Acceptable Use of Information Technology Recources

Accommodation for Disabled Persons

A person with a disability is defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as an individual who has a physical or mental impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment. For persons with disabilities, it is important to provide to the University a comprehensive evaluation of a specific disability from an appropriate qualified diagnostician that identifies the type of disability, describes the current level of functioning in an academic or employment setting, and lists recommended accommodations. This documentation should be submitted to the coordinator of disability support services in the Student Affairs Office at Peabody for review and determination of appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Occasionally, it may be necessary to request additional information from an individual’s diagnostician to verify the information or accommodations. The name, title, and professional credentials of the evaluator, including information about license or certification, as well as the area of specialization, employment, and state/province in which the individual practices should be clearly stated in the documentation provided. It is not considered appropriate for professionals to evaluate members of their families.

Peggy Hayeslip, director, ADA compliance and disability services in the Office of Institutional Equity serves as the central point of contact for additional information on physical and programmatic access, specific accommodations, resolution of complaints and problems, faculty and staff concerns, and identification of available services. In addition, the office can provide training, consultation, and information regarding disability services.

Questions regarding Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 should be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity, Garland Hall, Suite 130, 410-516-8949 (voicemail), 410-516-6225 (TTY) www.jhu.edu/diabilityservices.

Alcohol

Maryland state law prohibits the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21. Students are expected to obey the law. Individuals who violate the law, in addition to being subject to criminal penalties, may be subject to University disciplinary action. The University will not excuse acts of misconduct committed by a student whose judgment is impaired due to alcohol or drug abuse.

Generally, alcohol is not served on campus or at events sponsored by student activities funds. If a student group wishes to sponsor an event at which alcohol will be served, the group must receive permission of the residence life and student activities coordinator and the associate dean for student affairs at least four weeks before the event. The residence life coordinator and associate dean will look for a proposal that details measures the group will take regarding security and ensuring that underage persons will not be served. In addition, only beer and/or wine that is not served from a common source (i.e., kegs, barrels, punch bowls, etc.) may be served and publicity posters for the event may not include any reference to the availability of beer or wine. Persons attending an event where alcohol is served who attempt to violate the procedures in place will be asked to leave the event and may be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, a sponsoring group may be subject to University disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution if underage patrons are served alcoholic beverages.

Bicycles on Campus

Bicycles are to be secured to the bicycle racks located outside of the East Residence Hall. Bicycles left unattended for 30 days will be removed by the Campus Security and placed in storage. Bicycles left unclaimed for a total of 60 days will be disposed of through a charitable organization.

Discrimination – Complaints of Students

The University is prepared to receive and resolve complaints of discriminatory treatment that are brought to the attention of any University academic or administrative officer by students, faculty, and staff. Students at Peabody are encouraged to bring such complaints to the immediate attention of the associate dean for student affairs, the chair of the department in which the student is enrolled, the vice provost for institutional equity or the director for equity compliance and education. All investigations will be conducted in as confidential a manner as possible. The privacy of those filing complaints, named in complaints, or acting as witnesses in an investigation will be protected to the greatest degree possible within the parameters of investigating the complaint.

Inquiries regarding procedures for resolving discrimination complaints may be directed to Ray Gillian, vice provost for institutional equity, or Caroline Laguerre-Brown, director, equity compliance and education, 140 Garland Hall, Homewood campus, 410-516-8075.

Documentation of Illness

Illness claimed as a reason for an absence from class should be appropriately documented. It is the student’s responsibility to advise and negotiate short-term, self-limited absences with individual teachers. Faculty members set their own policies and use their own discretion in determining whether or not a student’s transitory self-reported illness constitutes grounds for an excused absence. Documentation of prolonged or serious illness (greater than 3-4 days) should be obtained from a health care provider who is providing treatment. A student should submit documentation to the associate dean for academic affairs who will then notify the student’s faculty.

Drug Abuse

The distribution, possession, and unprescribed use of narcotics and other controlled substances by students is unlawful and strictly forbidden on Institute and University premises. When information reaches the school indicating that a student has been engaged in the distribution of controlled dangerous substances, disciplinary proceedings, which may lead to expulsion or suspension, will be commenced immediately.

Firearms

The possession, wearing, carrying, transporting, or use of a firearm or pellet weapon is strictly forbidden on University premises. This prohibition also extends to any person who may have acquired a government-issued permit or license. Violation of this regulation will result in disciplinary action and sanctions up to and including expulsion, in the case of students, or termination of employment, in the case of faculty and staff. Disciplinary action for violations of this regulation will be the responsibility of the divisional student affairs officer, dean or director, or the vice president for human resources, as may be appropriate, in accordance with applicable procedures. Any questions regarding this policy, including the granting of exceptions for law enforcement officers and for persons acting under the supervision of authorized University personnel, should be addressed to the appropriate chief Campus Security officer.

Hazing

The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University prohibits hazing. Hazing is defined as any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of affiliation, initiation, admission, or as a condition of continued membership in any group, club, organization, or team on or off university, fraternity, or sorority property. Groups such as fraternities, athletic teams, and student organizations may be held accountable for misconduct by individuals committed in the context of the group membership. Examples of conduct that would violate this policy may include, but are not limited to:

• All forms or physical activity not part of an organized, voluntary athletic context or not specifically directed toward constructive work

• Any activity that might reasonably bring harm to the individual

• Paddling, beating, or otherwise permitting undergraduate or alumni members to hit individuals

• Depriving individuals of the opportunity for sufficient sleep, decent and edible meals, or access of means of maintaining bodily cleanliness

• Activities that interfere with an individual’s academic efforts by causing exhaustion, loss of sleep, or loss of reasonable study time

• Requiring individuals to consume alcohol or drugs

• Forcing, coercing, or permitting individuals to eat or drink foreign or unusual substances

• Any requirement which compels an individual to participate in any activity which is illegal, perverse, publicly indecent, contrary to the individual’s moral and/or religious beliefs, or contrary to the student conduct code and/or policies and regulations

Identification Cards

Identification cards must be worn at all times by all members of the Peabody community and must be shown upon request to any Institute official or representative. There are no exceptions to this safety rule. Identification cards are issued to new students at registration. After that time, they may be obtained at the Campus Security Office, Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 2:30 pm. A lost ID creates special security and bank check-cashing problems. Therefore, lost IDs must be replaced and students are assessed a $15.00 fee for this service. Any IDs that are found should be turned in immediately to the Campus Security Office. Cards are the property of the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. The lending of this card to anyone or the possession of another person’s card is a violation of Peabody Institute regulations and may result in confiscation of the card and loss of privileges. Once the academic year has finished, all student ID cards are automatically turned off at noon on the Friday after graduation. In order to have a card re-activated for summer use, a student will need to go to the Campus Security Office to request ID access. The student’s name must appear on the list of pre-registered students, provided by the Conservatory Registrar’s Office, in order to have the card re-activated. Students requesting access whose names do not appear on the list must provide Campus Security with written verification of their status from the Conservatory Registrar’s Office before access may be granted.

Interruption of Degree Work

A leave of absence is an approved interruption of a degree program that is subject to a fixed duration and/or specific requirements for return. A withdrawal is a complete departure from the Conservatory and its degree programs. A withdrawal can only be reversed through the mechanisms of reaudition and petition of the relevant academic committee. Students who do not return from a leave of absence will be considered withdrawn from the Conservatory.

Voluntary Leave of Absence

A student may request a leave of absence by writing to the associate dean for academic affairs. The Peabody Conservatory is not obliged to grant a leave of absence. Students should present compelling personal or professional reasons for the interruption of studies when requesting a leave of absence. A leave of absence is not granted retroactively. Students must request the leave of absence in writing before postponing their studies. Moreover, voluntary leave of absence is subject to the following conditions:

• The student must be a current student who has matriculated into the Conservatory

• The student must be taking lessons or coursework to fulfill the requirements of a degree program

• DMA students who have completed their coursework are no longer eligible for a voluntary leave of absence

• The student may not be in immediate jeopardy for dismissal on academic grounds

• An international student must make arrangements regarding his or her visa with the international student advisor

• A student who receives financial aid must make the appropriate arrangements with the Financial Aid Office

• The student must be given clearance for all financial obligations, including but not limited to tuition, instrument loans, library fines, and residence fees

If a voluntary leave of absence has been granted, the leave will be made for an agreed-upon fixed duration of one semester or one year. During that time, a student may not be enrolled as a full-time student at another institution. Any credits earned at another institution during the leave of absence must be approved for transfer by the associate dean for academic affairs in consultation with department chairs.

A student on a voluntary leave of absence must notify the Academic Affairs Office in writing of the intent to return by November 15 for re-enrollment the following spring semester or by April 15 for fall re-enrollment. A tuition deposit of $50 will be required at that time to reserve space on the major teacher’s roster; however, a student requesting a leave of absence is not guaranteed a space in a teacher’s studio upon return to school.

Involuntary Leave of Absence

In situations where a leave of absence is indicated due to circumstances as described below, the associate dean for student affairs will encourage the student to initiate a voluntary leave of absence. If the student declines to do so, the associate dean may require an involuntary leave of absence. This step will be taken, when necessary, to protect the safety of the student or other individuals or to preserve the integrity of the university’s learning environment. Such a decision may be based on behavior and/or communication that:

• Harms or threatens harm to the health or safety of the student or others

• Causes or threatens to cause significant damage to the property or resources of the University

• Evidences chronic and/or serious drug or alcohol abuse

• Significantly disrupts the functioning of the University community

• Reflects disorganized or altered thinking incompatible with successful participation in the academic program

If an involuntary leave of absence is required, the leave will be made for an indefinite duration that may not exceed one year without requesting an extension and providing the appropriate documentation from a licensed professional.

A student wishing to return from an involuntary leave of absence must notify the Student Affairs Office in writing of the intent to return. An assessment of the student’s fitness for return will be required as a condition of returning from an involuntary leave of absence and study at the Conservatory may only resume at the scheduled start of a semester.

Extended Leave

Any student on a voluntary or involuntary leave of absence must report his or her status to the Conservatory by the middle of the second semester of leave to either make arrangements to return or to extend the leave of absence. Students who are granted an extension to a leave of absence beyond the originally stipulated year must petition the appropriate academic committee for readmission and certification of previously earned credits toward the degree program. This process may include reauditioning and/or placement tests in specific areas. Students who do not report their status by the end of the second semester of leave will be considered to have abandoned their degree program and to have withdrawn from the Conservatory without following the proper withdrawal procedures. The Peabody Conservatory has no obligation to former students who abandon degree programs, and former students can only return to the Conservatory by reauditioning and petitioning the appropriate committee for certification of previously earned credits.

Special Circumstances for Leave of Absence

Doctoral students may only take a voluntary leave of absence while completing their residency. Once a DMA candidate has completed the required coursework, he or she may no longer exercise the leave of absence option, but must continue to enroll for consultation through the semester of completion of degree requirements in order to maintain standing in the program. If a student interrupts his or her program by failing to register for consultation or failing to pay the degree in-progress (DIP) fee for more than one year, the student must petition the DMA committee for readmission. If a petition is approved, all retroactive fees must be paid in order for the reinstatement of status to become effective. Any DMA candidate who fails to register for consultation will be dropped from the program. Double degree students may request a leave of absence from the double degree program, but they cannot be granted leave from only the Homewood or Peabody portion of the program. A leave of absence for double degree students is subject to the guidelines of the advising office for the Krieger School of Arts and Science or the Whiting School of Engineering. International students who request a leave of absence should be aware that federal law governing the visa status of F-1 students requires them to leave the United States for the duration of their leave of absence, unless the leave is granted for reasons of illness or other medical conditions. Students wishing to remain in the United States during their leave of absence must provide medical documentation to the school to support such a request. Medical leaves of absence cannot exceed an aggregate of one year.

Withdrawal and Readmission

Requests for total withdrawal from degree programs must be initiated in the Academic Affairs Office. Students must make arrangements for all financial obligations, including, but not limited to, tuition, instrument loans, library fines, and residence fees. Former degree candidates who have withdrawn from the Conservatory must submit a written request for readmission to the associate dean for academic affairs. Final decisions on readmission will be made by the associate dean in consultation with the appropriate academic committee and the major teachers who may request an audition.

Missing Student Notification Policy

As a requirement of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (amended) and in an effort to assist in ensuring the safety of our residential students, the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University has established a missing student notification policy that requires the University to alert an emergency contact designated by the student and/or the student’s parents, as well as local law enforcement, if the student has been missing for more than 24 hours.

All students are asked to provide the name and phone number of an emergency contact person with the information that is collected by the Registrar’s Office.

This information is accessible to authorized campus officials who have the responsibility of notification and law enforcement officers, in furtherance of a missing person investigation. The following procedures apply to all notifications:

• If an individual becomes aware that a residential student has been missing for more than 24 hours, he or she should immediately report the situation to Campus Security at 410-234-4600. A campus officer is available to respond to a call 24 hours a day and seven days per week. Campus Security will initiate contact with the associate dean for student affairs and the director of Campus Security and make the other necessary contacts to initiate action by Campus Security and other law enforcement officials.

• Campus officers will gather the details of the situation and inform the associate dean for student affairs so that the designated emergency contact can be notified as soon as possible.

• In the case that the missing student is under the age of 18 and not emancipated, his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified as well.

• Local law enforcement will be notified in all cases even if the student has not provided an emergency contact, and the University will provide the necessary information to assist in locating the missing student.

• Individuals who are concerned about someone who has not been missing for 24 hours, but has failed to return to his/her residence are also encouraged to contact Campus Security.

If the circumstances related to a student’s disappearance appear to be related to foul play, (i.e., kidnapping or other criminal acts), then the appropriate notifications and actions should be initiated immediately, even if the student has been missing for less than 24 hours.

Pets

No animals or pets are allowed on the premises except:

1. Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability

2. Dogs belonging to off-campus residents who use them as a security measure. In this instance the following rules apply:

   1. Must be kept on a leash and outside of the buildings

   2. Must be checked in at the Campus Security Office by the owner who must leave his/her name and location while on campus.

   3. Must be secured outside the East Residence Hall tower in front of the bicycle rack

3. Animal owners are required to clean up after their pets

Public Areas

Dining Hall, Unger Lounge, Plaza

1. No silverware or china dishes are permitted outside the dining hall. The food service provides paper products to those wishing to dine on the Plaza, in Unger Lounge, or in their rooms. Trays may be taken outside the dining hall to the Plaza only and must be returned to the dish room. Note: Dishes and flatware that “walk away” from the dining hall add a burdensome cost to your food service and contribute to higher prices.

2. Dining hall furnishings (tables, chairs, etc.) may not be taken out of the hall unless authorization has been given by the Student Affairs Office.

3. No unauthorized persons are permitted to enter the kitchen unless accompanied by the food service manager or someone designated by the manager.

4. No one is permitted on the dining hall roof area.

5. Proper dress, including shoes, must be worn in the dining hall and Unger Lounge areas.

6. No bicycle riding or roller-skating is permitted in the Plaza area. No skateboards are to be used anywhere on the premises.

7. No solid objects may be thrown or tossed on campus (footballs, frisbees, baseballs, etc.).

8. No solicitations are permitted in any Institute building without written permission from the associate dean for student affairs.

9. Materials to be posted on the Student Affairs bulletin boards must be cleared through the Student Affairs Office. Materials may not be posted on glass doors, on elevator doors, or inside the elevators.

10. Sleeping overnight in public areas is prohibited.

Posting Policy

Opportunities, deadlines, and general information appear on bulletin boards throughout the campus. The bulletin boards serve different offices or groups depending on their locations. If you have materials to be posted, the Student Affairs Office will be happy to place the information on the appropriate board for you.

All notices posted around school should adhere to the following policies:

1. Notices must be in English. Dual language notices are permissible.

2. The Student Affairs Office must approve acceptable locations for posters larger than 11”x 17” and may restrict the number for any single event.

3. Due to limited space, only one notice per event can be posted in each location.

4. Notices may not be posted on glass doors, inside elevators, or on painted surfaces.

5. With the exception of category headings, items placed on bulletin boards must be posted with push pins (not staples). Notices placed on glass surfaces must use masking tape that does not require scraping to remove.

6. Notices should be removed within 24 hours after the announced event.

7. Notices placed on general purpose and recital bulletin boards must be stamped by the Student Affairs Office.

8. A responsible party’s name and contact information must appear on posted notices (on the back side is acceptable).

Posters that do not adhere to these policies may be removed without notice. Repeated failure to comply with posting policy may result in disciplinary action.

As an educational institution, Peabody believes strongly in freedom of expression. At the same time, it is important for those posting announcements to recognize the diversity of our community and to remain respectful of others who will view the posters. Beyond the diversity that exists within the Conservatory in terms of race, nationality, ethnic background, sexual orientation, and religious identity, we have young children from the Preparatory on campus daily, as well as an Elderhostel population. Individuals posting announcements are asked to be mindful of these differences and to refrain from posting notices that negatively target or needlessly offend those of different backgrounds.

Sexual Assault Policy and Procedures

Sexual assault is an act of violence in which one person forces another into a sexual experience against the latter’s will. Rape and its most common form, acquaintance or date rape, is one type of sexual assault.

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to providing a safe educational and working environment for its faculty, staff, and students. The University has adopted a policy addressing sexual assaults and offenses involving sexual violence in order to inform faculty, staff, and students of their rights in the event they are involved in an assault and of the services available to victims of such offenses.

Members of the University community who are the victims of, or who have knowledge of, a sexual assault occurring on University property, occurring in the course of a University-sponsored activity, or perpetrated by a member of the University community are urged to report the incident to campus authorities promptly.

Persons who are victims of sexual assault will be advised by Campus Security of their option to file criminal charges with local police of the jurisdiction where the sexual assault occurred. Campus Security and the Office of the General Counsel will provide assistance to a complainant wishing to reach law enforcement authorities.

A victim of an assault on University property should immediately notify Campus Security who will arrange for transportation to the nearest hospital. Persons who have been sexually assaulted will be taken to a hospital in Baltimore City designated as a rape treatment center. Mercy Hospital, 301 St. Paul Place, 410-332-9000, is the current designated center for adult examination and treatment. This hospital is equipped with the State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit.

The University will provide counseling to any member of the Hopkins community who is a victim of a sexual assault and also will provide information about other victim services. Students can seek the assistance of counseling through their divisional counseling offices and members of the faculty and staff can seek assistance through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP).

A student who is a victim of sexual assault may request a transfer to alternative classes or housing if necessary to allay concerns about security. The University will try to accommodate the request if such classes and housing are reasonably available.

Persons who are the victims of sexual assault also may pursue internal University disciplinary action against the perpetrator. The University’s disciplinary process may be initiated by bringing a complaint of sexual assault to the attention of a dean, department chairman or director, supervisor, divisional Human Resources Office or Campus Security Office. The University’s director of the office of institutional equity is also available to render assistance to any complainant. Allegations of sexual assault will be investigated by the appropriate security offices and any other offices whose assistance may be valuable for gathering evidence.

The University reserves the right to independently discipline any member of the student body, staff, or faculty who has committed a sexual or other assault whether or not the victim is a member of the University community and whether or not criminal charges are pending. Disciplinary actions against students accused of sexual assaults will be processed by the appropriate Student Affairs Office of the school or campus attended by the accused student in accordance with established disciplinary procedures pertaining to the school in which the student is enrolled. Disciplinary actions against staff members will be governed by the procedures set out in the University’s personnel policies. Disciplinary actions against members of the faculty will be processed by the offices of the dean of the appropriate academic division according to the procedures established by that division.

Both a complainant and the person accused of a sexual assault will be afforded the same opportunity to have others present during a University disciplinary proceeding. Attorneys, however, will not be permitted to personally participate in University disciplinary proceedings. Both the complainant and the accused will be informed of the resolution of any University disciplinary proceeding arising from a charge that a sexual assault has been committed.

The disciplinary measures which may be imposed for sexual assault will vary according to the severity of the conduct and may include expulsion of a student from the University and termination of the employment of a member of the staff or faculty.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can take many forms, ranging in degree of severity from sexual teasing or jokes or casual physical contact through demands for sexual favors. Sexual harassment in any form is prohibited by law and University policy.

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to providing its staff, faculty, and students the opportunity to pursue excellence in their academic and professional endeavors. This can only exist when each member of our community is assured an atmosphere of mutual respect, one in which they are judged solely on criteria related to academic or job performance. The University is committed to providing such an environment, free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Each member of the community is responsible for fostering mutual respect, for being familiar with this policy and for refraining from conduct that violates this policy.

Sexual harassment, whether between people of different sexes or the same sex, is defined to include, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other behavior of a sexual nature when:

1. Submission to such conduct is made implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or participation in an educational program

2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for personnel decisions or for academic evaluation or advancement

3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment

Fundamental to the University’s purpose is the free and open exchange of ideas. It is not, therefore, the University’s purpose, in promulgating this policy to inhibit free speech or the free communication of ideas by members of the academic community.

The University will not tolerate sexual harassment, a form of discrimination, a violation of federal and state law, and a serious violation of University policy. In accordance with its educational mission, the University works to educate its community regarding sexual harassment. The University encourages individuals to report incidents of sexual harassment and provides a network of confidential consultants by which individuals can report complaints of sexual harassment. The means by which complaints are resolved can range from informal to formal.

Those with concerns about sexual harassment are encouraged to contact any one of the University resources available to address these concerns. If information or confidential support is desired, the Sexual Harassment Hotline is available at 410-516-4001 or 1-800-516-4001. For an appointment with a confidential consultant, students can call the Homewood Student Counseling Center at 410-516-8278. For filing complaints or resolution services call Caroline Laguerre-Brown, Director, Equity Compliance and Education in the Office of Institutional Equity at 410-516-8075 (voicemail), 410-516-6225 (TTY), or visit the sexual harassment website www.jhu.edu/shprp/. You may also call Katsura Kurita, associate dean for student affairs, or Laura Brooks, human resources manager.

Smoke-Free Policy

In accordance with The Johns Hopkins University policy, smoking is prohibited in classrooms, studios, offices, corridors, the dining hall, residence hall, rest rooms, and lounges at Peabody.

Smoking is permitted only on the balcony area outside the south side of the dining hall, where appropriate receptacles are provided. (Do not use the standard trash containers.) Smoking in all other areas on the Peabody campus is prohibited.

For the smoke-free policy to be effective and successful, commitment must be made by every member of the University community. Individuals must be willing to inform those unaware of the policy or remind those disregarding it. If a direct and polite approach is not successful, the name of the person violating the policy should be brought to the attention of one of the deans for further action.

Visitors

Visitors are required to sign in and leave a photo ID with the officer at the entrance to campus, unless they are attending a public event such as a concert, recital, reception, banquet, or meeting. The officer will issue a visitor pass in exchange for a photo ID that will be returned when the visitor pass is returned.

Visitors are expected to keep the visitor’s pass on their person and visible while on campus.

Visitors are expected to leave campus by 10:00 pm or no later than one hour after the end of the event they are attending, unless they are in the company of a current student, faculty, or staff member. Community members accept full responsibility for their guests while on campus.

Visitors, who are not registered overnight guests of a residence hall resident, must leave campus by 2:00 am.

Overnight guests are permitted, provided their presence does not disrupt the normal activities of other residents. Students residing in double or triple rooms must obtain permission from their roommate(s) to have an overnight guest.

All overnight guests must register with the Residence Life Office and with their host’s RA.

Overnight guests are restricted to no more than three consecutive nights on four separate occasions.