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Miscellaneous Campus Policies

Advertising Guidelines

I. General Guidelines

A. Any advertising that explicitly invites people to alcohol-related events is prohibited.

B. Any advertising that suggests, refers to, or implicitly invites people to alcohol-related events is also prohibited.

C. Any publicity (flyers, posters, etc.) must be approved by the hall director and/or Residence Life Office (for advertising in the residence halls) or the SAC Office (for advertising in the Union) before posting and/or distributing.

D. Any religious advertising must be approved first by the office for College Ministries before receiving a stamp from other locations on campus.

E. Website advertising must follow all advertising guidelines.

II. Approved locations of advertisements

A. Advertisements which imply that alcohol is available are not allowed in any campus building.

B. All publicity materials to be posted in the Dahl Centennial Union or residence hall must be approved (stamped) by the Coordinator for Student Activities and the Union or the Residence Life Office.

C. Ads may be posted on Dahl Centennial Union or residence hall bulletin boards ONLY!. No advertising along wall or hallway outside of cafeteria without special permission. Advertising is not permitted in stairwells or landings due to fire code regulations. Ads placed in other non-designated areas will be removed. Advertising is limited to one poster per bulletin board.

D. Posters. Posters to be displayed on public bulletin boards are subject to the approval of the appropriate office - for Dahl Centennial Union bulletin boards, the Coordinator of Student Activities; the kiosk in the CFL, the Campus Programming Office; for other locations, contact the supervisory office for that specific building area, or inquire at the Student Activities Office.  Supervision of each residence hall bulletin board is the responsibility of the Hall Director.

E. Chalking is not permitted under overhangs and entrances to the buildings.

III. Who is Allowed to Advertise

A. Recognized campus organizations.

B. Churches and nonprofit organizations may publicize events located off campus.

C. Businesses may not advertise unless a recognized campus organization is sponsoring the activity. However, they may post one flyer on the "Free Market" bulletin board if advertisement complies with the policies of Luther College.

IV. Specifics on Advertising

A. Allowable

1. In accordance with the policy stated in I above, advertisements are restricted to the following guidelines:

a. Advertising must describe the event.

b. Advertisements must give the location of the event.

c. Advertisements should list the time of the event.

d. All advertisements must state the name of the organization sponsoring the event.

B. Non-Allowable

1. Any event or advertisement which is an affront to personal dignity, violates individual rights, reflects an ethnic or racial prejudice, or causes personal offense.

2. Any graphics depicting alcoholic beverage containers, persons consuming beverages, or obscene acts.

3. Advertisements calling the event an “all-campus party.”

C. General

1. To assist advertisers and to help comply with l.C. above, we recommend that all advertisements be approved by either the Coordinator for Student Activities and the Dahl Centennial Union or the Associate Dean for Student Life.

2. The print shop will not print ads without notification of approval.

3. To enhance your event, we recommend you have a theme. This will help with identification of the event and advertising.

4. The word party may only be used when it is used as part of the theme or used as a noun in the advertisement (i.e., Halloween Party, Christmas Party, Beach Party).

5. The Luther Mail Center also abides by the above guidelines.

6. Final decision on acceptable advertisements is up to the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Activities and the Union and the Associate Dean for Student Life.

V. Infractions of this policy are cause for disciplinary action (i.e., loss of advertising privileges, probation, etc.).

Bicycle/Moped/Scooter Regulations

An ordinance regulating the use of bicycles within the City of Decorah, Iowa, providing for the registration and licensing thereof, and fixing penalties for violation:

27.1 License required—Every person living within the City of Decorah, Iowa, who owns a bicycle, shall cause the ownership thereof to be registered at the office of the Police Department.

In accordance with the above city ordinance, students are advised to register and license their bicycles with the Decorah Police Department. Registration will benefit the owner in the event of theft.

Bicyclists and moped/scooter operators are required to use the bike storage racks located throughout the campus. The use of a heavy-duty lock system is recommended to discourage theft. Luther regulations prohibit attachment to trees, posts, signs, handrails or handicapped ramps. Any bicycle, moped or scooter that blocks or interferes with handicapped or emergency pathways may be removed.

Communication with Students

Students are advised that Luther College considers e-mail from the college as one of its official means of communication with students. If you use another e-mail address, we ask that you check your Luther e-mail account on a regular basis, or forward your Luther e-mail messages. If you need help setting up automatic forwarding for your Luther e-mail account please contact the LIS help desk.

Fund-Raising Guidelines

I. Whereas most student organizations are not funded by Luther College in any direct way, Luther College recognizes the need of officially recognized organizations to raise operating funds for their activities.

A. The following is a set of guidelines for planning and implementing fund-raisers on-campus:

1. Student groups planning to engage in fund-raising efforts in which fellow students, faculty, and staff are the persons from whom the funds are raised must seek and obtain permission from the Coordinator for Student Activities and the Dahl Centennial Union. Included in the category would be on-campus events for which admission is charged, the sale of goods or services, and direct solicitation for worthy causes.

2. College organizations selling products need to also adhere to these additional guidelines:

a. Items must be reasonably priced and represent a fair deal for purchase.

b. Items must be quality products.

c. Items must be in good taste.

d. Items must not be messy, loud, or offensive; they must also be non-disturbing.

e. If items directly compete with the Book Shop, Oneota Market, or Marty’s clearance must be obtained from the supervisors of those operations.

B. Locations for fund-raisers:

Fund-raisers are allowed in specific areas of the Dahl Centennial Union with the approval of the Coordinator of Student Activities and the Dahl Centennial Union.

The time limit for each fund-raiser will be determined by the Coordinator for Student Activities and the Dahl Centennial Union in conversation with the representatives of the organization sponsoring the event.

Academic Buildings: Fund-raisers are not allowed in any building that is designated primarily as classroom space.

Residence Halls: Fund-raisers in the residence halls should be cleared with the hall director or the director of housing. Door-to-door soliciting is not allowed in the residence halls.

C. The aforementioned guidelines are not negotiable and all student groups must abide by them. Organizational representatives must meet with the Coordinator for Student Activities and the Union at least two weeks prior to the proposed event (three weeks before major weekends) to review these policies before receiving permission to fund-raise, and sign a statement that holds them responsible for compliance with such guidelines. The student representatives will also need to obtain the signature of the organization’s adviser and the appropriate supervisor if the fund-raiser is in direct competition with any of the previously mentioned services, or occurs during a major weekend such as, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Christmas at Luther, or Commencement.

If a recognized organization wishes to raise funds during a home athletic event, permission must be given from the Athletic Department prior to completing the fund-raising form.

If these guidelines are abridged in any way, the Coordinator for Student Activities and the Dahl Centennial Union may deny future fund-raising privileges for a period not to exceed one year.

D. Organizations raising funds for charity must provide evidence that the funds were received by the charitable organization.

II. Individuals, businesses, or groups not affiliated with Luther or Luther groups which are not officially recognized are prohibited from selling products or services and from raising funds on campus.

Procedure for Voluntary Withdrawal from Luther College

Students planning to withdraw from Luther College are requested to contact the Student Life Office, x1020, students@luther.edu. Following an interview with the Dean for Student Life, a withdrawal form is completed by the student.

Involuntary Administrative Withdrawal
Standards for Withdrawal

A. The following standards do not preclude removal from the college or college housing, in accordance with other college contracts or regulations. All references contained herein may be applied to college housing, as well as withdrawal from the college.

B. A student will be subject to involuntary administrative withdrawal from college housing, or from the college, if there is convincing evidence, that the student:

1. engages, or threatens to engage, in behavior which could cause significant property damage, or directly and substantially impedes the lawful and rightful activities of others, or

2. engages, or threatens to engage, in behavior which poses a danger of causing physical harm to self or others.

Violations of Disciplinary Regulations

C. A student accused of violating college disciplinary regulations may be diverted from the disciplinary process and withdrawn in accordance with these standards, if the student:

1. Lacks the psychological capacity to respond to disciplinary charges, or

2. Did not know the nature of wrongfulness of the conduct at the time of the offense.

Referral for Evaluation

D. The Dean for Student Life, or staff member designated by the dean, may refer a student to the college counseling staff for evaluation, if there is reasonable belief that the student meets the previously noted criteria for withdrawal. At the dean’s discretion, the student may be referred to an independent mental health professional chosen by the college for evaluation, under the condition that the student shall sign a release of information allowing the college to disclose to the mental health professional the student’s current behavior and reasons for referral.

E. The dean shall set the conditions for evaluation (such as time frame and reporting requirements). A student who fails to meet the conditions for evaluation may be withdrawn on an interim basis or be subject to a hearing without the requested evaluation. Conditions of the evaluation include release of the evaluation information to the dean.

Interim Withdrawal

F. The dean, or staff person designated by the dean, may implement an interim withdrawal if the student fails to complete a requested evaluation. Also, an interim withdrawal may be implemented immediately if the dean determines that because of the student’s psychological state, the student’s behavior poses an imminent danger of:

1. causing significant property damage, or directly and substantially impeding the lawful and rightful activities of others, or

2. causing serious physical harm to the student or others.

G. The dean or designee shall be responsible for advising the student regarding terms of the interim withdrawal, and the processes for an upcoming informal hearing to resolve the student’s status. When feasible, the student shall be afforded the opportunity to review with the dean the rationale for the interim withdrawal. The student may have support persons present, such as parents or therapist.

H. Following an interim withdrawal an informal hearing to determine student status shall be set by the dean. The time of this hearing shall be set to permit ample time for information gathering related to the student’s behavior and psychological state, enabling the college to make a sound decision. This may include an indefinite period of interim withdrawal. The student is required to request an informal hearing at such time when the student desires to return to college.

Informal Hearing

I. Students subject to an involuntary withdrawal shall be accorded an informal hearing before the Dean for Student Life, or designee.

1. The dean, or designee, shall convene the meeting. Individuals deemed necessary to present a case for withdrawal or to respond to questions by the student may be included.

2. The student may be accompanied by advocates or support persons, such as a family member, faculty or staff, or an outside mental health professional.

3 . The informal hearing shall be non-adversarial and conversational. The dean will lead the meeting, and may exclude any person who disrupts the meeting. The hearing may be conducted in the absence of the student if the student has been given sufficient notice.

4. The dean’s decision shall be rendered within a reasonable period of time, and if withdrawal is indicated, the written decision shall include rationale and the process by which the Student requests reinstatement. The decision shall be final and not subject to appeal.

J. For administrative purposes students who have been involuntarily withdrawn may be considered to be on leave.

Reinstatement

K. Reinstatement after involuntary withdrawal would be processed by petition to the Dean for Student Life, or designee. The dean may act individually, or in conjunction with college counseling staff, to reinstate the student or deny the request. The written response shall include rationale for denial, or any specific conditions which might be included as part of reinstatement.

Deviations from Established Procedures

L. Reasonable deviations from these procedures will not invalidate a decision or proceeding unless significant prejudice to a student may result.

Miscellaneous Policies
Bonfires on campus are not permitted.

Camping on campus is not permitted except by expressed permission of Student Life.

Roller blades/Skates may be used on campus, outdoors only, in a safe and orderly manner.

Skateboarding is allowed outside buildings for transportation purposes only.

Sledding in unsafe areas of campus is prohibited.

Personnel Policy for Work-Study Students Issued Work Assignments from the Luther College Office of Student Employment

1. Work Assignment
Your work assignment is based on the assumption that you are a full-time student and will be on the Luther College campus during the semester(s) for which you are assigned. January term is included with second semester assignments unless other arrangements are made with your work supervisor. Should you decide to participate in an academic program off campus or extracurricular activities which make it impossible for you to work, grant assistance will not be awarded to replace unearned work.

2. Performance
Every effort is made to coordinate your student work hours to your class schedule and to the work needs of the college. You, in turn as a student and employee, are expected to fulfill the responsibility of your work assignment. If after reasonable effort on your part, you are still unable to obtain work, please contact the Office of Student Employment.

3. Absences
If, for any reason, you are unable to work on a given day, you must notify your supervisor in advance of your usual reporting time. In certain departments, you may be required to find a replacement. Never “just fail to show.”

4. Termination/Reprimands/Appeals
a. Work assignments are normally terminated only at the end of a semester or the end of an academic year. However, if you wish to reduce or terminate your work assignment before the end of a semester or academic year due to academic difficulty or illness, you may do so by receiving permission from your supervisor. A two-week notice is requested in order to find a suitable replacement.

Should you terminate your work assignment before the end of the semester without specific permission for this termination from your supervisor, this will be viewed as a break of assignment by the student and will be recorded as a disciplinary termination on the student work records.

Your student work assignment may be terminated by your supervisor for such things as refusal to work, violation of job rules, insubordination, habitual tardiness, unexcused absences, misconduct, endangerment to life and property, possession of alcohol or drugs or under the influence of the same while working, or deliberate action to make equipment function improperly.

b. When reprimands are necessary, they will be in writing with copies to you and to the Office of Student Employment. Should three such notices be sent to you in a school year, your student work allocation will be terminated. In this event, Luther College is not responsible to help find you another job or make up the unearned amount in other forms of financial aid. Appeals to the decision should be made to the Office of Student Employment. A record of the number of reprimands will also be included on departmental reports for the perusal of all student work supervisors.

c. As a student, you may appeal a termination decision via the Director of Financial Aid.

Possible outcomes to this appeal procedure include: reinstatement, immediate reassignment without penalty, placement on waiting list for a position opening, forfeiture of right to any student work assignment.

5. Payment
PLEASE NOTE: It is only necessary to complete these requirements once during your college career. It is the responsibility of each student to have a valid W-4 and I-9 filed with the Office of Student Employment. If a W-4 is not received in this office a figure of zero (0) allowance will be used in figuring your tax withholding on your student work. Time cards will not be processed until the I-9 is validated and a “stop work” will be issued on students who have neglected this obligation.

You are paid on an hourly basis for each hour of work you perform. By law, you must record only those hours actually worked and those hours must be recorded on the actual date worked. The time cards for the previous month must be turned in to your supervisor immediately upon your last work shift of the month.

Students that participate in work-study are encouraged to complete a direct deposit form so the work earnings are directly deposited into their personal bank account.

Students participating in the Work Credit Plan will have their earnings directly credited to their student account.  A monthly earnings statement will be sent to the SPO no later than the 18th of each month listing the earnings through the last day of the previous month and the year-to-date earnings.  We encourage students with a Work Credit Plan to also fill out the direct deposit form.  Once the student account is paid in full, the remaining work-study earnings will then be directly deposited into their personal bank account.

You should monitor the year-to-date earnings closely to ensure that you will not go over your assigned work allocation.

Please note that all student employment is considered to be part of your financial aid and is subject to federal and institutional regulations and policies. Students are not allowed to be paid for work with cash or vouchers. All student earnings must be paid through student payroll.

6. Unless specifically authorized, student workers are not authorized to clean ANY spills of body fluids (blood, vomit, urine, feces) while employed at Luther College.

Protest

Article III: Protest (Adopted by Board of Regents May 23, 1970)
3.1 Luther College affirms its belief in the importance of freedom of expression and in the right of all members of the college community to protest actions with which they disagree, and it is for the protection of these activities that this policy on demonstrations is adopted.

3.2 Peaceful and non-obstructive demonstrations are among those activities in which members of the college community are free to engage.

3.3 Because the college is obligated to maintain an atmosphere conducive to academic work and social responsibility so that its educational mission will not be prevented and in order that the rights of individual members of the college community and of campus visitors may be protected, obstructive or non-peaceful demonstrations will not be permitted on the Luther College campus.

3.4 Luther College recognizes that no definition of "obstructive" can meet all possible situations, but as a general guideline defines obstructive demonstrations as those at which there is deliberate and continued impeding or disruption of access to or conduct of institutional activities relevant to the college's educational mission. Any non-peaceful demonstration, regardless of duration, is prohibited.

3.5 Off-campus demonstrations will be regulated by the civil and criminal laws governing the community. Those associated with the college should be aware that individuals planning a demonstration or parade in the City of Decorah should confer with the Decorah Police Department as to the date, time, and the route to be used.

Religious Groups, Organizations, and Activities at Luther College

Luther College is an educational institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), independently incorporated under the state laws of Iowa. The regular meeting of the corporation is held at the time of the biannual church wide assembly of the ELCA and acts to approve amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, and ratify election of members to the Board of Regents. The following policies of the college in respect to religious groups, organizations, and activities on its campus as well as the ministry are consistent with its denominational identity.

A. Luther College affirms the ecumenical concerns and interdenominational relationships of the ELCA and seeks to promote knowledge of and respect for all religious beliefs. Its practices of interfaith religious services and activities will be consistent with the policies of the ELCA.

B. The college desires to cooperate with local congregations of all denominations in ministering to students of each such denomination enrolled at Luther College. The college will also assist those congregations in their ministry to students by publicizing congregational worship services and programs designed to serve those students.

C. The college reserves the right as a church institution to determine which religious organizations, groups, and activities are consistent with its ecumenical goals and to promote their growth and function while at the same time reserving the right to limit access to the campus to groups and organizations which it deems inconsistent with these goals.

D. Christian ministry and teaching on the Luther campus shall be conducted only by those clergy or lay church leaders who are employed by the college or are formally invited by the proper authorities of the college for that purpose. No advocate of any religious faith or persuasion may have access to the campus for the purpose of propagating that belief without formal permission from a campus pastor.

E. Weddings. Because of the special significance which the institution of marriage has for the church, the college must be assured that weddings held on the campus respect the church’s convictions. To this end, the approval of the campus pastors must be secured before any wedding is scheduled. Weddings will be held in the Center for Faith and Life. The general public will be charged the regular rental fee for the use of any facility. Students, graduates, and others officially connected with the college will be allowed to use the main auditorium in the CFL or other spaces in the CFL at a reduced fee (except for any extra custodial costs that may be involved). Arrangements for use of the organ in the CFL must have the approval of the college organist.

Smoking Policy

Luther College has long recognized that smoking is a serious health hazard. In an effort to promote good health on campus, all of the buildings on our campus have been designated smoke-free. On July 1, 2008, in accordance with the administrative rules related to the new Iowa State law, Luther College will become entirely smoke-free. Therefore, in addition to the inside areas of buildings and vehicles, all outdoor spaces owned or operated by the college are also designated as smoke-free.

A. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs and all other instruments of smoking are prohibited.

B. The sale of tobacco products is not permitted on the Luther College campus.

Enforcement

A. All members of the Luther community are asked to remind persons who are smoking that we are required to comply with the new Iowa Smoke-free Air Act, and that the campus is entirely smoke-free.

B. Information on smoking-cessation programs will be offered to any student, faculty, or staff.

C. Persons who have been reminded and continue to smoke will be reported to Campus Safety and Security. There will be a $50 citation given after adequate warning.

Student Activities (participation)

Luther College provides a variety of educational, social, spiritual, and service organizations to which students may belong. Participation in these organizations is encouraged as a means of developing leadership skills, improving academic and social skills, and becoming an active member of the Luther community.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Equal Opportunity. It is the policy of Luther College to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons in its educational programs and activities. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, handicap, national origin, age, sex, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities.
2. Eligibility. Full-time student status is required for participation in student organizations and college sponsored activities.  Students may participate when groups continue activities (such as group tours) immediately after the regular semester calendar, or in January.  In such cases, the student must have been enrolled as a full-time student for the previous semester. Exceptions to the full-time status include situations where students are in academic transition to graduation and do not need full credit loads to graduate.  The Dean for Student Life may grant other exceptions for part- time student participation.  The faculty committee that monitors academic progress may restrict participation in recognized campus organizations or activities for any student who has been dismissed or is on academic probation. Participation in intercollegiate athletics is also subject to the eligibility requirements established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the lowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC). Please consult with intercollegiate athletics for specific requirements.
3. Non-Students.  Most student organizations, activities, and access to privileges within the college community are intended for enrolled and degree-seeking students. The vice presidents may authorize exceptions that allow participation of non-students (includes the category of community enrolled and reduced rate students) for events, activities and organizations within their respective administrative areas.
   

Surveys and Research

Students, and other participants, should be aware of their rights and potential outcomes when participating in any survey or research.  To that end, any human subjects related research and survey conducted at the college must have prior approval from the Human Subjects Review Board (HSRB).  For more information or approval requests, contact the Loren Toussaint, x1647, touslo01@luther.edu.