The Five W's of Policy

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The Five W’s of Policy RSA Training Module 2013-2014

Transcript of The Five W's of Policy

Page 1: The Five W's of Policy

The Five W’s of PolicyRSA Training Module 2013-2014

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Overview:• Who enforces policy? Who are your

resources?• What do we expect of you, as an RSA?• Where can you find the Student Handbook?• When do we enforce policy?• Why do we enforce policy?• What are the policies?• TRUE Stories – These stories actually

happened to RSAs in the past. Names have been changed to protect the participants, but they actually could happen to you.

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Who enforces policy?And who are your resources?

• You enforce policy, along with Public Safety and the RHDs• You are a representative, of the department of Residential Life

AND the Dean of Students Office. Remember that!• You have resources and allies. So don’t feel alone:• Public Safety• Director on Duty (DOD)• Residence Hall Directors (RHDs)• Central office staff

• Assistant Directors• Director of Residential Life• Assistant Dean of Student Conduct and Community Standards

• Wellness Center

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What do we expect of you, as an RSA?

• Know and understand the policies• And why we have them

• If you don’t understand a policy ask your RHD• Use the Blackboard Discussion to find out

• Document, document, document• Write objectively• Include all facts• Submit in a timely manner

• You don’t decide the punishment• Uphold the policies yourself• Be a role model

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Where can you find theStudent Handbook?

• Go to Sacredheart.edu -> Campus Life-> Life On & Off Campus-> Student Handbook

• Contains information about the University’s:• Mission• History• Alma Mater• Academic Policies• Academic Calendar• Support Services• Conduct Code• Campus Policies and Procedures

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STUDENT HANDBOOK• Every RSA should read the Sacred Heart University Student

Handbook, especially the sections that pertain to the RSA job like Campus Code and Procedures section and Campus Life section.

• This is the link for last year’s book: http://www.sacredheart.edu/campuslife/lifeonoffcampus/studenthandbook/

• We will be updating you at August training if there are any major changes.

• I am pretty sure if you don’t read the Student Handbook sections pertaining to the RSA job you will not be able to answer some of the quiz questions correctly.

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When do we enforce policy?

• Any day of the week that ends in ‘d-a-y’!• Report suspicious things even outside of your Residence Hall

True Story: You are always an RSA. Sally was an RSA in Scholars Commons when she was coming back from the library late on a Thursday night. She witnessed a student throwing up in the bushes by the HC wing. The girl was by herself with no friends in sight. The girl obviously was intoxicated and could barely stand. Sally called Public Safety and the girl was transported to the hospital. What would have happened if Sally had not done anything? Just because you are not on duty does not mean you can’t help our SHU community.

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Why do we enforce policies?

• Health and safety of all residents• Keep the residence halls a safe and positive academic environment

True Story: Tom didn’t like all of the Res. Life policies. Especially the one regarding Hall Sports. So he didn’t enforce it when his guys were throwing a football around. Most days nothing ever happened, but one day the football broke the sprinkler head and thousands of gallons of water were unleashed on Tom’s floor. Tons of his residents items were destroyed, but it also affected the four floors below as well. Some policies may seem silly, but events have happened that require these policies to be in place. By just asking the guys to go outside to throw the football instead of letting them play inside could have said thousands of dollars of damage and inconvenience.

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Alcohol

• No one under 21 may acquire, purchase, obtain, possess, consume or be in the presence of alcohol.

• No person, regardless of age, is permitted to possess or consume alcohol within the on-campus residential areas; if everyone is of age in an off campus apartment, then alcohol may be consumed

• The following are prohibited:• Drinking games• Kegs, beer balls, alcohol paraphernalia (beer funnels, etc)• Open containers, including water bottles• Fake IDs• Drunken behavior/ public intoxication• Operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence

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Confronting Alcohol• State who you are:• RSA

• State what you are doing:• Documenting the violation

• Know where to stand:• Have one RSA go with the resident to dump the alcohol out while

the other stays with the door open and writes everything down• Put all empty containers and paraphernalia in a plastic trash bag

• Know when to ask for help• Don’t forget to state why you are there and to answer

questions and let the residents know that they will be receiving an email from the RHD• “We heard lots or noise OR we heard bottles clanking, etc”

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Good Samaritan Policy• Why do we have this policy?• To protect students• To ensure that students receive medical attention when needed

• Who does this policy involve/effect?• Any member of the Sacred Heart University community

• Students• Residence Life staff member• Public Safety

• What does this policy entail?• Students that seek assistance from Public Safety and/or Residential Life staff and the

individual(s) assisted, should not fear disciplinary action should they seek help for a friend who has had too much to drink. Instead, under the guidelines of this policy, these violations will be dealt with through health and safety education initiatives instead of disciplinary action with respect to the alcohol policy.

• When does this policy apply?• Students will be considered for a one time acceptance under the guidelines of the policy

through a review of the sequence of events that occurred during their incident. The spirit of the Good Samaritan is that there is an ethical responsibility to help people in need and this policy is designed to save lives. It is an expectation that our students will take active steps to protect the health and safety and well-being of the community and one another.

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Drugs & Paraphernalia• The possession, use, misuse, manufacture, distribution, improper

possession, possession with intent to sell and/or sale of illegal/unauthorized harmful drugs, prescription medication, drug paraphernalia (including but not limited to hookahs, pipes, bongs, bowls, etc.) misuse of any product to act as a drug is a violation of state and federal laws, and is contrary to Sacred Heart University policies.

• Students found responsible for violating any part of this policy, are subject to university disciplinary action and/or arrest and prosecution by state and/or federal authorities.

• For students with alcohol or drug addictions, the Counseling & Health service Offices serve as a resource to assist the student in receiving the appropriate assistance for recovery.

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Confronting Drugs• State who you are:• RSA

• State what you are doing:• Documenting the violation

• Know where to stand:• Take notes for the DOD and stand by the door

• Know when to ask for help• Always call the DOD and Public Safety when you suspect drug use

or paraphernalia• Don’t forget to state why you are there and to answer

questions and let the residents know that they will be receiving an email from the RHD• “We smelt something in the hallway…”

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Smoking• SHU is a smoke-free campus. This is a new policy that took

effect on January 1, 2012.• Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. A map of these

areas can be found online at sacredheart.edu-> Smoke-Free SHU Initiative-> Designated Smoking Areas

• This website contains information/ answers for FAQs as well• It’s everyone’s responsibility to enforce the policy• Just kindly ask the person(s) to move to the designated areas• Knowing where the areas are located in your area is helpful• If a person or student is resistant or rude, let your supervisor or Public

Safety know and they will enforce the policy

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Damage & Vandalism

• Students who willfully/maliciously damage property are required to pay for damages and are subject to disciplinary action.

True Story: The fourth floor of Merton was a very tight community. Some of the guys were very destructive when they were intoxicated and destroyed a bathroom. Although the residents knew who did the damage no one said a word. The entire floor was going to absorb a $5,000 damage bill that was going to be about $200 per person. Billy’s finances were shaky to begin with and once his parents received this bill they questioned why he should go back to school when they could barely afford normal costs. Finding out who does damage is important so that innocent people do not have to pay for other people’s reckless actions.

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Fire Safety• Fire Drill vs. Fire Alarm

• Drills are planned• Alarms are intentional or accidental and very dangerous

• Evacuation Plan• Each building has it’s own plan – Know yours

• Windows/Screens are in place for your safety• Items not allowed

• Candles/Incense• Ceiling/Wall Coverings – Easy to light on fire• Holiday Decorations – Only 60% of your door can be covered• Open Coil Appliances

• Room Gatherings• Too many people in a room can lead to a fire hazard• Maximum of 2 people per resident (Triple = 9 people in a room, etc.)

• Fire Safety Equipment:• Fire Extinguishers – Training will be held w/ Fairfield Fire in August• Pull Stations – Every building has them and if you see a fire use them.• Emergency Exits – Make sure they are not blocked and work properly• Call Boxes – All over campus for a direct line to Public Safety

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Guest Policy• The Guest Policy is the same for every area on campus

regardless of age and location.• Residents are permitted two overnight guests of the same sex.• All hosts must obtain authorization from RA/RHD for the guest

24 hours in advance, in addition to roommate signature using the Overnight Guest Registration Form. (Every area has guest passes that are supposed to be used for overnight guests)

• Residents are responsible for the actions/ behaviors of their guests/visitors regarding all policies.

• It is the RSAs responsibility to make sure the residents of your area know how to obtain Overnight Guest Passes.

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Health & Safety

• Be aware of the prohibited items in the student handbook.• SHOT GLASSES even for decoration are not allowed in an under

21 area• The University reserves to right to search a room/apartment

of any resident upon reasonable belief that violations of federal, state, or local laws, or SHU policy are occurring, or for safety/wellness/emergency reasons.

• Once a semester Health and Safety Checks will be completed by the RSA’s with the direction of your RHD.

• Resident hall staff are authorized to confiscate items that are no permitted. Items should not be disposed of unless it is alcohol. Items should be kept in the RSA office and only given back with the RHD’s permission.

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Lockouts & Lost Keys

• Residents must carry their Student ID and keys at all times and may not duplicate or lend them out.

• Lost Student IDs can be replaced by the Student Union and the resident can go online to deactivate the card so that it is not used to purchase items on campus.

• Residents must report lost keys immediately to Residence Life immediately. Lost keys may result in a lock change and a could result in a $35 fine.

• If a resident becomes locked out of their room they should first contact an RA to be let in at cost of $5 to be paid at time of entry. Public Safety will admit a student at the cost of $10.

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Noise & Respectful Living

• Courtesy house are in place at all times:• 24/7

• Quiet hours:• Sunday- Thursday 9 PM- 8 AM• Friday- Saturday 1 AM- 9 AM• Your staff determines how strict this policy can be. One RSA not

enforcing policy will effect the entire building/area.• During final exams:• Quiet hours are 24 hours

• Any violation that disrupts the community may result in immediate removal for the remainder of finals

• Non-overnight guests are permitted in the halls 9 AM- 1 AM Sunday- Thursday, 9 AM -2 AM Friday- Saturday

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Disruptive Behavior• Disruptive behavior, that which interferes with the educational

process or which prevents reasonable free access to SHU property and activities, is not permitted.

• Offenders will be subject to disciplinary action.• Students are expected to conduct themselves responsibly at

all times, respecting the rights of others.• Any behaviors that show disregard or disrespect for the

personal/property rights of others or of SHU are unacceptable and considered inappropriate (see judicial system violations).

• Any sexual activity on the SHU campus between unmarried individuals or sexual behavior in view of others is also considered inappropriate behavior and will be addressed through the Student Conduct Code system

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Sexual Assault & Assault• These topics will be covered in depth during RSA training• They are currently being rewritten and the process is changing• You will be receiving training in August regarding the proper

procedures to follow.• This is an area that no one expects you to be able to handle on

your own and NO MATTER WHAT you should contact a higher person (DOD, Your RHD, Wellness Center, or Public Safety)

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Theft• Theft of money or property from SHU, from any member of

the Community, or on SHU premises as well as the misappropriation or unauthorized use of any SHU facility is not permitted.

• Those violating this rule will be subject to disciplinary action.• All thefts should be reported to Public Safety immediately

when you are notified of them. • Contact your RHD with all of the details your residents give

you as well.

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Weapons• Weapons, including, but not limited to, firearms, explosives

and knives are not permitted on any property owned or leased by SHU. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.

• Knives over 3” long that are not used for culinary purposes are prohibited from the SHU community.

• Immediately inform Public Safety, the DOD or your RHD if you find anything you think is considered a weapon.

• Better to be safe than sorry.

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RSA’s and Policies• Policy Enforcement is one of the key elements to the RSA job.• RSA’s should never go looking for trouble as plenty of trouble

will find you. Just ask a returning RSA.• The more consistent you are with your policy enforcement the

more fair the entire system of policies is for everyone.• Once you let one person get away with a policy you run the

risk of having everyone believe that they can get away with a policy. DON’T BE THAT RSA!!!

• There is always someone to support you 24 hours a day with policy enforcement. You can call the Director on Duty or Public Safety at any time for assistance.

• If you don’t know ask. We would rather you check than make a mistake.