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• Student & Parent Facts

Student & Parent Facts

Academic Policies and Ethics

Occidental College expects that its students, both inside and outside the College, will adhere to high standards of honor and good citizenship and that they will conduct themselves in a responsible manner that reflects credit on themselves and the institution. Some forms of conduct are unacceptable at any academic institution dedicated to scholastic excellence. This includes academic dishonesty and failure to respect the rights of others and of the College. Should such conduct occur, disciplinary action would be enforced in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, as published in the Student Handbook.

Alcohol Policy

The laws of the state of California specify that people under the age of 21 may not consume, possess, or distribute alcohol. In addition, it is unlawful for any person to sell, furnish, or give any alcoholic beverage to anyone under the age of 21. Minors who use false identification in order to obtain alcoholic beverages are guilty of a misdemeanor. In compliance with state and local laws, Occidental prohibits the illegal use of alcohol on College property and as part of any College-sponsored activity. Hosts of events may be held liable by the College and/or the courts for policy violations committed by themselves or their guests.

Drug Policy

The use, sale, and/or possession of illegal drugs on the campus are prohibited. Federal and state statutes specify that persons involved in the use, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs be subject to arrest, fine, and imprisonment. The College cannot deny the Los Angeles Police Department or federal or state narcotics officers access to the campus or to College buildings to investigate the illegal use or sale of drugs. Counseling and medical assistance are available from Emmons Student Health and Counseling Center or from the Office of the Dean of Students. Information shared in this context will remain confidential and will not be subject to disciplinary action.

Harassment Policy

It is the policy of the College to provide a work and academic environment free of unlawful harassment and retaliation. Unlawful harassment is defined as severe and/or persistent conduct in any form based on sex, race, color, age, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal laws, as well as all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation that create a hostile or intimidating environment likely to interfere significantly with an individual’s work or education, or affect adversely an individual’s living conditions. The College will not tolerate any conduct that constitutes unlawful harassment. Instances of sexual harassment are handled in accordance with the College Sexual Harassment Policy. Harassment of a student based on disability should be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs in accordance with the Policy of Non-Discrimination with Respect to Students with Disabilities.

Hazing Policy

All groups, organizations, or individuals associated with Occidental College are forbidden to partake in any form of hazing. The California Education Code defines hazing as “any method of pre-initiation into a student organization or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any student or other person … attending … college … or other educational institution in this state; but the term hazing does not include customary athletic or other similar contests or competitions.”