Policies and Procedures

Equal Employment Opportunity (Chapter 2.10)

Loras College, in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1974 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, status as a veteran or any other protected class in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and student services.

It is the policy of Loras College to provide equal opportunity in all terms and conditions of employment for all persons as described in the College’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan. The intent of this policy is to prohibit discrimination, to ensure reasonable accommodations, and to promote the full realization of equal employment opportunity. This policy of equal opportunity applies to and must be an integral part of every aspect of personnel, policy, and practice in the employment, development, advancement, and treatment of employees and applicants for employment at Loras College.

Loras College is an equal opportunity employer and ensures that employment, salaries, and access to training should not be restricted because of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, status as a veteran or any other protected class. Loras College will maintain procedures to assure equal employment opportunity for all College employees. It is the aim of Loras College to encourage College employees to realize their potential, to function more effectively, and reach a level commensurate with their abilities and ambitions.

While Loras College is firmly committed to its policy of nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity in its recruitment practices, it reserves its right to grant preference to qualified men and women who profess its Catholic heritage and destiny in order to maintain its religious and institutional integrity. This is in accordance with Section 702, Title VII, which provides that a church- related institution may give preference in employment on the basis of religion where religion is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of that institution.

As a positive commitment to equal employment opportunity, it is the intent of the Board of Regents of Loras College that this policy be applied at all levels and in all segments of the College community, including all employees and all agencies, persons, vendors, and other organizations who contract to do business with the College.

Loras College is committed to the achievement of equal opportunity for minority groups, women, and qualified impairment; and to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and all other personnel actions, including but not limited to, compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoff, termination, educational privileges, faculty promotion, and tenure, as well as selection for training, including apprenticeship training.

This basic policy applies in all employment relationships. Administration of this policy affects recruiting, hiring, placement, supervision, training, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, and termination. All College personnel policies, procedures, and practices must subscribe to the intent of this basic employment policy. Each person–administrator, supervisor, or search committee member–involved in the hiring and post-hiring processes, is responsible to know the equal employment opportunity policy of the College and must participate actively and effectively in managing Loras College’s human resources in a fair and impartial manner. It is the responsibility of each Vice President to provide sufficient resources to administer such a plan in a positive and effective manner; assure that recruitment activities reach appropriate sources of job candidates; provide reasonable opportunities to employees to enhance their skills so that they may perform at their highest potential and advance in accordance with their ability; provide training and advice to managers and supervisors to assure their understanding and implementation of the College’s policy of equal employment opportunity. Compliance with intent of College policy shall be part of the acceptable standards of performance for all employees.

Any person responsible for employment or promotion decisions should ensure that these decisions are based solely upon an individual’s qualifications for the requirements of the position for which he/she is being considered. All supervisory personnel are accountable for observation of the policy of equal employment opportunity. The Equal Employment Officer (Director of Human Resources) shall provide leadership and guidance to administrative units in the conduct of their programs affecting employees and applicants for employment.

Inquiries about or complaints alleging violation of the College’s equal employment opportunity policy should be directed to the EEO Officer, Troy Wright, 563.588.7816. The complainant may consult with or file a written complaint with the EEO Officer. Complaints about conduct by non-faculty staff employees are required to be processed as set forth through procedures directed by appropriate vice president. In appropriate circumstances, students may be assisted by the EEO Officer regarding understanding their rights to seek internal review of complaints.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students specific rights with respect to education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day Loras College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the appropriate official (Office of the Registrar for academic records and Dean of Students for disciplinary records), written requests that identify the records) they wish to inspect. The appropriate official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Copies of educational records may be provided at the cost of $20. A redacted copy of the student record will be provided in 45 days as listed above.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. A student may ask Loras College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the Loras College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If Loras College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student of the decision regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Loras College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Further notice is hereby given that Loras College may release “directory information” without the prior consent of the student unless the student formally and timely requests that such information be kept confidential. Written requests not to release directory information must be filed with the Dean of Students and Office of the Registrar during the first two weeks of the fall semester and must be renewed each fall. Such requests must apply to all of the following categories; a student may not specify that only some of the categories not be released. Directory information consists of the following information and is subject to change provided the change is effective only in the subsequent year (i.e., fall term) and provided the change(s) is/are appropriately publicized:

• Student names
• Student local address
• Student honors and awards
• Student electronic mail addresses
• Student birthdate (month only)
• Student major fields of study
• Student last date of attendance
• Student current academic classification
• Student enrollment status
• Student participation in officially recognized activities or sports
• Student height and weight for students participating in officially recognized sports
• Student damage charges and costs

Non Discrimination Policy: Race, Disability, Gender

Loras College admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Loras College does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of qualified disability or gender in its admission or access to, or treatment of, or employment in its educational programs or activities. Loras College is required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 not to discriminate in such a manner.

Inquiries concerning the application of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to Loras College may be referred to Coordinator, Loras College mail #25, or to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Policy

Loras College strives to protect the welfare of minors on its campus. This includes minors (under the age of 18) who are on campus or participating in off- campus college-sponsored programs. Any uncertainty about whether reporting is required should be resolved in favor of making a report.

Who Must Report

Iowa Code 261.9(h), this policy requires anyone who, in the scope of their employment responsibilities, examines, attends, counsels or treats a child, to report suspected physical or sexual abuse of a child. This includes all employees, including, but not limited to, faculty, coaches, student employees, administrators and staff. If you are not sure whether you should report a concern, you should err on the side of caution and report. You do not need to have proof that abuse has occurred in order to be required to report.

When to Report

Individuals must report child abuse when they see, know about or reasonably suspect the abuse of a child. A report should be made within 24 hours after becoming aware of the suspected abuse. The types of abuse required to be reported under this policy include any physical or sexual abuse of a child.

• Child means any person under the age of eighteen (18) years.
• Physical abuse means non-accidental acts or omissions that cause, or fail to prevent, physical injury to a child.
• Sexual abuse means the commission of a sexual offense according to Iowa law, including rape, sexual assault, molestation, incest, indecent exposure or exploitation of a child in a manner in which the child is used for gratification or sexual enjoyment by another person.

In the Event of an Emergency, Call 911

Suspected abuse should be reported to both:

• Title IX Coordinator: Phone 563.588.7029, Email Nancy.Fett@loras.edu AND
• Campus Safety: https://loras-advocate.symplicity.com/public_report/ online reporting system or Phone 563.588.7114 or 24-Hour Information Desk 563.588.7100
• Employees may also report suspected child abuse in good faith to law enforcement.

When making a report of child abuse, the reporter should provide the following information to the best of their knowledge:

• Name of the alleged victim(s) and alleged perpetrator(s)
• Time, date, and location and any additional known information available about the incident being reported

Mandatory Reporters under Iowa Code 232.69 and 261.9(h)

It is possible that some reporters, as well as others who interact with minors who are on campus or participating in off-campus college-sponsored programs may be mandatory reporters of child abuse under Iowa Code §232.69. These individuals have additional responsibilities to report all forms of child abuse as described in Iowa Code § 232.68(2). Under §232.69, mandatory reporters must report suspected abuse to the Department of Human Services. Child abuse can be reported to the Department of Human Services by calling the toll-free child abuse reporting hotline 24 hours a day: 1.800.362.2178. Loras College encourages everybody, including those who are not mandatory reporters under Iowa Code §232.69, to report all forms of child abuse to the Department of Human Services in addition to reporting to the Title IX Coordinator and the Department of Public Safety under this policy. Consistent with Iowa law, the College will take no retaliatory action against an employee who makes a good faith report of child abuse.

Title IX/Sex Discrimination Policy

Loras does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, and we are required by Title IX not to discriminate in such a manner. Questions regarding Title IX may be directed to our Title IX Coordinator Nancy Fett at 563.588.7029, nancy.fett@loras.edu, or to the Office for Civil Rights.

Sexual Misconduct Policy and Grievance Procedures

The Catholic tradition affirms the inherent dignity of each person and the need to respect it: “When we deal with each other, we should do so with the sense of awe that arises in the presence of something that is holy and sacred. For that is what human beings are: we are created in the image of God.” (US Bishops, Economic Justice or All). Thus, Loras College is committed to having a positive learning and working environment for its students and employees and will not tolerate sexual misconduct. This principle is consistent with the mission of the College that “recognizes the human dignity of each individual and challenges men and women to grow with purpose and direction.” Sex misconduct is demeaning and degrading, and can have a negative impact on a person’s performance at work or in class. Sexual misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated. Disciplinary sanctions will be taken up to and including discharge for College employees and expulsion of students.

This policy covers all members of, or visitors to, Loras College and those otherwise associated with the College to include but not limited to: administrators, faculty, staff (administrative, professional and hourly), students, vendors, contractors, volunteers and internship supervisors. The College may impose discipline or sanctions if sexual misconduct occurs on or off College premises if there is any connection with a person’s participation in a College-sponsored organization, program or activity, or if the conduct poses a risk of harm to any member of the campus community.

The fact that someone did not intend to sexually harass an individual is not necessarily a defense to a complaint of sex discrimination. Regardless of intent, it is the duration, effect and characteristics of the behavior that determine whether the behavior constitutes sex discrimination. Harassing conduct may be disciplined even if the complaining person is not the intended target of the conduct. Academic presentations of the Catholic Church’s moral teaching regarding sexuality are very appropriate and consistent with the College’s mission, and may not be claimed as violations of this policy.

The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer shall be responsible for promoting understanding and acceptance of, and assuming compliance with local, State and Federal laws and this policy. The EEO Officer will ascertain that notice of this policy is circulated to the employees and students of Loras College. The policy will be incorporated into the Student Handbook, as well as the handbooks for faculty, salaried and hourly employees. Resource materials and educational programs on this policy and on the prevention of harassment shall be provided to employees and students. Information on this policy will also be distributed to volunteers, internship supervisors, vendors and contractors.

Nothing contained within this policy shall be construed to change or modify the principles of Academic Freedom or Freedom of Expression expressed in sections VII and VIII of the Regent’s Position Paper contained with the Loras College Faculty Handbook.

Statement of Consent

The College believes that consent is essential in matters involving sexual activity. Consent is informed, through mutually understandable words that indicate a willingness to participate in a mutually agreed upon sexual activity. Talking with a partner about sexual activity may seem awkward, but such conversations serve as the basis for sexual experiences in the context of mutual willingness and respect. Furthermore, at any time during consensual sexual activity, a person may refuse to continue further with any sexual activity. Consensual sexual activity recognizes sober, verbal communication, free of threats or other coercion. College policy recognizes that someone who is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is unable to give consent. From the point of refusal, any previous consent is rendered invalid.

Consensual Amorous Relationship Policy

Employees should be sensitive to the fact that they have a professional responsibility for students in such matters as counseling, evaluating, supervising, advising and providing services to students as a part of the school program. Consensual relations are defined as amorous, romantic or sexual relationships into which both parties have voluntarily entered. They become of concern to the College when one person in a relationship is in a position of authority over another. Examples of these situations include but are not limited to relationships between instructors and students, supervisors and employees or administrators and students.

Consensual relationships of these types are prohibited. These relationships can violate the trust between instructors and students, administrators and students or supervisors and employees. Most critically, they contain inherent potential for abuse of power and authority. Anyone who engages in a sexual relationship with a person over whom he or she has any degree of authority must understand that the degree to which such a relationship is truly mutually consensual may be questioned at any time. Even when both parties have apparently consented at the outset, such consent does not invalidate a subsequent charge of sexual misconduct after one party withdraws his or her consent and communicates that decision to the other party.

Types of Sexual Misconduct

Examples of sexual misconduct may include, but are not limited to the following examples of unwelcome acts:

Verbal: Insults, threats, jokes or derogatory comments based on gender; sexual innuendo or suggestive comments; sexual propositions or advances; pressure for sexual favors; corruption of a minor; importuning or public indecency

Nonverbal: Posting of sexually suggestive or derogatory pictures, cartoons or drawings; making suggestive or insulting noises, leering, or whistling; making obscene gestures; corruption of a minor; importuning; voyeurism or public indecency

Physical: Touching, pinching, squeezing, patting or brushing against the body; impeding or blocking normal work or movement; coercing sexual intercourse or assault, rape or sexual battery; sodomy or assault with an object; corruption of a minor; importuning; public indecency; felonious penetration including oral penetration, penetration with a body part, or penetration an object not matter how slight; or prostitution

Sexual Abuse/Sexual Assault/Rape: Any sexual act between any persons is sexual abuse by either party when the act is performed with the other participant in any of the following circumstances:

• The act is done by force or against the will of the other, including but not limited to rape or attempted rape
• If the consent or acquaintance of the other is procured by threats of violence toward any person
• If the act is done while the other is under the influence of a drug-induced sleep or is otherwise unconscious
• When the victim is incapable of giving consent because he or she suffers from a mental defect or incapacity
• When the victim lacks the mental capacity to know the right and wrong of conduct in sexual matters
• When the other person is a child

Please note that this includes non-consensual sexual intercourse (rape), non-consensual sexual contact (sexual assault) and sexual exploration). The college defines rape as the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration of a sex organ of another person without their consent. This includes the touching of an unwilling person’s intimate parts (defined as genital, groin, breast, buttocks, or the clothing covering these areas or forcing an unwilling person to touch another’s intimate parts.

Sexual Exploitation: Sexual exploitation is taking sexual advantage of another person without consent for one’s own advantage or benefit or for the advantage or benefit of anyone other than the person being exploited, or engaging in sexual intimidation. Examples of sexual exploitation may include but are not limited to the following:

• Causing or attempting to cause the incapacitation of another person in order to gain a sexual advantage over such other person
• Causing the prostitution of another person
• Electronically recording, photographing or transmitting identifiable utterances, sounds, or images of private sexual activity and/or the intimate body parts (including genitalia, groin, breast, or buttocks)
• Allowing third parties to observe private sexual acts of a participant without the participant’s consent
• Voyeurism (spying on others who are in intimate or sexual situations)
• Threatening to sexually assault another person
• Stalking, including cyber-stalking
• Engaging in indecent exposure

Sexual Harassment: Sexual Harassment includes, but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; sexually motivated physical contact or other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining employment or education; or
• Submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s employment or education; or
• That conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s employment or education, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or educational environment.

Dating Violence: Dating Violence is defined as the intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse by a person to threaten, harm, intimidate, or control another person in a dating relationship. Violent behavior is unacceptable in our community, and all cases involving violence will be referred to the College Hearing Board for review. The College Hearing Board hears cases where the outcome may include suspension or expulsion.

Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is defined as felony or misdemeanor behavior with a current or former spouse, domestic or intimate partner, someone who shares custody of a child, someone who cohabitates, or someone who is situated as a spouse. (Please note: roommates are not considered a domestic relationship unless they are involved in a relationship defined as domestic above). Violent behavior is unacceptable in our community, and all cases involving violence will be referred to the College Hearing Board for review. The College Hearing Board hears cases where the outcome may include suspension or expulsion.

Stalking: Loras College is determined to provide a campus atmosphere free of violence for all members of the campus community. For this reason, Loras College does not tolerate stalking, and will hold students who engage in stalking behaviors accountable through the college’s judicial system and will report students who engage in stalking behaviors to the local authorities. Loras College is also committed to supporting victims of stalking through available campus counseling and health services, and can assist with referrals to communitysupport services. This policy applies to all members of our campus community. The College defines stalking as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear/significant emotional distress. Stalking behaviors may include but are not limited to:

• Non-consensual communication including in-person communication, telephone calls, voice messages, text messages, email, social networking site postings, instant messages, postings of pictures or information on websites, written letters, gifts or any other communications that are undesired and/or place another person in fear
• Following, pursuing, waiting or showing up uninvited at a workplace, place of residence, classroom or other locations frequented by a victim
• Surveillance and other types of observation, whether by physical proximity or electronic means
• Trespassing
• Vandalism
• Non-consensual touching
• Direct physical and/or verbal threats against a victim or a victim’s loved ones
• Gathering of information about a victim from family, friends, co-workers and/or classmates
• Manipulative and/or controlling behaviors such as threats to harm oneself or threats to harm someone close to the victim Defamation or slander against the victim

Victims of stalking have the right to learn the outcome of their case, including any recommended sanctions.

Applicable State Statutes - State of Iowa Statutes Regarding Consent

The State of Iowa defines incapacitation as meaning a person is disabled or deprived of ability as follows:

• “Mentally incapacitated” means that a person is temporarily incapable of apprising or controlling the person’s own conduct due to the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic or intoxicating substance
• “Physically helpless” means that a person is unable to communicate an unwillingness to act because the person is unconscious, asleep or is otherwise physically or mentally limited
• “Physically incapacitated” means that a person has a bodily impairment or handicap that substantially limits the person’s ability to resist or flee

State of Iowa Definitions of Sexual Misconduct

The State of Iowa and Loras College use the following sexual abuse definition. Sexual abuse is considered a felony as defined in Section 709 of the Iowa State Code. Sexual assault is considered first-degree sexual abuse under Iowa law. Sexual assault is defined as forced penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth with a finger, penis or any other object. Although the term “rape” is used in this policy and in other educational material, the Iowa legal system uses the umbrella term of sexual abuse and sexual assault, and not the specific term “rape,” when cases are taken to court. Sexual assaults occur on a broad continuum and include-criminal behaviors endangering another/other persons. They range from verbal assaults to rape. Loras College takes a very strong stance against acts of violence by a member of our community. Students found responsible of sexual assault can expect strong disciplinary actions by the College. Any community member with knowledge of any incidents of sexual assault should report the incident to Campus Safety, the Dubuque Police Department and the College’s Title IX Coordinator. It is recommended and encouraged that survivors seek confidential counseling.

A student who reports a violation of the sexual misconduct policy is entitled to:

• To be treated with respect by college officials
• To be made aware of available options
• To choose whether or not to report your complaint to the police
• To be free from any pressure
• To not be prejudged or blamed for what occurred
• To take advantage of campus support resources
• To speak to a male or female staff member about the incident
• To experience living in a safe and educational environment
• To be made aware of options regarding support resources, remedial actions, timeframe to file a complaint and resolution options
• To have an advocate present during disciplinary hearings
• To have College officials answer questions and explain the systems and processes involved
• To be informed on the progress of the investigation of the case, including the right to prompt, fair, and impartial discipline proceedings, the right to learn the outcome of the case, and the right to appeal that outcome
• To have irrelevant prior sexual history disallowed during campus disciplinary proceedings
• To be free from retaliation
• To receive information on the College’s responsibilities regarding judicial no-contact, restraining and protective orders

The use of alcohol or other drugs by either party is not an extenuating circumstance and does not mitigate the responsibility of a person found to have committed sex discrimination. False accusations of sex discrimination can injure innocent people. Initiating a false harassment complaint or initiating a harassment complaint in bad faith may result in disciplinary action. A finding for the accused does not constitute a finding that the complaint was in bad faith.

Requesting Accommodations under Title IX Law

Any victim of sexual misconduct may choose to request academic, housing, or other reasonable accommodations to eliminate a hostile environment. An individual may choose to request accommodations whether or not he/she chooses to pursue the sexual misconduct case through the college conduct system or in a court of law. The following areas can assist with accommodations requests:

• Dean of Students Office, 563.588.7959, 540 Alumni Campus Center
• Title IX Coordinator 563.588.7029, 401 Hennessy Hall
• Dean of Students Office, 563.588.7959, 540 Alumni Campus Center

Limited Amnesty

While Loras does not condone underage drinking or violation of other College policies, it considers reporting Title IX Offenses to be of paramount importance. To encourage reporting and adjudication of Title IX Offenses, Loras College extends limited amnesty to students who have been victims/survivors of a Title IX Offense. The College will generally not seek to hold the student responsible for a violation of the alcohol and drug policy during the period immediately surrounding the offense.

Retaliation Policy

Retaliation against anyone reporting or thought to have reported sexual misconduct or who is a witness or otherwise is involved in a sexual misconduct proceeding is prohibited. Such retaliation is a serious violation of the policy and will be investigated as an independent act of sex discrimination. Encouraging others to retaliate also violates this policy.

Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions

The College Hearing Board will hear issues of student sexual misconduct. The composition of the board is described in the COLLEGE HEARING BOARD section of this document, and will receive training specific to hearing cases of alleged sexual misconduct.

Any student who is found responsible for sexual misconduct will be disciplined up to and/or including expulsion. All students have a right to campus access free of sexual or physical intimidation, including campus housing. A person accused of sexual misconduct while residing in College housing may be asked to leave College housing pending investigation of the complaint. Similarly, survivors of sexual misconduct may request changes in both their academic and housing situations.

The standard of evidence used by the College Hearing Board is preponderance of evidence standard of proof. This means that the College resolves complains based on what they believe is more likely than not have happened. A complete description of the disciplinary procedures and policies of Loras College can be found in the Policies and Procedures section of the Loras College Student Handbook.

Information for Victims of Sexual Misconduct

Reporting Alleged Violations of Sexual Misconduct

Anyone who believes he or she has been the subject of, has been notified about or has observed sexual misconduct as defined by this policy, should report the alleged conduct. To report an incident of sexual misconduct, an individual may:

• Contact the Title IX Coordinator, who at Loras College is Nancy Fett. She can be reached at her office, Hennessy Hall 401, or via phone at 563.588.7029. In the role of Title IX coordinator, she will coordinate all matters related to sexual misconduct at the College and will coordinate the efforts of the college to comply with Title IX Law. As the Title IX Coordinator, she is responsible for:
  • Ensuring both the complainant and respondent are aware of the seriousness of the complaint
  • Explaining Loras College’s sexual misconduct policy and procedures
  • Exploring various means of resolving the complaint
  • Making referrals to the Counseling Center or other resources if appropriate
  • Discuss with the complainant the option of notifying police if criminal activity was reported
  • Conduct or arrange an investigation of the prohibited conduct
  • Preparing or overseeing any reports, recommendations, or remedial actions that are needed or warranted to resolve any prohibited conduct
  • Assess each complaint individually
• Contact a resident advisor (RA), area coordinator (AC), security officer (563.588.7100 or 0 from a campus phone), or the Title IX Coordinator, who can assist you in reporting the incident, or file a report online at https://loras-advocate.symplicity.com/public_report/ . Survivors may have the right to choose to remain anonymous or keep a report confidential when reporting an incident, if the report is made to a counselor, as described below. Reports made to other Responsible Employees of Loras will be reported to school officials in accordance with our Title IX obligations.
• Contact the Loras College Counseling Center or Health Center to receive assistance and access to counseling resources from a trained advocate. Please note: Sexual misconduct reports made to the Counseling Center or Health Center will be kept strictly confidential unless the student releases information to other authorities.
• Contact law enforcement authorities by calling the Dubuque Police Department if the assault occurred within the City of Dubuque. If the assault occurred in another area of Dubuque County, call the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department. Both Departments can be reached by dialing 911. Loras College officials will assist the survivor with reporting an assault if you request assistance.

Advocacy and Counseling Resources

Any survivor of a sexual assault has a right to counseling referral from the Loras College Counseling Center and to receive assistance from a trained advocate. The following counseling resources are available to students, faculty and staff who have been assaulted:

Loras College Counseling Center
Alumni Campus Center Room 473
Dubuque, IA 52001
563.588.7085
563.588.7100 (Emergency)

Rape Victim Advocacy Program
(800) 284-7821 (State Wide Hot Line)
Title IX Coordinator
563.588.7029

Riverview Center, Inc. Sexual Assault Prevention and Intervention Services
2600 Dodge St.
Advocacy and Counseling Resources
Dubuque, IA 52003
563.557.0310

Catholic Charities
1229 Mt. Loretta
Dubuque, IA 52003
563.588.0558

Crisis Line
563.588.4016

YMCA Domestic Violence Program 35 N. Booth
Dubuque, IA 52001
563.556.1100

Residence Life Policies and Procedures

Residency Requirement

Studies have shown that residence hall living has positive effects on the attainment of a bachelor’s degree, satisfaction with faculty and willingness to re-enroll at the same college because of positive experiences. Students who live on campus also often join social organizations and participate in student government opportunities. In addition, students who live on campus are more likely to have higher GPAs than those who do not. Because most research supports that living on campus truly enhances the student learning experience, Loras College identifies itself as a residential campus-a campus that takes great care in providing intentional out-of-classroom learning experiences for our students.

Based on the college’s residential identity, students with less than 80 credits or who are under the age of 21 by the first day of classes of the fall semester, who do not reside with parents, legal guardians, a spouse or children in the City of Dubuque or nearby, are required to live in College-owned housing. Students are not permitted to move off campus after they have taken up residence, unless authorized in writing by the Assistant Dean of Students. Permission will be granted only in extraordinary cases.

Full-time first-year, sophomores and juniors who fail to take up residence on campus or who move off campus during the semester without prior written approval from the Assistant Dean of Students may be called to appear before the Dean of Students/Housing Board and may be charged for a room. The College Housing Board will have the authority to cancel the registration of a student who has failed to fulfill his/her residence requirement. Should the College Housing Board decide that the registration of the student should be cancelled, the Dean of Students will so notify the student and the Registrar in writing.

In very rare circumstances, a student may qualify from an exemption from the residency requirement. Students who have completed a minimum of 45 credits may request exemption from the residence requirement due to a major life change (for example, military service or addition of a spouse or children) by submitting their reasons in writing to the Assistant Dean of Students. Exception to the residence requirement must be authorized in writing by the Assistant Dean of Students. Applications are available by contacting Residence Life at Residence@loras.edu. An application will be released to your Residence account and must be submitted by April 1 for consideration.

Students who have completed a minimum of 45 credits who wish to live off campus for a medical reason may request a formal medical accommodation through the Health Center. Exemptions for medical circumstances must go above and beyond basic illnesses or ailments. Requests will not be approved for common issues such as frequent colds or for medical issues which could be addressed by requesting accommodations in housing (e.g., students with allergies who could manage their symptoms with an air conditioner or students requesting a specific mattress size or type can be accommodated on campus and will not be approved). All information will be verified.

Students who wish to receive an exemption from the meal plan requirement may complete a health-related meal plan change form available at the Health Center. Students are not granted permission to reside off campus solely for meal plan related issues. Please note: Altered physician’s forms (altered by the student, parent or any other party) will not be accepted. The request will be closed and forwarded to the Dean of Students/Housing Board for review. Students must submit their request and above completed documentation by April 1 to:

Loras College Health Center
1450 Alta Vista
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 563.588.7142
Fax: 563.588.7659
Email: tammy.marti@loras.edu

A request to return to commuter status may be honored for students who are choosing to live WITH parents, a court-appointed guardian, spouse, or child within the city of Dubuque or within a reasonable distance. If approval is granted, student will be eligible for commuter status at the beginning of the following semester, and is only eligible if living with an approved guardian. Students approved to live off campus with parents and are found to be living elsewhere may be billed for on-campus housing costs.

All students requesting an exemption to the residency requirement should include a letter of support from their family indicating awareness of the request for exemption. Student athletes must include a letter from their coach indicating support of the request. Students should note that a need for summer housing is not considered a valid reason for exemption from the residency requirement, as the college offers summer housing in houses, apartments and a traditional residence hall option. All applicants should be aware that any information provided during the request process will be reviewed by the appropriate persons/review board, and the college may contact documentation sources to verify accuracy of application information.

Statement Regarding the Right to Cancel and Room Contract

The College reserves the right to cancel the Residence Hall Room Contract in the case of a student who, in the judgment of the residence hall staff and/or the Dean of Students, demonstrates a serious inability to adjust to the expected lifestyle of the residence hall and/or demonstrates a serious inability to comply with the rules and regulations required for appropriate residence hall living. In addition, the College may terminate the housing agreement when a student fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the College or the residence hall regulations and repeatedly violates rules and regulations, or if the student’s actions are found to be detrimental to the student’s own welfare or to the welfare of the community. The Assistant Dean of Students and/or the Dean of Students shall be authorized to revoke the Residence Hall Room Contract. The Area Coordinators shall be authorized to alter room placement if the student demonstrates an inability to relate to the rules and regulations in cases in which placement would be beneficial for the resident.

Additional Policies Pertaining to College Housing

Acceptance of a student as a resident and assignment of a student to College housing requires the student to complete and sign the Residence Hall Room Contract or Rental Agreement together with the appropriate deposit. Signature of the student on the Residence Hall Room Contract or Rental Agreement means that the student has read, understands and agrees to all the terms and conditions of the contract. Any student withdrawing from the housing option after taking up residency at any time during the academic year, including withdrawal at the end of first semester, must follow the proper checkout procedures with his or her Area Coordinator. Students who wish to break their housing contract mid-semester may be responsible for buying out their contract at 50% of the remaining rate. The following guidelines apply for students residing in college housing:

Alternative Housing Policies

For specific policies regarding your alternative housing unit, students should refer to the specific regulations in their own personal Rental Agreement, which can be found in your Residence online account or a copy can be obtained by contacting your Area Coordinator. A Rental Agreement is a binding contract between the student and the College. Students should be advised that signing a Rental Agreement commits them to the housing options for the academic year unless they withdraw from the College. If any person in the group withdraws from the College or that housing option before occupancy date, the additional students may be moved and those students on the waiting list will be given the option to that rental unit. Students should also understand that in signing a Rental Agreement, they are individually and collectively responsible for the information contained within the Rental Agreement, and will be held accountable accordingly. Obtaining keys and check-in to a rental option implies you understand and agree to the terms of the Rental Agreement.

Checkout/Vacating Policies

As indicated in the terms of the Residence Hall Room Contract/Rental Agreement, students must vacate the premises within 24 hours after termination of the housing agreement or discontinuance as a student. Students are to vacate their rooms by 10:00 p.m. on the last day of their last final exam at the end of both semesters unless prior approval for late departure has been obtained from the Area Coordinator. An extra charge may be given for any approved occupancy extension. Graduates may remain in their room until 4:00 p.m. on Commencement Day. To check out of college housing, the student should contact his or her Resident Advisor to review checkout guidelines and schedule a time to complete the checkout process.

Consolidation Policy

Students living in single rooms will be billed at the single room rate. Whenever a vacancy occurs in a double room, the remaining student may be billed at the single room rate from the date the vacancy occurs, unless within seven (7) days of that date the student notifies the Area Coordinator requesting a roommate. Should the student refuse to accept the roommate assigned or fail to move to another room in order to eliminate the vacancy, he/she will be billed for a single room.

Damages and Costs Policy

The student is responsible for all damages, lost property, or unnecessary service costs caused by the student to college facilities. These charges will be placed on the student’s account. Where two or more students occupy the same room and responsibility for loss or damage in the room cannot be ascertained by the College, the cost of damage or loss will be divided and assessed equally between or among the residents of the room/apartment/ house. When responsibility for common area damage to the floor or hall cannot be ascertained, this amount will be divided equally among the residents of these areas and will be charged to the student account at the end of each semester. In the rare instance of common area damage charges that exceed a total balance of $10,000, each student in that area will forfeit their housing deposit to assist in reparation of damages. Any unused portion will be refunded to the students during the following semester.

Early Arrival Procedures

Continuing students who desire to return to their housing assignment earlier than the specified date in the fall term must request permission from Residence Life by August 1. Requests submitted after this date may not be considered. Permission will be granted only in exceptional cases. Continuing students who return to on-campus residency early will be charged $90 per night, as College facilities are closed at this time. Continuing students who return early without the permission of Residence Life will be fined $25 for Failure to Comply in addition to the $90 per night charge. Please know that even if one or more of a student’s roommates is returning early for an approved reason that does not approve Early Arrival Procedures (continued): all students in that option to return early-each student must obtain individual permission to return early. All college policies are in place an enforced during the early arrival period. Students who choose to violate policy may be removed for the early arrival period.

Housing Assignments/Room Changes

The College, at all times, reserves the right to assign or reassign students to rooms, and to close rooms when vacancies exist or when areas are rendered unfit for occupancy, or for conduct-related reasons. In the residence halls, room changes may be permitted at the discretion of the Area Coordinator, but not before the second full week of classes in the first semester, and during the last week of the semester. All room changes may require roommate mediation before the room change is permitted. However, if the College finds compelling circumstances, written authorization for a change may be granted. Students wishing to change their room are to complete the online Room Change Request form. Once the form is submitted, the appropriate housing staff will reach out to the student regarding the transition. Failure to follow the process/moving without authorization may result in judicial action, including a room change fine in the amount of $150.

Lockouts

Any resident who has locked him or herself out of their living space (or their building) should contact Campus Safety at 563.588.7100 to be let into their room/building. Students receive their first lockout free of charge. A second lockout call for the same student is $10, and a third lockout to the same student will be $20. Any subsequent lockouts will be $30 per instance. All lockout charges are applied to the student account.

Lofts

Students who wish to loft are required to rent an approved safe loft from our affiliate, bedloft.com. No other lofts will be approved. For more information about products and services provided by Bedloft, please visit their website at www.bedloft.com. Loras College is not responsible for any injuries related to lofts or loft construction.

Personal Use Agreement

All residents of college housing agree that the room or apartment assigned shall be used by him or her and may not be transferred or assigned to another person. Residents may not be assigned and may not occupy more than one space at the same time. The space may not be sublet. Further, the resident agrees that the space will be used for personal living, sleeping and studying and that no commercial operation, solicitation, canvassing, sales or advertising will be carried on therein.

Utility Information

Occupants in college-owned houses and apartments are responsible for signing up for electric, gas, and water/refuse as directed in their check in packets no later than September 1 of the academic year. Students in the LMAC apartment complex are not responsible for utility costs.

Vacation and Break Procedures

Any student in any College housing option needing to remain on campus during major school year breaks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring and Easter) must complete a Stay Late form and be approved be the Residence Life Office and his or her Area Coordinator. Residence Life will maintain the prerogative of evicting students if contracts and/or policies are breached. The cost to stay over break is $90 a week (or any part of), and cost may be waived for students on a case-by-case basis.

Personal Possessions

Students’ personal possessions are not covered by the College insurance, and the College cannot assume responsibility for damage or loss to student property resulting from fire, theft or any other cause. All students are encouraged to check their family’s homeowner policy for coverage of personal possessions while at college. It is never advisable to keep large amounts of cash on hand. Students should lock their doors at all times. Students are urged to report all thefts to the Campus Safety and the local police authorities. Personal possessions cannot be stored in College housing during the summer period. The College will not be responsible for items left in the college housing, and these items will be discarded if not claimed within 10 days of student departure.

Room Care and Decoration

All room furnishings and decorations must meet the requirements of the state, local and College fire and safety standards and regulations:

• Students will be responsible for any damage that is determined by the Area Coordinator to be over and above normal use and wear
• Cooking is not permitted in student rooms due to fire and health ordinances. Kitchens are located in each residence hall/living option. Electrical appliances such as coffeemakers, corn poppers and small microwave ovens are permitted in individual rooms. The College reserves the right to remove unauthorized or dangerous appliances.
• Heating and cooking appliances such as toasters, frying pans, sandwich grills, hot plates, indoor cooking grills, waffle irons, pizza ovens, pressure cookers/Instapots, and space heaters are prohibited because of the electrical load limitation and fire safety
• With few exemptions, any appliance that is greater than 1,000 watts is not permitted.
• Only refrigerators up to 5.0 cubic feet are permitted. Refrigerators must be plugged directly into the wall-extension cords or power strips should not be used for fire safety reasons.
• Students are encouraged to use discretion when decorating their rooms. Pictures and decorations are to be in accordance with the standards of good taste with the College mission.
• Items should be affixed with a non- damaging tape. Duct tape should NOT be used to affix items to walls or doors. Damage caused by affixing items to walls may be charged to students.
• No cloth or other flammable materials are permitted to hang in the doorways in such a manner as to block the ingress to or egress from the room. Room decorations and wall hangings, such as hammocks, sheets, flags, fish netting, parachutes and macramé items, etc., are not to be draped or hung from the ceiling or covering a doorway at any time.
• Due to the potential for room damage, metal tipped darts/dartboards are not permitted in college housing
• Live Christmas trees, greens/garland and wreaths will not be allowed in College housing; only artificial trees and U.L.-approved miniature lights may be used. Spray snow may not be used to decorate windows or doors.
• Waterbeds are not permitted on campus
• As indicated by the College Alcohol Policy, bars or any bar-type structures (including nooks) are not permitted in any College housing option. Alcohol containers should not be used for decorative purposes. Beer pong tables, drinko boards, and other items that promote risky behaviors are also not permitted. These items may be confiscated and not returned.
• If a student chooses to use public road signs, street signs and construction equipment for decorative purposes, he or she may be asked to provide proof of purchase for these items. If proof of purchase is not available, the items may be confiscated and returned to law enforcement officials.
• On porches and lawns, only appropriate outdoor furniture is permitted
• Writing on walls is not permitted

Technology Resource Policies and Procedures

Computer Ethics Policy

Loras College is committed to the proposition that an academic institution is a community in which the ideal of honesty is to be fostered, encouraged and achieved. Respect for the College, for one’s fellow humans and for property-both real and intellectual- are therefore essential ingredients of that ideal, and the College expects all its members to exhibit such respect. The ideal of honesty is of course a moral ideal, and so the policy stated below will in some respects go beyond the mere requirements of the law. Information technology, because of its extremely volatile nature, presents strong possibilities, and hence temptations, for misuse. It is important, therefore, for all members of the College community to be aware of that fact and to be extremely committed to use such technology appropriately and to show the respect described above. Accordingly, and for the benefit of all members of the College, the information technology usage policy stated below is intended to make clear just what constitutes that respect. All members of the College are expected to abide by these policies.

Loras College recognizes the benefits of utilizing technology as a tool in the teaching and learning environment. In providing these resources the College expects all users to agree to use the resources legally, ethically and in keeping with their intended use. Anyone who uses the technology services of the College agrees by such use to comply with the expectations outlined. The policies in this code apply to all hardware and software that make use of College resources, regardless of who owns the equipment or programs.

Access to technology resources is a privilege to which all College faculty, staff and students are entitled, much like the privilege of using the Loras Library system. Use of Loras technology resources is limited to purposes related to the College’s mission of education. Certain responsibilities accompany that privilege and understanding them is important for all computer users.

System Integrity

Actions taken by users, which interfere with or alter the integrity of the College’s computer systems, are improper. Such actions include unauthorized use of accounts, impersonation of other individuals in communications, attempts to capture or crack passwords, attempts to break encryption protocols, compromising privacy, destruction or alteration of data or programs belonging to other users and attempts to steal or destroy software or hardware owned by Loras. It is improper to create “worm” or “virus” programs  or conduct experiments to demonstrate computer facility vulnerabilities without prior permission from Information Technology, or to create programs which disrupt or interfere with other users’ computing processes. Users are responsible for damage caused by infected software they introduce into the system.

System Integrity (continued): The accidental or intentional introduction of a destructive program, such as a “virus,” can have serious consequences. Users should be aware of the threat of viruses on networks and while using laptops and desktops and use adequate protection against spreading them to other machines. Personal computer systems are prohibited from being connected to the Loras network. Personal wireless routers and access points are also prohibited from being connected to our network. Any attempt to compromise the College computer security systems will not be tolerated. Users must treat computing resources and electronic information as a valuable College resource. Protect your data and the systems you use. Back up your files regularly. Set appropriate passwords and change them regularly.

Copyright Observances

All users of Loras College’s technology resources are expected to abide by copyright laws and licensing agreements. No software should be loaded on any College computer in violation of licenses or laws. No user may copy, or attempt to copy, any proprietary or licensed software provided or installed by Loras College.

The College recognizes its role in education for ethical behavior in the technology setting as well as elsewhere. To that end, the Vice President of Finance and Administration will provide, when requested, information about copyright and licensing issues to members of the College community. Said Vice President will not be liable for copyright or licensing infringements by any student, faculty or staff member.

The central “fair use” concept of the 1976 copyright law allows borrowing of small amounts of printed, audio or video materials for such uses as “criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, … scholarship or research” (Copyright Revision Act, p. 16). The test of fair use addresses 1) the purpose and character of the abuse; 2) the nature of the work copied; 3) the proportional amount copied and 4) market effect. Aside from legal issues, users should recognize that the violation of copyright laws with respect to software drives up prices, discourages vendors from offering educational pricing and makes the development of good software a risky investment of the developer’s time. Loras College supports the statement of principle developed by EDUCAUSE Software Initiative about the intellectual property and the legal and ethical use of software:

Respect for intellectual labor and creativity is vital to academic discourse and enterprise. This principle applies to works of all authors and publishers in all media. It encompasses respect for the right to acknowledgment, right to privacy and the right to determine the form, manner and terms of publication and distribution.

Because electronic information is volatile and easily reproduced, respect for the work and personal expression of others is especially critical in computer environments. Violations of authorial integrity including plagiarism, invasion of privacy, unauthorized access and trade secret and copyright violations including the downloading of music files may be grounds for sanctions against members of the academic community.

Privacy Rights

Loras College will help its users protect their stored information from accidental loss, tampering or unauthorized search or other access. The College regrets any inadvertent or non-malicious actions resulting in the loss of or damage to that information, but the ultimate responsibility for prevention and resolution of such problems rests with the individual user. The College respects every individual’s right to privacy in the electronic forum and prohibits users of College computers, including personally owned computers linked via the Loras network or the College telecommunications equipment to other systems, from violating such rights. Attempts to access electronic records containing information concerning another person or to use another person’s password represent examples of violation of privacy rights. Computer accounts, passwords and other types of authorization are assigned to users and shall not be shared with others. In general, information stored on computers is considered confidential, unless the owner intentionally makes that information available to other groups or individuals. Requests for disclosure of confidential information will be honored only when approved by College officials or when required by state or federal law, except when inappropriate.

Account Access

No person may use, or attempt to use, any computer accounts other than his/her own assigned account. The negligence or naiveté of another user in revealing an account name and password does not confer authorization to use the account. An account owner may not lend his/her account(s) to another user. A user should only access, or attempt Account Access (continued): to access, files in his/her own accounts, files which have been made accessible to him/her by the files’ owner, or files which have been made publicly accessible by the files’ owner.

Publicly accessible, user-written “macros,” templates and graphics may be shared at the user’s personal risk. In addition, the user of such programs and files is responsible for any consequent damage to the computing systems at the College or the files or accounts of other students or faculty. If for any reason system files are corrupt, a standardized system or configuration will be provided. Any customization or files saved to the hard drive will be lost. Students are encouraged to use the utilities, programs and files provided on the computers made available through the network account. Please contact the Help Desk at extension 4949 or email (helpdesk@loras.edu) if you need your account password reset or if you have any questions. Each account owner is responsible for all computing activities involving that account, and will be held liable for any misuse of that account. The Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services must approve any exception to the access policies stated above.

Any user who is eligible to view or change sensitive institutional data must maintain the appropriate confidentiality and security of that information, in accordance with College policies as well as state and federal laws. Users must not use their network security permissions to obtain sensitive information beyond what is directly related to their job assignments. Intentionally disclosing protected information to any unauthorized person is a violation of federal law and can subject the violators to criminal and civil penalties.

Free expression of ideas is central to the academic process. Loras technology system administrators will not remove any information from active individual accounts unless the appropriate system administrator determines:

• The presence of the information involves illegality (e.g., copyrighted material).
• The information is unrelated to or is inconsistent with the mission of the College.
• The information in some way endangers or interferes with computing resources or the
• information of other users (.AVI or video files, MP3 or music files, computer games, ftp servers, a computer worm, virus or other destructive program).
• The information involves the use of obscene or abusive language.

Courtesy Standards

Abuse of College-owned public access computers, laptops and network resources may result in the suspension of use privileges. Such abuses include but are not limited to:

• Excessive use of paper
• Using College technology resources for personal monetary gain (except as such use relates to professional development)
• Monopolizing technology resources and other similar or related abuses
• Using technology resources to support personal servers, exchange copyright materials (MP3 files) or play games
• Distribution of mass emails (see following policy)
• Installing personal wireless routers/access points and attaching to the Loras network

In general, College-owned desktop and laptop computers, network resources, software, peripherals and electronic mail will be used for academic purposes only. Pornographic, threatening or nuisance messages are violations of the user’s pledge to use computing facilities ethically. Proper use follows the same standards of common sense, courtesy and restraint in the consumption of shared resources that govern use of other public facilities. It includes:

• Regular deletion of unneeded files from one’s accounts on servers
• Refraining from overuse of information storage space, printing or processing capacity
• Refraining from overuse of interactive network resources (such as Internet)
• Refraining from sharing accounts with ineligible parties (such as friends or relatives), acquiring accounts for which you are ineligible -or maintaining accounts no longer serving their assigned purpose

Activities like network gaming and MP3 file sharing are typically non-academic related and bandwidth intensive, and as such network bandwidth may be limited by Information Technology personnel. Loras reserves the right to delay, restart or cancel any job or program in order to improve system performance. Computing resources may not be used for illegal purposes. Examples include:

• Unauthorized copying or use of copyrighted material.
• Destruction of or damage to hardware, software or data belonging to Loras or other users.
• Disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.
• Harassment of other users.

Mass Email

Some examples of items that fall under “non-academic” related email include: items for sale (including but not limited to books, refrigerators, furniture), apartments/houses for rent, roommates needed and alcohol related gatherings-including bar establishments, etc. The bulletin board feature on the campus portal http://www.loras.edu/portal would be the vehicle for such postings. Certainly, mass emails that are abusive or harassing are violations. The College also considers it a violation of policy to use mass emailing to campaign for Loras elections.

Violations of this policy will be taken very seriously and may result in fines or other punishments up to the loss of email privileges. Violators will be warned by the Help Desk and then referred to the Residence Life Office for judicial action.

Electronic Mail

College electronic mail (email) systems and services are College facilities. Any electronic mail address or account associated with the College, or any subunit of the College, assigned by the College to individuals, subunits or functions of the College, and all electronic mail associated with the account is the property of the Loras College administration and regents.

Those who use College electronic mail services are expected to do so responsibly, that is, to comply with state and federal laws with this and other policies and procedures of the College, and with normal standards of professional and personal courtesy and conduct. Access to College electronic mail services, when provided, is a privilege that may be wholly or partially restricted by the College without prior notice and without the consent of the email user when required by and consistent with law, when there is substantiated reason to believe that violations of policy or law have taken place, or, in exceptional cases, when required to meet time-dependent, critical operational needs. Such restriction is subject to established campus-wide procedures or, in the absence of such procedures, to the approval of the appropriate campus Vice President.

Personal Web Pages

Exercising one’s right to free speech in an academic community, however, also entails some responsibilities that authors need to be aware.

It is improper and inappropriate to use the College’s World Wide Web servers purposely to annoy, abuse, libel, threaten or harass anyone, individually or collectively, or to violate state or federal laws.

It is improper to make Loras College directory information (regarding students) viewable by off-campus computer users.

The author of a text or the creator of a graphic is protected by copyright law unless he/she specifically releases his/her work into the public domain. Other authors should not copy such texts or graphics onto their own WWW pages without the original author’s permission. In particular, authors should secure the permission of Loras College before using the College logo or reproducing parts of any College publication, and should not use the name of the College in any way that implies endorsement of the author’s personal ideas and opinions.

No one may use the World Wide Web servers for any activity that violates the College’s policies on academic honesty.

The College’s computing resources are finite. If one user’s WWW pages are so frequently accessed or involve the transmission of such large amounts of data that other uses of the equipment are impeded, the system administrators may remove the pages.

Technology Initiative

All full-time undergraduates are required to be a part of the technology initiative and sign and abide by the Loras College Computer and Peripheral Equipment Use Agreement when they receive their laptop. Other policies and procedures relating to the technology initiative are found on the Loras College Information Technology web pages.

Students are responsible for staying informed about the computing environment and checking email coming from the Information Technology department and for announcements posted on the portal.

Network Appliances

These are personal PCs, desktops or laptops, wireless routers, gaming systems (Microsoft’s X-Box) and other devices that are network capable and can be plugged directly into the Loras network. None of these appliances, or similar devices, are authorized to be on the Loras network. If found, the appropriate sanctions will be taken, which could include disabling the network port and/or other disciplinary actions.

Sanctions

These computing policies are endorsed by Loras College, Information Technology and Student Development. The College may take disciplinary and/or legal action against any individual who violates any computing policies, including temporary or permanent suspension of individual’s use privileges to all or part of the College computing facilities, temporary suspension from the College or permanent separation there from, or could result in expulsion or termination from the College. Illegal acts involving Loras computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by state and federal authorities. Student violations of academic honesty standards for class work will be reported to the Office of the Provost in accordance with the regulations described in the Student Handbook.

Liability

Loras College hereby expressly and explicitly disclaims any liability and/or responsibility for violations of the policy here above stated. Loras College does not warrant that the technology services and resources will be uninterrupted or error free. Nor does Loras College make any warranty as to the results to be obtained from use of these resources.

General Parking Regulations

All members of the Loras College community who own or operate a motor vehicle on the Loras College campus are required to register their vehicle at the Campus Safety Office within the first two days of classes or within 24 hours of bringing the vehicle on campus thereafter. Persons using Loras parking facilities MUST display the appropriate current permit, properly affixed, at all times.

The Campus Safety Office has the right to revoke motor vehicle registration for any member of the Loras community who is a consistent violator of the Traffic and Parking Regulations. Persons on disciplinary probation may be prohibited from having a campus permit.

Loras College shall retain the right to tow any vehicle consistently violating the Traffic and Parking Regulations of Loras College and/or City and State regulations. An unregistered vehicle found on the Loras College campus may be subject to tow. Towing charges must be paid by the violator. Any person will be subject to having his/her car towed WITHOUT NOTICE for:

• Parking in fire lanes
• Parking in handicap parking spaces
• Effectively blocking another car
• Storing car on campus during any holiday break
• Five or more tickets placed on an unregistered vehicle

The Loras College parking permit is to be displayed on the rear window, driver’s side of the vehicle. The permit should be displayed on the handlebars of motorcycles. Student permits expire at the end of summer school.

• All fines will be applied to the student or employee account.
• The Campus Safety Office has final jurisdiction for all traffic matters on the Loras campus. This office reserves the right to summon consistent violators of the Traffic and Parking Regulations for adjudication.
• Registering another person’s vehicle or allowing another person to register your motor vehicle under false pretense or when prohibited from having a campus parking permit is forbidden. Students must register their vehicles with Campus Safety. Those registering cars at Clarke College or the University of Dubuque are subject to fine for false registration and loss of campus parking privileges.
• When registering their vehicles, students MUST present their College I.D. and the registration for the vehicle they are registering.
• Students must notify the Campus Safety or the Information Center by 7:30 a.m. if their cars do not start or if other mechanical problems are evident when parked in an employee lot. These cars must be moved within 24 hours or the vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense.
• Due to space limitations, only one car or motorcycle per campus resident may be kept on the campus lots. No motor vehicle may be left on campus during any of the holiday breaks unless previously approved by Campus Safety. Owners will be fined and vehicles are subject to tow.
• All students residing in non-traditional housing are required to register their vehicles if they choose to park in College-owned lots and abide by all parking regulations.
• Bicycles are to be parked in furnished bike racks located about the campus. Bicycles secured to College property other than racks are subject to confiscation by Loras College Campus Safety.

PEDESTRIANS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY AT ALL TIMES!

Students will be held responsible for any guests’ or visitors’ traffic or parking violations.

Parking Expectations

• Faculty/staff parking lots are identified with signs. These are reserved areas for employees from 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. A valid permit is required. All other parking lots have been identified as student parking. Student and employee permits are required to use these areas, including designated off-street parking associated with campus-owned houses.
• Do NOT park in loading dock areas, with the exception of maintenance and service vehicles.
• Do NOT park in fire lanes, interior roadways, loading zones, garage entrances, turnarounds, crosswalks, any temporarily barricaded areas or any other access points in and out of campus. THESE AREAS ARE CONSIDERED FIRE LANES AND ARE TOW ZONES!
• Do NOT park on the grass, sidewalks or any other College grounds not designated as legitimate parking areas. All legitimate parking stalls will be clearly marked.
• Do NOT take more than one parking space for your vehicle.
• Do NOT park in disabled spaces without the appropriate State permit. It is unlawful to park in a handicapped parking space without a permit including crosshatch areas between/near a space or with flashers on.
• Do NOT park in reserved spaces.
• The same parking rules pertain to motorcycles as to cars.
• EMERGENCY FLASHERS WILL NOT BE ACKNOWLEDGED AS A SIGNAL FOR SHORT-TERM PARKING.

Parking Fines

As stated in the Loras College Student Handbook, Fine and Damage Statement: “All fines and damage assessments are due within five (5) working days after they are assessed. Students whose disciplinary, library and/or traffic fines and/or damage accounts are delinquent are subject to current College policies.”

All appeals of citations must be submitted to the Campus Safety within fourteen (14) working days of the citation. A student may appeal a citation by logging in to their Rydin parking account and submitting an electronic appeal form. All judgments of appeals are final. The appellant will be notified in writing of the Board’s decision in all cases.

Handicapped Parking

Handicapped students attending Loras College displaying the proper state-issued handicap parking permit may park their vehicles in the designated handicap parking spaces. No parking is permitted at time in the crosshatch areas near handicapped parking spaces as these areas are designated to provide space for individuals to enter and exit their permitted vehicles.

Special Parking Arrangements

It may be necessary for the Office of Campus Safety to temporarily close parking areas or alter stated parking policies (i.e., football game parking or graduation) with little or no notification. In this case, Security personnel will control traffic to restricted areas.

Campus Speed Limit

The speed limit on all interior streets and parking facilities of Loras College is 10 mph. Reckless driving is driving with a wanton disregard of personal safety or property. Examples: driving on sidewalks or grassy areas or squealing of tires when a momentary loss of control of vehicle occurs. The student to whom the vehicle is registered is responsible for any citations issued for careless and reckless driving or speeding even if he/she was not driving at the time the citation was issued.