Campus Notice

Annual notice on community standards

Monday, Sept. 21, 2009

TO: All members of the university community

FROM: Edward F.D. Spencer, Vice President for Student Affairs; Wendell Flinchum, Chief, Virginia Tech Police; Hal Irvin, Associate Vice President for Human Resources

As members of the Virginia Tech community, we are individuals and community members with both rights and responsibilities. We are committed to standards that support the educational mission of the university: standards by which we live, work, and learn together.

The following are websites and other important information related to our community standards, health, safety, and security:

Hokie Handbook: This document is reviewed annually and contains the Code of Conduct, the University Policies for Student Life, and other key policies and procedures that apply to all Virginia Tech students (graduate, undergraduate and professional) and student organizations. This document also serves as a reference for faculty and staff, and is located at http://www.hokiehandbook.vt.edu/

Annual Crime and Fire Reporting: The Virginia Tech Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report includes fire statistics and crime statistics for three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Virginia Tech; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, campus fire statistics, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Virginia Tech Police Department at 231-6183 or by accessing http://www.police.vt.edu/crime%20statistics/crime%20statistics.htm.

Revised Smoking Policy: The university recently revised the Smoking Policy 1010 to prohibit smoking within 25 feet from air intakes, entrances or exits of university facilities (http://www.policies.vt.edu/1010.pdf). This policy is an effort to protect students and employees from the potential health hazards and discomfort of exposure to smoke, while also recognizing and respecting the rights of those who choose to smoke. It is the responsibility of all students, faculty, and staff to comply with this policy.

Internet Copyright Infringement: Peer-to-peer (P2P) software enables unauthorized uploading of copyrighted music or movies--typically without any action on the part of the user. The university regularly receives copyright infringement complaints due to uploading, which result in legal proceedings against employees and referrals to the Office of Student Conduct for students. In accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), the university must inhibit unauthorized sharing of copyrighted files upon receipt of a notice. A copy of Dean of Students' full memorandum about copyright infringement is available at http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/statements/DMCA-Memorandum.pdf.

The Alcohol and Drug Policy Summary: In accordance with the federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, and the Commonwealth of Virginia's Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs, it is the policy of Virginia Tech that the unlawful or unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol and illicit drugs by employees and students on university property or as part of any university activity is prohibited. The university's failure to comply with this requirement could result in the loss of federal funds. Employees who wish information and confidential services on counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation programs will find it at the following site: http://www.hr.vt.edu/downloads/docs/file_hr_ad_summary.doc

Students with alcohol-related questions should consult the Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center located in 135 War Memorial Hall. Call 231-2233 or visit their website: http://www.alcohol.vt.edu/. Students who need information and confidential support related to drug use may contact Health Education at http://www.healthcenter.vt.edu/he/about/index.htm

Employee Assistance Program: Confidential services to employees and to supervisors who must confront employees with personal problems that affect the work environment are available by contacting the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) administrator, ValueOptions, at 1-800-725-0602 or Virginia Tech Human Resources at 231-9331.

Updating Directory Information and VT Alerts: Students and employees are reminded to update directory information in Hokie Spa and to sign up for the VT Alerts system. It is particularly important to include your emergency contact information. Faculty and staff should update directory information by going to Hokie Spa, click on "Hokie Plus," and then click on "update emergency contact." Students, updating your emergency contact information is now a required step in your course registration process.

Supervisors are asked to share this information with employees who do not have electronic access.

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