Administrative Policies & Procedures

ALCOHOL POLICY

Generally, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on campus. Exceptions are granted for meetings or other functions where proper permission and permits have been obtained. It is illegal to sell alcohol without a permit and no one under the age of 21 is permitted to consume or possess alcohol.

General guidance for the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages on campus can be found in UW Administrative Policy Statement 13.9 and WAC 478-136-030. Specific guidelines and procedures applicable to the UW Tacoma campus are linked below.

Non-compliance by individuals or groups with these guidelines and procedures, or with any of the laws or regulations regarding the sale or serving of alcohol at UW Tacoma, may jeopardize future use of campus facilities and may result in other disciplinary or legal actions as deemed appropriate.

DRUG POLICY

The University of Washington is committed to maintaining an environment of teaching and learning which is free of illicit drugs. In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, all students and employees of the University of Washington are notified of the following:

  1. The unlawful possession, use, distribution or manufacture of alcohol or any controlled substance (as defined in CH 69.50 RCW ) on any University campus or during University-sponsored activities are prohibited (CH 478-124 WAC ).

    1. Students and employees who are found to be in violation of this stated prohibition may be subject to arrest and conviction under the applicable criminal laws of local municipalities, the State of Washington, or the United States. Conviction can result in sanctions including probation, fines and imprisonment.
    2. Students who are found to be in violation of this stated prohibition subject to discipline in accordance with the requirements and procedures of the Student Conduct Code (CH 478-120 WAC ). Discipline may include disciplinary probation or dismissal from the University.
    3. Faculty and staff employees who are found to be in violation of this stated prohibition are subject to discipline in accordance with the applicable University employment rules and procedures. Discipline may include salary reduction, suspension, or termination of employment.
  2. The provisions of the UW Administrative Policy Statement 13.7 , "Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy." Employees should be aware that:
    1. It is dangerous to use and abuse alcohol and other drugs, and that many illnesses and deaths have been medically related to the use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol.
    2. The University has declared itself to be a drug-free work and educational environment.
    3. Alcohol and other drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs are listed in the Administrative Policy Statement 13.7.
    4. For students, Psychological & Wellness Services offers counseling for alcohol- and other drug-related problems.

Washington State Drug Laws

Federal Drug Laws

The possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are provided for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses.

Civil penalties may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances, whether or not criminal prosecution is pursued.

WEAPONS ON CAMPUS

Generally, possession of a firearm or other weapons and instruments (does not apply to pepper spray) is not permitted on campus. Individuals may send a request for an exception to carry a weapon in writing using the following procedure:

  1. Submit request for exception to carry a weapon in writing to the Director of Campus Safety and Security.
  2. Written request includes reason for needing to carry weapon on campus. If requestor is asking to carry a concealed pistol they must provide a copy of current valid concealed pistol permit license and copy of current valid state driver’s license.
  3. Director of Campus Safety and Security forwards the request to the Chancellor of the University of Washington Tacoma, per WAC 478-121-143 for their review.
  4. Chancellor will send a written response to the requestor whether the request was approved or denied.

For more information, please contact Susan Wagshul-Golden, Director of Campus Safety and Security .

 

SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY

Students committing sexual offenses in any form including acquaintance rape, can be prosecuted under Washington State criminal statues and/or disciplined under the Student Conduct Code.

The Washington State Criminal Code defines sex offense terms in RCW 9A.44.010 

When they occur on campus, rape and other forcible or non-forcible sex offenses also violate the Student Conduct Code and may result in a variety of disciplinary actions, including suspension or permanent dismissal from the University. In cases involving an alleged sexual offense, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary hearing. Both the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding as a result of an alleged sexual assault.

If you or someone you know is the victim of a sexual assault, report it immediately to the police. Except in cases involving domestic violence offenses, reporting the incident to the police does not mean that charges will be pressed, but it will be easier if you decide to do so later. Resources are available to help you on and off campus. Trained staff members assist victims in coping with the aftermath of assaults and in exploring available options confidentially. You are encouraged to tell someone and to seek help.

Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure

Students, staff and faculty members and other users of university services who have a concern or complaint regarding sexual harassment may also contact either the Director of Human Resources at UW Tacoma, the Ombudsman at 253-692-4476 or the University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office at 206-616-2028. Personnel in these offices provide assistance in resolving concerns and complaints. Also, UW Tacoma staff may contact the director of Human Resources at UW Tacoma about sexual harassment concerns.

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY

Washington state requires all convicted sex offenders to register their address with the state. This information is published online for the awareness of the general public.

MISSING STUDENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE

In compliance with the Missing Student Procedures 20 USC 1092 (j) (Section 488 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008), it is the policy of the University of Washington Tacoma Division of Student Affairs and the Department of Campus Safety and Security to investigate any report of a missing student who resides either on or off campus. This policy, with its accompanying procedures, establishes a framework for cooperation among members of the University community aimed at locating and assisting students who are reported missing. A student shall be deemed missing when he or she is reported absent from the University for more than 24 hours without any known reason. All reports of missing students shall be directed to the Department of Campus Safety and Security, which will investigate each report, and make a determination as to whether the student is missing, in accordance to this policy.

In keeping with trends across the nation, UW Tacoma Student Housing is configured for apartment style living and therefore may not adhere to regular or prescribed timelines for monitoring students. Student welfare and safety is paramount to the institution; however, the University recognizes and makes known its limitations in obtaining accurate and timely information on the whereabouts of students.

Each student living on campus has the option to identify an individual to be contacted by the University no later than 24 hours after the time the student is determined missing, in accordance with official notification procedures established by the University.

Each student living on campus has the option to register confidential contact information, in the event that the student is determined to be missing for a period of more than 24 hours. Only authorized campus officials and law enforcement have access to this information for investigative purposes only.

Each student over the age of 18 has the choice to opt out of determining a contact person, as set in the Missing Student Policy as per the Missing Student Procedures, 20 USC 1092 (j) (Section 488 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008), through signing a waiver on the Missing Student Policy Form. If a missing student is under 18 years of age, and not an emancipated individual, the University is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no later than 24 hours after the determination has been made by the Department of Campus Safety and Security that the student is missing.

The Department of Campus Safety and Security will also notify the Tacoma Police Department or other appropriate law enforcement agencies no later than 24 hours after the determination has been made the student is missing, even if the student has not registered a contact person, and also in accordance with the University’s emergency contact procedures and the student’s contact designation.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs shall have the responsibility to make the provisions of this policy and the procedures set forth below available to students.

Procedure

Notification:

  1. Any report of a missing student, from any source, should immediately be directed to the Department of Campus Safety and Security at 253-692-4888.
  2. When a student is reported missing the Department of Campus Safety and Security shall:
    1. initiate an investigation to determine the validity of the missing person report;
    2. contact the Division of Student Affairs;
    3. make a determination as to the status of the missing student;
    4. notify the Tacoma Police Department, or other appropriate law enforcement agencies, within 24 hours after determining that the student is missing.

When contacted by the Department of Campus Safety and Security, the Office of the VCSA shall:

  • Notify the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Life, the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, and the Chancellor’s Office;
  • If, upon investigation, the Department of Campus Safety and Security determines the student is missing, the Office of VCSA will notify the individual missing student’s emergency contact within 24 hours of making the determination that the student is missing.
  • If the missing student is under the age of 18, and not an emancipated individual, the VCSA will notify the student’s custodial parent or guardian as contained in the records of the University within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing.
  • The Office of VCSA shall initiate whatever action is deemed appropriate, and in the best interest of the missing student.

Student Notification of This Policy:

  • Included on Student Housing and Office of VCSA websites.
  • Discussed during New Student and Parent Orientations.
  • Discussed during the beginning of the quarter and at mandatory housing meetings.
  • Included in the annual Department of Campus Safety and Security Report and website.
  • Notices sent out to all residents by the Campus Housing Office

STUDENT CONDUCT CODE

Pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW and the authority granted by RCW 28B.20.130, the board of regents of the University of Washington has established the following regulations on student conduct and student discipline.

The Student Conduct Code should be viewed and understood by all members of the university community. Questions should be directed to the Department of Student Life.

EXCLUSIONARY ORDER POLICY

Pursuant to WAC 478-124, the University has full control of the university and its property of various kinds, and the general code of conduct for the campus.

UW Tacoma Campus Safety & Security patrol officers are authorized by University policy to serve Exclusionary Orders to members of the general public.

DEMONSTRATION/PROTEST/RALLY GUIDELINES

The following are some guidelines and expectations for demonstration/protest/rally groups as they plan and organize their events at the University of Washington Tacoma. As clearly stated in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 478-136-030 (1 ):

“Freedom of expression is a highly valued and indispensable quality of university life. However, university facilities may not be used in ways which obstruct or disrupt university operations, the freedom of movement, or any other lawful activities. Additionally, use of university facilities may be subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions.”

Should groups decide to proceed with an event on campus, the university will not attempt to prevent the group from staging its planned events and activities. However, they must comply with established university administrative policies and conduct all activities in a lawful manner.

There are three areas of primary concern to the university during these events. Those are:

  1. the safety of all persons, including the members of the demonstration/protest/rally group;
  2. the uninterrupted educational process for students and faculty during periods of instruction; and
  3. the protection of university property from damage and destruction.

There are several laws and regulations which specifically address these concerns as they relate to your events and activities. Some of the laws and regulations addressing issues such as the disruption of school activities, the egress and ingress to university facilities, and the safety and security of persons and property are briefly outlined here:

  • The university will not tolerate threats to or assaults upon any persons and, as a reminder, any assault upon a police officer in this state is a felony. (Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9A.36.031g )
  • The university will not tolerate property destruction or damage.
  • The university will not tolerate disruption of classes, laboratories, or work processes. ( RCW 28A.635.090)
  • Accessibility for students, staff and faculty to all facilities, streets, walkways hallways and buildings must be maintained.
  • Peaceful and lawful presence in public areas is allowed during business hours, but there will be no access to laboratories, classrooms or private offices by unauthorized persons. ( RCW 9A.52.070)
  • Signs, banners and placards are permitted, but those with poles, dowels, or sticks must be left outside of any buildings as they present a safety hazard in confined spaces. (University Policy & RCW 9A.52.070)
  • No weapons (guns, knives, clubs or chemicals) are allowed. (University Policy & RCW 9A.52.070)

Violations of any of these laws could subject such individuals to arrest or citation and criminal prosecution. Arrests will be made by Tacoma Police Department or other commissioned law enforcement officers for assaultive behavior, property destruction, and for criminal trespass after failure to comply with warnings.

We expect all attendees to be peaceful and non-violent at the University of Washington Tacoma. We will treat them and their associates with dignity and respect and we expect the same in return.