Rockhurst is a comprehensive university and a supportive community that forms lifelong learners in the Catholic, Jesuit, liberal arts tradition who engage with the complexities of our world and serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders.

Mission

To create a more just world through inclusive, innovative and transformative education.

Core values:

• Finding God in All Things
• Magis (e.g., Excellence in All Endeavors)
• Reflection and Discernment
• Cura Personalis (i.e. Care for the Whole Person)
• Contemplation in Action
• Wisdom (as the product of the search for God in all things, the striving for more, and the care of the whole person)

Historic overview

Rockhurst University and High School was founded in 1910 after Rev. Michael Dowling S.J. purchased 25 acres of land at 53rd and Troost for $50,000. In that same year, the State of Missouri granted Rockhurst University a Charter for awarding degrees. However, it was in 1914 that academic life actually began with the completion of Sedgwick Hall for the high school. In 1917, the first university classes began with Rev. Alphonse Schwitalla, S.J., as the only faculty member. More information can be found in the Rockhurst Catalog.

Rockhurst seal

The Rockhurst University Seal, adopted in 1945 and updated to reflect our name change from college to university in 1999, summarizes pictorially the inspiration and history of the University. The shield in the center comprises four quarters separated by a cross with seven pillars, symbolizing the seven pillars of wisdom and the seven liberal arts. Reading clockwise, the moorcock is from the family shield of Saint Thomas More, patron saint of Rockhurst. The stony, wooded hill portrays the ground on which Rockhurst was built and for which it was named. The holly sprig is from the coat of arms of the Dowling family, in honor of the University’s founder. The quarter-bars are from the family shield of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. The Latin words encircling the shield translate, “Wisdom has built herself a home.”

Rockhurst colors

Blue (Pantone 286) and White

Mascot

The Hawk

Alma mater

Rockhurst is our alma mater.

Home of wisdom, heart so true.

Loyal friends are here together.

‘Neath our colors white and blue.

Guide us with your truth and honor.

Keep us strong in unity.

On this Rock we build our future.

Rockhurst University.

At Rockhurst University we believe community is…

Purposeful

A place where faculty and students share academic goals and work together to strengthen teaching and learning on the campus.

Open

A place where freedom of expression of beliefs is uncompromisingly protected and where civility is role modeled and powerfully affirmed.

Just     

A place where the value and integrity of each person is honored and respected.

Disciplined

A place where individuals accept their obligations to the group and where well-defined governance procedures guide behavior for the common good.

Caring  

A place where the well-being of each member is sensitively supported and where service to others is encouraged.

Celebrative

A place in which the Jesuit heritage of Rockhurst University is remembered, diversity is valued, and where rituals affirming both tradition and change are widely shared.

Adapted from Campus Life:  In Search of Community.  The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching; Ernest L. Boyer (fwd.); Princeton, New Jersey; 1990.

All aspects of a student’s academic progress are the concern of the Academic Deans’ offices. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, along with the academic deans supervise the various academic programs at the University. All academic records, policies, and procedures are maintained in the Registrar’s Office.

College of Arts and Sciences (A & S)

Van Ackeren Hall • Rm. 215 • 816-501-4075

College of Business, Influence and Information Analysis (includes the Helzberg School of Management)

Conway Hall • Rm. 201 • Ext. 816-501-4200

Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences 

Van Ackeren • Rm. 300 • 816-501-4767

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Massman Hall • Room 248-B • 816-501-4617

Convocation Center

Monday through Thursday - 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Friday – 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Massman Weight Room (student-athletes only)

Monitored and overseen by the Athletic Performance Staff. Hours will vary based on team practices. No swipe access is available.

Magis Activity Center

Monday - Thursday: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Fridays: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sundays: 10:00 am to 10:00 p.m.

The Convocation Center is home to the offices for the Athletic Department coaches/staff, basketball/volleyball courts for intramurals/recreation, and locker rooms for general student use. The courts and locker rooms are not available for use during intercollegiate contests in soccer, volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse.

Please contact the intramural director by calling x4141 for the intramural sports schedule and sport offerings. You can also access offerings on the MAC web page. 

Rockhurst is an NCAA Division II member with varsity intercollegiate athletics teams in baseball, men’s & women’s basketball, men’s & women’s cross country, men’s & women’s golf, men’s & women’s lacrosse, men’s & women’s soccer, softball, men’s & women’s tennis, and volleyball.

Bookstore

Massman Hall, Lower Level, Ext. 4801

The Rockhurst University Bookstore, a Barnes & Noble College Bookstore, is the exclusive textbook supplier to the Rockhurst Community. In addition to selling NEW and USED textbooks, the bookstore also offers a textbook RENTAL program and DIGITAL textbooks. Save over 60% when you rent or go digital! You can check out your textbook list on our website. Textbooks are not the only things the Bookstore has in stock. Stop by the store to check out Rockhurst apparel and gift items, medicine, snacks, and greeting cards. The Rockhurst University Bookstore accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Barnes & Noble gift cards. Store hours are available on our website.

Campus Ministry

Massman Hall Rm. 3, Ext. 4855

As a Catholic, Jesuit University, Campus Ministry values faith and spirituality as essential components of one’s education. The Campus Ministry staff believes in an inclusive and invitational approach to ministry; we are here to accompany and serve students of any or no faith tradition. We exist to listen, celebrate, and offer pastoral guidance to students as they navigate their time at Rockhurst and discern all aspects of life.  Formal programs such as retreats, service/justice initiatives, solidarity-immersion trips, liturgies, prayer, and interfaith dialogue offer scheduled opportunities for spiritual growth. Visit Campus Ministry’s website for a complete calendar of events.

Sunday Mass Schedule (while classes are in session) 

• Sundays: 6:00 pm at Massman Hall – Mabee Chapel 

Weekday Mass Schedule (while classes are in session) 

• Tuesdays at 12:30 pm in Massman Hall – Mabee Chapel 
• Wednesdays at 9:00 pm in Massman Hall – Mabee Chapel  

Center for Career Development

Massman Hall Rm 3, Ext. 4861

Center for Career Development Vision 

To empower all students to discern and develop their natural talents in pursuit of meaningful career paths and lives of purpose in an ever-changing world. 

Center for Career Development Mission 

To create an inclusive environment for all students that provides equitable access to educational opportunities for self-discovery and professional development, and to foster relationships with internal and external partners that facilitate intentional learning experiences, mentoring connections, and career opportunities. 

Services for all students and alumni include: Individual Career Advising; Resume and Interview Preparation; Cooperative Education Experiences; Campus Interviewing; Career Fairs; Networking Opportunities; Local and National Job Listings; Graduate School Assistance; Career Resource Center; Web-Based Resume Posting. If you have questions on any of these topics, please call Career Development.

A credit-bearing class is offered to assist Rockhurst University students with their career development process. Career Planning (CT 1120) assists students in determining a major and defining a career path. 

The Cooperative Education Program is a structured, paid internship program in which students can work in a career-related position while earning money and academic credit. The number of credit hours earned is based upon the number of hours worked during the academic term.

Center for Arts & Letters

Arrupe Hall Rm. 118, Ext. 4607                                                                                        

The Center for Arts & Letters is an alliance of Rockhurst’s cultural organizations. The Center’s cultural programs include:

• Center Study Trips
• Chorus, Chamber Singers & Women’s Chorale
• Film Series
• Greenlease Gallery
• Midwest Poets Series
• Musica Sacra Chorus & Orchestra
• Plays-in-Progress Workshop
• Return to the Classics
• Rockhurst Review
• Rockhurst Theatre
• Visiting Scholar Lecture Series

The Center for Arts & Letters supports Rockhurst in its mission to foster a love of learning and an awareness of moral responsibility. The Center advocates cultural involvement throughout one’s life by cultivating the participation of students, alumni, and faculty, staff and community members in its cultural programs.

Help Desk

Email: helpdesk@rockhurst.edu

Contact us in person:

Conway Hall 4th floor

Helpdesk:  Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Contact us by phone:

Ext. 4357 (or 816-501-4357 from off campus)

Outside normal business hours, calls will be handled by our service partner, Canvas. Canvas is able to handle most common computer issues and escalate issues as necessary. Together, Computer Services and Canvas provide 24x7 telephone support.

There are two computer labs on campus that offer a variety of software. Below is a list of computer labs on campus. The labs that are 24 hours will require that you have your student ID to gain access to the room.

Ricoh multi-function devices are available in every computer lab for printing, copying or scanning in black and white or color. Students are given 500 impressions each semester for free with their network account. We also have a new mobile printing option for your own devices.

Arrupe 220:  24 hours, available for classes

Arrupe 310:  24 hours, available for classes

Library Mezzanine:  ADA Station (main floor)

Students also have access to smaller computer labs located in their residence halls, the THV Community Center or the Rockroom in the lower level of Massman Hall. Students are required to have network accounts for accessing the Rockhurst computers, network services, and email. In addition, students have a Rockweb account for web access to grades, class schedules, registration and other official business. Use of the campus portal (https://my.rockhurst.edu), is critical as it allows single sign-on access to Rockweb, e-mail, one-drive, Canvas, Papercut, and library databases remotely.

Massman Hall Lower Level Ext.4665 (or 816-501-4665 from off-campus) ikon@rockhurst.edu

Monday- Friday 7:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m.

The Copy Cave handles all incoming and outgoing mail for Rockhurst University staff, faculty, and students living on campus. Students who live in off-campus housing are responsible for their own mail. We can handle USPS regular mail, certified, delivery confirmation and signature confirmation. We also handle both incoming and outgoing UPS parcels.

All on-campus students will be assigned a mailbox. The staff of the Copy Cave can assist you in finding your mailbox and help with your combination lock.

The Copy Cave also maintains a fleet of copiers throughout the campus as well as providing a full suite of printing options in the Copy Cave for both staff and students. All copiers on campus are capable of printing color or black and white.

Books of stamps and UPS service are also available at the Mail Center. White mail pick-up boxes are provided at the entrances to Massman Hall, Sedgwick Hall, Van Ackeren Hall and Science Center.

Counseling Center

Massman Hall Rm. 3 Ext. 4275                                                                                         

The college years offer exceptional opportunities for intellectual discovery, social development, and personal growth. The challenges encountered during this time can be stressful and demanding as well.  As students explore and establish more independence and autonomy, they often seek assistance from the counseling center as they develop the skills and strategies needed to navigate the transitions inherent in this period of their lives. Staffed by licensed psychologists, the counseling center is a supportive professional resource helping students address a range of mental health and relationship concerns to obtain the maximum benefit from their college experience. Individual and group therapy are available to address student needs in a confidential setting. Common concerns addressed by the counseling center staff range from homesickness/adjustment to college, test anxiety, relational issues and stress/tension, to family issues, past trauma, depression, social anxiety, eating disorders, self-harming behaviors, and addictive behaviors. Counseling center staff is available to consult with faculty, staff, students, and parents regarding student mental health issues and/or concerns. A range of consulting services is also available to all students, faculty, and staff.  The center promotes healthy development and overall wellness through our website resources and ongoing outreach programs to residence halls, student organizations, and classroom presentations.

Emergency Info

Massman Hall Rm 1 • Ext 4030                                                                                        

Security Department, Community Ctr • Ext 4010

Campus Safety

Rockhurst University seeks to provide a safe and secure atmosphere for all members of the campus community and guests. The Office of Safety and Security takes the lead in these efforts. In addition, the Crisis Management Work Group advises senior leadership on emergency procedures and business continuity planning. This involves conducting routine training and preparedness exercises, coordinating with external response organizations and making recommendations regarding resources to enhance the University’s emergency response capacity. The chief of security and the vice president for student development and athletics co-chair this work group.

Phone Numbers

Add all important phone numbers to your cell phone contacts list and consider designating them on speed dial.

Campus Security

• Red phones and code blue phones throughout the campus will connect you directly to security.
• From cell phone or off-campus: 816-501-4010.

All Other Departments

• From campus IP desk phone: hit “voice recog” soft key and say the department or the individual’s name if you know it
• From cell phone or off-campus: dial 816-501-4000 and say the department name or the individual’s name if you know it.

What’s the Plan?

When an emergency happens, our response is guided by the Rockhurst University Emergency Operations Plan. This detailed document designates a team of administrators and staff members from a cross-section of the campus to serve in the event of an emergency, and provides directions for how the team will operate and communicate with the campus and the public.

What Can You Do?

•    Register for the campus emergency notification system, Rock@lerts. You can choose several notification methods, including text message, e-mail and voice mail.

•    Listen for the tone from the Rockhurst bell tower that signals you to check the emergency notification methods for which you have registered through Rock@lerts. You can also check the University website for additional information.

•    Keep your emergency contact information current:

•    Students – Log on to your Rockweb account at Rockhurst.edu to update your information

•    Faculty and staff – Contact Human Resources at 816-501-4834

•    Cooperatively participate in and learn from routine safety drills.

•    In an emergency, try to remain calm and think clearly. Be prepared to follow directions from first responders such as local law enforcement, Rockhurst Security, building emergency coordinators or Residence Life staff.

•    Don’t crowd around the scene of an accident or emergency unless you have been asked to provide help. Too many people at the scene as onlookers or trying to help can interfere with the work of emergency personnel.

•    Go here to access this information.

•    Enter Security’s phone number (816-501-4010) into your cell phone’s contacts.

What If?

Fire

• Pull fire alarm.
• Notify Security by red phone, code blue phone, dialing 4911 or 4010 from a campus land line, or calling 816-501-4010 from your cell phone.
• Follow evacuation plans posted in campus buildings.
• Go to nearest exit or stairs. Do not use elevators.
• If smoke is present, remain low to ground during evacuation.

Armed Intruder

Follow Run Hide Fight procedure.

Run – Have an escape route and plan in mind * Leave your belongings behind * Keep your hands visible

Hide – Hide in an area out of the shooters view * Block entry to your hiding place and lock the door * Silence your cell phone and/or pager

Fight – As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger * Act with aggression and throw items at active shooter * attempt to incapacitate the shooter

• If you can make a phone call without attracting attention, contact Security (ext. 4911) from a campus land line or 816-501-4010 from your cell phone. Or send a text message to a friend and ask that person to make the call.

Illness or Serious Injury

• Do not move the injured person unless absolutely necessary.
• Notify security by red phone, code blue phone, dialing 4911 or 4010 from a campus land line, or calling 816-501-4010 from your cell phone.
• Give the exact location of the victim (building and room number), apparent nature of illness or injury and your name and phone number
• Remain with the person until assistance arrives.

Tornado

• If city sirens sound, take shelter in lowest level of the building away from windows and doors.
• Rockhurst Security officers will circulate through campus buildings and tell people to seek immediate shelter. If you hear a siren, seek shelter immediately and do not wait for an officer.
• Residence hall staff will notify residents through the public address system. Students living in Town House Village and On Campus Houses should monitor their University-issued weather radios, watch local news reports, and listen for city tornado sirens. All students in University housing must take immediate shelter when a tornado siren is activated; a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service, or instructed by University personnel.
• Remain in the sheltered area until an all-clear signal is given.

Dining Services

Massman Hall, First Floor, Ext. 4011                                                                              

Thomas More Dining Room Hours 

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. -7:30 p.m. 

Friday: 7:30a.m.- 6:30 p.m. 

Saturday: 11am - 2pm; closed from 2pm - 4:00pm; 4:00pm - 6:30pm 

Sunday: 11am - 2pm; closed from 2pm - 4:00pm; 4:00pm – 6:30pm 

Einsteins Massman Hall First Floor South 

Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Saturday – Sunday: Closed 

Rock Room Massman Hall Lower Level 

Student Choice and Rockhurst Market 

Monday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. -10:00 p.m. 

Saturday: 11:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. 

Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.  

Arrupe Hall Café 

Pop up Café, watch social media and emails for offerings. 

*Hours subject to changes 

Campus Dining provides meals in the Thomas More Dining Room, Einstein Bros. Bagels, the Rock Room (Student Choice and The Market ), . The Thomas More Dining Room is an all-you-care-to-eat venue offering multiple options for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week.  All students, faculty and staff may purchase meals in the Thomas More Dining Room by utilizing a meal plan, flex dollars, or debit/credit card. Einstein Bros. Bagels,  or the Rock Room Retail spaces will take flex dollars,  or debit/credit card.  Faculty, Staff and Students must present their Rockhurst ID for access into the dining room or to purchase an item at any of the other dining locations.  For menus and comprehensive information regarding food service at Rockhurst University, please check out our website.   

*Meal and service hours may change during the course of the academic year in order to meet the needs of the student community. For an updated list of meal times, consult the hours posted outside each location or click here.   

Diversity

Massman Hall Room 13 Ext. 3571                        

Rockhurst University envisions a campus that is dynamic, challenging and welcoming to its diverse constituents. The Residence Life professional and student staff work diligently to provide leadership and support to international students and students of color. Additionally, Rockhurst strives to enhance each student’s experience through the understanding and appreciation of peoples, traditions, and cultures while promoting academic inquiry and self-reflection. Rockhurst is committed to developing leaders that are culturally competent and poised to create communities that encourage, respect, and celebrate the unique differences of the individual.

Conway Hall 4th floor Ext. 4566

Reservations - Recognized student clubs/organizations and University departments are allowed to reserve space in Massman Hall and other areas for meetings and special events as well as reserve table space for promoting their activities. The Physical Plant Office will also assist in coordinating physical set-up. For reservations please use Astra Schedule.  A link can be found on the Rockhurst Web Portal Home Page. 

Maintenance/Custodial Request – Please use the link titled UpKeep on the Rockhurst Web Portal Home page for requests.  You may also download the mobile app for easy use; UpKeep Maintenance Management.

Financial Aid

Massman Hall Rm. 109 Ext. 4600                                                                                      

The Financial Aid Office is here to assist students and their families in paying for a quality, private Jesuit education. We provide access to scholarships, grants, loans and student employment. Students interested in receiving financial aid are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid.

Greek Life

Massman Hall Rm. 1 Ext. 4398                                                                                         

The Office of Student Life staff provides guidance to Fraternities and Sororities on Rockhurst’s campus. Student Life staff also oversees all aspects of recruitment and chapter planning. For further information, please stop by the Office of Student Life.

Rockhurst is home to 4 nationally affiliated social fraternities for men: Alpha Delta Gamma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Tau Kappa Epsilon. Rockhurst also supports four nationally affiliated sororities: Alpha Sigma Alpha, Gamma Phi Beta, Theta Phi Alpha and Zeta Tau Alpha which are affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference. Each of these organizations dedicates themselves to developing character, friendship, service, leadership, and scholarship. More information is available on the Student Life website.

The Interfraternity Council (fraternities) and Panhellenic Council (sororities) are separate governing councils that oversee the regulations and policies of Rockhurst fraternities and sororities. The council's function as a communication link among the organizations, examine mutual problems and propose resolutions.

Recruitment is a mutual selection process for joining one of Rockhurst’s fraternities and sororities. By participating, you will gain insights into the benefits of fraternity or sorority membership. Rockhurst observes a deferred recruitment system; students must complete 12 hours with a 2.5 GPA in order to be eligible. Freshman students may not join until their second semester on campus. Interested students must also be enrolled full time and may not be on disciplinary probation.

Rockhurst has a zero tolerance policy with regard to hazing in accordance with National Panhellenic Conference and North American Interfraternity Conference standards. Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally, by an active member, alumnus member, or new member, whether on or off chapter premises, that produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. More specific examples can be found in Rockhurst’s Anti-Hazing Policy which all members are required to sign.

Student Health Insurance Plan  

Health Insurance – Rockhurst University Student Health Insurance Policy

Enrollment in the University sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is mandatory for all full-time undergraduate (12 credit hours or more) and graduate (9 credit hours or more) students. Exceptions include full-time graduate students in the College of Business, Influence, and Information Analysis, part-time students, Executive MBA, DO/MBA, MBA/PHY, ABSN, AA/AS, RN to BSN, MSN, Ed.D., M.Ed and post-baccalaureate students who may voluntarily enroll in this program if enrolled in a minimum of 4 credit hours. Spouses and children of full-time students may also be eligible for enrollment in the plan Please call 816-501-4127 for cost and other important information.  

Goppert Trinity Family Care 

6675 Holmes Road, Unit 360, Kansas City, MO 64131

Gopper Trinity Family Care is located directly just two miles south of our Troost campus by car or bus – and they take a wide range of health insurance (please verify when you make your appointment).  In fact, students who have the Rockhurst University sponsored student health insurance plan have the plan-covered services there done with no deductible and no co-pay. 

Saint Luke's Convenient Care 

5151 Troost, Suite 200 Kansas City, MO 64110

You do not need to be a Saint Luke’s patient to see a provider at Saint Luke’s Convenient Care. Upon your request, we will share the details of your visit with your primary care provider. If you need a follow-up visit with a physician, we can provide a referral for you.

Students who have Rockhurst University-sponsored health insurance can visit the urgent care with no deductible and no co-pay.

If a student needs immediate emergency treatment, they are encouraged to call Security (501-4010) or go to the closest emergency room.  Research Hospital – Brookside Campus emergency room is located next to Goppert and is often the most convenient.

In case of an emergency, students should call Rockhurst campus security by dialing “4010” or by picking up a red or blue campus phone.

Admissions Front Desk (2nd Floor Massman Hall)

Help Desk (4th Floor Conway Hall)

Students, faculty and staff of Rockhurst are issued a Rockhurst Photo ID, which should be carried at all times when on campus. This card provides access to services both on and off campus, including:

• Access control to student residence halls and academic buildings
• Access control to the 24-hour computer labs
• Tracks meal plans and declining balance for cafeteria use, printing and copying services
• Library card for the Greenlease Library, as well as other library systems
• Grants access to Massman Hall’s “Student Body” Workout facilities
• Athletic equipment check out
• Admittance to Rockhurst Theater and athletic events

The first ID is provided free of charge. Replacement cost of lost or stolen cards is $25.00 

Learning Center

Van Ackeren Hall Room 200 Ext. 4052                                                                              

At the Aylward-Dunn Learning Center, student success is at the forefront of what we do.  We provide peer tutoring, writing assistance, Supplemental Instruction (SI), study skills & time management help, and more…all free for Rockhurst University students! 

We offer one-on-one peer tutoring for a wide variety of courses each semester, and if we don’t currently have a tutor for your class, we will try to find one for you!  Our tutors can help with homework, writing assignments for any course, concept mastery, study skills, exam preparation, language practice, or simply answer any questions you have about your courses.  All our tutors are Rockhurst students who know what it takes to succeed in RU courses and are ready to help you reach your academic goals. 

The Learning Center also offers SI, which is a series of weekly group study sessions, led by an experienced Rockhurst SI Leader, designed to enhance learning in traditionally challenging courses.  Through SI, you will improve your study habits and skills while diving into course content alongside your classmates. 

In addition to providing tutoring, SI, and other academic assistance, we are also the home of Student Accessibility and Testing Services. 

For more information about our services or to access the tutoring and SI schedules, stop by the Learning Center in 200 Van Ackeren, call us at 816-501-4052, email us at learningcenter@rockhurst.edu, or visit the Learning Center website.

Library

Greenlease Library Ext. 4142                                                                                           

Fall and Spring Semester Hours                                               

Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. - 12 midnight                             

Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.                             

Saturday: 12 noon - 4:30 p.m.                    

Sunday: 12 noon - 12 midnight

Located on the northwest corner of the quadrangle, Greenlease Library is a place to study, print, get research support, and access library books, ebooks, laptops, databases, and more available on campus, home, or at work. Librarians provide research assistance one-on-one, through course information literacy instruction, 24/7 chat service, and online research guides. Students, faculty and staff also have access to other library resources through MOBIUS or interlibrary loan services. Library facilities include individual and group study areas, computer lab, assistive technology, and printer/copiers.

Visit the library website https://www.rockhurst.edu/library or call 816-501-4142 for assistance.

Massman Hall Rm. 1D Ext. 4125

The Office of Multicultural Belonging and Engagement offers a broad range of student-centered offerings including mentoring and programming to promote multicultural learning, support student success and to assist in carrying out the University’s mission-driven commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our goal is to seek to create awareness, understanding, sensitivity and responsiveness to student groups who currently and historically have been marginalized and/ or underserved because of race, gender, class and other classifications.

Registrar

Massman Hall Rm. 109 Ext. 4048                                                                                     

The Registrar’s Office maintains all academic policies and programs, which are provided in the Rockhurst academic catalog at www.rockhurst.edu/academics/registrar. All academic related questions should be directed to the Registrar’s office at www.registrar@rockhurst.edu or 816-501-4048. This includes questions concerning the academic calendar, transcripts, course registrations and grades, student rights under FERPA, graduation applications and degree audits.

Transcript requests are submitted through www.nationalstudentclearinghouse.org which can be accessed through the student portal.

Degree applications are completed through the student’s Rockweb portal.

Course add/drops or withdrawals may be completed through the Change of Registration form at www.rockhurst.edu/academics/registrar .

Massman Hall First Floor Rm. 109 Ext. 4175

Rockstop provides a variety of services including Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and Registrar.  All questions or concerns pertaining to individual student accounts should be directed to Rock Stop and with questions regarding Veterans Benefits.

General information:

In order to receive some services students must present current Rockhurst ID or Driver’s license.

All questions or concerns should be directed to the Financial Services Specialists at the Front Desk of Rockstop who will direct you to the appropriate person for assistance.

Students with a credit on their student account will be notified by Nelnet via e-mail when checks are available. Please make sure to log into Nelnet to update your refund option (Check or direct deposit).

Student Payroll: All Work Study students are paid bi-weekly: see the pay schedule on your Paycom app or in the Financial Aid Office. All students must have current federal and state W-4 and an I-9 form on file with the Financial aid Office in order to receive payment.

Safety and Security Department

Rockhurst University Community Center Bldg.

5401 Troost

Main Campus Entry at 54th & Troost

To Contact:  For any security-related service either emergency or non-emergency call via the campus security phone system (RED PHONES, CODE BLUE PHONES OR BY DIALING 4010 ON ANY CAMPUS IP  PHONE) which are answered by Security Department Dispatch 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. For non-emergency information on security services or activities or on parking concerns call the Security Department Administrative Office at ext 4659.  Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. 4010 can be accessed from on campus.

4010 can be accessed from on campus.  If calling from off-campus to the dispatcher call (816) 501-4010. It is also recommended that you put the area code (816) 501-4010 on the speed dial of your cell phone. Use the system for requests for both emergency and non- emergency services; e.g., jump starts, car unlocks, room unlocks, security reporting etc. Of course in the event of an emergency the system is always available; e.g., crimes in progress, medical emergency, suspicious persons or activity reporting etc. For information on both Security and Crisis Management pick up a copy of the annual security report or view it online.

Rock@lerts

The Rock@lert system has been established so the University can notify students, faculty and staff of emergencies more efficiently. Please be assured that Rockhurst will only send text alerts in the case of an emergency or school closure. This system will not be used for routine announcements. If you have not already registered for this service, you can do so at Rock@lerts. This is a 24-hour service and you may receive emergency/weather alerts during the overnight hours. You can choose to have the messages sent to your mobile phone, pager, PDA or e-mail account.

Security Department Operations

The Rockhurst University Safety and Security Department provides full-time, around the clock protective services to the campus community. The department assists in the enforcement of the University’s Rules and Regulations for students and staff. The department is trained and prepared to respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls for security-related services and information.  The department also conducts investigations into reported crimes, policy and procedural violations or as requested and directed by the Staff of the University.

A major part of the Safety and Security Department’s efforts at providing protective services is to educate the members of the campus community in the areas of crime prevention, crime reporting and safety. This is done through programming in residence facilities or by special request of other campus departments, especially during orientation sessions. Information on security department educational programming can be obtained from the department administrative office at ext. 4659.

Prevention of crime and accidents is one main function of the Security Department. The second part of the department’s primary function is the response to occurrences of crime, medical emergencies or other requests for service from the campus community. In order to carry out this function efficiently and in accordance with the dictates of the Kansas City, MO Police Department, all members of the Rockhurst University Safety and Security Department are commissioned as private police officers through the Police Department.  Those officers assigned to field operations are armed (trained by the University and tested by the City Police Department). All department personnel except for the secretary have the power of arrest on all Rockhurst University Property.

Rockhurst University is and has always been very committed to the City of Kansas City, MO as well as our immediate neighborhood and the mid-town area of the city. As a part of this commitment the Safety and Security Department works closely with the 49-63 Neighborhood Association and the Community Police Officers located in the neighborhood. Because of this cooperation the security of the campus is enhanced as is that of the surrounding neighborhood.

Some of the services provided by the Rockhurst University Security Department are listed below; for a complete list see the University’s “Annual Security Report” (a copy of the report is available at Campus Security).

• Escorts (24 hours per day) - Students can obtain security escorts any time of the day or night from one location on campus to the next. These escorts are provided as security for students. Some nearby locations can also be escorted to by security with prior approval.
• Lost & Found - Should you find property on campus contact the security department who will retrieve it from you and place in the property locker at the Security Station. Property can be picked up from the Property Locker at the Security Station by contacting the sergeant in charge of property who will arrange a time for pick up to be made. 
• Motorist Assist - The department can assist with jump starts and vehicle unlocks.

Parking Permit Hang Tags - All Parking Permit Hang Tags can be picked up from the Safety and Security Department at the Security Station. Parking Permit Hang Tags are $125.00 per semester and are valid for one semester, Fall or Spring. There is no permit enforcement during the summer term, although other parking violations are enforced during the summer. The fee for students will be automatically included on a student’s bill along with tuition and fee charges. If a student does not wish to purchase a permit there is an “Opt Out” box on the student bill that can be checked to have the fee removed during registration. A student may also email a Student Accounts Representative or come by Massman Hall, Room 109 and complete a form to have the parking permit charge removed.  Students will obtain their permit during registration or by picking it up at the Security Department located at 5401 Troost. A student applies for a permit when they complete their vehicle information form online.  As soon as the Security Department verifies that the student has completed their form, the hang tag can be issued to them, registering their vehicle at this point.  Permits are renewed each semester before classes start for the term. General Parking Permit Hang Tags are good in any parking lot on campus except for the gated THV Area and rockrow.  If the student is housed in the Townhouse Village they will be issued a different color Parking Permit Hang Tag for Mayer, Miki or Murray Lots (all located within the THV Area). A THV Parking Permit Hang Tag is good for all other University lots. Rockrow residents will be issued a different color Parking Permit that is good for all other University lots.

• Faculty and staff are also required to purchase and display a current Rockhurst Parking Permit Hang Tag when using Rockhurst University Parking Facilities.
• Parking enforcement on the campus is by parking ticket only. Parking tickets are issued to vehicles for a variety of reasons including failing to display a current Parking Permit Hang Tag, as well as other parking violations that constitute illegal parking. These tickets carry a $25.00 fine.  If not paid within a specified number of days (as shown on ticket) or not appealed they will accrue an additional fine each week. Complete failure to pay the ticket will result in the fine being placed against the vehicle owner’s student account. Three or more unpaid tickets will result in the placement of a wheel immobilizer “boot” on the offending vehicle.  Parking regulations can be viewed online by visiting our website.
   

Service Immersion

Massman Hall Rm. 3 Ext. 4855         

Service-immersion invites students to live Rockhurst University’s Jesuit mission, a mission articulated in the former Jesuit Superior General Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach’s famous 1997 speech, which is partially etched into the stone of Rockhurst’s bell tower: “Students must let the gritty reality of this world into their lives so they can learn to feel it, think about it critically, respond to its suffering, and engage it constructively.” These experiences, which include cultural immersion, relationship-building, and daily prayer and reflection, move students to a deeper understanding of the Gospel’s call to solidarity and justice. Extensive trip preparation and follow-up lead students toward the life-long path of becoming women and men for and with others.

Due to COVID-related travel restrictions, 2020-2021 service-immersion will look different when compared to previous years; international and domestic travel that necessitates air travel will give way to regional and local opportunities.  Plan to attend the Service-Immersion Information Sessions for more information

Campus Ministry generously subsidizes student participation.  Applications for spring break service-immersion are typically due by the end of September.  Call 816-501-4855 for more information.

Service Learning

Van Ackeren Room 200G Ext. 4545                                                                                   

Service is an integral part of the student experience at Rockhurst University. Service is not required for graduation; however, the mission of the university invites all students, staff and faculty to commit to “serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders.” The Center for Service Learning (CSL) offers several resources and programs for students including the Of Service volunteer listing, Service Academy, and Service Saturday Projects. Additionally, the CSL collaborates with other campus offices to support programs such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Celebration, Nonprofit Networking, and Finucane Service Project.

The Service Transcript Program helps Rockhurst students build a record of service activities during their college careers. Service transcripts may come in handy when completing scholarship applications, housing applications, graduate school applications or during internship or employment interviews.

HOW TO BUILD A SERVICE TRANSCRIPT

1. Pick up form at the CSL or download from the CSL website;
2. Complete the forms for each community service or service-learning project in which you participate — remember to get the form signed by a supervisor, instructor or project leader; and
3. Return completed form to CSL.

Student Accessibility Services

Massman Hall Rm 7 Ext. 4689                                                                                          

Rockhurst University welcomes qualified students from diverse backgrounds and strives to maintain an atmosphere of respect and sensitivity toward the ultimate dignity of every person.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs. It is the policy of Rockhurst University to provide reasonable accommodations for students defined as disabled in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable law.

Student Accessibility Services assists Rockhurst University to ensure that students with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations that allow equal access to the academic and non-academic life at Rockhurst University. Students may request accommodations online, through Student Accessibility Services located in Van Ackeren 200, or by calling 816-501-4826.

A student requesting accommodations must identify to Student Accessibility Services by completing an application, providing documentation of the disability from an appropriate diagnosing medical professional, and scheduling a meeting with an SAS staff member.

Student Life

Massman Hall Rm. 1 Ext. 4541                                                                                         

The Student Life office oversees the following areas:  new student and transfer orientation, fraternity and sorority life, Social Activities Board, all student organizations, leadership programs, Family and Alumni weekend, health and wellness and alcohol education. This office is the focal point for the planning and implementation of student events, the authorization of student social functions, filing petitions for all student offices and determining eligibility for participation on campus. The office supervises the formation and recognition of new organizations and maintains a file of all campus organizations.

The Student Life Office provides students with opportunities for participation and involvement in college life which are designed to enhance and supplement the curriculum. Student organizations that serve all undergraduate students are classified as “General Interest Groups.” All student organizations’ level of activity is dependent on student participation and interest thus not all of the organizations listed below may be active during any given academic year. Stop by or contact the Office of Student Life with any questions regarding student activities and organizations at Rockhurst. If you are interested in finding more information about a student organization on campus, please visit RockSpace.

Student Success and Retention

Massman Hall Rm. 7 Ext. 4689                                                                                         

The Student Success and Retention office seeks to support students who want to manage their academic and personal lives and reach their goals. Meeting with a staff member can help a student develop a success plan and connect them with various resources on campus. In addition, if a student is dealing with any difficult situation or transition, the office is available to help problem solve. Our goal is to help students be successful and have a full and meaningful experience while at Rockhurst.

Commuter Student Resources

Our commuters are a valuable asset to our community, but sometimes face challenges navigating our campus. There are many available resources to help guide you, most notably your academic advisor as well as the success coach. The success coach is located in Massman Hall Room 14 and their primary focus is to support you and your success along the way. This staff member can answer all questions you may have as well as provide connections to both on campus and off-campus resources. The success coach will begin reaching out to you early in the semester and will be connecting with you throughout the first year at Rockhurst. Your academic advisor is also a great place to connect with campus resources and you will be required to meet with your advisor prior to registering for classes.

First Generation Students

If you are the first in your family to attend college, or will be the first in your family to earn a bachelor’s degree you are a first-generation student. RU First is a campus resource dedicated to our first-generation students. Linking to RU First will provide you with resources, on-campus community of other people who are first in their family, as well as many events celebrating your achievements. For more information call ext 4867, or visit Massman 14.

Transfer Student Resources

At Rockhurst we value our transfer students and the experience they bring, but recognize that sometimes transfer students struggle to make connections and feel like a member of our campus community. There are many resources here at Rockhurst, but three of your most important resources will be your academic advisor, our Mission and Ministry Team and the Student Development Team. Student Development is located in Massman Hall, Room 3. Here you can connect with Career Services to work on internships or the Cooperative Education Program, Student Clubs and Organizations, Residential Life, Counseling, and the Student Success Coach. Your academic advisor is also a great place to connect with campus resources and you will be required to meet with your advisor prior to registering for classes. Our Mission and Ministry Team will connect you to service opportunities, social justice organizations and Christian life communities.

Arrupe Hall Rm. 118 Ext. 4828

For information regarding The Center for Arts and Letters’ cultural programs and to register your attendance to cultural events, call the Cultural Information Line at ext 4828.  A listing of the cultural programs can be found in the section, “Center for Arts and Letters”.

Rockhurst University sponsors programs, services, and activities that encourage students to develop academically, spiritually, socially, physically, and emotionally. In a partnership among students, faculty, and staff, the University helps to create an educational environment with principles rooted in its Jesuit, Catholic tradition. These principles challenge students to strive for excellence, to integrate classroom and experiential learning, to develop talents through discovery and reflection, and to share a common respect and concern for each person. To achieve these ideals, all students must contribute, through their words, actions, and commitments, to the development and sustenance of a community characterized by purpose, openness, justice, discipline, care, and celebration. A student enrolled at Rockhurst University assumes a responsibility to and must behave in a manner compatible with Rockhurst University’s educational environment and community principles. The following categories of prohibited conduct, while not exhaustive and limiting, illustrate behaviors and actions that are incompatible with the institutional mission of Learning, Leadership, and Service in the Jesuit Tradition.

Alcohol:

The University expects legal-age students who choose to consume alcoholic beverages to drink safely and responsibly. Specifically, the University does not consider drinking in excess to be responsible. The following are some of the behaviors that are considered “irresponsible drinking” and are prohibited: providing alcohol to underage persons, loud and/or destructive behavior/vandalism, illegal and/or underage drinking, inability to control bodily functions, alcohol-related violent or abusive behavior (including date/acquaintance rape and assault), possession/use of beer bongs and common containers (kegs, barrels, party balls, etc.), possession of an opened alcohol container in the public areas of the campus, possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages in common areas of facilities (lounges, bathrooms, lobbies, hallways, etc.), and driving or operating motorized devices under the influence For further information on Alcohol see University Policies.

Breach of Privacy:

Using electronic or other means to make a video, photographic, or audio record of any person on-campus where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy without the person’s consent and when the recording is likely to cause injury, distress, or damage to one’s reputation.  Such a recording includes, but is not limited to, taking video or photographic images in shower/locker rooms, restrooms, or private student rooms within residence halls and secretly recording conversations of an intimate, romantic, or sexual nature.  The posting and/or distribution of such unauthorized recordings is also prohibited.

Cyber Bullying:

Intimidation or harassment that causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her personal physical safety, to suffer substantial emotional distress, and/or to fear destruction or damage to property. Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, the use of computers, web sites, the internet, cell phones, text messaging, chat rooms, and instant messages to ridicule, harass, intimidate, humiliate, or otherwise bully a student.

Disciplinary Process Compliance:

Students must appear for requested investigative meetings; participate in the disciplinary process in a forthcoming, honest, and truthful manner; and not take actions, or cause others to take actions, which would disrupt, delay, or interfere with the disciplinary process. Students must comply with interim measures and interim restrictions, and must comply with disciplinary sanctions and complete them in a timely manner.

Disruptive Behavior:

It is an expectation that students cooperate with one another, guests, and University officials at all times and not engage in behavior that undermines the safety, security, or normal operation of the University or University-sponsored activities/events. Examples of disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to the following:

• Providing false information or identification to, or failing to cooperate with, University officials acting in the performance of their duties (e.g., Security, Residence Life Staff, Administration, etc.).
• Forgery, alteration, or unauthorized use of University records, documents, or instruments of identification.
• Misusing financial aid through fraud or other means.
• Excessive noise.
• Depositing human waste products anywhere other than in a proper device (e.g., urinating in public).
• Indecent exposure or behavior, illicit sexual behavior, or lewd conduct.
• Unwelcome display of sexual imagery, sexual video (pornography), or sexual audio, including the digital or public display of a person’s own genitals, irrespective of whether such display violates another University policy.
• Romantic advances that are unwelcome, persistent, and unreasonable, irrespective of whether such actions violate another University policy.
• Illegal gambling. 
• Trespassing or unauthorized presence in a University building or on University property.
• Technology misuse including pranks or harassment facilitated by phones or computers.

Failure to comply with traffic and parking regulations, including failure to pay fines within an established time limit.

Any violation of the University’s Disruptive or Dangerous Conduct Policy or any other action that would jeopardize the health or safety of a member of the University community.

For further information on disruptive behavior, computer usage, and parking, see University Policies.

Drugs: 

The use, possession, sale, giving, manufacture, or exchange of illegal drugs, chemicals for use as drugs, or controlled substances is strictly prohibited.  Furthermore, no person may use or possess drug paraphernalia. Students may not prey upon, render dependent, or seek to gain personal or economic advantage from a person under the influence of drugs. Examples of possible drug paraphernalia include (but are not limited to) syringes, bongs, hookahs, pipes for drug-related use, scales, rolling paper, roach clips, blow tubes e-cigarettes and vaporizer devices. For further information on Substance Abuse see University Policies.

False Identification:

Rockhurst policy prohibits the possession or display of any blank, forged, stolen, or fictitious, counterfeit or otherwise unlawfully issued driver’s license or identification card, including identification not belonging to the bearer. Any of these false identifications may be confiscated.

Fire Safety:

No person may intentionally cause a false fire alarm, whether by means of a fire alarm system or otherwise (including but not limited to candles/incense, e-cigarettes/vaporizers, hookahs, lanterns, potpourri, gas/charcoal cooking appliances). Individuals tampering with fire safety equipment (including but not limited to smoke detectors, fire hoses, and fire extinguishers) will be subject to immediate suspension/expulsion and possible criminal charges. All people must evacuate the building when an alarm sounds. Possession or use of firecrackers/fireworks, gunpowder, containers holding fluids used solely for igniting fires (e.g., charcoal lighter, gasoline, propane, kerosene, etc.), or other materials that endanger health and safety is strictly prohibited. Arson is prohibited.

Guests & Visitors:

Rockhurst University welcomes invited guests and visitors to campus and its events (including off-campus) on a daily basis. Behavioral expectations of guests are similar to what is expected of all University students, faculty, and staff to ensure the exchange of ideas and the maintenance of a safe and secure campus environment. The expectations of guests and visitors on Rockhurst property or at University-sponsored events are the following:

• Guests found in violation of University policy (particularly Visitation, Noise, and Alcohol) or whose behavior is construed as reckless, inappropriate, or threatening will be asked to leave immediately. In such cases, the guest(s) will be escorted off campus and University officials may issue a no trespass warning.
• Students should always assist with interactions between University employees acting within the scope of their responsibilities (e.g., Security, Residence Life, Student Development staff, etc.) And their guests.
• Students are responsible for ensuring their guests are aware of fire evacuations and safety procedures in the event of an emergency.
• Guests may be required to produce photo identification for University employees acting within the scope of their responsibilities. If they do not have proof of identity, they may be asked to leave any campus-owned property immediately.
• Students are responsible for the actions of their guests while they are on campus property or at University-sponsored programs/events. Should a violation of University policy take place by a student’s guest, the student host will be held responsible. A student is responsible for any damage to University property caused by their guest.
• For additional expectations of guests in the Residence Life System, please consult the Residence Life portion of this handbook.

Harassment and Discrimination: 

No person may engage in discrimination or harassment based on, but not limited to, race or ethnicity, religion or creed, gender, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship/intending citizenship status, or membership in the uniform services. For further information on harassment and discrimination see the University’s Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Policy and Non-Discrimination Policy, which govern the intake, investigation, and resolution of complaints of certain forms of discrimination and harassment. Note that conduct not rising to the level of discrimination and/or harassment as defined in the Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Policy and/or Non-Discrimination Policy, or that falls outside the jurisdiction of those policies, may still constitute a violation of this Code of Conduct and the University may address such misconduct under the Code of Conduct, before, during, or after a discrimination and harassment complaint is processed under some other policy.

Hazing: 

No person, student organization, or group is allowed to conduct any hazing activities.  Hazing activities are defined as any action taken or situation created, whether on or off University premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule for purposes of membership, initiation, or participation in an organization. Such activities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Use of alcohol or illegal drugs;
• Paddling in any form;
• Creation of excessive fatigue or physical exercise;
• Causing sexual embarrassment or subjecting a person to unwelcome sexual content;
• Sleep deprivation;
• Conducting activities that do not allow adequate time for study;
• Forcing, requiring, or endorsing the consumption of liquid or solid objects, edible or non-edible;
• Physical or psychological shocks;
• Endangerment or activities that have the potential to endanger a new member of a given group;
• Quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or other such activities;
• Wearing of apparel in public that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste;
• Requiring carrying or wearing of any item not normally needed (e.g., rocks, hospital bracelets, helmets, tattoos, etc.);
• Personal servitude;
• Engaging in public stunts and buffoonery;
• Verbal harassment including yelling and screaming at new members;
• Silence or not speaking to certain people;
• Nudity, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; any activity that is not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of Rockhurst.

Identification:

Students must carry their Rockhurst University identification while on University property at all times. University identification must be shown and/or surrendered upon request to employees acting within their responsibilities, including, but not limited to, Security, Residence Life staff (professional and student), and Student Development staff.

Interference with the Student Code of Conduct Process: 

Attempting or actively influencing, intimidating, interfering, or coercing any person involved in a potential, actual, or past Student Conduct Referral. This includes, but is not limited to, encouraging or influencing another person to commit an abuse of the Student Code of Conduct, discouraging an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the Student Code of Conduct process, or disrupting or interfering with the orderly process of conducting a proceeding.

Keys:

No person may duplicate a University key or request the unauthorized duplication of a University key.  No person may lend another individual (including other students and guests) his/her University keys for any reason. Leaving a key outside of a residence for any purpose is a violation of the University Key Policy. Keys in the possession of unauthorized persons may be confiscated.  In addition, no person shall replace without permission, damage, tamper with, or vandalize any University lock or security device.

Safety & Security:

For safety and security purposes, the following are some examples of prohibited behavior on Rockhurst property including but not limited to:  theft/unauthorized possession of property; burglary or robbery; opening, tampering with, or otherwise manipulating access/maintenance panels; propping or taping open doors that are intended to remain closed or locked; improper use of alarmed doors; misuse/abuse of card access swipes and systems; climbing into, out of, or on University buildings or roofs; use of/entrance into bathrooms that are intended for the opposite sex; throwing items out windows or removing screens; and covering, tampering with, or removing peepholes or room numbers.  Students should avoid interfering with the safety or health of another person in the University community.

Smoking/Tobacco:

Tobacco use of any kind is prohibited on the Rockhurst campus. This includes all public and private areas. For further information on Smoking see University Policies.

Solicitation:

All solicitation must follow the Posting and Distribution Policy published by Student Development.  Door to door solicitation is prohibited unless the Office of Student Development grants special exception.  The University’s directory may not be sold or provided to any outside parties for solicitation purposes, nor may its contents be used by Rockhurst community members (faculty, staff, and students) for general solicitation.

Vandalism:

Students who vandalize, deface, destroy, or alter property that does not belong to them will face disciplinary action and sanctions including restitution costs. This includes tampering with washing machines, vending machines, game machines, elevator misuse/abuse, and graffiti.

Violence:

Acts or verbal/non-verbal threats of physical violence such as harassment, hate crimes, assault, battery, sexual assault (defined as any form of sex crime punishable by law), or such behavior that jeopardizes the health or safety of oneself or another individual.  Certain forms of sexual assault are investigated and addressed under the University’s Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Policy and Non-Discrimination Policy, but forms of sexual assault not covered by those Policies may be addressed pursuant to this Code of Conduct. And the University has the right to enforce other provisions of the Code of Student Conduct, not implicating the sexual aspects of a given set of facts, before, during, or after a complaint is processed under the Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Policy and/or Non-Discrimination Policy.

Weapons: 

Possession, use, or sale of firearms, martial arts equipment, bows and arrows, crossbows, knives, bullets, stun guns, paintball guns, or any other weapon capable of inflicting bodily harm is prohibited. Folding pocket-knives with blades shorter than three inches are exempt from this policy.

Students are expected to comply with these and all other policies and rules governing student conduct, residence halls, the Student Activity Hall, Food Service, student organizations, and the University.  In addition, they must not engage in acts or deeds that violate existing federal, state, county, or municipal laws or ordinances.

Rockhurst University has a residency requirement that requires all full-time students to live with their parents (where they lived during High School) or on campus unless students meet the following conditions: 

• Students classified as juniors having completed 60 hours post-high school with at least a “C” average. 
• Students who have lived on campus for four semesters. 
• Students who are age 23 or older. 
• Students who have completed active, full-time military service. 
• Students who have a spouse or dependents living with them. 

If the student resides in one of the residence halls, Residency includes participating in the regular meal plan provided by the University food service for both fall and spring semester. 

Juniors, seniors and graduate students may continue to live in campus housing [residence halls, Townhouse Village (THV), Kateri and Rock Row]. There are three traditional residential facilities located on campus. Each one provides a different form of community living. Rock Row, Kateri and THV are reserved for upper-class students. All incoming freshmen are housed in Corcoran or McGee halls. 

Associate Dean of Students 

The Associate Dean of Students oversees all the residential housing operations, student code of conduct, conference services, campus dining, International student services, multicultural education, bookstore and contract management.  

Administrative Specialist and Assignments Coordinator  

The Administrative Specialist and Assignments Coordinator manages all the necessary administrative needs for students (meal plans, room assignments, break housing, etc.). 

Assistant Director for Residence Life/Conference Coordinator 

The Assistant Director for Residence Life/Conference Coordinator is an educational student resource. This staff member works to educate students around the Student Code of Conduct, conducts judicial training, and hears conduct cases. This person also supervises Resident Directors.  This staff person deals with all outside conference groups who use Rockhurst facilities.  

Associate Director for Residence Life/ International Student Advisor 

The Associate Director for Residence Life/International Student Advisor is a resource for all students. This staff member advises international students with their I-20 compliance, and provides support for international students, with oversight responsibilities for retention of residential students, works with our first-year student programs, while supervising Resident Directors and the implementation of the comprehensive residential program. 

Area Coordinator (AC) 

The residential communities of THV, Rock Row and Kateri has an Area Coordinator who resides in the area. The AC works with individual residents by serving as a resource to confer with regarding any problems or concerns they may encounter. The AC supervises the staff (Resident Assistants) for the community. The AC also serves as an assistant to the Conference Services and Student Conduct Office. 

Resident Director (RD) 

Each residential facility has a Resident Director who resides in the building. The RD works with individual students by serving as a resource person to confer with regarding any problems or concerns they may encounter. The RD supervises the hall staff (Resident Assistants and Desk Assistants). The RD is eager to get to know you, so stop and visit them.  

Desk Assistants manage and operate a front desk in each of our traditional halls during periods of high activity. Desk staff members are responsible for serving the residents and guests who enter the community. They provide the following services: lock out keys, check out of desk resources, contact numbers, campus information and other services that make living in the halls convenient.  Desk staff members are also responsible for helping to ensure the safety of the community. All residents and guests of the community will have to show ID and check in to the community. 

A Resident Assistant is an important component of the Residence Life staff as a paraprofessional staff member who has the most direct and constant student contact. An RA is assigned to a specific community of housing. Their primary responsibility is to act as a facilitator for their living community and to enhance the physiological, community, affiliation, self-actualization and diversity development components of each individual. The RA articulates to the students the philosophy and policies of the Office of Residence Life. 

Students who live in one of our residence halls (McGee, Corcoran, or Xavier-Loyola) are required to purchase a 235 Block or 300 meal plan.  Students must purchase a meal plan for the fall and the spring semester. THV residents must purchase at least the 120 Block plan. Flex dollars can be carried over from fall into the spring semester. Any flex dollars not used by the end of the spring semester (last day of finals) will be forfeited. There are various other plans available for commuter students, or students residing in Kateri or Rock Row. 

All dining plans are accepted in the Thomas More Dining Room. Flex dollars can be used at Einstein Bros. Bagels, student choice in the Rock Room in Massman Hall or in Arrupe Hall. Participation in the board plan is a contractual part of the housing agreement. For information on operating hours, see “Dining Services.” A validated ID card must be presented at time of service.  

Dining Room Attire: 

Dress in the dining room must include shirts and shoes 

Dining Room Behavior:

Only paying customers are allowed to enter the dining room. Paying customers can dine in the dining room OR purchase a “green” to go container. If dining-in, no food can be removed from the dining room. Students are expected to behave in an adult manner in the dining areas. After eating, take your items to the dish room and clear your table of all trash.  Please avoid misuse of food in the Thomas More Dining Room. Students throwing food or inciting misbehavior in the dining room will be dealt with in a serious manner. 

Violations of University policy are handled through the normal disciplinary channels. 

Food Committee:

Should you have any suggestions, problems or complaints concerning the food services, the Food Committee, which is a sub-committee of the Student Senate, is available to hear these. The committee meets weekly during the academic year. 

Guests:

Guests may eat in the Thomas More Dining Room. Guests may pay with either credit/debit card, department card/pass. 

Meal Card:

Your identification card must be presented at each entry to TMDR to utilize your meal plan or flex dollars. Each time a meal is purchased the student’s identification card is electronically read by the cashier. If your identification card is lost or stolen, please contact campus dining immediately. Your card will be rendered invalid, and you will need to arrange to have a new identification card issued. You are financially responsible for any money used on your account prior to you initiating a cancellation in the Dining Services Office. Note: a new identification card will cost $25.00. 

Housing Refunds:

Housing Refunds are prorated based on the University’s academic refund schedule. Students are not eligible for a refund after the fourth week of classes for room charges. Cancellations will result in a $500 cancellation fee. 

Board Plan Refund: 

Board refunds are prorated based on the University’s academic refund schedule. Students are not eligible for a refund after the fourth week of classes.  $150 cancellation fee will be charged. 

Sick Trays:

Special arrangements are available for students not able to take meals in the dining room because of illness. Contact the Dining Services office at 501-4011 for specific arrangements. 

Special Diets:

All special diets are arranged through the personnel of Dining Services in coordination with the Access office. Voluntary diets (e.g., Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, etc.) Are not acceptable as alternative diets. The student will still be charged for the board plan. 

Room Consolidation/Vacancies

Students requesting a double room who do not have a roommate will not be billed for a private room. The open space can be filled by the university. You may not refuse a roommate in a double room. If you refuse a roommate, you will be billed for a private room starting from the beginning of the semester or from the time their roommate moved out. Students creating unwelcoming and/or disruptive situations for a roommate in order to have or maintain private room may be charged under the Student Code of Conduct Disruptive Behavior policy. Room Consolidations will occur when there are students living in a room by themselves paying the double rate according to the following parameters:

• Students will be expected to consolidate with another individual on their same floor, but will not be asked to move to a different floor
• Students may be asked to consolidate at any time during the academic semester

Room Reservation/Pre-Payment

A student requesting on-campus housing must pay $200 admissions/registration deposit when applying for on-campus housing. This pre-payment is non-refundable. This pre-payment functions as a room reservation for the upcoming academic year. Cancellations of room reservations are expected to be in writing in the Office of Residence Life by the student’s scheduled move-in date for the fall semester. Failure to notify the Office of Residence Life until after our scheduled move-in date will result in a $500 cancellation fee being charged. Students leaving after opening day, housing refunds are prorated based on the University’s academic refund schedule.  Students are not eligible for a refund after the fourth week of classes for room charges. Damages will be billed to their student account. Please review the Damage section for in-depth information about damage billing.

Students living in THV, Kateri, or Rock Row who cancel their contract for any reason will be charged $500.00 unless approved for a contract released by the Office of Residence Life. Students transferring from a THV, Kateri or Rock Row to a Residence Hall will result in a $500 fine.

Cable TV

SpectrumU is the streaming cable television provider for all residential facilities. SpectrumU is accessed via the portal. Problems with service should be reported to Computer Services Help Desk (x4537). All formal and recreational lounges are equipped with televisions for the residents’ convenience. Lost And Found

Any items found should be turned in to Security.

Mail Service

Students living in the residence halls and THV will receive a University mailbox. Residents are responsible to check their University mailbox each day the Mail Room is open. This includes days when the United States Postal Services is closed due to official federal holidays. Mail is delivered to Massman Hall six days a week except Sundays and holidays. To ensure the timely delivery of mail to a resident, please use the address format as given:

Name

Rockhurst University

1411 Rockhurst Road, Box #

Kansas City, Mo 64110

If you encounter problems with mail delivery, contact the Mail Center at x4665.

Students living in a Rock Row will not be issued a University mailbox and should have mail sent to their street address.

Recreation Equipment

Recreation equipment may be checked out from each Residence Hall front desk by leaving your ID with the DA. Loss or damage to this equipment must be paid by the person who checked it out. To receive your ID, return the equipment to the hall office or staff member on duty.

Room Amenities

Each room comes equipped with two beds, two mattresses, two closets or wardrobes, two desks, two desk chairs, mirror, telephone service, cable service, and mini blinds. Students may wish to bring a wastepaper basket, pillow, blanket, towels, sheets and pillowcases as well as clothes. THV units are furnished with a dining room table and chairs,  two-burner cook top and convection microwave oven, refrigerator, couch, coffee table, two living room chairs, end table , and mini blinds. In each THV bedroom residents are provided with a bed, mattress, desk, chair, dresser and end table for each resident. THV residents are encouraged to bring lamps in addition to the items mentioned above. Rock Row units are furnished with a bed, bar stools, and a washer and dryer. Waterbeds are not permitted. Residents are not allowed to remove or transfer any University furniture from its assigned room or unit. In addition, residents are not allowed to make any physical alterations to the rooms or furniture during the year. Any questions regarding furnishings need to be directed to your Resident Director or to the Office of Residence Life. You will be billed for any University furniture that is not in your room or unit when you check out.

The Safety and Security Department patrols the campus and the surrounding neighborhood where student housing is located for your protection. Officers are on duty 24 hours daily and can be contacted by calling ext. 4010 from a campus phone or 816-501-4010 from an off-campus phone. This will connect you directly to the dispatcher. Security personnel can be reached by the red security phone located in the lobby of each residence hall and on each floor. In addition to these red phones, there are other red phones located in other areas of the campus. These phones also have direct access to the dispatcher. Rock Row units are equipped with ADT alarm systems. ADT monitors these systems and alerts Rockhurst Security Dispatch if distress is indicated. There is a dispatcher on duty 24 hours a day. If you have a security problem or see someone suspicious, it is important that you contact the Safety and Security Department immediately.

The following guidelines are for your security:  

• Always lock the door to your room, even when leaving for a few minutes. This includes all residence hall rooms, THV, Kateri or Rock Row.
• Do not leave valuables in lounges or restroom areas.  
• Do not keep large amounts of money in your room.  
• Notify the residence hall staff or security of any strangers or unaccompanied guests immediately.  
• Do not prop open the outside doors of the residence hall. Doing so subjects you to a minimum fine of $100. 
• Report any theft to a staff member and campus security as soon as it is discovered. 
• Security cameras are located in all public areas of residence halls. In addition, Corcoran, McGee and Xavier-Loyola Halls have cameras on all residence hall floors.

Safety and Security will check communal areas, but it is the student’s responsibility to take the initiative to protect the residence hall. To gain entry to your residence hall, you will need your Rockhurst ID. RA’s do not carry building master keys. Each residence hall has a front desk that is staffed each day. IDs must be presented upon entry. Visitor ID’s will be kept until the visitor leaves.

Bathrooms

Guests of the opposite sex are not allowed to enter communal bathrooms found in McGee, Corcoran, and Xavier-Loyola Halls. Guests must use the bathroom facilities found in the lobby or basement of those communities.

Cans/Bottles Collections

For health and sanitation reasons empty cans/bottles in a student’s room are prohibited. After use, all containers (cans and bottles) should be recycled appropriately. All empty containers will be disposed of immediately upon discovery. The presence of empty alcohol containers will be considered an alcohol policy violation. 

Common Area Cleanliness & Care

It is important to respect the roles and responsibilities of the custodial staff. Residents are responsible for cleaning up after themselves (e.g., mud, hair, etc.) When you treat the building as your home and refrain from this type of behavior the custodial staff has more time available to wash windows, polish furniture, and other tasks they might not otherwise have time for. The custodial staff works limited hours on Saturday and  Sunday. Please help them take pride in their work by being conscientious about trash and trashcans on the weekends. The building will look better and be a more comfortable place to live. Responsible behavior toward the building and its furnishings justify the increased expenditures on attractive and useful furnishings and aid in making the present furniture look attractive longer.

Keys

Each resident is issued one key to his/her room. If a key is lost, report the loss to the Residence Director/Office of Residence Life immediately. A fee of $100.00 to replace the lock will be charged to the resident due to safety and security reasons. Should a student request a lock change for any reason (e.g., stolen, lost, etc.) The student’s account will be charged. It is against the law for keys to be duplicated for any reason. Possession of an unauthorized room key may result in a fine of up to $250.00 and/or a referral to the Code of Conduct process. Should a student be found in possession of any other University key other than a room key, the student will be subject to any sanctions determined by the Hearing Officer or Board. Lockouts: Refer to the Room Lockouts Policy.

Noise In Living Areas

The problem of noise in any residential living area is of immense importance in the support of an environment that is conducive to the total development of students. The following statements and definitions should help you understand what is needed for a residential unit to function properly as part of an academic and social environment.

Each resident is responsible for keeping the volume of stereos, TVs, radios, voices, etc., low enough as to not disturb other residents. Excessive noise in the hallways will not be permitted. This includes but is not limited to, yelling up and down the hall, playing sports in the hallway, large groups conversing in the hall, and any noise that can be heard two doors away in the hallway with the door closed. Complaints by residents living above, below or to either side of the source of the noise will classify the noise as excessive.

If a resident is disturbed, the resident should first go to the source of the noise and inform him or her of the problem. If informing the residents of the room or unit does not help, inform a Residence Life staff member of the problem.

Courtesy Hours (24 hours)

Courtesy hours are in effect at all times. This means that stereos, radios, televisions, and other equipment should always be played at moderate volumes. Residents should refrain from making loud noises in the room, in the hallways, and in other public areas at all times. Remember that residents often try to study or sleep before Quiet Hours begin and deserve your courtesy.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours for all living areas are from 10 p.m. To 10 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12 midnight to 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday unless increased by a majority vote of the floor. While quiet hours are in effect, no noise should be heard outside your room or unit. You should refrain from conversation or noise in the hallways, and control noise in lounge areas of the residence halls.

Obstructing Communal Areas

Public lounges, hallways and/or public walkways should remain clear of obstructions for the safety of all residents. Obstructions consist of, but are not limited to, playing any kind of ball sport, Hacky Sack, Frisbee, roller skating and bike riding, leaving trash outside your door, etc. Such obstructions will be considered a safety hazard and will be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, furniture cannot be left in the hallways or stairwells.

Open Flames

No open flames of any type are permitted. Candles (or decorative candles) are not allowed for any reason. The burning of incense and the possession of combustible chemicals are strictly prohibited. Grills provided by the University may only be used on campus with the exception of grills used by On Campus House, THV and Rock Row residents. Portable grills are allowed at the On Campus Houses, THV and Rock Row, but must be kept outside and not used under any porch, balcony or roof overhang and must be at minimum five (5) feet from the sides any housing facility. Grills may not be stored on THV patios. Fire pits are not allowed.

Painting

Room Painting: Physical Plant personnel complete painting in the summer. Because a great deal of effort is expended in repainting student rooms, residents are not permitted to paint their rooms or units. If a student believes their room is in need of being painted, a request should be submitted to the appropriate Resident Director. If it is determined that painting is in order, a time mutually convenient to the student and the painting staff will be arranged

Pets

For health, sanitation and cruelty reasons, no pets except aquarium fish are permitted in any residence hall, THV unit, Kateri or Rock Row. Aquariums can only be 10 gallons or fewer. Students are financially responsible for extraordinary cleaning due to any pets. Visitors and parents are asked not to bring pets into the halls for any reasons. Certified assistance animals (e.g., seeing eye dogs, etc.) and ESAs are welcome in the halls.

Posting In Halls

Bulletin boards for official notices approved by the Office of Student Development are available in each residence hall. All posting is to be done by the Residence Life staff. If the sign is not posted by a Residence Life staff member, the sign will be removed. A maximum of twenty-five posters or signs may be submitted for posting in the residence halls at the Office of Residence Life, Massman 3.  Materials or information posted on wood surfaces, windows, stairwells, hall-side of room doors, or doors, will be removed without notice.

Relocating Rockhurst Property/Room Furnishings

Rockhurst property may not be removed from the room or building in which they are located without the express written permission of the Resident Director. This includes, but is not limited to, beds, room chairs, screens, all communal area furniture within the residence areas, and all other Rockhurst properties. The resident must not remove the original University furniture from his or her room. Removal will result in being billed for the missing furniture during check out. Rockhurst Physical Plant or Residence Life staffs are not responsible for the movement of room furniture. A fine of a minimum $25.00 per day or $75.00 per item can be assessed for having relocated Rockhurst furniture to or from a student’s room or removing resident’s screens. Relocation of Rockhurst property may also result in disciplinary actions taking place.

Restricted Appliances/Items

University fire, safety and sanitation regulations prohibit the use of certain items and appliances in student housing units. Items not allowed are the following:  exposed heating coils (e.g., hot plates and toaster ovens), extension cords, air conditioners, waterbeds, ceiling fans, and halogen lamps. The residence hall rooms were not designed for cooking. Only small appliances with completely enclosed coils are permitted (e.g., hot pots, coffee pots, and Foreman grills). You are encouraged to plug your appliances into an outlet strip with a breaker that is U.L. approved. The University is not responsible for damage to appliances due to power outages or surges. We recommend the purchase of a surge protector for computer and stereo equipment. Toasters or toaster ovens are allowed in THV and Rock Row kitchens.

Room Cleanliness

Residents are responsible for the cleanliness of their rooms, units and communal areas. Every residence hall has vacuum cleaners and other cleaning supplies which can be checked out from the front desk.

Entry of Premises  

It is the University’s intention to ensure privacy in students’ premises. The University reserves the right to enter student premises at any time for the purposes of inspecting the premises to determine whether a condition exists that may present a risk to the health or safety of the occupants or others in the student residential community. Additionally, the University reserves the right to enter student premises when an authorized agent of the University has reasonable belief, including but not limited to the following: an occupant of the room may be physically harmed or endangered, the University’s property is damaged, a law or University policy is being violated, or maintenance and/or repair is necessary. If practical, the University will not enter a student’s room unless accompanied by the student or a second authorized representative of the University.

Smoke Detectors/Fire Safety

Residents/guests are not allowed to tamper with or disarm any smoke detector, CO detector or fire safety device in any residence hall room, THV, Kateri Rock Row Unit or common area. Residents who do not have a working smoke detector because of tampering will be fined $200.00 and will be sanctioned through the Code of Conduct process. The University also does not allow students to have or to use any candles or incense in the residence halls, OCH, THV or Rock Row. Students found in violation of this policy will have a $75 dollar fine per candle billed to their student account.

Smoke/Tobacco Free Facilities

Rockhurst University is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. No smoking is allowed in any facility or on the grounds, including electronic cigarettes and vaporizers. This includes the individual student rooms, units, bathroom/shower facilities, Kateri, Rock Row, THV and public areas. Violation will result in a monetary fine at a minimum. All buildings have posted signage notifying residents and guests of appropriate distances smoking is allowed from on campus buildings. All vaporizers and e-cig devices are prohibited in residential facilities.

Visitation Policy And Guest Rules

Visitation hours are listed below. It is the student’s responsibility to know and understand this policy. If a student is unclear about any aspect of the Visitation Policy, they are to contact a residence life staff member for clarification. All students must comply with Rockhurst University Policy Statement & Guidelines for the Protection of Minors (“Guidelines”) and Rockhurst University Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting policy (“Policy”).  This Policy and Guidelines may specify requirement for visiting minors (which may differ from guest policies below if a minor is involved). Guests of the opposite sex are permitted in the following facilities during the following times:

Corcoran and McGee Hall

Sunday – Thursday: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 a.m.

After fall break: 24-hour visitation starting Friday at 11 a.m. Until Sunday at 12 a.m.

Townhouse Village/Rock Row

Monday – Sunday: 24-hour visitation, 7 days a week

Xavier-Loyola Hall Monday – Sunday: 24-hour visitation, 7 days a week

Guests must register and present ID at front desk immediately upon entering the building.

• Guests should always be escorted by their host.

All guest policies apply to Rockhurst students visiting a facility they do not live in as well as outside guests.

• Residents are to entertain no more than three visitors at one time (in student rooms, THV, Katier, Rock Row or communal areas).
• All overnight guests must be registered with the Desk Assistant at the main desk of hosting resident’s building. Guests must be registered prior to midnight of the day of arrival at the residence hall front desk. If a guest has not been registered, they will be asked to leave the building immediately. University students who have a Minor relative, friend, or other guest visit them on campus overnight must comply with the requirements of the Guidelines and register the visitor at least 24 hours in advance of the stay by completing a guest housing registration form with the Resident Director (or designee) assigned to the student’s residential facility.  The student must provide documentation that the Minor’s parents or guardians approve the visit.
• Guests may not stay for more than two consecutive nights (48 hours) unless permission is obtained from the Resident Director.
• Guests of the opposite sex should not return to the building before the beginning of the next visitation period.
• Guests may not occupy any bed without the consent of the person to whom the bed is assigned.
• Guests are never issued University keys for any reason.
• If roommates cannot reach an agreement on sharing the room with a guest, the rights of the roommate not hosting a guest will prevail.
• All residents are expected to go to the front door to allow their guests entry.
• Guests are required to produce photo identification. If the individual does not have identification, he or she may be asked to leave the property.
• Guests found violating University policy (particularly Visitation, Noise, and Alcohol) or whose behavior is construed as disruptive, reckless, inappropriate or threatening will be asked to leave immediately. In such cases, the guest might be escorted off campus and/or a no trespass warning may be issued if University officials deem this appropriate.
• Residents are responsible for the action of their guests while they are in the residence hall and for activities in their room. Should a violation of University policy take place in a room by a student’s guest, the residents of that room are held equally responsible. If a guest violates University policies and/or causes disturbances, the guest is the resident’s responsibility. Likewise, the resident will also be responsible for any damages to University premises caused by guests.
• Residents should always assist interactions between University staff and their guests.
• Residents are responsible for ensuring that guests are aware of fire evacuation and safety procedures in the event of an emergency.
• Children under the age of ten cannot spend the night in campus housing.

Checking In And Out of Communities

Students are required to check in and check out of their residence hall room, unit or house with a residence hall staff member as buildings close for breaks. This includes checking in and out of rooms or units when making a room change. Failure to check in and out of a room properly (or in a timely manner), through a staff member, will result in the student being assessed a $100.00 improper checkout fee. If the room key is not returned an additional$100.00 will be billed to the student’s account.

Damage charges assessed to a student account should be paid to the Business Office within 10 days of the notification of the amount. All financial commitments (including all 30 days past due billings) must be rectified with the Business Office prior to the release of semester grades and transcripts.

Graduating Seniors Living In Residential Facilities

Graduating seniors will be allowed to stay in their assignment until Noon, the day after graduation.

Health And Safety Inspections

Officials of Rockhurst University reserve the right to conduct health and safety inspections of student rooms in all University-owned residence housing. Advance notice to residents will ordinarily be given prior to such inspections. Rooms and units will be inspected on the designated date regardless of the resident’s presence. Residence Life staff members will inspect all rooms, units, and houses at the end of each semester and prior to breaks. Residents are to have their room or unit clean upon inspection. If, upon entry, a violation is visible (e.g., lounge furniture, alcohol, etc.) It will be handled through the discipline process. Prohibited items may be confiscated to promote safety and compliance with campus policy. Anything in plain view that is considered a violation of local, state or federal law may be investigated or referred to the Rockhurst University Security Department. Rooms should be found to be kept in a clean, orderly manner. The custodial personnel in each building should be able to help make available any cleaning supplies that may be needed.

Health and Safety Fines:

• Excessive Dirtiness: $50.00
• Candles (each): $75.00 
• Extension cords: $25.00
• Biohazard: $160.00 (or more depending on the required clean up) 
• Tampered Smoke Detectors: $200.00

Maintenance Room Entry

The University reserves the right to enter at any time in order to make repairs or conduct maintenance upon University-owned property. Entry is also permitted for actions necessary or appropriate in emergencies and those necessary to maintain order in an appropriate living environment.

Room Changes

Students desiring to change rooms or roommates must contact their RD or AC. ”  When changing rooms, it is required that you and a building staff member complete a new room condition form and check out form. All students must be in agreement to a room change. Any student who makes an unauthorized room change will be assessed a $100 improper checkout fee. If your roommate moves out, it may be possible to keep your room as a private room assuming there is space available; this is determined by the Residence Life Office. If your roommate moves out, you may have to consolidate with another student.  Residence Life reserves the right to not assign requested spaces for administrative purposes.

Room Change Fees

Improper Room Change (not completed in allocated time): $100.00

Unapproved Room Change (Room change fine and lock change): $200.00

Room Damages and Condition

When you check into the room, you should note all observed damages or markings, even the most minor items, on the room check-in form. Any damages incurred since check-in, (including marks on the outside of the room door, stickers and tape residue on the walls or mirrors, marks on the walls, drawers with broken hinges or chains, broken mini blind cords, etc.) Are assessed by the building staff and verified by the Office of Residence Life. You may pay these charges in the Student Accounts Office to avoid having grades or transcript requests withheld.   

Remember that you are responsible for your room and its condition when you check out, so treat it with care. Students are required to check out of the residence hall following proper procedures by the deadlines given. At the end of each semester, you must check out immediately after your last final. 

Common Area Damages: Damages to common areas (hallways, lounges, bathrooms, stairwell, exterior of room doors, etc.) will be charged to all residents of a particular floor or hall unless it can be determined specifically who is responsible. Common area damage in THV, Kateri and Rock Row will be divided among all residents unless an individual resident accepts responsibility. All community damages are documented by the Resident Director for billing purposes. Damages are posted to the resident’s account when the student completes the checkout process from the residence life system for the academic year. If a resident changes rooms during the year, any appropriate room damages will follow the student.

Room Lockouts

It is encouraged that residents always keep their keys with them. Students who are locked out of their rooms should go to the front desk to check out a lockout key. Residents will have 30 minutes to use the key and return it to the front desk before being assessed for a lock change. Students are given two (2) free lockout keys a semester from the residence hall front desks. After this point, students will be charged $25.00 for each additional lockout used. THV lock out keys are located at the Xavier-Loyola front desk. Residents contacting security for a lockout will be billed $75.00 per lockout. When front desks are not open students are encouraged to first contact their RA, then contact their Resident Director, lastly the Office of Residence Life. Regardless of ability to contact someone within Residence Life if Security opens a room for a student their account will be charged. Kateri and Rock Row residents are to call security if they are locked out. After two lockouts for Rock Row residents they will be billed $25.00 per lockout.

Room Selection Process

Re-contracting takes place in the spring semester. Re-contracting for our traditional halls will be based on credit hours as of the end of fall semester, giving preference to upperclassmen and students currently living in our residential facilities. Selection for housing in the Townhouse Village and Rock Row is based on a formula of credit hours x GPA combined with  service transcripts, good conduct and availability.

Vacation/Break Periods

In the interest of security, staffing, and energy conservation, all residence halls except the THV,  Kateri and Rock Row are closed during Christmas, and Spring breaks. 

Information regarding these closings will be sent to all residents prior to the beginning of each break period. The only exception to staying in a residence hall is for academic/university-related purposes.  Academic purpose is defined as students who are doing internships, service trips, athletics or an activity for an academic program. The department requiring a resident to stay must provide a list of those students needing to be on campus. This will be verified by the Residence Life office. Students who meet these requirements must register with the Residence Life Office, Massman 3. 

Students who do not meet the academic purpose requirement must leave the residence halls on time.  A student can receive a fine and/or a daily rate charge if they choose not to leave. Students flying home for breaks must plan their flights in accordance with the residence hall closings.  Students who have a flight delay or a change in their flight must check in with the Residence Life Office . If there is a complication witha flight and you may be approved to remain or arrive early in the hall until the flight.  A daily rate charge will be assessed to your student account. The daily rate charge varies per building and room payments do not cover the daily rate charge. We will not extend your stay in a residence hall to meet your vacation plans or employment.

Residence Halls remain open for fall break, Thanksgiving break and Easter break.  For security purposes, students remaining on campus may be asked to register with the Residence Life Office,  prior to the break. Generally, there is limited dining service during all breaks.  Residents will be notified of dining times and available locations.  THV, Kateir and Rock Row communities do not close for academic breaks. For security purposes, THV/Kateri and Rock Row residents staying over breaks may need to register in the Office of Residence Life. Please contact the Office of Residence Life at (816) 501-4663 with questions.

Health and safety inspections will be done at every closing and during scheduled inspections. Staff will post signs 24 hours prior to starting inspections. For more information about health and safety inspections please contact the Office of Residence Life. Visitors are not allowed when halls are closed.  

Emergency Procedures

The Kansas City metropolitan area uses the 911 emergency systems. In case of an emergency, the Security Department and the University operator should be contacted by dialing “4010”. The hours of the switchboard are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For class cancellations please refer to Bad Weather Policy.

Fire

Fire extinguishers are provided on each hallway in Corcoran, McGee and Xavier-Loyola and in THV, Kateir and Rock Row units. If you find a fire in any of the residential facilities you should:

• Pull the closest fire alarm. (If available)
• Notify Security by red phone, code blue phone, dialing 4010 from a campus landline, or calling 816-5014010 from your cell phone.
• Locate an RA or Resident Director, if possible.
• Follow the evacuation plans posted in the building.
• Go to the nearest exit or stairs. Do not use elevators.
• If smoke is present, remain low to the ground during evacuation.

Tornado

Terminology and what you should do:

Tornado Watch: There is a chance of dangerous weather with damaging winds. Be on the lookout for the danger signs: severe thunderstorms, hail, roaring noise, funnel.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted nearby and you should go at once to the designated area in your building. If you see or hear a tornado coming, do not wait for warning signals. Go to your shelter area if there is time. If not, curl up on the floor and protect yourself.

Alert Signal:  Steady tone for 3-5 minutes. A tornado horn is located at UMKC and can be heard at Rockhurst University.

If siren sounds, take shelter in designated area or lowest level of the building away from windows and doors.
Campus security officers will circulate through campus buildings and tell people to seek immediate shelter. If you hear a siren, seek shelter immediately and do not wait for an officer.
Residence hall staff will notify residents through the public address system. Students living in THV or Kateri should monitor their University-issued weather radios, watch local news reports, and listen for city tornado sirens. All students in University housing must take immediate shelter when a tornado siren is activated; a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service or instructed by University personnel.
Remain in the sheltered area until an all-clear signal is given.

 Shelter areas:

Xavier-Loyola Hall - Basement center hallway

Corcoran Hall - Basement hallway by Chapel

McGee Hall - Basement north hallway

Massman Hall - Basement north hallway

Town House Village - Storage area under stairs

Kateri- CMC area basement

Rock Row - Downstairs bathroom

Residence Life staff, or Security will be responsible for directing you to the shelter area when the weather is sufficiently threatening. The public address will be used to signal moving to the shelter area. No one is to be on the roof during a tornado or warning. The Residence Life Staff or Security will alert you to leave when the danger has passed.  THV, Kateri and Rock Row units must ensure that their University-issued weather radios are operational at all times.

Personal Property Liability

The University assumes no responsibility for students or guests’ personal belongings. Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover a student’s belongings while at college. Students are encouraged to discuss this matter with their parents to assure proper coverage for valuables. The University will use all reasonable efforts to protect students’ property, but it is understood that the University is not in any way liable for the loss, theft, or damage to property belonging to any residents or guests. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase personal property insurance.  Click https://www.nssi.com/ or https://www.collegestudentinsurance.com/  for more information

Residential Facilities

Chapel:  Each hall has a chapel. These are used for Campus Ministry groups as well as a space for personal reflection and discernment. If you would like to utilize a Chapel for an event, please contact the Campus Ministry Office.

Communal Areas: Each residence hall has communal areas or lobbies with at least one television. 

Computer Facilities: Each residence hall and THV is equipped with an individual computer lab. Computer Services regularly maintain these facilities. For information on how to access your buildings lab, ask your RA. For paper or printing concerns, contact the Copy Cave. 

Parking: After you have obtained a Rockhurst University Parking permit, parking is available in all ground lots and in the North Parking Garage. Only the residents of the THV can park in the Mayer, Miki and Murray parking lots (THV gated parking lots) violators will be ticketed and towed at the driver’s expense. Only the residents of Rock Row may park in the spaces behind their units. The Xavier-Loyola circle drive is a fire lane and should be used for pick-up and delivery of residents and guests only. Vehicles parked in the circle will be towed!  During winter, we encourage residents to park in the parking garage. This allows physical plant easier access to parking lots for snow removal.

Trash: All Trash must be taken to the dumpsters located outside your residence hall or THV. Garbage should be placed in a tied bag.  Exterior doors to these areas are accessible for entry back into the building from 7am until midnight, seven days a week.

Vending Machines: Drink and snack/candy machines are available in each residence hall. Please report any malfunctions to the Residence Life Office located in  Massman 3. Please remember these machines are provided as a service to the residents. Any vandalism or abuse will result in their removal.

Rockhurst University welcomes qualified students from diverse backgrounds and strives to maintain an atmosphere of respect and sensitivity toward the ultimate dignity of every person.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs. It is the policy of Rockhurst University to provide reasonable accommodations for students defined as disabled in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable law.

Student Accessibility Services assists Rockhurst University works to assure that students with disabilities are not denied equal access to the academic and non-academic life of Rockhurst University and provide reasonable accommodations. Students request accommodations through Student Accessibility Services, located in Van Ackeren 200, or by calling (816) 501-4689, TTY (816) 501-4833.

A student requesting accommodation through Student Accessibility Services  must identify to the Director of Student Accessibility Services in person and provide documentation from an appropriate diagnosing medical professional of his or her disability.

Alcohol Policy (Student)

Updated 10/15/2021

General Guidelines

Drinking is as much a part of University life as it is part of life in our larger culture, and it inevitably brings the same problems here that it introduces elsewhere. Learning a mature attitude toward alcohol while in college prepares one to handle it in society after leaving college. We intend by this policy to make alcohol less obtrusive on campus, to help students learn to approach alcohol in a more mature and responsible manner, and promote a safer environment for the Rockhurst Community.

The University is obligated to observe and abide by the laws of the state of Missouri regulating drinking and to safeguard those persons whose rights and safety are threatened by irresponsible drinking behavior on campus or off.

By Missouri State Law, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drink alcohol. Therefore, the use of alcoholic beverages by students under the age of 21 is both illegal and unacceptable. Under-age students, regardless of their place of residence, whether on campus or returning to campus, with alcohol on their breath or other signs of intoxication will be considered in violation of the law and university policy. Under-age drinkers may be subject to disciplinary procedures outlined elsewhere in this handbook. Rockhurst University reserves the right to notify the parent(s) of underage students who violate the Alcohol policy (see Parental/Legal Guardian Notification of Alcohol and Other Drug Violations policy for more details) and/or refer violations of the law to civil authorities for prosecution.

In Missouri, a minor in possession of alcohol is a misdemeanor and may result in a court ordering community service and alcohol education classes as well as subjecting the minor to an “Abuse and Lose” law which can result in driver’s license suspension or revocation if the minor is in the possession or use of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. The serving, purchasing, selling, or in any way providing alcoholic beverages to or for anyone who is under the age of 21 is a misdemeanor violation under Missouri State Law that may result in up to a year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000.

Students under the legal drinking age may not attend or be present at locations, on campus or off, where alcohol is being served or consumed unless there is a licensed third party vendor actively responsible for the distribution of alcohol (i.e. a restaurant setting). Examples of events with alcohol prohibited for those under the legal drinking age include, but are not limited to, house parties and tailgates. Activities with third party vendors must include licensed parties checking government issued IDs for the purchase of alcohol, and verification that only those who are of age are consuming legally purchased alcohol products. Presence of a Rockhurst student, regardless of age, at unauthorized events constitutes a violation of university policy regardless of their personal use of alcohol.

Persons of legal drinking age who choose to imbibe alcohol should do so responsibly, drinking moderately without becoming drunk. Alcohol use raises legal and social concerns, and students must recognize the potential for liability which alcohol consumption creates, including the potential for personal liability. Students must recognize that when alcoholic beverages are misused, problems will arise, and they must accept the responsibility for preventing and coping with these problems. They should become increasingly aware of the problems associated with alcohol abuse in our society. Individual differences are to be respected, and drinking must be seen as a matter of choice (provided the person is of legal drinking age). Choosing not to drink is socially acceptable, and even preferable on campus and at University sponsored events. Social activities should have clear purposes other than the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The University believes in the importance of on-going educational programs to help community members understand the advantages of a healthy lifestyle, the consequences of the use and abuse of alcohol, and the importance of personal and community responsibility. To this end, the University sponsors programs to educate students in the responsible use of alcohol.

Rockhurst University encourages students who believe that alcohol is having an unfavorable effect on their every-day life, who believe they have an alcohol or substance abuse problem, or who believe a fellow student has an alcohol or substance abuse problem, to seek assistance through such campus resources as the Residence Life staff and the Counseling Center. The University may refer students with problems beyond its means to outside rehabilitative or counseling services.

Alcohol In The Residential Buildings

Students 21 years of age or older are permitted to have alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their room/house, but only if all roommates/housemates are also 21 years of age or older. This privilege is limited to private space and does not extend to communal areas of the building, hallways, or other areas on campus. Students should be respectful of the rights of others, particularly regarding excessive noise or matters of personal privacy.

Students under the legal drinking age may not be in the company of a student who is drinking or has an open alcoholic beverage container, whether the drinking student is of legal age or not. In such an association, both students are subject to disciplinary action.

This restriction applies to underage university guests as well. Guests of legal drinking age may not consume, provide, or possess alcoholic beverages in the presence of anyone under the legal drinking age, nor may they store, for their own consumption, alcohol in any student’s room, if that student is under the legal drinking age.

Large quantities/common sources of alcohol are not allowed. A common source is defined as a quantity of alcohol that provides alcohol for more than one person. A common source includes, but is not limited to: kegs, party balls, pony kegs, liquor containers greater than one pint, or beer in excess of one six-pack. Therefore, each room with individuals of legal drinking age is limited to having only one of the following in their residence: one six-pack of beer, or one four-pack of wine coolers or other similar beverage, or one pint of alcohol, or one bottle of wine.

Students not of legal drinking age are not permitted to have in their possession, or in on-campus spaces, containers originally used to hold alcoholic beverages. For example, a beer case of ‘empties’ may not be used as furniture nor may empty bottles be used as decorative items. Alcoholic beverages may not be stored in any student room if the residents are under the legal drinking age.

Any student or guest found in possession of, providing, or consuming alcohol in violation of the University Alcohol Policy will be required to immediately pour out all alcohol in the presence of a university staff member.

Alcohol And Sobriety On-Campus

Students who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to have alcoholic beverages at a limited number of social events on the University campus. Students who are of legal drinking age and attending events on campus not specifically designated as student functions may also be served alcoholic beverages when these are available to other guests. Examples of such events are the receptions following Visiting Scholar Lectures and the Center for Arts and Letters cultural programs. However, students who appear to have been drinking excessively may be refused admission or asked to leave the event. Furthermore, this policy applies to all common areas on-campus. Students found in violation may be subject to disciplinary procedures outlined elsewhere in this handbook.

Alcoholic beverages ordinarily will not be served or present at on-campus functions sponsored by student clubs or organizations. Exceptions to this must be requested in writing at least one week in advance of the event, and will require the approval the Dean of Students or his/her designee. On those occasions when alcohol is served at events attended by students, signs reading “21 and over please” must be prominently displayed in close proximity to where the alcohol is served, and appropriate measures should be taken by those who serve to ensure that only individuals who are of age are served. Measures taken may include, but are not limited to, verifying identification, wristbands, limiting the number of alcohol-containing beverages consumed, etc.

Students are not to purchase alcoholic beverages for, or deliver them to, any underage student. Transportation of alcoholic beverages must follow city and state laws, e.g. No alcoholic beverage containers may be open while in transit from one location to another. When transporting alcoholic beverages on campus, students are to carry the alcoholic beverages in covered packages. University employees are authorized to check suspicious covered packages/boxes in trash bags, bags showing tops of bottles, coolers, suitcases, duffle bags, etc.

Alcohol At Athletic Events

Alcohol is prohibited at all athletic events, whether on or off campus.

Alcohol At Off-Campus Events Sponsored By Student Organizations

A student organization sponsored event is defined as an event that is sponsored by a student club or organization, including fraternities and sororities, regardless of funding for the event. Alcohol at all off-campus events sponsored by University-recognized student clubs or organizations must be provided by a licensed third party vendor or be held at a licensed establishment (a venue that has a current liquor license). For further information regarding off-campus events sponsored by student organizations, see the Social Event Policy.

Sponsors of social activities are expected to limit alcohol to moderate amounts and to keep the focus of the party or event on social interaction rather than alcohol consumption. Food and non-alcoholic beverages should be available in sufficient quantity for the number of persons attending the event, and must be displayed with prominence equal to the alcoholic beverages.

Legal Liability For Serving Alcoholic Drinks

Students are reminded that they may share legal responsibility for the safety and welfare of fellow students who become a danger to themselves or others. The law provides that individuals may be liable for damages or injury resulting from serving alcoholic beverages to persons of any age. Furthermore, any organization or its members responsible for sponsoring an event may be subject to legal prosecution if alcohol is served and minors are present.

Alcohol In Advertising Of Events

Advertising that states or suggests that alcohol will be available at an event is prohibited for student organization sponsored events. The Office of Student Development must approve advertising before it is displayed.

Alcohol Purchases With Student Activity Fee Funds

The University prohibits alcohol purchases with student activity fee funds.

I.  Statement of Policy

Rockhurst supports the use of service animals and emotional support animals on campus by those with disabilities in appropriate circumstances and in accordance with this policy. Those with questions about the use of service animals or emotional support animals should refer to this policy and/or contact Student Accessibility Services in Van Ackeren 200 or 816-501-4689.

II. Definitions

1. Handler: A person with a disability that a service animal assists or a personal care attendant who handles the animal for a person with a disability.

2. Service Animals are defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or tasks performed must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals.

A. Examples of work or tasks that service animals perform include, but are not limited to: assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, pulling a wheelchair, assisting an individual during a seizure, alerting individuals to the presence of allergens, retrieving items such as books or the telephone, alerting a person to a sudden change in blood sugar levels, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, and helping persons with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors.

B. Miniature horses may also be considered service animals in certain situations.

3. Emotional Support Animal: An emotional support animal is a companion animal which provides therapeutic benefit, such as alleviating or mitigating symptoms of a person’s disability. Emotional support animals are not service animals. However, emotional support animals will be permitted in residential facilities with prior approval from the Access Office pursuant to the procedures and standards outlined below.

4. Owner:  A student who has an approved emotional support animal in residential housing.

III. Specific Procedures

1. Students

A. Service Animals: Students with disabilities who wish to bring a service animal to the Rockhurst campus – including residential facilities, classrooms, and other university facilities – may do so without prior approval. However, Rockhurst students are strongly encouraged to reach out to Student Accessibility Services on campus to ensure that their experience bringing the animal to campus is smooth. Additionally, students with service animals who plan to live in residential facilities are also strongly encouraged to inform Residence Life and Campus Dining Services that they plan to have a service animal living with them. Advance notice of a service animal for residential facilities may allow more flexibility in meeting a student’s needs.

B. Emotional Support Animals: Students who wish to bring an emotional support animal into residential facilities as an exception to the “no pet” policy must go through the reasonable accommodation process with Student Accessibility Services. While accommodation requests will be accepted and considered at any time, requests should be made as far in advance as is reasonably possible before the student intends to bring the animal to campus in order to ensure timely consideration. An emotional support animal will not be allowed until formal approval has been received.

I. Upon receipt of request for an emotional support animal, Student Accessibility Services will engage in communication with the student to determine if the use of the animal is a reasonable accommodation. This is an individualized assessment and determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

II. In order for an emotional support animal to be considered as a reasonable accommodation for a student with a disability, supportive documentation should be from a professional healthcare provider (on letterhead) and generally include the following information:

• A current diagnostic statement that identifies the disability, including date of initial and most current diagnosis, any evaluations/testing that support the diagnosis, and a description of the functional limitation of the disability;

• Information regarding the relationship between the disability and the relief the animal provides; and

• Information that demonstrates the animal is necessary in order for the student to use and enjoy his/her living arrangement.

III. In addition, students with emotional support animals that have been approved as a reasonable accommodation must be contained in the owner’s residence. Students are not permitted to bring emotional support animals into classrooms, meetings, or other university facilities and events.

2. Visitors

A. Service Animals: Visitors are permitted to bring service animals into campus buildings, classrooms, residential areas, meetings, dining areas, recreational facilities, activities and events without prior approval subject to the standards outlined below.

B. Emotional Support Animals: Visitors may not bring emotional support animals onto campus.

IV. Permitted Inquiries Regarding Service Animals

In general, members of the Rockhurst Community should not ask about the nature or extent of a person’s disability. However, as permitted by the ADA, if it is not obvious that the animal is required because of a disability, the handler may be asked:

1. If the animal is required because of a disability, and

2. What work or task the animal has been trained to perform.

The handler should not be asked for documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal. Generally, Rockhurst community members should not make inquiries about a service animal when it is readily apparent that an animal is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability (e.g., if the dog is observed guiding an individual who is blind or has low vision, pulling a person’s wheelchair, or providing assistance with stability or balance to an individual with an observable mobility disability).

V. General Standards for the Removal of Service Animals or the Disapproval/Removal of Emotional Support Animals

Decisions to remove a service animal or disapprove/remove an emotional support animal will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all surrounding circumstances. However, the following general standards reflect reasons why an animal may be removed or disapproved:

1. The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. For example, the animal displays vicious behavior towards others or has a serious illness.

2. The animal causes or would cause substantial physical damage to the property of the University and other community members, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

3. The animal poses an undue financial and administrative burden to the University.

4. The animal would fundamentally alter the nature of the University’s housing and/or general operations.

5. The animal is out of control and the handler/owner does not take effective action to control it. If the out of control behavior happens repeatedly, the handler/owner may be prohibited from bringing the animal into university facilities until the handler/owner can demonstrate that s/he has taken significant steps to mitigate the behavior.

6. The animal is not housebroken.

7. The animal is defined as a dangerous wild animal according to the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

8. The animal is considered a high rabies-risk animal as defined by the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services.

9. The handler/owner does not abide by his/her responsibilities as outlined in Section VII of this policy.

Where an animal is properly removed pursuant to this policy, Rockhurst will work with the handler/owner to determine reasonable alternative opportunities to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the animal on the premises.

VI. Areas Off Limits to Service Animals

While service animals are generally allowed to go anywhere on campus that the handler is allowed to go, there are certain areas where the presence of a service animal fundamentally alters the nature of a program or activity or is disruptive. Examples of the areas that are off-limits to service animals include:

1.  Research Laboratories: The natural organisms carried by dogs and other animals may negatively affect the outcome of the research. At the same time, the chemicals and/or organisms used in the research may be harmful to service animals.

2.  Mechanical Rooms/Custodial Closets: Mechanical rooms, such as boiler rooms, facility equipment rooms, electric closets, elevator control rooms and custodial closets, are off-limits to service animals. The machinery and/or chemicals in these rooms may be harmful to animals.

3.  Food Preparation Areas: Food preparation areas are off-limits to service animals per health codes.

4.  Areas Where Protective Clothing is Necessary: Any room where protective clothing is worn is off-limits to service animals. Examples impacting students include the kiln, chemistry laboratories, wood shops and metal/machine shops.

5.  Areas Where There is a Danger to the Service Animal: Any room, including a classroom, where there are sharp metal cuttings or other sharp objects on the floor or protruding from a surface; where there is hot material on the floor (e.g., molten metal or glass); where there is a high level of dust; or where there is moving machinery is off-limits to service animals.

Questions regarding areas that are off-limits to service animals should be directed to Student Accessibility Services, or in the laboratory setting, the laboratory instructor.  Exceptions may be granted in some circumstances.

VII. Responsibilities of Handlers/Owners

1. Laws, Ordinances, and Policies – Handlers/owners are responsible for complying with all state and local animal ordinances and are subject to all University policies and guidelines regarding Residence Life.
2. Caring for the Service/Emotional Support Animal - The cost of care, arrangements and responsibilities for the well-being of the animal are the sole responsibility of the handler/owner at all times. Rockhurst will accept no responsibility for the care of any animal covered by this policy.
   1. Animals must be well groomed (residential facilities such as showers, tubs, sinks, and the like may not be used for this purpose). Animals cannot be left unattended overnight at any time. If the handler/owner must be away, they must either take the animal with them or make arrangements for them to be cared for elsewhere off campus. Animals cannot be confined to a vehicle, tethered or abandoned at any time. Regular and routine cleaning of floors, kennels, cages, etc. Must occur. The odor of an animal emanating from the residence hall room or apartment is not acceptable.
3. Keeping the Animal Under Control - The animal should respond to voice and/or hand commands at all times, and be fully controlled by the handler/owner.
4. Being Responsible for Damage Caused by the Animal – Handlers/owners are personally responsible for any damage or injuries caused by their animals and must take appropriate precautions to prevent property damage or injury. The handler/owner will be required to pay for any damages caused by the animal.
   1. Any flea infestation must be attended to promptly by a professional extermination company coordinated by the University at owner’s expense. Owners are expected to promptly notify Physical Plant and arrange for extermination when a flea problem is noted. Animal owners may take some precautionary measures such as: flea medications prescribed by veterinarians, flea and tick collars, taking your animal to the veterinarian for flea and tick baths. Because not all of the precautions listed here can prevent flea and tick infestations, the owner is responsible for extermination costs after vacating their residential area.
5. Being Responsible for Waste: Cleaning up after the animal is the sole responsibility of the handler/owner. In the event that the handler/owner is not physically able to clean up after the animal, it is then the responsibility of the handler/owner to hire someone capable of cleaning up after the animal. It is the owner’s responsibility to remove feces from University grounds, dispose of it in a plastic bag, and then place that bag in the outside garbage dumpsters. Cleanup must occur IMMEDIATELY. Animal feces may not be disposed of in any trash receptacle or through the sewer system inside any building at Rockhurst University. Waste MUST be taken to an external dumpster for disposal.
6. Leash Requirements - The animal should be on a leash at all times unless the owner is unable to use a leash due to a disability or the use of the leash would interfere with the animal’s ability to perform its duties.
7. Proper Identification – All animals must be licensed and have a collar and identification tags.
8. Health and Vaccination –Animals must be immunized against diseases common to that type of animal. All vaccinations must be current, and the animal must wear a rabies vaccination tag and, in the case of emotional support animals, vaccination documentation must be provided to the Student Accessibility Services. Animals to be housed in university housing must have an annual clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Documentation with a veterinarian’s statement regarding the animal’s health must be submitted to Access Services.
9. Observing Good Animal Etiquette - To the extent possible, the handler/owner should ensure that the animal does not display behaviors or make noises that are disruptive or frightening to others, unless part of the service being provided to the handler (e.g. Barking to alert the handler of danger).  The animal must possess friendly and sociable characteristics.
10. Spayed/Neutered – all emotional support animals must be spayed or neutered and a copy of the veterinarian’s report indicating such must be on file with Student Accessibility Services.
11. Other Conditions and Restrictions – In response to a particular situation, Rockhurst reserves the right to impose other reasonable conditions or restrictions on the use of service animals and emotional support animals as necessary to ensure the health, safety, and reasonable enjoyment of University programs and activities by others.

VIII. Cleaning and Damages

1. When an owner moves out of his/her residential facility or no longer owns the animal, the residence will be assessed to determine if damage to University property can be attributed to the animal. The University maintains the right to conduct facility inspections for the purpose of assessing damage caused by the animal or otherwise determine the owner’s compliance with this policy.
2. The owner has an obligation to make sure that the residence is as clean as the original standard, excepting normal wear and tear. If the residence has carpeting, this also includes regular vacuuming and spot cleaning. Damages and extraordinary cleaning caused by the animal are the responsibility of the owner and may require professional cleaning by a vendor approved by the Physical Plant (to be paid for by the owner). Replacement or repair of damaged items will also be the financial responsibility of the owner. All other conditions of the housing agreement relating to damages remain in effect.

IX. Additional Matters

1. Roommates:  Upon approval of an emotional support animal, or if a student intends to have a service animal in residential housing, the student’s roommate(s) or dwelling mate(s) will be notified (if applicable) to notify them that the approved animal will be residing in shared assigned living space and solicit their acknowledgement of such.
   1. All roommates of the owner must sign an agreement allowing the approved animal to be in residence with them. In the event that one or more roommates or dwelling mates do not approve, either the owner and animal or the non-approving roommate(s) or dwelling mate(s), as determined by the Residential Life office, may be moved to a different location.
   2. If at a point later in time there is a conflict between roommates regarding the animal that cannot be resolved amongst the parties, the Office of Residence Life or Student Accessibility Services should be contacted. Appropriate parties will be consulted in order to reach a solution.
2. Animal No Longer Necessary: Student Accessibility Services should be notified when an animal covered by this policy will no longer be in residence or, in the case of emotional support animals, is no longer needed as an accommodation.
3. Conflicting Disabilities: Some people may have allergic reactions, asthma, respiratory diseases, etc. To animals that are substantial enough to qualify as disabilities. Rockhurst will consider the needs of both persons in meeting its obligations to reasonably accommodate all disabilities to resolve the problem as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. Students requesting allergy accommodations should contact the Access Office.
4. Service Animals in Training:  A service animal being trained generally has the same rights as a fully trained service animal when accompanied by a trainer and identified as such in any place of public accommodation. However, handlers of service animals in training must also adhere to all of the requirements for service animals above and are subject to the removal policies as outlined in this policy.
5. Concerns:  Concerns regarding an animal covered by this policy can be brought to the attention of the Office of Residence Life or Student Accessibility Services.
   1. Also, owners should understand that having an animal in a residence may raise issues with other residents. The owner should be receptive to these concerns and, if necessary, contact the Office of Residence Life or Student Accessibility Services for assistance in resolving the situation.
   2. Other residents with minor concerns about an animal in their residence hall may discuss the matter with the owner or talk with a representative of the Office of Residence Life.  Major concerns should immediately be brought to the attention of the Office of Residence Life or Student Accessibility Services.
   3. Visitors may also raise concerns about this policy with the Student Accessibility Services.
6. Grievances: If the decision is made to deny a request for or remove an animal covered by this policy, a student may informally discuss the situation with the Student Accessibility Services in order to reach a resolution or a formal written appeal may be filed with the Vice President of Student Development. The discrimination complaint/grievance procedures located in the Student Handbook will be utilized for formal complaints of this nature. 

In the Massman Gallery, and in other locations around campus, works of art are on display for the Rockhurst University Community’s viewing pleasure. All art pieces, unless noted otherwise by the Artist or Rockhurst University, is for observation only. Viewers should observe these works from a distance of at least two to three feet. Touching or pointing with your hands, pencils, pens and other objects are discouraged.

The authority and responsibility to cancel classes rest with the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. Cancellations should be rare and only when genuinely necessary.

Information about school closing will be available through the Rockhurst website, Rock@lerts, Rockhurst University weather line and local television stations.

Clear and timely communication allows students to receive information related to policies, programs, events, and other practical matters (e.g. Billing, grades, etc.) Affiliated with their education at Rockhurst. The University has established several key routes for communication with students including:

• Rockhurst E-mail Account: All Rockhurst students receive a University e-mail account.  All e-mail communication from the University is directed exclusively to the Rockhurst electronic mailbox system.  Students are expected to access their e-mail account on a regular basis (daily is recommended) in order to stay abreast of important and time-sensitive information. University departments, faculty, and staff will routinely use e-mail to communicate important campus, academic, and extra-curricular/co-curricular information. It is the responsibility of each student to clean their e-mail boxes to allow capacity for incoming messages (e.g. Empty deleted items, keep a limited number of sent items, etc.). For further information on your Rockhurst e-mail account, please see Computer Services.
• Addresses and Phone Numbers:  Students are required to maintain accurate local, billing, permanent, and emergency contact information so that attempts to communicate will not be impeded.  To make changes to your addresses or phone numbers of record, website (Oracleweb section under Registrar) or contact the University Registrar (Massman Hall 110).
• Campus Mailboxes: Students who live in Rockhurst’s residence halls and Townhouse Village are assigned a campus mailbox located in Massman Hall where U.S. Postal Service mail and other University communications are delivered.  For assignment inquiries please connect with Residence Life (Massman Hall 3) and for mailbox malfunctions please speak with the Mailroom staff (Massman Hall, Lower Level).

Students’ failure to set-up, maintain, or update any of the above communication devices will not excuse them from being responsible for information and deadlines enclosed within the attempted communications by the University. Rockhurst strongly encourages students to communicate with relevant University offices regarding information needs, questions, and concerns, and welcomes new and innovative ideas for enhancing communication with the student body as a whole.

The policy reflects the ethical principles of the Rockhurst University community and indicates; in general, what privileges and responsibilities are characteristic of the University computing environment. Copies of the complete policy are available at the Computer Services Help Desk.

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (EDGAR Part 86), a memorandum is presented to Rockhurst University students and employees with the following: (1) a description of the health risks associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs (2) a description of campus resources available to students and employees, including prevention and treatment resources (3) applicable federal, state, and legal sanctions and (4) the University’s standards of conduct relating to the use or possession of alcohol and drugs and the disciplinary sanctions for violations of those standards. In addition, the memorandum serves as an opportunity to solicit compliance with these policies and encourage active participation in fostering a responsible, safe and caring community. To see the most current memorandum visit Student Consumer Information

Rockhurst University welcomes persons from all backgrounds and beliefs to join our staff and University Community. We seek to create and foster a sense of community that facilitates the development, both personal and professional, of all our members, including faculty, staff, and students.

Consistent with its Jesuit tradition of focus on individual dignity and cura personalis or “Care for the Whole Person,” the University is committed to providing equal opportunities for all persons and does not discriminate or retaliate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, gender, disability, citizenship or intended citizenship status, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by law (“protected status”). This policy extends to admissions, employment, housing, services, and in the other educational programs and activities that the University operates (collectively “programs and activities”). Harassment, whether verbal, non-verbal, or physical, that is based on any protected status constitutes a form of discrimination if it denies or limits a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the University’s programs and activities. This policy covers employees, students, applicants for employment or admission, contractors, vendors, visitors, guests, and participants in University-sponsored programs and activities (collectively, the “University Community”). The academic or work relationship sometimes extends beyond the University campus. Therefore, in some situations, this policy may apply to allegations of discrimination or retaliation that occur off campus or during after-hours functions sponsored by the University.

The University complies with federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws and strives to keep the workplace free from all forms of illegal discrimination and retaliation.

As part of its commitment to equal opportunity, the University is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities, reasonable accommodation. Any applicant or employee, who requires reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the job, should contact the Director of Human Resources. Any student with a disability, who requires assistance to ensure access to educational opportunities, should contact the Associate Dean of Students.

Questions or concerns arising out of the Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Statement can be raised with a supervisor, the Director of Human Resources, or the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students who have questions or concerns should contact the Vice President for Student Development & Athletics/Dean of Students. Additionally, a person can file a complaint of sex discrimination with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights by visiting www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html or by calling 1-800-421-3481.  The University’s Sexual Harassment Prevention And Response Policy And Complaint Resolution Procedures govern the reporting, investigation, and determination of reports of sex discrimination and other forms of sexual misconduct.

Click here to read the full policy

Rockhurst University, as a responsible and dedicated educational community, recognizes the right of orderly, responsible protest. This right is one facet of the University’s function as an open forum for the free expression of ideas. While recognizing freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and the like, the University also recognizes the legal and moral rights of those engaged in the normal activities of the University. Each person, or group of persons, has the right to express disagreement on a particular subject or to submit proposals for consideration, provided this right is exercised in an orderly fashion.

However, the kind of conduct which restrains either the freedom of expression or the freedom of movement of others who may not agree or which is disruptive of University operations in any way, is simply unacceptable in an intelligent community and in a democratic society.

Proper and reasonable channels of communication do exist within the University. Reasonable men and women will continue to use such channels as they have in the past.

The University strongly urges groups wishing to demonstrate to abide by the following guidelines in order to protect themselves:

1.  That time and place of a demonstration be registered at least one day in advance in the office of the Vice President for Student Development to eliminate conflicts of interest.

2.  If there is to be any literature distributed in connection with a demonstration, that time and place of distribution be registered in the Vice President for Student Development office, and this literature should be approved by the Vice President for Student Development and the Student Senate.

3.  That a member of the Student Senate or an officer of a recognized student organization be present at all times during a demonstration to serve as an impartial observer.

4.  That all individuals, groups, and organizations at Rockhurst University comport themselves in a responsible manner respecting the rights of others and behave according to the rules of fair play.

Any protest or demonstration which impedes the normal and orderly functioning of the University is unlawful. Should this occur, it is the responsibility of the University to act to remedy the situation. This would involve the following procedures:

1. An authorized official of the University will attempt to persuade the offending parties to discontinue obstruction or disruption (see immediately following this paragraph). The official may be accompanied by the President of the Student Senate and by representatives of various student groups or other University organizations.
   1. Obstruction Any serious or complete impeding of a University activity is a form of protest, unlawful by its very nature and not to be tolerated.
   2. Disruption
2. Serious disruption (e.g., the creation of excessive noise in the presence of a speaker, or the violation of space allocated by the University to a person or group of persons) of a University function is not to be tolerated. Any function for which space has been allocated by the University is considered to be, in a sense, a “University Function.”
3. If, after a reasonable length of time, the response to the above mentioned persuasive means is negative, then the University may take any or all of the following measures:
4. A court injunction against the offending group may be secured and read to the offending parties. If, after the court injunction is read, the offending group still refuses to disperse, then the police of the City of Kansas City may be called in by the President of the University, or by the Vice President for Student Development, or by an officially delegated person who will act in place of either of the two above mentioned officials.
5. Any University person participating in such a disruptive demonstration who shows his ID card will be charged, arrested and prosecuted at minimum for disturbing the peace.
6. Any person from outside the University who is participating in such a disruptive demonstration or any University person who fails to show his ID card will be charged, arrested, and prosecuted at minimum for trespassing on private property.
7. Any University person who participates in such an unlawful and disruptive demonstration after the local police have been called to the campus is automatically suspended from the University. Each suspended person will appear before a specially appointed Hearing Committee for final decision in his case.
3. While this official statement is indeed stern, the University feels certain that the overwhelming majority of its students and Faculty will find it more of a comfort than a threat. Rockhurst University students, Faculty members, and administration members have shown in the past that they do not wish to be linked with the irresponsible lawlessness in question. Rather than a threat, then, this statement is an attempt to reassure all members of the Rockhurst University community that their rights will not be disregarded and that sane conduct will not be supplanted with disorder.

Rockhurst University encourages students to offer assistance to others in need and to get assistance for themselves when needed.  When a person’s health/safety is threatened or appears to be in jeopardy, immediate action should be taken to prevent harm.  That action may include calling Campus Security at 816-501-4010 or 911 for outside assistance.

The health and safety of students is of the highest importance to Rockhurst University. There will be occasions when individual students, on and off campus, are in critical need of medical, emergency or other professional assistance for various reasons, including alcohol/drug abuse or being the victim of sexual misconduct or other violence. The University seeks to minimize hesitation that students may have about seeking this assistance based on concerns that they will be disciplines for violating University alcohol/drug policies.

Toward that end, students seeking such assistance for themselves or others will not be subject to University sanctions that are punitive in nature based on abuse of alcohol/drugs. For this to apply to students seeking assistance for others, those students must be present when help arrives and will be required to provide contact information to the responding agency (Campus Security, EMS, law enforcement, etc.) To be included with the incident report. In lieu of punitive sanctions, students abusing alcohol/drugs will be required to complete specified follow-up, such as attendance at a substance abuse education class or assessment. 

Failure to complete the recommended follow-up will normally result in disciplinary action and may prompt the imposition of medical withdrawal. Serious and/or repeated incidents will prompt a higher degree of concern and response. 

Organizations are required to seek immediate medical assistance for their members or guests when any health risk is observed, including medical emergencies relating to the use of alcohol/drugs.  Where an organization is found to be hosting an event where medical, emergency, or other professional assistance is sought for an intoxicated guest, the organization may be held responsible for violations of University policies, including those relating to drugs and alcohol. However, the organization’s willingness to seek assistance will be viewed as a mitigating factor in determining sanctions.

This policy does not preclude punitive sanctions due to any violations of other University policies, such as causing or threatening physical harm, sexual misconduct, and damage to property, hazing, and possession with intent to distribute drugs. 

This policy only applies to the University’s response to students. Law enforcement action may still occur at the discretion of the responding law enforcement agency. In some instances, Campus Security may be bound to report certain possible criminal details to law enforcement or government agencies.

Rockhurst University requires all first time and residential students to provide proof of the following vaccinations thru our online submission process. 

TB Screen:

• Section 199.290 of the Missouri Revised Statutes requires that students attending any college or university in the state of Missouri be screened to identify those at high risk for Tuberculosis (TB).  This screening includes testing of identified high-risk populations to determine those that would benefit from treatment. The screening follows Center for Disease Control protocols and requires completion of a TB screening questionnaire and possibly testing.  The statute requires colleges and universities to place a hold on a student’s registration if the student does not complete the TB screening within the student’s first semester at a Missouri college or university.

If a student answers no to all of the questions found on the TB questionnaire, the student is considered to have been effectively screened and no further action is needed. Each student shall attest that the information submitted on his/her TB screening questionnaire is true to the best of his/her knowledge and shall submit the signed screening test results to Rockhurst University. If a student answers yes to any of the statements found on the TB screening questionnaire, Rockhurst University requires that a TB risk assessment by a health care provider be completed within 6 months or prior to the student’s enrollment for the subsequent semester.

Each student required to undergo a TB risk assessment by a health care provider shall submit appropriate written documentation of his/her TB risk assessment results, including but not limited to any skin test results, blood test results or chest x-ray results signed by an appropriate health care provider.

Students may also complete any TB screening/testing at the Neighborhood Walk-in Family Care located in the North Parking Garage on the Rockhurst University campus.

• Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Documentation of two measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination is required for all residential students.

Meningococcal Meningitis Disease and Immunization

Rockhurst University requires students who will reside on campus to provide proof of a meningitis vaccination or sign a waiver that you understand the risk involved in not receiving this vaccine.  The University reserves the right to change or modify its vaccination requirements.  Failure to comply with vaccination requirements may result in immediate eviction from any University housing. Rockhurst University encourages all other students to consider this vaccination as well as to become knowledgeable about meningitis and its symptoms in order to reduce their personal risk.

Minors come to campus for a variety of reasons. They may visit as prospective students once they graduate from high school, come as participants on field trips or community service projects, or come to attend an athletic event.  Whatever the reason for their presence, Rockhurst personnel are to be particularly vigilant regarding their safety and security. This duty increases as Rockhurst’s role in their care, custody or control while on campus increases.

Consistent with Missouri law, it is Rockhurst’s policy that anyone who has reasonable cause to suspect that a minor child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect shall immediately report that suspicion to Security and his/her supervisor.  Security will also ensure that a report is made by the observer or another University employee to the Children’s Division Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Unit (1-800-392-3738) in a timely manner.

“Reasonable cause” does not require that the individual making the observation conduct an investigation prior to making the report of his or her suspicion that a child has been abused or neglected or is at risk of it. Moreover, Missouri law protects from liability anyone who makes such a report in good faith.

Rockhurst University also supports learning experiences afforded by involvement in co-curricular activities, such as student leadership conferences, athletics, theater competitions, etc.  Often these co-curricular activities require students to represent Rockhurst University and to be “on location” somewhere off campus for both the participation in the event as well as travel to and from the location.  The following guidelines refer to Rockhurst University’s expectations for both students and faculty regarding “on location” activities that result in student absences and missed class work.  The “on location” policy only applies to those authorized co-curricular activities that have been approved by the appropriate Dean’s or Provost’s office and verified to the faculty members impacted.

Student Expectations

A Rockhurst University student engaged regularly in approved co-curricular activities which will necessitate missing classes is expected to do the following:

1.  Inform each of his/her instructors about his/her participation at the beginning of the academic semester, indicating which classes will be missed.

2.  Agree to an appropriate procedure for obtaining the missed class notes and other coursework.

3.  Recognize that authorized absences for co-curricular activities do still count towards the total absences allowed in a course, and absences allowed under the “excessive absence” policy (as noted above in the Undergraduate Attendance Policy) are not considered “in addition” to those granted to students who participate in authorized activities (e.g., if a student knows that 4 classes will be missed for athletic events, this does not mean they are allowed a total of 10 absences in a 3 credit hour MWF class).

4.  Understand that absences are “authorized” only when they are documented by the appropriate Dean’s office. The “on location” policy does not extend to include practice time, team meals, or departure preparations prior to the time a team, group, or student is expected to leave on a trip.

Faculty Expectations

Rockhurst University faculty is asked to respect the educational value that co-curricular activities add to a student’s education. Faculty is expected to:

1. Refrain from academically penalizing a student whose absence has been authorized by the Dean’s office.
2. Work with students involved in official co-curricular activities to provide a mechanism for students to receive missed information or to participate in tests, assignments or other classroom work.
3. In their academic advising role, become familiar with the information in the online resource “Academic Advising” located on the RU website under academics/academic support.  In particular, a section entitled “Advising the Student-Athlete” is included for faculty information.
4. Immediately notify their Dean’s office when a student is believed to be abusing the policy.
5. Students and faculty are asked to communicate expectations and needs clearly so that the value of classroom education is not minimized and at the same time students are still afforded the opportunities of participation in co-curricular activities.

As an urban, Catholic, liberal arts University, Rockhurst has responsibility to its own academic community and to the larger community beyond its campus boundaries. Among its major responsibilities to its students, Faculty, and administration is its unwavering commitment to the search for truth. This search requires a free and open exchange of ideas which may be drawn from a wide variety of traditions and from many different viewpoints. The University’s commitment as Catholic obviously means a deep interest in Catholic thought and presupposes that Catholic viewpoints will be effectively presented. But far from precluding free and thorough investigation, Rockhurst’s Catholic orientation demands freedom of inquiry and the penetrating search for truth wherever it may be found.

 Therefore, since knowledge, understanding, and insight are gained not only from discussion within the academic community but from a wider exchange, Rockhurst encourages the invitation of outside speakers to the campus to share ideas and insights with students and other members of the University community. There is no limitation on the ideas to which the academic community may be exposed, but this does not imply absolute freedom with regard to the manner of speaking or the advocacy of clearly illegal or immoral actions. Consequently, students are encouraged to broaden their horizons by inviting persons who can contribute to the educational goals of the University.

The University expects, of course, that proper advance arrangements will be made in accordance with the procedures outlined below, that suitable accommodations will be provided for the guest, that the program will be conducted in a manner appropriate to an academic community, and that responsibility will be assumed for any effects which follow upon the program or the conduct of the speaker. Obviously, the kind of conduct which restrains either the freedom of expression or the freedom of movement of others who may not agree, or which is disruptive of University operations, is unacceptable in an intellectual community and a democratic society.

The education of its students is certainly Rockhurst’s primary responsibility and, consequently, every effort must be made to provide a balanced and varied program so that the students can encounter a wide range of viewpoints in many different areas of thought.

As an urban center of learning, the University also recognizes a responsibility to the larger community to share with it the ideas of significant guest speakers. This responsibility is not the same, of course, as that which affects the campus community itself. The circumstances of size, diversity of age, background, and so forth, necessarily preclude the kind and extent of discussion and interchange possible within the University’s own academic community. Therefore, not all speakers presented to the University community will be appropriate for a general audience.

It should be clearly understood that the presence of guest speakers on campus does not imply approval or endorsement, either by the University or any sponsoring organization, of the views expressed.

I.   Procedures

1. The University itself or any officially recognized University organization may sponsor lectures or discussions. No individual and no unrecognized group may invite outside speakers to the Rockhurst campus. (This policy does not concern teachers in their own classrooms.)
2. Rockhurst University-sponsored lectures: Lectures which are open on a formal basis for the entire student body and/or the public and which are arranged through the Visiting Scholar Committee or by an official of the University designated by the President are subject to the approval of the President of the University.
3. Organization-sponsored lectures:

I.  Student closed-forum lectures: Officially recognized student organizations may invite any outside speaker for a closed-forum lecture to their own organization, provided the organization moderator gives approval. This type of lecture is not to be publicized off campus

II.  Student open-forum lectures: Officially recognized student organizations may invite outside speakers to the campus for an open-forum lecture, i.e., open to the Rockhurst academic community (students, Faculty, and administration), provided the organization moderator and the Vice President for Student Development give approval. The Vice President for Student Development, in keeping with the policy outlined above, will not refuse permission for a speaker unless there are extraordinary circumstances for doing so, such as the clear and present danger of physical harm, or an evident violation of the stated general policy. This type of lecture also is not to be publicized off campus.

III. Student sponsored lectures open to the public: Officially recognized student organizations may invite outside speakers to the campus for lectures to both the Rockhurst academic community and the general public, provided the organization moderator and the Vice President for Student Development give approval. Although the responsibility of the University with regard to the larger community is not the same as for its own students and Faculty, and the University must exercise discretion in supplying a platform for lectures open to the public, the Vice President for Student Development will refuse permission for this type of lecture only for weighty reasons and in accordance with the general policy stated above.

IV. In the event that the request of a recognized student organization for an outside speaker is refused under II or III above, the organization may appeal the decision to the Speaker Appeals Committee. The Speaker Appeals Committee shall consist of two administration members, two Faculty members, two student members, and the Moderator of the Student Senate. The Vice President for Student Development shall be Chairman of this committee in a non-voting capacity. In cases of appeals for lectures open to the general public, two persons from the outside community, nominated by the President of the University and approved by the Speaker Appeals Rockhurst University Faculty Handbook Page 88 Committee for regular three-year terms, will serve on the committee in addition to the members of the regular Speaker Appeals Committee.

V. In I, II., and III. Above, the time and place of the lecture must be scheduled in writing through the Vice President for Student Development’s office and the organization concerned must assume full responsibility for all proper arrangements and for any financial obligations involved. Before a speaker is invited under II. And III., the Vice President for Student Development must be consulted and a written request submitted.

VI. Advertising for organization-sponsored lectures must explicitly state that the lecture is sponsored by that particular organization and not by the University itself and should specify the audience for which the lecture is intended.

For all staff, faculty, and students

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide the highest degree of security possible for our students, faculty and staff by safeguarding the property of the university, and the personal property of those who work and study at the university. Attaining this goal mandates the control of keys and keycards per the following guideline: issue by necessity, not for convenience. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to assign responsibility to the users - faculty, staff, students, and others who possess keys and keycards.

Policies for manual “hard” keys and electronic access control (i.e. “keycards.”) For faculty and staff (see page 4 for policies for student identification cards and residential student room keys).

Environment

The buildings and facilities of Rockhurst University are available for general use by university employees and by students for educational purposes during scheduled hours. The buildings are open (outside doors unlocked) for classes, meetings and other activities as scheduled. After normal hours of operation, access to buildings is possible by the use of a building hard key or electronic keycard, or by calling the Department of Safety and Security at 816-501-4010.

Responsibility

Primary responsibility for the security of campus buildings, control of keycard data and their record keeping rests with the department of safety and security. Primary responsibility for the issuance of keys, record keeping, installation and maintenance of locks, and manual and electronic lock hardware rests with physical plant. The department of safety and security and physical plant, in collaboration with human resources, provides education and training on the key policy and the initial issuance of keys. 

Physical plant maintains records of keys issued to all university employees, as well decisions made by president’s council members as it relates to key replacements and lock changes (see below). Physical plant produces key inventory reports upon request by department leaders and administrators. Physical plant conducts an annual inventory of keys. If the inventory reveals missing keys then the department of safety and security consults with the applicable president’s council member to determine if the missing keys will be replaced. The replacement cost of lost or missing keys is the responsibility of the applicable president’s council member’s department. 

The department of safety and security maintains records of keycards issued to all university employees, building keycard access data, and keycard usage using dedicated security software. The department of safety and security produces keycard inventory reports for departments that conduct a periodic inventory of keycards, and upon request for all other department leaders and administrators. 

Issuance of keys

Deans, associate deans, vice presidents or associate vice presidents are responsible for reviewing and approving employee key requests and /or lock changes. All request for keys must be made with a completed and signed copy of the university key request form, available electronically on the intranet. All requests for lock and key changes as well as lock maintenance request must be made via the physical plant work order system. The key holder to any university facility assumes responsibility for the safekeeping of the key and its use. 

Issuance of keycards

The university issues keycards (a.k.a. employee identification card) to all faculty and staff. Access levels are determined by the department of safety and security in consultation with department leaders. Keycards should be carried at all times while on campus.

Re‐coring/re‐keying

Requests for re-keying/re-coring must be approved by department leaders, deans or administrators. Requests are made via the physical plant work order system. The cost of re-coring/re-keying is the responsibility of the requesting department. When locks are changed, old keys must be exchanged for new keys.

Return of keys

When employees leave employment, transfer departments or change assignments, all keys must be returned to the physical plant office located at Conway 400B within two weeks. Failure to return keys will result in a charge to the applicable department sufficient to cover the cost associated with all necessary lock changes, as determined by the department of safety and security in consultation with the applicable president’s council member.

Send key authorization forms to: 

Julie McGaha, x4566

Julie.mcgaha@rockhurst.edu

Conway 400B

Master keys

Master keys are issued upon review by the chief of safety and security and the associate vp for facilities and technology. Loss of a master key necessitates the re-keying and re-coring of the entire area or building that the key controls.

Temporary key or keycard use

All outside parties (i.e. contractors and vendors) are issued temporary keys or keycards for necessary construction and maintenance access. Department leaders should request keys for temporary issuance and are responsible for the use and return of the keys. The outside party must present picture identification (a driver’s license or state identification card with picture) and sign for all keys and keycards issued. All outside parties must abide by this policy and must wear identification badges on outer garments while working on university property.  

Lost, stolen, or damaged keys and keycards

Lost keys/keycards must be immediately reported to the department of safety and security and the department leader. For stolen keys/keycards, a detailed report describing the circumstances must be filed with the department of safety and security. For keycards, access for the card will be immediately terminated. Replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged key/keycard requires the completion of a key authorization form. If a lost key/keycard is later found, it must be returned to physical plant.

The charge for lost keys/keycards is $25 per key/keycard and the charge for the change of core locks is $50 per core. The cost of lost keys/keycards and change of core locks is the responsibility of the applicable president’s council member’s department.

Policies for student identification cards and residential student room keys (these policies can also be found in the student handbook)

Identification cards

Admissions front desk (2nd-floor Massman Hall)

Help desk (4th floor Conway hall)

Students of Rockhurst are issued a Rockhurst photo id that should be carried at all times when on campus.  This card provides access to services both on and off campus, including:

• Access control to residential, academic, and administrative buildings where access is permissible
• Access control to the 24-hour computer labs
• Tracks meal plans and declining balance for dining services and vending machines as well as printing and copying services
• Library card for the Greenlease library as well as other library systems
• Grants access to Massman hall’s “student body” workout facilities
• Athletic equipment check out
• Admission for many Rockhurst theater and athletic events (some special events may require a purchased ticket)

The first id is provided free of charge.  Replacement cost of lost or stolen cards is $25.00.

Residential Student Room Keys

Each resident is issued one key to his/her room. In the event that a key is lost, report the loss to a resident director/office of residence life immediately.  A fee of $100.00 to replace the lock will be charged to the resident due to safety and security reasons. Should a student request a lock change for any reason (e.g., stolen, lost, etc.) The student’s account may be charged. It is against the law for keys to be duplicated for any reason. Possession of an unauthorized room key may result in a fine of up to $250.00 and/or a referral to the code of conduct process. Should a student be found in possession of any other university key other than a room key, the student will be subject to any sanctions determined by the hearing officer or board. Lockouts: refer to the room lockouts policy.

Policy Violations

The following acts are examples of violations of this policy:

• Loaning keys or keycards
• Transfer of keys or keycards without authorization
• Duplication of keys
• Altering keys, locks or mechanisms
• Damaging, tampering or vandalizing any university lock or hardware
• Propping open secure doors
• Admitting unauthorized person(s) into a building, secured room or gate 
• Failure to return a key when requested by campus security, physical plant, the issuing department or upon leaving the employment of the university
• Failure to report missing keys or keycards

Persons in violation of this policy may be issued a citation, subject to disciplinary action, and/or assessed damages and replacement costs imposed.

 Send key authorization forms to: 

Julie McGaha, x4566

Julie.mcgaha@rockhurst.edu

Conway 403

Card access concerns, please contact:

Sgt. Lisa Heinrich, Department of Safety and Security lisa.heinrich@rockhurst.edu x4401

Students: Contact your residence hall director or residence life for lost or stolen keys.

FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is a Federal law that regulates disclosure of, and access to, educational records of students. This statute allows a university to notify parents/legal guardians of students under the age of 21 that the student has been found responsible for violation of the university’s policies regarding alcohol consumption and/or drug use. FERPA, however, does not require a university to make such disclosures to parents. Rockhurst University (the “University”) has long recognized its special relationship with the parents, legal guardians and families of its students. One of the most significant changes a parent/legal guardian experiences in sending their son, daughter or ward off to college is a higher privacy standard for educational records at the university level than at the secondary school level. The University also recognizes students’ interests and rights in privacy. As such, the University’s parental/legal guardian notification process is designed to promote the holistic development of students and to foster a safe educational environment where alcohol is consumed legally and responsibly and drug use or possession is not tolerated. The University believes that parents and legal guardians can assist the University in carrying out this aspect of its educational and developmental mission. The Rockhurst University parental/legal guardian notification policy is as follows.

Parental/Legal Guardian Notification of Alcohol Violations

First violation: Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the University will generally not notify parents/legal guardians of students under the age of 21 of first-time violations.

Subject to the terms of Section III of this policy, parents/legal guardians will be notified if any of the following happens as a first violation:

• The student demonstrates a reckless disregard for his or her personal safety or the safety of others while under the influence of alcohol;
• Medical attention is required for any person as a result of the student’s alcohol-related behavior, including the student;
• There is property damage;
• The student operates a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol;
• The incident involves another act of serious misconduct committed by the student including, but not limited to, another student violation of law or school policy;
• The student is arrested or taken into custody by Campus Security or law enforcement officers while under the influence of alcohol or is charged with violating a federal, state, or local law related to the consumption, possession, sale, dispensation, use or distribution of alcoholic beverage;
• The student is arrested or taken into custody by Campus Security or law enforcement officers for activities the student engaged in while under the influence of alcohol;
• The student’s violation results in a temporary or permanent separation from the University (e.g. Suspension or expulsion).

Second and subsequent violations: The University will notify parents/legal guardians of all second and subsequent alcohol-related violations, subject to the limitations described in Section III of this policy. For purposes of determining what constitutes a second or subsequent violation, multiple and related violations during a single incident of alcohol consumption will be treated as one violation. Alcohol-related violations occurring prior to the implementation of this parental/legal guardian notification policy will not be considered.

Parental/Legal Guardian Notification of Drug Violations

The University will notify parents or legal guardians of students under the age of 21 who are found responsible for any drug violation, subject to the terms of Section III of this policy.

Guidelines and Principles for Parental/Legal Guardian Notification

As described above, the University will notify a student’s parent/legal guardian that the student has been found responsible for violating the Rockhurst Student Code of Conduct alcohol and/or drug policies. If, however, the University determines that notifying a student’s parent/legal guardian might be harmful to the student or not in the best interest of the student or University, it may decide not to notify the student’s parent/legal guardian. Prior to notification, the University will attempt to consult with the student and, consistent with promotion of personal accountability, encourage the student to advise his/her parent/legal guardian before the University sends its notification. In order to give the student an opportunity to notify his or her parent/legal guardian before the University notification, the University will notify the student’s parent/legal guardian only (i) after the student has been found responsible for violating the Rockhurst Student Code of Conduct alcohol and/or drug policies and (ii) time for appeal has expired (three (3) business days after the student is found responsible) or allowable appeal(s) has been exhausted.

The University will keep a record of the parental/legal guardian notification in the student’s discipline file and will mail or e-mail a copy of any notification documentation to the student at his or her address of record with the University.

Parking on University parking lots is by permit only Rockhurst University provides a limited number of parking spaces. In order to park in any parking lot, a Rockhurst University Parking Permit Hang Tag must be displayed in the vehicle. Vehicles parked on a Rockhurst Lot without a regular or visitor permit will be ticketed. The following Parking Rules are enforced 24 hours a day:

Parking and Permit Hang Tag Rules

1. Parking Permit Hang Tags are to be displayed on the rearview mirror anytime a vehicle is parked on a University Lot.
2. All students and employees are required to apply/register any and all vehicles that may be parked in University Lots. Students will assume the responsibility for violations incurred on family vehicles even if they are not in direct control of the vehicle at the time of the violation.
3. If you drive a rental vehicle or have a temporary vehicle on campus, see the Safety and Security Department for a temporary Parking Permit Hang Tag.
4. When you change vehicles, see the Safety and Security Department Website to update your vehicle information.
5. If you lose your Parking Permit Hang Tag, you will be required to purchase a new one at full semester cost. No exceptions!
6. You must have a valid Parking Permit Hang Tag to park on campus property during the traditional academic year; there is no permit enforcement during the summer terms.
7. No parking is allowed in a designated handicapped parking stall unless the vehicle displays a state-issued handicapped license plate or hang tag. The Safety and Security Department cannot issue you a temporary handicapped permit. If you have a temporary disability, contact the Director of Security for assistance.
8. No parking in a reserved or designated parking space, unless authorized to do so.
9. No parking in a wrong color permits area.
10. No parking facing the wrong way on University controlled streets.
11. No blocking driveway entrances.
12. No parking in NO PARKING ZONES – this includes YELLOW CURBS!
13. No parking in two parking stalls.
14. If you have a special situation please contact Security before just parking on campus. The situation will be handled, but Security must be called for direction.

Parking Violation Fees

It shall be the responsibility of the faculty member, student or employee receiving a notice of parking violation to pay the $25.00 fee within ten days of its receipt. Failure to pay the fine within the 10-day period will result in an additional fine being added to the original fine for this violation. For each week after the initial 10 days that the violation is not paid an additional fine will accrue to the violation. Should the violation not be paid in the designated time frame the total fine will continue to rise every week. An appeal can be filed within the first 10 working days after the violation is issued. Fines will not continue to rise until a determination has been made as to whether your appeal is successful in having your violation dismissed or not. If the appeal is denied, you will be required to pay the charge immediately. Failure to pay the fine within 5 working days of notification of appeal denial will result in the accrual of fines, every week, until the fine is paid. At the main campus, appeal forms can be picked up at the Safety and Security Department located at 5401 Troost or at the Massman Hall Switchboard.

Parking violation fees are considered to be legal obligations to the University. Pay all violation and penalty fees at the Safety and Security Department located at 5401 Troost. Payments can be mailed to the main campus address at the attention of Safety and Security Department. Cash or checks are accepted. Make checks payable to “Rockhurst University.” All payments must be accompanied by the corresponding parking violation. Failure to pay fees will result in having the fee amount applied to your student account in the Business Office. In case of an employee, the fee amount will be withheld from your paycheck.

Violations resulting in being ticketed are:

• No valid Parking Permit Hang Tag
• Blocking a Driveway
• Improperly displayed permits
• Parked facing the wrong way on University controlled streets
• Unauthorized parking in a handicapped stall
• Parked in a No Parking Zone
• Unauthorized parking in a Reserved or Designated stall
• Parking in two parking stalls
• Parking in the wrong colored permit area

For a full outline of all parking permit instructions as well as parking violations see the Web Site or pick up a copy of these from the Security Department.

Contact Security at ext. 4659 for parking information.

Purpose

This policy on the possession and use of personal property while on campus and/or while conducting university business is designed to maximize convenience to faculty, staff and students and to conduct University business as efficiently as possible while protecting individuals and the University from undue liability in the event of an accident.

Scope

This policy applies to all Rockhurst faculty, staff and students.

Policy

The possession and use of personal property (including personal vehicles) while on campus and/or while conducting university business is permitted. The university will use all reasonable efforts to protect personal property; however, the university assumes no responsibility for, and is not in any way liable for loss, theft or damage to personal property belonging to faculty, staff, students or guests.

 The University encourages the following of necessary precautions to mitigate the risk of theft or damage to their personal property. In the event personal property is stolen or damaged, the appropriate supervisor and the Department of Safety and Security should be notified immediately for the purpose of creating a record of the incident.

 Faculty, staff and students who operate their personal vehicle to conduct university business must meet state law requirements of maintaining personal auto insurance coverage on the vehicle. In the event of an accident, theft or damage to the vehicle, claims are filed on the owner’s insurance policy and any deductibles or co-pays are the responsibility of the vehicle owner. As such, it is important that adequate limits of personal liability and physical damage coverage be maintained on personal vehicles.

 For all other personal property, many homeowners’ insurance policies cover personal belongings used while on campus; however, faculty, staff and students are strongly encouraged to purchase personal property insurance.

 Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Finance office.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Rockhurst University prioritizes the safety of the campus community.  Beginning immediately, use and storage of ALL bicycles, mopeds, and motorized and non-motorized scooters will be narrowly restricted on Rockhurst campus property and Rockhurst -owned or -operated facilities. (Campus Boundaries are Rockhurst Road to Paseo – 51st Street to 55th Street).

Use of skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, self-balancing motorized and non-motorized scooters, hands-free Segway-like scooters and hoverboards shall not be permitted inside ANY  Rockhurst campus property and Rockhurst -owned or -operated facilities.

Please see the end of this document for definitions of terms.

POLICY:

The following rules and regulations apply to all persons operating any modes of transportation such as those listed above on University property. This policy applies to all Rockhurst faculty, staff and students.

The use of bicycles, mopeds and motorized and non-motorized scooters on campus carries with it responsibility and liability. Individuals assume the risk of personal injury and will be held responsible for any injuries to themselves or others as a result of any violation of this Policy or the improper operation of any personal transportation device on University property.  Please ride carefully using reasonable precautions (listed below) and with all due consideration for the safety and rights of others.

Usage

Use of skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, self-balancing motorized and non-motorized scooters, hands-free Segway-like scooters and hoverboards is not allowed on Rockhurst campus property and in Rockhurst -owned or -operated facilities, including but not limited to the Quad, North Parking Garage, sidewalks, roads, and parking lots.  Persons on such devices are pedestrians for traffic control purposes.

Bicycles, mopeds and scooters shall be ridden on campus roads only.  Riders must dismount and walk their bicycle, moped or scooters at all other places. Specifically, these devices shall not be ridden on sidewalks or on any pedestrian path, including but not limited to the Quad and North Parking Garage.

Accidental collisions may seriously injure pedestrians and riders of personal vehicles, and/or cause damage to campus property. A person riding a bicycle, scooter, or any other noted device who strikes anyone is liable for all medical expenses of that victim and any damage done to the victim's property.

Members of the campus community who are riding scooters must adhere to all traffic and university regulations.  Regarding operating speeds, motorized scooters can travel up to about 15 mph; and can travel approximately 15 -20 miles on a single charge. Persons shall operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. No acrobatics of any kind are permitted.  The operator must remain in control of their device at all times.

Operators should not wear or use headphones or earphones and should be alert for vehicles entering or backing from parking spots.

Parking

Riders must dismount bicycles, mopeds and scooters at the curbside/sidewalk and walk the device to the nearest bicycle rack for parking. Riders must park the vehicle in a fashion that does not impede the passing of pedestrians or those needing wheelchair access.

Bicycle racks are located at several locations throughout the campus:

The rear of Rock Row housing units;
The rear (west) side of McGee;
The front entrance of the Science Center;
The north side of Arrupe;
The front (east) side of Van Ackeren ;
The northeast corner of Rockhurst Road and Troost (near the north parking garage/bus stop);
The rear (east) side of Massman Hall near the ramp/loading dock;
The west side of Corcoran;
The rear (north) side of X-L;
The front (east) side of the THV community center.

Exception: Riders are allowed to park scooters at two locations that are not equipped with bicycle racks. Those locations are:

1.The rear side of the flower bed located at the campus entrance of 53rd Street and Troost. The scooter may be parked at an angle, in between two white light posts, behind the flower bed.

2. Riders are allowed to angle park scooters on the south side/east section of the walkway between the Greenlease Library and Sedgwick Hall.

3. At Rockhurst owned Off-Campus Houses (OCH’s). (Note: scooters are NOT allowed to park in automobile parking spaces or block sidewalks).

Storage

Personal mobility items such as those listed in this policy shall be stored in areas that do not block egress or access. Storage in building lobbies, stairwells, stair towers, corridors and ramps inside or outside of buildings or lined parking spaces is prohibited.

Bicycles shall be parked on campus at places designated by the presence of bicycle racks. Specifically, bicycles, mopeds and motorized and non-motorized scooters must not be parked in automobile parking spaces, on lawn areas, shrub or flower beds, streets, driveways, sidewalks and/or ramps, or in any building. This also includes walkways, trees, handrails, light poles, entrance ways to buildings, public safety equipment, and places that hinder pedestrian travel.

PENALTY

The above policy regulations are effective immediately and will be enforced by the University Department of Safety and Security including ticketing of violators.  Repeated and/or dangerous violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action by the University as well.  Any persons who are not members of the campus community who violate these prohibitions may be cited for Criminal Trespass for continued or repeated violations of these regulations on the campus.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Be aware that, while bicycles, mopeds and scooters are a convenient way to get around the University campus and surrounding area, it is vital to ride safely to avoid injury. In particular, campus community members that ride scooters should consider the following safety precautions:

Be aware of your surroundings, as you may not be seen or heard by other vehicles.
Drive/Ride defensively. Use common sense; scooters are motorized vehicles, not toys, and should only on the road and remain off sidewalks.
Be alert for opening car doors, cars and trucks making sudden lane changes, turns or backing.
Maintain a reasonable distance between you and the cars around you.
Avoid oil spills and wet roadways; these obstacles can cause you to lose control of any of the listed devices.
Obey all University and City traffic laws (e.g., stop signs, right of way, and avoid lane sharing) especially when commuting between Rockhurst and UMKC Campus.
Most important of all: Do not drive under the influence.
Wait for pedestrians to clear cross-walks; don't try to drive around them.
A U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet can help prevent serious injury if you are involved in a crash.
Wear appropriate clothing when riding (i.e., pants, shoes, heavy jacket, etc.). At night wear lighter, more visible clothing.
Make sure that all required safety equipment (headlights, brake lights, brakes, mirrors, etc.) are in the proper working condition.
Do not carry a passenger, unless the vehicle is designed to carry two people.
Do not carry oversized loads.

NOTE: The Missouri licensing and operating laws for motor scooters (under 50cc) are as Follows:

Licensing for a moped or motor scooter depends on whether the device meets the definition of a motorized bicycle. The Missouri statute definition of a motorized bicycle is as follows:

"Any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, which produces less than three (3) gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground."

A motorized bicycle does not have to be registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue. However, you must have a valid driver license to operate a motorized bicycle on public streets (though no motorcycle endorsement is required). Missouri statute does not require a helmet to be worn when operating a motorized bicycle. However, the use of a helmet is highly recommended. The City of Kansas City, Missouri may require the use of a helmet, in the near future. Note: Keep in mind that no motorized bicycle may be operated on any public thoroughfare located within this state that has been designated as part of the federal interstate highway system.

DEFINITIONS:

Acrobatics – any action on roller blades, in-line skates, bicycles, or any other human-powered transportation device in which both blades, skates or wheels are off the ground simultaneously, or where the device is being used in a manner not consistent with normal transportation.

Bicycle - a two-wheeled pedal cycle.

In-Line Skates - a type of roller skate with in-line wheels.

Mall – a public area, designated as a pedestrian walkway. (e.g., Quad area, etc.)

Moped - a motorized pedal cycle with operable pedals, a motor rated at 1.5 horsepower or less with a cylinder displacement of less than 50cc's.

Pedal cycle - unicycles, bicycles, and tricycles. Vehicles that are designed to be propelled solely by human power.

Roller Skate - a shoe, or attachment for shoe, with a set of wheels attached for skating.

Scooter (Motorized and Non-Motorized) – any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding and may be powered by an electric motor.

Self-balancing motorized and non-motorized scooters (e.g. Segways) - a self-balancing two-wheeled device with an electric propulsion system designed to transport only one person.

Sidewalk – A paved pathway, commonly used by pedestrians, running parallel to a road or facility.

Skateboard - a board of any length (longboards) mounted on roller skate-type wheels.

Sled - A coasting device with runners designed to slide on ice and snow.

Introduction

The following Policy is provided to supplement the University’s Political and Campaign Activity Policy.  This Policy contains guidance for students and student organizations wishing to engage in political campaign activities. 

General Prohibition

University students, strictly in their individual capacity, may become involved in political campaigns so long as they do not utilize the University’s financial resources, facilities, or personnel to do so.  This would include using University equipment (e.g., i.e. computer, telephone, etc.), mail, e-mail (@rockhurst.edu), social media accounts, or internet network to promote a particular candidate or engage in fundraising. 

This prohibition does not apply to private devices or personal email using the University’s internet network, provided that such use is de minimus, does not unduly burden University technology systems, or suggest the university endorses or supports the activity originating on the private device.  For example, while on a private device attached to the University’s network, a student connected to a personal email account may forward an email in support of a candidate to personal contacts at their personal email addresses; use personal online payment accounts to make a contribution to a candidate; or “like” a political candidate’s post through a personal social media account.   

Neither the University’s name nor its insignia may appear on any material used or intended for partisan political purposes.

Student Organizations

The University encourages and supports the free exchange of ideas and political viewpoints.  The University recognizes a student’s right to participate in the political process, and a student is permitted to do so provided that he/she acts in an individual capacity and not as a representative of the University.  The following summarizes the Policy regarding the activities of the student organizations.

Use of Facilities and Resources.   A recognized student organization may use the University’s facilities to conduct meetings provided the organizations obtain prior approval and pay any normal fees for use of facilities, if any.   The student organizations must make clear that any political views presented at such meetings do not reflect those of the University.   

A recognized student organization may not:

Use University facilities to raise funds to benefit a political party, campaign or candidate through admissions, fees, contributions, donations, or sale of materials or services;
Use University facilities for planning or participating in the operational process of a political campaign;
Use organization or University funds to purchase promotional material; pay for campaign ads or contribute in any way to a political campaign.
Use organization or University funds to pay honoraria or cover transportation, audio/visual services accommodation or meal expenses for candidates for public office; or
Use University resources, including but not limited to, mail distribution services, the university seal or other identifying marks, stationary and letterhead, or facsimile and duplicating machines, for political campaigns or solicitation endorsement of candidates for public office.

Request to Bring a Candidate for Public Office to Speak.  If a recognized student organization wishes to invite a candidate to address students, staff, faculty, the Rockhurst community, and the general public, it must secure approval from Student Development and comply with Section IV of the University’s Political and Campaign Activity Policy. 

Voting Education on Campus.  A student organization may wish to engage in on-campus voter education programs including the dissemination of voter guides and incumbent voting records provided all groups are allowed to present the information and preferential treatment is not given to a particular group.   The time, location and duration of this program shall be determined in advance by the University.  Rockhurst employees should refrain from any involvement in such student activities to avoid the appearance of institutional endorsement. 

Political Signs.   The University may allow political signs in residential rooms as long as they are in good taste, not offensive and comply with University’s policies and procedures.  Signs may not be placed in common areas, on the outside of buildings (including facing out from office, classroom, or residential windows), or on the grounds.   This is to avoid any suggestions that the University is endorsing a candidate. 

Campaigning on Behalf of a Specific Candidate/ Attending Rallies. 

Student organizations are encouraged to help educate and inform students about upcoming elections, including urging students to exercise their right to vote.  Distribution of political literature and campaigning may be conducted in residence halls, subject to the University’s policies governing the time, place and manner for engaging in such activities.   The use of any other building or area on campus will require the prior approval of the University as to the time, location and duration to ensure equal opportunity to all organizations.  

Student organizations are also free to express their views about the parties and candidates.  If University students wish to volunteer and campaign for candidates or attend rallies, they must do so provided they are acting as individuals and not on behalf of the University.   

Use of Student Activity Fee Funds.

Student organizations are permitted to use the student activity fees to cover expenses normally related to the organization’s regular activities permitted by the University’s policies and procedures.   This would include expenses associated with regular meetings, special gatherings and events that relate to the organization’s activity.   However, the student organization is prohibited from using its student activity fee funds for activities that support or oppose a particular political candidate.    Student organizations may not use student activity fee funds in a manner which would constitute making a direct gift, contribution, or donation to a particular candidate or political party.   Accordingly, if the funding is used for materials, posters and related items and these materials constitute a gift, contribution or donation to a candidate or party, it would not be permitted.   Student organizations may, however, use segregated fees to support their own expressive activities and views.  Questions about appropriate uses of fees should be referred to Student Development.

Candidacy for Elective Public Office

If a student decides to run as a candidate for political office (including but not limited to any national, state or local governmental position), the student must comply with the provisions of this Policy at all times.  With respect to his or her candidacy, the student shall not:

solicit support or opposition for his or her candidacy at any time on University property without prior approval of Dean of Students and compliance with the Policy set forth in this document; or

use University funds, services, supplies, vehicles or other property to support or oppose his or her candidacy for public office.

Student Publications

Student publications may include editorial material expressing views on candidates for public office.  The editorial section of the publication must contain a statement that the views expressed in the editorials are those of the student editors and not those of the University.  The student publication must be free from the editorial control of the University administrators or faculty advisors.

Other Policies

Students and student organizations wishing to engage in partisan political activities should be aware of the University’s Political and Campaign Activity Policy.

Introduction

The following Policy is provided in order to assist Rockhurst University (the “University”) in distinguishing activities that are permitted during election campaigns from activities that are prohibited.   This Policy focuses primarily on the rules set forth by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code because it contains a prohibition, which has been interpreted as absolute, against the participation or intervention in a political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate, as a condition of maintaining federal income tax status.   The statutory prohibition on “political campaign intervention” contains three key elements.  There must be a “candidate” who is seeking “public office,” and the organization must “participate in, or intervene in” the candidate’s political campaign.    Political campaign intervention includes any and all activity that favors or opposes a candidate for public office. 

Individual Involvement in Political and Campaign Activities

Because of the University’s tax-exempt status, the University is prohibited from endorsing candidates for public office or making any contributions of money, goods, or services to candidates.  The University may endorse or oppose ballot measures that may impact the expression of the University’s mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives (see University Lobbying, Section V, below).  It is critical that no member of the University community inadvertently cause the University to endorse such a candidate or make such a contribution.   Notwithstanding the above, the University does not seek to inhibit the expression of personal political views by any individual in the University provided such involvement complies with the University Policy.  The Policy with respect to individual involvement in a political campaign is as follows:  

University staff and faculty, strictly in their individual capacity, may become involved in political campaigns so long as they do not utilize the University’s financial resources, facilities, or personnel to do so.  This would include using University equipment (e.g., computer, telephone), mail, e-mail (@rockhurst.edu), social media accounts, or internet network to promote a particular candidate or engage in fundraising.  This prohibition does not apply to private devices or personal email using the University’s internet network, provided that such use is de minimus, does not occur during regular work hours, does not unduly burden University technology systems, or suggest the University endorses or supports the activity originating on the private device. This paragraph extends to campaigns for political candidates or parties as well as to campaigns related to ballot measures; except that staff or faculty members may support ballot measures on behalf of the University if expressly authorized by the President’s Cabinet.

University staff and faculty must clearly and unambiguously indicate that their actions and statements are their own and not those of the University.  They may be identified by their Rockhurst University titles or roles only to the extent necessary for identification purposes and must clarify that their association with the University is provided for identification purposes only. 

University staff and faculty may not engage in political campaign intervention at University functions or through official University publications. 

University publications may not state or infer that the University will provide members (e.g., students, staff, or faculty) to work on a particular political campaign. 

Neither the University’s name nor its insignia may appear on any material used or intended for partisan political purposes.

Candidacy for Elective Public Office. 

If a staff or faculty member decides to run as a candidate for political office (including but not limited to any national, state or local governmental position), one must comply with the following procedure:

The public office position may result in a conflict of time or interest which may interfere with the performance of responsibilities owed to the University.  Any individual who decides to run for public office must immediately notify Human Resources of one’s intention to run for such public office prior to beginning any activities related to such candidacy.  The notice should include a certification by the individual that one will not campaign or otherwise engage in any political activities during one’s regular work hours, that the public office will not interfere with one’s duties, and the individual will comply with the Policy set forth in this document.   If the nature of the employee’s campaign has the potential to negatively impact the performance of one’s regular duties, the individual may be required to take an unpaid leave of absence or work on a part-time basis for the duration of the candidacy.  The University shall have the sole discretion to allow the individual to continue in one’s position at the University.

With respect to one’s own candidacy for election to public office, no University staff or faculty member will:

Solicit support or opposition during one’s regular work hours for one’s candidacy for public office;
Solicit support or opposition for one’s candidacy for public office at any time on University property without prior approval of Human Resources and compliance with the Policy set forth in this document;
Use University funds, services, supplies, vehicles or other property to support or oppose one’s candidacy for public office; or
Use any promise of reward or threat of loss to encourage or coerce any individual to support or contribute to any political issue, candidate or party.

University-Sponsored Political Forums and Debates 

The University or a recognized student organization may be approached by a candidate to appear on campus.  The appearance of a candidate for public office on campus must be for an educational or informational talk to the University community.   The University’s policy with respect to on campus appearances by political candidates provides:

All appearances require prior approval from President’s Cabinet.

If the program involves one candidate, the University must allow similar programs to be open to other viable candidates running for a particular public office.  Although all candidates do not need to be invited to the same event, they should be invited to participate in an event of equal participation and attendance.  

A non-partisan moderator should clearly state, at the beginning and conclusion of the event, that the views expressed at the event are not those of the University, and that sponsorship of the forum or event is not intended as an endorsement of any particular candidate.

Promotional materials and other communications about the event should contain an explicit statement that the institution does not support or oppose any particular candidate.

If the appearance is structured as a public forum (involving several candidates for the same office), the program must ensure that the candidate’s appearance is an educational or informational presentation and offer an opportunity for questions and answers from a panel and/or the audience.  All viable candidates should be invited to appear at the forum.  If a candidate declines the invitation, the University should acknowledge that the candidate was invited but declined.

The program must not be conducted as a campaign rally or fund-raiser for the candidate or his/her political party.

The University reserves the right to require payment in advance from a political candidate or his/her party for costs associated with the program.  This may include, but is not limited to:  maintenance costs, security, utilities, audio/visual and staff time.  If advance payment is required from one political candidate or party, such advance payment will be required from all candidates and parties.

The program must not place an undue burden on the University’s staff, facilities or other resources.  

Political candidates/parties must recognize that the University is in no way endorsing the views expressed by the speaker(s) and allows such a program only in the interest of the advancement of education.

The University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny any request for an on campus appearance or cancel any program or activity on campus, at any time, which poses an undue burden on the University’s staff, facilities or resources, or if it presents a clear and present danger to the University or local community.

Persons wishing to approach the University with requests involving political candidates should contact the University’s Student Development Office which will serve as coordinator for such a program.

University Lobbying

Tax-exempt organizations are permitted to lobby, and the University may engage in lobbying on a limited number of issues, including those affecting education, research, and related activities.  Most lobbying laws require registration and reporting by individuals engaged in attempts to influence governmental action.  Accordingly, no University employee may lobby on behalf of the University without specific authorization.  All lobbying on behalf of the University must be approved by and coordinated with President’s Cabinet.

Purpose

Rockhurst University recognizes the need for publicizing as a part of ensuring the success of events and programs throughout the Rockhurst Community. For this reason, this policy has been established in order to outline the approval process, guidelines for posting, and strategies for distributing materials on campus.

Eligibility

Only groups or events falling into any of the following categories will be authorized to post or distribute materials on campus: a) registered clubs or organizations; b) departmentally sponsored programs and departments; c) events sponsored by the University.

Outside groups are limited to one piece for posting. This must be brought to Massman 1 for approval. Postings must follow all Rockhurst University posting guidelines and can only be posted on the community bulletin board in the Massman Gallery (Fishbowl), as this is the designated location for off-campus postings.

Approval Process

1. Prior to posting or distribution, all materials must be brought to the Student Development Office in Massman 1 to be approved and stamped. Materials must be stamped with the Rockhurst approval stamp as well as the date of approval. After approval by Student Development staff, a copy of all approved postings will be retained in a posting notebook.
2. One copy may be left with the Student Development staff to be displayed on the bulletin board in the Massman Gallery.

Guidelines

1. Materials being posted or distributed are limited to 50 (no larger than 11” x 17”) copies per event (including those distributed in residence halls) and banners will be limited to 1 per event. Posters cannot be clustered/grouped in close proximity to one another. Any exception to the above guidelines requires approval by the Director of Student Life.
2. Once approved, up to 25 copies may be left with Residence Life for distribution to Residence Directors.
3. Posted or distributed materials must clearly indicate the event date and time, sponsoring organization or office, and clearly promote its University-related activity or cause.
4. The content of all items considered for posting or distribution must be free of derogatory remarks, degrading stereotypes, obscene language, or references to alcohol, drugs or illegal activities and consistent with the University’s Mission and Values.
5. All approval for materials to be posted or distributed will be valid for two weeks from the date of approval. All materials must be taken down by three days after the event unless the Director of Student Life has approved additional posting days. It is the sole responsibility of the sponsoring party to take down and dispose of their materials.
6. Materials may not be distributed or posted on windows, doors (or any other glass sites), departmental bulletin boards, vehicles, ceilings, woodwork, elevator walls, over the materials of another approved group or individual, or any device that provides a fire and life safety function.
7. Materials posted in academic buildings should be limited to the designated posting areas, such as the bulletin boards present in Arrupe Hall. In academic buildings without designated posting areas, students are to contain postings to stairwells and poles.
8. Solicitation and materials to be distributed under residence hall doors may only be done if scheduled and approved through the Residence Life Office and take place between the hours of 6:00 p.m. Through 10:00 p.m. No solicitation or distribution of materials may take place in the residence halls during quiet hours, mid-term exams, or final exams.
9. Use of sidewalk chalk is permitted except within ten feet of building entrances, under covered walkways, on the brick walkways, building columns, patio entrances and the steps of all academic, administrative, and residential buildings on campus. Use of anything other than sidewalk chalk, such as charcoal, oil-based products, or hairspray is not allowed.
10. Authorized users for mass distribution of emails may only use student email lists if the information to be sent is significant and pertinent to all the students of the group and includes limited graphics and attachments to prevent over-consumption of memory space. Authorized users are asked to use great discretion in their use of student mailing lists by limiting the number and length of emails sent.
11. All posters must be hung with blue painters tape available in Massman 1.

Exceptions

The following Rockhurst Community groups or members are exempt from the guidelines above for the reasons: a) Rockhurst University Security Department – in the event of an incident where students need to be informed of a safety or security issue; b) Registrar’s Office – for classroom and scheduling information.

Advertising Alternatives

1. Community Board in the Massman Gallery (size limited to 8.5” x 11”)
2. Easels to display poster board signs near the SAB Office or the Rock Room
3. Glass display case in the Rock Room
4. Outdoor banner in front of the Massman Gallery
5. Student Organization Mailboxes in Massman 1
6. The Sentinel – x4051 or sentinel@rockhurst.edu
7. Flat screen TV ads – tvads@rockhurst.edu (one powerpoint slide)
8. Campus Dining, with approval from Associate Dean of Students or Campus Dining General Manager – TMDR, Student Choice, Outtakes, Starbucks, Einstein’s, The Roasterie  (napkin holders)
9. Table tents
10. Special advertisements such as large scale decorations in the TMDR, Massman Gallery, the Quad, or on multiple sidewalks across campus must be detailed in written form (with proposed illustrations, list of decorations, clean-up plans that include a deadline for removal of decorations, etc.) And be approved by all of the following individuals: Director of Student Life (Massman 1), Physical Plant Operations Coordinator (Conway 403), Chartwells General Manager (Thomas Moore Dining Room); further, only flame retardant crepe paper may be used and it must not hang so low as to impede the ability of a person to walk

Enforcement

Rockhurst University Security Officers, Physical Plant personnel, Residence Life Staff, Student Senators, and Student Development staff (including work-study students) are authorized to take down advertisements in violation of the University posting policy.

Student Senate will follow up with student organizations that appear to be in violation of the posting policy. Student Development staff will follow up with staff/faculty members and departments that appear to be in violation of the posting policy. If postings are in violation of the posting policy, the student/student organization or department in violation will have 24 hours to remove the postings.

Violations of this policy may result in suspension of posting and distribution privileges. Student organizations violating this policy may also experience a decrease in their subsequent Student Activity Fee allocation. The sponsoring party may also be billed for clean-up expenses or repairs where applicable.

This policy, although fairly comprehensive, may not be all-inclusive and the Dean of Students or her/his designee reserves the right to make exceptions to this policy in the interest of public safety or where otherwise necessary. Neither the contents of this policy, nor the receipt of an approval stamp for posting, should in any way be understood as an endorsement or support by Rockhurst University of the materials being posted or the actual function(s) being advertised.

Rockhurst University Policy on Religious Adjustments for Students

I. Policy Statement

It is the policy of Rockhurst University to create reasonable adjustments for students who, due to religious observance, expect to be absent or endure a significant hardship during certain days of their academic course or program.

II. Policy Purpose

To promote Rockhurst University’s commitment to diversity, advancement of inclusion, and support of students regardless of religious affiliation or non-affiliation.

III. Definitions

The following definitions apply to the terms in this policy:

a. “Reasonable adjustment” means coordinating with the student on scheduling examinations or other assignments or activities necessary for completion of the course or program and includes rescheduling examinations or activities or offering different times for examinations or activities without creating an undue hardship on the student or faculty member or resulting in a fundamental alteration to the nature or operation of the academic program or course. In determining whether a requested adjustment poses an undue hardship or fundamental alteration, the assessment may include, but is not limited to, evaluating the impact on the overall resources, standards or structure of the course and/or program. Before concluding that a particular adjustment would impose an undue hardship or a fundamental alteration, the University will consider alternative adjustments.

b. “Religious holidays” means holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization.

IV. Procedures for Requesting a Religious Adjustment

a. A student seeking adjustments under this policy must provide a written request to the student’s faculty member (via email is acceptable) within fourteen (14) calendar days after the first day of classes of the academic semester or at least five days before the observance if the observance occurs within the first five days of the semester in which the student is requesting adjustments; and identifying the specific dates the student requests adjustments. If a student is requesting religious adjustments for multiple classes, the student must submit a written request to each of their faculty members.

b. The faculty member will evaluate and respond to all requests to reasonably accommodate a student and may require the student to provide additional information about the request. Please be aware that off campus work such as clinical rotations may not be able to be adjusted. The faculty member may consult with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or other appropriate University officials in evaluating the student’s adjustment request. The faculty member may deny an adjustment request if it results in the fundamental alteration of the nature or operation of the academic program or course or creates an undue hardship.

c. The faculty member will provide the student with a written decision via email regarding the adjustment request within 5 business days of receiving the request.

V. Appeals Procedures

a. A student may appeal a decision made by the faculty member under this policy by submitting the appeal in writing to the Office of the Dean of the respective school or college of the class the student is seeking adjustments no later than five (5) calendars after the faculty member’s decision on the requested adjustment. The decision of the Dean or designee will be final.

VI. Questions Regarding the Policy

a. Questions about the interpretation or application of the Policy on Religious Adjustments on Students should be raised with the Office of Mission and Ministry:

STEPHEN HESS, SJ
Vice President for Mission & Ministry
O (816) 501-4121
Email: Stephen.hess@rockhurst.edu

VII. Policy Review

a. This policy will be reviewed annually by the faculty senate with appropriate feedback solicited from relevant constituents including students.

Approved by Faculty Senate 4/21/2023

The Sexual Harassment Policy can be found here.

Substance Abuse Policy

The University places a high priority on the positive growth and wellness of its students. Substance abuse is considered a significant impediment to these goals as well as to the mission of the University and its foundational Jesuit values.

Students struggling with substance abuse are strongly encouraged to seek counseling or other professional help. The Counseling Center may be able to provide these services or will provide referral for students to specialty agencies outside Rockhurst as appropriate. Students should be assured that information shared with a University professional is considered privileged and subject to the standards of confidentiality and privacy established by applicable professional codes of ethics.

Rockhurst University considers the use, possession, cultivation, production, sale, distribution, transfer, manufacture and purchase of any illegal or controlled substance to be unacceptable behavior and incompatible with its educational values and objectives. The use of prescribed medications by persons for whom the medications were not prescribed or not in conformity with the prescription, distribution or transfer of prescription medication to others, the misuse or abuse of prescribed or over-the-counter medications, and the misuse or abuse of inhalants too are violations of this policy. Rockhurst University expects compliance with all local, state, and federal laws governing illegal drugs, prescribed medications, and non-prescribed drugs and substances.

Students who abuse or misuse substances will be subject to disciplinary action as described in the Student Code of Conduct. The University considers violation of this policy a serious offense and misuse or abuse of substances may result in disciplinary proceedings with potential sanctions including, but not limited to, probation, suspension and expulsion from the University.

Rockhurst University, in accord with its Jesuit tradition, values the safety, health, and wellness of its students and the entire Rockhurst campus community. Students who seek help for substance misuse or abuse on their own initiative and not because of an incident involving harm to self or others, a report of potential abuse by others, or discovery by Rockhurst officials or governmental agents, will be referred to the Counseling Center or specialty agency outside of Rockhurst for assessment and treatment without disciplinary action.

A formal student complaint is a written and signed complaint, initiated by a student or a family member on behalf of a student (and confirmed by the student), that is a non-trivial, non-routine complaint, either academic or non-academic, the resolution of which requires the intervention of a President’s Council member (or designee). Petitions for appeal/waiver of University regulations and policies, disciplinary actions, and grade appeals are not formal student complaints.  Formal student complaints and their resolution are logged by the Council.

Students who have complaints in the following categories do not need to exhaust the internal complaint procedure.

• Complaints of criminal misconduct should be filed directly with local law enforcement authority;
• Complaints related to violations of federal law should be filed directly with the federal agency overseeing the law (see FERPA Policy);

Students who have other complaints with Rockhurst must first exhaust Rockhurst’s internal complaint process.  Students who have exhausted the internal complaint procedure may submit their complaints as follows:

All complaints may be lodged with the Missouri Department of Higher Education only after exhaustion of all informal and formal institutional processes.  MDHE requires as a prerequisite to filing any formal complaint that the student verify exhaustion of all informal and formal remedies.  A student must first call MDHE at (573) 526-1577 to indicate their desire to file a complaint.  At that time the MDHE will ascertain whether the issue can be resolved through informal means and also determine whether the administrative process available within Rockhurst has been exhausted.  If after screening the applicant still desires to initiate a formal complaint the MDHE will send complainant the form to fill out and return for that purpose.

Adapted from North Central College (2011) and the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

• Introduction
• In keeping with Rockhurst University’s commitment to neighborhood relations, to maintaining its positive reputation within the broader Kansas City community, and to the safety and wellbeing of students, the University has created the following policy concerning student organization social events (“Events”). By following the guidelines below and other University policies, student organizations (“Organizations”) can successfully host social events while maintaining peaceful and positive relations with their neighbors and protecting themselves and their Organizations from difficulty.
• Organizations and Groups Required to Follow Student Organization Social Event Policy
• Any student group – regardless of whether the group is formally recognized by the University as a student organization – must adhere to this Policy if organizing or hosting a social event. For purposes of this policy, such groups are included within the definition of “Organization” and such events within the definition of “Event.”
• Further, the University requires that the following Organizations adhere to this Policy:
• Athletic teams (collegiate and club)
• Greek organizations
• Student Organizations (except publicized events by Student Senate and SAB)

A. Event Registration

Hosting organizations must register their Events with the Office of Student Life at least one business day in advance if alcohol is present and one or more of any of the following conditions apply:

• University funds, University-collected funds, or Organization funds are used,
• University property is used,
• At least 50% of an Organization’s members are expected to be present,
• The Event is hosted at a residential facility where more than half of the permanent residents are affiliated with a certain Organization (and the total number of participants is 20 or more),
• The Event is advertised

If the event is Saturday or Sunday, the event registration must occur by Thursday at 4:30 p.m. To provide adequate opportunity for staff to review and respond to the registration. For organizations selling tickets on Friday for events on Saturday or Sunday, exceptions can be requested from the Student Life Office (via communication with Director or Assistant Director of Student Life).

An Event should also be registered if 100 or more people are expected to attend even though alcohol may not be present (with the exception of those sponsored by University Departments, SAB, and Student Senate).

A registration form is available on the University website.  A confirmation of receipt will be sent to the Event Contact. The University reserves the right to deny approval; appeals of denial may be made to the Dean of Students, or his or her designee, whose decision after reviewing appropriate documentation shall be final.

B. Spontaneous Events

When an informal gathering spontaneously grows into Event status (that is, without being planned or anticipated more than one business day in advance or by 4:30 p.m. For a weekend event), the Organizations involved should take immediate and reasonable safety measures.  Such measures include the items listed below to the extent feasible:

• Turn off music and begin announcing that the event is over
• Ask several designated nondrinkers to assist in asking people to leave
• Call advisor and ask for help
• If within the Rockhurst Security jurisdiction, call Rockhurst Security 816-501-4010 and ask for assistance with event dispersal
• If event warrants, call local police or 911 and ask for assistance with event dispersal
• Organizations and their members are responsible for determining whether it is not feasible to take reasonable measures given the size, location, etc. Of a spontaneous Event, and, if not, must make every effort to end the Event.

Events will not be considered to be spontaneous if they were, for example, discussed at an Organization meeting, the Organization funds the Event in any way, a reasonable person would perceive the Event as sponsored by the Organization, or more than 50% of an Organization’s members attend the Event. Other considerations include whether alcohol is present, whether the Event is hosted at an on or off campus residential facility where more than half of the residents are affiliated with an Organization, whether there is planned entertainment, information about the event was announced or posted (in hard copy or electronic form), and whether the Event is hosted under the Organization’s name.

1. Guest List

For Events at which alcohol will be present, a guest list must be provided to the Office of Student Life one full business day prior to the Event (exceptions can be requested of Student Life if tickets are being sold).  A guest list form is available on the University website. The Event will be canceled by Student Life if the guest list is not submitted.

• The guest list will include all members of the Organization that are attending and their guests.  No more than 3 guests per member attending the event can be included.

• The guest list will include an indicator if the person is a Rockhurst student and if they are at least 21 years old.

• Individuals not included on the guest list must not be allowed to enter the Event. If a problem arises with refusing entry, contact Security (or local law enforcement if off campus) immediately.

•The names and cell phone numbers of designated non-drinker Organization members must be submitted with the guest list.

2.  Mandatory Training

     As required by the Office of Student Life, student leaders must complete required training before an Organization sponsors an Event. The Office of Student Life will inform Organizations of what training is required and how it must be completed. Athletic student leaders will be offered similar training.

3.  Advertising

     The Office of Student Life must approve print advertising before it is displayed and should follow the Posting Guideline Policy.  Event advertising that states or suggests that alcohol will be available and/or is not in alignment with University values is prohibited. Advertising also includes electronic forms (i.e. Text, social media posts, etc.).

4.  Contracts

     If an Event requires a contract and student activity fee funds are used (for example, for facilities or a performance), the contract must be submitted to the Office of Student Life for approval and signature.  Students are not allowed to sign contracts to commit the University or Organizations to host a performer or Event under any circumstances. Should any individual other than an authorized Rockhurst employee sign a contract, the individual signing the contract will be held responsible for any fees and requirements set forth in the contract.

5.  Charging for Tickets

     Charging for tickets will be permitted as long as all funds that are collected from ticket sales are specifically for the rental of buses to and from the Event, the cost of Event facilities and/or the cost of music for the Event.  No ticket funds can ever be used for the purchase of alcohol.

6.  Compliance with Federal, State, and Local Laws

     Organizations, their Events, their members, and students attending Events must comply with applicable federal, state, and local (location of the Event) laws. Violations will be treated as violations of University policy.

     Pertinent ordinances include, among others, those prohibiting nuisance parties (prohibited in Section 50-174 of the Code of Ordinances of Kansas City, Missouri), as well as those prohibiting:

• fire
• occupancy
• curfews for persons under 18
• illegal parking
• excessive noise
• loitering
• spitting
• distribution of tobacco products to minors
• disturbing the peace
• disorderly conduct
• disorderly premises
• trespassing
• urinating or defecating in public
• minors in possession of alcohol
• possession of marijuana and illegally possessed controlled substances
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• illegally selling alcohol
• open containers of alcohol
• driving under the influence
• fighting
• theft
• robbery or attempted robbery
• assault or attempted assault
• unlawful discharge of a firearm
• unlawful use of weapons
• rape and attempted rape

7.  Alcohol

     Organizations sponsoring Events are expected to encourage moderation in any alcohol consumption and to keep the focus of the Event on social interaction rather than alcohol consumption.

     The sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages during an Event must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, county, city and University policies.

     If alcohol is to be present, the Event must be BYOB or outsourced to a third-party vendor.  The Event must comply with the BYOB or Third-Party Vendor Guidelines set out below.

     Alcohol may never be sold except through a licensed, third-party vendor.  The promotion of or participation in, any action or activity that could be interpreted as selling alcohol will not be tolerated.  This includes but is not limited to charging admission to parties, passing the hat, selling drink tickets, or having vending machines that dispense alcoholic beverages.

     Alcoholic beverages may not be purchased through Organization funds nor may the purchase of it for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or on behalf of, the Organization.

     No Organization may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host groups or Organizations.

     No Organization may co-sponsor an Event with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern (an establishment generating more than half of its annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present, unless prior approval has been given by the Director of Student Life.

     Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the Organization, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, shall be prohibited.

     At Events where alcohol will be present, Organizations must designate at least two designated non-drinkers “DND.” In addition, there must be at least one DND member per 20 members on the guest list.  These members must be present throughout the Event.  They must be completely sober (which includes not drinking for many hours prior to the Event), may not drink at all and must be alcohol-free and drug-free throughout the Event.

     The possession, sale or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances during an Event or at an Event that an observer would associate with the Organization or University is strictly forbidden.

A. Recruitment/New Member Events

         All recruitment Events associated with any Organization will be dry functions.

         No alcohol shall be present at any new-member/pledge/associate member/novice Event.

B. Underage Drinking

     No Organization or Organization members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under legal “drinking age”), including Organization members or their guests.

     Student ids must be checked. Wristbands must be issued to those registered to attend who are of legal drinking age.

C. Moderation

     No person shall be granted entrance to an Event if deemed intoxicated by the sober members.

     No Organization or Organization member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in “drinking games” at the Event.

     The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common sources of such alcoholic beverage – for example, kegs, jungle juice – is prohibited.

     Several non-alcoholic beverages including water and soda must be provided by the Organization throughout the Event at an easily-accessible location.

D. BYOB Guidelines

     Any Event where alcohol will be present must be BYOB unless the Organization is contracting with a third-party vendor. Because responsibility for planning and monitoring rests with the Organization, members’ careful adherence to guidelines is essential.  The following must be used when planning a BYOB party consistent with the University’s Alcohol Policy.

• Food, non-alcoholic beverages and BYOB alcohol must be placed in the same centralized area.

• Individuals are only allowed to bring in the following amounts of alcohol: one six-pack of beer, one four-pack of wine coolers (or similar alcoholic beverage), one pint of liquor per person, or one bottle of wine.

• Individuals should bring in only their own alcohol and should not provide alcohol to other persons.

8.  Third-Party Vendor Guidelines

     Third-party vendors must be properly licensed. This may require both a liquor license and a temporary license to sell at the Event facility.

     Third-party vendors must be properly insured. Properly insured vendors will carry a minimum of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 annual aggregate of general liability insurance, evidenced by a properly completed certificate of insurance prepared by the insurance provider that lists the Organization hiring the vendor as an additionally insured.

     If applicable, request the vendor agree in writing to cash sales of alcohol only, collected by the vendor, during the Event. Request the vendor assume in writing all the responsibilities that any other purveyor of alcoholic beverages would assume in the normal course of business, including but not limited to:

•    Checking identification upon entry

•    Not serving minors

•    Not serving individuals who appear to be intoxicated

•    Maintaining absolute control of all alcoholic containers present

•    Collecting all remaining alcohol at the end of a function (no excess alcohol - opened or unopened - is to be given, sold or otherwise furnished to the Organization)

•    Removing all alcohol from the premises by 2:00 a.m.

     If the above guidelines are not met, Organizations are prohibited from holding their Events at that facility.

9.  Facility Safety - Fire, Building, and Engineering Codes

     An Event should be conducted in a manner that does not threaten physical safety.

     Facilities where Events take place must meet local fire and health codes and standards, and applicable engineering standards.  This includes providing an appropriate number of unobstructed exits, unobstructed passageways, proper ventilation, not overloading structures with physical weight including people, and having proper fire control and alert systems.  Event facilities must also post emergency numbers for fire/police/ambulance/Security and Event address by telephones and/or at appropriate visible locations. The University does not certify or assume responsibility for enforcing these codes.

     Organizations must comply with applicable occupancy limits during Events.

     Before an Event, Organization members shall perform a complete inspection of the interior and exterior of Event facilities, identifying any items that might present a danger to those present and/or any items damaged prior to the event.

10. Insurance

     University insurance policies do not extend to Events.  Event facilities must be properly insured.

     An Event held at third-party facilities must comply with the insurance requirements in Third-Party Vendor Guidelines.

     Event facilities not controlled by third-party vendors must be covered by a minimum of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 annual aggregate of general liability insurance for owners/renters as appropriate.  Insurance must be evidenced by a certificate of insurance with the name of the Organization (as well as the national organization with which the Organization is affiliated) as an additional insured.

11. Transportation

     Every effort shall be made to offer any intoxicated member or guest an escort to his or her residence.

     Organizations must provide information about available third-party transportation to guests.

     If transportation has been arranged for an Event via bus, notify Security at least one week prior to the Event and let them know what time buses are to be loading as well as returning to campus.

12. Time Limitations

     Events must end by 2:00 a.m. (exceptions may be granted in advance of the Event by the Director of Student Life or her/his designee).

13. Good Neighbor/Tenant Requirements

     In addition to requirements concerning compliance with the law and University policies, Events should be conducted in a manner reflecting the University’s commitment to neighborhood relations and the Kansas City community.

A. Guests

Realize that you have an impact on your hosts’ relationships with their neighborhood and community.

• Respect everyone’s property.
• Park legally.
• Keep noise to a minimum.
• Use the restroom to relieve yourself.
• Dispose of garbage in garbage cans.
• Leave the Event if alcohol is being sold other than by a licensed third party vendor or illegal drugs are being used.
• Engage in and encourage safe behavior.

B. Hosts

When Events are held at facilities not controlled by third-party vendors (for example, at a home or Organization building in a residential neighborhood), hosts are expected to comply with any rental agreements for the facilities as well as any neighborhood association rules.  Also:

• Before the Event, the Organization should inform neighbors of the Event that is going to take place and the hours when it will occur.
• During the Event,
• Remind guests to park legally and respect neighbors and their property.  For larger Events, a sign posted at all entrances is a suggested method for doing so.
• Monitor noise levels.
• Ensure that guests are inside after 10:00 p.m. And discourage them from wandering away from the Event property.
• After the Event, facilities must be returned to their normal state (for example, trash pickup, equipment removal) by the following morning at 10:00 a.m. Drive the neighborhood streets to pick up any trash or resolve other problems caused by guests.

When Events are held at facilities controlled by third-party vendors, Organizations and students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner respectful of those around them, including staff and vendor guests not attending the Event.

14. Crisis Management Protocol

Should there be a crisis where any individual might be harmed, the Event facility will be shut down immediately (no questions) and secured. All guests should be escorted out of the facility.  A list of contact numbers for crisis situations including the address of the Event will be readily available at the Event to the sober members, who will be aware of its location.  Should a crisis arise, the following should be notified as appropriate:

•        Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc. 911 (Always the FIRST THING!!)

• Must provide Your Name, Address of the Event, & Phone Number

•        Rockhurst Security (if location is on or near Rockhurst Campus) (816) 501-4911

     In the case of Greek Organizations, crisis management should be handled according to By-Laws, strictly following every step to safely manage any incident where any individual might be harmed.

15. Incident Reporting

     Organizations, their members, and/or students should report incidents immediately to Security at (816) 501-4010.

16. Security

     Security should be given at least seven days advance notice of an on-campus event if their services are required (preferably more).

     For Events at which more than 50 people are expected, alcohol is present, and is off-campus, a private security vendor must be retained and present at a rate of one security officer for up to 150 people, two officers for up to 300 people, three officers for up to 450 people, and so on.  Appropriate vendors include off-duty police officers or licensed security agencies.  The name of contracted security vendors will be required for event registration and should reflect the number of participants anticipated on the guest list.  However, the presence of such security vendors does not guarantee safety, does not relieve students or Organizations from their responsibilities, and the University does not assume responsibility for the action or inaction of such security vendors.

17. Discipline

     Failure to follow this Policy may result in individual, Organization, or team discipline, including but not limited to denial of future social event privileges.

     Should a University student violate University policies or law at an Event, that student is subject to adjudication for his or her behavior under the Code of Conduct.

     Should an Organization or team violate University policy or law in the course of an Event, the Organization is subject to discipline under the Code of Conduct.  Should an Event guest violate the Code of Conduct or laws, the sponsoring Organization is subject to adjudication for the behavior of that guest.

Should problems occur during an Event, the University retains the right to prohibit future Events.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Development or the Office of the Registrar (“University Official”) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University Official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University Official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right to privacy. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right to privacy. They should write the University Official responsible for maintaining the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s privacy.
3. The right to a hearing regarding the request for an amendment of the student’s education records. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University must notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
4. The right to prevent the University’s disclosure of the student’s personally identifiable information from the student’s education records in most circumstances. The University must obtain the written consent of a student before disclosing that student’s personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. Where required, a student’s consent must specify the records to be disclosed, the purpose of the disclosure, and the party or class of parties to whom disclosure may be made. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent) institutional services or functions that the University would otherwise use employees to perform; a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. A school official must be under the direct control of the institution with respect to the use and maintenance of information from education records. Another exception permitting the University to disclose personally identifiable information from a student’s education records absent a student’s consent is in the event of a health or safety emergency. The University may disclose education records in an emergency if the University determines that there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Rockhurst University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:  Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5920
6. Directory Information concerning students may be released unless the student specifically requests that such information be withheld. In compliance with FERPA, Rockhurst University defines directory information as student’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, photos, date of birth, place of birth, class, major field of study, dates of attendance, full time/part time status, degrees, honors, and awards received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, physical traits of athletes, and the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student. Students who wish to restrict the release of directory information must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing during the first week of each academic term. Upon receipt of such request the Office of the Registrar will designate that their directory information is confidential and not to be released outside the University except to individuals, institutions, agencies and organizations authorized in the Act. The University will honor all requests to withhold any of the categories of directory information listed above but cannot assume any responsibility to contact the student for subsequent permission to release information. Nondisclosure will be enforced until the information is subsequently released by the student. A student may not, however, opt-out of disclosure of the student’s name, institutional e-mail address, or electronic identifier in the student’s classroom. Regardless of the effect on the student, the University assumes no liability for honoring the request of the student to restrict the disclosure of directory information. Complete FERPA Policy.         

Inspired by the Jesuit commitment to Cura Personalis, Rockhurst University is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors to create a healthier and cleaner campus environment.

Beginning January 1, 2017, the Rockhurst campus became smoke and tobacco-free. Use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, will be prohibited on all campus properties, including residence halls, on-campus houses (Ochs), the parking garage, parking lots and university-owned sidewalks.

This policy is intended to reduce the health risks related to smoking, secondhand smoke and tobacco usage for the campus community.

With this, we join the ranks of more than 1,100 other campuses nationwide – including our neighbor UMKC – in instituting smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies.

Background:

Missouri’s Concealed Carry Law permits individuals to obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun; however, a permit holder cannot carry a concealed firearm on to “any higher education institution or elementary or secondary school facility without the consent of the governing body” [R.S.Mo. 571.107.1(10)]. In addition, there continues to be a national awareness of the harmful and destructive potential of other weapons including any and all firearms, ammunition, explosives/incendiary devices, dangerous chemicals, hazardous materials, or flammable materials.

Policy:

In the interest of maintaining a safe academic and employment environment free of violence and danger for all students, faculty, staff and visitors, Rockhurst University prohibits the possession, transportation, storage, or use of any and all weapons including firearms, ammunition, explosives/incendiary devices, dangerous chemicals, hazardous materials, or flammable materials on any University owned or leased property (including in motor vehicles) or at any University-sponsored function (regardless of whether or not the party has a permit to carry a concealed firearm).  The policy applies to all University students, faculty, staff, contract employees, vendors, and visitors on University property or at any University-sponsored function. This policy does not apply to any law enforcement personnel engaging in official duties.

Definitions:

“Any Rockhurst property” includes the main campus, all academic and administrative buildings, all Residence Life facilities, all recreational facilities, all parking areas, and any and all other property owned or leased by Rockhurst.

“Any and all weapons” includes without limitation any firearm, knife, or other agents/instruments (e.g. Explosives/incendiary devices, chemicals, hazardous materials, flammable materials, etc.) Capable of lethal use – whether in plain view or concealed, and whether with or without a concealed carry endorsement, permit, or license. Should anyone have a question regarding whether an item is covered by this policy, they should contact Security, Human Resources, or the Dean of Students Office.

“Explosives/incendiary devices” includes any and all devices capable of driving or bursting out with violence/noise or capable of causing destruction/injury – whether or not detonated or capable of being detonated on site or from a remote location.

Reporting Obligations/Enforcement:

If students, faculty, or staff believe another person covered by this policy possesses a concealed handgun or other weapons in violation of this policy, they must immediately report this information to the Security Department.  Students, faculty and staff should be aware that the enforcement of this policy might involve confronting individuals carrying dangerous weapons. They should not take any unnecessary risks or compromise their safety in enforcing this policy.

Failure to abide by this policy, or to report knowledge of a possible violation of it, will subject a student or faculty/staff member to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, expulsion from the University (student), termination of the faculty/staff member (in accordance with Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook guidelines), and disclosure of the incident to appropriate law enforcement authorities.

The University reserves the right to search all personal and college-owned or leased vehicles, packages, containers, briefcases, purses, backpacks, lockers, desks, enclosures, offices, or other University owned/leased property for the purpose of determining whether any weapon has been brought onto its premises in violation of this policy. These searches will only be conducted in the event of probable cause or reasonable suspicion, and will be conducted in accordance with appropriate search procedures.

The President, President’s Staff, Deans, Department Chairs, Directors, and other managers/supervisors are responsible for assuring compliance with this policy. The Security Department, Office of Human Resources, and Dean of Students Office are jointly responsible for the administration of the policy.

Note: For the following academic related items, please refer to the Rockhurst University Catalog:

•    Academic Honesty Policy

•    Administrative Policies

•    Course Policies

•    Enrollment Policy

•    Grade Policies

•    Graduate Academic Policies

•    Graduate Financial Aid Programs and Policies

•    Undergraduate Academic Policies

•    Undergraduate Attendance Policy

•    Undergraduate Financial Aid Programs and Policies