Advertising/Posting on Campus

Posting on campus is limited to recognized organizations, university-sponsored groups, departments, faculty, staff, and current Denison students.

View the full policy at https://denison.edu/forms/campus-posting-policy

Anti-Harassment Policy

The term “harassment” in this policy refers to unwelcome behavior that is offensive and sufficiently severe or pervasive that it interferes with, or limits the ability of, another individual to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the university, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or abusive working, living, or learning environment.

It is the policy of Denison University, to be read in context with the important principles regarding academic freedom, that all students, faculty, staff, and visitors should be free from harassment in any form – physical, verbal, graphic, written, or otherwise – based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases prohibited by law. This policy extends to conduct on university property or off university property if the conduct occurred in connection with a university or university-sponsored event program or activity or the conduct has or reasonably may have the effect of creating a hostile educational or work environment for a member of the university community.

Please refer to Denison's Anti-Harassment Policy as every member of the Denison community is responsible for adhering to the Anti-Harassment Policy and fully cooperating in its enforcement.

Any member of the university community who believes that they have been the victim of conduct or has witnessed conduct that violates the Anti-Harassment Policy is encouraged to report the matter to a responsible university official: Office of Human Resources, Director of Civil Rights & Title IX (Title IX Coordinator), Dean of Student Life, or the Associate Provost for Diversity Equity and Inclusion.

Campus Organizations

Getting the most out of your Denison experience means getting involved. The Alford Community Leadership & Involvement Center (CLIC) recognizes the importance of co-curricular activities as a key part of your college experience. Recognized campus organizations and their members are responsible for adhering to and supporting the community standards and values outlined in the Student Handbook, the Campus Compact, the Code of Student Conduct, and the Campus Organization Handbook. A campus organization, its officers, and/or its members may be held collectively and/or individually responsible for violating the Code of Student Conduct. For comprehensive information about the operations and management of campus organizations and important policies, refer to the Campus Organization Handbook: denison.edu/orghandbook.

Business and Commercial Activities

Denison University strives to provide an environment conducive to academic endeavors and co-curricular activities, including entrepreneurial activities. For students with existing businesses or nonprofits and those with new ideas for a business or nonprofit, the Red Frame Lab is your source of support, connections to resources, and mentors.

Denison encourages students to explore entrepreneurship in a variety of forms, particularly when connected to Denison’s mission. In pursuing entrepreneurial activities, students must comply with University rules and coordinate their activities with the Red Frame Lab. Student ventures cannot violate the university’s Housing Policy and Denison's Code of Student Conduct and be unlawful or disruptive to other students or the campus.

Individual Denison Community Members

The following guidelines should be followed by individuals interested in fundraising or sponsoring business activities on campus:

1. Responsibility: All student businesses or non-profit organizations are the student's responsibility. Denison does not provide all applicable insurance, tax, legal, and incorporation requirements. However, the Red Frame Lab employees can help student entrepreneurs think through these aspects of their business venture.

2. Approval: Students must communicate with Red Frame Lab employees regarding the existence and nature of their business or non-profit via email and in-person meetings. All paperwork, policies, forms, and procedures necessary for operating a student-run business or non-profit on campus must be obtained from Red Frame Lab and, when completed, reviewed with Red Frame Lab employees. The Red Frame Lab will provide authorization for community members to continue pursuing their activity and keep a record of that authorization.

3. Intellectual Property: Any use of Denison intellectual property, including logos, trademarks, and copyrights outside of classes or programs, is subject to standard intellectual property use restrictions. Use associated with classes and programs is subject to review by those advisors.

4. Residence Hall Use: Students may operate businesses on campus and/or out of their residence hall rooms so long as no activity violates individual residence hall rules or residence hall quiet hours, does not violate the university’s housing policy, does not interfere with other students’ use of the residence hall, does not disrupt the campus, and does not violate other university policies not listed here.

5. Receiving and Shipping: The University mail room is for personal packages and is within reasonable personal use. All students operating a business on campus must meet with the Assistant Director for Business Services (the mailroom Director) before beginning to receive or ship anything more than personal items.

6. Space: Students operating a business or non-profit may utilize University facilities (such as a residence hall room) once the Red Frame Lab authorization is obtained. Use of university space will be determined on a case-by-case basis. There is no guarantee space will be made available. Students engaged in academically sanctioned businesses through a class or program may utilize facilities and services specified and reserved through the class or program.

7. Denison Enterprises: Denison Enterprises, a university-sanctioned campus organization, exists to help students start and operate Denison-centric businesses that exist for the sole benefit of the Denison community and not for individual profit. Meet with a Denison Enterprises or Red Frame Lab employees representative to learn more.

8. Payment Acceptance Guidelines: Students conducting private businesses must adhere to Payment Card Information Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) to protect credit cardholders' data. These guidelines are in place to protect Denison from liability for credit card transactions not conducted for university business. If you have any questions regarding this guidance, please contact ITS: helpdesk@denison.edu

   1. Credit card transactions may not occur on university-owned devices. Personal computers, phones, or point-of-sale devices must be used for such transactions.

   2. Credit card transactions may not occur over a university wireless network. Cellular service is required for all in-person, over-the-phone, or online transactions.

   3. Cardholder information that includes the 16-digit account number cannot be physically on campus, in a student’s residence hall room, or on a university-owned device.

Campus Organizations

Getting the most out of your Denison experience means getting involved. The Alford Community Leadership & Involvement Center (CLIC) recognizes the importance of co-curricular activities as a key part of your college experience. For a complete list of Denison’s campus organizations, please go to WhatToDU. Recognized campus organizations and their members are responsible for adhering to and supporting the community standards and values outlined in the Student Handbook, the Code of Student Conduct, and the Campus Organization Handbook. Alleged violations by campus organizations are referred to the Office of Community Values & Student Conduct (OCVSC) and are resolved in accordance with the expectations and procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. For comprehensive information about the operations and management of campus organizations and important policies, refer to the Campus Organization Handbook.

Code of Student Conduct

Part of the learning and development that Denison fosters is the ability to make ethical decisions and contribute to healthy communities by understanding the connections between individual choices and community well-being. Every student who accepts the invitation to join the Denison community is expected to abide by the University's policies, as well as identify ways to support fellow students in abiding by University policies or report to the University when they observe others violating those policies. The Code of Student Conduct outlines the expectations not only Denison has for its students, but also what students expect from their peers as being members of the community. The Code of Student Conduct also outlines the University’s procedures for resolving conflicts. It is not a legal document, nor written with the specificity of a criminal statute, but is an educational document based on the University’s values. The Code can be accessed at https://denison.edu/forms/code-of-student-conduct and is administered by the Office of Community Values and Student Conduct.

It is important to note that students are expected to not only abide by the expectations set by Denison University both on and off campus; they are also expected to abide by local, state, and federal laws throughout their time as a Denisonian.

Demonstration Policy

The Demonstrations Policy provides guidelines for demonstrations, assemblies, leafleting, memorials, protests, rallies, signature gatherings, sit-ins, teach-ins, and vigils.

View full policy at https://denison.edu/forms/demonstration-policy

Drug and Alcohol Policies and Information

The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require Denison University to annually distribute information about the University's Drug and Alcohol policies https://denison.edu/forms/drug-alcohol-policies-and-information to all students and staff. This document includes information about standards of conduct, legal and disciplinary sanctions, health risks, and prevention and treatment programs related to drug and alcohol use. Please take time to review this important document. Please contact the Office of Community Values and Student Conduct (740-587-6232) or the Office of Wellness Education (740-587-6385) with any questions.

FERPA (Family Education Rights & Privacy Act)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. To review FERPA, go to https://denison.edu/forms/ferpa-family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act

Financial Information and Regulations

Comprehensive information about tuition and fees, payment options, financial aid, refund and forfeiture of fees, and more may be found at https://denison.edu/campus/finances

Important information about refunds or forfeiture of fees in the case of withdrawal from the University is found in the Student Finances webpages at https://denison.edu/campus/finances/refund-or-forfeiture

Information Technology Services Policies

The Information Technology Services (ITS) policies and regulations for Acceptable Use, Peer-to-Peer File Sharing and other important policies and information are available by visiting https://my.denison.edu/campus-resources/information-security. Students should log in and familiarize themselves with all policies related to information technology. Please note that Denison’s Acceptable Use Policy specifically prohibits sharing Denison account credentials (BigRedID/username and password) with anyone. Students can grant access to selected portions of their information and records to parents and other guests using the Parent Proxy system. Please see https://denison.edu/campus/finances/parent-proxy for details.

Missing Student Notification Policy

Denison University’s Missing Student procedures assist students who, based on facts and circumstances made known to the University, are determined to be missing. The Missing Student Notification Policy & Missing Student Procedure at http://denison.edu/forms/missing-student-policy-procedure describes required notifications within twenty-four (24) hours after the time a student is deemed to be missing. This plan complies with the August 14, 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act, Section 485 (j) of the U.S. Department of Education.

Motor Vehicle Regulations

The Denison University Parking and Traffic Regulations have been created and adopted for the purpose of promoting the safe and orderly use of vehicles on our campus.

Use of vehicles on campus must comply with Denison's Parking and Traffic Regulations in addition to State of Ohio motor vehicle laws. Denison students who intend to park their vehicle for any length of time are expected to have knowledge of and comply with the provisions of these Rules and Regulations.

Motor vehicle regulations and policies may be viewed at https://denison.edu/campus/safety/vehicles-on-campus

Parents/Guardians and Communications

The transition to college is an exciting and significant one for both students and families. Denison seeks to develop independent, self-reliant students who take ownership of their education and campus life. Because our students are adults, Denison treats you as such, and wants and expects you to be your own agents, shape your own experience, and to communicate directly with faculty and staff about challenges or concerns. Our faculty and staff are incredibly dedicated to our students and are here to support you in their academic and personal growth.

The University’s approach to parental engagement and disclosure of student information to parents is based both upon legal privacy requirements and the university’s philosophy that students are adults. For more information visit, https://denison.edu/forms/communication-policy.

Policy on Firearms

No person shall possess, carry, store or use a firearm, deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance, as defined in the Ohio Revised Code, in or on university premises, defined as university owned, rented and/or sponsored property, except as allowable under Ohio Law. To view the complete policy, go to https://denison.edu/forms/policy-on-firearms

Policy on Hazing

Consistent with the Ohio Revised Code, no individual, group, campus organization or team (including intercollegiate and recreation teams) shall conduct or condone hazing activities. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not considered a neutral act; such action violates this policy. Tradition, the intent of such acts, and the express or implied consent of the victim do not constitute valid defenses for violations of the policy.

Ohio anti-hazing law "Collin's Law: Ohio's Anti-Hazing Act", was signed by Governor Mike DeWine on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The law increases the legal penalties for hazing, creates a statewide curriculum for college students about hazing and requires transparency at the University level to report instances of hazing.

Incoming students are required to complete training through the Enrollment Checklist before arriving on campus; students who choose to join campus organizations must complete supplemental training each academic year.

It is everyone’s responsibility to report allegations or concerns surrounding hazing. Students, faculty, staff, and non-Denison affiliated individuals should report directly to Campus Safety in person on Parking Garage Level P1 or by phone at (740)587-6482.

Individuals may also report through Denison’s Anonymous Reporting System. However, reports submitted anonymously or with limited information may limit Denison’s ability to follow up on a concern. We urge individuals to report as much information as possible and to provide a way for Denison to communicate in follow-up.

To view Denison’s full Hazing Prevention Policy, go to https://denison.edu/campus/anti-hazing

Policy on Inappropriate Relationships Between Students and Faculty

A relationship between a faculty member and a student that is romantic or sexual is not in harmony with the values of the Denison community. Such an inappropriate relationship exploits the inherent inequality of power between faculty and students, creates a situation that inhibits the learning environment, and has a negative impact on the community. As such, it is incumbent upon faculty not to engage in such relationships, and to do so will be considered the basis for disciplinary action.

For more information and to view the complete policy, go to Policy on Inappropriate Relationships Between Students and Faculty in the faculty handbook at https://catalog.denison.edu/faculty-handbook/community-standards-policies/vii-h-policy-inappropriate-relationships-between-students-faculty/

Policy Prohibiting Sex Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Stalking and Retaliation

Sexual violence has a profound impact on both assault survivors and our community. Our community expects that students who choose to engage in sexual activity do so safely, appropriately, and in a manner that does not violate University Policy and/or the law. Students who attempt to or engage in sexual activity must have affirmative consent from the other person(s). Violations may vary in severity and consist of a range of behavior, including but not limited to non-consensual sexual contact or touching and non-consensual sexual intercourse, including forced sexual intercourse. Allegations of sexual misconduct are subject to the Policy Prohibiting Sex Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Stalking and Retaliation at https://denison.edu/forms/policy-prohibiting-sex-discrimination, which outlines the University’s definitions of consent, force, incapacitation, and other important definitions related to sexual misconduct, as well as procedures used to investigate and resolve alleged violations. Students are responsible for reading and acting in accordance with the policy.

Reinstatement & Re-enrollment

Enrollment Management, the Registrars’ office, and DU Cares coordinate university processes related to student reinstatement and re-enrollment.

• For information about reinstatement & re-enrollment, please review the following links: https://denison.edu/academics/registrar/reinstatement-re-enrollment

• https://denison.edu/campus/dean-of-students/leave-of-absence

Residential Communities and Student Housing Policies

Denison University is committed to the learning opportunities fostered in our residential communities. We strongly believe that students and our larger community benefit from these environments and the conditions they create within the student learning experience. As such, Denison requires that all students reside in the residence halls throughout the duration of their four years at the college.

With the notion of community and academic success at its core, the Residential Communities and Housing program is focused on the development of positive learning environments and a strong sense of civic responsibility and is designed to support the overall academic mission of the college. Students sign a Residence Agreement which defines student housing regulations and policies. The Residence Agreement and other important regulations may be viewed at https://denison.edu/campus/housing/residential-policies. By accepting University housing, students agree to abide by these policies, the Code of Student Conduct available at https://denison.edu/forms/code-of-student-conduct, and other policies as described in this Student Handbook.

Social Event Management Policy (SEM)

Social Event Management Policy (SEM) - The SEM Policy was developed in collaboration by students, faculty, and staff to provide autonomy to party hosts while maintaining the interest of a safe and respectful social environment. The University provides several flexible, quality spaces in which students can host registered social events. Students can become “Social Event Manager” trained to activate this privilege. 

For information, training, and to register events, visit https://my.denison.edu/campus-resources/social-event-management-policy-and-training

Smoking, Vaping, and E-Cigarettes

As a public health measure, smoking, including vaping and e-cigarettes, is prohibited in all interior areas of University buildings, including classrooms, residence halls, offices, labs, restrooms, hallways, and dining rooms.

Student Consumer Complaint Policy

Federal regulations require each college or university authorized to offer postsecondary education in one or more states to ensure access to a complaint process. To view Denison’s Student Consumer Complaint Policy go to https://denison.edu/forms/student-consumer-complaint-policy

Student Records

Denison University guarantees full compliance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Student educational records are maintained and may be accessed only by members of the University with legitimate educational interest in the student.

Students may inspect the contents of their official file and placement credentials, including personal references. Exceptions are letters collected under a waiver of inspection and information on parents' financial status. Requests should be in writing to the office responsible for those records and upon inspection may not be removed from that office.

The Division of Student Life is the depository for student conduct and disciplinary records. The Provost’s office maintains Academic Integrity records. The Registrar's Office maintains all academic information. The Office of Financial Aid maintains all forms and correspondence regarding financial aid, scholarships and student employment. University Communications maintains information used for news releases to the media.

In addition to the regular sharing of grade information among University offices concerned with student academic standing and advising, cumulative GPAs are furnished to officers of chartered honoraries for the purpose of membership selection.

Contents of inspected records may be challenged upon the grounds that the information is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the person's privacy or other rights. The administrator responsible for maintenance of those records will hear the challenge, and based on the information presented may decide to:

• Let the record stand

• Allow the student to insert a letter of explanation

• Correct the record

• Delete the item in question

University Privacy Policy

At Denison, we are committed to protecting the privacy of our students, faculty, staff, and other individuals who interact with our university. For information on how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information please see the Denison University Privacy Policy.

Withdrawal from the University

For information about withdrawal and links to related forms, go to https://denison.edu/campus/dean-of-students/leave-of-absence

Withdrawing from the University may have implications concerning a student’s financial aid and repayment plan. Visit https://denison.edu/campus/finances or contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information. Students should also contact Student Accounts https://denison.edu/campus/finances with questions regarding the amount of refund or forfeiture of charges.