COMMON POLICY INTERPRETATIONS

1. p. 1 Index COMMON POLICY INTERPRETATIONS A self-guided training module Part II back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

2. p. 2 Index Alcohol Student Code of Conduct § 3. Each student is expected to comply with the alcohol regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the university. Virginia Tech recognizes that the misuse and abuse of alcohol is a persistent social and health problem of major proportion in our society and that it interferes with the goals and objectives of any educational institution. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

3. p. 3 Index Alcohol § 3 cont. Accordingly, Virginia Tech does not encourage the use of alcoholic beverages and strongly discourages illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol. Members of the university community are accountable for their decisions regarding use of alcohol as well as behavior that occurs as a result of these decisions. Virginia Tech fully complies with the alcohol regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia. All state laws apply to Virginia Tech students. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

4. p. 4 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Possession by persons under 21: Purchasing, consuming, or having in locus of control, or immediate surroundings is considered possession and is a violation of university policy a minor with no alcoholic beverages on their person, that is intoxicated, is in possession via consumption alcoholic beverages found in a residence or vehicle with a single occupant are said to be in the possession of that occupant. Similarly a student sitting alone at a desk with an alcoholic beverage on it is said to be in possession of that beverage. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

5. p. 5 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Possession by persons under 21: Possession is not limited to direct physical control of an item Possession of any quantity of alcohol by minors may be a violation of university policy Even quantities as little as a residue or remainder in glass or bottle can be considered as possession Empty containers do not necessarily constitute a violation, but may with contributory evidence back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

6. p. 6 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Possession by person 21 or older: Persons 21+ are permitted to purchase, possess, and consume alcoholic beverages Persons 21+ must ensure that the beverages remain either in their possession or in that of others 21+ Persons 21+ must not be intoxicated, nor harm, hinder or endanger themselves or others back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

7. p. 7 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Alcoholic beverages in the residence halls: In rooms with all occupants under 21: Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed by any of the occupants Guest may not consume alcoholic beverages, even if 21+ Alcoholic beverages may not be kept in the room at any time Any alcoholic beverages found in the room, by default, are in the possession of the occupants back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

8. p. 8 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Alcoholic beverages in the residence halls: In rooms with one, but not all occupants, 21+: Alcoholic beverages may be in the possession of and consumed by the occupant who is 21+ Guests 21+ are only permitted to consume alcoholic beverages if the occupant who is 21+ is present Only one open beverage is permitted for each person 21+ Persons 21+ who reside with persons under 21 that choose to possess alcoholic beverages are responsible for the use thereof back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

9. p. 9 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Alcoholic beverages in the residence halls: In rooms with all occupant 21+: All occupants are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages Guests 21+ may consume alcoholic beverages if any of the occupants is present If all guests are 21+ there is no restriction on possession or presence of open beverages, but students are reminded that they are responsible for their actions and the actions of their guests back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

10. p. 10 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Health and Safety Students consuming alcoholic beverages are not permitted to endanger their own health and safety, nor that of others, as a result of their consumption of alcoholic beverages Students are said to have endangered their health if medical attention is required due to any circumstance caused by, resulting or being contributed to by their consumption of alcoholic beverages back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

11. p. 11 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Health and Safety Students are said to have endangered the health of others if medical attention is required due to any circumstance caused by, resulting or being contributed to by their having provided alcoholic beverages to be consumed back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

12. p. 12 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Major or Minor A minor violation of the alcoholic beverage policy includes all incidents of possession, possession by consumption, and public intoxication in which the student has not put themselves or others at risk back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

13. p. 13 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Major or Minor A major violation of the alcoholic beverage policy includes cases where the student put their health and safety, or that of others at risk. This includes: all cases in which medical attention was required all cases of “DUI” or “DWI” all cases where the student reported memory loss or loss of conscience all cases involving assault or battery all cases which involve injuries due to alcohol consumption back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

14. p. 14 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Non-Excuses Ignorance to the policies regarding alcoholic beverages is no excuse! Even for Out-of-State or international students A person 21+ who allows a minor to consume or possess alcoholic beverages is responsible for providing alcoholic beverages to a minor, whether the beverages were taken with or without permission. Likewise,… back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

15. p. 15 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation Non-Excuses Minors that are in possession of alcoholic beverages with or without their knowledge are responsible for underage possession Personal health risks arising from interactions with other drugs, prescription or otherwise, are not excused from consideration as major violations e.g., taking prescription Day/Nyquil, codeine, barbituates, tricyclics, sleep aids, or other mind altering substances with any amount of alcohol Taking any illegal substances with any amount of alcoholic beverages back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

16. p. 16 Index AlcoholCommon Policy Interpretation This charge may be paired with involvement in a university violation, identification card, public nudity, failure to comply, damage/destruction, disorderly conduct, assault, and battery …anything that can be done while intoxicated—which is virtually everything! back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

17. p. 17 Index Involvement Student Code of Conduct § 14. Involvement in a University Violation: Presence during any violation of University Policies for Student Life in such a way as to condone, support, or encourage that violation is prohibited. (Note: Students who anticipate or observe a violation of university policy are expected to remove themselves from participation and are encouraged to report the violation.) back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

18. p. 18 Index InvolvementCommon Policy Interpretation Involvement assumes: • Knowledge of the activity • Presence • Current or continued • Within reasonable proximity, or knowledge • Ability to end or leave the presence of the violation • Limited or non-optimal choices can negate involvement back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

19. p. 19 Index InvolvementCommon Policy Interpretation Typical forms of involvement • Invited participation/helping carry out a policy violation • Condoning or supporting a violation through presence, whether attentive or indifferent • While some students may make the choice not to engage in behavior that violates the UPSL, their presence while others do constitutes involvement, since it undermines the purpose of the policy back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

20. p. 20 Index InvolvementCommon Policy Interpretation Non-excuses • “I just walked in” does not excuse the responsibility to remove oneself • The moment a violation is observed student must remove themselves and/or report the incident—There is no time cap for Involvement • In order to be found ‘not responsible’ in such a case a student would have to have been observed leaving or preparing to leave back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

21. p. 21 Index InvolvementCommon Policy Interpretation Non-excuses • “Silence or disapproval does not negate involvement • a student sitting at their desk studying with headphones on while their roommate is drinking is responsible for involvement back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

22. p. 22 Index InvolvementCommon Policy Interpretation Non-excuses • “Guilty by association” is not accurate, since involvement charges refer to a specific incidence—not a loose or general association. • Students are being charged due to their tacit approval, not their presence; i.e. their failure to condemn the violation by disassociation is equitable to having approved/supported the violation back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

23. p. 23 Index InvolvementCommon Policy Interpretation This charge may be paired with any violation for which a student is found “not responsible”. It may not be paired with any violation for which a student is found “responsible”, since any charge a student is found responsible for preponderates involvement. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

24. p. 24 Index Identification Cards Student Code of Conduct § 16. Identification Cards: The possession or manufacture of any false or altered form of identification, the improper use of any identification card, including knowingly altering or mutilating a university student identification card, or using the identification card of another, or allowing one’s own card to be used by another is prohibited. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

25. p. 25 Index Identification CardsCommon Policy Interpretation Identity: The set of behavioral or personal characteristics by which an individual is recognizable; the individual characteristics by which a thing or person is recognized or known. Identification: evidence of identity; something that identifies a person or thing: by name, status, date of birth, residence, or other identifiable trait. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

26. p. 26 Index Identification CardsCommon Policy Interpretation Forms of Identification: • Hokie Passport • Operators License • DMV Identification Card • Military Identification Card • U S Passport/ Passport with Visa • Credits Cards used for Identification • Business card, name tag, badge, or uniform (valid for age verification) (valid for age verification, if issued by VA-DMV) (valid for age verification) (valid for age verification, even if expired) back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

27. p. 27 Index Identification CardsCommon Policy Interpretation False identification is: • Possession or use of any form of ID other than one’s own • Even if on the behalf or at the request of the ID holder • Simply possessing an ID that does not accurately identify you • Possession or use of any altered or fabricated form of ID back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

28. p. 28 Index Identification CardsCommon Policy Interpretation False identification is: • Unauthorized possession or use of access cards or any other means to gaining access to exclusive privileges or facilities • Ex. allowing someone to use one’s Hokie Passport or key to gain access to a university building, service or event • Providing anyone with your own ID, or manufacturing or altering an ID for someone else back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

29. p. 29 Index Identification CardsCommon Policy Interpretation False identification is: • The expiration/valid date on an ID does not have to be current/valid • This includes IDs with an invalid or past expiration date—an expired fake ID is still a fake ID • Presenting your identity incorrectly or under false pretences through a form of ID. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

30. p. 30 Index Identification CardsCommon Policy Interpretation Non-Excuses • “I wasn’t going to use it” – Intent to use or not use false identification does not negate the fact that a person was in possession of false identification • “I didn’t know I had that” – Even accidental/unintentional possession is still a violation • Students are accountable for and must be aware of what is in their possession back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

31. p. 31 Index Identification CardsCommon Policy Interpretation Non-Excuses • Students may not use other students’ Hokie Passports to retrieve meals from the dining centers for other students, even if the recipient is ill (Dining services offer special arrangements to get meals to ill students) • The physical characteristics on a false ID (photo, age, physical distinctions listed) do not need to match or resemble the charged student back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

32. p. 32 Index Identification CardsCommon Policy Interpretation This charge may be paired with furnishing false information, failure to comply with a university official, forgery/ fraud, furnishing false information, and/or alcohol beverage back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

33. p. 33 Index Unauthorized Entry Student Code of Conduct § 22. Unauthorized Entry: Entering or being present in university buildings, rooms, or other areas without proper authority is prohibited. (Note: Closing hours will be published as necessary. For convenience, closing hours will be posted at main entrances to buildings, but the absence of such posted notices is not to be treated as excusing a violation of this policy.) back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

34. p. 34 Index Unauthorized EntryCommon Policy Interpretation Unauthorized entry is: • Gaining entry to any facility or area, by any means, forcible or otherwise, for which one does not have permission or proper authority • E.g. being somewhere where one is not supposed/allowed to be • Gaining entry improperly, whether authorized or not. Not entering a space properly or in an acceptable fashion. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

35. p. 35 Index Unauthorized EntryCommon Policy Interpretation Unauthorized entry is: • Presence in any facility designated for the opposite sex, such as bathrooms and showers • Presence on a roof, overhang, ledge, or in a fenced/ roped/ blocked off area, steam tunnel, maintenance area, etc. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

36. p. 36 Index Unauthorized EntryCommon Policy Interpretation Unauthorized entry is: • Any entry in such a manner as to compromise the security of a building/ space. • Forcing, coercing, applying pressure or intimidation, or assuming the authorization necessary to gain entry into/ onto a university location. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

37. p. 37 Index Unauthorized EntryCommon Policy Interpretation Non-excuses • Absence of explicit postings in restricted areas does not mitigate a violation. • Using someone else’s Hokie Passport to gain access to a building, even if it is one’s own residence, is not authorized, and is also a violation of the identification policy. • Gaining access to the residence of a friend, classmate, etc. is not permitted. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

38. p. 38 Index Unauthorized EntryCommon Policy Interpretation This charge may be paired with ‘involvement in university violation’, visitation/ guest, ID cards, furnishing false information, damage/ destruction, and/or ‘failure to observe rules and regulations’ back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

39. p. 39 Index Damage/ Destruction Student Code of Conduct § 5. Damage or Destruction: Damage or destruction of property belonging to the university or to any member of the university community. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

40. p. 40 Index Damage/ DestructionCommon Policy Interpretation Damage/Destruction is: i. Altering the condition of property without stated and expressed approval by authorized persons, even if viewed as an improvement. ii. Any item, whose altered state needs to be repaired, cleaned, fixed, reinstalled or replaced to bring that property back to appropriate, effective, functioning, and working condition. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

41. p. 41 Index Damage/ DestructionCommon Policy Interpretation Damage/Destruction is: iii. Alterations to conditions may include causing property to become: dirty, soiled, scratched, smashed, broken, ripped, torn, damaged, destroyed, marked, vandalized, scuffed, bent, smeared, removed, put up, punctured, dented, loosened, tightened, stunted, clogged, jammed, cut, overturned, pulled down, pushed over, unscrewed , etc. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

42. p. 42 Index Damage/ DestructionCommon Policy Interpretation Damage/Destruction is: • The charged student’s intention should not play a factor in determining responsibility. Charges of unauthorized damage or destruction, whether intentional or unintentional, will be considered with the same degree. This charge may be paired with tampering. back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

43. p. 43 Index You have completedCOMMON POLICY INTERPRETATIONSPart II Congratulations back ●● click anywhere to continue skip

44. p. 44 Index Now that you have completed the Common Policy Interpretations: Part II online training module please take a moment to complete a brief survey asking you to identify at least 10 concepts that you have learned and at least 3 concepts you would like to have reviewed at a further date. The survey can be found at: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1183988629396 You may continue to browse the module or end this module by clicking below back ●● CLICK HERE TO END skip

45. p. 45 return Index pages § 3. Alcohol: ………………………………………….. 2 – 16 Possession………………………………... 4 – 6 In the Residence Halls………………….. 7 – 9 Heath & Safety…………………………... 10 – 11 Major or Minor…………………………... 12 – 13 § 14. Involvement……………………………………… 17 – 23 § 16. Identification Cards…………………………….. 24 – 32 § 22. Unauthorized Entry…………………………….. 33 – 38 § 5. Damage/Destruction……………………………. 39 – 44 Survey…………………………………………………………. 46