Professional Conduct
Argosy University is committed to providing workplaces and learning environments that are free from harassment on the basis of any protected classification including, but not limited to race, sex, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or on any other basis protected by law. Such conduct is unprofessional, unproductive, illegal, and generally considered bad for business. Consequently, all conduct of this nature is expressly prohibited, regardless of whether it violates any law.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where:
- Submission to such conduct is an explicit or implicit term or condition of a person’s status in a course, program or activity or in admission, or in an academic decision;
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for an academic decision; or
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: unwanted sexual advances; demands for sexual favors in exchange for favorable treatment; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess, or sexual deficiencies; leering; whistling; touching; pinching; assault; coerced sexual acts; suggestive, insulting or obscene comments or gestures; stalking; and displaying sexually suggestible objects or pictures. Argosy University prohibits all conduct of this nature whether or not such conduct violates any applicable laws.
Other Forms of Harassment
Verbal abuse, insulting comments and gestures, and other harassing conduct are also forbidden under this policy when directed at an individual because of his or her race, color, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, age, religion, ethnic origin, or disability. It is the responsibility of each employee and each student to conduct himself or herself in a professional manner at all times and to refrain from such harassment.
Complaint Procedure
Students who feel they have been harassed should follow the Student Grievance Procedure for Internal Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment described in the Institutional Policies section. Promptly after learning of such alleged conduct, Argosy University will conduct an investigation for the purpose of determining whether prohibited harassment has occurred. Efforts will be made to ensure confidentiality to the extent consistent with the goal of conducting an appropriate investigation. Students who initiate or participate in such investigations in good faith will be protected against school-related retaliation. If an investigation confirms the allegations, Argosy University will take prompt corrective action, which may include discipline, up to and including immediate dismissal.
Anti-Hazing Policy
Hazing involving Argosy University students or student groups is strictly prohibited. Hazing is defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any club or organization operating under the sanction of an institution of higher education.
For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition that the initiation or admission into or affiliation with a club or organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. This policy is applicable to all students and members of a student club or organization at Argosy University. Every student and member of a student club or organization is responsible for complying with this policy.
Individuals and/or student clubs that force, require, and/or endorse violations will be referred to the Student Conduct Committee and, if appropriate, to the local authorities, which may pursue criminal action. Students who wish to make a complaint under this policy should contact the director of Student Services at their campus of residence. The negligence or consent of a student or any assumption of risk by the student is not a defense to an action brought pursuant to this policy. Student club activities or programs must not interfere with the rights and activities of others and should always reflect the best interests of the members of the organization it represents and the Argosy University community as a whole. In all cases of alleged violations of this policy, faculty and staff advisors and the national/international headquarters, if applicable, of any organization will be notified.
Reporting an Assault
In the event of an assault on campus, victims should first call 911 for immediate help. A complete report of an assault on campus should be made promptly to a campus official, preferably within 48 hours of the occurrence. Faculty, administration, and staff are required to provide immediate support and assistance to the victim. At the victim’s request, the campus president or any administrator will assist victims in filing criminal charges with the appropriate law enforcement officials. In the event of an assault against a student or employee occurring off-campus, victims should call 911 to request police assistance and to report the crime in the jurisdiction in which the crime occurred. Argosy University will assist law enforcement authorities for the purposes of obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence in connection with any alleged crime of violence committed on campus.
Reporting Health or Safety Hazards
Students should immediately report health or safety hazards to the campus president. Any accident or injury, no matter how slight, must also be reported immediately.
No Smoking Policy
Argosy University provides a non-smoking work and study environment.
Campus Security Report
A Campus Security Report is published annually for each campus of Argosy University. Information on the following is included:
- Campus policies on reporting criminal actions and other emergencies
- Security and access to campus facilities
- Campus law enforcement
- Crime prevention programs
- Policy on the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs
- Drug and alcohol abuse programs
- Crime statistics
Copies of the report may be obtained from the Student Services Department and are distributed annually to all Argosy University students and employees.
Health and Immunization
Minnesota Requirements
In an effort to control the spread of disease, Argosy University conforms to Minnesota state requirements that all students have the following current vaccinations: measles, mumps, rubella (after achieving the age of 12 months, or recent evidence of immunity) and diphtheria/tetanus booster (within ten years of starting date). Students who were born before 1957 are exempt from this requirement. Students who graduated from a Minnesota high school in 1997 or later are exempt from this requirement, as the student will have met the requirements as a high school student.
Hawai‘i Requirements
The state of Hawai‘i requires that all students enrolled in Hawai‘i institutions of higher education show proof of measles, mumps, and rubella immunization (MMR), a measles #2 booster, and a tuberculosis test (TB). Medical Clearance Cards will be issued to students in compliance with these requirements and are valid for four years from the date of the student’s last TB test. Forms can be obtained from the Student Services Department. Students will not be permitted to register without a valid Medical Clearance Card.
Medical Responsibility and Risks
When enrolling at Argosy University, the student accepts full financial responsibility for all medical treatment and care and/or disability costs for any illness and/or injury incurred while on campus or at an Argosy University-affiliated clinical training site. While on clinical training/practicum/internship, students will adhere to standard health policies at their respective facilities. The student understands that neither Argosy University nor the affiliated clinical training/practicum/internship facilities carry medical insurance or Workers’ Compensation coverage for students of Argosy University. Argosy University will not accept responsibility for medical or other costs incurred by sick or injured students while on an Argosy University campus or on clinical training/practicum/internship.
Health Insurance
Optional health insurance is available to students through an outside agency. Contact the Student Services Department for information.
Liability Insurance
All students involved in field training (i.e. student teaching, practicum, and internship) must have liability insurance. Enrollment in the Argosy University Student Liability Insurance Plan occurs with the registration process.
Drug-Free Workplace and Campus
The use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol on the campuses of Argosy University or in facilities controlled by Argosy University are prohibited by college regulations and are incompatible with the Argosy University goal of providing a healthy educational environment for students, faculty, staff and guests. The following information is provided in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.
Effects of Drugs and Alcohol
Although individuals often use drugs and alcohol to achieve a variety of effects on mind and body that are found to be temporarily useful or pleasurable, drugs can be highly addictive and injurious. A person can pay a price in terms of his or her physical, emotional, and social health. This price can be paid in a number of ways. The risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, is increased through unwanted or unprotected sex when one is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drugs can be the trigger for violent crime. Economic and legal problems usually follow directly when one tries to support a drug habit by resorting to crime. The dependence, illness, loss of job, and loss of family or friends that can result from drug or alcohol use and abuse can be tragic. In keeping with the mission of Argosy University and the requirements of state and federal law, Argosy University has adopted this policy to ensure a drug-free campus and workplace and to prevent the use of controlled substances and the abuse of alcohol.
Health Risks Associated with the Use of Alcohol
Short-Term Risks
- Increased risks of accidents and injuries
- Alcohol-related traffic accidents (the leading cause of death for teens)
- Alcohol slows reaction time, decreases muscle coordination, and impairs vision
- Fatal overdose
- Unconsciousness or blackout
- Death by aspiration of vomit
- Nausea
- Gastritis
Long-Term Risks
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Brain damage resulting in permanent psychosis
- Cancer of the mouth, esophagus or stomach
- Liver damage (cirrhosis, alcohol hepatitis, cancer)
- Ulcers and gastritis
- Pancreatitis
- Birth defects
- In males — testicular atrophy and breast enlargement
- In females — increased risk of breast cancer
- Prolonged, excessive drinking can shorten life span by 10 – 12 years.
Health Risks Associated with the Use of Drugs
Amphetamines (Speed, Uppers)
- Malnutrition
- Hallucinations
- Dependence, psychological and sometimes physical
Deliriants (Aerosols, Lighter Fluid, Paint Thinner)
- Permanent damage to lungs, brain, liver, bone marrow
- Loss of coordination, confusion, hallucinations
- Overdose causing convulsions, death
Depressants (Barbiturates, Tranquilizers, Methaqualone)
- Confusion, depression, loss of coordination
- Dependence, physical and psychological
- Coma, death (caused by overdose)
- Can be lethal when combined with alcohol
Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP, DMT, STP, Mescaline)
- Hallucinations, panic, irrational behaviors (which can lead to increased risk of accidents, injuries)
- Tolerance overdose leading to convulsions, coma, death
- Possible birth defects in children of LSD users
Intravenous Drug Use
- Places one at risk for HIV infection (the virus causing AIDS) when needles are shared
Marijuana and Hashish
- Chronic bronchitis
- Decreased vital capacity
- Increased risk of lung cancer
- In men — lower levels of testosterone and increase in abnormal sperm count
Stimulants (Cocaine)
- Painful nosebleeds and nasal erosion
- Intense “downs” that result in physical and/or emotional discomfort
- Tolerance and physical dependence can develop
Narcotics (Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, Opium)
- Malnutrition
- Hepatitis
- Loss of judgment and self-control leading to increased risk of accidents, injuries
- Dependence
- Overdose leading to convulsions, coma, death
Sanctions
Argosy University Sanctions
Argosy University, in all of its actions, seeks to uphold local, state and federal laws. Insofar as permitted by these laws, Argosy University will apply sanctions that could lead to a student being fined, suspended or expelled or an employee being disciplined, suspended or dismissed for violation of the Argosy University standards of conduct. Students and employees may also be referred for prosecution. Disciplinary sanctions may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, at the student’s or employee’s expense, if necessary.
General State Laws
Individuals under 21 may not purchase, accept as a gift, or possess alcoholic beverages on any street or highway or other public place. Consumption by minors is expressly prohibited. Licensees to sell alcoholic beverages are prohibited from selling, giving, or delivering alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years of age. It is unlawful for anyone of legal age to purchase or obtain alcoholic beverages and then sell, give, or deliver them to a minor.
Federal Sanctions
Federal penalties and sanctions for illegal possession of a controlled substance include the following:
First Conviction Up to 1 year in prison, fine of $1,000 to $100,000, or both
Second Conviction At least 15 days and up to 2 years imprisonment, $5,000 to $250,000 fine, or both
After Two Drug Convictions At least 90 days and up to 3 years in prison, $5,000 to $250,000 fine, or both
Special federal sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine include a mandatory prison term of at least 5 years and up to 20 years, fine of up to $250,000, or both, for a first conviction if the amount of crack exceeds 5 grams, for a second conviction if amount exceeds 3 grams, and for a third or subsequent conviction if the amount exceeds 1 gram.
Additional federal sanctions may also apply including forfeiture of vehicles used to transport controlled substances, denial of federal benefits including student loans, grants, and contracts and denial or revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits.
Convictions for Drug-Related Offenses
Any student convicted of any drug-related criminal statute must notify the director of Student Services, in writing, no later than five days after such conviction regardless of where the offense occurred. This is because under federal and state laws, any student convicted of a drug-related felony offense must be denied all federal and state assistance, including Pell Grants and state-specific grants. However, a criminal conviction shall not be necessary to find that a student has violated these standards of conduct, and Argosy University need not, and ordinarily will not, defer its own actions and sanctions pending the outcome of any criminal proceeding.
Danger Signals Indicating a Drug or Alcohol Problem
Following is a listing of classic danger signals that may indicate the presence of a drug or alcohol problem:
- Abrupt changes in mood or attitude
- Decreased efficiency at work or at school
- Frequent absences, tardiness, and/or early departures
- Relationship problems with family, friends, and co-workers
- Unusual outbursts of anger and hostility
- Social withdrawal
Counseling, Treatment, or Rehabilitation Program
Any student or employee who fails to abide by the terms of the above policy may be required to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
Resources
Specific programs of counseling or rehabilitation are available in the metropolitan area of each campus. The Student Services Department can provide a list of referral sources to students. |
