense in an
employee or a student or offends by mere discourtesy or rudeness.

2.

Quid Pro Quo sexual harassment exists when there are unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where
submission to, or rejection of, such conduct results in adverse educational or employment
action. Quid pro quo harassment may also exist when a threat of adverse action or a promise
of a benefit is explicitly conditioned on submission to, or rejection of, such requests.

3.

Retaliation exists when an individual harasses, intimidates or takes other adverse action(s)
against a person because of the persons participation in an investigation of discrimination or
sexual misconduct or their support of someone involved in an investigation of discrimination or
sexual misconduct. Retaliatory actions include, but are not limited to, threats or actual violence
against the person or their property, adverse educational or employment consequences,
ridicule, intimidation, bullying, or ostracism. The College will impose sanctions on any faculty,
student or staff member found to be engaging in retaliation.

b)

Nonconsensual Sexual Intercourse (or attempts to commit the same):

Any sexual intercourse (anal, oral or vaginal),

however slight,

with any object,

by a person upon another person,

without consent and/or by physical force

c)

Nonconsensual Sexual Contact (or attempts to commit the same):

Any intentional sexual touching,

however slight,

with any object,

by person upon another person,

without consent and/or by physical force

d)

Sexual Exploitation: Taking nonconsensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for ones own
advantage or benefit, or to benefit a person other than the one being exploited. Examples of sexual
exploitation include, but are not limited to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Prostituting another student;

Non-consensual video or audio recording of sexual activity;
Exceeding the boundaries of explicit consent, such as allowing friends to hide in a closet to be
witness to ones consensual sexual activity;
Engaging in voyeurism (Peeping Tommery); and/or
Knowingly transmitting a sexually transmitted disease/infection or HIV to another student.

Page 28

 2014-2015 EC Book

Confidentiality and Reporting Sexual Misconduct

Institute officials, depending on their roles, have varying reporting responsibilities and abilities to maintain
confidentiality. In order to make informed choices, one should be aware of confidentiality and mandatory
reporting requirements when consulting campus resources. On campus, some resources may maintain
confidentiality, offering options and advice without any obligation to inform an outside agency or individual
unless you have requested information to be shared. Other resources exist for you to report crimes and
policy violations and these resources will take action when you report victimization to them. The following
describes the reporting options at the College:
Confidential Reporting
If a reporting party would like the details of an incident to be kept confidential, the reporting party may
speak with on-campus counselors, campus health service providers, off-campus local rape crisis
counselors, domestic violence resources, and local or state assistance agencies, who will maintain
confidentiality except in extreme cases of immediacy of threat or danger or abuse of a minor. Campus
counselors are available for students and the Employee Assistance Program is available for employees
free of charge and can be seen on an emergency basis during normal business hours. These employees
will submit anonymous statistical information for Title IX tracking and Clery Act purposes unless they
believe it would be harmful to their client, patient or parishioner.
Formal Reporting Options
College employees have a Duty to Report, unless they fall under the section above. Parties bringing a
complaint may want to consider carefully whether they share personally identifiable details with nonconfidential employees, as those details must be shared by the employee with the Title IX Coordinators
and/or Deputy Coordinators. Otherwise, employees must share all details of the reports they receive. If a
complainant does not wish for their name to be shared, does not wish for an investigation to take place,
or does not want a formal resolution to be pursued, the complainant may make such a request to the Title
IX Coordinators, who will evaluate that request in light of the duty to ensure the safety of the campus and
to comply with federal law.
In cases indicating pattern, predation, threat and/or violence, the Institute may be unable to honor a request
for confidentiality. In cases where the victim requests confidentiality and the circumstances allow the
College to honor that request, the College will offer interim supports and remedies to the victim and the
community, but will not otherwise pursue formal action. A party bringing a complaint has the right, and can
expect, to have grievances taken seriously by the College when formally reported, and to have those
incidents investigated and properly resolved through these procedures. Formal reporting still affords privacy
to the reporter, and only a small group of officials who need to know will be told.
Information will be shared as necessary with investigators, witnesses and the responding party. The circle of
people with this knowledge will be kept as tight as possible to preserve the rights and privacy of those
involved. Additionally anonymous reports can be made by victims and/or third parties using the Silent
Witness link on the Campus Safety website (www.eckerd.edu/safety). Note that these anonymous reports
may prompt a need for the institution to investigate.
Federal Timely Warning Obligations
Victims of sexual misconduct should be aware that College administrators must issue timely warnings for
incidents reported to them that pose a substantial threat of bodily harm or danger to members of the campus
community. The College will ensure that a victims name and other identifying information is not disclosed,
while still providing enough information for community members to make safety decisions in light of the
danger.
Information Supplementing the College Sexual Misconduct Policy
In addition to the information provided in the College Sexual Misconduct Policy, students should know that
rape is a crime that can be reported to civil authorities. Rape is often thought of as a violent attack on a
woman by a stranger who uses a weapon to threaten his victim, but this description does not apply to the
majority of rapes that take place in the United States. Victims of rape and sexual assault report that in
nearly 3 out of 4 incidents, the offender was not a strangertwo thirds of the victims 18 to 29 years old had
a prior relationship with the rapist. Therefore, College students are more likely to be victimized by someone
they know, and perhaps trust, than by someone who is a stranger. Both men and women can be victims.
Non-consensual intercourse by a person one knows is often referred to as date rape or acquaintance rape,
both of which are as serious an offense as stranger rape.

Page 29

 2014-2015 EC Book

College and Community Resources for Victims of Sexual Harassment and Assault
On-Campus Confidential Reporting and Support:

Counseling Services: 727-864-8248

Health Services: 727-864-8326

Campus Ministries: 727-864-8587

On-Campus Non-Confidential Reporting and Support:

Campus Safety: 727-864-8260

Outreach Services: 727-864-8407 (located in Brown Hall to provide support and referrals
to campus and community therapists)

Residence Life: 727-864-8421

Dean of Students Office: 727-864-8421

Community Standards/Conduct: 727-864-7874

Options for Survivors of Sexual Assault
Because terms such as victim and complainant can feel disempowering to those who experience sexual
assault, the term survivor is used in this supplement to the Policy.
The suggestions offered below will assist survivors in maintaining a pro-active stance toward seeking
conduct and/or legal action as an integral part of the healing process.

Seek help from a trusted source a friend or relative, your RA, Campus Safety (727-864-8260),
police department (911), Crisis Intervention Service (211). See a complete list of On-Campus and
Community Support telephone numbers below.

Get medical assistance as soon as possible. A Sexual Assault Victim Examination (SAVE) can be
performed at no cost by calling the SAVE Team (727-544-3900).

Do not shower, wash, douche, or change clothes, as these actions may destroy valuable evidence.
If clothes are changed, soiled clothes should be placed into a paper bag or Tupperware container
and taken to the exam with you or stored for later. If you are concerned about the length of time
you have to receive an exam, contact the SAVE Team.

Females can ask medical staff for emergency contraception and tests for STDs.
Note: Neither the request for a Sexual Assault Exam nor the collection of physical evidence by
hospital personnel and its storage by the police mean you must pursue criminal charges. However,
if a decision is made later to pursue criminal charges, the preservation of such evidence will be
extremely valuable.
Counseling and Support Resources
Community Support:

Police/Rescue: dial 911

Rape Crisis Hotline: 727-530-RAPE (7273)

Police Department Victim Assistance Division: 727-892-5127

Safe Center: 727-530-SAFE (7233) (24 hours)

Victim Advocate Help Line: 727-535-9811 (Business Hours)

Local therapists in private practice and low-cost community agencies in the St. Petersburg
area; referrals can be obtained through Outreach Services and/or Counseling Services.
Because of the trauma resulting from sexual violence, survivors are strongly encouraged to seek
ongoing professional support. A therapeutic relationship with a counselor:

creates a confidential environment in which the survivor can discuss all aspects of her/his
experience as needed or desired;

provides the survivor with valuable tools for coping with the stress and intensity of
feelings, which may shift many times during a survivors recovery;

facilitates the healing process and monitors the survivors progress in regaining and
maintaining emotional balance;

documents the survivors on-going request for assistance, should she/he wish to use such
an attendance record in a conduct or court hearing.

Page 30

 2014-2015 EC Book

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the Colleges sexual conduct
policy and procedures.
1.

Does a complaint remain confidential?

Reports made to counselors, health service providers and clergy will be kept confidential. All other
reports are considered private. The privacy of all parties to a complaint of sexual misconduct will be
maintained, except insofar as it interferes with the Colleges obligation to fully investigate allegations of
sexual misconduct. Where information is shared, it will still be tightly controlled on a need-to-know
basis. Dissemination of information and/or written materials to persons not involved in the complaint
procedure is not permitted.
In all complaints of sexual misconduct, the accusing party will be informed of the outcome. In some
instances, the administration also may choose to make a brief announcement of the nature of the
violation and the action taken, to the community, though personally identifying information about the
victim will not be shared. Certain College administrators are informed privately (e.g., the President of
the College, Coordinator for Community Standards, Title IX Coordinator, Director of Security, etc.) of the
outcome and any change to a students status, as necessary. The College must statistically report the
occurrence on campus of any of seven major violent crimes, including certain sex offenses, and hate
crimes in an annual report of campus crime statistics. This statistical report does not include personally
identifiable information.

2.

Will my parents/guardians be told?

No, not unless you tell them. Whether you are the accusing party or the responding party, the Colleges
primary relationship is to the student and not to the parent/guardian; however, in the event of major
medical, conduct action, or academic jeopardy, students are strongly encouraged to inform their
parents. College officials may directly inform parents when requested to do so by a student, or in a lifethreatening situation, in the case that the student is a minor, or if the student has signed the permission
slip at registration which allows such communication.

3.

Will I have to confront the alleged perpetrator?

Yes, if you file a formal complaint, but not directly. Sexual misconduct is a serious offense and the
responding party has the right to question the accuser; however, the College does provide options for
allowing questioning without direct contact, including closed-circuit testimony, Skype, using a room
divider or using separate hearing rooms.

4.

Do I have to name the alleged perpetrator?

Yes, if you want formal conduct action to be taken against the alleged perpetrator. No, if you choose to
respond informally and do not file a formal complaint. One should consult the complete privacy policy
described above to better understand the Colleges legal obligations regarding information that is
shared with various College officials.

5.

What should I do if I am accused of sexual misconduct?

First, do not contact the alleged victim. You may immediately want to contact someone who can act as
your advisor; anyone may serve as your advisor. You may also contact the Coordinator for Community
Standards, who can explain the Colleges procedures for dealing with sexual misconduct complaints.
You may also want to talk to a confidential counselor in Counseling Services.

6.

What should I do about legal advice?

Victims of criminal sexual assault need not retain a private attorney to seek prosecution because legal
issues will be handled through a representative from the District Attorneys office. You may want to
retain an attorney if you are the responding party. Victims may also want to retain an attorney if you are
considering filing a civil action against the alleged perpetrator. Both the accused and the victim may
also use an attorney as their advisor during the campus investigative and hearing processes.

7.

How can the College help to remedy the effects of discrimination?

Page 31

 2014-2015 EC Book

If you want to move, or have the responding party moved, you may request a room change. Room
changes under these circumstances are considered emergencies. It is the Colleges policy that in
emergency room changes, the student is moved to the first available suitable room. Other
accommodations available to you might include:

8.

Assistance from College support staff in completing the relocation;

Arranging to dissolve a housing contract and pro-rating a refund;
Exam, paper or assignment rescheduling;
Taking an incomplete in a class;
Transferring class sections;
Temporary withdrawal; and/or
Alternative course completion options;
A no-contact order;
Counseling assistance;
Escorts or other campus safety protections;
Transportation accommodations, etc.

What should I do to preserve evidence of a sexual assault?

Physical information of a sexual assault must be collected within about 120 hours of the assault for it to
be useful in a criminal prosecution. If you believe you have been a victim of a sexual assault, you
should go to a hospital Emergency Room before washing yourself or your clothing. A sexual assault
health professional (a specially trained nurse called a SANE) at the hospital is on call and will counsel
you. If you go to the hospital, local police will be called but you are not obligated to talk to the police or
to prosecute. The exam will help to keep that option open for you should you decide later to exercise it.
The hospital staff will collect information, check for injuries and address the possibility of exposure to
sexually transmitted infections. If you have changed clothing since the assault, bring the clothing you
had on at the time of the assault with you to the hospital in a clean, sanitary container such as a clean
paper grocery bag or wrapped in a clean sheet. (Plastic containers do not breathe, and may render
forensic information useless.) If you have not changed clothes, bring a change of clothes with you to the
hospital, if possible, as they will likely keep the clothes you are wearing as information. You can take a
support person with you to the hospital, and they can accompany you through the exam, if you want. Do
not disturb the crime sceneleave all sheets, towels, etc. that may bear information for the police to
collect.

9.

Will either partys prior use of drugs and/or alcohol be considered when reporting sexual misconduct?
No, not unless there is a compelling reason to believe that prior use or abuse is relevant to the present
complaint.

10. Will a student be sanctioned when reporting an act of sexual misconduct if the student has illegally used
drugs or alcohol?
No. The College offers amnesty in such situations. The seriousness of sexual misconduct is a major
concern and the College does not want any of the circumstances (e.g., drug or alcohol use) to inhibit
the reporting of sexual misconduct.
11. What should I do if I am uncertain about what happened?
If you believe that you have experienced non-consensual sexual contact, but are unsure of whether it
was a violation of the Colleges sexual misconduct policy, you should contact the Title IX Coordinator
and/or Office of Community Standards. The College also provides Outreach Counselors who can help
you to define and clarify the event(s), and advise you of your options.

Page 32

 2014-2015 EC Book

Risk Reduction Tips

Tips like these tend to make victims feel blamed if a sexual assault occurs. It is never the victims fault, and
these tips are offered in the hope that recognizing patterns can help men and women to reduce the risk of
victimization. That said, only a rapist or an empowered bystander can intervene to prevent a rape or
assault. Generally, an assault by a known offender will follow a four-step pattern:
1.
2.
3.
4.

An individuals personal space is violated in some way. For example, the perpetrator may touch the
victim in a way that does not feel comfortable.
If the victim does not express discomfort, the perpetrator may begin to view the victim as an easy
target because she/he is not acting assertively.
The perpetrator may take the victim to a location that is secluded and where the victim is
vulnerable.
The victim feels trapped or unable to be assertive and is raped or assaulted.

Decisive action early in an encounter may be the key to avoiding rape. An individual who can combine
assertiveness and self-defense skills, who is self-confident and definite in his/her interactions with others, is
less likely to become a victim of rape. If the individual can assertively defend his/her rights initially, he/she
has a better chance of avoiding being raped than does a person who resorts to techniques such as pleading
or trying to talk the perpetrator out of it. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable sexual situation, these
suggestions may help you to reduce your risk:
1.
2.

Make your limits known before things go too far.

Give clear messages. Say yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no. Leave no room
for misinterpretation. Tell a sexual aggressor NO clearly and loudly, like you mean it.
3. Try to extricate yourself from the physical presence of a sexual aggressor.
4. Grab someone nearby and ask for help.
5. Be responsible for your alcohol intake/drug use and realize that alcohol/drugs lower your sexual
inhibitions and may make you more vulnerable to someone who views a drunk or high person as a
sexual opportunity.
6. Watch out for your friends and ask that they watch out for you. A real friend will get in your face if
you are about to make a mistake. Respect them if they do.
7. Be aware of any nonverbal messages you may be sending that conflict with what you are saying.
Notice your tone of voice, gestures and eye contact.
8. Be forceful and firm when necessary. Dont be concerned with being polite. Your passivity may be
interpreted as permission or approval for this behavior.
9. Do not acquiesce to something you do not want just to avoid unpleasantness. Do not allow
politeness to trap you in a dangerous situation. This is not the time to be concerned about hurt
feelings.
10. Trust your feelings or instincts. If a situation does not feel comfortable to you or you feel anxious
about the way your date is acting, you need to respond. Leave immediately if necessary.
If you find yourself in the position of being the initiator of sexual behavior, you owe sexual respect to your
potential partner. These suggestions may help you to reduce your risk for being accused of sexual
misconduct:
1.

2.
3.

4.
5.

Do not make assumptions about:

Consent;

Someones sexual availability;

Whether a person is attracted to you;

How far you can go; or

Whether a person is physically and mentally able to consent to you.

Clearly communicate your intentions to your sexual partner and give him/her a chance to clearly
relate his/her intentions to you.
Mixed messages from your partner should be a clear indication that you should step back, defuse
the sexual tension, and communicate better. Perhaps you are misreading your partner. Perhaps
your partner has not figured out how far he/she wants to go with you yet. You need to respect the
timeline with which your partner is comfortable.
Do not take advantage of someones drunkenness or drugged state, even if he/she did it to
him/herself.
Realize that your potential partner could be intimidated by you, or fearful. You may have a power
advantage simply because of your gender or size. Do not abuse that power.

Page 33

 2014-2015 EC Book

6.
7.

8.

Understand that consent to some forms of sexual behavior does not necessarily imply consent to
other forms of sexual behavior.
On this campus, silence and passivity cannot be interpreted as an indication of consent. Read your
potential partner carefully, paying attention to verbal and non-verbal communication and body
language.
Do not force someone to have sex with you, or have sex with a partner who has not clearly
consented to you by words or actions unmistakable in their meaning.

Firearms and Weapons Policy

Although Florida law recognizes that under specific circumstances an individual may carry firearms in
vehicles and into parking lots (reference Preservation & Protection of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in
Motor Vehicles Act of 2008, Section 790.251, Florida Statutes), Eckerd College, as a private institution of
higher education, is exempt from this law. No person will be permitted to possess a concealed or
unconcealed firearm, weapon, or other hazardous material on the premises owned or within the control of
Eckerd College. This policy does not apply to law enforcement officers whose employer requires them to
carry a weapon at all times as a condition of employment.
The possession, use, manufacture of, and/or sale of fireworks, explosive devices, combustibles, weapons,
ammunition, or any other substances or devices that could be used to harm or incapacitate are prohibited on
the Eckerd College campus.
Weapons that are prohibited on campus include, but are not limited to:

Any item or instrument that is defined as a weapon under any city, state, or federal law;

Any item that could be used to inflict a wound, cause injury, damage property, or incapacitate
another person or animal;

Any item that could be used to harass, threaten, intimidate, assault, or batter;

Any instrument that ejects projectiles.

The following are examples of items considered weapons and ammunition and are therefore strictly
prohibited:

Guns (including, but not limited to, rifles, pistols, or any variation), slingshots, cross-bows, bows
and arrows, any type of taser, nunchucks, swords, spears, switchblades, brass knuckles, billy
clubs, knives (other than common pocket knives, diving knives, utility knives, multi-tools, knives
with blades 3 inches or less, kitchen utensils, and filet knives), fighting or throwing knives, martial
arts equipment, toy weapons that appear to be real, BB guns, pellet guns, dart guns, stun guns, air
guns, homemade guns, paint ball guns, air soft guns, spear guns, component parts that can be
readily assembled into a weapon, chemical weapons, fireworks, incendiary devices, or explosives
of any type.

Ammunition includes, but is not limited to bullets, BBs, pellets, darts, or any other kind of
projectile.
Eckerd College reserves the right to define what is considered a weapon on campus. Questions about this
policy may be addressed to the Director of Campus Safety & Security, (727-864-8260).

Parking Policies and Procedures

Students are permitted the privilege of maintaining a motor vehicle on the Eckerd College campus. The
privilege of maintaining a vehicle on campus may be rescinded if a student fails to observe the regulations
outlined below.
All campus buildings, roadways and parking areas are the private property of Eckerd College; however, all
roadways and parking areas are still subject to ticketing by local law enforcement. All persons and motor
vehicles, including motorcycles, golf carts, mopeds, and any motorized vehicles entering the private property
of Eckerd College are bound by all Florida state traffic laws, College parking signs, and College parking
policies and procedures when driving or parking a vehicle on campus. All parking lots on campus are decal
parking only, and all vehicles on campus must be registered, including motorcycles and scooters. Eckerd
College Campus Safety and Security is responsible for enforcing Eckerd Colleges parking policies and
procedures.
PARKING REGULATIONS ARE ENFORCED 24-HOURS A DAY, THE ENTIRE CALENDAR YEAR,
INCLUDING SUMMER, HOLIDAYS AND BREAKS.

Page 34

 2014-2015 EC Book

Faculty, staff, student, and visitor parking is permitted in designated areas only.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way on campus streets at all times. Drivers should always be
cognizant of the large amount of pedestrian traffic on campus and adjust to slower speeds as
necessary or indicated.
The speed limit on campus streets is 25 mph and 5 mph in all parking lots and all residential areas.
Faculty, staff, student, and visitor vehicles are not permitted on pedestrian walkways or on the
campus lawn. Vehicles should only be driven on authorized campus streets and parked only in
designated parking spaces.

Vehicles brought to campus should be registered immediately. All visitors are bound by campus parking/
traffic signage and regulations. Faculty, staff, and students are responsible for any use of their vehicles
when on campus, regardless of who is driving the vehicle.
Eckerd College student parking decals must be prominently displayed on the upper left hand corner (drivers
side) of the front windshield and the lower left hand corner of the rear windshield. Eckerd College student
parking decals on motorcycles or scooters must be prominently displayed on the windshield or the left side
of the vehicle.

There are no guaranteed spaces for a particular parking area.

Parking permits are not transferable.

Copies of the parking regulations are available upon request from the Office of Campus Safety and
Security in Brown Hall (727-864-8260).
DISABLED VEHICLES
If any vehicle is disabled (for any reason), or parked illegally due to an emergent circumstance, the owner
must notify the Office of Campus Safety and Security immediately (any time, day or night) at 727-864-8260.
All such situations are subject to verification.
DEFINITIONS
Residential Students: Students who live in one of the Colleges residential facilities.
Non-Residential Students: Students who are full and part-time (commuters, PEL students) who do not
reside in one of the Colleges residential facilities.
Faculty and Staff: Individuals who are full or part-time employees of Eckerd College and/or contractual
agencies.
Visitors: Individuals who are visiting the College and who have no formal affiliation with the College.
Daily: Monday at 8:30 am through Friday at 5:00 pm
Weekend: Friday at 5:00 pm through Monday at 7:30 am
Motorcycle/Scooters/Mopeds: Any two wheeled vehicle that is motorized.
REGISTRATION
Residential Students: $110.00 per school year.
Non-Residential Students: $40.00 per school year.
PEL Students: $40.00 per school year.
Visitors: No fee.
Additional vehicles for Residential Students: $110.00 per school year
Additional vehicles for Non-Residential Students: $40.00 per school year
In order for students to register a vehicle, they must present a valid drivers license and current vehicle
insurance. Any vehicle that has received more than three failure to register vehicle tickets may have their
vehicle towed at the owners expense.
Fees are not refunded in case of withdrawal or suspension/expulsion from the College.
GENERAL PARKING REGULATIONS
1) DISPLAY OF PARKING DECALS: All student vehicles operated on campus, including those being
operated temporarily, must be registered with Eckerd College and have current parking decals
prominently displayed on the upper left hand corner (drivers side) of the front windshield and the lower
left hand corner of the rear windshield. Parking decals should be affixed to the outside of the vehicle
windshield with the parking decal registration number clearly visible. Eckerd College student parking
decals on motorcycles or scooters must be prominently displayed on the windshield or the left side of the
vehicle.

Page 35

 2014-2015 EC Book

2) PARKING SPACES: Vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds, must be parked in a
designated marked space (valid white lines on both sides of the vehicle). There are no guaranteed
spaces within a designated parking area.
3) FIRE LANES, GRASS, WALKWAYS, and UNMARKED PAVEMENT: Parking is not permitted in fire
lanes, on the grass or walkways, or on unmarked pavement.
4) APPROVED FRESHMEN PARKING LOTS: All Eckerd College freshmen students must park in the
North Lot, South Lot, GMSL Dirt Lot or West Lot (across from Lewis House).
5) NON-RESIDENTIAL STUDENT PARKING: Non-residential, commuting students must park in the North
Lot, South Lot, GMSL Dirt Lot or West Lot (across from Lewis House).
6) VISITORS: Visitor parking is available in the North Lot, South Lot, GMSL Dirt Lot or West Lot. The
Upham Administration building parking lot is designated visitor parking from 7:30am to 5:00pm, MondayFriday. All Faculty/Staff parking lots are open for general parking on weekends. The Admissions Parking
areas are reserved for guests of the Admissions Office..
7) HANDICAPPED PARKING: Individuals who park in designated handicapped spaces must have a valid
state-issued handicapped parking hang tag, decal, or license plate indicating that the driver of the vehicle
requires this type of parking space. Individuals holding the proper designation may park in any
handicapped parking space available on the campus at any time. Temporary handicapped or special
needs parking permits are available from the Florida State Division of Motor Vehicle.
8) MOTORCYCLE/SCOOTER/MOPED PARKING: Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds must park in a
designated marked space (valid white lines on both sides of the vehicle). Motorcycles, scooters and
mopeds are able to park in the motorcycle/scooter designated parking areas. Motorcycles, scooters, and
mopeds should not be operated on sidewalks and walkways. They should not be parked on sidewalks,
walkways, adjacent to any building, campus lawn or in any area that would impede the flow of pedistration
or vehicular traffic.
9) TOWING: Eckerd College reserves the right to tow any vehicle, at the owners expense, in incidences that
include, but are not limited to, vehicles parked illegally, vehicles that pose a safety concern, vehicles that
are deemed to be abandoned, or vehicles that are not registered.
PARKING APPEALS
The parking appeal process is designed to assist individuals who have been ticketed in error. All appeals of
tickets issued for violation of the Colleges Parking Policies and Procedures must be submitted, in writing,
using the online parking appeal form found online at www.eckerd.edu/safety/policies/parkingappeal.php.
Telephone appeals will not be accepted. Appeals must be submitted by the individual who registered the
vehicle. All appeals must be submitted within five (5) business days of the date the citation was issued.
Appeals submitted after the fifth (5th) business day appeal timeframe will not be considered.
Tickets charged to a students account cannot be appealed at the Office of Campus Safety. The charge can
be appealed through the Bursars Office. The appeal process can be found at
http://www.eckerd.edu/bursar/appeals.php.
FINES
Vehicle operators found operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, in an
unsafe manner, or involved in major violations of College traffic regulations will be referred to the Office of
Community Standards and may have their parking and driving privileges suspended. All violations accrued
by any driver operating a motor vehicle will be charged to the registrant of that vehicle.
1. Parked in Handicap Space
2. Parked in Alternative Fuel Space
3. Failure to Register Vehicle
4 Parked in Faculty / Staff Area
5. Failure to park in Freshmen Lot
6. Failure to park in Commuter Lot
6. Parked in Visitors Space
7. Parked in Trustee Space
8. Parked in No Parking/Loading Zones
9. Parking on Grass / Walkways
10. Not Parked in a Marked Space
11. Parking which Blocks Traffic
12. Parked in a Fire Lane
13. Improper Display of Parking Decal

$250
$250
$200
$100
$100
$50
$50
$50
$50
$50
$50
$50
$50
$50

Page 36

 2014-2015 EC Book

The following are violations of College policies and may be referred to the Office of Community
Standards for appropriate conduct action:

The illegal transfer of an Eckerd College parking permit

Providing false parking or registration information
Violation of College parking policies
Violation of Florida state traffic laws
Reckless Driving Policy: Anyone operating a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner while on College
property will be referred to the Office of Community Standards and may have their driving privileges
suspended and/or face conduct action. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to stop at
intersections designated with a stop sign, excessive acceleration on any campus road or campus
parking lot, racing a motor vehicle on College property, driving on the sidewalks or endangering
individuals in-or-around the vehicle.
Excessive Noise Policy: While on Eckerd College property, students are not permitted to use an
audio system in a vehicle to play music at excessive levels. Excessive levels are defined as any
level that causes a disruption to the community.

The College is not liable for any damage to or loss/theft to any persons vehicle while on campus.

Yellow Bike Policy

Eckerd College aims to provide the availability of the Yellow Bike Program to the College community. The
usage of Yellow Bikes is extended to students, faculty, staff, alumni, contract workers, ELS and registered
visitors. However, the privilege of Yellow Bikes usage also requires the reecognition of the finiteness of the
Yellow Bike Program resources. Thus, it is in the best interests of all users of the Eckerd College Yellow
Bikes that certain practices and behaviors be followed and others avoided. To that end, the following should
be kept in mind:
1.

Users must keep Yellow Bikes within the boundaries of the campus at all times, unless prior written
consent has been granted by the Dean of Students or his/her designee. Failure to do so will make
violators eligible for a fine up to, but not exceeding, $500.00 and/or additional conduct action.
Anyone seen off-campus may face additional legal action for theft of College property (refer to
Florida Statue 812.014).
2. Users must not transport Yellow Bikes into any buildings.
3. Users should avoid riding Yellow Bikes on the sidewalks within the academic side of campus or in
other prohibited areas of campus.
4. Users must not secure Yellow Bikes to anything in a way that inhibits free use by the Eckerd
community.
5. Users must not alter Yellow Bikes in any way which inhibits free use by the Eckerd community (i.e.,
taking Yellow Bike saddles into classrooms).
6. Users must avoid parking Yellow Bikes in areas that will hinder the daily activities of the Eckerd
community (i.e., parking behind vehicles in parking lots and blocking walkways or doorways).
7. Users must avoid riding the bikes in an unsafe manner (i.e., riding doubles, downstairs or into
waterways).
8. Users must not vandalize or damage the bikes in any way (including, but not limited to, the use of
spray paint or other markings on the bikes).
9. Users are to obey all traffic laws:
a. When riding your bicycle on roadways, you must obey the same traffic laws, signs and
signals that apply to motorists.
b. Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as other traffic. Riding in the opposite direction of
traffic is both dangerous and against the law.
10. During the academic school year breaks/holidays, users must turn in Yellow Bikes to Campus
Activities for storage and repair during the designated dates set by Campus Activities.
11. Users, in order to notify that Yellow Bikes need repair, need to turn the bikes upside down.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in conduct action. In all cases the Offices of Residence Life
and Campus Safety reserve the right to refer any users who abuse the Yellow Bike Program to the Office of
Community Standards.
These guidelines are meant to be illustrative, not comprehensive. Campus Activities can provide guidance in
specific cases.

Page 37

 2014-2015 EC Book

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Policy

The use of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are not permitted on the Eckerd College campus
unless authorized by the Campus Safety and Security Department. Any individual found operating a drone
or UAV without authorization will be referred to the Office of Community Standards.

Residence Life Policies and Procedures

Residence hall living is an integral part of the educational process at Eckerd College. Every effort is made to
provide opportunities for personal growth and development in a congenial atmosphere. This requires of
each student an attitude of cooperation and an acceptance of social responsibility, a willingness to
participate in the enhancement of the common good and a desire to benefit from the interpersonal
relationships that are available on campus. Specifically, students can expect to live in a residence hall
environment in which:

The needs of the group balances those of the individual;

Students are free from excessive noise;

The environment is conducive to studying;

Individual privacy is respected;

The rights of the group balance the responsibilities of the individual.

The College expects residents to comply with requirements of public law, all College and Residence Life
policies and procedures, and all requests from College officials. It is each individuals responsibility to inform
him or herself of all policies and procedures.

Policies
All residents must abide by the following policies as outlined and must also abide by College regulations.
Fellow students, Residence Life staff, College officials, and Campus Safety may carry out enforcement of
policies.
1. Alcohol and Drugs: See the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy.
2. Appliances and Electrical Outlets: Some appliances that are allowed in the halls are clocks, fans,
stereos, TVs, microwave ovens, electric razors, hair dryers/curlers, irons, and lamps.
Some appliances that are not allowed are air conditioners (unless supplied by the College), ceiling fans
(unless supplied by the College), toaster ovens, hot plates (including George Foreman grills and coffee pots
with hot plate heating elements), tulip lighting, space heaters (unless supplied by the College), halogen
lamps, toasters (with the exception of Omega and Nu) and any appliance with visible heating elements.
Residents may only cook in their rooms with microwave ovens. Other cooking appliances are strictly
prohibited and may be confiscated by staff if found. Coffee makers without a hot plate heating element (i.e.
Keurig coffee makers), hot air popcorn poppers, and Energy Star rated refrigerators of no more than five
cubic feet are allowed. Variances may exist in campus suites as determined by the Office of Student Affairs.
There are a limited number of electrical outlets in each room, and these may not be altered for any reason.
No more than two appliances may be plugged into a double electrical outlet at any time. Two UL approved
power strip extension cords with 14 gauge wiring with a built-in circuit breaker per person may be used in
each room. This is the only kind of extension cord allowed in the residence halls. Variances may exist in
campus suites as determined by the Office of Student Affairs.
3. Fire Safety and Life Safety Equipment: The misuse or abuse of life safety equipment such as
heat/smoke detectors, door closures, automatic sprinkler heads, extinguishers, hoses, exit signs, the firealarm system, or failure to evacuate for an alarm are strictly prohibited and will result in conduct action.
If a student is found responsible for intentionally and falsely pulling a fire alarm or discharging a fire
extinguisher which results in the unnecessary dispatch of emergency services to campus, the student will be
removed from campus housing in addition to any other assigned sanctions.
4. Smoking: All campus buildings are non-smoking in accordance with the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act.
The Alpha, Beta, Iota and Sigma complexes are entirely smoke free. The indoor use of electronic
cigarettes, personal vaporizers, and/or electronic nicotine delivery system is also prohibited. For more
information, see the Alcohol and other Drug Policy.

Page 38

 2014-2015 EC Book

5. Keys: Failure to sign out a room key may result in cancellation of housing. Keys must be returned when
occupancy is terminated. If a key is lost or not returned after occupancy is terminated, the cost (varies by
building) of re-coring the lock and making new keys is charged to the resident(s). All keys are property of the
College and may not be duplicated. Existing locks may not be altered and auxiliary locks are not allowed.
The unauthorized use and/or possession of residence hall key(s) other than those assigned is prohibited
and may result in removal from the residence halls.
Providing and/or lending a key to a dorm room/suite to which a person is not assigned or providing and/or
lending a student ID to gain entry to a dorm/room/campus building to which a person is not authorized.
6. General Noise and Quiet Hours: All residents are expected to maintain a reasonable sound level at all
times. While on Eckerd College property, students are not permitted to have instruments or audio systems
which play music or create noise at excessive levels. Excessive levels are defined by the Division of
Student Affairs as any level that causes a disruption to the community.
Strict quiet hours will be in effect in all halls twenty-four hours a day for a minimum of 48-hours before final
exam week begins and will continue through the end of the exam period. Quiet hours outside of final exam
week begin at 11:00pm Sunday-Thursday and at 1:00am on weekends (Friday and Saturday mornings).
Students who are alleged to be excessively loud during quiet hours may be subject to conduct action.
The use of DJ mixing boards, music mixing equipment and associated light controllers are not permitted in
the residence halls, complex lounges and complex courtyards. DJ boards and mixing equipment may only
be used outside of the residence halls or complexes in a designated location once permission has been
granted in writing from the Dean of Students or his/her designee.
7. Room/Suite Entry: The policy on residence hall room/suite entry states that student rooms/suites may
be entered by authorized College personnel for the following reasons:

To perform routine monthly inspections;

To perform maintenance tasks and ensure that mechanical, electrical, and technical aspects of
building operations are functioning appropriately;

To respond to specific concerns expressed by student residents associated with building

operations and maintenance;

To respond to fire and safety concerns expressed by residents or by College officials;

To respond to perceived violations of College regulations; and/or local, state or federal laws;

To attend to perceived student health and wellness concerns;

To respond to neglected, abandoned, ill, or illegal/unauthorized pets.

See also Room Inspection and Room Search in the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy in the EC-Book.
8. Safety and Security: Students are required to carry their College I.D. cards at all times and to present
them to College officials upon request. Residents who enter or leave by locked doors are responsible for
leaving the doors in a locked position. Residents are strongly encouraged to lock their windows and doors at
all times. Keys should be carried at all times and should not be lent for any reason. Residents should report
suspicious activities and/or persons to the Office of Campus Safety or Residence Life. Lost or stolen articles
should be reported to Campus Safety.
9. Personal Property Loss: The College is not liable for any damage to or loss/theft of any students
personal property from any cause whatsoever, nor for the failure or interruption of utilities. The College does
not carry insurance on the personal property of its students, and students are strongly encouraged to have
their personal property covered by individual or family insurance.
10. Sales and Solicitation: Sales and solicitation are not allowed in the residence halls. Salespeople are
not permitted to contact students on campus without the prior approval of the Office of Campus Activities;
residents are not allowed to serve as commercial agents on campus.
11. Property Damage/Vandalism: The intentional or unintentional abuse or misuse of College property will
not be tolerated. Violators of this policy may be removed from the residence halls. This includes all of the
walls, doors, windows, floors, and ceilings in the residence halls and walls, windows, and sidewalks outside
the halls. Anything done to these areas without authorization from the Office of Student Affairs may be
considered vandalism resulting in conduct action. Specifically, writing or marking on doors, including room
doors, is considered vandalism, and the occupants of the room will be held responsible.

Page 39

 2014-2015 EC Book

12. Guest and Visitation Policy: All registered students must properly register their guests with the Offices
of Residence Life and Campus Safety and Security.
Each residential student is entitled to his/her living space in his/her room or suite and should be allowed
privacy. Each roommate has the right to sleep and study in his/her room. Residential students should
remember that having a guest on campus is not a students right but is a privilege. Prior to registering a
guest, the student host must consult with his/her roommate and the roommate must approve the guest in
advance. Roommates rights take precedence over visitation privileges.
Residents are responsible for their guests behavior at all times when the guest is on College property or
attending any College sponsored events. A guest must remain in the company of his/her host throughout
the entire visit. Any guest in violation of College policy or not in the presence of the host (and the host
cannot be located) may be trespassed from College property. In addition, the host is responsible for the
actions of the guest and will face conduct action if College policies are violated by the guest. Any host who
violates the guest policy will be subject to conduct procedures through the Office of Community Standards.
Students are only allowed two registered guests at one time.
Guests are allowed to be on campus for no more than three consecutive days in one or a combination of
rooms, and must have prior approval from the Office of Residence Life.
Alumni of the College must be registered.
Knowingly inviting or hosting a person who has been banned from the campus is not allowed.
Guests are not permitted during Autumn Term past the Monday immediately following move-in weekend at
12:00pm, noon and until the residence halls open for Fall Semester move-in.
All guests must be age 18 or older. Siblings of current Eckerd College students, who are 17-years-of-age
may request an exception by submitting a waiver of responsibility from a parent or legal guardian at least 48hours prior to their arrival and gaining approval from the Office of Residence Life. All other guests who are
younger than 18-years-of-age will not be permitted on campus.
Guest Registration: To register a guest, a host must fill out the online Guest Registration form prior to
the visit. This form can be found on the Residence Life webpage and Campus Safety and Security webpage
of the Eckerd College website. The completed form will then be forwarded to the Office of Campus Safety
and Security. It is the responsibility of the host to then acquire a guest card form the Office of Campus
Safety and Security or to register their guest with Campus Safety at the Front Gate when the guest enters
the campus. The guest must provide a valid government issued drivers license or government issued
identification card. A copy of the I.D. will be made by a Campus Safety Officer and then the guest will
receive a guest card and parking pass.
Any modifications of this policy must be requested through and approved by the Office of Residence Life.
Those who violate this policy are subject to conduct action through the Office of Community Standards.
13. Tent/Temporary Dwelling Policy: No tent/temporary dwelling shall be erected on campus for any
purpose without the prior approval of the Offices of Housing and Campus Safety and Security. Students
wishing to erect a tent on campus must submit their request in writing at least 24-hours prior to the Offices of
Housing and Campus Safety and Security. The request should include the date for, time of, location of, and
reason for the tent.
If the request is granted, students may not place the tent near any existing fire/open flames. Tents also are
not permitted in the academic areas of campus or near any existing College facility. The use of or
possession of drugs or alcohol at the tent site, even if the student(s) are of age, is not permitted.
Campers are not permitted on campus without prior approval from the Offices of Housing and Campus
Safety and Security.
14. Fire/Grill Policy: Open fires/flames are not permitted on campus except in the fire-pits located adjacent
to the Kappa, Gamma, Zeta and Sigma residence halls, in the fire-pit adjacent to South Beach and in the
charcoal and propane grills provided by the College. Students are prohibited from bringing their own

Page 40

 2014-2015 EC Book

charcoal or propane grills to campus. Students found with an unapproved grill in their possession may
receive a fine and/or conduct action.
Open fires/flames are strictly prohibited in the stairways, breezeways, walkways, balconies, and interiors of
all buildings on the Eckerd College campus. Students who are responsible for starting fires in any of these
locations may be fined and face conduct action.
Students may only start a fire/open flame in charcoal and propane grills and in the fire pits with appropriate
materials (i.e., charcoal, wood). Fires/open flames should never be started with cardboard, trash, or other
flammable materials. Students who are responsible for starting a fire/open flame with inappropriate materials
may be fined and face conduct action.
Fires/open flames, even in approved grills and fire pits, are not permitted when the National Weather
Service has placed Pinellas County under a Red Flag fire warning or a Fire Weather Watch.
15. Additional Policies:

Antennae (exterior) are not permitted in any residence hall.

Spray paint is not permitted on the residential side of campus.

Window ledges and roofs are off-limits to everyone except College personnel.

Objects may not be placed on window ledges.

Stolen property is not permitted in the residence halls.

Disposal of trash and recycled materials in proper receptacles is the responsibility of each student.

Use of nails, screws, tacks, and adhesives, which damage walls, furniture or fixtures, is prohibited.

In conjunction with the Fire Safety Policy, any object with the capability of an open flame of any
kind (candles, incense, incense sticks or like materials) are strictly prohibited in residence halls. All
candles are prohibited even if the candles wick has been cut off or if the candle is still in its original
wrapper. Violation of this policy may result in a fine or conduct action. Students must also refrain
from placing items directly over lamps or other heat producing fixtures which may be capable of
catching fire.

Combustible materials are not permitted in-or-around the residence halls. This includes combustion
engines such as outboard motors, pocket bikes, and scooters.

Pocket bikes are not permitted on Eckerd College property.

Bicycles may only be stored in student rooms or in bike racks provided by the College. Bicycles
abandoned at the end of the school year may be removed from campus.

Storage rooms and drip dry rooms must be maintained in a manner so as to be accessible and to
not cause a fire, health, or safety hazard.

The College reserves the right to prohibit and/or remove any items deemed to be unsafe or
detrimental to the Eckerd community and the good name and reputation of the College.

Registered and approved animals are only permitted in areas delineated by the Housing Office and
must be registered with the Pet Council (please refer to the Pet Policy).

Upper class students may not live on campus during Autumn Term unless approved by the
Housing Office. First year students may not live on campus during Winter Term unless they are
enrolled in a Winter Term project.

Students are not allowed on-campus during break periods when the residence halls are closed.
Early arrivals are not permitted without receiving written approval from the Housing Office
(additional room charges will be applied).

Power tools, handheld saws, hammers and nail guns or other heavy duty equipment are not
permitted.

Accessing the Marina Bay community next to the College is considered trespassing and is
prohibited.

Housing Agreement
Eligibility Requirements
1. Any person who has been admitted-to or is continuing-at the College as a full-time student.
2. Any person who is enrolled and financially cleared with the College.
3. A resident may not sublet or rent a room or permit another person to share a room assignment.
4. The student may only use the room as a residence.
Period of Agreement

Housing agreements will be binding for the entire following academic year. College housing may be
occupied no earlier than the time and date specified in the academic calendar, and must be

Page 41

 2014-2015 EC Book

vacated within twenty-four hours of the students last exam or 12:00 p.m. the Friday of exam week,
whichever comes first. Graduating residents will be allowed to remain in their assigned rooms until
12:00 p.m. the day following commencement. This agreement also applies to summer housing.
Students must vacate assigned rooms, have checkout procedures completed, and have all keys
returned within twenty-four hours after their final exam. Students who have a scheduled
examination on the last official day of finals must vacate the halls by 12:00 p.m. the Friday of exam
week.
Failure to check out properly and return all keys will result in fines and may result in conduct action.
Residents may not occupy space or leave personal belongings in any room before the halls are
officially open or after they have officially closed.

Cancellation of the Agreement

The agreement may be cancelled without penalty prior to June 1, 2014 by notifying the Housing Office in
writing. After June 1, 2014 a $500.00 cancellation fee will be applied to any room cancellation. After
June 1, 2014 the contract may be cancelled without charge if:
The student withdraws or takes leave from the College.
The student is enrolled in an Eckerd College program abroad.
The student submits a Request for Special Consideration for Release from the Housing Agreement to
the Housing Office and such Request is granted.
The agreement may be cancelled, only in writing, by the student whose name appears on the agreement.
Electronic mail from the Eckerd College student email account with appropriate signature is permitted.
Otherwise, students may be responsible for the 2014-2015 housing costs.
The College may cancel this agreement at any time for any violation of this agreement or for violation of any
College policy outlined in the EC-Book. Upon cancellation, the student shall immediately vacate the
assigned room. If the student fails to vacate the room on instruction from the College, the College may
remove the student and his or her possessions from the room. The student shall immediately vacate the
assigned room upon expulsion, dismissal, or suspension from the College.
Housing Application and Reservation Procedures
1. Reservations for First Year and New Transfer Students
This applies to all students new to the College. Advanced housing reservations for the 2014-2015
academic year are made only after the student has submitted a completed Housing Application.
Residence hall applications will not be processed until the Admissions Office/Housing Office
receives all commitment materials.
2.

Reservations for Continuing and Returning Students

Students seeking advanced housing reservations must submit a signed Housing Agreement.

The first opportunity for a returning student to secure a room for the academic year is during
the spring Room Draw procedures.

A student studying abroad who plans to return and live on campus must contact the Housing
Office prior to Room Draw for housing preference consideration.

Any returning student not participating in Room Draw may choose from available rooms
without regard to seniority.

Assignments and Occupancy

1. The College cannot guarantee a student a particular kind of accommodation. Assignments to
specific houses and rooms will be made in accordance with the established policy for priorities as
space allows.
2. The resident understands that the College makes all assignments without regard to race, color,
religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation and rejects all requests for changes of
assignment based on reasons of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, and sexual
orientation.
3. The student agrees to provide the College with the information and preferences requested on the
Housing Application Form for the purposes of hall, room, and roommate assignments.
4. Mutual requests for assignment with a specific roommate will be honored when possible; they are
not guaranteed.
5. If a vacancy occurs in a room, the Housing Office reserves the right to assign another student to
the room, transfer the student to another room, or apply additional charges for the additional space.

Page 42

 2014-2015 EC Book

6.

7.

8.

9.
10.

11.
12.

13.

14.

Where there is a vacant space, and charges are not applied, the room must be maintained by the
occupant in a manner that will allow for immediate occupancy. Failure to do so may result in fines,
conduct complaints, or both.
The College reserves the right to assign students to temporary accommodations in the event that
regular rooms are not available. Students who accept a temporary assignment do so with the
understanding that they may be given short notice to relocate to a permanent or other temporary
space. Failure to relocate in the time allotted by the Housing Office may result in payment of
supplemental costs, fines, and conduct action.
Any student who has a medically-related need that may affect his or her assignment must submit a
letter from a physician certifying the condition. This request must be submitted for approval to the
Office of Counseling and Disability Support Services at least eight weeks prior to the term of
desired occupancy. Each request will receive serious evaluation, with decisions being based on
housing availability and current legal standards.
Rooms may be occupied, vacated, and assignments changed only in accordance with schedules
and procedures published by the College.
Assigned rooms must be vacated, check-out procedures completed, and all keys returned within
twenty-four hours after a residents final exam. Students who have a scheduled examination on the
last official day of finals must vacate the halls by 12:00 noon the Friday of exam week.
Graduating residents will be allowed to remain in their assigned rooms until 12:00 noon the day
following Commencement.
Any enrolled student who fails to occupy his or her assigned room by the first Friday of classes will
be bound by this contract but may lose his or her assigned room and can be assigned to a
temporary space or reassigned unless prior arrangements have been made with the Housing
Office. Please refer to Section 3 of the Housing Agreement for cancellation procedures.
Students must follow the proper check-in/check-out procedure and have all of their belongings
removed from their room assignment twenty-four-hours after their last exam, and no later than
12:00 noon the Friday of exam week. If a student is a graduating senior, they must vacate their
room by noon on the day following Commencement. Failure to follow proper check-in/check-out
procedures (including unapproved early arrivals) will result in a $100.00-per-day fine and also may
result in local law enforcement trespassing the student and removing them from campus.
Co-habitation is not permitted.

Room Consolidation
During the beginning of each term, a determination of the location of unoccupied spaces will be made. In an
effort to maximize space, the College reserves the right to move students together even though the situation
may be no ones fault and inconvenience may be experienced. Residents with unoccupied spaces in their
rooms for which they are not paying may not refuse a roommate. If a student is uncooperative, he or she
will be responsible for supplemental charges, may receive fines, and may face conduct action.
Assignment Changes
1. Rooms will be occupied only upon assignment by the Housing Office and all exchanges, transfers,
and vacating of rooms must be approved by that office.
2. Students who fail to follow the proper check-in/check-out or room change procedures will be
assessed a $100.00 administrative charge and may be subject to conduct action.
3. Students may submit requests for room changes during periods designated by the Housing Office.
4. Administrative room changes may be considered for approval during non-designated periods.
5. The College reserves the right to modify room assignments for conduct reasons, health, safety,
catastrophe, closing of the facility, or incompatibility of roommates, and to cancel or terminate this
contract for conduct reasons and violation of community standards.
6. Residents who plan to withdraw from school or transfer to another school after Fall Semester must
notify the Housing Office in writing before December 1, 2014. Residents who plan to leave the
College after Winter Term must submit written notification before January 1, 2015.
7. The Office of Student Affairs, in consultation with the appropriate staff, makes decisions regarding
actions described in number 5 of this section of the EC-Book. Those decisions may be appealed to
the Dean of Students or his/her designee, whose decision will be final.
Furnishings, Utilities, and Sanitation
1. The College agrees to equip resident rooms to accommodate each resident with a bed, dresser,
closet space, desk, chair, data line, and cable TV connection.
2. Bunking and lofts are not permitted as per College policy. Cinderblocks cannot be used as risers.

Page 43

 2014-2015 EC Book

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Each resident is responsible for the condition of the assigned room and will reimburse the College
for all damages to the room, and damage to, or loss of, fixtures, furnishings, or properties furnished
under this agreement.
Residents may not move or rearrange any stationary furnishings or fixtures, or remove any
College furniture from their rooms. Residents may not move into their rooms any furniture
belonging to the College that was not originally intended to be in those rooms. If either of these
actions take place, the student(s) responsible will be assessed the current replacement costs.
Additional furnishings brought into the room must be freestanding and clear of all existing fixtures,
furniture, windows, and walls, and must be removed at the end of occupancy. Any property left in
the room at the end of occupancy will be disposed of by the College and an appropriate fee will be
assessed.
The resident will not run wires, move ceiling tiles, or hang any items from the drop ceiling. Moving
or altering tiles in any way can disturb possible asbestos-containing materials in ceiling areas
above.
Mold occurs naturally in the environment and there currently exists no federal or state standards for
permissible levels of mold. Residents at Eckerd College are required to take steps to control the
growth of mold and mildew by keeping the premises clean and free from standing water or other
types of liquid residue. Residents are required to keep windows and doors closed at all times to
prevent intrusion of warm moist air into the rooms (which may lead to mold growth).
The temporary failure or interruption of water, heat, air conditioning, or other utilities will give
residents no claim for damages or reduction of fees.

Care of Room and Communal Areas

1. When occupancy is terminated, it is necessary to obtain a room condition report completed by the
Resident Advisor. Any unacceptable cleaning or damages noted after occupancy will be charged
to the resident(s). Failure to abide by proper check-out procedures may result in a fine and
negates the right to appeal damage charges.
2. The Room Condition Report completed by the Resident Advisor at the end of the school year is
only one part of the damage assessment process. Final determination of room damage charges will
be determined by the Damage Assessment Team.
3. The resident agrees to be directly and financially responsible for keeping the room and its
furnishings clean and free from damage, to cooperate with roommates in the common protection of
property, and to advise the Resident Advisor of any deteriorated conditions of the room or its
furnishings.
4. The resident agrees to pay charges when assessed for room damages or special housekeeping or
maintenance services or outside contractors when necessary due to misuse or abuse of facilities,
including bodily fluids for which the resident is responsible, or to pay an equal portion of charges
assessed to all occupants of a room when those persons responsible fail to assume responsibility
for the damages.
5. The College reserves the right to assess residents of a hall, floor, or complex the expense of repair,
replacement of any property damaged, special housekeeping or maintenance services or outside
contractors when necessary due to misuse or abuse of facilities in communal areas used by those
residents and their guests, unless the individual, or individuals, responsible for the damage is/are
identified. Removal of communal area furnishings from their intended location constitutes theft of
College property and appropriate charges (both conduct and financial) will be levied.
6. Each resident has the right to appeal damage charges applied to their rooms. A student may not
appeal dorm, complex damage, or campus wide damage.

Meal Plan Participation Policy

All students who reside on campus, with the exception of those living in the Omega Residence Hall, are
required to be on a College meal plan. This requirement insures that students are provided with proper
nutrition while having the opportunity to engage socially with their peers while dining.
Students who have a medically diagnosed dietary condition (i.e. severe food allergies, Celiac disease, etc.)
may submit a meal plan exemption request within the first ten business days of the start of either the Fall or
Spring Semester. Exemption requests that are submitted after the first 10 business days will not be
considered, and it is the students responsibility to resubmit for the following semester. Meal Plan Exemption
Request forms can be picked up in the Office of Accessible Education Services located in Edmundson Hall.
Students requesting a meal plan exemption must submit, in addition to the request form, documentation
from the students health care provider detailing the reason(s) why the college meal plan fails to meet the
students dietary requirements. This documentation must include a suggested menu for the student as well

Page 44

 2014-2015 EC Book

as any specific meal preparation requirements, and must be received within the first ten business days of
the start of either the Fall or Spring Semester. The Office of Counseling Services will not provide
documentation to substantiate an exemption request. The Eckerd College Health Center will only provide
documentation if the student is, or has been, otherwise treated at the Health Center and if there is a valid
dietary need that cannot be met by the food service provider on campus.
All exemption requests must be submitted to the Office of Accessible Education Services located in
Edmundson Hall within the first ten business days of the start of either the Fall or Spring Semester.
Every effort will be made to meet the students dietary needs before an exemption is considered.
PLEASE NOTE:
1. If a student is submitting medical documentation from the Eckerd College Health Center, the
student must have documentation that he/she received treatment on multiple occasions at the
campus Health Center for the treatment of dietary issues related specifically to dining on campus.
2. Medical documentation citing vegetarianism/veganism as the reason for exemption will not be
considered as this is not a medical condition. The Colleges foodservice provider includes
specialized and designated items for students who prefer vegetarian/vegan foods and works to
accommodate other special dietary needs upon reasonable advanced notice. The Colleges food
service provider has a nutritionist on staff to assist students with any dietary questions or concerns.
Students should visit the main office of the food service provider, located in the rear of the main
caf, for more information regarding specific dietary requests.
3. An exemption request stating financial burden will not be considered. Meal Plan Exemptions are
granted only for a medically diagnosed dietary condition and only after all efforts to meet the
students dietary needs have been considered.

Pet Policy
Eckerd College is unique in its ability to allow residential students the privilege of having their family pets live
with them on campus. The maintenance of this privilege rests upon the successful administration of the Pet
Policy and the willingness of students to abide by and enforce the policy.
Purpose
It is the purpose of Eckerd College Pet Life to provide a safe environment for members of the Eckerd
College community and to protect, maintain, and regulate the pet ownership privilege enjoyed by members
of the community. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to protect the rights of all students as well as the
physical beauty of the campus. The Pet Policy provides the guidelines by which this can be accomplished.
By bringing a pet to campus, the student has indicated an understanding of the policy and has agreed to the
conditions and penalties therein. Every pet owner is encouraged to consider carefully the advantages and
disadvantages of the campus environment for his/her individual pet.
Eckerd College Pet Life
The Pet Life Staff works in conjunction with the Eckerd College Organization of Students (ECOS) and the
Office of Residence Life. The Staff consists of students, both pet owners and non-pet owners, as well as
Student Affairs staff members who have the task of administering the Pet Policy. The Staff also has the
power to levy fines and remove problem pets from campus. The Pet Life Staff, with the approval of the Dean
of Students or his/her designee, is responsible for budgeting registration money to make improvements to
this policy and the procedures dictated by it.
Glossary of Terms
What is an Animal? Cats, dogs (under 40 pounds), rabbits, ducks, large birds, ferrets, and chinchillas are
considered Animals, and must be properly registered with Pet Life before residing on campus. Cats and
dogs must be at least one year old and have lived with the student or the students family for at least ten
months prior to living on-campus. An Animal can be registered with Pet Life, either online or in the Pet Life
Office located in Brown Hall. Animals are only permitted in official Animal Friendly Houses and designated
areas on campus. All Animals must attend pet registration, which takes place at the beginning of the Fall
and Spring Semesters.
The acquisition of a dog or cat, purchased, fostered, adopted, or stray, while a residential student at
Eckerd is prohibited.

Page 45

 2014-2015 EC Book

What is a Small Pet? Fish, small birds, rats, hedgehogs, hamsters, sugar gliders, gerbils, guinea pigs,
amphibians, and small reptiles are considered Small Pets and must be properly registered with the Pet Life
Staff before residing on campus. Small Pets can be registered online or in the Pet Life Office located in
Brown Hall. Small Pets are permitted in all housing complexes.
What is a Visiting Animal? Any Animal being brought onto campus for day visits. This includes family
Animals being brought onto campus by parents, siblings, guardians, etc. for any period of time. Visiting
Animals are not allowed to reside on campus overnight without prior approval. All Visiting Animals must be
registered with Pet Life, prior to being brought on campus. Visiting Animals can be registered online or in the
Pet Life Office located in Brown Hall.
What is Animal Friendly Housing? Animal Friendly Housing refers to the designated on-campus residence
halls where properly registered Animals may reside with residential students and staff. Animal Housing
designations are Beta Darwin, Delta Ibsen, Epsilon Beecher, Gamma Wilson, Kappa Oberg, Kappa Scott,
Omega Complex, Sigma Complex, and Zeta Hubbard.
The Pet Life Staff has the final authority to decide which Animals, Small Pets, or Visiting Animals are
permitted to reside on or visit campus.
Number of Animals/Small Pets
On-campus residents are permitted ONE Animal OR TWO Small Pets. Students residing in Omega Suites
are permitted no more than two Animals per suite. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Rules of Conduct
All Students, Staff, Visitors, Animals, and Small Pets must follow all rules of conduct. Failure to follow rules
outlined below may result in fines, pet probation, conduct action, or removal of animal from campus.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Animal/Small Pet Owner assumes all responsibility for Animal/Small Pet actions regardless of
circumstances.
Animals/Small Pets may not be left on-campus unattended over any breaks.
Eckerd Animal ID Tags will be issued to all Animals (except Visiting Animals) and must be worn at
all times, along with a Vet issued Rabies Tag.
All Animals/Small Pets must reside with the person they are registered to.
All Animals must be housebroken.
Animals are only allowed in Animal-Friendly Housing Buildings, Brown Hall, and other areas
designated by the Dean of Students.
All Animals must be on a leash at all times while outside. Under no circumstances are
animals/pets allowed to run around outside unsupervised. This includes all athletic fields.
Animals/Small Pets are not allowed on any Eckerd Watercraft without prior approval from the Pet
Life Staff.
Animals/Small Pets are not allowed in residence hall bathrooms or drip-dry rooms.
Animal/Small Pet Owners are responsible for ensuring Animals/Small Pets are cleaned up after.
All Animals/Small Pets must be crated, caged, stationed, or in terrarium/aquarium when left
unattended in room.
No Animal or Small Pet may exhibit any aggressive behavior towards humans or other
Animals/Small Pets. This is determined on a case by case basis by the Pet Life Staff. The Pet Life
Staff may refer the case to the Office of Community Standards for conduct action.
Facilities staff may not enter a room to make repairs or spray for bugs if a pet is inside. Pet owners
should call Facilities Management to make arrangements in this case.
Owner negligence or mistreatment of a pet will not be tolerated. The Pet Council may refer the
case to the Office of Community Standards for conduct action.
Pets attacking other animals or humans will not be tolerated. The Pet Council may refer the case to
the Office for Community Standards for conduct action.
Failure to remove a pet from campus will result in a fine and/or conduct action.

Animals and Small Pets Permitted on Campus

Small pets are permitted in all complexes as long as they are secured in a cage with a lid. Snakes must be
less than four feet long and non-venomous. A wet aquarium should not exceed twenty gallons. A terrarium
may not exceed 40 gallons. Cage size cannot exceed four feet tall or four feet wide. Each student may have
an aquarium or a terrarium or a four foot cage. Students may not have more than two of these three
options. These are permitted per student, not per room.

Page 46

 2014-2015 EC Book

Dogs may not exceed forty pounds in weight when fully grown. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, wolf breeds, any
aggressive breed, or any mix containing these, are not allowed on-campus at any time.
Owners are not permitted to breed any animal or small pet for food or other purposes.
The acquisition of a dog or cat, purchased, fostered, adopted, or stray, while a residential student at Eckerd
is prohibited.
Exotic animals (excluding sugar gliders) are not allowed on-campus.
Freshmen may have an Animal after living on the Eckerd College campus for one semester, provided that
their Animal meets the requirements stated within this policy. These students must reside in designated
Animal Friendly Housing and will be required to properly register the Animal with Pet Life.
Registration and Inoculation
All Animals or Small Pets on campus must be registered on the Pet Life website
(www.eckerd.edu/housing/petlife).
All Animals must be registered prior to residing on campus. Failure to register the Animal prior to
bringing the Animal to campus will result in an immediate $150.00 fine.
Although there is not a registration fee, small pets will need to be registered with the Pet Council. All small
pet registrations are valid for one academic year.
The registration fee for Animals will be $125.00 for the entire academic year. The fee includes a
veterinarian visit at the beginning of the Fall and Spring Semesters and flea treatment for the entire year.
The registration fee will be charged to the students account by the Housing office. There will also be a
rolling registration period before and after the veterinarian visit. Any Animals/Pets brought to campus after
the registration period ends must be pre-registered and registered within five academic days.
Students are permitted to have their Animals with them on campus during the summer. The registration fee
for Animals is $25.00 for each summer term.
Eckerd ID tags will be provided to the Animal during registration, and it is expected that the Animal will wear
this ID tag at all times.
Certification of all appropriate vaccinations must be presented when registering. Dogs and cats are required
to be spayed or neutered, and certification that this procedure has been performed must be provided when
registering. Owners also must present certification from their veterinarian that the dog or cat has been in the
family for at least ten months.
Day students should follow the same regulations as residential students when registering their Animal/Pet
with the Pet Life Staff. The student should notify Pet Council where the Animal/Pet will be on campus and
what provisions will be made for the Animal/Pet while the student is on campus or in class. Day student
registration fees are $50.00.
Faculty and Staff members are permitted to bring their Animals/Small Pets to campus, including their offices,
but must register prior to bringing Animal/Small Pets to campus.
All Animals and Small Pets must be in good health while residing on campus. The Colleges veterinarian can
make a recommendation to the Pet Council regarding any animal that is unfit to live on campus.
Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals
Only animals classified as Emotional Support Animals and/or Service Animals, as defined by the Americans
with Disabilities Act as Amended, the Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, are allowed to live on-campus outside the guidelines established by the Pet Policy.
Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals are approved through Accessible Education Services, and
are not classified as pets. As a result, Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals are encouraged, but
not required, to be registered with the Pet Council.

Page 47

 2014-2015 EC Book

Students with Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals are encouraged to contact Accessible
Education Services prior to bringing their animal on campus. Accommodations are made on a case-by-case
basis, pursuant to the College's disability policies, found at
http://www.eckerd.edu/counselinghealth/dss/index.php.
Questions regarding these policies should be directed to Scott Strader, PhD, Director of Counseling &
Accessible Education Services, and the designated Section 504 Disability Coordinator, at 727-864-8248 or
aes@eckerd.edu or visit
http://www.eckerd.edu/counselinghealth/dss/Emotional%20Support%20Animals.php.
Owner Responsibility
In accordance with Pinellas County Law Chapter 14, Section 14-63, dogs and cats must be on a leash or
tether when outside of their owners residence hall room.
Abandonment, neglect and mistreatment of any Animal/Pet by any member of Eckerd College will not be
tolerated. No warnings will be issued. In the case of abuse, the pet will be removed from the situation in
order to prevent contact with the person(s) responsible for the abuse. These actions will be subject to the
discretion of the Pet Life Staff and possible referral to the Office of Community Standards for conduct action.
Questions of what is appropriate or inappropriate for an Animal/Pet to eat will be determined by the Pet Life
Staff and the veterinarian that is hired by Eckerd College to advise the Staff and check Animals/Small Pets
during registration days.
No Animal/Small Pet is allowed to become a nuisance to the members of the Eckerd College community. A
nuisance is defined as, but is not limited to, excessive noise, physical harm to humans or other animals/pets,
and destruction of property. The Pet Life Staff reserves the right to deem any other act a nuisance.
Animal/Small Pet owners are responsible for any damage to College property that their animal/small pet
may cause. This may include any flea treatment that may be needed in a residence room/hall.
Appeals
If an Animal/Small Pet owner wants to submit or present an appeal because his/her Animal/Small Pet does
not meet the requirements stated in the Pet Policy, he/she must do so prior to bringing the Animal/Pet to
campus. An Appeal Form can be found online (www.eckerd.edu/housing/petlife/appeal/php).
The Pet Life Staff has authority to determine the outcomes of appeals, whether to place an owner on pet
probation, and/or restrict any pet from residing and/or visiting campus.
Complaints and Complaint Procedure
The Eckerd College Pet Life Staff will meet as necessary to consider complaints. General meetings are
open to all students, faculty, or staff who wish to address the Pet Life Staff. Any member of the Eckerd
College community may file a confidential complaint with the Pet Life Staff regarding any Animal/Small Pet.
The complaint may address any form of misconduct or rule violation on the part of the Animal/Small Pet or
owner. The Animal/Small Pet Complaint Form can be found online
(www.eckerd.edu/housing/petlife/complaint/php).
Each complaint will be handled on an individual basis. The severity of the offense and the discretion of the
Pet Life Staff will determine actions taken. Actions may include, but are not limited to, warnings, fines, and
removal of the Animal/Small Pet from campus, conduct action, and/or other acts deemed necessary by the
Pet Life Staff. Non-compliance with any Pet Life decision may result in the loss of the privilege to reside in
campus Animal Friendly Housing.
The Pet Life Staff reserves the right to refer any complaint to the Office of Community Standards.
Evacuations and Campus Breaks
Evacuations
During any evacuation of campus, all Animals and Small Pets are to be removed from campus for their own
safety. Animal/Small Pet owners must remember that during an evacuation, no one remains on campus, and
all power is shut down in the buildings; therefore, abandoned Animals/Small Pets may suffer from hunger
and be subjected to discomfort. There will be no exception to this rule. Registration records will be provided
to the Residence Life Office so that during Health and Safety checks, staff can confirm that these
Animals/Small Pets have been removed during the evacuation. Students found responsible for abandoning

Page 48

 2014-2015 EC Book

an Animal/Small Pet will be fined and placed on Animal/Small Pet Probation, refer to Florida Laws Section
for information regarding Animal abandonment laws. Prior to an evacuation, the Pet Life Staff will distribute
information to all students regarding safe evacuation of Animals/Small Pets and Hurricane Shelter
Information. For these shelters, you must register in advance. Please contact the Staff for more information.
Campus Breaks
During any campus break in which the Animal/Small Pet owner will be away from campus (Fall Break,
Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, Summer Break, etc.), it is expected that the Animal/Small Pet
owner will remove the Animal/Small Pet from campus. There will be no exception to this rule, and
Animal/Small Pet owners found in non-compliance will be subjected to fines and/or disciplinary action and
may be placed on Animal/Small Pet Probation.Failure to comply with the Pet Policy and/or requests of the
Pet Life Staff may result in fines, conduct action, and/or additional action deemed necessary by the College.
Florida Laws
The Eckerd College Pet Policy was developed in accordance with Florida State Laws and Pinellas County
Animal Services, available online. These laws and guidelines are important to keeping Animals and Small
Pets safe while they are on the Eckerd College campus. The Eckerd College Pet Life Staff would like to
inform faculty, staff, visitors, and students that we will report to the appropriate authorities any illegal action
that takes place while on campus.
The Eckerd College Pet Policy was developed in accordance with Florida State Laws available at
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/ and in accordance with Pinellas County Animal Services,
http://www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices/law.htm. These laws and guidelines are important to
keeping Animals and Small Pets safe while they are on the Eckerd College campus. The Eckerd College
Pet Life Staff would like to inform faculty, staff, students, and visitors that we will report to the appropriate
authorities any illegal action that takes place while on campus.
Please see www.eckerd.edu/petlife for more information regarding the Pet Life Staff and its policies
and its procedures. The procedures of the Pet Life Staff shall serve as guidelines only and may be
changed at the discretion of the Director of Pet Life Staff or the Pet Life Staff Advisor at any time in
the interests of equity and fairness in a given situation.

Computer Usage Policy

Eckerd College aims to provide computer services consistent with its mission. These services normally are
extended to students and faculty, and selected administrators, staff members, and alumni. However, with
the privilege of computer usage also comes the responsibility and the recognition of the finiteness of all
computing and academic resources. Thus, it is in the best interests of all users of Eckerd College computing
resources that certain practices and behaviors be followed and others avoided. To that end, the following
should be kept in mind:
1.
2.

Users must not allow unauthorized access to Eckerd College computing resources.
Users must not attempt to access another persons account, private files, or email without the
owners express permission.
3. Users must not attempt unauthorized access to (i.e., hack into) computers on-or-off campus.
Applications designed to enable a hacking attempt (e.g. port-scanning) are not allowed.
4. In electronic communication, no user is allowed to represent himself/ herself as another individual.
5. Users must not employ Eckerd College computer resources for private business/commercial
purposes.
6. Users must avoid practices that severely impact upon the bandwidth of the Eckerd computer
network.
7. Users must avoid practices that severely impact upon the normal operation of the Eckerd computer
network.
8. Users must not send mass mailings or chain letters and may not send emails to student or
residence hall email aliases without authorization.
9. Users must refrain from all illegal activity using Eckerd computers and the College network, such as
receiving and sending copyrighted information (music, movies, data, software, etc.) without the
copyright holders permission.
10. Users must avoid claims that their websites and internet postings represent official College policy.
11. Users must avoid the practice of harassment, such as through hate mail, social networking sites, or
other electronic media.
12. Users must avoid distribution of information that is deemed classified by the federal government.

Page 49

 2014-2015 EC Book

A more detailed outline of policies for the Information Technology Services can be found at
http://www.eckerd.edu/its/policies/index.php.
Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in conduct action. In all cases, Eckerd computer system
administrators reserve the right to remove or restrict the computer access of those who abuse the Colleges
computer resources. As an internet service provider, Eckerd College has certain legal responsibilities, and
federal and/or state criminal proceedings may be initiated against those who abuse College computing
resources.
These guidelines are meant to be illustrative, not comprehensive. Information Technology Services can
provide guidance in specific cases.
Employee and student email transacted over the College's network is the property of the College. Those
using the network cannot have a reasonable expectation of privacy in such emails, as they may be
accessed for purposes of investigation, threat, health risks and other appropriate circumstances. Neither the
College nor its IT personnel routinely monitor communications via email networks and will only do so as
necessary to protect the health and safety of the community, enforce college policy, and/or to inhibit criminal
activity. Access may be granted by written authorization from the Dean of Students or his/her designee and
will only include inspection of emails likely to fall within the scope of the stated reason for the authorization.

Posting Policy
In recognition of the rights of Eckerd College community members to advertise events, protest peacefully,
and express opinions, while at the same time maintaining an attractive campus, posters and signs may only
be hung on-campus in accordance with the following guidelines:
1. Materials such as posters, fliers, or signs must be approved and stamped by Campus Activities and
must be posted in pre-approved locations.
2. The name of the person(s) or recognized College organization responsible must appear on the
poster.
3. All materials must be removed within forty-eight hours after the scheduled event, with the
understanding that the sponsoring group is responsible for the removal. If the responsible
organization or person(s) do not remove poster within forty-eight hours, the group or person may
be charged for their removal.
4. All posting materials are to be created in good taste; should not involve the use of obscenities; and
should not be slanderous or malicious; or crude or include nudity lacking in artistic merit.
5. The hanging of material involves no defacement of College or personal property.
6. Posters are only to be hung on bulletin boards and freestanding kiosks. No material may be
attached to windows or painted surfaces, and sidewalks and building walls may not be defaced with
paint, crayon, or markers.
7. The use of washable chalk on sidewalks is permitted only in the academic areas with the prior
approval of the Associate Dean of Students for Campus Activities.
8. The use of washable chalk is permitted on the residential side of campus on sidewalks only. Any
sidewalk chalk drawing must be created in good taste; should not involve the use of obscenities;
and should not be slanderous or malicious; or crude or include nudity lacking in artistic merit. The
College reserves the right to have any chalk drawings removed at any time at the cost of the
students residing in the complex where the chalk has been drawn.
9. Posters or signs may be hung on the bulletin boards inside the residence halls or designated
buildings. Under special circumstances, posting will be allowed in other locations with prior
approval from the Dean of Students or his/her designee.
10. Advertising will not promote the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Promotional materials,
including advertising for any College social event, will not make reference-to or include symbols
related to alcohol or drugs.

Page 50

 2014-2015 EC Book

Policy on College-Initiated Medical Leaves

The following policies and procedures are to be used to help transition a student to a safer environment
more conducive to their needs when it becomes clear that remaining at the College is not in the best interest
of the student or the College community. This policy also allows for a student to take a leave voluntarily
when medical conditions or psychological distress make a leave in their best interest; its goal is to define the
length of separation, outline the path to re-entry and ease the transition for the students return, and to
optimize the opportunities for the students success when they return. Under certain conditions, if a student
has not opted to take a leave voluntarily, the College may institute an involuntary leave under this policy.
Student-Initiated Voluntary Leave of Absence
Students may initiate a leave or withdrawal from the College for medical or psychological reasons. The
normal College procedures for leave or withdrawal, including the published schedule for refunds, will be
followed. If a student takes a voluntary leave, the leave documentation will specify the reason for the leave,
the duration of the leave, and the options for extension. The student is permitted to return upon the end of
the leave, and expectations for successful return will be outlined in writing to the student at that time.
College-Initiated Medical Leave
If a student poses a direct threat of harm to others, or causes the College to have a legitimate safety
concern of harm to self, the Intervention Team may initiate proceedings under the Code of Student Conduct.
Students who engage in threats to others or self-harm behaviors that cause a significant disruption to the
community may also be subject to the Code of Student Conduct.
a)

Standard for College-Initiated Medical Leave on the Basis of Threat of Harm to Others
This section applies to all medical leaves from housing or from the College for any student who is at
significant risk of harm to others. The objective of the College is to determine whether it is more likely
than not that a student is a direct threat. When a student is a direct threat, they may be placed on leave
until they are no longer a direct threat.
A direct threat exists when a student poses a significant risk to the health or safety of others. A
significant risk constitutes a high probability of substantial harm. Significance will be determined by:

The duration of the risk;

The nature and severity of the potential harm;
The likelihood that the potential harm will occur; and
The imminence of the potential harm.

The College must determine whether reasonable modifications to policies, practices or procedures will
sufficiently mitigate the risk.
Determining that a student is a direct threat requires an objective and individualized assessment and
hearing. The assessment must be based on a reasonable medical judgment that relies on the most
current medical knowledge and/or on the best available objective evidence. This standard also applies
to the reinstatement of a student who has been placed on leave. They are entitled to return upon a
showing they no longer pose a direct threat of harm to others. The Colleges Intervention Team will
assist in this determination.
b)

Standard for College-Initiated Medical Leave on the Basis of Self Harm Behaviors
Self-harming behaviors that significantly disrupt normal College activities will be subject to the Code of
Student Conduct. Potentially lethal or acute self-harming behaviors, such as suicide attempts, are
addressed under this policy as legitimate safety concerns. When the College, using the process
outlined below, determines that a student poses a legitimate safety concern of harm to self, the CollegeInitiated Medical Leave process can be invoked.

Status of Conduct Proceedings:

If the student has been accused of a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, but it appears that the
student is not capable of understanding the nature or inappropriateness of the action, this policy may be
activated prior to issuance of a determination in the conduct process. Interim suspension for threat of harm
to others or a legitimate safety risk to self will also likely be imposed.

Page 51

 2014-2015 EC Book

If the student is placed on medical leave from the College, or another action is taken under these provisions
following a finding that the students behavior was the result of a lack of capacity, such action terminates the
pending conduct action. If the student is found not to be subject to medical leave, conduct proceedings may
be reinstated.
Referral for Assessment or Evaluation
The Intervention Team may refer or mandate a student for evaluation by a campus or independent licensed
psychiatrist or psychologist (or licensed professional counselor, social worker, licensed clinical social worker,
etc.) chosen by the College. Such evaluation may be appropriate if it is believed that the student may meet
the criteria set forth in this policy or if a student subject to conduct proceedings provides notification that
information concerning a mental health/behavioral condition or disorder will be introduced.
Students referred or mandated for evaluation will be so informed in writing with personal and/or certified
delivery, and will be given a copy of these standards and procedures. The evaluation must be completed per
the direction of the referral letter, unless the Dean of Students (or designee) grants an extension. A student
who fails to complete the evaluation in accordance with these standards and procedures, and/or who fails to
give permission for the results to be shared with appropriate administrators, will be referred for conduct
action for Failure to Comply under the Code of Student Conduct.
College-Initiated Medical Leave Hearing Procedures
a.

Informal Resolution
The Intervention Team may invoke informal resolution procedures to determine the need for an
involuntary leave without a formal hearing. Medical and administrative evidence (e.g. BIT assessment)
will be introduced, and final determinations will be made by a three-member panel consisting of the
Director of Outreach Services and Health Promotion or designee, the Director of Counseling Services or
designee, and the Director of Campus Safety or designee. If the medical evaluation and/or
administrative assessment (e.g. BIT assessment) support the need for a leave, a written decision within
two business days, barring exigent circumstances, stating the rationale for the determination. The
decision will be delivered to the student directly, electronically, and/or by regular and certified mail. If the
determination is made that a leave is warranted, the notification will include information regarding how
long the leave may endure, as well as specifying any conditions of reinstatement. If other actions are
pending, the appropriate individuals will be notified and may proceed with their actions.

b.

Intervention Team Panel Review

The student subject to a College-initiated medical leave may request a formal hearing in lieu of the
informal resolution described above. If the medical evaluation and/or administrative assessment (e.g.
BIT assessment) support the need for a leave, a hearing will be scheduled before a three-member
panel consisting of the Director of Outreach Services and Health Promotion or designee, the Director of
Counseling Services or designee, and the Director of Campus Safety or designee. The student will be
informed, in writing electronically and through regular and/or certified delivery, of the time, date and
place of the hearing. The student will be given at least two business days to independently review the
psychological or psychiatric evaluation prior to the hearing. The student will be notified of who is
expected to present information at the hearing, and is expected to notify a member of the Intervention
Team Panel of any parties with relevant information who should be contacted to request their
appearance at the hearing as a witness. The student may, at the discretion of the Intervention Team
Panel, be assisted by an advisor in the hearing. The student is permitted to have an attorney present to
attend/advise, but no advisor will be allowed to speak for or formally represent the student during a
medical leave hearing, unless the Dean grants an exception, such as in cases of incapacity.
The student or the students advisor may present information about the necessity and appropriateness
of medical leave and the student will be given the opportunity to ask questions of others presenting
information. The hearing should be conversational and non-adversarial; however the Intervention Team
Panel will exercise active control over the proceeding, to include deciding who may present information.
Formal rules of evidence will not apply. Anyone who disrupts the hearing may be excluded. There will
be a single verbatim record, such as a tape recording, for all involuntary leave hearings. The record will
be the property of the College and maintained according to the Colleges record retention policy for
such hearings.

Page 52

 2014-2015 EC Book

A written decision will be rendered by the committee on the basis of a preponderance of evidence within
two business days, barring exigent circumstances, and will state the rationale for its determination. The
decision will be delivered to the student in writing electronically and through regular and/or certified
delivery. If the determination is made that a leave is warranted, the notification will include information
regarding how long the leave may endure, as well as specifying any conditions of reinstatement. If other
actions are pending, the appropriate individuals will be notified and may proceed with their actions.
c.

Appeals Process
The determination regarding College-Initiated Medical Leave is subject to appeal to the Dean of
Students or designee in accordance with the following process:
Students subject to College-Initiated Medical Leave may petition for a review of the determination within
three (3) business days of issuance of the written decision. All petitions must be in writing and delivered
to the Dean of Students or designee. Reviews will only be considered for one or more of the following
purposes:
To consider new information which was unavailable at the time of the original hearing and could be
outcome determinative;
To assess whether a material deviation from written procedures impacted the fairness or outcome
of the hearing;
To decide if a medical leave is inappropriate to address the nature, duration and/or severity of the
risk or threat;
To determine if the decision does not align with the information provided in the hearing or whether
reasonable modifications might mitigate the risk without a leave; or
To assess whether bias on the part of a hearing committee member deprived the process of
impartiality.
Except as required to explain the basis of new information unavailable at the time of a hearing, review
of a hearing will be limited to the verbatim record of the initial hearing and/or all supporting documents.
The review and appeal decision of the Dean of Student or designee is final.

Readmission Following a College-Initiated Medical Leave

A student who is seeking reinstatement to the College after College-Initiated Medical Leave must receive
clearance by providing the Dean of Students written evidence from a licensed medical or mental health
professional that the student is no longer a direct threat to others or a legitimate safety concern, and is
otherwise qualified to participate in the Colleges educational programs. Any other conditions outlined in
accordance with this policy and/or any conduct sanctions must also be completed. An Intervention Team
Panel Review, as outlined above, may be held to determine whether the student is qualified to return.

Other Policies and Grievance Procedures

Policies other than those included in the EC-Book are available online for students to access. These policies
include, but are not limited to, the:

Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy

(http://www.eckerd.edu/business/business/policies.php)
Risk Management Policies: Field Trip Policy, Independent Study and Internship Travel
Policy, International Independent Study and Internship Travel Policy, Service Learning
Travel Policy, Vehicle Policy (http://www.eckerd.edu/business/risk/policies.php)
Billing Appeal and Procedures Policy (http://www.eckerd.edu/bursar/)
Fire Drill and Building Evacuation Policy (http://www.eckerd.edu/safety/policies/index.php)
Financial Aid Appeal Policies (http://www.eckerd.edu/financialaid).

Page 53

 2014-2015 EC Book

Procedures for Conduct Action

Procedural Standards in Conduct Proceedings
The College has an obligation to clarify those standards of behavior it considers essential to its educational
expectations. Conduct proceedings will be instituted only for violations of standards of conduct formulated
with significant student participation. The student conduct process at the College is not intended to punish
students; rather, it exists to protect the interests of the community and to challenge those whose behavior is
not in accordance with our policies. Sanctions are intended to challenge students moral and ethical
decision-making and to help them bring their behavior into accord with our community expectations. When a
student is unable to conform their behavior to community expectations, the student conduct process may
determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of participating in this community.
Students should be aware that the student conduct process is quite different from criminal and civil court
proceedings. Procedures and rights in student conduct procedures are conducted with fairness to all, but do
not include the same protections of due process afforded by the courts. Fair process, as defined within these
procedures, assures written notice and a hearing before an objective decision-maker. No student will be
found in violation of College policy without information showing that it is more likely than not that a policy
violation occurred and any sanctions will be proportionate to the severity of the violation and to the
cumulative conduct history of the student.
The student conduct process assures procedural fairness to the parties to the complaint. Procedural fairness
requires that:

students be informed of the nature of the accusations against them,

students are given a fair opportunity to respond,

the institution renders an objective decision,

a student will not be found in violation of College rules unless a preponderance of evidence shows
it is more likely than not that a violation has occurred,

sanctions are proportionate to the severity of the violation,

there are provisions for review of a decision.

Practices in conduct complaints may vary in formality with the gravity of the offense and the sanctions that
may be applied. The jurisdictions of the College or student conduct bodies, the conduct procedures,
including the students right to request review of a decision, are clearly formulated and usually
communicated in advance. The College does reserve the right to make changes to procedures as
necessary, while still ensuring procedural fairness. Minor sanctions may be assessed informally under
prescribed procedures.
College as Convener
The College is the convener of every action under this code. Within that action, there are several roles. The
responding student is the person who is alleged to have violated the Code. The party bringing the complaint,
who may be a student, employee, visitor, or guest, may choose to be present and participate in the process
as fully as the responding student. There are witnesses, who may offer information regarding the allegation.
There is an investigator(s) whose role is to present the allegations and share the evidence that the College
has obtained regarding the allegations.
Jurisdiction
Students at the College are provided a copy of the EC-Book annually in the form of a link on the College
website. Hard copies are available upon request from the Office of Community Standards. Students are
responsible for having read and abiding by the provisions of the EC-Book. The term Code of Student
Conduct refers to the formal conceptualization of the Eckerd College Community Standards as rooted in the
Honor Code and Shared Commitment.
The EC-Book and the student conduct process apply to the conduct of individual students. For the purposes
of student conduct, the College considers an individual to be a student when an offer of admission has been
extended and thereafter as long as the student has a continuing educational interest in the College.
The Community Standards defined by the EC-Book may be applied to conduct that takes place during the
time a person is enrolled as a student, including during intra-semester breaks and between semesters. The
College retains conduct jurisdiction over students who choose to take a leave of absence, withdraw or have
graduated for any misconduct that occurred prior to the leave, withdrawal or graduation. If sanctioned, a hold
may be placed on the students ability to re-enroll and all sanctions must be satisfied prior to re-enrollment

Page 54

 2014-2015 EC Book

eligibility. In the event of serious misconduct committed while still enrolled but reported after the accused
student has graduated, the College may invoke these procedures.
The EC-Book applies to behaviors that take place on the campus, at College-sponsored events and may
also apply off-campus when the Dean of Students or designee determines that the off-campus conduct
affects a substantial College interest. A substantial College interest is defined to include:

Any situation where it appears that the students conduct may present a danger or threat to the
health or safety of him/herself or others; and/or
Any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights, property or achievements of self or others
or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder; and/or
Any situation that is detrimental to the educational mission and/or interests of the College;

The EC-Book applies to guests of community members whose hosts may be held accountable for the
misconduct of their guests. The Code may also be applied to resident non-students, campers and high
school bridge/extension/partner/dual-credit and continuing education programs by contractual agreements.
Visitors to and guests of the College may seek resolution of violations of the EC-Book committed against
them by members of College community.
There is no time limit on reporting violations of the EC-Book; however, the longer someone waits to report
an offense, the harder it becomes for College officials to obtain information and witness statements and to
make determinations regarding alleged violations.
Though anonymous complaints are permitted, doing so may limit the Colleges ability to investigate and
respond to a complaint. Those who are aware of misconduct are encouraged to report it as quickly as
possible to the Office of Community Standards and/or to Campus Safety and Security.
College email is the Colleges primary means of communication with students. Students are responsible for
all communication delivered to their College email address.
The College provides advisors through the Office of Outreach Services and Health Promotion who are able
to assist students who are parties to the conduct process. These advisors may accompany students
through all phases of the College process, and are knowledgeable sources of procedural advice. Students
may also select any advisor of their choosing, but should be aware that an advisor from outside the College
will not have the same level of training and familiarity with the College process.
Violations of the Law
Alleged violations of federal, state and local laws may be investigated and addressed under the EC-Book.
When an offense occurs over which the College has jurisdiction, the College conduct process will usually go
forward notwithstanding any criminal complaint that may arise from the same incident.
The College reserves the right to exercise its authority of interim suspension upon notification that a student
is facing criminal investigation and/or complaint (additional grounds for interim action are outlined below).
Interim suspensions are imposed until a hearing can be held, typically within two weeks. Within that time, the
suspended student may request an immediate hearing, by contacting the Office of Community Standards, to
show cause why the interim suspension should be lifted. This hearing may resolve the allegation, or may be
held to determine if the interim suspension should be continued. The interim suspension may be continued if
a danger to the community is posed and the College may be delayed or prevented from conducting its own
investigation and resolving the allegation by the pendency of the criminal process. In such cases, the
College will only delay its hearing until such time as it can conduct an internal investigation or obtain
sufficient information independently or from law enforcement upon which to proceed. This delay will be no
longer than two weeks from notice of the incident unless a longer delay is requested in writing by the
complaining victim to allow the criminal investigation to proceed before the College process.
Students accused of crimes may request to take a leave from the College until the criminal charges are
resolved. In such situations, the College procedure for voluntary leaves of absence is subject to the following
conditions:

The responding student must comply with all campus investigative efforts that will not prejudice
their defense in the criminal trial; and
The responding student must comply with all interim actions and/or restrictions imposed during the
leave of absence; and

Page 55

 2014-2015 EC Book

The responding student must agree that, in order to be reinstated to active student status, they
must first be subject to, and fully cooperate with, the campus conduct process and must comply
with all sanctions that are imposed.

Eckerd College students are responsible for knowing the information, policies and procedures outlined in
this document. The College reserves the right to make changes to this code as necessary and once those
changes are posted online, they are in effect.
Interim Action/Suspension
Under the Code of Student Conduct, the Dean of Students or designee may impose restrictions upon and/or
separate a student from the community pending the scheduling of a campus hearing on alleged violation(s)
of the Code of Student Conduct when a student represents a threat of serious harm to others, is facing
allegations of serious criminal activity, to preserve the integrity of an investigation, to preserve College
property and/or to prevent disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the College. Interim
actions can include separation from the institution or restrictions on participation in the community pending
the scheduling of a campus hearing on alleged violation(s) of the Code of Student Conduct within ten (10)
business days. A student who receives an interim suspension may request a meeting with the Dean of
Students or designee to demonstrate why an interim suspension is not merited. Regardless of the outcome
of this meeting, the College may still proceed with the scheduling of a campus hearing.
During an interim suspension, a student may be denied access to College housing and/or the College
campus/facilities/events. As determined appropriate by the Dean or designee, this restriction may include
classes and/or all other College activities or privileges for which the student might otherwise be eligible. At
the discretion of the Dean or designee, alternative coursework options may be pursued to ensure as minimal
an impact as possible on the responding student.
Status of Students Pending Final Action
A students conduct sanctions go into effect immediately upon final resolution of a conduct complaint unless
the Dean of Students or his/her designee determines that the sanctions should be imposed immediately.
Sanctions are only implemented during a Final Review when it is necessary for the protection of the health
and safety of the community.
Attempted Violations
In most circumstances, Eckerd College will treat attempts to commit any of the violations listed in the Code
of Student Conduct as if those attempts had been completed.
College as Complainant
As necessary, Eckerd College reserves the right to initiate a complaint, to serve as complainant, and to
initiate conduct proceedings without a formal complaint by the victim of misconduct.
False Reports
Eckerd College will not tolerate intentional false reporting of incidents. It is a violation of the Code of Student
Conduct to make an intentionally false report of any policy violation, and it may also violate state criminal
statutes and civil defamation laws.
Group Violations
When members of groups, individuals acting collusively, or members of an organization act in concert in
violation of any policy, they may be held accountable as a group, and a hearing may proceed against the
group as jointly accused students. In any such action, a separate finding will be made with respect to the
involvement of each individual student.
A student group or organization and its officers and membership may be held collectively and individually
responsible when violations of this code by the organization or its member(s):
Take place at organization-sponsored or co-sponsored events, whether sponsorship is formal or
tacit;
Have received the consent or encouragement of the organization or of the organizations leaders or
officers; or
Were known or should have been known to the membership or its officers.
Hearings for student groups or organizations follow the same general student conduct procedures. In any
such action, individual determinations as to responsibility will be made and sanctions may be assigned

Page 56

 2014-2015 EC Book

collectively and individually and will be proportionate to the involvement of each individual and the
organization.
Bystander Complicity
When a policy violation occurs within a confined space (dorm room, suite, etc.) and it is not evident who is
the individual committing the infractions, all students occupying the location of the violation may be held
equally responsible. Students are therefore advised to remove themselves from situations where a policy
violation is occurring.
Amnesty:
For Victims
The College provides amnesty to victims who may be hesitant to report to College officials because
they fear that they themselves may be accused of minor policy violations, such as underage
drinking, at the time of the incident. Educational options will be explored, but no conduct
proceedings or conduct record will result.
Immunity for Victims of Sexual Misconduct
The Eckerd College community encourages the reporting of Community Standards violations,
especially sexual misconduct. Sometimes, victims are hesitant to report to College officials
because they fear that they themselves may be charged with policy violations, such as underage
drinking, at the time of the incident. It is in the best interest of this community that as many victims
as possible choose to report to College officials. To encourage reporting, Eckerd College pursues a
policy of offering victims of sexual misconduct immunity from minor policy violations related to the
sexual misconduct incident. Immunity means that the reporting students conduct related to the
sexual misconduct incident will not be subject to conduct action by the College but may be
addressed by the College through education, assessment, and/or treatment.
For Those Who Offer Assistance
To encourage students to offer help and assistance to others, the College pursues a policy of
amnesty for minor violations when students offer help to others in need. At the discretion of the
Dean or designee, amnesty may also be extended on a case-by-case basis to the person receiving
assistance. Educational options will be explored, but no conduct proceedings or conduct record will
result.
Good Samaritan/Medical Amnesty
The welfare of students in our community is of paramount importance. At times, students on-andoff campus may need assistance. Eckerd College expects students to offer help and assistance to
others in need. Sometimes, students are hesitant to offer assistance to others, for fear that they
may get themselves in trouble (for example, students who have been drinking underage might
hesitate to call for help for a friend who drank too much). Eckerd College pursues a policy of limited
immunity for students who seek help for themselves and/or offer help to others in need. This means
that whenever a student seeks medical aid for him/herself or another due to the influence of alcohol
and/or drugs, he/she will not be subject to conduct action by the College. Instead, the impaired
students and the assisting student(s) conduct will be addressed by the College through education,
assessment, and/or treatment. No conduct procedures or outcomes will result. This policy refers to
isolated incidents only and does not excuse or protect those who flagrantly or repeatedly violate the
Alcohol and Other Drug Policy. Students who choose not to seek help for themselves and/or assist
a fellow community member when in need of assistance may face conduct action by the College.
For Those Who Report Serious Violations
Students who are engaged in minor violations but who choose to bring related serious violations by
others to the attention of the College are offered amnesty for their minor violations. Educational
options will be explored, but no conduct proceedings or record will result.
Abuse of amnesty requests can result in a decision by the Dean or designee not to extend amnesty
to the same person repeatedly.
Safe Harbor
The College has a Safe Harbor rule for students. The College believes that students who have a
drug and/or addiction problem deserve help. If any College student brings their own use, addiction,
or dependency to the attention of College officials outside the threat of drug tests or conduct
sanctions and seeks assistance, a conduct complaint will not be pursued. A written action plan may

Page 57

 2014-2015 EC Book

be used to track cooperation with the Safe Harbor program by the student. Failure to follow the
action plan will nullify the Safe Harbor protection and campus conduct processes will be initiated.
Parental Notification
Eckerd College reserves the right to notify parents/guardians of dependent students regarding any conduct
situation, particularly alcohol and other drug violations. The College may also notify parents/guardians of
non-dependent students who are under age 21 of alcohol and/or drug policy violations. Where a student is
non-dependent, Eckerd College may contact parents/guardians to inform them of situations in which there is
a health and/or safety risk or to inform them of incidents involving destructive or violent behavior. (See also
in this handbook the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy). Eckerd College also reserves the right to designate
which College officials have a need to know about individual conduct complaints pursuant to the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Notification of Outcomes
The outcome of a campus hearing is part of the educational record of the accused student, and is protected
from release under the federal law, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, victims
of sex or gender discrimination (sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, relationship violence, stalking, etc.)
have an absolute right to be informed of the outcome, sanctions and rationale of the hearing, in writing.
Victims of incidents of violence have a right to be informed of the outcome and sanctions of the hearing.
Personal Responsibility for Behavior
It has become common for students accused of policy violations to try to defend their actions with excuses,
such as prescription drug interactions, self-defense, disabilities, etc. The Colleges policy on defenses is
clear. Defending actions is admitting to a policy violation. Yes, we fought, but he started it. This still
means that the students were fighting and that violates the Colleges rules. A student may have taken
someones property under the influence of an anti-depressant, but he/she still took someone elses property.
While the defense will not excuse the students actions, Eckerd College will take the legitimacy of the
defense into consideration in addressing the proper sanction. If a student was not the aggressor in a fight,
he/she will still be sanctioned, but the sanction may be lesser than the sanction of the person who started
the fight.
Misconduct Online
Students are cautioned that behavior conducted online can subject them to College conduct action, for
example, harassment via email. Students must also be aware that blogs, webpages, Instagram, Facebook
posts, Twitter, Tumblr and similar online social network postings are in the public sphere and are not private.
Thus, posted information depicting violations of community standards may subject a student to allegations of
conduct violations. The College will not seek out this information, but may have to act upon it when brought
to the attention of College officials.
Pandemic and Weather-Related Emergencies
In the event of a pandemic, weather-related emergency or other campus emergency, the Dean of Students
or his/her designee has the authority to relocate a student on campus or to remove the student completely
from campus for the sake of his/her health/safety and/or the health/safety of the Eckerd College community.

Student Conduct Authority

Authority
The Dean of Students is vested with the authority over student conduct by the President. The Dean of
Students delegates to the Office of Community Standards the function of managing the student conduct
process and, in appropriate contexts, delegates conduct authority to the Community Standards Incident
Review Committee or to specific designees. The Dean of Students or designee may appoint conduct
officials and appeals officials as deemed necessary to efficiently and effectively supervise the student
conduct process.
Gatekeeping
No complaint will be forwarded for a hearing unless there is reasonable cause to believe a policy has been
violated. Reasonable cause is defined as some credible information to support each element of the offense,
even if that information is merely a credible witness or a victims statement. A complaint wholly unsupported
by any credible information will not be forwarded for a hearing. The Community Standards Incident Review
Committee has authority to determine if the allegation should be forwarded for further conduct action.

Page 58

 2014-2015 EC Book

Conflict Resolution Options

The Dean of Students or designee has the discretion to refer a complaint for mediation or other forms of
appropriate conflict resolution. All parties must agree to conflict resolution and to be bound by the decision
with no review/appeal. Any unsuccessful conflict resolution can be forwarded for formal processing and
hearing; however, at no time will complaints of physical sexual misconduct or violence be mediated as the
sole institutional response. The Community Standards Incident Review Committee may also suggest that
complaints that do not involve a violation of the Code of Student Conduct be referred for mediation or other
appropriate conflict resolution.
Interpretation and Revision
The Office of Community Standards in conjunction with the Community Standards Incident Review
Committee will develop procedural rules for the administration of hearings that are consistent with provisions
of the Code of Student Conduct. Material deviation from these rules will, generally, only be made as
necessary and will include reasonable advance notice to the parties involved, either by posting online and/or
in the form of written communication. Procedures may vary with notice upon determining that changes to law
or regulation require policy or procedural alterations not reflected in this Code. The Office of Community
Standards in conjunction with the Community Standards Incident Review Committee may make minor
modifications to procedure that do not materially jeopardize the fairness owed to any party. Any question of
interpretation of the Code of Student Conduct will be referred to the Dean of Students, whose interpretation
is final. The Code of Student Conduct will be updated annually under the coordination of the Office of
Community Standards with a comprehensive revision process being conducted every 3 years.

The Student Conduct Process: Procedures for Conduct Action

Notice of Alleged Violation
College faculty, staff, and student staff will normally report violations of this code through a Campus Safety
or Residence Life Incident Report. In addition, any member of the College community, visitor or guest may
allege a policy violation(s) by any student for misconduct under this Code
Notice may also be given to the Office of Community Standards and/or to the Title IX Coordinator, when
appropriate. Additionally, administrators may act on notice of a potential violation whether a formal allegation
is made or not. All allegations can be submitted by a victim or a third party, and should be submitted as soon
as possible after the offending event occurs. The College has the right to pursue an allegation or notice of
misconduct on its own behalf and to serve as convener of the subsequent campus conduct process.
Investigation
The Community Standards Incident Review Committee will review alleged violations of College policies and,
in the case of violations of less weightier nature, decide whether further investigation is necessary or
whether the documentation is sufficient to accuse the student of a policy violation. Cases requiring further
investigation will be referred to the Office of Campus Safety and Security. All other cases will be sent to an
appropriate venue or forum for hearing.
In the case of more serious violations, the Community Standards Incident Review Committee, on behalf of
the Dean or the Title IX Coordinator, will appoint an investigator(s) for allegations under this Code. The
investigator(s) will take the following steps, if not already completed:
1) Initiate any necessary initial or remedial actions on behalf of the victim (if any);
2) Determine the identity and contact information of the party bringing the complaint, whether that
person is the initiator of the complaint, the alleged victim, or a College proxy or representative;
3) Conduct an immediate preliminary inquiry to identify an initial list of all policies that may have
been violated, to review the history of the parties, the context of the incident(s), any potential
patterns and the nature of the complaint;
a) If the victim is reluctant to pursue the complaint, the Community Standards Incident
Review Committee and/or Title IX Coordinator will determine whether the complaint
should still be pursued and whether sufficient independent evidence could support the
complaint without the participation of the victim; Typically, allegations involving
violence, weapons, threat, pattern and/or predation are pursued, to the extent
possible, regardless of the involvement of the victim;
b) Notify the victim of whether the College intends to pursue the complaint regardless of
their involvement, and inform the victim of their rights in the process and option to
become involved if they so choose;
c) Preliminary investigation usually takes between 1-7 business days to complete;
4) If indicated by the preliminary investigation and authorized by the Community Standards
Incident Review Committee, conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine if there is

Page 59

 2014-2015 EC Book

reasonable cause to believe that the responding student violated College policy, and to
determine what specific policy violations should serve as the basis for the complaint;
a) If there is insufficient evidence through the investigation to support reasonable cause,
the allegations will be closed with no further action;
b) A comprehensive investigation may take up to two weeks or may be extended at the
discretion of the Community Standards Incident Review Committee or Title IX
Coordinator;
5) Meet with the party bringing the complaint to finalize the party bringing the complaints
statement, which will be drawn up by the investigator or designee as a result of this meeting;
6) Commence a thorough, reliable and impartial investigation by developing a strategic
investigation plan, including a witness list, evidence list, intended timeframe, and order of
interviews for all witnesses and the responding student, who may be given notice of the
interview prior to or at the time of the interview;
a) Prepare the notice of alleged policy violation(s) on the basis of the reasonable cause
determination, which may be delivered prior to, during or after the responding student
is interviewed, at the discretion of the investigator(s);
7) Interview all relevant witnesses, summarize the information they are able to share and have
each witness approve the summary to verify its accuracy;
8) Obtain all documentary evidence and information that is available;
9) Obtain all physical evidence that is available;
10) Complete the investigation promptly by analyzing all available evidence without unreasonable
deviation from the intended timeline;
11) Present the investigation report to the Community Standards Incident Review Committee or
Title IX Coordinator.
12) Share the findings without undue delay between the parties and update the party bringing the
complaint on the status of the investigation and the next steps of the process.
Special Hearing Provisions for Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination and Other Complaints of a
Sensitive Nature
Hearings under this sub-section will be conducted by a three member Conduct Review Committee,
comprised of staff and faculty and drawn from the Conduct Review Committee pool. For sexual misconduct,
discrimination and other complaints of a sensitive nature, whether the alleged victim is serving as the party
bringing the complaint or as a witness, alternative testimony options may be provided, such as placing a
privacy screen in the hearing room or allowing the alleged victim to testify from another room via audio or
audio/video technology. While these options are intended to help make the alleged victim more comfortable,
they are not intended to work to the disadvantage of the responding student.
The past sexual history or sexual character of a party will not be admissible by the other parties in hearings
unless such information is determined to be highly relevant by the Conduct Review Committee Chair. All
such information sought to be admitted by a party or the College will be presumed irrelevant until a showing
of relevance is made, in advance of the hearing, to the Chair. Demonstration of pattern, repeated, and/or
predatory behavior by the responding student, in the form of previous findings in any legal or campus
proceeding, or in the form of previous good faith allegations, will always be relevant to the finding, not just
the sanction. The parties will be notified in advance if any such information is deemed relevant and will be
introduced in the hearing.
The party bringing any complaint alleging sexual misconduct, other behavior falling with the coverage of Title
IX and/or a crime of violence will be notified in writing of the outcome of a hearing, any sanctions assigned
and the rationale for the decision.
Notice of Hearing
Once a determination is made that reasonable cause exists for the Community Standards Incident Review
Committee to refer a complaint for a hearing, notice will be given to the responding student. Notice will be in
writing and will be emailed to the students College-issued email account. Once mailed, emailed and/or
received in-person, such notice will be presumptively delivered. The letter of notice will:
1)
2)

Include the alleged violation and notification of where to locate the Code of Student Conduct and
College procedures for resolution of the complaint; and
Direct the responding student to contact the Office of Community Standards within a specified
period of time to respond to the complaint. This time period will generally be no less than two days
from the date of delivery of the notice letter.

Page 60

 2014-2015 EC Book

A meeting with a representative from the Office of Community Standards may be arranged to explain the
nature of the complaint and the conduct process. When the accused student admits to violation(s) of College
policy, a member of the Community Standards Incident Review Committee may invoke a Conduct
Conference to determine and administer an appropriate sanction without a formal hearing.
Written notice via email of the time, date, and location of the hearing will be sent via e-mail to all parties to
the complaint, who may additionally be notified in person or by telephone. This notice to appear will identify
the hearing body to which the complaint has been referred.
If there is an alleged victim of the conduct in question, the alleged victim may serve as the complainant, or
may elect to have the administration serve as complainant. Where there is no victim, the administration will
serve as complainant.
If a student fails to respond to a notice to appear, the Community Standards Incident Review Committee will
initiate a complaint against the student for failure to comply with the directives of a College official and will
give notice of this offense.
Students may request to have any relevant incident reports sent to them. Such requests must be given in
writing to the Office of Community Standards. It may take up to 48-hours for the reports to be delivered to
the student.

Hearing Forums
Complaints involving allegations against a student for alleged violations of College standards or policies may
be heard in the following forums:
1. In the context of a Conduct Conference.
2. Through a Student Community Standards Board (SCSB) hearing convened by the Director of the
Student Community Standards Board, which has jurisdiction for all conduct complaints that do not
fall within the jurisdiction of the other forums described in this section.
3. In the context of a Conduct Hearing. Complaints which may, by their severity or as a result of
previous infractions, result in removal from housing will be heard in this forum.
4. Through a Conduct Review Committee. The Conduct Review Committee has jurisdiction over all
complaints which may, by their severity or as a result of previous infractions, result in removal from
housing, suspension, or expulsion from the College.
Conduct officers will participate in annual training with the Community Standards Incident Review
Committee, Student Community Standards Board (SCSB) members, and other necessary Community
Standards officials. Anyone who does not receive annual training will not be eligible to participate in conduct
proceedings.
Conduct Conference
A Conduct Conference is an informal meeting with the conduct officer and the accused student. No
witnesses are called and no formal rules apply. The conduct officer has the authority to determine
appropriate sanctions or to forward the complaint to the Student Community Standards Board, a Conduct
Hearing, or a Conduct Review Committee.
Student Community Standards Board
The Student Community Standards Board (SCSB) is a hearing board comprised of students charged with
upholding community standards under the direction of ECOS and in collaboration with Student Affairs. The
Office of Community Standards provides annual training and oversight for all members of SCSB.
Students assigned to receive their hearing and sanctioning from the SCSB will receive a Letter of Notice
form via e-mail which states the alleged policy violation(s) as well as the date and time of their hearing.
Students have the option to accept responsibility for the alleged violation(s) and, thus, are not required to
appear at their scheduled SCSB meeting. Those students accepting responsibility for all charges must
either print and complete the Letter of Notice form and deliver it to the SCSB office, located in Brown Hall, by
the Friday before the meeting or respond in an e-mail from their Eckerd e-mail address stating that they
accept responsibility for all charges. Students denying responsibility for all or part of the alleged violation(s)
must attend their scheduled hearing.
The SCSB will hear all pertinent facts and allow students to explain their role in the alleged violation(s). The
SCSB will then decide by majority vote if a violation occurred and determine appropriate sanctions.

Page 61

 2014-2015 EC Book

Conduct Hearing
Students will receive notice via email that they are to appear at a mandatory Conduct Hearing with an
Associate/Assistant Dean, and at least one other conduct officer, at least two business days before the date
of the hearing. The meeting will involve a discussion of the alleged policy violation(s) and a review of all
related materials. Students may be asked to submit a personal statement regarding the incident prior to the
meeting. Failure to attend the meeting may result in a $100.00 fine or in additional conduct action. Students
wishing to review related materials prior to the Conduct Hearing should contact the Office of Community
Standards.
The Associate/Assistant Dean and other conduct officer(s) will deliberate and determine whether it is more
likely than not that the responding student has violated the Code of Student Conduct. Once a finding is
determined, if the finding is that of a policy violation, the hearing body will determine an appropriate
sanction.
All decisions rendered by a Conduct Hearing are final except under the criteria for Final Review. (Please see Final
Review under Procedures for Conduct Action.) All requests for Final Review must be submitted in writing to the
Office of Community Standards within three (3) business days of receiving notice of the outcome. A representative
from the Office of Community Standards will meet with the Community Standards Incident Review comprised of
and will determine if the Final Review request meets the criteria outlined in the EC-Book. If so, the Conduct Hearing
members will then decide the outcome of the Final Review and the decision will be considered final. The student will
then be notified in writing, delivered through email, of the outcome.
Conduct Review Committee
The Office of Community Standards will appoint one Assistant/Associate Dean of Students as the Chair for
the hearing. The parties have the right to be present at the hearing; however, they do not have the right to
be present during deliberations. If a student cannot attend the hearing, it is that students responsibility to
notify the Office of Community Standards no less than three (3) days prior to the scheduled hearing to
arrange for another date, time and location. Except in cases of grave or unforeseen circumstances, if the
responding student fails to give the requisite minimum three (3) day notice, or if the responding student fails
to appear, the hearing will proceed as scheduled. If the party bringing the complaint fails to appear, the
complaint may be dropped unless the College chooses to pursue the allegation on its own behalf, as
determined by the Office of Community Standards in consultation with the Community Standards Incident
Review Committee.
Preparation for a formal hearing is summarized in the following guidelines:
1)

2)

3)

4)

Notice of the time, date and location of the hearing will be in writing and emailed to the students
College-issued email account. Once mailed, emailed and/or received in-person, such notice will be
presumptively delivered.
If there is an alleged victim of the conduct in question, the alleged victim may serve as the party
bringing the complaint or may elect to have the College administration serve as the party bringing
the complaint forward. Where there is no alleged victim, the College administration will serve as the
party bringing the complaint forward. An alleged victim will have all the rights of a complainant,
whether they elect to serve as the complainant or not.
If a responding student fails to respond to notice from the Office of Community Standards, a
complaint against the student may be initiated for failure to comply with the directives of a College
official and give notice of this offense. Unless the student responds to this notice within two days by
answering the original notice, an administrative conference may be scheduled and held on the
students behalf.
At least three (3) days before any scheduled formal hearing, the following will occur:
a) The responding student will deliver to the Office of Community Standards a written
response to the complaint;
b) The responding student will deliver to the Office of Community Standards a written list of
all witnesses for the College to call at the hearing;
c) The responding student will deliver to the Office of Community Standards all physical
evidence the student intends to use or needs to have present at the hearing and will
indicate who has possession or custody of such evidence, if known, so that the Office of
Community Standards can arrange for its presence;
d) The party bringing the complaint will deliver to the Office of Community Standards a
written list of all witnesses for the College to call at the hearing;

Page 62

 2014-2015 EC Book

e)

5)

The party bringing the complaint will deliver to the Office of Community Standards all
items of physical evidence needed at the hearing and will indicate who has possession or
custody of such evidence, if known, so that a representative from the Office of Community
Standards can arrange for its presence;
f) The party bringing the complaint and the responding student will notify the Office of
Community Standards of the names of any advisors/advocates who may be
accompanying the parties at the hearing.
The Office of Community Standards will ensure that the hearing information and any other available
written documentation is shared with the parties at least two (2) days before any scheduled
hearing. In addition, the parties will be given a list of the names of all the Conduct Review
Committee members in advance. Should any party object to any member, that party must raise all
objections, in writing, to the Office of Community Standards immediately. Hearing officers will only
be unseated if their bias precludes an impartial hearing of the complaint. Additionally, any member
who feels they cannot make an objective determination must recuse themselves from the
proceedings.

Conduct Review Committee hearings will be conducted according to the following guidelines:
1)
2)
3)

4)

5)

6)

7)
8)

9)

Hearings will be closed to the public.

Admission to the hearing of persons other than the parties involved will be at the discretion of the
Conduct Review Committee chair and the representative from the Office of Community Standards.
In hearings involving more than one responding student, the standard procedure will be to hear the
complaints jointly; however, the representative from the Office of Community Standards may permit
the hearing pertinent to each responding student to be conducted separately. In joint hearings,
separate determinations of responsibility will be made for each responding student.
The parties have the right to an advisor/advocate of their own choosing, including attorneys.
Typically advisors are members of the campus community, but the parties may select whomever
they wish to serve as their advisor. Advisors selected from the Colleges pool will be trained on
College processes and the advising function. Students who select advisors from outside the pool
will not have the benefit of this training. The advisor may not make a presentation or represent the
party bringing the complaint or responding student during the hearing. They may confer quietly with
their advisee, exchange notes, clarify procedural questions with the chair and suggest questions to
their advisee.
The party bringing the complaint, the responding student, and the Conduct Review Committee will
have the privilege of questioning all present witnesses and questioning all present parties (directly
or through the Chair, at the discretion of the Chair). Unduly repetitive witnesses can be limited at
the discretion of the Conduct Review Committee Chair and/or the representative from the Office of
Community Standards.
Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements may be accepted as information for
consideration by the Conduct Review Committee and the representative from the Office of
Community Standards. Formal rules of evidence are not observed. The Conduct Review
Committee Chair and/or the representative from the Office of Community Standards may limit the
number of character witnesses presented or may accept written statements of character instead.
All procedural questions are subject to the final decision of the Conduct Review Committee Chair in
consultation with a representative from the Office of Community Standards .
After a Conduct Review Committee hearing, the Conduct Review Committee will deliberate and
determine, by majority vote, whether it is more likely than not that the responding student has
violated the Code of Student Conduct. A representative from the Office of Community Standards
will be present and available as a resource during all deliberations. Once a finding is determined, if
the finding is that of a policy violation, the Conduct Review Committee will recommend an
appropriate sanction(s). The representative from the Office of Community Standards is responsible
for informing the Conduct Review Committee of applicable precedent and any previous conduct
violations or other relevant pattern information about the responding student. The Conduct Review
Committee Chairperson will prepare a written deliberation report and deliver it to the representative
from the Office of Community Standards, detailing the recommended finding, how each member
voted, the information cited by the Conduct Review Committee in support of its recommendation,
and any information the Conduct Review Committee excluded from its consideration and why. This
report should conclude with any recommended sanctions. This report should not exceed two pages
in length and should be submitted to the Office of Community Standards within two (2) days of the
end of deliberations.
The Office of Community Standards will review the recommendations of the Conduct Review
Committee, consult with the Committee Chair to make any appropriate modifications to the

Page 63

 2014-2015 EC Book
Conduct Review Committees report, and then inform the responding student and party bringing the
complaint (if applicable by law or College policy) of the final determination within 5 business days of
the hearing. Notification will be made in writing and may be delivered by one or more of the
following methods: in person by the Office of Community Standards; mailed to the local or
permanent address of the student as indicated in official College records; or emailed to the
students College-issued email account. Once mailed, emailed and/or received in-person, such
notice will be presumptively delivered. In cases of sexual misconduct and other crimes of violence,
notice of the outcome will be delivered to all parties simultaneously, meaning without undue delay
between the notifications to each.
10) There will be a single verbatim record, such as an audio recording, for all Conduct Review
Committee hearings. Deliberations will not be recorded. The record will be the property of the
College and maintained according to the Colleges record retention policy.
Notification of Outcomes
The outcome of a campus hearing is part of the education record of the responding student and is protected
from release under the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), except under certain conditions.
As allowed by FERPA, when a student is accused of a policy violation that would constitute a crime of
violence or forcible or non-forcible sex offense, the College will inform the alleged victim/party bringing the
complaint in writing of the final results of a hearing regardless of whether the College concludes that a
violation was committed. Such release of information may only include the alleged students/responding
students name, the violation committed, and the sanctions assigned (if applicable). In cases of sexual
misconduct and other offenses covered by Title IX, only, the rationale for the outcome will also be shared
with all parties to the complaint in addition to the finding and sanction(s).
In cases where the College determines through the student conduct process that a student violated a policy
that would constitute a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense, the College may also release the
above information publicly and/or to any third party. FERPA defines crimes of violence to include:
1) Arson
2) Assault offenses (includes stalking)
3) Burglary
4) Criminal Homicidemanslaughter by negligence
5) Criminal Homicidemurder and non-negligent manslaughter
6) Destruction/damage/vandalism of property
7) Kidnapping/abduction
8) Robbery
9) Forcible sex offences
10) Non-forcible sex offences
Sanctions
Students found responsible for violating the standards or policies of Eckerd College can receive sanctions
including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Verbal warning - A warning can be given by a Resident Advisor, Assistant Residence Coordinator,
or other College staff member concerning a students violation of College policy.
2. Citation or written warning - A citation or written warning concerning a students violation of College
policy will be placed into that students conduct file and may be considered should any future
infraction occur. Additionally, a copy of any citation or written warning may be given to the students
mentor as a means of notification.
3. Fines - A student found in violation of College policy can receive a monetary penalty, which will be
charged to the students account. This charge may be levied within two semesters following the
date of the infraction. At the discretion of the Office of Community Standards, monetary fines can
be exchanged for sanctioned service hours at a rate of $5.00-per-hour.
4. Restitution - In complaints involving property, repair or replacement costs may be assessed in
addition to monetary fines.
5. Community Service - In complaints involving disruptions to the community, a student might, among
other sanctions, be assigned to offer compensation to his/her peers through the performance of a
specified number of service hours.
6. A No Contact Agreement may be established between parties and prohibit contact in person, in
writing, via e-mail, via cell or telephone, via text messages, via third parties or through any form of
on-line sources. If either party violates this agreement they may be subject to conduct action,
including, but not limited to, an immediate summary suspension from the College.
7. Conduct Probation (also referred to as Disciplinary Probation) - Students placed on conduct
probation are deemed not in good standing with the College. The duration of the probationary

Page 64

 2014-2015 EC Book

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.
16.

17.

18.

19.

period, and the conditions imposed, will be in proportion to the seriousness of the misconduct.
Depending on the circumstances, additional stipulations may be enforced. These additional
stipulations may be, but are not limited to, suspension of privileges; suspension of eligibility to
participate in extracurricular activities or serve in leadership positions; and removal from a position
of leadership. In complaints involving an ECOS Officer, a recommendation for removal will be
made to the constitutionally-defined ECOS authority. During the period of conduct probation,
reported violations of College policy or conditions of the probation will result in further action.
Conduct Probation will normally disqualify a student from studying abroad with Eckerd College or
its affiliated international education programs.
Housing Probation - Students placed on Housing Probation are at risk for being removed from
College housing. The duration of the probationary period, and the conditions imposed, will be in
proportion to the seriousness of the misconduct. Students found responsible for violating College
policies while on Housing Probation may be suspended or expelled from College housing and lose
the privilege of living on-campus. Housing Probation may in some instances disqualify a student
from studying abroad with Eckerd College or its affiliated international education programs.
Parental notification - At the discretion of the College and in accordance with federal law, a parent
may be notified, without permission of the student, of any breach of College policy including but not
limited to the illegal use of alcohol and/or other drugs, destructive and/or violent behavior, or
behavior which violates any local, state, or federal law.
Referral for educational programs - A student may be required to attend, and pay for, educational
programs related to his/her violation of College policy. Conduct officers of Eckerd College may
reasonably expect to be furnished with proof that the program was completed.
Referral to meet with the Eckerd College Counseling Center, Outreach Services or a licensed
mental health professional to discuss an incident - Conduct officers of Eckerd College may
reasonably expect to be furnished with proof that the assessment was completed. The student may
be required to sign a release allowing the mental health professional to communicate with
appropriate College officials.
Referral for psychological assessment - A student may choose a licensed mental health
professional to execute the psychological assessment, as well as pay any associated costs.
Conduct officers of Eckerd College may reasonably expect to be furnished with proof that the
assessment was completed in good faith. The student is expected to sign a release allowing the
mental health professional to communicate with appropriate College officials.
Mandatory drug testing - A student whose sanctions include mandatory drug testing must complete
and pass a urine, hair analysis, or blood test through an approved site at their own expense and at
the date/time ordered by the Office of Community Standards. Conduct officers of Eckerd College
may reasonably expect to be furnished with the results of the testing.
Residential relocation - The student loses the privilege of residing in his/her current housing
assignment and will be reassigned to another room. The assignment will be made in conjunction
with the Housing Office.
Campus Location Restrictions - The student may be restricted from certain areas of campus if
deemed necessary.
Removal from residence halls - A student may be removed from the residence halls for a specified
period of time. Readmission to the residence halls is possible in some cases, but only after a
written request for consideration is submitted to the Office of Community Standards.
Suspension from the College for a specified period of time -Conditions for readmission may also
be required. During the period of suspension, a student is not permitted on College property, and
may not attend College-sponsored events.
Expulsion from the College - Expulsion should be considered as an unconditional and permanent
separation from the College. Notification of the expulsion will be entered in the students permanent
record and trespass warnings may be issued.
Referral to law enforcement - Students may be referred to the St. Petersburg Police Department or
other appropriate agency for legal action.

Failure to Complete Conduct Sanctions

All students, as members of the College community, are expected to comply with conduct sanctions within
the timeframe specified by the Office of Community Standards, Conduct Official (s), or Conduct Review
Committee. Failure to follow through on conduct sanctions by the date specified, whether by refusal, neglect
or any other reason, may result in a $100 fine as well as additional sanctions, removal from campus housing
and/or suspension from the College. A suspension will only be lifted when compliance with conduct
sanctions is satisfactorily achieved. This determination will be made by the Office of Community Standards.

Page 65

 2014-2015 EC Book

Final Review
Final Review Process for the Student Community Standards Board
All petitions for Final Review must be submitted in writing to the Director of SCSB (scsb@eckerd.edu) within three (3)
business days of receiving notice of the outcome. The Director of SCSB and two other members of the Board will
determine if the Final Review request meets the following criteria:
1.
2.

To consider new information, unavailable during the original hearing, that could be outcome
determinative.
To assess whether clerical or procedural error impacted the fairness of the hearing.

If the review is accepted under the aforementioned criteria then the Director and two other SCSB members will
decide the outcome based on the request, the verbatim record of the initial hearing and the original supporting
documents. The student requesting review will not attend an additional hearing. All decisions rendered by the
Director of the Student Community Standards Board and the two other members of the Board during the Final
Review Process are final. Only under extraordinary circumstances and at the sole discretion of the Community
Standards Incident Review Committee may a decision of a Final Review be returned for re-evaluation. The student
will then be notified in writing, sent via email, of the outcome.
Final Review Process for Conduct Conferences, Conduct Hearings, and Conduct Review
Committees
Any party may request an appeal of the decision of a Conduct Conference, Conduct Hearing, or Conduct
Review Committee by filing a written request to the Office of Community Standards, subject to the
procedures outlined below. All sanctions imposed by the original hearing body remain in effect, and all
parties should be timely informed of the status of requests for appeal, the status of the appeal consideration,
and the results of the appeal decision.
Final Review Requests are Limited to the Following Grounds:
1)

A procedural or substantive error occurred that significantly impacted the outcome of

the hearing (e.g. substantiated bias, material deviation from established procedures,
etc.);

2)

To consider new evidence, unavailable during the original hearing or investigation, that could
substantially impact the original finding or sanction. A summary of this new evidence and its
potential impact must be included;

3)

The sanctions imposed are substantially outside the parameters or guidelines set by the
College for this type of offense or the cumulative conduct record of the responding
student.

The Coordinator for Community Standards will evaluate the merit of a request for Final Review in light of the
EC-Book Standards and present that evaluation and accompanying recommendation to a member(s) of the
Community Standards Incident Review Committee for final determination.
Final Review Process
Request for final reviews must be filed in writing with the Office of Community Standards within three
business days of the notice of the outcome to the hearing, barring exigent circumstances. Any
exceptions are made at the discretion of the Community Standards Incident Review Committee and,
when appropriate, the Title IX Coordinator.
The representative from the Office of Community Standards will share the final review request by one
party with the other party (parties) when appropriate under procedure or law (e.g., if the responding
student appeals, the appeal is shared with the complainant, who may also wish to file a response,
request an appeal on the same grounds or different grounds).
The representative from the Office of Community Standards will refer the request to the Community
Standards Incident Review Committee. A representative from the Office of Community Standards will
also draft a response memorandum to the review request(s), based on the Community Standards
Incident Review Committees determination that the request(s) will be granted or denied, and why. All
request-related documents are shared with all parties prior to submission to the Community Standards
Incident Review Committee.

Page 66

 2014-2015 EC Book

The Community Standards Incident Review Committee will conduct an initial review to determine if the
final review request meets the limited grounds and is timely. They may consult with the representative
from the Office of Community Standards and/or Title IX Coordinator on any procedural or substantive
questions that arise.
If the appeal is not timely or substantively eligible, the original finding and sanction will stand and the
decision is final.
If the appeal has standing, the Community Standards Incident Review Committee will determine
whether to refer the request to an independent Final Review Committee or to remand it to the original
decision-maker(s), typically within 3-5 business days.

Efforts should be made to use remand whenever possible, with clear instructions for
reconsideration only in light of the granted appeal grounds.
Where the original decision-maker may be unduly biased by a procedural or substantive error,
a new Final Review Committee will be constituted to reconsider the matter. Should any party
object to any member, that party must raise all objections, in writing, to the Office of
Community Standards immediately. Hearing officers will only be unseated if the Community
Standards Incident Review Committee concludes that their bias precludes an impartial hearing
of the complaint. Additionally, any member who feels they cannot make an objective
determination must recuse themselves from the proceedings.
Full rehearings by the Final Review Committee are very rarely used.
Where new evidence is presented or the sanction is challenged, the Community Standards
Incident Review Committee will determine if the matter should be returned to the original
decision-maker for reconsideration or if it should be reviewed by the Final Review Committee
with instruction on the parameters regarding institutional consistency and any applicable legal
guidelines.
In review, the original finding and sanction are presumed to have been decided reasonably
and appropriately, thus the burden is on the appealing party(ies) to show clear error.
The Final Review Committee must limit its review to the challenges presented.

On reconsideration, the Final Review Committee or original decision-maker may affirm or change the
findings and/or sanctions of the original hearing body according to the permissible grounds. Procedural
or substantive errors should be corrected, new evidence should be considered, and sanctions should be
proportionate to the severity of the violation and the students cumulative conduct record.
All decisions of the Final Review Committee or original decision-maker are to be made within five (5)
business days of submission of the request and are final, as are any decisions made by the original
hearing body, the representative from the Office of Community Standards or Title IX Coordinator as the
result of reconsideration consistent with instructions from CSIRC.
The presumptive stance of the College is that all decisions made and sanctions imposed by the original
decision-maker are to be implemented during the appeal process. At the discretion of the Community
Standards Incident Review Committee, or Title IX Coordinator when necessary, implementation of sanctions
may be delayed pending review only in extremely exigent circumstances. This does not include proximity to
graduation, end of term, or exams. Instead, it refers to an overwhelming likelihood, as determined by the
Community Standards Incident Review Committee, that the appeal would result in a reversal of the finding
and/or substantial modification of the sanctions.
Other Guidelines for Appeals
All parties will be timely informed of the status of requests for Final Review, the status of the

Final Review consideration, and the results of the Final Review decision;
Every opportunity to return the Final Review request to the original decision-maker for

reconsideration (remand) should be pursued;

Final Reviews are not intended to be full re-hearings of the complaint (de novo). In most cases,

final reviews are confined to a review of the written documentation or record of the original
hearing, and pertinent documentation regarding the grounds for final review; witnesses may be
called if necessary.
Final Reviews are not an opportunity for final review panelists to substitute their judgment for that of

the original decision-maker merely because they disagree with the finding and/or sanctions. Final
Review decisions are to be deferential to the original decision-maker, making changes to the

Page 67

 2014-2015 EC Book

finding only where there is clear error and to the sanction only if there is a compelling justification to do
so.
Re-evaluation of the Final Review
Only under extraordinary circumstances following this conclusion, and at the sole discretion of the Dean of
Students or President, may a decision of a Final Review be returned to that Committee for re-evaluation.
The accused student must send an email to the Office of Community Standards requesting a Re-evaluation
of the Final Review within three (3) business days from the date of the outcome letter from the original Final
Review. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the Community Standards Incident Review Committee,
will decide whether there is a compelling justification to return the request to the original hearing body/Final
Review Committee or to deny the request. There is no further option for review after this decision has been
rendered.

Records
Disciplinary Records
All conduct records are maintained by the College for seven (7) years from the time of their creation except
those that result in separation (suspension or expulsion, including from housing) and those that fall under
Title IX, which are maintained indefinitely.

Procedures for Conduct Action Regarding Alumni

In complaints of alleged violations of College rules or policies by alumni of the College, a report is filed or
information is provided to the Office of the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, acting on behalf of the
President, is the Chief Conduct Officer of Eckerd College. It is the responsibility of the Dean of Students, in
consultation with other campus officials as appropriate, to determine an appropriate course of action.
Reasonable Cause of Action
No complaint will be forwarded for review unless there is reasonable cause to believe a policy has been
violated. Reasonable cause is defined as some information to support each element of the offense, even if
that information is merely a credible witness or victims statement. A complaint wholly unsupported by any
information will not be forwarded for review.
Deliberation
A trained hearing panel identified by the Dean of Students will deliberate and determine by majority vote
whether a violation of College policy is shown by a preponderance of the evidence. Once a finding is
determined, if that finding is that of a policy violation, the panel will determine appropriate sanctions, and
make recommendations accordingly to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students or his/her designees,
will then implement the final determination and inform the alumnus. For a complaint for which degree
revocation is contemplated, the resolution will occur through the formal conduct procedures detailed below.
Sanctions
Alumni found responsible for violating the standards or policies of Eckerd College can receive sanctions
including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Citation or written warning: A citation or written warning concerning the violation of College policy
will be kept on file in the Office of Community Standards and may be considered should any future
infraction occur.
2. Restitution: In complaints involving property, repair or replacement costs may be assessed.
3. Exclusion from campus and College sponsored events: Alumnus/alumna is not allowed to visit
campus and/or attend College-sponsored events for a specified period of time.
4. Referral to law enforcement: Alumni may be referred to the St. Petersburg Police Department or
other appropriate agency of legal action.

Page 68

 2014-2015 EC Book

DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this handbook is accurate as of August 8 2014, but may be subject to change.
The College reserves the right to amend, modify, or cancel the policies, terms, and conditions and other
material as published in this handbook. The College will endeavor to inform students of any such changes
with reasonable notice.
Portions of this Code of Conduct, reviewed in 2014, are adapted from the model policies and code authored
by the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management (www.ncherm.org). Use of this model policy
has been licensed to Eckerd College for its Code of Conduct. All other use is strictly reserved to NCHERM
under its copyright. Adaptation, use or copying of this code by any institution other than Eckerd College is
not permitted without express written authorization by the copyright holders.

Page 69