The University policies contained within this publication are abstracted from their original sources. Students who have questions about these policies are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office (2001 C.B. Hedgcock Building, 227-1700 for additional information.

Northern Michigan University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, familial status, handicap/disability, sexual orientation or veteran status in employment or the provision of services, and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities.

The University has a grievance procedure designed to afford an opportunity for students and employees to exercise or protect their rights to be free from discrimination pursuant to federal law, State law, or Northern Michigan University policy.

Students with civil rights concerns should contact the Equal Opportunity Specialist, Human Resources, 502 Cohodas Administrative Center (227-2420).  Faculty and Staff should contact the Equal Opportunity Specialist.

Northern Michigan University formally affirms its commitment to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in any aspect of University life including, but not limited to, physical plant access, employment, services, and the academic process. To this end, Northern Michigan University declares its intention to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all other applicable federal and state disability law.

The University shall offer appropriate and reasonable accommodations and shall establish and make known the procedures for obtaining those accommodations. Furthermore, the University shall offer consultation, assistance and problem resolution to the University community through the office of the ADA Coordinator and shall provide information regarding other applicable University processes.

Student complaints concerning disability law compliance are resolved according to the Northern Michigan University Civil Rights Grievance Procedure. Students having questions or concerns about disability law compliance at Northern Michigan University should contact Christine Greer, the ADA Coordinator (2001 C.B. Hedgcock Building) to obtain and review a copy of the Civil Rights Grievance Procedure.

As a condition of enrollment, all students are required to report at the beginning of each semester the local address at which they will be living.  Changes of address between residence hall rooms may be arranged at the reception desk in the hall where the student has been living.  Other changes of address must be filed within five class days of the change.

Every enrolled student automatically receives a university computer account which provides access to instructional files and software, e-mail, free dial-in access from off campus and other resources.  Students are required to maintain this account which will be used by the University to send time-critical information to students.  The University will use a student's NMU e-mail account as its primary means of communicating official University business, including legally required information.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in summary termination of enrollment by the Dean of Students.

As a condition of enrollment students shall be held responsible for all fees, fines, maintenance and damage charges, or other financial obligations which they have incurred with the University.

College is a time of change for most students. Experiences both in and out of the classroom contribute to gains in student knowledge and skills, psychological and social development, and changes in both values and attitudes. The more actively involved they are in those experiences, the more they are likely to learn and develop.

Residence halls, primarily through the unique interpersonal environment and opportunities for involvement and participation they provide, are positively linked to many of the gains experienced by the students who live in them. Residence hall communities maximize opportunities for social involvement for students and it is that involvement, for the most part, that accounts for the contributions made toward the gains they experience.

Northern Michigan University’s requirement for on campus residence is intended to provide students with a living environment rich with opportunities for personal growth and social development, especially those which result from interaction with others, participation in community development activities, and involvement in other aspects of campus life.

Residence hall staff encourage and support out-of-classroom learning and development through a range of services including building management and supervision, communication and guidance, community building, leadership development, connection with and referral to other University activities, programs, and services, etc.

Only currently enrolled Northern Michigan University students and/or other persons who have received official housing assignments may live in University residence halls.

.01 Applicability

All Northern Michigan University students taking classes on the University's campus.

.02 Condition

All single undergraduate students shall live in University residence halls while enrolled for classes at Northern Michigan University, provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to those undergraduates who:

• Have reached junior status (56 or more hours of college credit) prior to registration for classes for the fall semester, or
• Have resided four or more semesters in residence halls, or
• Are twenty-one (21) years of age or older on or before the last official day of registration for the fall semester, or
  
• Are residing at home with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or
  
• Are veterans who qualify for veterans' benefits by virtue of at least one year of active service in the armed forces, or
  
• Are taking eight (8) or less credits during the semester in question.

.03 Policy

This housing requirement is a Condition of Enrollment which must be met throughout the academic year, including spring and summer sessions.

• Enforcement: All single undergraduates who do not qualify to live off campus according to the provisions stated above must reside in a University residence hall or present evidence that an exception to the policy has been granted. Those students for whom the Housing Requirement is a Condition of Enrollment will be asked to verify their adherence to it. Enforcement of the Housing Requirement is the responsibility of the Dean of Students. Failure to maintain the required residency will result in termination of enrollment by the Dean of Students.
  
• Housing Contract: A residence hall contract obligates the student to pay for room an board for the period stated in the terms of the contract. All students, regardless of age or class standing, are obligated by these contract terms and conditions for the duration of the contract unless a release from the contract is authorized. (Note: An application for release from the residence hall contract may be obtained from the student's resident director or from the Housing and Residence Life Office.)
  
• Exceptions: Any student may apply for an exception to the Housing Requirement due to serious medical reasons, one or more disabilities, critical financial circumstances, or other extenuating circumstances which may prevent him or her from complying with the Requirement. Requests for an exception to the Housing Requirement will be accepted at any time prior to the last official day of registration of the semester for which the exception is being requested. Information on the application procedure may be obtained by contacting the Housing and Residence Life Office located in 2101 C.B. Hedgcock Building, Marquette, Michigan 49855 (phone 906/227-2622, e-mail housing@nmu.edu).

Applications from students who wish to be considered for an exception to the Housing Requirement due to financial or extenuating circumstances will be acted upon by the Director of Housing and Residence Life or his or her designee.

Appeals for denials to requests for exceptions to the Housing Requirement, in cases where the procedure has been followed correctly, may be submitted in written form to the Director of Housing and Residence Life within 10 class days of the date that the decision was mailed or handed to the student for referral to the Housing Appeals Committee. The membership of the Housing Appeals Committee will consist of the Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life who will serve as the non-voting chairperson, two staff or faculty members appointed by the Associate Provost for Student Services and Enrollment, and one student recommended by the Residence Hall Presidents' Roundtable. The decision of the Housing Appeals Committee is final.

Information and recommendations from other appropriate University personnel may be taken into account when and application for an exception to the Housing Requirement is considered.

The academic proficiency policy defines the academic standards students must.  Students must maintain a minimum of 2.00 to be in academic good standing.  Students with GPA below this level will be placed on academic probation and will have to attain certain semester GPA requirements to remain at NMU (see Academic Probation Standards).

Students are notified of their academic status via their end of semester grade report.  Any questions regarding academic proficiency should be referred to the Academic & Career Advisement Center, 3302 C.B. Hedgcock, (906) 227-2971.

.01     Good Standing Students with a minimum NMU GPA of 2.00 or higher are considered to be in good standing.

.02     Academic Probation

Students with a GPA that falls below a 2.00 (or those initially admitted to the University on probation) will be placed on academic probation and must meet certain semester GPA requirements based on the Academic Probation Standards (below).  Students who fail to meet these requirements will be suspended from the University.  Students remain on academic probation until they attain good standing (2.00 overall GPA).

Students on academic probation will also have to meet certain requirements of their probation including, but not limited to, meeting with their academic adviser on a prescribed basis, enrollment in developmental courses, repeating appropriate coursework, etc.

.03    Immediate Academic Suspension

New freshmen and transfer students who have 8 or more credit hours and a GPA of less than 1.00 in their first semester of enrollment will be suspended immediately.

.04    Academic Suspension

Any student on academic probation who fails to attain specific semester GPA requirements (see Academic Probation Standards) will be suspended from the University.  

.05     Academic Dismissal

Students who have previously been academically suspended from NMU, re-enter, and are academically suspended again, are dismissed from the University.

Academic Probation Standards

This table provides a quick reference to the semester GPA that students on academic probation must attain to remain at NMU.

Northern Michigan University believes in the freedom of students to express opinions and communicate ideas through writing, publishing, and distributing student publications and other written materials. In order to provide that freedom within an orderly framework, the following regulations are established for the distribution or sale of materials which are written, edited, published, or distributed by Northern Michigan University students.

Within the confines of any building under University control or dedicated to the purposes or activities of the University, student publications shall be sold, picked up, passed hand-to-hand, or otherwise distributed in the following manner:

• on a free-will pick-up basis in public areas of residence halls, provided the residence hall establishes such a place.
• in public areas of University buildings other than residence halls that have been established for the distribution of student publications by the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Programs in consultation with representatives of those buildings. Building representatives may establish procedures for managing the distribution of materials.

Outside the confines of University buildings, student publications shall be sold, given, picked up, passed hand-to-hand, or otherwise distributed by means which do not obstruct access to, or egress from, any building or interfere with institutional programs and normal maintenance of grounds or structures under University control. Materials cannot be placed on vehicles, poles, posts, signs, outside walls of buildings, doors, or windows.

Written materials cannot be posted on University property except in accordance with the Posting Materials Policy. (See Section 3.13 of this publication.)

Non-student materials must obtain approval from the Dean of Students.

A copy of materials that are to be distributed must be submitted in advance to the Student Activities and Leadership Programs Office along with the name of a contact person of the sponsoring organization and/or sponsoring individual. This requirement will be waived for publications that are distributed on a regular basis (i.e., the North Wind).

General Policy: It is the policy of the Board of Control and the University to foster a spirit of free inquiry and to encourage the timely discussion of a wide variety of issues, provided that the views expressed are stated openly and, therefore, are subject to critical evaluation. Restraints on free inquiry should be held to that minimum which is consistent with preserving an organized society in which peaceful, democratic means for change are available.

This policy shall apply to every event held on campus and sponsored by a student organization or

Registered student organizations may invite speakers to the campus subject to the following conditions:

.01    For purposes of coordinating such public meetings with the calendar of other activities taking place on University property, the sponsoring organization must (a) complete the Activity Request Form, indicating among other things, the names of all speakers, and the time and place of the meeting, the form to be certified by the signature of an officer of the organization, and (b) complete the Audio Visual Request Form for sound amplifying equipment, when necessary. These forms are available at the Student Activities and Leadership Programs Office, University Center.

.02    The speaker may not incite the audience to take unlawful action and to violate regulations essential to the orderly administration of the University.

.03    Where a monetary fee is involved, agreements between an organization and a speaker should be in writing and signed by an officer of the organization. Contract forms are available in the Student Activities Office.

.04    It shall be the responsibility of the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Programs to certify that all appropriate steps have been taken before the event is officially scheduled.

The University respects and preserves the individual student's right of privacy. The University is also charged with the responsibility to maintain the University residence halls as the basis for the living and learning experience of campus communal life, including the responsibility to maintain rules and regulations for the promotion of an orderly academic atmosphere and living environment. The following policy has been established to ensure that these rights and responsibilities will be safeguarded.

Any entry of student residence hall rooms by persons acting on behalf of the University, including designees of either the Director of Housing and Residence Life or the Dean of Students, relating to the observance or enforcement of University regulations must conform to the requirements of either a Warrant Entry or a Counseling Entry as described in this Policy. An entry of student residence hall rooms by persons acting on behalf of the University for maintenance purposes must conform to the requirements of a Maintenance Entry.

Please review the Policy Regarding Entry into and Search of Residence Hall Rooms.

A Warrant Entry is an entry of a student room by a designee of the Director of Housing and Residence Life or the Dean of Students upon a warrant signed by a designated faculty member from the Student-Faculty Judiciary, or the Associate Provost for Student Services and Enrollment if the faculty member is unavailable, authorizing the designee to search that room for a specified article or articles which, if found, may be removed and used as evidence against a student. Such a warrant shall only be signed in response to a written application made and signed by a representative of the Director of Housing and Residence Life or the Dean of Students affirming facts which constitute probable cause to believe that the room contains evidence of a violation of University regulations. A copy of the warrant must be left in the room at the time of entry.

A Counseling Entry is an entry of a student room by a designee of the Director of Housing and Residence Life or the Dean of Students having reasonable grounds to believe that it is reasonably necessary, in aid of the University's responsibility to maintain an orderly academic atmosphere or living environment, to enter that room for the purpose of either (a) counseling with the occupants concerning the observance of University regulations or (b) removing articles, the presence of which is a violation of University regulations or which are reasonably likely to be used or consumed in conjunction with a violation of University regulations. The student occupant in possession of an article removed in the course of a Counseling Entry, other than alcoholic beverages and containers or articles which cannot lawfully be returned to the student, will be given a receipt which can be presented for return of the article at the end of the academic year or earlier expiration or termination of the student's housing contract.

A Maintenance Entry is an entry for maintenance purposes, including routine facility inspections, improvements and repairs, and securing the room. Reasonable prior notice will be given to the occupant unless immediate entry is necessary due to a critical maintenance need or at the request of the student.

No article which is removed or identified in the course of a Counseling Entry or a Maintenance Entry or which is obtained in violation of the intent of this Policy or state or federal law shall be used as evidence against a student. A designee of either the Director of Housing and Residence Life or the Dean of Students making either a Warrant Entry or a Counseling Entry shall make reasonable efforts to secure the consent of room occupants at the time of such entry. Incidents of entry or search which are carried out in violation of the intent of this Policy may be reported by the student in accordance with the procedures established in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document.

Nothing in this Policy shall be construed as preventing an independent search by a law enforcement officer (including a deputized officer from Public Safety and Police Services) acting on behalf of civil authority incident to a search warrant as provided by law.

The mission of Northern Michigan University is to create and maintain an academic community where the best teaching and learning are available.  Inherent in this mission are numerous challenges, not the least of which is managing the misuse of alcohol and the use of illicit drugs by members of the University Community and their guests.  In meeting this challenge, the University: (1) supports State laws regarding the possession and use of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, (2) recognizes that most people in the University community behave responsibly when it comes to the use of alcohol and other drugs, (3) affirms that the decision to drink alcohol or use drugs is a matter of personal choice and responsibility, (4) realizes alcohol and illicit drug use are influenced by many factors, (5) acknowledges that many serious personal and social problems are associated with misuse of alcohol and the use of illicit drugs, and (6) realizes that the efforts to address those problems need to be reviewed continuously.

The University is firmly against the misuse of alcohol and the use of illicit drugs.  The negative effect on relationships, individual performance, health, safety, and on the overall quality of the University community resulting from the misuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs cannot be tolerated.  It is recognized that the quality of the University's environment rests with all members of the community.  In view of this, students, faculty, and staff must establish community standards and practices which will insist upon responsible behavior from those who choose to use alcohol, support those who choose not to use alcohol or illicit drugs, and conduct themselves as appropriate role models.

In order to minimize the negative impact alcohol and illegal drug use have on the campus learning environment, the goals for the University with regard to alcohol and drug use are:

.01     To establish and maintain a campus environment where healthy lifestyle choices are made by all members of the University community.

.02     To support members of the University community who choose not to use alcohol or drugs.

.03     To encourage members of the University community to create and participate in activities which are substance free.

.04     To educate members of the University community about the effects of alcohol and other drug use.

.05     To enforce on University property applicable laws and regulations regarding alcohol and other drug use.

.06     To provide assistance (e.g., intervention, assessment, training, counseling, and/or referral) for members of the University community with regard to drug use and problem alcohol use.

These goals must be taken into consideration when existing policies, procedures, and practices pertaining to alcohol and illicit drug use are being reviewed and new ones are developed.

The use, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in University residence halls except provided in this policy. The University may designate residence halls and apartments, or areas within residence halls or apartments, which are reserved for upperclassmen and students 21 year of age and older, as places in which the use, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted under the following conditions:

• Alcohol (except kegs of beer and other common sources of alcohol which are specifically prohibited under this policy) may be used, possessed, and consumed within the designated residence hall(s) in the privacy of the resident's room by the resident and by invited guests, all of whom must have attained the legal age.
• Alcohol (except kegs of beer and other common sources of alcohol which are specifically prohibited under this policy) may be used, possessed, and consumed by residents of University-owned apartments who are 21 years of age or older and their invited guests who are 21 years of age or older within the confines of their assigned apartments in compliance with state law.
• Alcohol may be used, possessed, and consumed by residents of designated residence halls and on-campus apartments and their invited guests, all of whom must have attained the legal age, in the designated area where alcohol is permitted.
• The official student governing organization and the Resident Director of a residence hall or Woodland Park, which has a living unit that has been designated as a place where alcohol may be used, possessed, and consumed, may establish a "common area," excluding the main lobby. Alcoholic beverages may be possessed and consumed in this "common area" by the residents of such living units and their invited guests at group sponsored functions that have been approved by the respective student governing organization and the Director of Housing and Residence Life or designee, subject to the following conditions and in compliance with State law:
  • Alcoholic beverages may not be sold or given away.
  • Residents and their invited guests who have attained legal age for consumption of such beverages may consume only their own alcoholic beverages.
  • Beer kegs and other common sources of alcohol are prohibited.
  • Persons under 21 years of age are not permitted to use, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages.

The Director of Housing and Residence Life, Assistant Directors of Housing and Residence Life, Coordinator of Apartment Services, or Resident Directors may determine at any time that the privilege of use, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in a living unit designated area, or common area has been abused, whereupon the privilege shall be suspended in that living unit, designated area, or common area until reinstated (with or without special conditions) by the Director of Housing and Residence Life. The privilege of use, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated residence halls during summer sessions or periods when the University is not in session may be suspended irrespective of a determination of abuse. Requests for housing assignments to areas in residence halls where alcoholic beverages are prohibited will be accommodated to the fullest extent possible.

Alcoholic beverages may be used in other areas designated by the University as areas in which consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted upon such terms and conditions as may be established by the President or designee.

Use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all areas of the Northern Michigan University campus and field stations except as permitted under this regulation and the University's Class C Liquor License.

Events held within the Don H. Bottum University Center and Superior Dome at which alcoholic beverages are to be served must comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The University's Class C Liquor Licenses are limited to designated areas within the University Center and the Superior Dome.  The Dining Services Department administers the licenses.  The University Alcohol Beverage Committee which consists of the Assistant Director of Dining Services, Director of Student Activities, the Dean of Students, Health Promotion Specialist, Director of the University Center, Director of Public Safety, Director of Recreational Facilities and Services, or the designee of these individuals, assists with the implementation of this policy.  The composition of the committee will vary depending on whether an event involving alcohol is to be held at the Superior Dome or the University Center.

Events sponsored by student organizations or university departments where alcohol is requested will invoke special conditions:

• If a student organization: The organization's advisor or a faculty/staff member must be present during the hours while a bar is in operation.
• If a university group or department: A faculty or staff member responsible for the group must be present during the hours a bar is in operation.

Non-University individuals or groups will not be permitted to sponsor events involving alcoholic beverages on University property.  The following are the exceptions:

• Organizations under the sponsorship of the Northern Michigan University Development Fund.
  
• Individuals who have a relationship with the University will be permitted to sponsor events that include alcohol in the University Center and Superior Dome.  Relationship is defined in a letter dated January 24, 1995 to the President and Board of Control from the Michigan Department of Commerce, Liquor Control Commission. (Copy of Letter can be found in the Dean of Students Office.)

Events involving alcohol may be scheduled in the conference rooms of the University Center and at the Superior Dome. Other locations will require a special one-day license initiated with the Food and Beverage Manager and approved by the President and the Director of Public Safety.

The location or placement of the bar shall be determined by the University Center Food and Beverage Manager, with the approval of the Director of the University Center or the Superior Dome Manager or his or her designee, depending upon the nature of the event and the sponsoring organization or group. If it is anticipated that minors will be attending the event then the University Alcohol Beverage Committee will decide upon the placement of the bar as described below in the section entitled "Control".

The Don H. Bottum University Center and Superior Dome regular hours of operation dictate that events will not continue past 11:00 p.m., Sunday-Thursday and 12:00 midnight on Friday and Saturday.  The University Alcohol Beverage Committee or the Director of the University Center or the Superior Dome Manager will consider requests for extensions of events beyond these times on a case-by-case basis.  Under no circumstances will a bar be kept open past 12:00 midnight.

Both university and non-university organizations will be assessed the appropriate room rental charges for events where alcohol is served.  Sponsoring groups will also be responsible for the approved minimum bar charge.  As per policy, student organizations will be exempt from room rental charges unless the sponsoring organization assesses a cover charge.  As per policy, rental charges for the Don H. Bottum University Center may be waived for sponsoring organizations if the event includes food service at a level that is deemed to be significant. The Director of the University Center, or his or her designee, will make this determination.

If it is anticipated that minors will be attending an event, the University Alcohol Beverage Committee will be responsible for determining whether or not alcohol will be allowed, the placement of the bar, and any conditions that will be imposed.  If alcohol is allowed, the sponsoring individuals or organization will be required to provide a plan to the committee stating the measures that will be taken to prevent minors from obtaining, purchasing, or consuming alcohol during the event.  Options could include a separate room requiring those entering to be at least 21 years of age and alcohol to not be allowed out of that area, or the use of wrist bands identifying those at least 21 years of age; however, the committee will also consider other proposed options.

The university staff responsible for the serving of alcohol has the authority to shut down the bar during any event where there are suspected violations of this policy, the regulations of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, or any other laws concerning the servicing or distribution of alcoholic beverages.  The event itself may be allowed to continue without alcohol.

The Dean of Students or designee will notify the parent or legal guardian of a student who is under 21 years of age and has had either (1) a serious alcohol and/or other drug violation of the Student Code, e.g. required medical treatment or evaluation or had another violation such as destruction of property or disorderly conduct in combination with the alcohol and/or other drug offense, or (2) more than one violation of the alcohol and/or other drug regulations of the Student Code. Parental notification for a serious alcohol and/or other drug violation will be at the discretion of the Dean of Students.

Attempted or threatened suicide or self-inflicted physical harm is an occasional form of student behavior with which the University is unsuited to cope on any but the most temporary basis. This is so primarily because, as an institution of higher education, the University aims to provide students with a great deal of individual freedom to think, to speak and to act. (See Student Rights and Responsibilities, December, 1994.)

Physically self-destructive behavior, however, simply cannot be ignored. Therefore, unless such behavior is to be permitted to cause profound changes in the activities of University faculty, staff and other students, it may be necessary to withdraw students who manifest such behavior from the University, subject only to the possibility of conditional reinstatement during compliance with the terms of a behavioral contract between the student and the University. Aside from the possibility of such a contract, the risk to the student requires that such withdrawal may be carried out administratively and as promptly as possible.

Where student withdrawal occurs under this policy, every effort will be made to minimize adverse academic and financial consequences of withdrawal, consistent with existing University policies applicable to grades and refunds. Re-entry of the affected student will be approved at the earliest practicable date after it is made to appear that self-destructive behavior is not likely to recur.

Self-destructive Behavior shall be understood to mean and include (a) an attempt or attempts on the part of an individual to end his/her life or to inflict serious bodily harm on himself or herself by any means capable of producing such result, and (b) a serious threat or threats on the part of an individual to employ such means for such purpose.

A complete copy of this policy is available in the Dean of Students Office (2001 C.B. Hedgcock, 227-1700). Members of the University community who have questions regarding this policy and its application should contact the Dean of Students Office.

Northern Michigan University attempts to provide adequate means for publicizing events and activities sponsored by University departments, student organizations and individual members of the faculty, staff, and student body. Promotional opportunities may also be provided on a limited basis for cultural, recreational, social, and educational events and activities occurring in the local area that are deemed to be of interest to the University community. In the administration of this service, the University requires that the following regulations shall apply to all notices, posters, signs, banners, and table tents posted or set up on University property.

All notices, posters, signs, banners, and table tents must be registered for posting at the Student Activities and Leadership Programs Office before they are displayed (except as provided below in 3.13.2.04). Materials which are not registered may not be posted.

.01    In general, commercial advertising materials will not be approved. Materials promoting activities for personal or private gain will not be approved for posting in posting areas.

.02    Registration of posting material is an indication that the material meets the requirements of the Posting Materials Policy. It is not in any way intended to imply that an activity or event being publicized has received approval.

.03    Except as provided below in 3.13.2.04, posters, signs, banners, and table tents must be stamped with the "Registered for Posting" stamp and dated before they are displayed.

.04    Registration will permit posting to continue for up to 4 weeks but not later than the dates of an activity that is being promoted. Under no circumstances will posting of materials other than those pertaining to official University business continue beyond the end of the current semester.

.05    Guidelines for posting materials in residence hall and apartment living areas and faculty and staff offices are determined by the supervisors of those areas.  Materials for these areas, however, must still be approved for posting in the Student Activities & Leadership Programs Office.

.06    Chalk messages on sidewalks to promote events or activities must be 20 feet or more away from building entrances.

.01   Posters, signs, and banners must be approved and stamped with the "Registered for Posting" stamp (obtained at the Student activities & Leadership Programs Office) and dated for a specific time period before they are displayed.  Pre-approval (for large quantity orders) may be obtained by brining the "design copy" to the Student Activities & Leadership Programs Office before printing.

.02    Notices, posters, or signs may be placed only on bulletin boards, "Approved Posting Areas," or similar locations designated for such purposes.  Please note:  A listing of these locations is available in the Student Activities & Leadership Programs Office.

.03    Notices, posters, or signs may not be placed on poles, posts, signs, trees, vehicles, outside walls of buildings, doors, windows, glass, transparent partitions, University directional cubes, light poles, or painted surfaces not marked as posting areas.  Notices, posters, or signs shall not be placed in a manner or location that may obscure or mark exit signs, fire alarm boxes, safety rails, fire extinguisher cases, hand rails, and like devices installed as safety equipment in a building.

.04    Posting materials shall be posted in such a manner as not to deface or damage the surface to which they are attached. Masking tape is an acceptable means of securing materials to a surface. Scotch or Scotch-type tapes are not allowed in affixing posting materials, nor are liquid paste or cement of any type.

.05    In buildings where posting areas and bulletin boards have been designated for specific purposes (items for sale, roommate wanted, etc.), postings need not be registered but must be placed accordingly.

.06    A limit of one (1) notice, poster, or sign concerning the same material is permitted for each posting area or bulletin board.

.07    Materials placed in posting areas may not exceed 17" x 23".

.08    The name of the sponsoring organization or department must be clearly displayed on each item being posted.

.01    Banners may be hung outdoors for a maximum of one week with approval from the Director or Assistant Director of Student Activities & Leadership Programs.

.02    Outdoor banners may not be hung in a manner which damages or defaces trees, shrubs, or buildings.

.03    Banners may not be placed on the exterior of a building without specific approval of the building manager.

.04    Banners may be placed indoors only when permission for a specific location and time period is obtained from the Student Activities and Leadership Programs Office.

.05    It is the responsibility of the individual or organization hanging a banner to take it down by the date agreed upon.

.01    Table advertisements will only be displayed in tri-panel holders.  Loose table advertisements will not be permitted on dining room tables.

.02    Student organizations, offices, and departments will be able to reserve on of two time slots each week (Monday-Wednesday or Thursday-Sunday) through the Student Activities & Leadership Programs Office.  Time slots can be reserved for anytime during the academic year.

.03    Once a time slot has been reserved, a total of 260 table advertisements measuring 4" x 6" and printed on a heavy paper stock (65#, 80#, or 110#), needs to be delivered to the Student Activities & Leadership Programs Office by either 11 a.m. Friday (for Monday-Wednesday display) or 11 a.m. Wednesday (for Thursday-Sunday display).  Table advertisements that are smaller than 4" x 6" or on a lighter-weight paper will not be accepted.

.04    Table advertisements will be placed in holders by members of the Dining Services staff only.  Individuals/organizations/departments are not to place table advertisements in the holders.

Individuals or organizations failing to comply with posting policy guidelines may jeopardize future posting privileges. Individuals or organizations failing to comply may also be liable for damage and/or clean-up costs if any are incurred. Posted materials which are not in compliance with the regulations will be removed by the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Programs or his/her designee.

Materials which are in violation of other University policies or the Student Code will not be registered for posting.

Acquaintance rape or date rape is the most prevalent form of sexual assault on college campuses. A reported sexual assault will be treated with the highest degree of concern by the University.

Sexual assault, including date rape, violates the University's Student Code (http://www.nmu.edu/handbook).  Sexual assault as defined in this policy is criminal sexual conduct, and a violation of the Michigan Penal Code. A University student charged with sexual assault may be subject to University disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and may be prosecuted pursuant to the Michigan Penal Code. In addition to criminal prosecution, a University employee charged with sexual assault may be subject to University disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

The University affirms the need for a comprehensive sexual assault prevention education program. Prevention education and awareness efforts are essential in order to better insure a safe learning and living environment on our campus.

This policy provides the following information to members of the University community: 

• Definition of sexual assault;
• Policy concerning sexual assault victims/survivors;
• University response to reported sexual assault, including services available to victims/survivors of sexual assault;
• Education and prevention efforts and programs; and

Sexual assault is sexual contact without consent. More specifically, "sexual assault" for purposes of this Policy means any of the forms of criminal sexual conduct described in Sections 520b through 520g of the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.520b - .520g) involving a University student as the victim/survivor. Sexual assault consists of sexual intercourse without consent, forcible sodomy or sexual penetration with an inanimate object, the intentional touching of an unwilling person's intimate parts (defined as genitalia, groin, inner thigh, breast or buttocks, or clothing covering them), or forcing an unwilling person to touch another's intimate parts. These acts must be committed either by force, threat, intimidation, or by taking advantage of someone's helplessness or inability to consent of which the alleged perpetrator was aware or should have been aware. Regardless of the relationship that exists between the parties, if consent is not given or force or coercion is used against a party, any sexual contact is within the definitions of criminal sexual contact and sexual assault.

"Consent" means a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity proposed by another. "Consent" requires mutually understandable and communicated words and/or actions demonstrating agreement to participate in proposed sexual activity. "Without consent" may be communicated by words and/or actions demonstrating unwillingness to engage in proposed sexual activity.  Sexual activity will be considered without consent if the victim/survivor was unable to give consent because of a condition of which the offending student was or should have been aware, such as alcohol and/or other drug intoxication, coercion, and/or verbal or physical threats, including being threatened with future harm.

Sexual assault is intrinsically injurious and degrading, and will be treated as resulting in injury for the purposes of the University Student Code, Regulation 2.2.1, General Regulatory Statement; Regulation 2.2.21, Personal Abuse, which prohibits acts which injure, threaten, endanger, or degrade a member of the University community; and Regulation 2.2.6, Compliance with University Policy. Use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs by a person charged with a sexual assault does not diminish, and may increase, personal responsibility. Providing or making available to a victim/survivor any substance (e.g. alcohol or other drugs, including but not limited to GHB and Rohypnol) may increase the personal responsibility of the assailant. The person reporting an assault will not be charged with a violation of the student code for use of alcohol or other drugs. The same criminal offenses and penalties apply in cases of acquaintance rape or date rape as in cases of rape involving a stranger. A victim/survivor of sexual assault may be either female or male.

Complainants who are not students at Northern Michigan University but have been sexually assaulted on the campus of Northern Michigan University by a Northern Michigan University student, may file a sexual assault complaint against the student with the Dean of Students Office or Public Safety and Police Services and request that the student be charged with a violation of the Student Code and/or the Michigan Penal Code. Because the University does not stand in a special academic relationship with a non-student complainant, other university services are not available to non-students.

If you are the victim/survivor of a sexual assault which is reported to the University, it is the policy of the University that: 

• You and the matter you report will be treated with the greatest concern and seriousness, regardless of your gender or the gender of the suspect.
• Your name will not be released to the public or the media.
• You may talk to university officials about the sexual assault without your name being included in an official report.
• You will be treated with dignity, courtesy, sensitivity, and understanding and you will not be prejudged or blamed for what occurred.
• You will be provided with information regarding your options for reporting the sexual assault, and your right to make choices based on this information will be respected.
• You will be advised of, and if you desire, assisted in receiving services from the University departments and from community service agencies that provide assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault.
• University staff will neither coerce you to report a sexual assault as a lesser offense nor prevent or discourage you from reporting a sexual assault to another person or authority.
• You will have the opportunity to pursue all legal and/or disciplinary remedies and obtain counseling services without academic penalty by the University (to be accommodated as deemed appropriate by the Dean of Students Office on an ad hoc basis).
• If you request, the University staff will take any reasonable steps to prevent unnecessary or unwanted contact or proximity with the suspect.
• If you file a complaint with Public Safety and Police Services, staff from that office will investigate your complaint. You will be notified of victim's/survivor's rights and remedies accorded in the Crime Victim's Rights Act and you will be kept up-to-date on the status of the investigation. If the Health Center provides medical assistance, appropriate methods for preserving evidence of criminal sexual assault will be followed.
• The sexual history of the victim/survivor is not considered relevant to the truth of the allegation; therefore, information regarding sexual history external to the relationship between the victim/survivor and the alleged assailant will not be considered in discipline hearings.

There are a variety of avenues available for making a report of a sexual assault and obtaining support and other assistance. The following University departments can be of special assistance to victims/survivors of campus sexual assault:

• Public Safety and Police Services, 911 (Emergency) or 227-2151 (103 Services Building)
• Dean of Students Office, 227-1700 (2001 Hedgcock)
• The Health Center, 227-2355 (Gries Hall)
• Counseling and Consultation Services, 227-2981 (3405 Hedgcock)
• Housing and Residence Life Office (the apartment services coordinator, any resident director, resident adviser, or community adviser)*
• The Health Promotion Office, 227-1455 (1201-1202 University Center)

*Resident advisers and community advisers are obligated to share sexual assault reports, including names, with specific professional Housing and Residence Life Office staff for possible follow-up activities and to ensure reporting as required by law.

All the University departments listed above work together closely to provide support and assistance and to review available services and options. Students who have been sexually assaulted are strongly encouraged to report the incident as described above so that charges can be initiated within the University judicial system and/or so that criminal charges may be pursued against the assailant.

In cases in which Public Safety and Police Services is not the first office contacted by the victim/survivor, information regarding the incident will be reported to that office in accordance with the Student Right to Know and the Clery Act. This report will not include the name of the victim/survivor or any identifying information without the victim's/survivor's consent. In addition, Public Safety and Police Services is required to report information concerning criminal acts on a daily and annual basis under the requirements of the Clery Act and the Uniform Crime Reporting Act.

A report of sexual assault will initiate a response from the University as explained below:

.01 Public Safety and Police Services: When a report of a sexual assault is received, Public Safety and Police Services will immediately assign a specially trained officer to investigate the incident and work with the victim/survivor through all stages of the investigation, prosecution and/or University judicial system action. The officer will also inform the victim/survivor of other support services available.

.02 The Dean of Students Office: The Dean of Students Office will provide information to the victim/survivor about options for pursuing a charge against the assailant through the University's judicial system. After receiving a complaint, the Dean of Students Office will request an investigation by Public Safety and Police Services. If the results of this investigation indicate a possibility that the University's Student Code has been violated, the Dean of Students Office will initiate the appropriate judicial proceedings. If the investigation yields unclear evidence, appropriate follow-up activities may be initiated. The Dean of Students Office will also determine the necessity for safeguards in the best interest of the students involved.

.03The Health Center: The Health Center provides services to NMU students, faculty and staff who have been victims/survivors of sexual assault. The physician provides examination, treatment, and information about the possibility of venereal disease and pregnancy, and provides referrals to other support services as appropriate. Health Center hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the school year. If a student is in need of emergency medical services after 5 p.m. or on weekends, he or she should go to Marquette General Hospital Emergency Room (225-3560). Note: If possible, when receiving medical care after a sexual assault it is important to have physical evidence collected for possible future legal action.

.04 Counseling and Consultation Services: Counseling and Consultation Services provides support to students dealing with the psychological impact of a sexual assault. The staff will provide assistance in decision making regarding reporting of the assault to Public Safety or the Dean of Students, contacting parents or significant others, modification of living arrangements, handling academic schedules and commitments, etc. Services are also provided to students who come to the Center for other reasons and in the course of treatment disclose a past sexual assault. Strict confidentiality is maintained.

.05 Housing and Residence Life Office: The apartment services coordinator, any resident director, resident adviser, or community adviser can provide immediate support and assistance to a student who reports a sexual assault, as well as to other students who may be involved. Staff will inform the victim/survivor of the services available from Counseling and Consultation Services, Public Safety and Police Services, the Health Center, and the Dean of Students Office, and will help the victim/survivor obtain those services that are desired. These staff members can also be helpful when the student returns to the residence hall. In addition, the Housing and Residence Life Office staff will provide alternative living arrangements for the victim/survivor upon request, if the victim/survivor and the accused live close to one another.

.06Other Support Services: Faculty and staff who are contacted by someone who has been sexually assaulted are encouraged to provide empathetic support, to respect the victim's/survivor's confidentiality, and to consult with, or refer the victim/survivor to Public Safety and Police Services, the Dean of Students Office, or Counseling and Consultation Services.

Northern Michigan University provides ongoing prevention education of faculty, staff, and students in an effort to decrease the incidence of sexual assault.

.01 Faculty/Staff Prevention Education: A copy of this policy will be sent to all University departments. The policy will also be distributed annually to all new faculty and staff. Staff members of those offices which are most likely to deal with prevention/response to sexual assault--Public Safety and Police Services, the Dean of Students Office, Counseling and Consultation Services, the Health Center, and the Housing and Residence Life Office--will receive regular in-service training to review office and University policies regarding the prevention of and most effective responses to sexual assault.

.02 Student Prevention Education: This policy will be distributed annually by email notice and is available online here. To request a hard copy of the policy, contact the Dean of Students Office (227-1700), or Public Safety and Police Services (227-2151), or any office listed above. The University also provides a variety of programs on sexual assault prevention to students:

• Yearly Programs: Each year during a session at orientation, information concerning sexual assault will be presented. Material providing information about safety, sexual assault, and acquaintance rape is available on the following websites: Dean of Students Office (http://dso.nmu.edu/), Counseling and Consultation Services (http://www.nmu.edu/counselingcenter/rape.html), the Health Promotion Office (http://www.nmu.edu/hpo/1d.html), Public Safety and Police Services (http://publicsafety.nmu.edu/assault.htm), and Housing and Residence Life (http://www.nmu.edu/housing/safety.shtml). Additionally, residence hall staff encourage and support residence hall student programs which focus on healthy relationships, personal safety, and sexual assault prevention.

This policy will be reviewed biannually by a committee composed of representatives from Public Safety and Police Services, the Dean of Students Office, Counseling and Consultation Services, Housing and Residence Life, the Health Promotion Office, and two students appointed by ASNMU. Other individuals may be included as appropriate. The Dean of Students will convene the committee. Any substantive changes recommended by the review committee are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.

Northern Michigan University is committed to ensuring that the rights of an individual who is the victim of an act of violence, sexual assault, and non-forcible sex offenses are protected. All students will be afforded these rights in addition to the rights acknowledged in 3.14.3 concerning sexual assault victims, and 3.16 Sexual Harassment, Consensual Relations Policy.

Students who are the victim of a sexual offense or an act of violence (as defined in Section 16 of Title 18, United States Code), that violates the Student Code or other University Policy when said act is committed by another student will have rights to the following information:

• The name of the student who perpetrated the act of violence or sexual offense.
• 
  
• The type of violation that was committed, and any charges issued.
• 
  
• The opportunity to make a recommendation with regard to any disciplinary action taken, or sanction imposed, if any.
• 
  
• The general outcome of the sanction imposed by the university, if any.

The Dean of Students shall be responsible for advising the victim of his or her rights.

Northern Michigan University is committed to creating a work environment for all faculty and staff and a learning and living environment for all students that is fair, humane, and responsible.  Such an environment supports, nurtures, and rewards faculty and staff and students on the basis of ability and work performance in their progress toward career and educational goals.  Sexual harassment has no place in this environment.

Harassment on the basis of sex is discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and the Michigan Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act.  Federal and state laws prohibit sex discrimination in employment and in the utilization of educational facilities and services. Sexual harassment is considered to be sex discrimination and is therefore illegal.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or visual communication or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to such conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining employment, public accommodations or public services, education, or housing.
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting such individual's employment, public accommodations or public services, education, or housing.
• Such conduct or communication has the purpose of effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's employment, public accommodations or public services, education, or housing; or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, public accommodations, public services, education, or housing environment.

Sexual harassment of any member of the University community by another member of the University community is inconsistent with the University's desire to create the best possible living, learning, and work environment, and is therefore absolutely prohibited.

All members of the University community are expected to be familiar with the following list. Examples of behaviors which may constitute sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct in the University community include but are not limited to:

• Deliberate touching which does not contribute to or advance the work, service, or education activity being conducted.
• Pinching of another.
• Repeated brushing against or touching of another's body, which does not contribute to or advance the work, service, or education activity being conducted.
• Pressure or demands for a date or for sexual activity with a subordinate by a person in authority.
• Repeated requests for a date or for sexual activity which are declined.
• Pictorial or actual displays of obscenity which do not contribute to or advance the work, service, or education activity being conducted.
• Written, verbal, pictorial or nonverbal communications of a sexual nature which do not contribute to or advance the work, service or education activity being conducted.

The above behaviors shall be presumed unwelcome without the complainant communicating that the behavior is unwelcome.

When a complainant has communicated, either verbally or nonverbally, that a behavior of a sexual nature which does or does not appear on the above list is unwelcome, any repetition of that behavior or similar behavior will be considered unwelcome.  No additional communication should be necessary for one to understand that his/her behavior is unwelcome.

The University will promptly investigate a complaint and, where appropriate, take prompt corrective action up to and including discharge from University employment and/or expulsion.  Complaints should be reported immediately but in all cases must be reported within ninety (90) calendar days of the alleged occurrence.  It is a violation of University policy to intimidate, discipline, discharge, or harass any individual because she or he has filed a complaint, instituted proceedings, assisted an investigation or formally or informally objected to sexual harassment and/or discriminatory practices.  If retaliation occurs, the incident should be reported either to the Equal Opportunity Specialist, Human Resources (faculty and staff) or to the Dean of Students Office (students).

A member of the University community who wishes to complain about sexual harassment by an employee or student of the University should take the following action:

• If the alleged harasser is a faculty or staff member, the complaint should be made, orally or in writing, to the alleged harasser's unit administrator (e.g. supervisor, director, department head), or to Equal Opportunity Specialist, Human Resources Department.
• If the alleged harasser is the unit administrator, the complaint should be made, orally or in writing, to the unit administrator's superior (e.g. dean, vice president, president), or Equal Opportunity Specialist, Human Resources Department.
• If the alleged harasser is the supervisor of the complainant and the complainant is subject to a collective bargaining agreement, the grievance procedure specified in the complainant's respective bargaining agreement must be utilized.
• If the alleged harasser is a student supervisor or in an authority role (e.g. resident adviser), the complaint should be made to the Dean of Students or to the Equal Opportunity Specialist.
• If the alleged harasser is a student not in an authority role and the complainant is a student, the complaint should be made to the Dean of Students and shall be pursued according to the procedures outlined in the Student Code.
• Student complaints of sexual harassment that also concern grades shall be pursued according to the procedures outlined in the Student Code as well as the Sexual Harassment, Consensual Relations Policy.

If the informal complaint procedures do not provide a resolution which is satisfactory to the complainant, and the complainant desires further action, the complainant shall submit a written complaint within ten (10) calendar days of the informal resolution to the Equal Opportunity Specialist.  The complaint must be signed and must specify in writing the act that the complainant alleges constitutes sexual harassment, the date and time of the act, why she/he are unsatisfied with the results of the informal process, and the remedies sought.

Within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the written complaint, the Equal Opportunity Assistant will convene the Complaint Resolution Committee (CRC).  The Complaint Resolution Committee shall consist of one member of the alleged offender's employee group; one member of the complainant's employee group or when the complainant is a student employee, a member of the university community or the Dean of Students or designee; and either a representative from Human Resources (when the alleged offender is a staff member) or a representative from Academic Affairs (when the alleged offender is a faculty member).  Members of the Complaint Resolution Committee shall be chosen by the President.

The Complaint Resolution Committee shall review the complaint and all facts and circumstances discovered during the informal procedure to initially determine if the complaint requires further investigation, should be referred to another forum for action, or should be dismissed.  If the Committee decision is to proceed, the Equal Opportunity Specialist shall notify the appropriate vice president, dean, department head, the complainant, and the alleged offender and will provide them with a copy of the complaint.

Where further investigation is required, the Equal Opportunity Specialist may consult with individuals, both inside and outside of the University, who have knowledge and expertise in matters pertinent to the complaint. These individuals may serve as consultants to the resolution process and may participate in any mediation sessions between the parties to the complaint.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Equal Opportunity Specialist shall prepare a report containing a statement of the allegation, a list of any policy violations, and a statement of findings to the Complaint Resolution Committee.  If the Complaint Resolution Committee determines that discrimination and/or inappropriate conduct or behavior has occurred, it shall submit a written report supporting these findings, along with recommendations for further action, to the President of the University.  Recommendations may include but are not limited to:

• Warning or official reprimands
• Probation
• Imposition of special duties
• Suspension
• Discharge from employment
• Financial restitution
• Change in University policy or procedure

If the Complaint Resolution Committee does not support the claim that discrimination has occurred, the case shall be dismissed.

The Equal Opportunity Specialist shall advise the complainant in writing of the Complaint Resolution Committee's determination.

The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respected insofar as it does not interfere with the university's legal obligation or ability to investigate allegations of misconduct when brought to its attention, and to take corrective action when it is found that misconduct has occurred.

University students occasionally participate in NMU academic programs with or under the supervision of people who are not University faculty or staff.  If a student believes that she or he has been sexually harassed in a University academic program by an individual who is not a University employee or student, the student should report the alleged sexual harassment to the unit administrator (department head or dean) responsible for the academic program or to the Equal Opportunity Specialist.

When performing their jobs, University faculty and staff will sometimes interact with contractors, suppliers, or customers who are not University faculty, staff, or students.  If a University employee (including a student employee) believes that he or she has been sexually harassed within the scope of his or her employment activities by an individual who is not a University employee or student, the University employee should report the alleged sexual harassment to his or her supervisor or to the Equal Opportunity Specialist or to Human Resources.

Individuals who are not students or faculty and staff of the University are not subject to the discipline under the University's internal processes. Nonetheless, if the University determines that a third party has sexually harassed a University student in a University academic program or a University employee within the scope of her or his employment, the University will take corrective action.

Any member of the University community who knowingly files a false complaint of sexual harassment, or who knowingly provides false information to or intentionally misleads University officials who are investigating a complaint of alleged sexual harassment, is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge or expulsion.

Consenting romantic and sexual relationships between faculty/staff and their students or between supervisors and their subordinates are full of the potential for exploitation.  The respect and trust accorded a professor by a student or a supervisor by a subordinate, as well as the power exercised in an academic or evaluative role, make voluntary consent by the student or subordinate suspect.  Even when both parties initially have consented, the development of a sexual relationship renders the faculty member or supervisor and the University vulnerable to possible later allegations of sexual harassment in light of the significant power differential that exists between faculty members and students and supervisors and subordinates.  As such, romantic and sexual relationships between faculty and their student or between supervisors and their subordinate are ill-advised.

Faculty, staff and supervisors are expected to be aware of their professional responsibilities and avoid apparent or actual conflict of interest, favoritism or bias.  When a sexual relationship exists, effective steps should be taken to ensure unbiased evaluation or supervision.

It is a privilege for a Northern Michigan University student to participate in inter-collegiate athletics.  Student athletes represent Northern Michigan University, therefore their behavior is expected to reflect high standards on all levels: social, academic, and athletic.

The purpose of this publication is:

.01    To inform the student athletes and the Northern Michigan University community of acceptable
standards of behavior for student athletes;

.02    To outline a process to evaluate student athlete behavior that is not considered acceptable;

.03    To allow for the imposition of disciplinary action against a student athlete whose behavior is not acceptable.

.01    The Athletic Code Violation Review Committee will consist of the Athletic Director, Director of Public Safety, and the Dean of Students, or their designees.

.02    Criminal Activity is defined as Felony level offenses; or serious Misdemeanor level offenses which include, but are not limited to, criminal activity that involves violence, assaultive behavior, stalking behavior, sexual assault, and drug or alcohol offenses.

.03    Student athletes as defined in this document refers to those students engaged in the intercollegiate athletics programs of Northern Michigan University.

.04    Team activities are defined as any association with other team members for the purposes of furthering the interests of the team in the pursuit of participation in intercollegiate athletics, team meetings, team practices, recruitment of new student athletes, or the participation as part of the team in intercollegiate athletic activities.

Student athletes whose behavior does not comport with the acceptable standards expected of Northern Michigan University student athletes will be subject to review by the Athletic Code Violation Review Committee.

.01    All student athletes will be given a copy of the Athletic Code and will be required to sign a document indicating that they understand that participating in intercollegiate athletics while they are a student at Northern Michigan University is a privilege and that they agree to the standards of behavior outlined in the Code.

.02    All student athletes will be required to acknowledge that they are under obligation, as a condition of their participation in intercollegiate athletics at Northern Michigan University, to immediately self report any violations of the Athletic Code to their coach or the Athletic Director.  Failure to self report any violations of the Athletic Code will subject the student athlete to possible disciplinary action by the Athletic Code Violation Review Committee.

.03    Any action taken pursuant to the Athletic Code will be considered separate and distinct from any action that may be taken by the Office of the Dean of Students, other administrative action taken by the University (including, but not limited to, action taken under The Drug and Alcohol Education/Assessment/Counseling Policy and Program for Student Athletes Engaged in the Intercollegiate Athletics Program of Northern Michigan University) or any action taken by law enforcement or criminal justice agencies against the student athlete.

.04    All student athletes will be subject to review under the Athletic Code if the athlete:

• Is in violation of Northern Michigan University's Student Code,
• Is in violation of The Drug and Alcohol Education/Assessment/Counseling Policy and Program for Student Athletes Engaged in the Intercollegiate Athletics Program of Northern Michigan University; and/or
• Has committed criminal activity that consists of an act or acts prohibited under municipal, state, or federal law as defined in this document.

.01    Athletic Code Violation Review Committee will either confer or hold a meeting to review and investigate all alleged violations of this code pursuant to section 3.17.3.04 above.  Members of the committee shall initiate the review process upon becoming aware of an alleged violation.  The committee should confer or meet within three working days of becoming aware of the alleged violation.

.02    Coaches shall notify the Athletic Director of all alleged violations of the Athletic Code on becoming aware of the alleged violation.

.03    The Athletic Code Violation Review Committee after conferring or meeting to review an alleged violation of the Athletic Code should receive input from the coach or any other party who has relevant information that is pertinent to the alleged violation of the Athletic Code.

.04    The Athletic Code Violation Review Committee shall determine, based upon the seriousness of the alleged violation, whether a student athlete will be suspended from team activities pending the resolution of the alleged violation.

.05    Once alleged charges are resolved, the Athletic Code Violation Committee shall review the outcome of the charges to determine the appropriate University response or action.

.06    The Athletic Code Violation Review Committee shall determine the disciplinary action or penalty to be imposed on the student athlete under section 3.17.4.04 and 3.17.4.05, including but not limited to: (1) a permanent or limited suspension from all team activities; and (2) partial or permanent revocation of athletic scholarships.

.07    In the event that the Athletic Code Violation Review Committee cannot reach consensus as to what action to take on an alleged violation of the Athletic Code, the matter will be referred to the Associate Vice President for Recreation and Athletics to determine what action, if any, should be taken against the student athlete.

.08    The Athletic Director shall provide notice of disciplinary action taken by the Athletic Code Violation Review Committee to the Associate Vice President for Recreation and Athletics, the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the President, the student athlete's coach, and the Athletic Council Chairperson within two business days.  Members of the Athletic Code Violation Review Committee will be available to the Athletic Council to provide a briefing on the action taken by the committee.  It will also be the Athletic Director's responsibility to notify the student athlete of any disciplinary action taken by the Athletic Code Violation Review Committee.

.09    Student athletes may appeal disciplinary action taken by the Athletic Code Violation Review Committee within 72 hours to the Associate Vice President for Recreation and Athletics, or in cases decided by the Associate Vice President, to the Vice President for Finance and Administration.