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University Student Handbook

4. Respect for University Process and Functions

The University community believes in the right, and is committed to the protection of, all peaceful forms of protest including mass demonstrations, pickets, and rallies. The campus must be open to a free exchange of ideas; therefore, all members of the community are expected to conduct dialogues with dignity and courtesy.

Part 1

4.1 Responding
4.2 Obstruction
4.3 Freedom of Movement
4.4 Impeding Activities
4.5 Public Speaking
4.6 Vacating Facilities
4.7 Identification
4.8 False Identification
4.9 Student Addresses and Phones
4.10 Encouraging Violations
4.11 Complying with Instructions
4.12 University Grievance Procedures
4.13 Computing Facilities
4.14 Computer/Network Accounts and Use
4.15 Files and Programs
4.16 Resource Use
4.17 Proprietary Software and Copyrighted Materials
4.18 Personal Use
4.19 Security and Privacy
4.20 Web Page Content

4.1 Responding

Students must appear before a University official when properly notified to appear and must be informed of the reason for which they have been summoned.

4.2 Obstruction

Students must recognize and respect the legitimate functions of the University. Obstructing or disrupting or interfering with teaching, research, administrative, service and other functions of the University is prohibited. Making noise or causing noise to be made with objects or instruments which disturbs any of the above is prohibited.

4.3 Freedom of Movement

Students must allow other students, school officials, employees, and invited guests of the University lawful freedom of movement on the campus, lawful use of the property of the University, and the right of lawful entrance to and exit from any of the University's physical facilities.

4.4 Impeding Activities

Students must recognize and allow the staff or faculty of the University to engage in the lawful performance of their duties, or for students to pursue their educational activities. Impeding or restricting these activities through the use of restraint, abduction, coercion, or intimidation, or when force and violence are present or threatened, is prohibited.

4.5 Public Speaking

Visitors to the campus, students, staff, or faculty wishing to publicly address the University community at other than a University-sponsored event must first check with the Memorial Union scheduling office to insure that the time, place, and manner of the address does not interfere with normal University functioning.

4.6 Vacating Facilities

Students must vacate a building, street, sidewalk, driveway, or other facility of the University when directed to do so by an authorized official of the University, or during a fire alarm.

4.7 Identification

A student is expected and required to carry his or her University identification card at all times. Students must identify himself or herself to an authorized University official having just cause to issue the order. The official must provide identification as the student requests it.

4.8 False Identification

The University identification card is to be used exclusively by the student to whom it belongs. Possession of and/or manufacture of any form of false identification is prohibited.

4.9 Student Addresses and Phones

Students must provide the University with his or her correct current home and local mailing address by notifying Enrollment Services. Students are expected to initialize their residence hall voice mail systems and to empty voice mailboxes on a regular basis.

4.10 Encouraging Violations

To encourage, entice, influence, or enlist another person to violate any of the University rules, regulations, or policies listed in this handbook is prohibited.

4.11 Complying with Instructions

Students must comply with instructions of University or town officials (e.g., faculty, staff, police, safety and fire officials) when they have just cause to issue these instructions.

4.12 University Grievance Procedures

These procedures for students are designed to handle complaints and grievances concerning the actions, decisions, or inaction of faculty and/or staff members. A student should initiate an attempt to resolve the problem with the individual whose action or decision is being questioned. If satisfaction is not reached at this level, the student should proceed up the normal administrative hierarchy.

For example, in academic matters such as a grade complaint, the student should first speak with his or her professor. The normal hierarchy then leads to the department chairperson, dean of the college, and provost.

Similarly, complaints regarding administrative actions and decisions should first be addressed to the individual whose action or decision is being questioned. The normal hierarchy then leads to the appropriate dean, director, or department head, and then to the vice president or provost of the division in question. In the event of a complaint alleging discrimination, the student may choose to have his or her complaint heard under the procedures listed in Section 2.14.

The following offices are available to advise and inform students concerning such complaints:

Affirmative Action, Carlotti Administration Building
Counseling Center, Roosevelt Hall
Office of Student Life, Memorial Union

In addition to consulting with these individuals, a student may ask the Ombud to review a complaint or grievance for the purpose of attempting an informal resolution. In most cases the Ombud or student assistant to the Ombud will not become actively involved until the student has personally exhausted the normal grievance procedures. In situations where a formal appeal mechanism already exists, the University Grievance Procedure may be used only after the specific appeal procedures are exhausted.

4.13 Computing Facilities

The computing and networking resources provided by the University of Rhode Island are to be used responsibly in an efficient, ethical and legal manner consistent with the objectives of the University. All users of information technology resources must comply with all federal, Rhode Island and other applicable law, and University policies. Inappropriate activities may jeopardize a user's continued access to University's computing and networking facilities. Users who violate this policy may be denied access to University information technology resources and may be subject to other penalties and criminal or conduct action. The University may temporarily suspend or block access to an account, prior to the initiation or completion of such procedures, when it appears necessary to do so in order to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of University or other computing resources or to protect the University from liability. Computing privileges may be withdrawn when violations have occurred.

4.14 Computer/Network Accounts and Use

No one shall use another individual's computer user ID unless explicitly permitted to do so by the authorized user of that ID.

4.15 Files and Programs

Information integrity must be protected on all systems. Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, tapes, diskettes, passwords or any type of data belonging to other users unless specifically authorized to do so. Similarly, individuals shall not use University computing and networking resources to develop or execute programs that could harass others, deny service to other users, infiltrate computing or network systems, gather unauthorized information or damage or alter any software components.

4.16 Resource Use

Respect the finite capacity of technological resources and avoid excessive use of resources. Users shall not use the network and computing resources to harass others, violate others' privacy, tamper with security provisions, attempt entry to non-public hosts or perform illegal acts. Attempts to impersonate others or commit fraudulent acts such as altering the "From:" line or disguising or hiding the origin of electronic messages is prohibited. Other violations include the creation and dissemination of computer "worms" and "viruses," the sending of electronic chain mail, the inappropriate sending of "broadcast" messages, and excessive use of printers and other resources. The unauthorized use of programs that scan networks for vulnerabilities and/or alter network security are prohibited.

4.17 Proprietary Software and Copyrighted Materials

4.18 Personal Use

Information technology resources and services are provided to students for educational use. Personal use is permitted when it does not interfere with normal University activities and when it otherwise complies with this policy. Personal use must not involve solicitation, personal financial gain, outside business activities, or political campaigning.

4.19 Security and Privacy

Unauthorized access to systems and data is prohibited. Attempts to breach the security of systems and data may result in conduct action and possible criminal prosecution.

4.20 Web Page Content

The following must not be included in official, research/instruction, or personal Web pages themselves or in Web pages accessed via direct links from University Web pages:

copyrightable or licensed materials for which the necessary permissions for use have not been obtained
material for commercial gain unrelated to the University
material or speech that is unlawful or illegal unless with disclaimer for illustrative academic purposes only
material that is intended to damage, to interfere with, or place an excessive load on a computer system or network

Part 2

4.21 Policies for Dining Services
4.22 Dining Contracts
4.23 Special Diets
4.24 Dining Refunds
4.25 Access to Dining Halls
4.26 Misuse of Dining Privileges
4.27 Loud or Abusive Action
4.28 Health Services
4.29 Health Services Fee
4.30 Accident/Sickness Insurance
4.31 Immunization Requirements

4.21 Policies for Dining Services

Provisions contained in the Dining Services contract are reprinted here and are considered to be official rules and regulations. Specifics on Dining Services procedures may be obtained at the Campus Access Office located in the Memorial Union.

4.22 Dining Contracts

In accordance with the existing covenants and University loan agreements, all students who elect to reside in any University residence, except apartments with kitchens, are required to participate in the University sponsored meal program. They must purchase one of the different resident meal plans to suit their eating, study, and work habits. Students should consult the dining services website for plan details.

4.23 Special Diets

The University is a non-sectarian institution and resources are not available to construct special diet kitchens for religious, health, or personal reasons.

All variance requests must be submitted and approved prior to the first day of class in order to obtain a full refund.

Extreme medical problems are reviewed by a staff nutritionist along with consultation from URI Health Services. Some medical problems may be able to be accommodated. Those students requesting a variance from the meal plans for medical reason must submit a medical variance request form to Dining Services. These forms are available at the campus Access Office in the Memorial Union.

4.24 Dining Refunds

Only students who officially withdraw from the University will receive Dining Services refunds for amounts due. The refund policy is posted in the campus Access Office located in the Memorial Union.

4.25 Access to Dining Halls

Access to meals is gained through the use of Biometric Hand Recognition and Student ID cards. Students are required to enroll their hand geometry readings at the Campus Access Office. Hand Recognition data will not be shared with anyone outside the University. Students are required to bring their ID cards to all meals. Lost cards should be reported during working hours to the campus Access Office located in the Memorial Union. Temporary meal passes valid for a 24-hour period are issued at the campus Access Office for students on a Board Plan. Students with a Points Plan are not eligible for temporary ID cards. Students who are not able to find their card during a 24-hour period must obtain a duplicate card at the campus Access Office. A fee will be charged for the replacement of lost ID cards, as well as for the replacement of damaged ID cards.

Meal plan members who do not bring their ID cards to meals and are not registered in the Hand Recognition database will be required to pay cash for the meal. A refund will be provided if the student brings his or her ID card to the campus Access Office within three working days, and it can be determined from a computer printout that the student's ID was not used to obtain a meal. No refunds will be provided after three working days.

4.26 Misuse of Dining Privileges

Improper use of the Dining Services meal plan by trying to procure additional portions for others, improper use of ID cards, or removal of food or food service equipment is prohibited, and offenders will be referred to the University Student Conduct System for formal action. Persons attempting to use meal plan authorizations not belonging to them may be billed for a full semester meal plan and/or other sanctions imposed as a result of formal action. Eating food before payment in the Rams Den is prohibited.

4.27 Loud or Abusive Action

Loud and abusive actions (including participation in "food fights") which disturb or threaten the peaceful assembly of the students in the dining rooms will be grounds for referral to the University Student Conduct System. In addition refer to Sections 2.5, 4.4, and 6.3.

4.28 Health Services

Provisions contained in Health Services brochures and insurance policies are reprinted below and are official University policy. Specifics on Health Services procedures may be obtained in Health Services at the reception desk or from the web at www.health.uri.edu.

4.29 Health Services Fee

The health fee is mandatory for all full-time undergraduate and graduate students and all international students. Part-time students who choose to receive their health care at URI Health Services can be assessed this fee upon request. The health fee covers the cost of the following:

routine office visits with URI staff providers (the full cost of visits if insurance doesn't cover the cost and/or co-pay expenses in situations where insurance covers a portion)
ambulance/emergency transport services (by URI EMS)
pharmacy (all over-the-counter medicines, there is a co-pay for some prescriptions for acute care, and medications for chronic conditions are billed at 50% of cost)
administrative and clinical services provided at health services not covered by third party insurance
health education

4.30 Accident/Sickness Insurance

It is the policy of the University of Rhode Island that all full-time students have current health insurance to provide coverage for unexpected, extended, and expensive care resulting from accidents and illnesses that are not covered by the Student Health Services fee. All full-time students and all international students and their dependents are required to purchase school health insurance unless evidence of comparable coverage in another plan is provided to the University through a completed waiver form. Waiver forms are accepted on the web at www.health.uri.edu.

To waive the Accident Sickness Insurance, a student must complete and submit the waiver to Health Services each year, prior to the end of the add period (the first two weeks of classes). Unless the waiver is received, the student will be responsible for the insurance fee. The Accident/Sickness Insurance is optional for non-international part-time students. Students who elect insurance coverage through the University are also required to pay the Health Services fee each semester they are registered students regardless of the number of credits they are carrying.

Insurance questions should be addressed to the Health Services Insurance Coordinator.

4.31 Immunization Requirements

In accordance with Section 23-1-18(9) of the general laws of Rhode Island, each entering student must provide a certificate signed by a licensed health care provider giving the dates of immunization to protect against Rubella (German Measles), Rubeola (Measles), and mumps in addition to Hepatitis B, varicella, and a tetanus, diphtheria (TD) booster within ten years. Proof of immunity through a blood test will be accepted in lieu of the shots. Students who do not provide Health Services with this completed certificate within 30 days of the request will be sanctioned and that may delay registration for the upcoming semester.
If an outbreak of vaccine-preventable disease should occur, and exempt/unvaccinated student shall be excluded from school for a period of time as determined by the Rhode Island Health Department based on a case-by-case analysis of public health risk.
Vaccines for Influenza and Meningococcal Meningitis are strongly recommended. Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test is required for Health Science programs and/or if the student has traveled to certain parts of the world. These and other immunizations are available at Health Services. There may be a minimal cost to cover selected vaccines. There is no cost to the student for the administration of the vaccine.

Student Life - University Conduct System