University Conduct Code
This summary provides an overview of key policies from the Office of Community Standards at High Point University. It is not an exhaustive list. For more detailed information, please refer to the Student Guide to Campus Life.
We, the students of High Point University, shall seek excellence in the classroom, on the playing field, and in positions of leadership and service across our campus.
As a community of scholars, we shall work together with faculty to create an environment conducive to teaching and learning.
As a community of persons, we shall treat each other with compassion, with dignity, and with civility.
As persons, we shall be honest and just in all that we do, recognizing that we can never be greater than the integrity of our word and deed.
As citizens of global community, we shall act responsibly, both on campus and off, governing our actions not only by our personal needs and desires but also by a concern for the welfare of others, for the general good of humankind, and for the environment upon which we mutually depend.
Recognizing that communities cannot exist without values and codes of conduct, we shall search for enduring values; and we shall adhere to those codes of conduct which have been established by and for the members of High Point University.
When we leave High Point, we shall leave it better than we found it, and in support of this goal, we pledge our loyalty and our service to this University which we have chosen as our own.
General Conduct
- Sanctions: Violations of the conduct code can result in sanctions ranging from a warning to suspension or expulsion unless otherwise stated.
- Civil/Criminal Matters: Students may be subject to both university and civil/criminal processes concurrently. These are independent; “Double Jeopardy” does not apply, meaning a student can be found responsible for a university policy violation even if found “not guilty” in civil/criminal court.
- Disciplinary Records: Access to a student’s disciplinary record for civil/criminal proceedings requires the student’s written permission or a lawful subpoena.
Common Spaces
- Responsibilities: Students are responsible for the people, items, and activities in their assigned living spaces. This includes alcohol, controlled substances, and paraphernalia found in common areas. If responsible parties do not come forward, all residents may be held accountable.
Alcohol Policies
- North Carolina Statutes: Students must comply with state laws prohibiting alcohol use by those under 21. Violations may result in imprisonment, or license revocation.
- Alcohol Distribution: It is prohibited to sell, provide, or create environments where alcohol is accessible to minors. Possession of items for mass distribution (e.g., kegs) is a violation.
- Alcohol Paraphernalia: Possession of items for mass distribution or rapid consumption (e.g., kegs, beer pong, other drinking games) is a violation.
- Medical Amnesty: To encourage seeking medical assistance during alcohol/drug emergencies, amnesty from conduct violations is offered under specific conditions. Students must complete educational programs and adhere to referral requirements.
- Alcohol Misuse: Misuse of alcohol or drugs leading to intoxication and subsequent misconduct is prohibited. This includes possession by minors, public intoxication, and open containers in unauthorized areas.
Controlled Substance Policies
- Illegal Use and Possession: Use or possession of controlled substances, including the misuse of prescription drugs, is prohibited. Remaining in a space with such substances is a violation.
- Distribution and Manufacturing: Distribution or intent to distribute controlled substances on university property is strictly prohibited. Manufacturing is illegal under state and federal laws.
- Paraphernalia: Possession of drug paraphernalia, whether used or not, is prohibited.
- Sanctions: Violations can result in university sanctions, legal penalties, or both. Positive drug test results are considered a violation of probation.
Safety and Conduct
- Animal Cruelty: Intentional harm or neglect of animals is prohibited and may result in legal action.
- Arson and Fire Safety: Any form of arson or storage of fire safety equipment is prohibited. Fireworks and explosives are banned as is flammable liquids, e.g. gasoline. Tampering with Fire detection devices is prohibited and considered a policy violation.
- Assault and Violence: Physical attacks, threats, or intimidation are prohibited. Self-defense is limited to blocking and retreating.
- Cyber Harassment/Bullying: Using technology for harassment, including threats or identity theft, is prohibited.
- Decorum and Disruption: Unruly behavior that disrupts university operations or educational activities is prohibited.
- DUI/DWI: Operating a vehicle under the influence is prohibited, especially when passengers are involved.
- Failure to Comply: Students must comply with university officials’ directives. Failure to complete assigned sanctions will result in Failure to Comply. Noncompliance can result in severe sanctions.
- Forgery and Fraud: Possession or creation of false materials for deception is prohibited.
- Harassment and Hazing: All forms of harassment and hazing are strictly prohibited and may result in criminal charges.
- Insubordination and Intimidation: Verbal abuse or intimidation of faculty or staff is prohibited.
- Misappropriation: Unauthorized taking or use of property, including intellectual property, is prohibited.
- Obstruction: Preventing university officials from performing their duties or obstructing emergency responses is prohibited.
- Retaliation: Retaliating against individuals for reporting violations or participating in investigations is prohibited.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: The university is a tobacco-free campus. Use of tobacco, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited.
- Solicitation and Loitering: Soliciting without permission and loitering are prohibited.
- Unauthorized Entry and Trespassing: Entering restricted areas or university property without authorization is prohibited.
- Weapons: Possession of weapons on campus is prohibited, regardless of permits. This includes firearms, explosives, and other dangerous items.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Student Guide to Campus Life.