Academic Regulations
On this page:
Academic Regulations | Confidentiality of Student
Records | General Regulations
See also: Honor Code
Sections:
Matriculation | Academic
Credit | Instruction | Academic
Performance
See also: Record's Office
Student Frequently Asked Questions
Matriculation
Classification
A student matriculates either as a full-time student
or as a part-time student. Most full-time students
are matriculants in the Day Division but may take
courses in the Evening Division (with the exception
of first year courses and Legal Research and Writing)
if space is available. A full-time student devotes
substantially the whole of his or her working time
to law study and may not be employed in excess of
20 hours per week in paid employment during the academic
year.
Most part-time students are matriculated in the
Evening Division; however, if seats are available,
part-time students may take courses offered in the
Day Division, with the exception of first year courses
and Legal Research and Writing. Evening Division
students are expected to be available for classes
on any of the five evenings of a normal working week.
A student may change from part time to full time,
or from full time to part time, at periods that permit
programs to be arranged in accordance with sound
educational practices. It is not generally practical
to change status from part time to full time until
the completion of the first academic year. Changes
are not permitted for only one or two terms except
for good cause and when the changes can be accomplished
within sound educational practices. Any change of
status requires approval by the associate dean and
must be requested during the semester prior to the
semester for which the change is sought.
Maintenance of Matriculation
Maintenance of matriculation requires regular class
preparation and attendance, registration in the course
of study required for the status and program in which
the student is matriculated, and the successive registration
for each fall and spring semester of each academic
year until study is completed. Students must attain
a minimum quality of work to continue matriculation.
Leaves of Absence
Matriculation is canceled if a student fails to
complete the work of a semester or fails to register
for a subsequent fall or spring semester, unless
the student has registered and been granted a leave
of absence.
Leaves are granted only for unexpected hardship,
or because of circumstances indicating that the best
academic welfare of the student will be served by
the leave. Leaves are granted only to those performing
at acceptable levels of academic performance. Failure
to comply with the terms under which the leave of
absence is granted will result in the cancellation
of matriculation. To apply for a leave of absence,
please contact the Records Office.
Registration
The registration period for each term is specified
in the academic calendar. Enrollment is not complete
until the Cashier's Office has certified that appropriate
arrangements have been made to settle the student's
account and the Recorder has certified that the student
has completed all registration requirements. Students
may add/drop courses using the telephone registration
system until the end of the first week of the term
and can change a course from "credit" to "audit" at
the Records Office.
Academic Credit
Unit of Credit
The unit for measurement of academic credit is the
credit hour, which is equivalent to a semester hour.
One credit hour is awarded for the successful completion
of a course that meets one hour per week for a semester
of the regular academic year. Successful completion
includes all registration procedures, punctual and
regular preparation for and attendance of scheduled
class sessions, and earning a passing grade for the
work completed.
Grades
Grade points are awarded as follows:
A+ = 4.33
A = 4.0
A- = 3.67
B+ = 3.33
B = 3.0
B- = 2.67
C+ = 2.33
C = 2.0
C- = 1.67
D+ = 1.33
D = 1.0
D- = .67
F = 0.0
CR (Credit) = 0.0
NC (No Credit) = 0.0
In (Incomplete) = 0.0
W (Withdrawal) = 0.0
Au (Audit) = 0.0
Upon completion of a course, matriculated students
are graded on the A+ through F scale or CR and NC
scale. All courses are graded A+ through F unless
academic regulations or the faculty designate otherwise.
A grade of CR indicates work equivalent to C or better
on the A+ through F scale.
If a matriculated student fails to complete assigned
work on schedule, including the final examination,
the grade assigned will determine whether or not
the student may later complete the missed work. If
permission has been granted to complete the missed
work, the temporary notation "In" is entered
in lieu of a grade and will be replaced by the appropriate
grade upon completion of that work. If permission
is not granted to complete the late work, the student
will receive F or NC, whichever is applicable.
All grades on the letter scale except F are passing,
and credit is earned for the work completed with
such grades. Credit is also awarded for grades of
CR. No academic credit is awarded for work receiving
F or NC.
Upon withdrawal from a course, approved in writing
by the associate dean, W is made the final academic
disposition in lieu of a grade.
Academic Averages
A student's cumulative average is calculated by
dividing the total number of quality points earned
by the total number of quality hours (credit hours
for which grades of A+ through F have been given).
Although the credit hours for courses in which the
student receives grades of CR or NC are omitted in
calculating the academic average, the credit hours
for which the grade of CR is earned are counted toward
the minimum number of credit hours required for the
degree.
A separate writing GPA will be calculated for each
student matriculating after August 1, 1992, and shall
include grades received in Legal Research, Writing,
and Analysis; seminars; track theses; and any other
course designated by the faculty.
End-of-term cumulative averages reflect only the
work completed by the end of the given term. (Some
may be in progress and some incomplete.) The Recorder
uses these cumulative averages to update class rank
for all students at the end of each fall and spring
semester. Final class rank for the graduating class
is calculated after the July graduation.
Residence Credits
In order to satisfy American Bar Association and
state bar requirements, all law students must satisfy
a "residence" requirement. "Residence" refers
to the amount of time spent in school engaging in
the study of law. ABA Standard 305 states, "A
full-time student, to satisfy residence study requirements,
shall devote substantially all working hours to the
study of law, and shall not engage in remunerative
employment for more than twenty (20) hours per week,
whether outside or inside the law school."
Residence credit at GMUSL is measured in terms of
residence units, and all students need a minimum
of 36 residence units to graduate. The units are
awarded based on status (full-time or part-time)
and the number of hours successfully completed each
term. Courses and activities (e.g., independent study
and externships) that do not have a classroom component
do not qualify for residence credit when taken alone.
They do, however, contribute to residence credit
when taken with at least one other class. Decimals
in residence units cannot be rounded.
Full-time students must attend for a minimum of
three years (six regular semesters) in order to satisfy
the residence requirement. Part-time students can
satisfy the residence requirement in three and one-half
years if they attend summer term for three summers
and take enough credits each summer to earn residence
units, which when combined will be equal to or greater
than the 4.5 residence units they normally earn in
a semester.
The tables below provide information on the award
of residence units.
Regular Semester
Full-time status (12-16 hours) - earns 6 residence
units per semester
Part-time status (8-12 hours) - earns 4.5 residence
units per semester
Summer Term
4 or more credits - earn 2.15 residence units per
term
- 3 credits - earn 1.6 residence units per term
2 credits - earn 1.05 residence units per term
Full-time students taking 10 or 11 hours under the
one-time, light-load provision will be awarded full-time
residence units for that term provided they retain
full-time status and pay full-time tuition. Part-time
students do not receive additional residence units
for taking more than 12 hours in a term. Part-time
students who have permission to take less than eight
hours in a regular term should speak with the Recorder
to determine how residence units will be awarded.
Graduation Requirements
Faculty may elect to candidacy for the degree of
juris doctor only those students who meet all of
the requirements specified below. Except as otherwise
stated by Academic Regulations, full-time students
must perform these requirements in 3 years and part-time
students must perform them in 4 academic years.
The following requirements must be met:
1. Satisfactory completion of no less than 84 credit
hours in all programs. Of the credit hours required,
not more than four shall be earned through Law Review,
Moot Court, supervised externship, independent study,
or other activities deemed to be "out-of-classroom."
2. Completion of all required courses.
3. Presentation of no less than 36 residence units.
4. A cumulative grade point average of at least
2.15 for all work graded on the A+ through F scale.
5. Completion of academic work within five years
of the matriculation date.
6. Filing of a graduation application.
7. Settlement of the student's financial account
with the Office of Student Accounts.
Instruction
Class Attendance
Regular and punctual class preparation and attendance
are required to earn academic credit. If a student
is absent more than two clock hours of classes scheduled
for each credit hour assigned to the course, the
student has not satisfactorily completed the work
of the course, and no credit can be awarded unless
the reason for the absence is beyond the control
of the student. If absences for good reason exceed
20 percent of the scheduled sessions of a course,
the student is not eligible for credit.
In cases that appear to the instructor to have merit,
that instructor may permit the substitution of work
equivalent to class attendance if the work is designed
to achieve approximately the same purposes as class
attendance. In no event is the alternative of equivalent
work a matter of right; permitting substitution is
solely at the discretion of the instructor. No instructor
is compelled to permit it. Attendance credit for
substituted work cannot exceed 10 percent of scheduled
class sessions.
Examinations
All examinations are graded anonymously. Each semester
students are issued a randomly assigned number that
is to be used on each of the student's exams. Examinations
must be taken at the time and place noted on the
examination schedule.
Permission to reschedule an examination is granted
only for the following reasons: (a) illness of or
injury to the student, attested by a physician's
certificate that states that the student was physically
unable to sit for the examination; (b) attendance
at the funeral of a spouse, child, parent, grandparent,
or sibling; (c) court attendance required by legal
process; or (d) direct time conflicts between multiple
exams; (e) other extraordinary circumstances as determined
by the associate dean.
Requests to reschedule an examination must be presented
by petition no later than two weeks before the date
of the examination, except in emergencies. Petition
forms are available at the Records Office and completed
petitions should be submitted to the Records Office.
All make-up exams are scheduled during the exam make-up
day(s) at the end of the exam period. A student who
is absent from an examination without permission
from the associate dean will be given a failing grade.
The School of Law is required to keep all examination
papers; therefore, none can be returned to examinees
on a permanent basis. Students may review their examinations
after grades are posted, but faculty will not discuss
individual examinations with students until all grades
for all students have been posted. Students who wish
to review their examinations may do so by contacting
a faculty secretary. Faculty will be available for
reasonable periods, after all grades are posted,
to discuss exam performance with students.
Grade Appeals
Grade appeals shall be handled in the following
manner:
Student questions about grades should be directed
to the course instructor. A student may challenge
a grade by submitting written objections to the instructor.
An instructor who receives such objections will review
the examination or other basis for the grade and
notify the student of the outcome of the review within
a reasonable time. The instructor may raise or lower
a grade only with the approval of the Associate Dean
for Student Academic Affairs and only upon determining
that the original grade was clearly erroneous because
of (a) clerical error, or (b) defective construction
or evaluation of the examination.
At least one week prior to the first regularly
scheduled faculty meeting of each semester, the Associate
Dean for Student Academic Affairs will provide every
voting member of the faculty with a report either
(a) describing in detail the circumstances and reasons
for every change of grade approved during the prior
semester, or since the last report to the faculty,
or (b) stating that no grade changes had been approved.
Unless for good cause, this report shall not disclose
the identities of any students whose grades were
changed.
In order to further appeal a grade after the review,
a student must submit to the Associate Dean for Student
Academic Affairs a detailed written petition stating
why the student believes the grade is clearly erroneous.
After consulting with the instructor, the Associate
Dean may either deny the petition or determine that
the petition should be given further consideration.
If the Associate Dean determines that a petition
should be given further consideration, the Associate
Dean will submit the petition, along with the Associate
Dean’s own written evaluation of the merits
of the petition, to (a) the Academic Standing Committee,
if that committee comprises at least three tenured
members of the faculty, or ( b) in case the Academic
Standing Committee does not comprise at least three
tenured members of the faculty, then to an ad hoc
committee of three tenured members of the faculty
elected by the faculty.
After consulting with the instructor, the faculty committee
may either deny the petition or, if the committee concludes
that the grade is clearly erroneous, recommend such relief
as the committee deems appropriate. In all cases where the
committee recommends that relief be granted, the committee
must within seven days provide every voting member of the
faculty with (a) the student's petition; (b) the Associate
Dean's statement; and (c) a written committee report that
provides a detailed explanation of the committee's recommendation.
Unless for good cause, this written report shall not disclose
the student petitioner's identity.
If the committee recommends that relief be granted, the
faculty shall consider the petition at its next meeting.
Except as provided [above], the grade assigned by the instructor
may never be changed except by a vote of the faculty to
accept the committee's recommendation for relief. The faculty
shall not consider petitions that have been denied by the
committee.
Unless for good cause, a grade appeal must be initiated
by the student prior to the end of classes in the semester
following that in which the course was taken.
Course Loads
A student enrolled in any program shall register
and maintain registration in the courses and the
number of credit hours required by that program for
the given term. Typical program profiles of course
and credit hour requirements for each semester of
the track programs and program profiles of the first
four semesters of the General program are found elsewhere
in this catalog.
Students enrolled in the full-time division normally
carry between 13 and 16 credit hours per semester
over six regular semesters.
The minimum load to maintain full-time status is
12 hours, and the maximum is 16 hours. However, full-time
students may take a one-time light load of as low
as 10 credit hours during a semester and still maintain
full-time status. Students who are granted permission
to exceed the 16-hour maximum are charged additional
tuition for each extra hour.
Students enrolled in the part-time division normally
carry between 10 and 12 credit hour per semester
over eight regular semesters. The minimum load to
maintain part-time status is eight hours, and the
maximum is 12 hours. Students taking less than 11
hours per semester may need to enroll in summer courses
to graduate at the end of four years. Part-time students
may be granted permission to take in excess of 12
hours; but they must maintain part-time status, and
no additional residence units are awarded.
In general, permission to take lighter or heavier
course loads is granted only for good cause and to
further desirable academic objectives. In the final
semester of study, however, students are required
to take only the number of hours necessary to complete
credit hours and residence units required for the
degree.
Academic Performance
Minimum Academic Performance and Re-Admission
Minimum academic performance is judged only at the
end of the spring semester. If, at the end of any
year of study, a matriculant's cumulative grade point
average is less than 2.15, the student is ineligible
to continue and shall have "Academically ineligible
to continue" noted on the transcript. The student
shall not again be matriculated unless he/she is
re-admitted under the academic regulations in force
at the time.
Students having a cumulative average below 2.15
at the end of the spring semester of their first
year may be re-admitted by the associate dean. Re-admission
is not the rule; a written submission of good cause
is required for re-admission consideration.
If a student, other than one who has been on probation
and met the terms of probation, at the end of the
second year or any subsequent year has a cumulative
average of less than 2.15, such student shall not
be re-admitted except by the associate dean upon
a written submission of extraordinary circumstances.
Re-admission is not automatic. Any student re-admitted
or continued in matriculation whose cumulative average
is less than 2.15 shall be continued only on academic
probation. Academic probation includes each of the
following:
1. Conditions may be imposed, and these conditions
may include a change in status (as to full time or
part time), corrective educational work, leave of
absence, repeat of a course or courses, reexamination,
obtaining a specified grade point average by the
conclusion of a specified term, and other conditions
appropriate to the student's circumstances.
2. The academic program shall be approved under
direction of the associate dean so long as the student
remains on academic probation.
3. The conditions shall include, in all cases, that
a student obtain a cumulative average of not less
than 2.15 by the end of the next academic year.
4. The student may not participate in any extracurricular
or co-curricular activity, with the exception of
simple membership in fraternal organizations (no
office holding).
When a student is re-admitted on academic probation,
compliance with the conditions of probation shall
entitle the student to continue in matriculation.
Failure to meet the conditions shall result in cancellation
of matriculation and dismissal for academic reasons.
A student once re-admitted shall not be re-admitted
by the associate dean a second time. Only the full
faculty can readmit such a student. The faculty considers
such petitions only when the Academic Standing Committee
has found extraordinary circumstances and recommends
that they do so.
Other Grounds for Cancellation of Matriculation
Matriculation may be canceled on nonacademic grounds
such as serious misconduct, demonstrated inability
or unwillingness to engage seriously in law study,
and various serious infractions of administrative
regulations.
Confidentiality of
Student Records
All information in student records is considered
confidential and subject to the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. This act
was designed to protect the privacy of educational
records, to establish the right of students to inspect
and review their educational records, and to provide
guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading
data through informal and formal hearings. Students
also have the right to file complaints with the FERPA
office concerning alleged failures by the institution
to comply with the Act.
George Mason routinely complies with requests from
the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
(SCHEV) for personally identifiable information on
enrolled students. This information is for research
purposes, and as a condition of accepting the data,
SCHEV has agreed to protect it from further disclosure,
except as aggregate data.
Students may inspect their educational records and
obtain more information about the Privacy Act at
the Law School Recorder's Office.
Students are cautioned that when applying for jobs
or loans, or otherwise initiating any action that
may prompt inquiries at the school, they should make
arrangements with the Recorder's Office for release
of information.
General Regulations
Computing
See the Responsible
Use of Computing Policy which applies to all
University faculty, staff, students, visitors and
contractors.
Motor Vehicles
The privilege of operating and parking a motor vehicle
at George Mason University is extended to all students,
subject to the following procedures:
Vehicles must be registered with the Office of Parking
Services. At the time of registration, the student
must certify that (1) the vehicle has a valid state
registration and insurance from a recognized carrier
to afford coverage for public liability in conformity
with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, (2)
the student has a valid driver's license, and (3)
the student understands that he or she is governed
by university Motor Vehicle and Traffic Rules and
Regulations, a copy of which is furnished at the
time of registration of the vehicle. Every registered
vehicle must display a decal.
Parking Services has an office at the Arlington
Campus.
Identification Cards
Official university identification cards are issued
to each student as part of the registration process.
This card must be presented for use of library materials
and may be required for admission to university events
or for using university facilities after normal operating
hours. The identification card is revalidated each
semester.
Weapons
The unauthorized possession, storage, display, or
use of any kind of ammunition, firearms, fireworks,
explosives, air rifles, air pistols, or other lethal
instruments is prohibited on university property.
Any questions regarding this regulation should be
directed to the University Police, 993-2810, on the
Fairfax Campus.
Bicycles/Skateboards
Bike racks are provided at various on-campus locations
for the convenience of students who bike to and from
campus. Bikes and skateboards are not permitted on
sidewalks, stairs, ramps, footpaths, or grassy areas
of the campus or inside university buildings.
Animals
No animals are permitted in university buildings
at any time. Exceptions are made for dogs assisting
disabled persons. Pets that are on campus grounds
must be on a leash and under supervision at all times.
Solicitors
Solicitors, except those on official business with
the university, are not permitted on university property
without prior approval of the Auxiliary Enterprises
Office.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
(Adopted by the Board of Visitors, May 1990;
revised August 10, 1998)
The abuse of drugs and alcohol by members of the
George Mason University community is incompatible
with the goals of the university. By defining standards
of behavior and by providing educational programs
and creating an awareness of drug- and alcohol-related
problems, the university attempts to prepare individuals
to act responsibly. Those in need of assistance in
dealing with such problems are encouraged to seek
the confidential services of the university's Counseling,
Student Health, or Drug Education Services.
Drugs-
- Use and/or possession of illegal drugs and drug
paraphernalia are prohibited on the campuses of
George Mason University. Violation of this community
standard will be considered a serious offense.
Implementation of this policy will be in accord
with established university procedures as contained
in the University Judicial Code.
- The University Police will enforce all applicable
local, state, and federal laws in accord with established
standing orders, procedures, and guidelines.
- There will be a university judicial review of
all reports of drug offenses occurring on campus.
Action under the University Judicial Code will
neither prejudice nor be prejudiced by action taken
either in the criminal justice system or by the
management of university housing.
- Any student found responsible for a violation
of law or regulation involving illegal drugs will
be required to undergo an evaluation administered
by personnel of the university's Drug Education
Services.
- The housing status of a resident student found
in violation of a campus drug regulation while
in a residence hall will be determined by the appropriate
housing official. Guests and visitors found responsible
for violating a campus drug regulation while in
a residence hall will be issued a trespass order
prohibiting their presence in any and all residential
buildings on the George Mason University campuses.
This trespass order will be in effect for a minimum
of one calendar year.
- In addition to any action taken by the Office
of Housing and Residence Life, the standard sanction
for a student's first on-campus violation involving
possession or use of marijuana or possession
of drug paraphernalia will be suspension from the
university for a minimum of one academic semester.
However, on the basis of the result of an evaluation
by the Drug Education Center and any mitigating
circumstances, the judicial administrator may reduce
the sanction to one-year probationary status with
any future violation resulting in permanent separation
from the university. Additional educational sanctions
may be included in the conditions of probation.
- Any student found responsible for a violation
involving sale or possession of an illegal substance
with intent to distribute will be permanently separated
from the university.
- Any student found responsible for use or possession
of an illegal drug other than marijuana
will be suspended from the university for a minimum
of one year. The suspended student must provide
evidence of successful participation in a drug
treatment program prior to reinstatement.
Alcohol-
- The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages
is limited to those locations and circumstances
authorized by university policy.
- No alcoholic beverages are permitted in Presidents
Park.
- Students who are 21 years of age or older are
permitted to possess alcohol in residence hall
rooms other than those located in Presidents Park.
The quantity of alcohol may be limited by residence
hall regulations.
- No alcoholic beverages may be consumed in public
areas of a residence hall. These areas include,
but are not limited to, hallways, study rooms,
and lounges.
- All first-time offenses of this policy by residential
students, except those involving severe intoxication
and/or a police or emergency medical response,
will be adjudicated through the housing judicial
system. All offenses by nonresident students will
be referred to the university judicial administrator.
- Housing discipline sanctions will be primarily
educational, but may include a housing assignment
change, referral to the university judicial administrator,
and/or removal from housing.
- All cases involving severely intoxicated students
and/or a police or emergency medical response will
be referred to both the university judicial administrator
for disciplinary action and the Drug Education
Center for appropriate evaluation and referral.
- All students referred to the university judicial
administrator will have their alcohol abuse evaluated
by personnel of the Drug Education Services. The
sanctions imposed in these cases will be designed
to offer assistance in overcoming any identified
problem. While the purpose of the judicial action
will be educational and remedial, it may be appropriate
to remove the student from campus housing or from
the university.
- The university will encourage parental involvement
whenver there is a repeat offense or when the first
offense indicates a serious problem. This involvement
will be in accord with provisions of the Family
Education Rights and Privacy Act.
Notice to All State Employees
The federal Drug-Free Work Place Act requires that
we inform you that the unlawful manufacture, distribution,
possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited
in the workplace. The workplace consists of any state-owned,
-controlled, or -leased property, or the site where
state work is performed. Any employee who violates
this prohibition will be subject to disciplinary
action up to and including discharge and/or will
be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug-abuse
assistance or rehabilitation program at the discretion
of management. As a condition of employment, each
employee must abide by the terms of this prohibition
and notify his/her supervisor of any criminal drug
statute conviction occurring in the workplace no
later than five days after such conviction.
I. General Laws and Regulations
A. Those who choose to purchase, possess, and consume
alcoholic beverages on campus must do so responsibly
and be of legal age (21). All members of the university
community, to include students, faculty, staff, alumni,
and their guests, are expected to comply with federal
and state laws regarding the use of alcohol and university-related
regulations contained in this policy. This compliance
also extends to university-sponsored activities held
off campus. Students and employees are expected to
take personal responsibility for their own conduct
when making decisions regarding the use of alcohol.
B. Virginia state law prohibits the purchase, possession,
or consumption of beer, 3.2 beverages, wine, or distilled
spirits by persons under the age of 21. It is also
prohibited to purchase for, or to serve such beverages
to, a person under 21. Underage persons who use or
attempt to use a driver's license that has been altered,
forged, borrowed from another, or is any way deceptive
in an attempt to obtain beverages prohibited to them
shall have their driver's licenses revoked for not
less that 30 days but not more than one year.
Consuming alcohol in non-licensed public places
or offering a drink to another in a nonlicensed public
place is also a violation of Virginia law. The sale
of alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person is
prohibited. It is also unlawful for an intoxicated
person to purchase or possess alcoholic beverages.
While this purchase or possession is a misdemeanor,
violators are also subject to having their driver's
licenses revoked for a year. It is illegal to operate
a motor vehicle-including mopeds-while a person has
a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent
or higher. For a driver under 21 who drives with
a BAC of more than .02 percent, the driver's license
is suspended for six months and a fine of up to $500
is imposed. If a person is arrested for driving with
a license revoked or suspended under a prior DUI
conviction, the offender's car is immediately impounded
for 30 days. The court can impound the vehicle for
an additional 90 days following conviction. If the
car does not belong to the offender, the car owner
may petition the court for release of the vehicle.
Your driver's license will automatically be revoked
for seven days if you refuse a breath test or if
your BAC in .08 percent or higher. You no longer
have the option of requesting a blood test instead
of a breath test for an alcohol-related offense.
Sobriety spot-checks to detect drunken drivers are
legal. It is illegal to serve alcohol from an unregistered
keg (common container holding four gallons or more).
Only University Dining Services or authorized entity
may serve alcohol from kegs.
C. Possession, use, sale, or distribution of controlled
substances, including marijuana, is a violation of
both federal and state laws as well as university
regulations. The 1988 Federal Drug-Free Workplace
Act also prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution,
possession, or use of a controlled substance in the
workplace.
D. Students, faculty, staff, and sponsoring organizations
found in violation of state and/or university regulations
may be subject to disciplinary action, civil actions,
and/or loss of the privilege to reserve or use university
facilities. Disciplinary action for students or student
organizations will be conducted in accordance with
the George Mason University Judicial System for Student
Conduct; civil proceedings may occur in certain situations.
University sanctions are intended not to punish individuals
but to provide education and rehabilitation services.
Sanctions vary with severity of violation and range
from written warnings to expulsion from the university.
Included in most sanctions for students is an evaluation
by the director of Drug Education Services to ascertain
severity of alcohol and other drug problems and a
referral to arrange community-service hours. Employees
found in violation may be subject to action by their
appropriate administrative office.
II. Health Risks
For many people in our society, the use of chemicals
is a daily reality. These chemicals include over-the-counter
medications, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs
such as marijuana, cocaine, and LSD. They also include
legal chemicals such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.
Many chemicals have the potential to improve our
health and enrich our lives. Yet many of these chemicals
also have the potential to cause serious health,
legal, and economic problems.
Alcohol is a depressant that slows down brain activity.
Like any drug that affects the mind, alcohol has
the potential to be abused. Decision-making abilities
can be impaired by alcohol use, which can cause negative
consequences such as risky sexual behavior. It is
expected that all students and employees respect
those who choose not to drink. Drinking alcohol should
be avoided, particularly by pregnant women and anyone
taking prescribed medications or operating a motor
vehicle. Long-term or heavy use of alcohol is linked
to cancer, heart and liver damage, and other serious
illnesses. Tolerance or physical and psychological
dependence can develop.
The potential for health problems can also develop
from the use of nicotine or caffeine products.
Excess use of alcohol can cause death due to alcohol
poisoning.
Illicit drugs have more than legal consequences;
they have specific health and ethical risks that
can cause dangerous consequences and/or unhealthy
dependent behavior. Use of alcohol or any other drug
in a manner that leads to impairment or intoxication
is unhealthy, risky, and should be avoided and discouraged.
Those in need of assistance in dealing with alcohol
and other drug problems are encouraged to seek the
confidential services of campus departments listed
in Section IV.
III. General Regulations for Individuals and
Organizations Serving Alcoholic Beverages
A. University regulations prohibit the possession
or consumption of any alcoholic beverage on university
grounds unless the university has sanctioned the
location and/or conditions for possession or consumption
(e.g., Bistro). For further information regarding
service of alcohol at public and private events,
as well as at the Patriot Center, Arlington Campus,
and Prince William Campus, please review the comprehensive
guidelines for alcohol service available in Drug
Education Services.
IV. Campus and Community Resources
Drug Education Services - Nancy Schulte, LCSW, MSWWAC
Student Union I, Room 252D, (703) 993-3686
Health and Wellness Resources
Student Union I, Room 238, (703) 993-3686
The State Employee Assistance Service (SEAS)
(804) 786-6741
Alcoholics Anonymous - for campus meetings, call
(703) 993-3686;
In Virginia, call (703) 281-7501
Narcotics Anonymous - in Virginia, call (703) 281-8638
The Alcohol and Other Drug Policy, composed of these
four sections, outlines subject matter pertaining
to university regulations on substance use and abuse.
This policy is annually distributed to all employees
and students as a means of informing the campus community
of alcohol and other drug laws, health risks, and
campus and community resources. University regulations
regarding the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy have
been developed by a committee of faculty, staff,
and students. This policy statement is available
in Drug Education Services in Student Union I, Room
252D. This policy is also distributed through the
student and faculty/staff handbooks and the university's
two newspapers: Broadside and the Mason
Gazette.
Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action
Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative
action institution committed to the principle that
access to study or employment opportunities afforded
by the university, including all benefits and privileges,
be accorded to each person-student, faculty, or staff
member-on the basis of individual merit without regard
to race, color, religion, national origin, veteran
status, disability, sexual orientation, sex, or age
(except where sex or age is a bona fide occupational
qualification).
George Mason University shall maintain a continuing
affirmative program to promote equal opportunity
and to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices
in every phase of university operations. Furthermore,
affirmative action will be taken to ensure that opportunities
afforded by the university are fully available to
persons with disabilities, women, disabled and Vietnam-era
veterans, and minorities. The university will make
every reasonable accommodation to enable students
or employees with disabilities to undertake work
or study for which they qualify.
As required by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended, the university is committed to the broad
application of Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments
of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age
Discrimination Act of 1975.
Students should bring problems or questions regarding
EO/AA/sexual harassment policies to the attention
of the supervisor, department chair, the vice president
for University Life, the student ombudsperson, an
academic dean, the director of Human Resources, a
trusted staff or faculty member, the Women's Studies
Research and Resource Center, or the vice president
and university equity officer, Mason Hall, Room D105,
993-8730. Employees with disabilities may contact
the ADA specialist in Mason Hall, Room D 111, (703)
993-8857 or (703) 993-8787 (TDD). Students with disabilities
may contact the Disability Resource Center in SUB
1, Room 234, (703) 993-2474.
HIV/AIDS Policy
George Mason University is committed to creating
an environment that supports the intellectual and
personal development of its community. A primary
goal of the university is to assure that the quality
of life for students, staff, and faculty is conducive
to and facilitates the learning process at all stages
of personal growth and development. George Mason
University recognizes the concern of its students,
staff, and faculty about AIDS and has adopted the
following policies for the education and protection
of the campus community.
AIDS is a result of infection with the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV). Persons who are HIV-positive or who
live with AIDS are susceptible to bacteria, fungi,
and diseases that would not normally affect others
so adversely. The virus serves to break down and
eventually destroy the immune system. Currently,
there is no cure for HIV or AIDS; therefore, comprehensive
education is recognized as the key strategy in AIDS
prevention.
The university is taking an active role in making
current information available to the members of its
community about the transmission of HIV and the means
to minimizing the risk of developing AIDS. George
Mason University will have an educated constituency
that is aware of and supportive of the prevention,
risk behaviors, coping strategies, and other related
issues surrounding HIV. The HIV/AIDS Education Program
has been developed to accomplish this task. Goals
of the education program include information distribution
about prevention and risk reduction of HIV and AIDS.
Development of the skills and support needed to change
risk behaviors is a significant component of the
program. Another purpose of this campus-wide education
program is to ensure the protection of the individual
rights of all members of the campus community and
the preparation of individuals to act in a responsible
manner. Discrimination against persons who are HIV-positive
or who may have AIDS is incompatible with the goals
of George Mason and will not be tolerated.
Persons in the university community who need assistance
in dealing with issues about HIV/ AIDS are encouraged
to seek the confidential services of the university's
Counseling Services, Student Health Services, Health
Education Services, future HIV/AIDS personnel, and
a variety of community agencies. Students, staff,
and faculty who are HIV-positive or who live with
AIDS will be able to remain in the university community
as long as they are physically and mentally able
to perform their roles.The confidentiality of any
person with HIV and AIDS will be protected. Information
concerning an individual's HIV status will not be
provided to students, staff, faculty, administrators,
or even parents without the express written permission
of that individual.
Sexual Assault Policy
The following policy applies to all members of the
George Mason University community: students, faculty,
administrators, staff, contract employees, and visitors.
The university is committed to providing an institutional
environment where all persons may pursue their studies,
careers, duties, and activities in an atmosphere
free of the threat of unwelcome and unwanted sexual
actions. It strongly condemns sexual offenses and
will not tolerate sexual offenders.
Sexual assaults are serious violations of the university's
student judicial code, faculty standards, and university
employee policies. They are crimes under state law
and are punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
In addition, the actions are subject to civil suit
for damages.
The university will respond promptly, fairly, and
decisively to all reports of sexual assault. Members
of the university community accused of these actions
will be subject to university disciplinary procedures
when the alleged incident has occurred on campus
or when the action has occurred off campus and materially
affects the learning environment or operations of
the university.
Sexual assault includes the attempt or act of rape
(sexual intercourse without consent, both by a stranger
and acquaintance), forced sodomy (oral or anal sex),
or forced penetration by a foreign object including
a finger. Nonpenetration sexual assault includes
the act of touching an unwilling person's intimate
parts such as genitalia, groin, breast, or buttocks
or the clothing covering these parts, or forcing
an unwilling person to touch another's intimate parts.
The above acts constitute sexual assault when they
are committed against a person's will as evidenced
by refusal of consent or through the use of force,
threat, or intimidation, or against a person who,
by virtue of mental incapacity or physical helplessness,
is unable to give or withhold consent. This includes,
but is not limited to, incapacity or helplessness
caused by alcohol or other drugs. Intoxication of
the assailant shall not diminish the assailant's
responsibility for sexual assaults.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment is unacceptable conduct and will
not be condoned in any form at George Mason University.
This policy is part of the university effort to maintain
learning and work environments free from sexual harassment.
While this problem can seriously affect all members
of an educational community, sexual harassment can
be particularly devastating for our student population.
A sexual harassment experience can affect a student's
emotional well-being, impair academic progress, and
even inhibit the attainment of career goals. This
problem can likewise affect employees and applicants
for both employment or admission to the university
in the same manner. Therefore, George Mason University
must move to eliminate this problem from our community.
It is generally agreed that what constitutes and
defines sexual harassment can vary under particular
circumstances and events. Nevertheless, using the
definitions of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Education's
Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the university defines
sexual harassment as follows:
"Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct
of a sexual nature constitute harassment when (1)
submission to or rejection of such conduct is made
either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition
of an individual's academic performance or employment;
(2) submission to or rejection of such conduct
by an individual is used as the basis for decisions
about academic evaluation, employment, promotion,
transfer, selection for training, performance evaluation,
or selection for academic awards or benefits, etc.;
(3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating
an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational
or work environment or substantially interferes
with a student's academic or an employee's work
performance."
While the definition quoted above reflects the historical
fact that the majority of sexual harassment complaints
involve a male harasser and a female complainant
(or victim), the definition applies equally to female
harassers and male victims as well as same-sex harassment.
George Mason University is committed to eliminating
sexual harassment from the campus while ensuring
basic protection for all parties. The Office of the
Vice President and University Equity Officer (a.k.a.
Equity Officer) is specifically charged to assist
in the investigation and resolution of allegations
of discrimination and harassment including sexual
harassment. Further, the office exists, in part,
to ensure that members of the campus community understand
their responsibility to create and maintain an environment
free from discriminatory actions and behaviors.
For more information, contact the University Equity
Office at (703) 993-8730 or (703) 993-8787 (TDD).
Stalking Policy
(Effective February 1, 1999)
This policy applies equally to all members of the
George Mason University community: students, faculty,
administrators, staff, contract employees, and visitors.
The university is committed to protecting the right
of all individuals to pursue their intellectual,
vocational, and personal interests without harassment
or interference. The university is also committed
to providing an environment in which visitors to
and members of the campus community are treated with
dignity, respect, and regard for their welfare and
learning needs.
George Mason University defines stalking as any
behaviors or activities occurring on more than one
occasion that collectively instill fear in the victim,
and/or threaten his or her safety, mental health,
or physical health. Such behaviors and activities
may include, but are are not limited to, the following:
- Nonconsensual communication, including face-to-face,
telephone calls, voice messages, electronic mail,
written letters, unwanted gifts, etc.
- Threatening or obscene gestures
- Surveillance or other types of observation
- Trespassing*
- Vandalism*
- Nonconsensual touching*
*These offenses may result in additional criminal
charges.
Stalking behavior will not be tolerated. Incidents
occurring on or off campus are subject to university
discipline when such actions materially affect the
learning environment or operations of the university.
Stalking is a crime under Virginia state law. Incidences
of stalking outside the Commonwealth of Virginia
may be admissible in court if they are relevant to
the case and may be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor
or a felony. Legal options available to victims of
stalking include reporting to the local police, seeking
a remedy through civil proceedings, and/or utilizing
the campus judicial process.
For more information on stalking issues or this
policy, please contact Sexual Assault Services at
(703) 993-4363.
Individuals with Disabilities Policy
The university is committed to complying with the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 by providing reasonable
accommodations for applicants for admission, students,
applicants for employment, employees, and visitors
who are disabled. Applicants for admission and students
requiring specific accommodations for a disability
should contact the Disability Resource Center at
(703) 993-2472 or the University Equity Office at
(703) 993-8730. Students are responsible for providing
appropriate documentation for their files and for
requesting reasonable accommodation services in a
timely manner. Applicants for employment and employees
should contact Human Resources at (703) 993-2600
or the University Equity Office.
copyright © 2004
last updated:
Jun 15, 2005
