Student Conduct
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Prohibited Conduct

All Students are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that creates an environment of learning in which the rights, dignity, worth, and freedom of each member of the academic community are respected. Students are responsible for abiding by the Code of Student Conduct, agree to the expectations set forth by the University, and can be held responsible for their behavior. Lack of familiarity with University policy, intoxication or impairment from alcohol, drugs, or other substances, or an individuals disability is not an excuse or defense to a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. Unless specifically noted in the policy definition, intent is not a required element to establish a policy violation. Additionally, attempting to engage in behavior(s) that may be in violation of the Code of Student Conduct may also be pursued as an alleged violation. Behavior that occurs at Appalachian by a student at any college or university may be referred to their home institution for resolution.

Prohibited conduct includes the following:

  • Assisting in the commission of or knowingly being in the presence of prohibited conduct.

  • Acts Against University Official or Emergency Personnel: Placing a University Official or Emergency Personnel (e.g., Police Officers, Firefighters, EMT, etc.) in fear or at risk of physical harm or danger or engaging in physical violence against a University Official or Emergency Personnel.
  • Bullying/Cyberbullying: Engaging in repeated or aggressive online or other behaviors, as an individual or group of individuals, that intimidate, intentionally harm, control, or seek to control another individual physically, mentally, or emotionally such that it alters the conditions of education, employment, or participation in a university program or activity. An isolated incident, unless sufficiently severe, does not constitute a violation.
  • Endangerment: Acting in a manner that could or did place the health or safety of another at serious risk or create a substantial risk of physical harm to a person or the Appalachian State University community.
  • Physical Violence: Engaging in any behavior against another person that inflicts, attempts to inflict, or assists in inflicting bodily harm to a person or inappropriate or unwanted physical contact with another person, such as pushing, slapping, or spitting.
  • Threats: Threatening another individual or group, whether communicated to one (1) or more individuals, physically, verbally, or by any other means such that the individual or group reasonably believes that the threat is likely to be carried out. Examples include, but are not limited to, intimidation and coercion.
  • Threats Towards a University-Sponsored Activity: Issuing threats of violence which disrupt a University-sponsored activity and/or operations.

  • Driving Under the Influence: Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or while impaired by the consumption of alcohol.
  • Providing to Minors: Providing alcohol to any individual under the age of twenty-one (21).
  • Public Intoxication: Being intoxicated in public attributable in part or in whole to the use of alcohol.
  • Underage Possession/Use: Possessing or using alcohol while under the age of twenty-one (21).

  • Disruption of Student Environment: Engaging in behavior that is likely to disrupt, obstruct, or interfere with a students living or learning environment.
  • Disruption of University Functions or University-Sponsored Activities: Materially and substantially disrupting the functioning of the University. See UNC System Policy 1300.8 and Facility Use Policy- Section 4.1.10.
  • Excessive/Disruptive Noise: Engaging in excessive or disruptive noise, including, but not limited to, the public use of unapproved amplified sound and the amplification of sound in a manner that disrupts or disturbs the normal functioning of the University.
  • Non-Consensual Electronic Recording: Creating, using, or sharing a photograph, video, or audio recording without consent or authorization that places or is likely to place an individual at risk of physical, mental, or emotional harm.
  • Obscene Conduct: Lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct. Examples include, but are not limited to, urinating and/or nudity in inappropriate locations.
  • Rioting/Raiding: Rioting, inciting to riot, assembling to riot, raiding, inciting to raid, or assembling to raid University operating units or property..
  • Public Disturbance: Creating a public disturbance, including, but not limited to, fighting or other violent behavior/conduct; creating the threat of imminent fighting or other violence; committing a nuisance or generally engaging in disruptive behavior; using language that is likely to provoke a Reasonable Individual to violent retaliation; and disrupting, disturbing, or interfering with the academic atmosphere of a living or learning environment.

  • Driving Under the Influence: Driving while impaired attributable in part or in whole to the use of drugs.
  • Manufacturing/Selling/Distributing: Manufacturing (including growing marijuana), selling, distributing, or possessing with the intent to manufacture, sell, or distribute any substance identified as a controlled substance by North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 90, Article 5 (North Carolina Controlled Substances Act).
  • Misuse: Misusing over-the-counter drugs, medically prescribed drugs, psychoactive agents, or huffing/sniffing any substance not intended for such use.
  • Paraphernalia: Possessing drug paraphernalia, including, but not limited to, pipes, scales, bongs, blow tubes, and roach holders.
  • Possession/Use: Possessing or using any unauthorized substance identified as a controlled substance by North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 90, Article 5 (North Carolina Controlled Substances Act). Possessing or using legal hemp-derived consumables while under the legal age.
  • Public Intoxication: Being intoxicated in public attributable in part or in whole to the use of drugs.

  • Failure to Comply: Failing to comply with reasonable requests from University Officials.
  • Outcomes: Failing to comply with conduct or academic outcomes.
  • Unauthorized Disclosure: Sharing confidential conduct records without authorization.

  • Bomb Threat: Falsely reporting explosives.
  • Misleading: Furnishing false info to University/emergency personnel.
  • Fake ID: Possessing or using forged identification.
  • False Emergency: Falsely setting off a fire alarm.

  • Unauthorized Setting: Setting a fire without authorization.
  • Equipment Tampering: Misusing fire extinguishers or emergency gear.

  • Hazing is any intentional or reckless act connected with initiation/affiliation that creates a risk of physical or psychological injury.

  • Throwing objects (snowballs, foam darts) that could damage property or cause harm.

  • Treating an individual adversely because they filed a complaint or provided information.

  • Soliciting or fundraising on University premises without authorization.

  • Actions directed at a specific individual that place them in fear of harm (pursuing, unwanted gifts, etc.).

  • Taking or possessing the property of another without permission.

  • Entering elevator shafts, University premises, or the property of another without permission.

  • Intentionally or recklessly damaging or defacing property.

  • Committing acts in violation of federal, state, or local law.

  • Violating any written policies, regulations, or rules of the University.

  • Possession: Possessing any firearm or explosive on University premises without authorization.
  • Displaying/Brandishing: Displaying a Weapon in a manner that creates fear of harm.