Bluffton University provides a unique campus environment. The rules regulating campus conduct contribute to that environment. Rules prohibiting smoking, drinking and drugs on campus are based on consideration of health, cleanliness, safety and regard for others. The university realizes its rules cannot regulate the behavior of students when they are not under its jurisdiction. However, off-campus behavior still remains a matter of concern to the campus community. Off-campus conduct may detrimentally affect not only a student's academic effectiveness, but also the life and activities of others. Bluffton retains the right to exclude anyone whoes conduct does injury to self or the campus community. Students are admitted to Bluffton University with the understanding that they will be responsible members of the academic community.
As members of this community, students are encouraged to worship regularly on campus and in the church of their choice. In addition, the board of trustees, in cooperation with faculty, staff and students, has determined specific standards conducive to cooperative community living at Bluffton University. Specific expectations are:
- Practice openness and honesty in all your relations with members of the community, faculty, staff and students.
- Conduct yourself with respect for persons and property.
- Practice the Honor System in taking examinations and writing research papers.
- Refrain from patterns of behavior that cause injury to self and others: e.g., smoking, drinking, drug use, gambling, sexual exploitation and profanity.
- The use of tobacco on campus, on all official university trips (e.g., athletics, field trips, student teaching and at university-sponsored activities is prohibited.
- The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on campus nor at any university-sponsored activity. If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages while off campus, the university expects strict compliance with federal, states and local laws, and that students do not call attention to themselves. Persons who make a habit of drinking or who disrupt campus life with unseemly behavior as a result of drinking are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal.
- The illegal use or possession of hallucinogenic or narcotic drugs, including marijuana, is prohibited.
- In-room and floor visitation by members of the opposite gender is permitted only during special hours.
- Self-selective fraternities and sororities are not permitted.
In this campus community, both students and faculty share the responsibility of maintaining campus standards. Disciplinary cases are normally resolved through the campus judicial system. Infraction of the rules and any serious misconduct become the concern of the faculty and students who are a part of the judicial system. For your welfare and in the best interests of the campus community, the university reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student at any time college authorities deem such action necessary.
Taken from the Bluffton University catalog: