University and System Policies

This is a VSCS Policy that applies to all institutions within the system. All students, faculty, staff, and temporary employees are expected to abide by these guidelines.

Vermont State University (VTSU) is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive learning and working environment. In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, VTSU has adopted and implemented a comprehensive program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on University premises or as part of any University activity. 

The unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensing, manufacture, or sale of alcohol, illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited on all University-owned, leased, or controlled property, and at any location during official University activities or while conducting University business. Misuse, sharing, or unauthorized use of prescription medications is also prohibited. Students and employees are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a way that endangers themselves or others or disrupts the University’s learning or work environment. Alcohol may only be served at University-sponsored events with prior written approval and in accordance with Vermont law and University policy. 

Violations of federal, state, or local drug and alcohol laws may result in serious legal consequences. Criminal sanctions for unlawful possession or distribution of controlled substances under federal law include fines, loss of federal financial aid, probation, and imprisonment. For instance, a first offense for illegal possession of a controlled substance may result in fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year. Vermont laws also impose penalties for driving under the influence and unlawful possession or distribution of substances. 

Use and abuse of alcohol and drugs carry significant health risks. These include impaired cognitive and motor function, liver and heart disease, depression, anxiety, addiction, memory loss, overdose, and death. Long-term misuse can lead to serious and irreversible health conditions, mental health disorders, and social and academic consequences. 

VTSU will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees who violate this policy. These may include mandatory participation in counseling or rehabilitation programs, educational interventions, suspension or expulsion from the University, termination of employment, referral to law enforcement, and loss of University privileges. All sanctions will be imposed in accordance with University policies, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and consistent with local, state, and federal law. 

Support services are available for members of the VTSU community affected by substance use. Students can access assistance through Student Wellness and the Dean of Students Office.  Employees can seek support through the University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Human Resources. Additionally, resources such as the Vermont Department of Health and the National Substance Abuse Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provide external support and treatment referrals. 

Each year, the University distributes this policy in writing to all employees and to every student enrolled for academic credit. Distribution may occur via email, the Student and Employee Handbooks, and University websites or portals. This annual notification includes the University’s standards of conduct, legal sanctions, health risks, available support resources, and disciplinary consequences, as required under 34 CFR Part 86. 

VTSU also conducts a biennial review of its alcohol and drug prevention program to determine its effectiveness, assess the consistency of disciplinary enforcement, and identify any needed changes. This review is coordinated by the Office of Student Affairs and Human Resources, with documentation retained for a minimum of three years. Additionally, the University certifies to the U.S. Department of Education that it has adopted and implemented this policy and prevention program as required by federal law. Records related to policy distribution, disciplinary actions, and program review will be retained for at least three fiscal years. 

Questions about this policy or requests for assistance can be directed to the Dean of Students’ Office, Human Resources, or Public Safety. 

Online Resources, Education and Training:

• Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-212-870-3400 or https://aa.org
• Narcotics Anonymous: 1-818-773-9999 or www.na.org
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE or www.thehotline.org
• National Drug Helpline: 1-844-289-0879 or http://drughelpline.org/
• National Institute on Drug Abuse/Treatment Hotline: 301-443-1124 or www.drugabuse.gov/nidahome.html
• National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-4347 or SAMHSA National Helpline
• Vt Helplink:  https://vthelplink.org/
• For further information, please refer to the official Vermont State Colleges Policy 306 on Alcohol and Substance use, available at: https://www.vsc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Policy-306-Alcohol-and-Substance-Use-Policy.pdf 

Substance-Free Residence Hall Areas

No possession or use of alcohol is permitted in substance-free designated areas, regardless of the student’s age. It is the student’s responsibility to know whether or not they are on a substance-free designated floor. There are signs on the hall doors of all substance-free floors.

Cannabis Policy

Though cannabis sale and use are legal within the State of Vermont, it is strictly prohibited at the University. Cannabis is still considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance under federal law, and the University must prevent its possession, use, or distribution by students and employees due to the funding the University receives from the U.S. government.

Permissible Alcohol Use

Only students over 21 years of age may possess or consume alcohol. They must be in a private residence hall space, not a lounge, hallway, or lobby.

Those of legal drinking age may not possess alcoholic beverages in the residence hall room of an underage student who is not their roommate.

Responsible alcohol consumption requires that a person’s actions are not disruptive, damaging, or threatening to themselves, others, or anyone’s property. When alcohol use is permitted, it is always a privilege, never a right.

Allowable Quantities

Each resident, who is twenty-one or older, is allowed to possess one of the following:

Students are not permitted to possess or use common sources of alcohol or devices intended for the rapid consumption of alcohol including, but not limited to: funnels; kegs; alcohol misting devices. Such items may be considered aggravating circumstances when considering appropriate sanctions.

Host Liability

When a guest who has consumed alcohol on the host’s premises does harm to themself, to a third party, or University or individual property, the host can be held liable. If the host supplies alcohol to a guest, then the host will be held responsible for injuries or damage to the guest or to third parties caused by the guest’s alcohol-influenced actions. If the host supplies alcohol to a minor, the host will also be responsible and liable for supplying alcohol to a minor, which is in violation of Vermont State Law.

Consumption and/or Possession of Alcohol by a Minor

Under Vermont State law, no one under 21 years of age is permitted to be in possession of any type of alcohol container. There are serious penalties for anyone under the age of twenty-one who purchases or attempts to purchase alcohol by misrepresenting their age or by falsifying identification. Minors may not be present in a room where alcohol is being consumed, even if the minor is not drinking and others in the room are of legal drinking age.

Drinking, Substance Abuse, and Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is against the law. Possession of open containers in motor vehicles on campus property is prohibited. Violators are subject to disciplinary action and will be referred to the Vermont State Police. Documented conviction of DUI charges may result in loss of campus vehicle privileges.

Substance Abuse

All community members are encouraged to become informed about substance abuse and its harmful effects. It is a serious problem that may require professional assistance and treatment. Students in need of assistance can seek information and confidential guidance at the Dean of Students. Staff in this office can also make referrals to outside agencies within the community.

If a student is worried about a friend, and this concern affects living habits, they are encouraged to seek help, both personally and for the other person while maintaining confidentiality.

Amnesty

Vermont State University considers the safety and well-being of our student body a priority. The University recognizes that there may be assistance needed for alcohol or other drug-related medical or safety emergencies and the potential for student conduct action or discipline could act as a deterrent to seeking help for themselves or others.

Vermont State University may offer immunity from disciplinary action that reporting students or the intoxicated/impaired individual may have committed. The University may, alternatively, consider educational opportunities in such cases.

Amnesty does not apply for subsequent alcohol or other drug-related medical or safety emergencies. This policy also does not grant amnesty from criminal, civil, or legal consequences for violations of Federal, State, or Local law. The University reserves the right to take disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis.

The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. The primary rights afforded to each student include, but are not limited to, the right to inspect and review their education records, the right to amend incorrect records, and the right to limit disclosure of information from the records. 

Vermont State University must have written permission from an enrolled student prior to releasing information from their educational record other than information defined as Directory information under the FERPA Policy (VSC Policy 312). By granting access to individuals such as parents or supporters, students give permission to release information about their academic performance, course enrollment, financial account, and financial aid.  

To authorize others to access their educational record or remove previously authorized access, a student should login to Self-Service, select User Options from the sidebar, and click on Student Records Release.  

I. Policy Statement 

Vermont State University (VTSU) is committed to eliminating and preventing hazing behavior and/or inappropriate team, group, club, or student organization bonding or initiation activities which humiliate, demean, or devalue the worth of another individual. The University supports only those activities which are constructive, educational, and inspirational and that contribute to the intellectual and personal development and well-being of students. 

No member of the Vermont State Colleges (VSC) community may participate or be involved in hazing. A student or employee will be subject to disciplinary action for: (1) engaging in hazing; (2) soliciting, directing, aiding or abetting, or attempting to aid or abet another person engaged in hazing; and (3) knowingly failing to take reasonable measures within the scope of the person’s authority to prevent hazing. It is not a valid defense against charges of hazing that the student against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity. 

II. Definition 

Hazing means any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization affiliated with the Vermont State Colleges or any member institution thereof, and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of a student. 

Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in such acts. Hazing occurs regardless of the consent or willingness of a person to participate. Hazing may occur on or off campus. 

Hazing does not include any activity that furthers legitimate curricular, extracurricular, or military training program goals, provided that (1) the goals are approved by the institution and (2) the activity furthers those goals in a manner that is appropriate and consistent with practices at other educational institutions. 

Definitions: 
– Organization: An athletic team, association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, or other similar group affiliated with VTSU whose members are primarily students. 
– Pledging: Any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization. 
– Student: Any individual currently registered, accepted, or intending to attend VTSU during a regular session. 

III. Prohibited Activities 

Specific actions and activities which are prohibited under this policy include, but are not limited to: 

• Initiation activities designed to humiliate, degrade, or abuse individuals. 
• Forcing or pressuring consumption of alcohol or drugs. 
• Physical alterations, forced grooming, or marking the body. 
• Exposure to indecent conduct or media. 
• Forced errands or tasks of servitude. 
• Exposure to unsafe or extreme environments. 
• Forced consumption of undesirable substances. 
• Activities inducing fear or emotional distress. 
• Unsupervised, extreme physical conditioning. 
• Criminal behavior or pranks. 
• Sleep deprivation or disruption. 
• Physical abuse, striking, or paddling. 
• Embarrassing or inappropriate public stunts. 
• Social exclusion, nudity, or exposure to pornography. 
• Applying or throwing substances at others. 
• Psychological harassment or ridicule. 

IV. Applicability 

This policy governs the conduct of all students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors on all Vermont State University campuses and property. University leaders, coaches, captains, student-athletes, and organization officers are expected to act with integrity, refrain from hazing, and report any incidents to appropriate advisors or administrators. 

V. Interpretation of Policy 

This policy is to be interpreted consistent with Vermont and Federal laws. 

VI. Reporting and Administrative Response 

Reports of hazing should be made to the Dean of Students or, in their absence, Public Safety. Public Safety will notify the Dean at the earliest opportunity. An investigation will begin immediately using the appropriate Code of Conduct or employee policy. If a crime may have been committed, and it is permissible under federal and state law, a report will be made to law enforcement. 

To file a report: 

1. File an online Incident Report
2. Contact Public Safety at PublicSafety@vermontstate.edu
3. Contact the Dean of Students at DeanOfStudents@Vermontstate.edu

VII. Sanctions 

Students found responsible for hazing may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Employees may face sanctions up to and including dismissal. Organizations that authorize or permit hazing may face suspension or revocation of recognition. 

VIII. Prevention and Awareness Programs 

VTSU will deliver campus-wide, research-informed hazing prevention and primary prevention programs. All students and employees will receive education on the Hazing Policy and appropriate reporting mechanisms. 

IX. Legal Reference and VSC Policy 

This policy aligns with Vermont state law on hazing, specifically 16 V.S.A. § 570j, which prohibits hazing in connection with educational institutions. 

For further information, please refer to the official Vermont State Colleges Policy 313 on Hazing.

It is the policy of Vermont State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and any other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities so that no such student shall, by reason of disability, be excluded from participating in or be denied the benefits of services, programs, or activities at the University.  Information about requesting accommodations can be found on the Disability Services resource pages.

As part of our commitment to health and wellness promotion and to be in compliance with the Vermont State law, students are required to complete and return an Immunization Record and a Health Form. Students will not be permitted to register for future academic classes or participate in a varsity sport until the immunization record is completed and received at the University. Exemptions for immunization requirements may only be granted for medical or religious reasons. For additional information on Vermont’s immunization laws, vaccine requirements, exemption forms, and related information, visit the Vermont Department of Health website or call the immunization program at 800.464.4343, ext. 7638.

Should a student have a medical or mental health condition that prevents them from continuing all their academic coursework for the remainder of the semester, a student may consider taking a Medical or Mental Health Leave of Absence (MLOA). A MLOA will withdraw the student from all courses currently being taken that academic semester. The student may submit a request for a MLOA to the VTSU Department of Health and Wellness. A medical leave request must be submitted no later than the last day of classes of the semester they would like to have medical leave from in ordered to be considered for any tuition reimbursements. MLOA requests after the last day of cases may not be considered for tuition reimbursements and will only be considered from withdrawals from all classes taken that semester up until 2 weeks after the last day of classes.

The process is as follows:

1. The student is encouraged to first collect any clinical documentation from a licensed or certified medical or mental health provider in the area identified as the medical/mental health concern which specifically states the student is unable to actively engage in their coursework due to the health concern. The provider must not have a personal relationship with the student.
2. The student emails Wellness@VermontState.edu stating they are requesting a MLOA and is encouraged to attach the supporting clinical documentation from a medical and/or mental health provider in the email. The student will be required to complete the Request for Voluntary Medical or Mental Health Withdrawal form, which will be sent to the student after receiving the request for an MLOA.
3. A brief meeting with the Director of Health and Wellness or designee will be set up to explain the meaning of a MLOA and review clinical documentation submitted to validate the reason for the MLOA. A plan for future re-entry into VTSU will be created during the meeting, including expectations to be accomplished in order to come back as a VTSU student.
4. Should the MLOA be accepted, students may be required by VTSU to sign releases of information for each of their medical/mental health providers that they plan to work with during their absence. This is so the provider can share information supporting the student’s progress, especially when the student is planning a quick return (such as coming back the following semester).

The Director of Health and Wellness and/or designee will consult with appropriate university departments, such as Health and Wellness, Dean of Students, Program Faculty, Student Success, or Residence Life staff, along with the student’s medical/mental health

providers, for clarification and assessment of student need before ruling on the leave MLOA request.

If the leave is approved, the student’s transcript will reflect withdrawals (Ws) for the semester. The student will be refunded or have their bill reduced as appropriate by Student Financial Services on a prorated basis determined by the approved exit date. The student will not be required to reapply to return to VTSU in the future unless otherwise indicated by the Dean of Students.

If a student is denied a MLOA, appeals will be heard by the Dean of Students. Requests for appeals must be made within 2 weeks of the MLOA denial directly through deanofstudents@vermontstate.edu with a summary of reason the student believes it should be overturned, any supporting clinical documents, and the denial letter attached.

If a student believes they have been discriminated against based on a protected category during this process and would like to report their concerns, they should reach out to the Title IX and Protected Rights Coordinator at TitleIXCoordinator@VermontState.edu to do so.

Students wanting to explore academic accommodations instead of a MLOA can connect with VTSU Disability Services by emailing DisabilityServices@VermontState.edu.

Extended Class Absence

On occasion, students may have a medical or mental health condition resulting in the need to leave school and/or miss class(es) for a limited time and still are able to continue for the rest of the semester. In such instances, students are expected to contact their Academic Advisor and instructors to make arrangements to stay current in their courses. Instructors have the discretion to determine whether such absences are excused for the purposes of course requirements. If there are questions or concerns, the student may reach out directly to their instructors, their Academic Advisor, Student Success Advisor, or the Director of Health and Wellness to explore options in such cases. Each academic program may have their own procedure on how to manage an extended class absence and this will need to be discussed directly with faculty and staff within the academic department.

Re-enrollment Requirements

To re-enroll after a MLOA, a person must demonstrate that the circumstances leading to their leave have been satisfactorily addressed, they are ready to resume their studies, and they are ready to return to residential living (if applicable). This process must start at least 60 calendar days before the first day of classes when they would like to return. The process is as following:

1. The student reaches out to the Director of Health and Wellness at Wellness@VermontState.edu sharing their intent to re-enroll. Based on the circumstances, the Director of Health and Wellness or assigned designee will work with the student on next steps.
2. The University will provide the student with the necessary documents they must complete for re-enrollment. Included will be documents to be completed by a licensed or certified medical/mental health professional that does not have a personal relationship with the student. Documentation from the provider is required to reflect a treatment plan prescribed during the student’s time away from the University and reflect readiness to return to coursework and (if applicable) residential living.
3. A meeting will be held with the student and the Director of Health and Wellness or designee to review submitted documents and explore readiness to return to academics and college life. The Director of Health and Wellness or designee may need to contact the provider for clarification concerning the student’s readiness to return to coursework and (if applicable) residential living if it is not clear in the clinical documentation submitted. A release of information form will need to be signed by the student so information can be shared, and service coordination completed.
4. From information gathered in the above process, the decision will be made by the Dean of Students and Director of Health and Wellness or designee concerning re-admittance. On campus support services or continuation of current services may be encouraged or required based on level of need and progress.
5. If it is deemed the student is ready to return, the student will be connected with their previous academic advisor or the Registrar’s office depending on how long they have been away. A connection with a Student Success Advisor staff for the student’s first semester will also be designated on an as needed basis.

If a student is denied re-enrollment, they may appeal the decision through writing to the Vice President of Student Success or designee within 2 weeks of receiving the denial. Included should be a summary of reasons the student believes it should be overturned, any supporting clinical documents, and the denial letter attached.

All member institutions of the VSCS must abide by the tobacco use reduction and prevention policy. View the VSCS Policy.

VSC Policy 311 (see also Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking VSC Policy 311-A)  

Pets are not permitted in the residence halls. If you would like to have an emotional support animal on campus, (ESA) you must submit your requests to Disability Services for approval. The approval process should be completed prior to moving on campus and can take between two and four weeks. Information about ESAs can be found on the Disability Services resource page.  You can contact Disability Services at disabilityservices@vermontstate.edu. 

Students with a Service Animal should communicate with Disability Services in advance if the student plans to reside on campus so that roommate arrangements can be made.  

No dogs or other animals, with the exception of aquarium fish, service or emotional support animals for people with disabilities, and animals housed in academic buildings for scientific research, are allowed in University buildings. Any dogs on campus must be on a leash and may not be left unattended, in a vehicle, or tied up.

This Policy provides guidance to all members of the Vermont State Colleges System (“VSCS”)
community on how to protect Minors from abuse, including sexual abuse, and neglect and
provides information on mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect under Vermont law.

View VSC Policy 316

VSC Policy 311-A (see also Non-discrimination and Prevention of Harassment and Related Unprofessional Conduct VSC Policy 311)

Vermont State University encourages and supports the use of social media by individual departments and programs. Social media accounts are meant to drive engagement between students, alumni, faculty, staff, prospective students, friends, and fans of the University. We expect all users of social media accounts representing Vermont State University to operate according to university policies, social media guidelines, and best practices.

All University departments and programs with social media accounts are required to obtain approval and register their accounts with the Marketing Department and provide administrative access or login credentials. Violations of social media guidelines could result in offending posts being removed, college-affiliated accounts being suspended or terminated, and conduct issues being referred to the Dean of Students.

Vermont State University (VTSU) welcomes all students to live on campus regardless of academic level or learning modality. Students residing in the residence halls are required to participate in a campus dining plan unless otherwise noted.  It is a condition of admission that all traditional aged (< 23), full-time, undergraduate, matriculated students enrolled in person and in person plus academic programs live in a university residence hall and purchase a meal plan until they have earned 60 credits. Some scholarships require students to live on campus through degree completion. VTSU adheres to a policy requiring first and second year students to live on campus because participation in the social, cultural, and recreational opportunities of campus life enhances the formal learning that takes place within the academic community.

Residential contracts are licenses to live in the designated space which are binding for the entire academic year in which the student is enrolled at the University. Flexibility does exist for students looking to move from one campus to another between semesters, as well as for students looking to relocate within their campus. New students seeking to live on campus must submit a housing contract as part of the enrollment process.  Current students will participate in the room selection process each spring semester to secure a room on campus for the upcoming academic year. If you require housing accommodations, please contact Disability Services at disabilityservices@vermontstate.edu.

Students who meet one or more of these conditions may be automatically exempt from this policy:

• Commute from their parent/guardian home within 30 miles of the campus location
• Are age 23 or will turn 23 on or before the start of the spring semester
• Are married or partners of a civil union
• Are a parent with custody of their child(ren)
• Have already lived on a college campus for four semesters
• Have completed 60 or more credits
• Are completing an internship, teaching practicum, or assistantship outside the area. The internship, teaching practicum, or assistantship must meet these criteria:
  • Necessary to fulfill graduation requirements
  • Occurs off-site 30 or more miles from your home campus
  • Requires 480 or more hours for the semester
  • The internship, teaching practicum, or assistantship must appear on the student’s schedule for the semester in which the exemption is requested.

Students should contact the Residence Life Office if they have questions or are seeking a waiver from the requirement to live on campus.

Residents may be obligated to prematurely vacate their room for several reasons including, but not limited to: a) Any resident who fails to pay any fee or assessment, unless properly deferred or waived, as required for residence, will have their housing agreement cancelled. b) If the continued presence of a resident would constitute a danger to the resident, or to the safety of persons, or to the property in the apartments/residence halls, or would pose a threat of disruptive interference with the normal conduct of apartment/residence hall activities and functions, or if otherwise warranted due to the seriousness of a student’s behavior, the University may suspend the student’s privilege of on-campus housing. c) Resident is dismissed or withdraws from the University or from classes, or if the student’s course load falls below full-time status. Exceptions are made for approved underloads and the semester in which a student is graduating. 

Vermont State University (VTSU) prohibits the possession of weapons, replicas and facsimiles of weapons, or dangerous items at any of its locations. Weapons or dangerous items include, but are not limited to, firearms, dirks, daggers (including “Vampire Straws”), ice picks, blackjacks, whips, metal knuckles, nunchaku, knives with a blade longer than three (3) inches (except for lawful use in food preparation or consumption), razors with an unguarded blade, tasers, stun guns, instruments that expel a metallic projectile (such as a BB or a pellet), spot marker guns (commonly known as a “paintball guns”), compressed air, gas, or spring actuated (airsoft) guns, fireworks, or other explosive devices. It is also a violation of this policy to use any item (i.e., scissors, baseball bat) in a manner that could or does result in an act of violence or a threat of violence against another person.

The use of a chemical irritant (e.g., pepper spray) will not be a violation of this policy if used solely for self-defense. Certified Law Enforcement Officers may wear a firearm or other weapon at a VTSU location in accordance with appropriate federal, state, and local law and their department policy, rules, and regulations.

In addition to prohibited weapons, ammunition is not allowed to be stored or possessed in university-owned, leased, and controlled buildings. Further, prohibited weapons, dangerous items, and ammunition may not be stored in any vehicles parked on property owned, leased, or controlled by Vermont State University.

For purposes of this policy, Vermont State University locations shall include all the lands, buildings, and facilities owned, leased, or controlled by Vermont State University. In addition, this policy applies to participants representing VTSU in a VTSU-related activity, even if not at a VTSU location. In the event a federal, state, county, or local law or ordinance is more restrictive than this policy, those laws or ordinances shall apply.

Requests for an exemption from this policy for academic, athletic, recreational, theatrical, club, or conference purposes may be requested in writing to the Dean of Students for Vermont State University. Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and evaluated by the Dean of Students, Director of Public Safety, and Associate Directors of Public Safety. 

The Vermont State University Departments of Public Safety do not provide facilities for the storage of firearms.