Community Standards

Accountability and Integrity

Westmont is deeply concerned about students who are involved in or are victims of situations that can interfere with their attitude and character development. The issues outlined in our Behavioral Expectations are all concerns we must address as a community.

However, being interested not only in the letter of the law but in the spirit as well, our concerns are much broader than the specific behavioral expectations in this handbook. The spirit of the law emphasizes our life in Christ. Are we seeking to be more like him? To gain his insights? To conform to his priorities? To seek him in all of our lives? These expectations govern the spirit of the expectations of each member of this community.

While the great majority of students are conscientious about living responsibly, past experience indicates that imposing consequences for irresponsible behavior is necessary to hold the irresponsible few accountable and to minimize their negative influence on our desire to be a community that follows Jesus Christ. Westmont believes that, if the residence halls are to be places that facilitate growth and development, unhealthy and counter-productive lifestyles and patterns of behavior must be confronted. It is as much your responsibility to confront other students as it is the responsibility of the deans, faculty, and residence hall staff. Integrity is a key value in our community. It is evidenced by a congruence between word and deed, a willingness to accept responsibility for our actions, and a commitment to represent the actions of others accurately. You will be held accountable for the agreement you signed in your application to Westmont.

In the context of eternity, breaking a rule once (such as committing a room violation) is relatively insignificant. However, when you give your word in writing that you will not engage in certain behavior, and then wilfully break that agreement, your action is of great concern.

All students are expected to be aware of and uphold the policies set forth in this student handbook, the college catalogue, and any other official college documents. While the following section is not exhaustive, it does summarize specific issues of concern to the Westmont community for which sanctions may be applied.

Abuse of the Discipline Review Process

Any form of abuse of the discipline review process, in and of itself, is considered a serious concern for the community. Some abuses of the discipline review process include, but are not limited to:

Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information;
Filing a complaint knowingly without cause;
Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in the process;
Attempting to influence the impartiality of a participant;
Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a participant;
Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed.

Alcohol

Westmont expects all students to uphold both California state laws and these college policies regarding alcoholic beverages.

State Law
In the state of California, persons under the age of 21 shall not purchase, consume, or possess alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is against California law to sell or furnish alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age.

Possession and Consumption
Westmont prohibits the presence or consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus and at off-campus Westmont student sponsored or related activities. Any student in the presence of alcohol on campus (regardless of who actually owns it or who brought it to campus) will be considered in violation of this policy.

Alcohol Containers
Westmont prohibits the presence of full or empty alcoholic beverage containers anywhere on campus, including vehicles. Students are responsible to ensure that no guest brings full or empty alcohol containers on campus.

Drunkenness
Westmont expects students of legal drinking age who choose to drink alcoholic beverages to be moderate in their consumption. Any consumption of alcoholic beverages by any student that results in impairment or intoxication is a serious violation of community standards.

Off-Campus Hosting Responsibilities
Westmont expects students of legal drinking age who choose to serve alcoholic beverages to student guests in off-campus settings to be responsible in their hospitality. It is a serious violation of both California law and community standards to directly or indirectly provide alcoholic beverages to underage guests or to require any guest to pay a cover charge for admission to the host’s residence. Off-campus residents are also expected to insure that underage visitors do not bring their own alcoholic beverages to consume on their premises. It is also a serious violation of community standards to allow student guests 21 years of age or older to drink alcoholic beverages excessively. Any off-campus student who lives where these activities occur and is present at such time, will be considered in violation of this policy.

Compliance with College Officials

Students are required to comply with the direction of college officials or public safety officers acting in the performance of their duties. Students must also identify themselves to these persons when requested to do so.

Computer and Network Use Violations

Computers are playing a larger role at Westmont and in society at large. With the increased power of this technology comes increased responsibility. The information technology department publishes and enforces the Computer and Network Use policy, which governs the use of the campus computing facilities and network. This policy may be found here. You are implicitly agreeing to abide by the policy when you obtain access to these resources. Westmont expects you to access only those materials on the network for which you have permission.

You may not access materials of an illegal or pornographic nature. Pornography degrades God’s gift of human sexuality and has addictive qualities. Because of these concerns, Westmont monitors World Wide Web access. If you are found to be in violation of college policy, your computer will be blocked until the situation is resolved in consultation with the dean’s office. The Counseling Center provides confidential assistance to students struggling in this area.

Dishonesty

Integrity is a key value in our community, and dishonesty, in any form, is a breach of community standards. Acts of dishonesty include, but are not limited to:

Academic dishonesty
Furnishing false information to any college official, faculty member, or office;
Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any college document, record, or instrument of identification; and
Tampering with the election of any college-recognized student office or organization.

Disruption of College Activities

Students may not participate in any activity that unreasonably disrupts or interferes with the right of other students, faculty, or staff to participate in the educational program and/or perform duties imposed by the college; disrupts the normal operations of the college and infringes on the rights of other members of the college community; lead or incite others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; or be a part of any intentional obstruction that unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus.

Firearms, Explosives, and Weapons

Possession of firearms, explosives (including firecrackers and dry ice), weapons, (including but not limited to: swords, knives, air soft guns, BB guns and toys that replicate or could be mistaken for real guns) or dangerous chemicals on college premises is expressly prohibited. A $100 fine per violation may apply.

Golf Carts

Many college employees use golf carts in the course of completing their work for the college. Also, a limited number of golf carts are available on a temporary basis through the Health Center to students who have a temporary medical condition that would make it extremely difficult to walk through the campus. Because unauthorized use of these golf carts is highly disrespectful and inconvenient to the people who need and use them, the college takes it very seriously. Additionally, according to federal regulations, “joy riding” in a golf cart is considered as an incident of motor vehicle theft, even if the cart is returned. Anyone involved (either as a driver or passenger) in taking a golf cart will be fined a minimum of $100, and will also be responsible for cleaning and damage charges.

Hazing and Abuse

Students may not take part in hazing or any other form of physical or verbal abuse. Hazing means any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization that is affiliated with the college; and that is intended, or should be reasonably expected, to have the effect of humiliating, intimidating, or demeaning the student of 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 in the activity.
Hazing may occur on or off campus.
Hazing does not include any activity or conduct that furthers legitimate curricular or extracurricular goals, provided that (1) the goals are approved by the college; and (2) the activity or conduct furthers the goals in a manner that is appropriate, contemplated by the college, and normal and customary for similar programs at other institutions.

For more complete information on hazing please refer to the college’s policy on hazing available in the Student Life Office.

Illegal Drugs and Abuse of Prescription Drugs

In association with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Westmont has adopted and implemented policies that are intended to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and the abuse of prescription drugs by students and employees. College policy prohibits the use or presence of all controlled substances and any related paraphernalia. Students and employees are also prohibited from exceeding the dosage of physician prescribed medications. Substance abuse affects the individual, the family, and the community. Violation of college policy with respect to drug use or possession is a serious breach of our behavioral standards, and students who violate this policy are subject to the full range of disciplinary consequences, including expulsion from the college.

If you need help or know someone with a drug-related problem, please know that the counseling center, the health center, our resident directors, deans, faculty, and all other college personnel will provide assistance to those who come forward seeking help. The Counseling Center provides confidential consultations with trained psychologists and marriage and family therapists, and also makes referrals to outside counseling and treatment services.

Suspension of Eligibility for Student Aid for Drug Related Offenses

A student who has been criminally convicted of any offense under any Federal or State law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance is ineligible to receive any federal financial aid (including any grant, loan, or work assistance). Financial aid eligibility will be suspended beginning on the date of any conviction and ending at the time specified below:

Possession of a Controlled Substances
Offense	Ineligibility Period
1st Offense	1 year
2nd Offense	2 years
3rd Offense	3 years

Sale of a Controlled Substance
Offense	Ineligibility Period
1st Offense	2 years
2nd Offense	Indefinite

You can find more information about eligibility here.

Offensive or Obscene Conduct

Students should refrain from conduct that is offensive to others, lewd, or indecent. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, streaking and profane or obscene expressions or speech that violate accepted standards of decency and Christian conduct. Discretion should also be exercised regarding videos, periodicals, and posters.

Sexual Activity Outside Marriage and Pregnancy

National statistics indicate that many college students are sexually active. The statistics show that the difference between Christians’ and non-Christians’ sexual activity is alarmingly small. Westmont is deeply concerned when our students decide to be sexually involved outside of marriage.

While the college recognizes the need for privacy among students, it encourages students to avoid situations of absolute privacy because of the potential for abuse. It takes realistic account of the fact that some students confuse Christian liberty with sexual license or do not accept the standards of the college on sexual behavior. However, Westmont holds to the conviction that premarital intercourse conflicts with biblical teaching and that conduct promoting such intimacy (e.g., nudity, lying in bed together) is unacceptable behavior. Persons involved in such behavior are subject to the full range of disciplinary consequences, up to and including expulsion from the college.

If you or someone you know becomes pregnant, the college encourages you to talk to a dean, resident director, or other student life staff member. Student Life is ready to help and offer support to those involved to effectively work through the complexity of needs that a pregnancy presents. Additional confidential support through the Westmont Counseling Center and the Health Center are available, along with academic and other support services. While some students in these circumstances may choose to leave the college temporarily, it is our hope that any student who chooses to continue in classes during the pregnancy will find this to be a supportive and redemptive community.

Sexual Assault

Westmont is deeply concerned about any incidents of sexual assault. The student life office will work to provide a safe place for the survivors of the sexual assault. Below are some frequently asked questions pertaining to the issues of sexual assault. For more detailed information, refer to the Sexual Assault Policy and Procedures.

What do I do in the event of a sexual assault?
Go to a safe place. Do whatever you need to do to be safe! You do not need to go through this alone. You have multiple options of resources that can provide you with assistance and/or guidance:

Westmont Sexual Assault Crisis Response Team (confidential; Angela D’Amour 565-7089, Audrey Johnsen 565-7421)
Counseling Center (565-6003)
RD On Call (565-7362)
Public Safety (565-6222)
Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center Hotline 805-564-3696 (24 hour and non-Westmont)

What if I just want to consult with someone, but do not want to report the incident?
You can call a Westmont Sexual Assault Crisis Response Team (WSACRT) member to discuss the situation confidentially. WSACRT member can assist you with your situation without the obligation of making an official report. If you are not ready to make an official report, you can talk about your situation without disclosing any identifying information. All other college officials are obligated to report any sexual assault incident.

I would like to talk with someone who is not connected to Westmont, whom can I call?
Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center is not directly associated with Westmont. The has certified therapists who can confidentially help you through the process.

What if I am physically hurt?
Seek medical assistance immediately. If you need help in seeking medical assistance, RD On Call or Public Safety can help you. You can also directly contact Cottage Hospital Trauma Center (569-7451).

Do I have to seek medical assistance even if I don’t think I am physically hurt?
Internal injuries are difficult to access without medical training. It is a good idea to get checked by medical personnel. If you decide to seek medical assistance, do not wash, eat, chew gum, brush your teeth, drink, douche, or change clothes. If you must change into new clothing, do not wash the old clothes. Doing these things can tamper with possible evidence.

What if I don’t feel comfortable talking with any medical personnel or the police?
You need to do what feels right and safe to you. You may decide not to seek medical or law enforcement assistance right away. However, keep all possible evidence (i.e., clothing) in case you decide to report the incident later.

I think my friend has been sexually assaulted, how can I help?
Encourage him/her to seek help. You can also consult confidentially with WSACRT without disclosing any identifying information.

I feel guilty and confused. Is that normal?
It is common for a sexual assault survivor to experience a wide range of emotions (anger, guilt, sadness, ashamed, confused, powerless, or out of control). These can be symptoms of Rape Trauma Syndrome which closely parallels Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. If you are experiencing these signs, you should talk confidentially with a counselor through the Counseling Center.

Theft

Attempted or actual theft and/or damage to property of the college or property of a member of the college community (including their families) or other personal or public property is expressly forbidden. Theft also includes: unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys to any college premises or unauthorized entry to or use of college premises; and theft or other abuse of computer time (see Computer and Network Use Violations above).

Tobacco

Under no circumstances shall any member of the community use or possess tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco) on campus or when attending college-related student activities. Additionally, Westmont is located in a high fire region. Neighbors have a legitimate concern when they notice students smoking in the area. For these reasons, students may not smoke in the vicinity of the college.

Vandalism and Violence

Subjecting others to physical violence, threatening others with physical violence, or engaging in acts of vandalism are unacceptable (and illegal) ways to deal with conflict. Westmont does not tolerate vandalism, violence, or the threat of violence against anyone.