ARTICLE V. RESPONSIBIILITY FOR THE COMMON GOOD

1. The University
   Buena Vista University is a community of learning characterized by mutual responsibility and the active concern of each for the good of all, in common pursuit of wisdom.  This responsibility includes regard for the safety, security and health of others. It also includes respect and care for what we share in common and hold in trust for the educational mission of the University: tangible goods like the physical facilities of the University; intangible good like traditions of mutual respect and civil behavior.
   Buena Vista University students are encouraged to speak freely, to assemble peacefully and to petition. They may expect freedom from personal force and violence, threats of violence and personal abuse.  As members of an academic community, students should conduct themselves within limits established by Buena Vista University for maintaining a learning environment.
   At BVU, the student’s academic and social freedoms are largely unrestricted — until the choices made begin to interfere with the freedom and rights of other members of the campus community. However, responsibility does not simply end where the regulations begin. It is also the student’s responsibility, as a member of the University community, to work to improve the conditions for learning and living on the campus.
   A function of Buena Vista University is to facilitate the learning and development of persons within the University community. This purpose carries with it the responsibility to regulate conduct and behavior so that the achievement of educational and other goals is not impeded, obstructed or threatened. Ultimately, university authority in matters of student conduct resides with the president of the University and the person(s) to whom immediate authority and responsibility has been delegated, namely, the Vice President for Student Affairs and his/her staff.  Student conduct, which evidences good intentions, mature considerations for reasonable and foreseeable consequences, and respect for others will support the standards of the University community.
   If a student is involved in misconduct, the University may impose sanctions.  In general, the University is concerned with violations of campus rules and policies. However, civil or criminal infractions may be of such a nature or severity that there is a legitimate reason for concern for the safety, property, well-being and reputation of the University or the safety, property and well-being of members of the University community.
   Student organizations and groups are expected to adhere to all applicable institutional regulations. Officers of organizations are responsible for assuring compliance and, if appropriate, for representation when disciplinary proceedings are initiated.
2. Respect for the Dignity of the Person
   At BVU we strive to create an environment where respect and dignity of each person is recognized as a core value.  It is particularly necessary that this respect encompasses diversity and differences of opinion. Offenses against persons because of their race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexual orientation are especially intolerable in view of the University’s commitment to respect for the person. The regulations and prohibitions in this Code of Student Conduct protect the dignity of the whole person.
3. Personal Integrity
   The education offered by Buena Vista University is an education that instills in its students the virtues of humility, civility, integrity and respect. Especially appropriate in a University community are virtues for truthfulness, honesty and personal honor.  Misrepresentation of any kind, whether inside or outside the classroom, is a violation of truth. Buena Vista University believes that students must accept their responsibility as citizens to obey local, state and Federal laws.  For the sake of their own self-respect and well-being, it is incumbent on all students to exercise temperance in the consumption of alcohol.  Only students who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older are permitted to possess or consume alcohol. Students will not be excused from responsibility for actions committed under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The regulations and prohibitions that follow ensure the personal integrity expected of every student of Buena Vista University.
4. Good Samaritan Policy
   The health and safety of students is the primary concern of the BVU community. Consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol or controlled substances can place a person at risk of serious illness or even death. When an on-campus student believes that assistance for an intoxicated/impaired student is needed, they are expected to contact Campus Security for assistance. Campus Security officers are trained in first aid and will assess intoxicated/impaired individuals to provide assistance, and necessary, facilitate transport to the appropriate medical facilities for treatment. Students who contact Campus Security to obtain aid for another person in need of assistance will be given consideration based on the circumstances of the incident.

​