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Campus Policies

Campus Security

The Office of Campus Security (OCS) is located on the ground floor of the Gabhart Student Center. This office is normally staffed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. In compliance with the Tennessee "College and University Security Information Act" and the federal "Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act," the Belmont University Office of Campus Security provides a monthly report of any crime on campus and provides, upon request during business hours, campus crime statistics and related data to employees and students desiring this information. The Office of Campus Security is also actively engaged in crime prevention strategies and timely security alerts.

Automobile Assistance: OCS provides services for automobiles, such as unlocking doors and jump-starting dead batteries.

Automobile Privileges: Many students find it convenient to have their own transportation available at school. There is a charge for parking a car on campus. Registration of the car and a Belmont University sticker prominently displayed are required. Students are permitted to park in any parking lot on campus, except those clearly marked for guests.

Parking permits do not guarantee a parking space, since there are more student vehicles than there are parking spaces. The university reserves the right to ticket, boot, and/or tow automobiles in violation of the parking regulations. Parking ticket fines must be paid before grades and transcripts will be provided.

Emergency Services: For on-campus emergencies, call 6911; for non-emergency assistance, call 6617.

Handicapped Parking: Handicapped students may park in the designated handicap spaces or in any parking lot on the campus, regardless of posted restrictions. Handicapped students must display handicap state-issued license plates, state-issued placard, or a handicap decal issued by the university. Temporary handicap decals are available to students with temporary injuries affecting their ability to walk. There is no fee for handicap decals.

Identification Cards: OCS generates the university ID cards and keeps an electronic file of these cards in its database. Cards are usually made during registration times and as needed.

Parking Permits: Any person operating an automobile on campus must purchase and display a valid registration decal and park only in those areas appropriately designated. Students who park vehicles on campus may purchase a parking permit annually for a fee of $165.00. Off-hour parking permits are available for a fee of $85.00. [Off-hour includes M-F 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 a.m., Sat/Sun all day.] Parking permits are to be displayed on the bottom left side of the rear window. Vehicles with dark tinted rear windows or louvers may require the permit to be placed in the lower corner, passenger side of the windshield. Belmont Boulevard from Acklen Avenue to Portland is the property of the university. A decal must be displayed to park on this street.

Parking Violations/Fines: Failure to comply with parking regulations may result in a fine, having the vehicle towed from campus at the owner's expense, an immobilizing boot attached to the wheel of your vehicle, or the loss of campus parking privileges. Parking ticket fines must be paid before grades and transcripts will be released.

Improper display of permit	$25.00
Improper parking	50.00
No parking permit	50.00
Parking in "No Parking" area	50.00
Parking by non-handicapped person in space reserved for the handicapped	100.00
Parking in a restricted area	50.00

Vehicles Subject to Towing: Illegally parking in spaces reserved for handicapped. Blocking a firelane, drive, or walkway.

Security Escort Services: OCS provides escorts for anyone on campus at any time the individual wishes an escort from one location on campus to another.

Vehicle Registration: Students may register vehicles at the time of class registration or at other times as necessary. Temporary daily and weekly guest parking permits are available from OCS. Evening students (classes after 4:30 p.m.) are required to purchase a parking decal if they wish to park on campus. All evening students may use any parking lot or area not marked "Faculty/Staff 24 hours," "Handicapped," or "Reserved."

Communicable Disease/Virus Policy

In general, Belmont University is committed to a non-discriminatory policy with respect to persons having been diagnosed with a communicable disease/virus or other handicap. Any restrictions that may be imposed are determined in light of the most current medical knowledge and are in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. A strict code of confidentiality is maintained in all cases. Students may obtain the full policy statement from the Office of Student Affairs.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

It shall be a violation of the Drug-Free Campus Policy to drink or be impaired, or possess alcoholic beverages on campus. Also, any involvement in illegal activities on or off campus, including the use or possession of illegal drugs shall be in violation. Violation of these provisions of the Drug-Free Campus Policy shall result in the imposition of one or more of the disciplinary actions set forth in The Guide. Violation of these standards of conduct may result in severe criminal penalties under local, state and federal law. Federal legislation requires that these penalties be set forth in writing. A copy of the full Drug-Free Campus Policy may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs.

Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Belmont University is committed to the protection of students' education records in accordance with the Family and Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The university has designated certain information – names, addresses, phone numbers, etc. – as "directory information." This information is usually available to the public upon request. Students wishing to prevent the release of this information must complete a "Request for Non-disclosure of Directory Information" form by the 10th day of each semester. These forms are available in the Office of Student Affairs. A copy of the detailed written institutional policy adopted by Belmont University in compliance with FERPA may be obtained in person or by mail from the Office of Student Affairs.

Harassment

Belmont University is committed to providing an environment in which all persons are safe from harassment and intimidation based on his or her gender, race, color, national origin, or disability. Harassment can include physical conduct or verbal innuendo which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. It can also include implicit or explicit coercive behavior used to control, influence or affect the well-being of any member of the university community. Such harassment is contrary to the Christian standards of conduct expected of all members of the Belmont community, students, staff and faculty. It may also be illegal. The detailed policy and procedures for grievances are printed in The Guide (student handbook), available from the Office of Student Affairs.

Smoking Policy

Belmont University is committed to maintaining a smoke-free environment in all of its campus buildings, including the residence halls and apartment complexes.