Student Handbook | Bellarmine University

Student Handbook

2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

Admitted students and guests of Bellarmine University are bound to abide by the

policies and procedures found in the Student Handbook. It is your responsibility

to annually view the contents of the handbook. You may receive a hardcopy of the

handbook in the Student Affairs Office (Centro, Treece Hall, CNTH 225K) or

view the handbook online at www.bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs. Free computer

access is available 24 hours a day every day of the year in the 24-hour study room

on the main level in the W.L. Lyons Brown Library.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Bellarmine University prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, gender, gender

identity, sex, sexual orientation, race, disability, color, religion, national or ethnic

origin, familial or economic status or any other protected category under applicable

local, state or federal law, in the administration of its educational policies, admis-

sion policies, scholarship and loan programs, terms and conditions of employment,

and athletic and other school administered programs. Bellarmine University will

not tolerate any form of sexual misconduct, which includes, but is not limited to,

sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking,

or retaliation arising out of any of the above acts, as more fully defined in the Bel

larmine Sexual Discrimination and Misconduct Policy. Our Catholic identity and

values of intrinsic dignity and hospitality call upon all students, faculty and staff

members to live out and promote this statement as they represent the institution

on campus and in the community.

Questions about this policy can be directed to:

Bellarmine University Human Resources

2001 Newburg Road Louisville, KY 40205

502.272.8435 | humanresources@bellarmine.edu

Allison Schumacher Smithkier

Chief Title IX Officer

502.272.7337 | aschumache01@bellarmine.edu

Student Handbook

2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

Information in the printed handbook is accurate as of the date of publication. For the latest up to date information on

student policies, please check the Bellarmine University Student Affairs website at www.bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs.

Dear Bellarmine Knight,

Welcome to the 2023-24 academic year at Bellarmine University! There is an essential value

in the Jesuit education tradition that formed Bellarmine’s name- sake, Robert Bellarmine: cura

personalis. It translates as “care for the whole person,” and it describes the ideal relationship

between faculty, staff and students, and among all those who work together in the University

community. These are the relationships that I hope you will discover, and help to nurture, in

your time at Bellarmine.

In caring for the whole person, we seek to nourish your body and spirit, as well as your

mind, by providing additional opportunities and resources outside the classroom, many of which

are outlined in this publication. You may broaden your horizons by studying abroad and by par-

ticipating in community engagement and internship experiences; challenge yourself physically

with more than 20 NCAA Division I varsity sports and dozens of intramural sports; and renew

your spirit in Our Lady of the Woods Chapel or in one of our many faith-based organizations.

I encourage you to become fully engaged and make your mark on Bellarmine.

Of course, we are also committed to providing a challenging academic experience. You

will find that our faculty members are personally invested in your success. The Student Suc-

cess Center provides a variety of services and resources to help you take ownership of your

learning, while the Career Development Center can set you on a path toward professional and

personal achievement. Be sure to find a mentor and commit yourself to being a prepared and

engaged student.

Live each day with integrity and reach outside your comfort zone to learn more about the

city, the world, and your own passions. These experiences will begin to shape your career, your

values, and the leader you become.

Your future is bright, and I look forward to watching you flourish. We are excited you are

here!

Sincerely,

Susan M. Donovan, Ph.D.

President

Dear Bellarmine Student,

The mission of Bellarmine University is to be an inclusive Catholic University that educates

students—mind, body, and spirit—for meaningful lives, rewarding careers, ethical leadership,

and service to improve the human condition.

Bellarmine University finds its Catholic identity in the inclusive spirit of Thomas Merton.

We believe in the search for the true self, the interconnectedness of life, and the solidarity of

the human spirit, which transcends ethnic, religious, and social divisions. We educate the whole

person to realize their highest potential as part of an interconnected world.

Our institutional values are:

• Academic Excellence - Promoting academic inquiry rooted in the liberal arts tradi-

tion—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and compassion—

with an expectation of excellence

• Intrinsic Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value and dignity of every individual

•

Social Responsibility - Cultivating grounded citizens who contribute to and advocate

for the public good, environmental sustainability, global understanding, and informed

civic engagement

• Integrity - Fostering strong ethical principles, honesty, fairness, transparency, and

trustworthiness

• Hospitality - Creating an inclusive community that welcomes all and models a spirit

of goodwill

• Stewardship - Exercising thoughtful stewardship of our University resources

As we begin the academic year, these values and beliefs are more important than ever, and our

mission remains the same. We want you to succeed and are here to help you reach your highest

potential. Utilize the services outlined in this publication. Get to know your exceptional profes-

sors, advisors, and staff members as you navigate your academic journey. Be an active member

of the community. Get involved.

We also ask you to take very seriously what it means to be a Bellarmine Knight. Ask for

help. If you see another Knight who may be facing a challenge, reach out and support them in

that challenge. Encourage your peers to do the same. In sum, embrace and fall in love with your

own unique Bellarmine experience. Go Knights!

In Veritatis Amore,

Helen Grace Ryan, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Academic Affairs.........................................................................................................502.272.8250

Accessibility Resource Center.......................................................................................502.272.8490

Campus Ministry.........................................................................................................502.272.8051

Campus Recreation......................................................................................................502.272.8312

Campus Bookstore.......................................................................................................502.272.8111

Career Development Center..........................................................................................502.272.8151

Commuter Services......................................................................................................502.272.8150

Counseling Center......................................................................................................502.272.8480

Dining Services...........................................................................................................502.272.8305

Dr. Patricia Carver Office of Identity and Inclusion...........................................................502.272.8302

Financial Aid...............................................................................................................502.272.7300

Office of Health Services.............................................................................................502.272.8313

W.L. Lyons Brown Library...........................................................................................502.272.8141

Office for International Student & Scholar Services...........................................................502.272.7060

Office of Military and Veteran Services..........................................................................502.272.7072

Office of Public Safety and Transportation......................................................................502.272.7777

Office of Student Accounts............................................................................................502.272.8264

Orientation, New Student and Family Programs..............................................................502.272.8433

Registrar................................................................................................................502.272.8133

Residence Life Office...................................................................................................502.272.7272

Sport, Recreation and Fitness Center (SuRF).................................................................502.272.8312

Student Activities and Organizations..............................................................................502.272.7725

Study Abroad and International Programs.......................................................................502.272.7954

Student Affairs.............................................................................................................502.272.8150

Student Success Center.................................................................................................502.272.7400

Technology Support Center...........................................................................................502.272.8301

For additional contact information, please see the Faculty and Staff Directory available on your one.bellarmine.edu dashboard.

STUDENT HANDBOOK 8

Bellarmine University Mission.........................................................................................................8

Campus Traditions.........................................................................................................................8

Campus History.............................................................................................................................9

Student Rights & Responsibilities....................................................................................................10

Accessibility Resource Center........................................................................................................11

Housing & Residence Life...............................................................................................................13

Campus Health............................................................................................................................14

Office of Public Safety and Transportation.......................................................................................17

Non-Academic Policies.................................................................................................................20

Room Reservation Requests..........................................................................................................20

Outdoor Activities on Campus.......................................................................................................20

Student Travel and Transportation Policy........................................................................................21

Event Promotion and Posting Policy................................................................................................21

Raffles & Other Charitable Gaming Activities................................................................................22

Protest, Demonstration, Tabling, & Display Guidelines....................................................................22

Mandatory Risk Assessment..........................................................................................................24

Involuntary Withdrawals...............................................................................................................24

Adjustments & Refunds of Tuition Due to Involuntary Withdrawal.....................................................25

Miscellaneous Billing Policies........................................................................................................25

Gender Identity Inclusion..............................................................................................................26

Pregnant & Parenting Student Inclusion..........................................................................................26

Hazing Policy - Student Organizations.............................................................................................29

Medical Amnesty Policy...............................................................................................................29

University Alcohol Policy..............................................................................................................30

University Regulations Governing the Use of Alcohol........................................................................31

Alcohol Policy for Student Events..................................................................................................32

Illegal Drug Use Policy..................................................................................................................34

Tobacco Use Policy......................................................................................................................34

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Solicitation......................................................................................................................34

Technology Services & Support......................................................................................................35

Technology & Internet Usage Policy................................................................................................37

Illegal File Sharing........................................................................................................................37

Community Standards & Expectations............................................................................................37

Code of Student Conduct..............................................................................................................38

Student Conduct Procedures (Non-Academic)................................................................................38

Student Conduct Sanctions...........................................................................................................40

Student Non-Academic Grievance Policy........................................................................................41

Title IX and Gender-Related Grievances........................................................................................44

Bias-Related Incidents..................................................................................................................44

Disability Grievance Policy...........................................................................................................44

Campus Security Information 2019-2021........................................................................................45

Campus Life................................................................................................................................46

Campus Recreation & Wellness.....................................................................................................48

Career Development....................................................................................................................50

Campus Support and Care of Students...........................................................................................51

Address & Name Changes..............................................................................................................52

Campus Store..............................................................................................................................53

W.L. Lyons Brown Library...........................................................................................................53

Student Success Center.................................................................................................................54

Intellectual Property....................................................................................................................55

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)..........................................................................55

Financial Aid...............................................................................................................................55

Tuition Payment..........................................................................................................................56

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY 59

Policy: Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination......................................................60

Interim Resolution Process for Alleged Violations of the Policy on Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and

Nondiscrimination: Process A.......................................................................................................75

Sexual Misconduct Policy Appendix A: Statement of Rights of the Parties.......................................94

Sexual Misconduct Policy Appendix B: Violence Risk Assessment.....................................................96

Sexual Misconduct Policy Appendix C: Process B.........................................................................97

PARKING GUIDE 108

DINING SERVICES GUIDE 116

RESIDENTIAL LIVING GUIDELINES & COMMUNITY STANDARDS 121

Residence Life Mission & Vision....................................................................................................123

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Statement...........................................................................123

Housing and Residence Life Hall Staff...........................................................................................123

Non-Discrimination Policy..........................................................................................................123

Live on Requirement...................................................................................................................124

Five Principles of Community......................................................................................................124

Residence Hall Association (RHA)................................................................................................125

Recreational Games & Other Items..............................................................................................125

Safety Tips.................................................................................................................................125

Residence Hall Amenities & Services.............................................................................................126

Residence Hall Procedures..........................................................................................................129

Community Standards.................................................................................................................130

Facilities..................................................................................................................................135

Medical Events...........................................................................................................................136

Fire Safety..................................................................................................................................136

Student Conduct Process..............................................................................................................138

Bellarmine University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SAC-

SCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Bellarmine University

also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation

of Bellarmine University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on

Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available

on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY MISSION

Mission Statement

We are an inclusive Catholic University that educates students in

mind, body, and spirit for meaningful lives, rewarding careers,

ethical leadership, and service to improve the human condition.

Vision Statement

We will become the leading Catholic University in the South

by embracing innovation and creativity, forging new and mutu-

ally beneficial partnerships, intentionally diversifying curricula

and community, and providing a distinctive and transformative

student experience.

Values

Bellarmine University finds its Catholic identity in the inclusive

spirit of Thomas Merton. We believe in the search for the true

self, the interconnectedness of life and the solidarity of the human

spirit, which transcends ethnic, religious, and social divisions.

We educate the whole person to realize their highest potential

as part of an interconnected world. Our values are Academic

Excellence, Intrinsic Dignity, Social Responsibility, Integrity,

Hospitality, and Stewardship.

CAMPUS TRADITIONS

BU Fight Song

Words by Frank Knoop

On Knights of Bellarmine

Let the halls ring out with voices clear.

Let the scarlet and silver

Fly high on the hill

For all the other schools to see.

Let’s give a cheer one and all

For the school that tops them all

For it’s K-N-I-G-H-T-S

It’s the spirit that ranks the best!

BU Alma Mater

Words by Joseph J. McGowan; Music: Southern Folk Song

In the City of the Falls, high upon a hill

Stands Alma Mater Bellarmine the pride of Louisville

Her scarlet, silver colors true, shine brightly in the sun

And warm our hearts and memories, your daughters and your sons

The hopes and dreams and values born in our Kentucky home

Will stir our hearts and minds and lives wherever we may roam

And as we grow, dear Bellarmine, in the love of truth

Alma Mater Bellarmine, so grows our love for you

Motto - The motto of Bellarmine University is In Veritatis

Amore – in the love of truth. The love of truth that the university

strives to impart to its students is rooted in the conviction that

the human intellect is capable of penetrating an objective order

of reality and of arriving at communicable truths concerning it.

Growth in the love of truth requires intellectual humility and

intellectual honesty. It requires that emotion, prejudice, and

personal preference yield in the face of evidence and that truth

will be given respect and acceptance wherever and however it

is found. Bellarmine University aspires to assist its students to

develop an integrated philosophy of life centered upon a love of

truth ranging from the particular truths of each art and science

up to Divine Truth itself.

The Bellarmine Seal and Coat of Arms - The seal consists

of the coat of arms and university motto framed within three

circles, the band of which states the institution’s name, Bel-

larmine University; location, Louisville and Kentucky; and

founding date, 1950. The university’s logo uses the coat of

arms, without the three circles, along with the institution’s

name and Latin motto.

Framed by the band is the coat of arms. The shield is di-

vided into four quadrants indicating a cross, emblematic of the

university’s founding in 1950 by the Archdiocese of Louisville

in the distinguished Catholic tradition of higher education, the

oldest continuing tradition of higher education in the history of

the western world. Bellarmine continues to be inspired by the

excellent values in its founding Catholic tradition.

At the top center of the shield appears the helmet of the

Bellarmine Knight, the official mascot of the university. This

mascot was established by founding President Alfred Horrigan,

who was enchanted with the Arthurian legend and the quest for

the Holy Grail. The helmet references the head armor of the

beautiful campus sculpture of the Bellarmine Knight by Bob

Lockhart. The helmet’s decorative plume is a dove, reflecting

the primacy of peace in the world. Below the shield is the uni-

versity’s motto, In Veritatis Amore – in the love of truth.

At the junction of the four quadrants, there appears a fleur

de lis, the emblem of the beautiful City of Louisville, the proud

home of Bellarmine University.

In the upper left quadrant is a pineapple. A traditional sym-

bol of hospitality, the pineapple recalls the Tuscan warmth and

hospitality of the distinguished Montepulciano house of Jesuit,

Cardinal, and Saint Roberto Bellarmino, the university’s name-

sake and patron saint. By extension, the pineapple also represents

cura personalis, the concern for each person as an individual, and

each individual as a whole person, that characterizes teaching,

learning, and life at Bellarmine University and that welcomes

all persons to Bellarmine.

In the upper right quadrant appears the Ursula Laurel tree

derived from the Ursuline coat of arms and symbolic of the

privileged and fortunate participation of Bellarmine University

in the legendary Ursuline education tradition, a privilege made

possible by the openness and willingness of Ursuline College

to merge with Bellarmine in 1968.

The lower right quadrant of the shield is adorned with a

blazing torch bringing the light of truth and love to show the

way through, above, and beyond the darkness of ignorance and

hatred. While a traditional university symbol throughout the

ages, the torch also appears, prophetically and coincidentally,

in the family coat of arms of Bellarmine’s founder, former

Archbishop John Floersh, and Bellarmine’s former President,

Dr. Joseph McGowan.

In the lower left quadrant of the shield are five stripes. The

stripes represent five important values in the Catholic tradition

and the Bellarmine educational experience:

• the intrinsic dignity and value of every human being;

•

our responsibility to educate the whole person—mind,

body, heart, and soul;

•

the mystery, interconnectedness, and ongoing nature of

God’s creation and “the hidden wholeness of things”;

• the importance of both faith and reason as ways of seeking

the truth and of the compatibility of these ways of knowing;

•

the call to each of us to develop our gifts and abilities to the

fullest to give glory to God, to serve those in need, and to

make the world a better place.

The Bellarmine Seal was originally developed in the shape of an

oval in 1953 by Sister Mary Rademaker, then chair of the Ursu-

line College Department of Art. The seal was reconfigured into

a perfect circle in 1990 to improve legibility and presentation.

In 2000, the name change to Bellarmine University necessitated

corresponding changes in the official seal of the university. Presi-

dent Joseph McGowan took this occasion to authorize the draft

of a more complete coat of arms, the most important features of

which were to fill in the two previously vacant quadrants of the

coat of arms with the Ursula Laurel, symbol of St. Ursula, the

Ursuline Sisters, and Ursuline College; and with the inclusion

of the five symbolic bands in the other quadrant. The seal was

further refined in 2009.

CAMPUS HISTORY

Bellarmine College was opened on October 3, 1950, under the

sponsorship of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville

and with the special assistance of the Conventual Franciscan

Fathers. It followed third in a proud line of diocesan institutions

of higher learning founded by this diocese, the oldest in inland

America. The earlier predecessors were St. Joseph’s College in

Bardstown (1820-1889), which was closed in the 1860s by the

tumult of the Civil War, and St. Mary’s College near Lebanon

begun in 1821, which functioned as a liberal arts college until

1929 and exclusively as a seminary until 1975.

The Bellarmine campus of today stands on property that was

a part of a royal land grant from King George III to James Mc-

Corkle for his service in the French and Indian War. When the

American Republic was born, the land was retitled by Thomas

Jefferson, Governor of Virginia, of which Kentucky was then

a part. During the antebellum period, this land was owned by

the Griffin family, who, impoverished by the Civil War, sold

the estate to Bishop William George McCloskey for a seminary,

Preston Park, which opened in 1871 and functioned, with

interruptions, until 1909. During the Civil War, the Griffin

estate house served as a military hospital. Old Preston Park also

served at times as orphanages staffed by the Sisters of Charity

of Nazareth: St. Vincent’s for girls (1892-1901) and St. Thomas

for boys (1910-1938).

In 1950, the year of Bellarmine’s inception, the new school

became one of the first in the Commonwealth of Kentucky open

to all races. The first 42 graduating seniors, “The Pioneer Class,”

received their diplomas in 1954. In 1968, Bellarmine merged

with Ursuline College, a Catholic college for women established

by the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville in 1938. It was at the time

of merger that the traditional student body became coeduca-

tional (the evening division had been coeducational already),

and Bellarmine became independent with a self-perpetuating

governing board.

In 1963, Bellarmine opened the Thomas Merton Center

devoted to the works of Thomas Merton, a monk at the Abbey

of Gethsemani. Today this internationally significant archive

contains over 50,000 items. More than 200 doctoral disserta-

tions plus master’s theses and numerous books have been writ-

ten based in part on work at Bellarmine’s Center. In the spring

of 1997, the Thomas Merton Center moved into the second

floor of the W.L. Lyons Brown Library to a suite designed to

house its collections and provide space for scholars to meet and

work. Bellarmine began its first graduate program, the Master

of Business Administration, in 1975. Today the University

also offers doctoral degree programs in Education, Leadership

in Higher Education, Education and Social Change, Physical

Therapy, Nursing Practice and Health Professions Education;

an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership

and School Administration; and master’s degrees in Business

Administration, Communication, Digital Media, Education,

Health Science, Nursing, and Teaching.

In 2000, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name of

the institution from Bellarmine College to Bellarmine University

to reflect its true status as a Master’s 1 (M1) University. Today

Bellarmine University is made up of the Bellarmine College of

Arts and Sciences; the College of Health Professions, which

includes the Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and

Clinical Sciences and the School of Movement and Rehabilita-

tion Sciences; the W. Fielding Rubel School of Business; the

Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education; and the School

of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Bellarmine University is situated on approximately 135

acres of gently rolling terrain through which Louisville’s his-

toric Beargrass Creek flows. During the 1990s, a number of

construction projects were completed: Petrik Hall, a six-story

residence hall that houses 134 students in comfortable and at-

tractive suites; Miles Hall, a 26,500-square-foot classroom and

office building for the nursing and health science programs; and

the W.L. Lyons Brown Library.

As enrollment has continued to grow in the new millennium,

particularly the number of residential students, many additional

building projects have been completed: Our Lady of the Woods

Chapel in the wooded area above Newburg Road; Anniversary

Hall, a 200-bed residence hall; Siena Primo, Siena Secondo,

Siena Terzo, and Siena Quarto, a complex of new residence halls;

Owsley B. Frazier Stadium; the Campus Center on two floors

of Horrigan Hall; the Bellarmine Sport, Recreation and Fitness

Center; the Eddie Weber Tennis Complex; major expansions of

the University Dining Hall and the former School of Communi-

cation; the 28,500-square-foot Norton Health Science Center;

the Owsley Brown Frazier Stadium and Joseph P. and Janet A.

Clayton Field; the Fontana di Verità (Fountain of Truth); and a

three-story addition to the Bellarmine Office Building, which

was renamed Nolen C. Allen Hall in 2012.

In 2013, Bellarmine gained a signature entrance with the

construction of St. Robert’s Gate, a 3 ½-story arched entryway

donated by Bellarmine alumni Nick (’69) and Gincy (’70) Carosi

and Arban & Carosi, an architectural precast concrete firm in

Virginia of which Nick Carosi is president. In 2015, Bellarmine

honored Joseph P. Clayton ’71 – president and CEO of DISH

network and a pioneer in the telecommunications industry, as

well as a generous philanthropist – by renaming the building that

houses the communication program to Joseph P. Clayton Hall.

In 2017, the University completed Bellarmine Centro, one

of the most significant construction projects ever undertaken

at Bellarmine. Centro connects Horrigan and Treece Halls,

which were thoroughly renovated, by an atrium to a beautiful

new building, Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, Jr., Hall, forming a true

campus center. Centro provides classroom and office space, an

Admissions Welcome Center, the Career Development Center,

Campus Ministry, and the W. Fielding Rubel School of Business.

Under Bellarmine’s fourth president, Dr. Susan M. Donovan,

Bellarmine has seen record-breaking fundraising, increased

diversity in its student population, and an emphasis on making

the university affordable and accessible to all. In the spring of

2019, the Board of Trustees approved a new strategic plan for

the universiy, “Tradition and Transformation,” to guide the

university for the next five to seven years. Bellarmine achieved

a key initiative in the strategic plan when its athletic programs

moved from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I on July

1, 2020, through an invitation from the ASUN Conference,

making Bellarmine the only private DI university in Kentucky.

This move allows Bellarmine to share its story on a larger stage.

Under Dr. Donovan’s leadership, the university has commit-

ted to making college possible for talented students who might

otherwise not pursue a degree with initiatives such as the

Public Price Promise, a unique merit scholarship that matches

the direct cost of qualifying students’ state flagship university,

and the Hope Kentucky Scholars Program, a scholarship for

students based on their Federal Pell Grant status that helps to

cover 100% of their tuition and fees. These initiatives and others

have contributed to a more diverse student body. The incoming

Class of 2027 will be the most diverse in Bellarmine’s history.

STUDENT RIGHTS &

RESPONSIBILITIES

Each member of a community is guaranteed certain rights.

Likewise, each member has responsibilities to that community.

Bellarmine University has established certain rights as well as

rules and regulations to promote an educational environment of

trust and mutual respect. Each new student entering the Uni-

versity is expected to read and refer to the most current version

of academic and student conduct policies as published in this

handbook and/or in the Course Catalog. Official correspondence

from the University will be sent through Bellarmine University

email. As a private educational institution, Bellarmine University

is committed to educating its students academically, encouraging

their personal development, and promoting their welfare. The

University community can best perform its educational mission

when students share with other members of the community the

accountability for responsible conduct. Student conduct policies

and practices are concerned not only with protecting the safety

and wellbeing of the campus as a whole, but also with assuring

that each student’s rights are recognized and honored. In order to

ensure the protection of the rights of the student, the University

adheres to certain recognized reporting and appeals procedures.

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCE

CENTER

Bellarmine University is committed to equal educational oppor-

tunities and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is

the University’s policy that no qualified person be excluded from

participating in any University program or activities, be denied

the benefits of any University program or activities, or other-

wise be subject to discrimination with regard to any University

program or activity.

This policy derives from the University’s commitment to non-

discrimination for all persons in employment, access to facilities,

student programs, activities, and services. Students who believe

they have suffered disability discrimination should follow proce-

dures outlined in the Disability Service Grievance Policy outlined

below. In the event the University determines that discrimination

has occurred, it will take steps to prevent its recurrence and will

correct its effects as appropriate.

Achieving full participation and integration of people with dis-

abilities requires the cooperative efforts of all of the University’s

departments, offices, and personnel. Academic and housing accom-

modations are available to students with documented disabilities.

The Accessibility Resource Center is located in McGowan Hall.

For information regarding the University’s policies and services

for persons with disabilities, to review eligibility criteria, or to

apply for services online visit the Accessibility Resource Center

website, bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/accessibility-resource-

center. You may also contact the Accessibility Resource Center at

502.272.8490 or arc@bellarmine.edu for any additional questions.

Accessible Parking

Bellarmine University provides parking spaces at a reasonable

proximity to classroom buildings, residence halls, and office

buildings for students with disabilities. These spaces are clearly

marked with the universal symbol for accessible parking. Stu-

dents with disabilities wishing to park on campus must apply

for a Bellarmine Accessible Parking Permit through the Office

of Public Safety and Transportation. Please see the Parking

Guide at the end of this publication for policies and procedures

regarding accessible parking permits.

Pets, Service Animals, and Assistance Animals

Pets are not permitted in buildings on the Bellarmine University

campus, including residence halls, suites, campus apartments,

public buildings, classrooms, and eating areas. Any exceptions

to this policy (for example, the annual Blessing of the Animals)

must be approved by the Dean of Students. Animal owners

should follow Louisville leash laws and clean up after their pet.

Residential students may have certain types of fish, aquatic

frogs, and turtles that can survive under water in their resi-

dence hall room. Animals should be maintained in tanks of 10

gallons or less. There is a limit of no more than two tanks per

residence hall room.

Only certified service animals and approved assistance

animals registered with the Accessibility Resource Center are

permitted in these areas. The Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA) defines a service animal as “any dog that is individually

trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an indi-

vidual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric,

intellectual, or other mental disability.” A service animal is not

a pet but can perform some of the functions and tasks that an

individual with a disability cannot perform themselves. Animals

are considered “service animals” under ADA, if they meet this

definition, regardless of whether they have been licensed or

certified by a state or local government.

Assistance animals are not considered service animals. The

definition of assistance animals under The Fair Housing Act

(FHA) and for the purposes of Bellarmine’s policies is defined

as an animal that is prescribed to an individual with a disability

by a healthcare or mental health professional that may work,

provide assistance, or perform physical tasks for an individual

with a disability and/or provide necessary emotional support

to an individual with a mental or psychiatric disability that

alleviates one or more identified symptoms of an individual’s

disability, but which are not considered service animals under

the ADA. An assistance animal is necessary to afford a person

with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy Bellar-

mine residential living. There must be a relationship, or nexus,

between the individual’s disability and the assistance the animal

provides. Assistance animals are an integral part of a person’s

treatment process to assist in alleviating the symptoms of an

individual’s disability. They are not service animals and do not

accompany the individual at all times. Assistance animals are

only permitted in the assigned residential room and outdoor

spaces under the proper handling. Assistance animals are not

permitted in other campus buildings.

The full Service and Assistance Animal policy can be found

at https://tinyurl.com/BellarmineServiceAnimals. The care

and supervision of any service or approved assistance animal is

the responsibility of the individual with a disability using the

animal’s services. Service and assistance animals must also pose

no threat to the health or safety of members of the Bellarmine

University community to be permitted in buildings or on other

campus areas. The service animals must also not result in the

fundamental alteration of a University program or create an

unmanageable disturbance or interfere with the Bellarmine

Community. Please contact the Accessibility Resource Center

at 502.272.8490 or arc@bellarmine.edu for information about

the approval process and documentation requirements.

Evacuations of Persons with Disabilities

Bellarmine University is committed to developing and imple-

menting procedures to assist students with disabilities during an

emergency. However, students must create their own personal

emergency plan that addresses their needs before and during

an evacuation. Students with a disability or temporary injury

affecting mobility must plan in advance and be aware of their

own capabilities and limitations. This information provides a

general guideline of evacuation procedures for persons with

disabilities for fire or other building emergencies.

Individual Emergency Evacuation Plan

Individuals who need assistance during an emergency should

discuss concerns and options with The Accessibility Resource

Center. The Accessibility Resource Center can assist you in

developing a plan to meet your needs in case of an emergency.

Students may choose to develop an emergency evacuation plan

with any of the following University officials:

•

Accessibility Resource Center, 076 McGowan Hall - Centro

502.272.8490 arc@bellarmine.edu

•

Residence Life Office, Petrik Hall, First Floor 502.272.7272

reslife@bellarmine.edu

•

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation, 054 Treece

Hall - Centro 502.272.7777 security@bellarmine.edu

All emergency plans will be kept confidential within the Of-

fice of Public Safety and Transportation. However, emergency

safety personnel, and other college representatives may be in-

formed if an individual with a disability or injury might require

help with evacuating during an emergency. The plan should

include specific evacuation procedures, sheltering procedures,

and means of communication in the event of an emergency. It

should also contain:

• For each of the buildings that the individual frequents, the

safest location on each floor where they can await assistance

from emergency personnel;

•

Communication tools that the individual can use to inform

emergency personnel of their location;

•

The names of at least two evacuation assistants who are

willing and able to assist the individual during an emergency.

Emergency Plan Guidelines for Students

• Bring your individual emergency plan to the attention of

your faculty members, employers, coaches and roommates

the extent of the assistance you may need in case of an emer-

gency. It is your responsibility to make your needs known

•

Notification System, RAVE.

•

Become familiar with all emergency exits, evacuation

routes, and designated evacuation assembly areas in the

buildings you frequent.

•

If necessary, identify people willing to serve as “evacua-

tion assistants.” An identified evacuation assistant could

be a classmate, class instructor, supervisor, roommate,

co-worker, or any individual who could be in the vicinity

during a potential emergency. The evacuation assistant

should be familiar with your evacuation plan in advance

of an emergency.

Guidelines for Evacuation Assistance

The following general guidelines are intended to help evacuate

individuals with disabilities. However, these guidelines may not

apply in every circumstance due to specific individual needs.

It is important to remember that evacuation can be difficult

and uncomfortable for both the rescuers and the people being

assisted. Some people have conditions that can be aggravated

if they are moved incorrectly. Before attempting to evacuate a

person with a disability, consider your options and the risk of

injury to yourself and others.

• Individuals should be invited to volunteer ahead of time to

assist persons with disabilities in an emergency.

•

Only trained emergency personnel should attempt to evacu-

ate an individual who is in a wheelchair or incapable of safely

navigating the stairs.

•

Always ask someone with a disability how you can help.

Information about how they can best be assisted or moved,

and whether there are any special considerations or items

that need to come with them will be in the individual

emergency evacuation plan.

•

Information about possible lifting or physical support needed

for individuals with limited mobility will be included in the

individual emergency evacuation plan. Before attempting an

evacuation, volunteers and the people being assisted should

discuss how any lifting or physical support will be done.

•

If the situation is life threatening, call 911 and security

immediately.

•

Become familiar with all emergency exits, evacuation routes,

and designated evacuation assembly areas in the buildings

assigned to you on the individual emergency evacuation plan.

• There may be times when it is not safe to evacuate an indi-

vidual in a wheelchair. Whenever possible, someone should

remain with the person with a disability while another

individual exits the building and notifies rescue personnel

of your exact location.

Building Evacuation Options

•

Ground level: Exit the building immediately using building

exits to an outside ground level. If on an upper level, use

stairs. Do not use elevators, unless authorized by emer-

gency personnel. In most buildings, elevators are rendered

inoperable in the event of a fire emergency.

•

Evacuation Assembly Areas: On your own or with an

evacuation assistant go to an Evacuation Assembly Area

if it is away from the obvious danger zone. If a designated

Evacuation Assembly Area is not available, your evacuation

assistant or other individuals available to help will notify

emergency personnel of your location and needs. Usually, the

safest area of refuge are pressurized stairwells. Evacuation

Assembly Areas locations are listed below. For assistance

in identifying evacuation assembly areas, call the Office of

Public Safety and Transportation at 502.272.7777.

» Brown Activities Center 2nd floor, in front of BR221

Brown Library 2nd floor, Level A, and Level B, near

the elevator

» Horrigan Hall 2nd floor, near the Abell Board Room

» Miles Hall 2nd floor, near the elevator

» Pasteur Hall 2nd floor, near Room 251

Petrik Hall 1st through 5th floors, in front of the elevator

» Anniversary Hall 2nd through 4th floors, in front of the

elevator

•

Stay in Place: Stay in place is appropriate for individuals who

are alone and unable to safely evacuate. Remain in a room

with an exterior window, phone, and a solid or fire-resistant

door. Stay in contact with emergency services by calling

911 and reporting your location. Emergency services will

relay your location to on-site emergency personnel, who

will determine the necessity for evacuation.

Non-Emergency Situations

Individuals with disabilities who need assistance leaving a build-

ing in a non-emergency situation (such as an elevator or power

out- ages) should contact the Office of Public Safety Transporta-

tion at 502.272.7777.

HOUSING & RESIDENCE LIFE

For a full guide to Housing and Residence Life and living on

campus, please reference the Residential Living guide at the

end of this publication.

Live On Requirement

On-campus residence affords students the added opportunity to

become fully involved in college life at Bellarmine. Residential

living provides students with the educational and social foundation

necessary for continued personal and academic growth.

All full-time students with 88 or less total credit hours must

live in the designated University residence unit or with a local

parent/legal guardian (within a 50-mile radius of the University).

Students 22 years of age or older are exempt from this policy.

Exceptions may be made to reasonably accommodate health con-

cerns, financial concerns, or other special cases. Students seeking

such exceptions must go through the housing exception process

and have prior written approval from the Director of Housing

and Residence Life. If a student does not live either with a local

parent/legal guardian or in the designated University residence

unit and does not have an approved exception, the student may

be subject to conduct sanctioning from the University and/or

housing fines. Fines may equal up to half of the room rate for each

semester the student is in violation of the live on requirement.

All residential students are required to have a meal plan dur-

ing each contract year.

Students are informed of the policy during the admission

process. The policy is featured prominently on the residence life

website as well as in the housing application process. Notifications

are sent to current residential parents and students in fall to remind

them of the policy and to explain the exception process. Those

students found in violation of this policy may be referred to the

Dean of Students office for an alleged Code of Student Conduct

violation and fee assessment.

Exception Process

Students complete the exception application and submit the re-

quired documentation through the housing portal for the Director

to review. If students are moving home, parents must complete a

form affirming that the student will be living with them at their

primary residence.

Exceptions are granted (typically) for two reasons:

(1) A significant change in financial situation or (2) A medical

situation.

Off-Campus Housing Policy

Bellarmine University reserves the right to address student mis

conduct occurring off campus. The Code of Student Conduct

extends to all Bellarmine Students both on and off campus.

Additionally, students who chose to rent a living space in the

community also agree to the following:

1. Students under 22 moving off campus to a dwelling other

than their parent/family primary residence must meet with

the Dean of Students (or designee) prior to their occupancy

off campus to discuss community standards.

An understanding that the neighborhoods surrounding

Bellarmine are primarily familiar in nature. Behavioral

standards will be based on the nature of these communities.

This includes following city ordinances and laws regarding

noise, pets, parking, trash disposal, etc.

3. Students must register their off-campus address with the

University before registration each semester they are living

off campus. Students register their address through their

Self-Service User Profile in the OneBellarmine dashboard.

Enter address as a “new off campus/local” address.

4. Student organizations and athletic teams may not plan or

execute an event at an off-campus residence without approval

from the appropriate administrator, typically a Student Ac-

tivities Center professional. This includes informal events

that could be perceived or construed as an official event of

that team or organization.

Standard sanctions for violations of this policy may

include:

• 1st Offense - $150 fine per student, student conduct status

of probation.

•

2nd Offense - $500 fine per student, student conduct status

of probation or suspension, parental notification sent.

• 3rd Offense - Students will return to the residence halls

or face University suspension for a semester or more,

parental notification sent. Bellarmine University will not

be responsible to students or parents for any claim by any

landlord if students are required to relocate.

CAMPUS HEALTH

Counseling Center

Students seek personal counseling for many reasons, including

anxiety, adjustment, a personal crisis, interpersonal relationship

problems, family problems, depression, stress, alcohol/drug

problems, eating disorders, etc. Recognizing the impact that

personal concerns can have on academic performance, Bellar-

mine provides free confidential short-term personal counseling

services to students. Those services include short-term individual,

couples, and group counseling; crisis intervention; consultation;

and referral. The Counseling Center staff is comprised of licensed

mental health professionals and advanced graduate practicum

students under the supervision of the full-time staff members.

Counseling services are free, confidential, and available to all

currently enrolled Bellarmine students. The Counseling Center

is located on the 4th floor of Nolen C. Allen Hall (2120 Newburg

Road). For more information or to schedule an appointment,

please visit bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/counselingcenter

or you can call 502.272.8480 or email counselingcenter@

bellarmine.edu.

Office of Health Services

The Office of Health Services is designed to offer immediate

health care and preventative wellness information to all students.

A registered nurse is available to help with any illness, health

related concerns, allergy shots, and to provide further informa-

tion or referrals. A nurse practitioner is also available four days

per week during the academic year by appointment and can

provide prescriptions and diagnose acute illness. Please call the

clinic for current semester hours for appointments with a nurse

practitioner. Please check the Health Services website, www.

bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/healthservices for current office

hours. Walk in appointments are available, schedule permitting.

Use of the Office of Health Services is completely voluntary.

All health records are strictly confidential and, except in cases

specified by law, may not be disclosed except when authorized

by the student in writing.

Non-Urgent Medical Needs

Call 502.272.8313 or go to your Patient Portal (https:// bel-

larmine.medicatconnect.com) to schedule an appointment.

Appointments are required. Please contact the Office of Health

Services with any questions.

You may also wish to visit one of the local clinics listed below:

Norton Immediate Care Center - Highlands

2470 Bardstown Road

502.459.3991

Open daily 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Kroger, The Little Clinic

2440 Bardstown Road

502.632.0984

Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (closed for lunch

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.); Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed

for lunch 1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.); Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

(closed for lunch 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.)

Visit bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/healthservices/nearby-

medical-facilities for current list and contact information.

Norton eCare Visits

Through a generous grant from Norton Healthcare, students

now have access to 24/7 medical care through Norton eCare

video visits. This is a free service for Bellarmine students that

provides quick, non-urgent care through your phone, tablet,

or computer. This service is available throughout the academic

year and during the summer for students residing in Kentucky

and Indiana.

Visits are for any acute, non-urgent problems such as allergies,

cold, flu, cough, fever, insect bite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,

skin rash, and urinary tract infection.

You must have a Norton MyNortonChart account (you do not

have to be a Norton Healthcare patient to create an account), a

computer/tablet with webcam or the Norton MyChart phone

app, a credit or debit card (which will NOT be charged), and

your Bellarmine student ID.

Instructions to set up your account and schedule visits can

be found at https://tinyurl.com/ecarebu.

American Heart Association CPR and First Aid Edu-

cation

AHA CPR and First Aid education is available for anyone who

would like to participate, including the AHA BLS course required

for many of the academic programs at Bellarmine. There are

both traditional classroom courses and online courses available

in a wide range of topics and levels of training. To find a course

that will fit your particular needs, please visit: bellarmine.edu/

studentaffairs/healthservices/cpr/.

Serious and Life-Threatening Illnesses or Injuries

• Never move a seriously injured person unless they are in a

life-threatening situation.

•

If the Office of Health Services is closed, or if an ambulance

is needed, call 911 first and then call the Office of Public

Safety and Transportation at 502.272.7777.

•

The Office of Health Services staff and Office of Public

Safety and Transportation staff are all certified in CPR.

• If an ambulance is used, any related costs are paid by the

person in need of medical attention and may or may not be

covered by insurance.

Student Illness Documentation Policy

Students who need to miss class due to illness/injury are encour-

aged to notify their faculty that they are ill or injured and unable

to attend (and follow the directions provided by the faculty

member on the course syllabus). It is the purview of the faculty

to reasonably determine when or if a student will be excused

from class. The Office of Health Services cannot guarantee a

note for missing class. Students experiencing major medical

events that will require extended absence from classes should

inform the Dean of Students at studentaffairs@bellarmine.

edu. See our complete policy at bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/

healthservices/illness-policy.

Student Health Insurance

Students are strongly encouraged to have health insurance

coverage. The University recommends that the student’s insur-

ance plan be carefully evaluated to determine whether it can be

used in the local area (i.e., is it a PPO or HMO plan that will

not cover local physicians and hospital? Would it require that

the student return home for care?) Under the Affordable Care

Act, individuals who earn less than approximately $10,000 an-

nually are exempt from having health insurance. Many college

students fall into this category. The Affordable Care Act also

permits students to remain on their parents’ insurance until age

26. There are a variety of options available to students in the

private market and students are encouraged to shop online to

find the right health insurance plan for their needs. If you cannot

afford insurance, and your income is within the state-mandated

range, you may be entitled to Medicaid or the Children’s Health

Insurance Plan (CHIP). Medicaid eligibility varies by state. For

information about the Affordable Healthcare Act, please visit

healthcare.gov or younginvincibles.org/health.

All international students on an F or J visa are required to

be covered by health insurance which meets federal regulations.

Bellarmine works with Cultural Insurance Services International

(CISI) to provide a suitable plan for students covering the aca-

demic year. Costs for this plan will be added to your bill with

Student Accounts at Bellarmine. You will be provided with

your health insurance card and details of the health plan cover-

age at the beginning of the semester. This plan will need to be

renewed each academic year. Students on an F visa may show us

evidence of comparable coverage from a major provider to fulfill

this requirement. Students with a different legal status whose

permanent residence is outside of the U.S. may also qualify for

CISI coverage. Contact International Student & Scholar Support

with any questions.

Immunization Requirements

All new students are required to submit up-to-date immuniza-

tion records in an effort to aid the University in maintaining

a healthy and safe environment. A person is up to date with

vaccinations if they have received all doses in a given primary

series and booster doses when eligible.

You may easily submit a state vaccination record, but please

be sure that required immunizations listed below are included

before submission.

•

Tetanus/ Diphtheria /Pertussis (TDaP) (up to date includes

booster within 10 years)

•

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) (up to date includes

two doses)

•

Meningococcal (Residential Students only), (up to date

includes MCV4 series of two with second dose at or after

age 16)

The following immunizations are not required but strongly

recommended by The Office of Office of Health Services:

•

COVID-19 (up to date includes complete series

and booster(s) as eligible)

• Hepatitis B

• Human Papilloma Virus

• Polio

• Varicella

• Annual Influenza Vaccine (reach out to healthservices@

bellarmine.edu if interested in Influenza Vaccine)

• TB Screening

Please see the Centers of Disease Control website www.

cdc.gov/vaccines for information regarding the risk of these

diseases for college-aged students.

Submit your up-to-date immunization documentation by

visiting https://forms.office.com/r/15cpVJhhb5. Students ex-

periencing issues with access to immunizations or international

students with questions should contact the Office of Office of

Health Services at 502-272.8313.

Immunization Exemption Requests

Students may apply for an exemption to any of the required im-

munizations by visiting https://forms.office.com/r/15cpVJhhb5

and submitting the required documentation. A committee of

Bellarmine faculty & staff members will review each exemption

request individually and communication about approved/denied

exemptions will come from the Dean of Students. Please contact

the Office of Office of Health Services with further questions

about immunization exemption requests.

Infectious Diseases

Bellarmine University bases any infectious disease policy on

current medical knowledge regarding the effects of certain infec-

tious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, Meningitis, or COVID-19.

The policy may be modified as new developments regarding

infectious diseases become available. The University will be

informed in its actions by medical evidence, applicable federal

and state laws and regulations, and guidelines suggested by the

Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Public Health Service,

the American College Health Association, Occupational Safety

and Health Administration, and the Department of Health and

Rehabilitation Services.

Safety Training

Different types of annual safety training are given to all safety

officers, health services staff, residence life staff, athletic staff,

facilities management staff, and those who may come in contact

with the body fluids of others. Training documentation of em-

ployees is maintained in the respective departments listed above.

Minimizing Risks in Specific Programs and Activities

The University and individual departments have adopted safety

guidelines as proposed by the Centers for Disease Control for

the handling of the blood and other bodily fluids of all persons.

The University’s Chemical/Hazardous Materials Hygiene Officer

will ensure that appropriate procedures are on file for depart-

ments whose employees have great potential to be exposed to

blood and other bodily fluids.

Discrimination

Discrimination, emotional abuse, or physical abuse of any

student or employee known or suspected to have an infectious

disease or other infectious diseases will not be tolerated. Acts

of discrimination or abuse should be reported to the Dean of

Students who will be responsible for dealing with such concerns.

An individual’s infectious disease status may not be consid-

ered in the decision for admission to or employment with the

University. Persons with infectious diseases will not be excluded

from enrollment or employment or restricted in their access

to University facilities, including housing, or services unless a

medically-based judgment in an individual case, or guidance

informed by the CDC or health department officials establishes

that exclusion or restriction is necessary for the welfare of the

infected individual or the welfare of other members of the

University community.

Confidentiality

Health records are treated confidentially. No information,

confirmation, or denial, about HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, Men-

ingitis, or any other infectious disease status will be provided

to anyone, including families, or any member of the University

community without appropriate permission from the student.

University officials, in the event of a Public Health Emergency,

may have the authority to share information in good faith for

the safety of the community. Any other breach of confidential-

ity by a University employee could result in employee action.

Medical Withdrawals

Enrolled students who become incapacitated by unexpected,

extenuating health issues, whether psychological or physical,

requiring hospitalization, surgery or other extensive long-term

treatment may wish to consider a medical withdrawal from the

University. Please email studentaffairs@bellarmine.edu for

more information on medical withdrawals.

Emergency Messages

If a student needs to receive an emergency telephone message,

it should be directed to the Office of Public Safety and Trans-

portation at 502.272.7777.

OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND

TRANSPORTATION

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation is located on the

ground floor of Centro, Treece Hall CNTH-054. To contact a

Public Safety Officer, call 502.272.7777 or dial ext. 7777 when

on campus. The staff members in the Office of Public Safety and

Transportation undergo annual training to maintain and upgrade

their skills. All have been trained in emergency medical procedures

and CPR. They conduct foot and vehicular patrols of the campus

and residence hall areas 24 hours a day. On campus, the officers

enforce university policies outlined in the Student Handbook.

They also work very closely with local emergency service agencies,

state, and federal agencies assisting with incidents that may occur

on and off-campus.

Students, faculty, and staff members at Bellarmine have access

to academic, recreational, and administrative facilities on campus.

Access to the residence halls, however, is limited to residents and

their guests, according to University policy. Access to the residence

halls by University employees is on an as-needed basis and incorpo-

rates strict key control procedures. The public may attend cultural

and recreational events on campus, with their access limited only

to the facilities in which these events are held.

The University’s Office of Public Safety and Transportation

enforces University policies regarding alcohol, the use of controlled

substances, and weapons. Illegal drugs are not permitted on campus.

Firearms and dangerous weapons of any type are not permitted

in the residence halls or on campus by students or employees;

however, Kentucky state law allows individuals to possess such

weapons in a factory-original compartment of their personal vehicle

only. Intentional use, possession, or sale of illegal drugs, firearms

or other dangerous weapons by students is strictly forbidden and

is a violation of the student Code of Student Conduct. Please see

Weapons below in this Handbook for more information.

Public Safety Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

They also utilize video monitors which are connected to cameras

located throughout the campus in public access or circulation areas.

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation is staffed by an

officer 24 hours a day. When there is an emergency that requires

additional support, such as the Louisville Metro Fire Department,

officers will make the call. Potential criminal actions and other

emergencies on campus can be reported directly by any student,

faculty, or staff to the Office of Public Safety and Transportation by

dialing campus extension 7777 or by calling 911. Upon receipt of

the call, a Public Safety Officer will respond. Public Safety Officers

prepare and submit Incident Reports that are filed in the Office of

Public Safety and Transportation.

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation provides in-

formation each year on topics including active aggressor, personal

safety, situational awareness, and crime prevention. Information

on safety and security is provided to students, faculty, and staff

regularly through on-line presentations, in-person presentations,

e-mails, and other opportunities such as through the Rave notifica-

tion system, and the Guardian app.

There are emergency blue light phones located throughout campus

that provide direct communication with Bellarmine Public Safety.

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation provides the

availability of a dusk-to-dawn transportation service around the

campus. Call them to request transportation.Download the Rave

Guardian app to have direct text and cell connectivtiy with Public

Safety for all your Public Safety needs. The Guardian app has a

safety timer for walking across campus if you feel unsafe, a chat

option to chat with Public Safety, Public Safety sections on parking,

active aggressor, and a phone directory. Rave Guardian is a great

campus resource. To schedule free coverage of an event please

email Debbie Fox at dfox@bellarmine.edu. Scheduling should

be done at least 2 weeks in advance of your event.

Bellarmine Emergency Response Team (BERT)

The Bellarmine Emergency Response Team is formed by volunteer

students who are certified First Aid providers working under the

medical direction of Louisville Metro Emergency Medical Services’

medical director. BERT volunteers are available to serve as scheduled

stand-by medical care for campus events. To schedule free coverage

of an event please email Kyle Rieber at krieber@bellarmine.edu.

Scheduling should be done at least 2 weeks in advance of your event.

Security in the Residence halls

All Residence Life staff members undergo training in promoting

residence hall safety and security policies. As part of their responsi-

bility for residence hall security, the Residence Life staff participates

in workshops associated with the safety and security of the campus.

Special security procedures are in effect for students during low

occupancy periods. If you find yourself locked out of your room,

you should call the Office of Residence Life at 502.272.7272 to

assist you in entering your room. If it is between 7:00 p.m. and

midnight, visit the RA on duty at the desk in the building. If it is

after midnight, you should call the Office of Public Safety and

Transportation at 502.272.7777.

The Student’s Safety and Security Responsibility

The cooperation and involvement of students themselves in a cam-

pus safety program is absolutely necessary. Students must assume

responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their

personal belongings by taking simple, common-sense precautions.

For example, although the campus is well-lit, students may feel more

comfortable traveling in pairs or using the Office of Public Safety and

Transportation’s service at night. Residence hall room doors should

be kept locked when the room is unoccupied. Bicycles should be

secured in the bicycle rack with a sturdy lock; the U-Lock is highly

recommended. If you live on campus, check with Residence Life

staff regarding the U-Lock bicycle program regarding a U-Lock.

If the student is a commuter, check with Public Safety regarding

the U-Lock bicycle program. Students with cars should keep their

vehicles locked at all times; valuables should be locked in the trunk.

Students should report any suspicious-looking individuals and any

unusual incidents to a Public Safety Officer immediately.

Missing Student Notification Procedures

Students are responsible for updating their emergency contact and

their missing persons contact annually. Students can update this

information by logging in to their one.bellarmine.edu account,

clicking on Self Service, and using the drop-down menu under their

username in the top right corner of the screen. Individuals who

believe a residential student to be missing should contact the Office

of Public Safety and Transportation at 502.272.7777 to complete a

missing person report. Upon notification that a student is missing,

the Office of Public Safety and Transportation will investigate to

confirm that the student is missing and determine when they were

last seen. When a student has been determined to be missing for

24 hours or more, the student’s designated contact person will be

notified by the Vice President for Student Affairs or a designee.

If the student does not have a designated contact person, the lo-

cal Police Department will be contacted by the Office of Public

Safety and Transportation no later than 24 hours after the student

has been determined missing. If the student is under 18, parents or

guardians serve as the designated contact and will be notified by

the Vice President of Student Affairs or a designee that the student

has been missing for 24 hours or more.

Lost and Found

Property found by guests and members of the Bellarmine community

may be turned in at any time to Lost and Found in the Office of

Public Safety and Transportation, Room CNTH-054 on the ground

floor of Centro, Treece Hall. If you have any questions, please call

502.272.7777 or email security@bellarmine.edu.

Weapons Policy

Firearms and other dangerous weapons are prohibited in University

buildings and on the university grounds unless secured in a personal

vehicle. The university policy also includes any item that can be

perceived as threatening including replica or toys that resemble

weapons. Notwithstanding the University’s general policy, indi-

viduals are permitted to possess firearms, ammunition, and deadly

weapons in a factory-original compartment of their personal vehicle

consistent with Kentucky law.

Imminent Danger/Unreasonable Risk

The University recognizes the right of students and staff to protect

themselves and others from unreasonable risk and/or imminent

danger, (e.g., hostile and/or violent behavior; unwelcome sexual

advances or sexual assaults; possession of weapon, abhorrent behavior,

etc.). In the event that such behavior should occur, and university

personnel are not able to control the situation, civil authority lies

with the Office of Public Safety and Transportation, officials of the

university administration, and local authorities. In the event none

of the above personnel are available, the student or staff member

may call civil authorities to rectify the situation and/or to report

the situation by dialing 911. The Office of Public Safety and Trans-

portation should be notified as soon as possible of the incident by

calling 502.272.7777.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Locations

on Campus

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those

experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a sophisticated, yet easy-

to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if

necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the

heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Bellarmine has many AEDs

on campus to address potential emergency situations, and trained

staff to use AEDs when necessary. AEDs are kept in the following

areas on campus:

• Centro Building

• SuRF Center

• Frazier Hall

• Knights Hall

• Miles Hall

• Pasteur Hall

• Allen Hall

• Flynn Building

• Anniversary Hall

• Petrik Hall

• Siena Primo

• Siena Terzo

• Kennedy/Newman

• Public Safety & Transportation vehicles

• Softball & Baseball Dugouts

Naloxone (Narcan) Kit Locations on Campus

Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Ad-

ministration (FDA) designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose.

Bellarmine has many Narcan kits on campus to address potential

emergency situations, and trained staff to administer Naloxone if

necessary. Narcan kits are kept in the following areas on campus:

• Centro Building

• Knights Hall

• Newman Hall

• Petrik Hall

• Anniversary Hall

• Siena Primo

• Siena Terzo

• Siena Quarto

• Public Safety EMT kit and Public Safety vehicle

Parking

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation is responsible for

all parking rules and regulations conferred by the University. For

a full guide to Parking on campus, please reference the Parking

guide at the end of this publication.

Active Aggressor/Self-Defense Training

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation will present Ac

tive Aggressor and Basic Self-Defense Training Sessions during

the school year. The Office of Public Safety and Transportation

welcomes any opportunity to provide preparedness training

and self-defense training. If you have an opportunity for us to

present or have any questions, please contact Public Safety at

502-272-7777. Access a training video and other information at

www.bellarmine.edu/security/active-aggressor-information.

Office of Public Safety and Transportation Service

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation Service is safe

and easy to use. This service is provided during the evening

and early morning hours for students, faculty, and staff within

the campus area. The service is free. Please call the Office of

Public Safety and Transportation at 502.272.7777 for assistance

with this service.

RAVE Guardian Mobile Safety Application

Bellarmine University offers access to a mobile smart phone

application called RAVE Guardian. Students, faculty, and staff

may send electronic concerns via text messaging to the Office

of Public Safety. The safety app includes features such as Go Safe

(a virtual safe walk component), a safety map, emergency call-

ing, and a virtual tip line. Concerns related to personal safety,

sexual assault, alcohol and/or drug abuse, mental health, and

suspicious activity may be sent directly to the Office of Public

Safety and Transportation via the app. Questions about the

mobile app may be directed to the Office of Public Safety and

Transportation at 502.272.7777.

Emergency Notification Service

Bellarmine provides an emergency text-messaging system to

all members of its community. The purpose of this system is to

quickly alert you to emergency situations on campus as well as

weather-related school announcements. The goal of this system

is to provide meaningful alerts regarding urgent situations, so

the University strongly encourages participation in this system.

This system will send school-closing or emergency information

to you in three ways: by text message to your cell phone; by e-

mail to your Bellarmine account; and by posting a notification

on the home page of www.bellarmine.edu.

The safety of the Bellarmine community is very important.

If the student is aware of behaviors/conditions that may be

harmful to others, they should notify the Office of Public Safety

and Transportation (502.272.7777). Use One Bellarmine (one.

bellarmine.edu) to register for this service. If you encounter

any issues or have any questions about the registration process,

please contact the Technology Support Center at 502.272.8301

for assistance.

Emergency Phones

Emergency phones have been installed in the following locations

for the safety and security of the Bellarmine community. By

dialing 7777 or pushing the red button as indicated, the caller

will be connected to the Public Safety Officer on duty. Emer-

gency Blue Phones are located in the following areas on campus:

•

In Lot 3: Alumni Way Lot outside of Brown Activities Center

• In the Quad outside Alumni Hall

• Outside of Flynn Building

• In Lot 11: Siena Lot outside of Siena Quarto

• In Lot 11: Siena Lot behind Kennedy/Newman Hall

• In Lot 1: Bellarmine Lot

• Next to Anniversary Hall by softball field

•

On the right side of Knights Hall facing the front of the

building

• At the rear of Knights Hall

• At the rear of the SuRF Center

• Parking lot at Nolen C. Allen Hall

Shuttle Service

The University provides shuttle service for all students, faculty,

and staff. The dates and times of the shuttle service are posted

on the Public Safety website https://www.bellarmine.edu/

security/shuttlebus/ as well as on benches at pick up and drop

off points at Anniversary Hall, Petrik Hall, in the Franciscan

Circle, Allen Hall, and the Flynn Building. The shuttle is ac-

cessible. Shuttle service is subject to change according to class

schedules, so it is important to check the website and transpor-

tation’s apps. Normally direct shuttle service is available from

Allen Hall to the Franciscan Circle from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30

p.m., Monday through Friday. Campus-wide shuttles provide

transportation to members of the campus community during

the following times: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-

10:30 p.m.; Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday

from 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Additional information regarding

direct shuttle service, campus-wide shuttles, and transportation

to specific locations such as the Flynn Building is available on

the Public Safety website or you can call 502.272.7777 for the

Transportation Coordinator, Sharon Oster.

Ride Systems

Ride Systems is equipped with a GPS, which is located in the

shuttle, and an app that can be download on your phone. The

primary objective of this app is to inform the Bellarmine com-

munity of the shuttles location while driving on campus. If the

driver has to go off their normal route, the app will update the

time the shuttle will be at the next stop. Please follow the steps

below to download the app on your phone.

Shuttle Tracking Steps

Download the Ride Systems App (Blue background with

a bus icon)

2. Select “Bellarmine University” from the list

3. “Take a Tour” to become familiar with the app

4. Begin tracking the shuttles!

NON-ACADEMIC POLICIES

The Bellarmine Community acknowledges the existence of both

rights and responsibilities of each student. The administration,

faculty, and student leadership are committed to personal and

academic excellence. Student community members are individually

and collectively responsible for their behavior and fully accountable

for their actions both on and off campus.

Any student, faculty, or professional staff member may submit

a report against any person believed to be in violation of any Uni-

versity regulation or policy. All charges are to be filed with the

Dean of Students (502.272.7150) or the Office of Public Safety

and Transportation (502.272.7777).

ROOM RESERVATION REQUESTS

Students and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) can

request space for meetings and events through the Student Ac-

tivities Center online by submitting an event request on Engage,

Bellarmine’s event platform, or by calling 502.272.7115. To rent

a space for a personal special event, meeting, etc., contact the

Office of Special Events at 502.272.8406.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ON CAMPUS

Due to risk of physical harm to others and University property,

throwing/hitting such items as frisbees, snowballs, footballs,

practicing with athletic equipment and softballs/baseballs are

only permitted in the play fields located on Newburg Road,

the grassy areas beside Anniversary Hall, or in the University

Quad. Such activities are not permitted near academic buildings

where a person or building may be hit or physically harmed by

the activity, or in the parking lots, where a person or car may

be harmed. Sledding and skateboarding are not allowed on any

campus property. Motorized scooters are not permitted on

pedestrian walkways (which includes the quad) or on grassed

areas. Any outside activities that utilize amplified sound or

stadium lights must end by 10:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and

by 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

STUDENT TRAVEL AND

TRANSPORTATION POLICY

University related or sponsored student travel must be registered

through Engage and approved by the Student Activities Center.

EVENT PROMOTION AND

POSTING POLICY

The publicizing of events or programs is a necessary part of

ensuring the success of functions. The University has desig-

nated areas in all buildings for groups and organizations to post

these notices. Announcements of general interest to the student

body of the University by Registered Student Organizations,

academic units, or University departments are the only type

of materials permitted. Advertisement or solicitation materials

related to political party affiliation are prohibited on campus.

If the Student Activities Center does not approve a posting,

recommendations will be provided to update the posting and

the student or organization may resubmit.

The following are the posting regulations:

General Publicity and Promotional Materials

•

Publicity materials must be in alignment with Bellarmine’s

marketing and communication guidelines, which require

additional approval for designs which utilize brands or

logos affiliated with Bellarmine University or Bellarmine

Athletics. The Student Activities Center will submit these

designs for approval on students’ behalf, but please note

this approval process may add a few days to the ordering

timeline. Registered Student Organizations proposed design

should be uploaded into Engage via the purchase request

form in the organization’s portal.

•

Publicity materials for recognized student organization

events will not be approved until an event registration form

is completed in Engage.

• Posters and notices must clearly state the official name of

the sponsoring organization or department.

•

Chalk writing/drawing/window decorating is permitted

but must be approved by the Student Activities Center at

least 1 week in advance. Chalking is permitted on sidewalks

only (not on walls, buildings, etc.) in order to advertise an

approved event. The chalking must be removed prior to

noon on the day following the event.

• Hanging banners and large signs are only allowed in cer-

tain locations on campus. Contact the Student Activities

Center for approval and to arrange the hanging of your

banner on campus.

• Displays and materials that have been approved by the Stu-

dent Activities Center may remain up for a maximum of 24

hours, unless otherwise authorized. A student representative

must be present with the display at all times during this

period. Failure to remove materials may result in items

being discarded. Please see full Protest and Demonstration

Policy below for more information on displays.

Bulletin Boards and Postings

Departmental bulletin boards are the responsibility of those

University Departments. Permission to post on these boards is

granted by those individual departments. Classroom bulletin

boards are to be monitored and maintained by the appropriate

faculty and deans of those individual classrooms. Postings in

the residence halls must be stamped by the Student Activities

Center and will then be submitted for approval and posted by

Residence Life. All other posters and signs must be approved

by the Student Activities Center. If a posting is not approved,

notes from the Student Activities Center will be provided to

update the posting so the posting can be adjusted and resubmit-

ted for approval.

• All approved postings will be stamped and will include an

expiration date. All flyers posted without stamped approval

will be removed and discarded.

• All postings will expire within two weeks unless special

permission is granted by the Student Activities Center.

• No postings can be made on doors or windows. Postings

on walls must use painter’s tape. Flyers or notices may not

be placed on vehicles parked on campus.

•

All poster content and graphics should be in alignment with

University guidelines and mission.

• Only one of each poster or flyer per bulletin board is al-

lowed, and postings are not to be hung over other postings.

•

All postings on electronic media must abide by the Technol-

ogy Policy at https://aka.bellarmine.edu/technology-policy.

Any postings in violation of these rules will be removed and

discarded. Repeated violations may include disciplinary action

or suspension of privileges. Any questions regarding general

posting should be directed to the Student Activities Center at

502.272.7115.

RAFFLES & OTHER CHARITABLE

GAMING ACTIVITIES

Bellarmine does not have a Charitable Gaming License, meaning

students, student organizations, academic units, and University

departments may not host raffles, 50/50’s, or other games of

chance. If an organization chooses to participate in a charitable

gaming activity, they may face suspension from holding events

on campus for up to one year.

PROTEST, DEMONSTRATION,

TABLING, & DISPLAY

GUIDELINES

One of Bellarmine University’s greatest mentors, Thomas Merton,

taught that contemplation would send us toward action for the

good of the world, especially for those on the margins whose voices

are often unheard. Inspired by this concept of faith moving com-

munities toward action for the common good, the University is an

ideal gathering place for peaceful assembly, which calls attention

to injustice and encourages social activism. Such assembly calls

us to question, to study, and to learn so that we might participate

in changing the world for good. This policy statement provides

direction to those who wish to organize such assemblies.

For the purposes of this policy, below are definitions of different

forms of assembly that may occur on campus.

Demonstration or Protest: Demonstrations and protests are

public meetings or marches expressing objection to something or

expressing specific views on an issue. Demonstration and protest

locations on campus will be determined in conjunction with the

Direction of Student Activities and RSO/Bellarmine affiliated

person(s) sponsoring the event. Demonstrations and protests

must be peaceful, organized, and not impede on the freedoms of

the University community. Demonstration materials need to be

approved by the Student Activities Center.

Tabling: Tabling allows for conversations with campus constitu-

ents in an informal manner. Tabling events that express a specific

political view or belief; once approved a location will be decided

(e.g. on the Quad near the exploded cube). Tabling includes dis-

tributing approved flyers, brochures, and other materials that are

approved by the Director of Student Activities.

Display: Displays offer the opportunity to present a visual state-

ment to the campus community. An organization member must

be present with the display at all times. Typically, displays may

be assembled in the 10X10 area in front of the exploded cube on

the Quad. Displays may be up for no more than 24 hours and all

content must be preapproved by the Student Activities Center.

Guidelines for Social Activism:

• All protests, demonstrations, tabling, and displays should

be non-violent and in alignment with Bellarmine University

Community Standards and the Student Code of Conduct.

Organizers agree to follow the process outlined below.

Social activism on campus does not imply acceptance or

endorsement by the University of the views expressed by

any speaker or content shared.

•

Only members of the University community may organize

or lead a protest, demonstration, tabling, or display on

campus. Any group wishing to participate in a protest,

demonstration, tabling, or display on the Bellarmine cam-

pus that is not affiliated with Bellarmine University must

be sponsored by a Bellarmine student group, faculty, or

staff member. The organizing or sponsoring party must be

present during the protest or demonstration.

• The University reserves the right to enforce time, place,

and manner restrictions, including but not limited to:

» Time: amplified sound is limited to certain hours

Place: posting of information in University buildings and

grounds is limited to designated areas

Manner: distribution of literature may not block the

ingress and egress of University venues

•

Protests, demonstrations, tabling, and displays must respect

and preserve University property, facility cleanliness and

appearance, and structural integrity. Continued occupa-

tion or blocking of buildings, structures, or premises is

prohibited, and protests and demonstrations must adhere

to building and area opening and closing times.

•

All associated materials should be removed immediately

following the protest, demonstration, tabling, or display.

•

Bellarmine prohibits unauthorized use or possession of

firearms or dangerous weapons, fireworks, or incendi-

ary, dangerous, or noxious devices or materials, including

torches or setting a fire.

•

Student Affairs staff members, and/or Public Safety person-

nel, may be present during student protests, demonstrations,

tabling, or displays to provide support for students involved.

• In instances of a counter protest, demonstration, tabling,

or display the University will work with the organizing

party to accommodate a separate yet comparable space,

using the same planning process and guidelines.

•

The University recognizes the difference between an office

representation on a particular issue (internal facing material

that reflects the mission and values of the University office

or program and creates a safe space for reflection around

a particular issue) and a public assembly sponsored by fac-

tions of the University population and will respect the right

of an office or program having ownership of their space.

•

The University agrees to continue a working group of pro-

fessionals dedicated to partnership and research regarding

campus assembly.

Process for planning a Protest, Demonstration, Tabling,

or Display:

If sponsored by a Registered Student Organization (RSO)

Members of a RSO interested in sponsoring an assembly must

have more than 50% of RSO support to use the RSO name for

sponsorship. If less than 50%, the protest, demonstration, display,

or tabling must be sponsored by individual students. If the RSO is

sponsoring the submission, the Engage form must include approval

by the RSO’s advisor, and the RSO should establish check-in points

with the advisor to discuss the process and planning of the event.

RSOs must request to reserve space (including the Quad) by

submitting a Protest and Demonstration form on Engage. This

form should be submitted in as much time as possible before the

event is scheduled to occur. The information submitted will be

reviewed by the Director of Student Activities. RSOs will receive

a request to meet with the Director or a designee within 48 hours

of submitting this request. If partnering with an off campus group

a leader from that group may be asked to be present during the

meeting.

Bellarmine University community members interested in

assembling for a protest, demonstration, tabling, or display not

sponsored by an RSO should email sac@bellarmine.edu.

How to Submit a Request to Hold a Protest, Demon-

stration, Tabling, or Display

Go to your organization’s Engage page and hit manage

organization.

2. Click events.

3. Create a new event.

Once you have filled out the first four pages, select continue

to custom fields.

5. Select Registered student organization.

6. Fill out this page and make sure to click “YES” to the ques-

tion asking if the event will be of political nature.

7. This will take you to our specific questions on protests and

demonstrations.

Appeal Procedure

•

First, meet with the Director of Student Activities to discuss

the matter in an attempt to resolve the appeal informally.

If no informal resolution is reached, the RSO or

individual(s) may submit a written appeal statement that

includes the specific grounds for appeal, supporting docu-

mentation, and other relevant information within fifteen

(15) business days of notification of the denial. The appeal

should be emailed directly to the Executive Director of

Experiential Learning for Student Affairs

•

Upon receipt, Executive Director of Experiential Learning

for Student Affairswill notify the Student Activities Review

& Appeals Committee Chair within three (3) business days

and request a statement of response from the RSO Affairs

Committee and/or the Director of Student Activities.

• The appeals committee chair will convene the committee

for review of the appeal. The committee is made up of three

full-time faculty and/or staff members and two student

members. The AVP for Student Affairs will identify these

individuals at the beginning of each academic year. The

committee will review the appeal and render a written

decision as to whether the assembly event may proceed.

Expectation of Adherence to Policies

Bellarmine University will not allow behavior or conduct on its

premises to interrupt the function of the University. Persons

engaging in disruptive or obstructive behavior or unauthorized

interruption that violates the Code of Student Conduct, above

guidelines, or creates a hostile environment will be subject to the

conduct process as outlined in the Student Handbook. A hostile

environment is defined as a setting that unreasonably interferes

with, limits, or effectively denies an individual’s educational or

employment access, benefits, or opportunities. This discriminatory

effect results from harassing verbal, written, graphic, or physi-

cal conduct that is severe or pervasive and objectively offensive.

Bellarmine University will not tolerate any act of unlawful

discrimination based on age, gender (including pregnancy related

conditions), sexual orientation, race, disability (whether actual or

perceived by others), color, religion, and national/ethnic origin,

military status or military obligations, genetic information, or any

act of employment or educational retaliation against any person

who has made a complaint about such discrimination.

For additional information or questions, contact the Student

Activities Center, at sac@bellarmine.edu or 502.272.7725.

MANDATORY RISK ASSESSMENT

Bellarmine University considers the safety and welfare of Bel-

larmine students, faculty and staff members a top priority. In

situations when a student’s conduct, actions and/or statements

pose a serious, legitimate concern of harm to the student’s own

health and safety or the health and safety of others, a student

may be asked to complete a mandatory risk assessment.

The student may be required to undergo an assessment with

a health care professional(s) designated by the University within

a specified period of time. The purpose of this assessment is to

ascertain the level of potential harm that the student’s conduct,

actions and/or statements pose to the safety of themselves or

others. At the assessment the student may be asked to sign a

release to allow the healthcare professional conducting the as-

sessment to communicate the findings to stakeholders in the

campus community. The student’s parents/guardians may also

be notified of the decision to require a mandatory assessment,

as appropriate.

INVOLUNTARY WITHDRAWALS

The Dean of Students and/or their designee may require a student

to involuntarily withdraw under the following circumstances:

when the conduct of any student poses a significant risk to the

health or safety of others in the community, and that riskcannotbe

eliminated by a modification of policies, practices or procedures

or by the provision of auxiliary aids or services. Upon evidence of

such a potential risk, the student may be required to complete an

assessment with a health care professional in order to determine

the degree to which the student and/or their conduct, actions or

statements may pose a significant risk to the community, and the

nature, duration and severity of the risk. At the assessment the

student may be asked to sign a release to allow the healthcare pro-

fessional conducting the assessment to communicate the findings

to stakeholders in the campus community. The student’s parents/

guardians may also be notified of the decision to require such an

assessment, as appropriate.

Before a decision is made to require involuntary withdrawal, a

hearing will take place with the Dean of Students or their designee

and the student of concern. In a situation where safety is of im-

mediate concern, the Dean of Students or their designee may take

interim steps (including but not limited to suspending the student

or restricting the student’s access to housing or programs) pending

a final decision regarding the student; under such circumstances,

the student will be given written notice of the interim action and

the reasons for such action, and will be given an initial opportunity

to address in writing the truth or accuracy of the reasons given

for the action, with the hearing to be held later.

The student will be provided written notice of the hearing

at least three (3) days prior to the hearing. If the student fails to

appear or provide adequate prior notice of a reasonable excuse

for not appearing, the hearing may proceed without the student.

During the hearing, the student will have the opportunity to pres-

ent information and include relevant witnesses. Private attorneys

and parents may not be present at the hearing.

The Dean of Students or designee will notify the student in

writing of the decision within three (3) business days of the hearing.

Students may appeal this decision. Appeals will be heard by the

Committee on Student Appeals or a designee. This committee is

composed of one (1) faculty member and two (2) staff members

appointed by the Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA) The

Appeals Committee will examine witnesses not previously heard,

new information, pertinent materials or information related

to the original hearing, including, but not limited to previous

hearing summary/minutes, sanction notification letter, incident

report, letter of appeal, and appeal responses. The committee

will render a recommendation to the VPSA or a designee, who

will review the recommendation and issue a written decision in

the matter. The VPSA will notify the appellant of the decision

within three working days of receipt of the recommendation from

the Appeals Committee.

In considering whether an involuntary withdrawal is required,

an individualized and objective assessment will be undertaken

to determine: 1) the nature, duration and severity of the risk; 2)

the probability that injury will occur; and 3) whether reasonable

modifications of policies, practices or procedures can mitigate

the risk. The decision will be based on a reasonable medical

judgment, relying on the most current medical knowledge or the

best available objective evidence. This Involuntary Withdrawal

Policy shall be applied to all students who engage in behavior or

conduct which poses a significant threat to the health or safety

of others, regardless of whether the student has a disability or is

perceived as having a disability.

Conditions for Re-enrollment after Involuntary With-

drawal

Because involuntary withdrawal applies to cases in which there is

a concern about the health or safety of others in the community,

the Dean of Students and/or their designee may require a student

to provide evidence that their conduct no longer poses a signifi-

cant risk to the health or safety of others in the community. This

may include requiring a student to be evaluated or re-evaluated

by a health care or mental health professional. A student seek-

ing readmission must submit to the Dean of Students a written

request for readmission and any requested documentation from

health care or mental health provider(s) indicating the readiness

to return. The student may be asked to meet with the University

Counseling Center and/or the Office of Office of Health Services

prior to approval. Once approved for readmission by the Dean of

Students and/ or their designee, the student must reapply with

the University Admissions Office.

ADJUSTMENTS & REFUNDS OF

TUITION DUE TO INVOLUNTARY

WITHDRAWAL

For questions about tuition adjustments and refunds, contact the

Office of Student Accounts at studentaccounts@bellarmine.edu

Students who withdraw from any or all of the courses that they

had registered to take may be entitled to an adjustment of the

amount of tuition charged according to the refund schedule

published in that semester’s Class Schedule. The amount of the

reduction is contingent on the following factors:

1. Date of withdrawal

2. The refund policy established by the institution.

Institutional Financial Aid Refund Policy

When a student has Institutional Financial Aid from Bellar-

mine University and completely withdraws during the time that

a tuition refund is due, students are eligible to keep the same

percentage of Institutional Financial Aid that they are charged

for tuition. The remaining aid is refunded to the financial aid

programs.

Tuition Refund Policy

Schedules differ for a complete withdrawal from the University

versus dropping and adding individual classes. Fees are not

refundable after the start of the semester/first day of class.

Complete withdrawal from the University

• 100% tuition and fees prior to the first day of class each

semester as published in the Course Schedule

•

80% tuition refund during the first five days of the semester

• 50% tuition refund beginning on the sixth day of the se-

mester through the sixth week of the semester

• 0% tuition refund after the sixth week of the semester

Refer to the Course Schedule or Student Accounts webpage at

one.bellarmine.edu/financial/student accounts for the published

refund dates for the current semester. Refunds for alternative

class schedules will be prorated. The schedule above does not

apply to summer courses.

Should the tuition refund request fall outside of the published

dates for refund, students with extenuating circumstances or

those having taken a medical withdrawal may initiate a request

for a tuition refund by emailing the Office of Student Accounts

at studentaccounts@bellarmine.edu and requesting the Tuition

Appeal Form. Upon completion and submission of the form, a

committee will review the request and make a determination

of the appeal.

Adjusting classes within the University (drop/add)

• Individual classes can be added and dropped through the

first five days of the semester with a full refund of tuition

and fees

•

Students may change from full-time to part-time status

with full tuition refund through the fifth day of class of

each semester

• There is a 50% tuition refund through the sixth week of

the semester. Information provided above can be found in

the Course Schedule or the Office of Student Accounts

webpage each year. Refunds for alternative class schedules

will be prorated. The schedule above does not apply to

summer courses.

MISCELLANEOUS BILLING

POLICIES

Overload & Approval Policy

Students wishing to pursue a credit overload must obtain approval

using the Credit Overload Form, available at the Registrar’s

Office website. A full-time student at Bellarmine University

is enrolled in 12-19 credit hours during a semester. Additional

tuition charges and course fees may apply to students exceeding

19 credit hours. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts

to inquire about additional charges.

Audit Policy

The University will charge $1,000 per class that is audited by

the student. Students will submit their requests for registration

to the Registrar’s Office.

Veterans Benefits

Students who wish to use Veterans’ Benefits while attending Bel-

larmine University are supported by the Bellarmine University

Office of Military & Veteran Services, located in the Library,

Rm BL209. You may email veteransandmilitary@bellarmine.

edu or call 502.272.7027 with any questions.

Locked Rates

Certain programs may offer locked in tuition rates. These

programs allow students to pay the tuition rate in effect at the

time they begin the program until graduation, so long as the

student maintains current enrollment in the program. Current

enrollment is defined as breaks no greater than two consecutive

semesters (summer, fall or spring).

Graduation

Students are subject to an additional graduation fee and are

charged this fee during their last semester before graduation.

This is a mandatory fee that covers additional costs associated

with graduation including, but not limited to, the manufacturing

of the diploma, senior week activities, and the commencement

ceremony. This fee is assessed regardless of the student’s decision

to participate in the activities related to graduation.

GENDER IDENTITY INCLUSION

Gender Inclusive Restrooms

A list of gender inclusive, single person restrooms can be found

at https://www.bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/gender-inclusive-

restrooms/. Each building on campus, except the SuRF, has at

least one gender neutral restroom. For questions about gender

inclusive restrooms, please contact the Office of Identity and

Inclusion at oii@bellarmine.edu.

Gender Identity and Pronouns

Students may select pronouns to be displayed on class rosters.

Pronouns are viewable to faculty and staff members of the Bel-

larmine community. If no pronoun has been selected, pronouns

will not be displayed. Gender identity is not displayed on class

rosters. A student wishing to select pronouns may do so by visiting

the self-service page at one.bellarmine.edu. After clicking on

self-service, click the displayed username in the upper right-hand

corner of the page. A drop-down menu will appear, click on user

profile, and under personal identity details click the pencil to

edit. Be sure to click save after entering information. Students

may contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@bellarmine.edu

or 502.272.8133 for questions about updating pronouns and/

or gender identity in self-service, as well as adjusting chosen

or legal names. For support or additional resources regarding

gender identity contact the Office of Identity and Inclusion at

502.272.7304.

PREGNANT & PARENTING STUDENT

INCLUSION

Bellarmine is committed to creating and maintaining a community

where all individuals experience freedom from discrimination, in-

cluding discrimination on the basis of sex, as mandated by Title IX

of the Education Amendments of 1972. Sex discrimination, which

can include discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or

parental status, is prohibited and illegal in admissions, educational

programs and activities, hiring, leave policies, employment policies,

and health insurance coverage.

Bellarmine hereby establishes a policy and associated proce-

dures for ensuring the protection and equal treatment of pregnant

individuals, persons with pregnancy related conditions, and new

parents. Under the Department of Education’s Title IX regulations,

appropriate treatment of a pregnant student includes granting the

student leave for a period of time as deemed medically necessary by

the student’s physician. Students should be treated by Bellarmine

in the same way as someone who has a temporary disability and

will be given an opportunity to make up missed work wherever

possible. Extended deadlines, make-up assignments, tutoring, in-

dependent study, online course completion options, and incomplete

grades that can be completed at a later date should all be employed

within reasonable means of the University. To the extent possible,

Bellarmine will take reasonable steps to ensure that pregnant stu-

dents who take a leave of absence or medical leave return to the

same position of academic progress that they were in when they

took leave. The Chief Title IX Officer or designee has the authority

to determine that such adjustments are necessary and appropriate

and to inform faculty members of the need to adjust academic

parameters accordingly.

Students experiencing pregnancy-related health complications

such as gestational diabetes, need for bed rest, pregnancy- induced

hypertension, postpartum depression, mastitis, loss of pregnancy,

severe morning sickness, or other conditions can seek additional

accommodations in compliance with ADA. Should a student wish

to pursue support based on pregnancy-related health complica-

tions, they would initiate this process by reaching out to the Chief

Title IX Officer.

Administrative responsibility for these adjustments lies with the

Chief Title IX Officer, or designee who will maintain all appropriate

documentation related to adjustments. In situations such as clinical

rotations, performances, labs, and group work, Bellarmine will work

with the student to devise an alternative path to completion, if pos-

sible. Students are encouraged to work with their faculty members

and Bellarmine’s support systems to devise a plan for how to best

address the conditions as pregnancy progresses, anticipate the need

for leaves, minimize the academic impact of their absence, and get

back on track as efficiently and comfortably as possible. The Chief

Title IX Officer or designee will assist with plan development and

implementation as needed.

This policy applies to all aspects of Bellarmine’s program, in-

cluding, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs and

activities and employment policies.

Definitions

a. Caretaking: Caring and providing for the needs of a depen-

dent child.

b. Medical Necessity: A determination made by a health care

provider (of the student’s choosing) that a certain course of

action is in the patient’s best health interest.

c. Parenting: the raising of a child by the child’s parents in the

reasonably immediate post-partum period.

Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Conditions: Includes (but

are not limited to) pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy,

termination of pregnancy, conditions arising in connection

with pregnancy, and recovery from any of these conditions.

e. Pregnancy Discrimination: Includes treating an individual

affected by pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition less

favorably than similar individuals not so affected and includes

a failure to provide legally mandated leave or adjustments.

Pregnant Student/Birthparent: Refers to the student who is

or was pregnant. This policy and its pregnancy-related pro-

tections apply to all pregnant persons, regardless of gender

identity or expression.

g. Reasonable Adjustments: (For the purposes of this policy)

changes in the academic environment or typical operations

that enables pregnancy students or students with pregnancy-

related conditions to continue to pursue their studies and

enjoy the equal benefits of Bellarmine.

Reasonable Adjustments of Students Affected by Preg-

nancy, Childbirth, or Related Conditions

a. Bellarmine and its faculty, staff, and other employees will

not require students to limit their studies as the result of

pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.

b. The benefits and services provided to students affected by

pregnancy will be no less than those provided to students

with temporary medical conditions.

Students with pregnancy-related disabilities, like any student

with a short-term or temporary disability, are entitled to

accommodations or reasonable adjustments so that they will

not be disadvantaged in their courses of study or research

and may seek assistance from the Chief Title IX Officer or

designee.

d. No artificial deadlines or time limitations will be imposed

on requests for adjustments, but Bellarmine is limited in its

ability to impact or implement adjustments retroactively.

Reasonable adjustments may include, but are not limited to:

i. Providing adjustments requested by a pregnant student

to protect the health and safety of the student and/or

the pregnancy (such as allowing the student to maintain

a safe distance from hazardous substances);

ii.

Making modifications to the physical environment (such

as accessible seating);

iii. Providing mobility support;

iv.

Extending deadlines and/or allowing the student to

make up tests or assignments missed for pregnancy-

related absences;

v. Offering remote learning options when available;

vi.

Excusing medically necessary absences (this must be

granted, irrespective of classroom attendance require-

ments set by a faculty member, department, or division);

vii. Granting leave per Bellarmine’s medical leave policy or

implementing incomplete grades for classes that will be

resumed at a future date; or

viii.

Allowing breastfeeding students reasonable time and

space to pump breast milk in a location that is private,

clean, and reasonably accessible. Bathroom stalls do not

satisfy this requirement.

Nothing in this policy requires modification of the essential

elements of any academic program. Pregnant students cannot be

forced into an alternative program or school against their wishes.

Modified Academic Responsibilities Policy for Parent-

ing Students

Students with child caretaking/parenting responsibilities who

wish to remain engaged in their coursework while adjusting

their academic responsibilities because of the birth or adop-

tion of a child or placement of a foster child may request an

academic modification period during the first four months

from the time the child entered the home. Extensions may be

granted when additional time is required by medical neces-

sity or extraordinary caretaking/parenting responsibilities.

During the modification period, the student’s academic

requirements will be adjusted, and deadlines postponed as

appropriate, in collaboration among the Chief Title IX Of-

ficer or designee, the student’s academic advisor, and the

appropriate academic department.

c. Students seeking a period of modified academic responsi-

bilities may consult with their academic advisor or with the

Chief Title IX Officer or designee to determine appropriate

academic adjustments requests. The Chief Title IX Officer or

designee will communicate all requests under this policy to

the students’ academic advisors and coordinate adjustment-

related efforts with the advisors unless the students specifi-

cally requests that their advisors be excluded. Students are

encouraged to work with their advisors and faculty members

to reschedule course assignments, lab hours, examinations,

or other requirements, and/or to reduce their overall course

load, as appropriate once authorization is received from the

Chief Title IX Officer or designee. If, for any- reason, care-

taking/parenting students are not able to work with their

advisors/faculty members to obtain appropriate modifications,

students should alert the Chief Title IX Officer or designee

as soon as possible, and the office will help facilitate needed

adjustments and modifications.

d. In timed degree, certification, or credentialing programs,

students who seek modifications upon the birth or place-

ment of their child will be allowed an extension of up to

two months (when available) to prepare for and take pre-

liminary and qualifying examinations, and an extension of

up to two months toward normative time to degree while

in candidacy, to the extent those deadlines are controlled by

Bellarmine. Longer extensions may be granted in extenuat-

ing circumstances.

Students can request modified academic responsibilities

under this policy regardless of whether they elect to take a

leave of absence.

While receiving academic modifications, students will remain

registered and retain benefits accordingly.

Leave of Absence

As long as students can maintain appropriate academic prog

ress, faculty, staff, or other Bellarmine employees will not

require them to take a leave of absence or withdraw from

or limit their studies as a result of pregnancy, childbirth,

or related conditions, but nothing in this policy requires

the modification of the essential elements of any academic

program.

b. Enrolled students may elect to take a leave of absence for up

to one year because of pregnancy and/or the birth, adoption,

or placement of a child. The leave term may be extended in

the case of extenuating circumstance or medical necessity.

c. Student taking a leave of absence under this policy will pro-

vide notice of the intent to take leave 30 calendar days prior

to the initiative of leave or as soon as practical.

d. Intermittent leave can be taken with the advance approval

of the Chief Title IX Officer or designee and the students’

academic department, when medically necessary.

To the extent possible, Bellarmine will take reasonable

steps to ensure that upon return from leave, students will

be reinstated to their program in the same status as when

the leave began, with no tuition penalty.

Continuation of students’ scholarship, fellowship, or similar

Bellarmine-sponsored funding during the leave term will

depend on the students’ registration status and the poli-

cies of the funding program regarding registration status.

Students will not be negatively impacted by or forfeit their

future eligibility for their scholarship, fellowship, or similar

Bellarmine supported funding by exercising their rights

under this policy.

Student – Employee Leave

a. All student employees will be entitled to the protections of

the Family and Medical Leave Act, regardless of whether

they are also students, or hold post-doctoral status.

Pregnancy and related conditions will be treated as any

temporary disability for job purposes, including leave and

benefits.

Retaliation and Harassment

a. Harassment of any member of the Bellarmine community

based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy,

or parental status is prohibited.

b. Faculty, staff, and other Bellarmine employees are prohib-

ited from interfering with students’ right to take leave, seek

reasonable adjustment, or otherwise exercise their rights

under this policy.

Faculty, staff, and other Bellarmine employees are prohibited

from retaliating against students for exercising the rights

articulated by this policy, including imposing or threatening

to impose negative educational outcomes because students

request leave or adjustment, file a complaint, or otherwise

exercise their rights under this policy.

HAZING POLICY – STUDENT

ORGANIZATIONS

1. Definition

The University hazing policy follows as a fuller interpretation

of statements regarding hazing in the Bellarmine University

Code of Student Conduct, #13. Each “Selective Membership

Organization” or “Non-Selective Membership Organization,”

by its affiliation with and/or chartering upon the Bellarmine

campus, assures the University community that it will strictly

abide by this basic commitment to human decency.

Hazing activities are defined as any activity with a direct or

implied threat of physical, psychological, or emotional harm or

any conduct or activity that would be a violation under the Bel-

larmine University Code of Student Conduct. Hazing includes

forced or excessive consumption of Alcohol or other substances.

Bellarmine University views any form of hazing, whether

on or off campus, as contrary to the community standards and

obligations as stated in the Student Handbook. In accordance

with North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), Na-

tional Panhellenic Conference (NPC), National Pan-Hellenic

Council (NPHC), and other national affiliations, Bellarmine

defines hazing as any intentional, negligent or reckless action,

activity or situation whether physical, mental, emotional, or

psychological, which subjects a person or group of persons, vol-

untarily or involuntarily, to abuse, mistreatment, degradation,

humiliation, harassment, embarrassment, or intimidation, or

which in any fashion compromises their inherent human dignity.

Acts of hazing committed under the guise of tradition, unity

development, or unofficially encouraged by group pressures are

unacceptable. Bellarmine University insists on the complete

and total elimination of any activity, which either is or closely

resembles hazing.

Acts of hazing are often based on non-constructive rela-

tional power differentials. This type of human interaction is not

conducive to the mission of this University, nor does it protect

human dignity. At Bellarmine, respect for the personal dignity

and equality of each student, faculty, and staff member is of

preeminent importance.

If, at any time, the individuals have questions regarding

activities they have planned, it is their responsibility to check

with the Assistant Director of Student Activities for guidance

regarding the content of the activity. The Assistant Director of

Student Activities can help make the determination as to whether

the activity includes hazing content. It is the responsibility of

all group members to be vigilant in their examination of their

actions with regard to other group members or individuals.

All organizations are responsible for the actions of their group

members. Organizations can also receive sanctions as part of

the conduct process. This proactive stance regarding hazing is

essential to maintaining a hazing-free environment for students,

staff, and faculty.

2. Requirement for Campus Organizations and Teams

In order to better facilitate a hazing-free environment, Selec-

tive Membership Organizations and Non-Selective Membership

Organizations must follow this requirement: There shall be no

activities during new member education, except constructive,

educational, and inspirational programs that attempt to increase

the person’s knowledge of the organization and the person’s self-

worth or programs which result in materially better members,

better public relations, and increased prestige of the organiza-

tion. These activities must be carried out in a dignified manner

and must show proper respect for another person as an equal.

3. Responsibility

It is the responsibility of all individuals to report any instances

of hazing of which they become aware to the Dean of Students

Office either in person, by email, or through the Student Concern

Report. All reports will be investigated. Groups and individu-

als can be charged with and sanctioned under the Bellarmine

University Code of Student Conduct for hazing.

MEDICAL AMNESTY POLICY

When a student’s health or safety are in jeopardy due to alcohol

consumption or drug use, immediate medical attention should

be sought by calling 911 or the Office of Public Safety and

Transportation at 502.272.7777. Student welfare is a primary

concern of Bellarmine University. The medical amnesty policy

is in place in order to promote the health and safety of all Bel-

larmine University students, especially in situations involving

medical risk from alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, and/or

physical injury. Any student who calls 911, the Office of Public

Safety and Transportation, or another campus resource seeking

medical assistance for themselves or another student needing

emergency attention may not be cited for an offense under the

student Code of Student Conduct. Bellarmine University may

not pursue conduct processes for the student needing the medi-

cal attention and the student calling for assistance. In lieu of

participating in the conduct process the student(s) involved in

the situation will be required to complete an educational pro-

gram and may need to meet with University personnel. Parental

notification may also be issued. Repeated incidents involving

the same individual may result in a more escalated response on

the part of the University.

Bellarmine University’s medical amnesty policy does not

prevent conduct action for alleged violations of the Code of

Student Conduct unrelated to the alcohol and/or drug poli-

cies that may occur during an incident. This policy also has no

bearing on actions by outside law enforcement or emergency

management personnel.

UNIVERSITY ALCOHOL POLICY

The use and especially the abuse of alcohol can pose a serious

threat both to the full development of the individual person

and the educational environment, which includes not only the

campus community but also the neighborhood and surrounding

community. Federal regulations (Federal Drug Free Schools

and Communities Amendments of 1989) require notification

of the following: unauthorized distribution, possession, or use

of any controlled substance or illegal drug as defined by the

Kentucky Revised Statutes; providing alcoholic beverages to

individuals under twenty-one (21) years of age; possession or use

of alcoholic beverages by individuals under twenty-one (21) years

of age; and unauthorized possession of an open container of an

alcoholic beverage, public intoxication; unauthorized distribution

of alcoholic beverages or possession of alcoholic beverages for

purposes of illegal distribution on Bellarmine University premises

or at Bellarmine University sponsored activities.

This policy and the related procedures outline the University’s

responsibilities and the responsibilities of those who work, study,

or congregate at the University. This policy applies to students

in all academic-related activities and environments on and off

campus. Care has been taken to outline these responsibilities,

to allow each member and guest of Bellarmine University to

assume the respective responsibilities attendant to their status

with Bellarmine University.

Risks Associated with Alcohol and Drug Use

All substance use poses some degree of health risk. The level

of risk is dependent on the type of substance, frequency, and

amount used; interactions with other medications/substances,

and individual risk factors including family history, previous

substance abuse history, and health conditions (e.g. depression,

pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease).

Counseling and Treatment Resources

• Bellarmine University Office of Health Services

502.272.8493 or bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/health-

services

• Bellarmine University Counseling Center

502.272.8480 or bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/counsel-

ingcenter

• Alcoholics Anonymous

502.582.1849 or louisvilleaa.org

• Jefferson Alcohol & Drug Abuse Center

502.583.3951 or centerstoneky.org/jadac

Alcoholic Beverage Policy

The following information and guidelines apply to all Bellarmine

University students, friends, and guests attending events

sponsored by the University. They have been established to

provide for the growth of the individuals as persons and to provide

for the preservation and enhancement of the environment and

communities within which this growth occurs. Those who engage

in substance abuse may be referred to appropriate internal and

external assistance programs. The University provides counseling

and referral services to students through the Counseling Center.

Information on this program can be picked up in the Counseling

Center, 502.272.8480.

State and City Laws

Members of the University community are expected to be aware

of and obey state and municipal laws or ordinances regulating

the use, possession, or sale of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol

concentration of or above 0.08 is the definition of intoxication

in the State of Kentucky.

Students who are cited for violations of such laws or ordinances

by state or municipal authorities also may face University

disciplinary proceedings and/or be required to pursue counseling

or treatment as a condition of continued enrollment at the

University. The laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky are

applicable to every person on the Bellarmine University campus,

regardless of their state or country of origin.

The following are important Commonwealth of Kentucky

and City of Louisville laws or ordinances:

• It is illegal for any person under twenty-one (21) years of

age to attempt to purchase, consume, possess, or transport

any alcoholic beverages.

•

It is illegal for any person under twenty-one (21) years

of age to knowingly and falsely present themselves to be

twenty-one (21) years of age for the purpose of procuring

any intoxicating beverage.

• It is illegal for any person to represent to a dealer or any

other person that a minor is over twenty-one (21) years of

age for the purpose of inducing the dealer or other person

to serve alcoholic beverages to that minor.

• It is illegal for any person to request anyone over twenty-

one (21) years of age to purchase or offer to purchase any

alcoholic beverage from a licensed dealer for a minor.

• It is illegal for any person to sell, furnish or give away any

alcoholic beverage to a person under twenty-one (21) years

of age or to any person who is visibly intoxicated.

•

It is illegal to operate or control a motor vehicle while under

the influence of alcohol.

• It is illegal for any person, whether or not a minor, to sell

alcoholic beverages without a license.

•

It is illegal for any person to induce anyone under twenty-one

(21) years of age to commit any of the above criminal acts.

City of Louisville ordinance prohibits the consumption

of alcoholic beverages and the possession of open containers

of alcoholic beverages in public streets, sidewalks, highways,

buildings, lanes, parking lots, recreation or park areas or other

public property within the City of Louisville. The penalties for

violating the above laws and ordinance are severe. Moreover,

individuals may face severe financial consequences from a civil

lawsuit arising out of the use or misuse of alcohol.

UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS

GOVERNING THE USE OF

ALCOHOL

The following regulations govern the use of alcohol on the Bel-

larmine University campus:

1. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is allowed at

on-campus and off-campus student sponsored events or at

University-sponsored activities for students when approved

by the Student Activities Center. A student-sponsored event

includes, but is not limited to, private parties and events at

which University or student organization funds or resources

are used, and informal gatherings that could be perceived or

construed to be an official event of an organization, team,

or other affinity group. This policy applies, therefore, to all

out-of-state travel or travel abroad, regardless of the alcohol

policies/laws that exist elsewhere.

2. Intoxication and/or alcohol abuse shall not be permissible

as an excuse for unlawful behavior or misconduct. Public

drunkenness, as commonly defined by slurred speech, erratic

behavior, and physical coordination difficulties, is prohibited.

In addition, disorderly conduct, property destruction, intimi-

dation, verbal abuse or harassment, or other infringements

of the rights of others as a result of alcohol use is prohibited.

No driver shall consume alcoholic beverages in any University

vehicle or in a University sponsored vehicle. State law pro-

hibits alcohol consumption in any vehicle on public highways.

Alcohol Policy Violations and Sanctions

Each violation of the University Alcohol Policy will be reviewed

according to the University’s Code of Student Conduct. The

following sanction per alcohol policy offense will be used as

guidelines and are not requirements. The sequence of sanctions

below may not be followed for more severe policy violations

(e.g. excessive amounts of alcohol). Failure to meet the terms

of any sanction in the allotted time period will result in further

disciplinary action, including additional sanctions and/or fines

•

First offense – Warning and completion of GetInclusive

Alcohol Sanction module within time frame allotted by

Hearing Officer, and Substance Education Fund Fine of

$100. While Bellarmine University provides students educa-

tional resources and opportunities to change their behavior

on their own, the Dean of Students or their designee may

choose to notify parents/guardians*, depending upon the

severity of the offense.

•

Second offense - Substance Education Fund fine of $150

and Parental Notification*

•

Third offense - University Probation and Parental Noti-

fication*

• Fourth offense - University Suspension

Additional sanctions may be assigned as deemed necessary

by the appropriate student conduct body. Additional sanctions

may include, but are not limited to, assignment of community

service hours, residence hall probations, educational sanctions,

restitution, etc.

*In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Pri-

vacy Act (FERPA), which is part of the Higher Education Act,

the University has a right to notify parents/legal guardians if a

student under the age of 21 violated an alcohol or drug policy

or is accused of a violent crime. Bellarmine University may

inform parents/legal guardians of students who have received

the sanction of University or Residence Hall Probation or higher.

ALCOHOL POLICY FOR STUDENT

EVENTS

The following information and guidelines apply to all Bellar-

mine University students, friends and guests attending events

sponsored by student organizations registered with the Student

Activities Center.

Legal and Responsible Use of Alcohol for Registered

Student Organizations/Special Student Events

The right to acquire, possess, and consume alcoholic beverages

is limited by state laws that establish minimum drinking ages,

drinking and driving laws, and public intoxication laws. The

possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages,

while on or off campus or during an RSO sponsored event must

be in compliance with all applicable laws of the state, province,

county, city, and institution. Bellarmine University has also

established policies on alcohol use on campus and off campus

by student groups. It is incumbent on students, faculty, and staff

to become knowledgeable regarding these policies for planning

programs and events for a department or organization, including

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs).

Education Requirement

The education requirement pertains to those RSOs that plan to

serve or consume alcohol at any student event both on and off

campus. The executive board of an organization that wishes to

sponsor an event where alcohol will be served must complete an

educational program focused on harm reduction, understanding

liability, and the necessary logistics for sponsoring the event

prior to the event being approved. The President of the RSO

and/or the advisor must sign an Acknowledgement and Review

Statement indicating that alcohol guidelines have been reviewed

with their membership. If a group does not meet the education

requirement and documentation is not submitted at least two

weeks prior to the event, no further events involving alcohol

will be scheduled until the education requirement is met.

Event Notifications and Guidelines

All RSOs must send appropriate prior notification to the Student

Activities Center regarding events where alcohol will be served

or consumed. The Event Request Form can be found on Engage.

This form must indicate anticipated attendance at the event and

planned safety and security protocols. The Event Request Form

must be submitted a minimum of three weeks in advance of the

event. Events may be cancelled or alcohol will not be permitted

if notification is not given. Event Request Forms must be ap-

proved by at least one advisor. At least one advisor or University

staff member must be present for the entire length of the event.

Any organization holding an event where alcohol is served

must have their promotional materials approved through the

Student Activities Center. Promotional materials can contain

the following wording: “Alcohol/Cashbar available if 21 years

of age or older”. The promotional materials for the event can-

not contain beverage prices or contain phrases such as “all you

can drink”, “drink specials”, etc. and should not emphasize or

promote the consumption of alcohol as being a focus of the

event. In accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of

Kentucky, no one under the age of 18 is allowed at an event

where alcohol is furnished unless a Bellarmine ID is presented.

Student groups, organizations, or clubs which sponsor an

event where alcohol is sold/served may not use University funds

including Student Budget funds (SBF) to purchase or provide

alcoholic beverages for the event. SBF may be used for the pay-

ment of security, off-duty law enforcement, and/or medical

services required to be at the event.

Alcohol served at the event is limited to beverages which do

not exceed 15% ABV. Alcohol at the event must be served by a

third-party vendor. The third-party vendor will be responsible

for confirming the identification and age of individuals prior to

serving. Drinks will be served to individuals at the discretion of

the third-party vendor; however, the University staff member

and/or advisor on site may reserve the right to refuse service to

anyone that is visibly intoxicated and/or under the influence of

illegal substances. Event participants may not serve themselves

or others alcoholic beverages. The third-party vendor must

utilize trained bartenders for all events that are held in licensed

facilities and/or that require a one-day license. All bartenders

must be certified by programs such as T.I.P.S., Servsafe, or

other alcohol server programs. The sponsoring organization

must ensure that the serving of alcoholic beverages ceases at

least one hour before the scheduled end of the event.

RSOs must submit documentation to the Student Activities

Center from the third-party vendor verifying that their staff has

been certified through one of those programs. This documenta-

tion must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.

A reasonable amount of free non-alcoholic beverages and

accessible food must be made available to event attendees by

the organization. Those attending events on or off-campus are

prohibited from taking alcohol to or from the designated loca-

tion/area of the event and those having their own containers

are prohibited from entering an event with the container. A

reasonable number of non-drinkers as determined by the Student

Activities Center from the sponsoring organization must be des-

ignated to serve as monitors for the event. Monitors assist with

making sure no one under the age of 21 is consuming alcoholic

beverages; monitors also make sure non-alcoholic beverages

and food are readily available and assist in obtaining a safe ride

home for intoxicated individuals. The sponsoring organization

is strongly encouraged to provide a means of transportation to

and from the event for those individuals who are intoxicated.

Any person entering an event with the purpose of consuming

or purchasing alcoholic beverages must provide a valid driver’s

license or other photo ID issued by a governmental agency stating

that they are of age. The sponsoring organization must provide

at least one Security officer on site to confirm the identifica-

tion and age of those wishing to consume alcohol. Bellarmine

University identification cards are not acceptable as proof of

age. Wristbands will be applied immediately after proof of age

is determined. The third-party vendor will be responsible for

ensuring that only individuals with the appropriate wristband

will be furnished with a drink and individuals consuming alcohol

are not intoxicated.

Security Guidelines of Public Safety

Sponsoring organizations must make arrangements to have

security officials at their event. Contact the Student Activities

Center for a list of approved security officials. The sponsoring

organization is responsible for payment of all security officers.

There must be one security officer for every 100 persons in at-

tendance. The advisor of the RSO and an officer or event chair

is to meet with the security agency for the event prior to the

event to outline specific security needs and expectations of the

event. Security must remain at the event until all parties have

been dispersed. The sponsoring organization must report any

incidents to the Director of Student Activities.

Responsibility and Liability

Bellarmine University assumes no liability for students who are

negligent in upholding the above policies and procedures. RSO

leaders and members should educate themselves about potential

legal liability and consequences regarding alcohol consumption

and accidents resulting in personal injury or death. Each indi-

vidual is responsible for their personal behavior and may be held

accountable under the Bellarmine University Code of Student

Conduct. RSO officers and members who fail to adhere to the

policies listed are subject to the University Conduct Process.

Checklist for RSO events that are providing Alcoholic Bev-

erages:

1. Have the proper campus officials been notified? Have you

submitted an event request form through Engage?

Will any state laws or city ordinances be violated? If the

answer is yes you should rearrange your plans to follow

University, state laws and/or city ordinances.

3. Has your organization satisfied the education requirement?

Has documentation been submitted to the SAC verifying that

the third-party vendor is certified through T.I.P.S., Servsafe

or another reputable alcohol server program?

5. How will the organization/group officers maintain control

over the function? Has security been acquired?

What alternative beverages and food are to be provided?

Who is responsible for this?

Do you have a means of transportation available to and from

the event to assist intoxicated individuals?

If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Ac-

tivities Center at 502.272.7725.

Athletic Event Tailgating Policy

The Bellarmine University tailgating guidelines promote safety,

enhance positive on and off campus culture, and contribute to

the athletic spectator experience.

• Individuals/students visiting campus/attending events

at Bellarmine University should conduct themselves in

a manner respectful of the nature and character of the

University mission. Individuals acting in a disruptive or

disrespectful manner may be asked to leave the premises

by local police or University officials.

• All events must be in compliance with the Bellarmine

University Policy on Alcohol. Individuals under the age

of 21 are prohibited from consuming alcohol and partici-

pants must abide by state and local laws and ordinances.

• Tailgate starts times are dependent upon venue open

times but should start no earlier than 3 hours before the

game and should cease prior to game time. Post-game

tailgating is prohibited.

• Alcohol is restricted to beverages less than or equal to

15% ABV. Common sources of alcohol (i.e. kegs, punch,

etc.), hard liquor and high proof spirits, and glass con-

tainers are also prohibited.

• Drinking games and other activities which encourage

rapid consumption of alcohol are not permitted.

• Tents (10 x 10 or smaller) are allowed, but tent stakes

are not allowed.

• Please clean up and recycle before exiting the tailgate

areas. The area must be returned to the same condition

it was when you arrived.

• No outside beverages or food may be brought into any

University facility including off-campus athletic venues.

• Tailgating must occur only in designated tailgating

area(s) and cannot impede traffic flow in parking lot.

Questions should be directed to sac@bellarmine.edu.

ILLEGAL DRUG USE POLICY

Bellarmine does not allow the use of illegal substances. Because

the use of illegal drugs is dangerous to the well-being of indi-

vidual users, and to the goals of this educational community,

the following regulations are in effect. Students involved in the

manufacture, sale, offering to sell, delivery, use or possession

of a controlled substance or paraphernalia will be referred to

the student conduct process. Additionally, the misuse/abuse of

legal substances may also be considered a violation of student

conduct if deemed to be a significant risk to the well-being of

the individual or others. Such conduct may entail probation,

educational sanctions, fine, suspension or expulsion from the

University and/or a requirement that the student enroll and

actively participate in a drug counseling and rehabilitation

program as a condition of continued enrollment or readmis-

sion. The University reserves the right to evict a residential

student involved in any of the above-mentioned behaviors from

its residence halls at any time during the academic year. These

regulations are not substitutes for criminal sanctions provided

for by state and federal statutes.

Laws Concerning Illicit Drugs

The following laws concerning specific illicit drugs are drawn

from the Controlled Substance Act of the Commonwealth of

Kentucky. A representative listing of specific drugs and the

violations inherent in illegal activities related to such drugs

is provided below. The failure to list all drugs included in the

above act does not exonerate individuals from responsibility for

their actions as it relates to illegal drugs, nor does it preclude

the University from taking steps to address illegal activity in

terms of its own internal counseling and referral system or its

conduct system.

Among others, the following acts and the causing thereof are

prohibited within the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

• The manufacture, sale, or delivery, holding, offering for

sale, or possession of any controlled substance or drug

paraphernalia.

The penalty for violation of these acts is based upon the nature

or schedule of the drug involved and the weight of the substance.

Criteria for Classification of a Schedule 1 Narcotic

A Schedule 1 narcotic is one that has high potential for abuse

and has no accepted medical use in treatment in the United

States. Possession of a Schedule 1 narcotic for a first offense is

a class D felony.

Criteria for Classification of a Schedule 2 Narcotic

A Schedule 2 narcotic is one that has a high potential for abuse

and has a current medical use in treatment in the United States.

Possession of a Schedule 2 narcotic for a first offense is a class

A misdemeanor.

Trafficking in narcotics or marijuana within one thousand

(1,000) yards of any school is a class D felony.

Drug Conviction & Financial Aid

If a student is convicted in a court of law for possessing or sell-

ing illegal drugs while receiving federal student aid, this action

may negatively affect the student’s future eligibility to receive

such aid. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss

the students’ aid eligibility.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Possession of any drug paraphernalia is a class A misdemeanor;

however, the presence of any illegal controlled substance in or

on this paraphernalia may change this to a class D felony

TOBACCO USE POLICY

In keeping with Bellarmine’s intent to provide a safe and healthy

learning environment, tobacco use is not permitted in any Uni-

versity buildings, on the campus property, or in University-owned

vehicles. Tobacco may be used in individual’s own personal

vehicles. Tobacco products means all forms of tobacco including

but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, water

pipes (hookahs), electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

products. This policy applies to all individuals including but not

limited to faculty, staff, students, volunteers, patients, custom-

ers, contractors, and visitors to the campus.

SOLICITATION

All canvassing and soliciting on campus must have prior ap-

proval from an appropriate University official; non-student and

non-University groups must obtain approval from the Office

of Special Events; student and University groups must obtain

approval from the Director of Student Activities. Solicitation

includes door-to-door sales or promotions in office and aca-

demic buildings and in the residence halls, sales in the campus

center, and promotion or sales in other locations on campus.

This also includes advertisement or solicitation materials re

lated to political party affiliation on campus, which is strictly

prohibited. Solicitation in the residence halls is prohibited,

unless contracted or approved by the Director of Housing &

Residence Life and/or their designee. Flyers or notices may

not be placed on vehicles parked on campus. The Director of

Student Activities may authorize subscriptions, memberships

and sales by registered student organizations and campaigns for

charitable purposes at such times and in such a manner as not

to interfere with University business and functions.

Contact the Director of Student Activities for permission

to solicit for off-campus subscriptions, ticket sales, member-

ships, questionnaires, etc. Contact the Director of Facilities

Management for permission to display any materials, banners,

or signs on the grounds.

TECHNOLOGY SERVICES &

SUPPORT

Technology is an essential component of teaching and scholarship

and is one of the most critical tools in higher education today.

Through an integration of technology, research, and teaching,

Bellarmine is able to provide a learning environment that en-

courages open communication, collaboration, ethical standards,

community improvements, and life-long learning skills.

Technology at Bellarmine is used to augment the classroom

experience, broaden the research environment, enhance com-

munications, and provide connectivity to needed systems.

Bellarmine’s goal is to help students develop into practitioners

of the subjects they study by making resources available which

will enhance their abilities to think critically and make effective

decisions. A major emphasis of Information Technology resources

and services at Bellarmine is to ensure that students have ac-

cess to the most appropriate, accurate, and reliable technology

throughout campus.

Public computers are available across campus and most build-

ings have computer labs or computer equipment available for

students to use. In addition, there is a wireless network across

the campus and the Campus Library is equipped with laptops

that students may check out for use in that facility.

Each student is given a Microsoft 365 account allowing access

to email, collaboration applications, productivity applications,

and digital storage space in the Microsoft cloud. Instruction

on how to access these services is provided at many orientation

sessions as well as at the Technology Support Center. Software

or other systems that are specific to a curriculum are generally

supported within the academic department.

Bellarmine recognizes that most students come to campus

equipped with multiple computing devices. Students who engage

in learning from home or the workplace will need to access

University resources from off-campus via technology. Therefore,

the Technology Support Center provides an on-campus infra-

structure for connecting student-owned computing devices to

campus networks, remote-access capability for connecting to

most campus resources from off-campus, and support services

for students using personally owned computers and devices.

Students living in residence halls at Bellarmine University

have access to a dedicated network through connections in their

room or through a wireless network.

Technology Support Center (TSC)

The Technology Support Center is your one-stop shop for tech-

nology questions and issues. Assistance is provided in person

(appointments preferred), online, and over the telephone. The

TSC is located on Level A of the W.L. Lyons Brown Library

and staff members are available to meet computing and tech-

nology needs, including user account information, email and

One Drive assistance, hardware assistance, internet access, and

general troubleshooting. The TSC may be reached by phone at

502.272.8301 or by email at tsc@bellarmine.edu. For current

hours, please check the TSC website at: https://www.bellarmine.

edu/TSC/Hours_and_Location

ID Cards

All Bellarmine University students are required to have a

valid Bellarmine ID card. ID cards must be updated annually.

University policy requires students to carry their ID card with

them at all times on campus and to submit their ID card to any

University official upon request. The ID card is also needed for

certain meal plans, admittance to all student-sponsored events

and activities, checking out books or laptops from the library,

and to utilize the Sport, Recreation & Fitness (SuRF) center.

The ID card may allow the student free admittance to some Uni-

versity sporting events; contact Athletics for more information.

Technical Literacy

Helping students develop and/or maintain technical literacy is

important to Bellarmine; therefore, the University provides many

resources as part of its effort to assist all Bellarmine students in

becoming technically literate. Technical literacy is developed in

a variety of ways. For instance, students are required to create

papers electronically, conduct online searches for reference

material, utilize databases to find information for papers and

use spreadsheet software for creating formal lab reports. Bel-

larmine provides many technology resources to its students and

the team at the Technology Support Center is available to assist

students with computer questions and technical problems and

can refer students to other areas and departments for specific

software usage questions.

Technology Spaces

Bellarmine has been intentional about creating technical spaces

around campus for students to use technology. Bellarmine

maintains multiple high-speed connections to the internet. The

campus is also outfitted with a solid wireless network blanket-

ing most buildings on campus as well as many outdoor spaces.

There are also several networks provided over the wireless

system, allowing for simple access to the internet or more se-

cure access to private resources. All classrooms across campus

contain technology intended to facilitate teaching and learning.

At a minimum, classrooms have access to wireless networking

and there is a digital projection system in the space. There are

more advanced classroom spaces on campus and the technology

in those rooms is largely driven from program need. Noteworthy

differentiations are mentioned in the specific buildings below.

W.L. Lyons Brown Library

The W.L. Lyons Brown Library has a welcoming, flexible space

for studying. The W.L. Lyons Brown Library is equipped with

hundreds of Bellarmine network connections, high-capacity

wireless networks, and public computers, all intended to al-

low students various ways to access the Bellarmine network

and online resources. The following computing resources are

available with the library:

•

Public computers in the library are available when the

building is open

• There is a dedicated 24-Hour Study Room, which is open

on the weekend and houses several public computers

•

Multiple locations throughout the library contain both

public computers and wired network ports

• Laptops, funded by SGA, are available for checkout at the

Circulation Desk for use both on and off campus

Centro Hall (Horrigan Hall/Treece Hall/McGowan

Hall)

•

Public computers in Treece Hall are available when the

building is open

• Lab computers in CNHH-015 are available daily when not

being used for classes

George G. Brown Center

• Lab computers in the Mac Lab, GBCH-207, are available

for students when they are not being used for classes

•

The Media Lab space in this building is called the “Fish

Bowl” and it provides a host of media technology features

focusing on Communication education

•

A “One Button Studio” exists in this space to allow for ease

of recording in a variety of media

•

Public computers in the Student Lounge are available when

building is open

Miles Hall

• Public computers in Miles Hall Lounge are available when

building is open

•

Computers in MILE-312 are available when not being used

for classes, but are intended for students in the nursing

programs

•

Radiation Technology leverages an on campus VERT system

which is a virtual environment of a radio- therapy treat-

ment room; through 3D views and life size visualizations,

VERT offers an excellent platform for supplying radiation

therapy training to students, nurses and multidisciplinary

team members

•

Miles Hall hosts multiple Sim Labs where students are

able to interact with patients in a simulated environment

delivered through technology

Pasteur Hall

• Lab computers in PAST-002 and PAST-106 are available

daily when not being used for classes, but are mathematics-

oriented

Allen Hall

• Four large classrooms intended to instruct large numbers

of students are outfitted with technology that allows for

flexibility in how technology can be leveraged as part of

the instruction

Norton Art Building

•

Lab computers in the Mac Lab are available for students

when they are not being used for classes

Residence halls

• Computer labs located in residence halls are intended for

use by residential students and are open 24 hours

• The Residence halls each feature an exclusive network for

gaming to enhance the gaming experience

Student-Owned Computers and Devices

Students are encouraged to bring their personal computers

and approved devices to campus. Wireless network connectiv-

ity is provided in all Residence halls. Student computers must

be equipped with Wireless Network capabilities in order to

connect. To connect to the University network, the following

requirements must be met:

1. Computers and devices must be configured to receive au-

tomatic updates and have a Bellarmine approved anti-virus

software installed and active.

The student must promptly comply with any reasonable

request to ensure the security and reliability of the campus

network. This includes, but is not limited to, disconnecting

the device from the network or bringing the device to the

TSC if requested.

The TSC will assist students in the configuration of their com-

puters and devices to comply with these requirements.

TECHNOLOGY & INTERNET USAGE

POLICY

•

Our Technology Policy can be found at https://bellarmine.

freshservice.com/support/solutions/articles/17000026711-

technology-policy

•

Our Internet Usage Policy can be found at https://bellarmine.

freshservice.com/support/solutions/articles/17000037565-

internet-usage-policy

ILLEGAL FILE SHARING

Students are required to respect the intellectual property rights

of others. The sharing of copyrighted materials, such as music

and movies, through Peer-to-Peer file sharing or other means,

without the permission of the copyright owner is illegal and

can have very serious legal repercussions. Those found guilty

of violating copyrights in this way have been fined enormous

sums of money. Accordingly, the unauthorized distribution of

copyrighted materials is prohibited and will be considered a

violation of the University’s Acceptable Use Policy (https://

www.bellarmine.edu/it/policies/acceptable-use/).

COMMUNITY STANDARDS &

EXPECTATIONS

As members of the Bellarmine community, students, faculty,

and staff work cooperatively to achieve a common standard of

academic excellence. A caring and safe atmosphere is central

to providing an open environment for learning.

The institution’s rules and regulations are stated to assist

each person in the development of a responsible lifestyle, in

being respectful of the rights of others, and to be compatible

with the norms of society and the mission of the University. All

conduct proceedings of the Bellarmine University community

are intended to be educational, non-adversarial, and confidential.

Provisions made for these proceedings are intended to be fair

and thorough but informal at the same time and do not reflect

the formalities of either civil or criminal conduct procedures.

The community conduct process is based on the concepts

of fundamental fairness and reasonableness. This community is

composed of all students, faculty, and staff members. When a

member of the Bellarmine University community believes that

the Community Standards and Obligations have been violated,

the member may file a report through the proper channels. Inci

dents involving faculty members will be referred to the Provost.

Incidents involving staff members will be referred to the Direc-

tor of Human Resources. All incidents involving students will

be referred to the Dean of Students or a designee who has the

responsibility for administering the Code of Student Conduct

and all proceedings related to inappropriate student behavior,

both on and off the University property. Non-students may be

charged for violations of University policies. Recognized Student

Organizations (RSOs) may be held responsible for the actions of

individual members according to the standards set forth in the

RSO Handbook, which is included at the end of this publication.

RSOs may also be held responsible as an organization for viola-

tions of policy that were sponsored or organized by the RSO.

Should an RSO be charged in violation of a University policy,

officers of that organization will be responsible to represent the

RSO in the student conduct process.

Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests and

are responsible for informing the guest of University policies. If

a guest violates University policy, the guest and host student are

both held responsible. Non-students having no affiliation with

the University and who have violated University regulations

shall be referred to the Office of Public Safety and Transporta-

tion and may be referred to the relevant civil and/or criminal

authorities for appropriate action. The University may, at any

time, ban individuals from the Bellarmine campus. Records

concerning student conduct are maintained in the office of the

Dean of Students and in the Residence Life Office.

In establishing a responsible community, it is imperative that

students, faculty, and staff assist in the enforcement of University

regulations. By allowing the existence of behaviors or items that

violate University policies of the Bellarmine Code of Student

Conduct, community members have demonstrated an implied

consent for the violation and thus may be equally charged and

sanctioned for the violation. In addition, community members

may be considered in violation if they fail to remove themselves

from the violation and/or fail to report it. Bellarmine University

community members are accountable to both civil authorities

and to the University for acts that constitute violations of law and

of the community. The University will refer matters to federal

and/or state authorities for prosecution when appropriate. At

any point, students have the right to contact law enforcement.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

Bellarmine students are expected to conduct themselves in a

mature and responsible manner, showing respect for persons

and property. The following is an illustrative list of inappropriate

behavior that could occur both on and off campus, including all

University-related travel and study abroad experiences, which will

be considered cause for disciplinary action. This list is illustrative

only and intended to give a guide to expected behavior. It cannot and

does not include all behavior that may lead to disciplinary action.

Any form of academic dishonesty, which includes, but is

not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, and misrepresentation

of one’s work. Most cases of academic dishonesty will be

processed through Academic Affairs. Please reference the

academic course catalogue at https://catalog.bellarmine.edu

for more information about academic dishonesty.

Intentionally or recklessly harassing or causing physical harm

to others or causing apprehension of harm. Harassment

includes, but is not limited to, stalking, verbal harassment,

cyber-bullying, and threats.

Intentionally or recklessly interfering with University func-

tions, University sponsored activities, or any activity on

University premises.

4. Violation of federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. A

student has 48 hours to notify the Dean of Students Office

after being charged with violating a federal, state, or local

law/ordinance whether it occurred on or off campus.

5. Violation of University policies including the residence hall

contract.

6. Theft, unlawful use or possession of property of the Uni-

versity or others.

7. Forgery, falsifying identification, lying and providing false

information to University officials.

Intentionally or recklessly destroying, altering, or damaging

University property or the property of others.

9. Unauthorized use of University property or facilities.

10.

Unauthorized use of possession of fireworks, or incendiary,

dangerous or noxious devices or materials, including torches

or setting a fire.

11.

Unauthorized use or possession of firearms or dangerous

weapons.

12. Intentionally initiating or causing any false report, warning

or threat of fire, explosion, or other emergency; misusing

or damaging fire or other safety equipment.

13.

Hazing or behavior which creates a situation that may endanger

mental or physical health or involves forced consumption of

alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation or affiliation

with any campus organization or group.

14.

Conduct with is disorderly, obscene, lewd, indecent, and

objectively offensive. This includes, but is not limited to,

physical, electronic or verbal misconduct.

15.

Failure to comply with the directions of University officials,

which include student/staff personnel acting in the perfor-

mance of their duties.

16.

Abuse of the student conduct system including, but not

limited to, filing a false complaint, abuse of student conduct

proceedings, retaliatory behavior, and/or violating the terms

of a student conduct sanction.

17. Any demonstration of gang-related activity or affiliation.

18.

Gambling (e.g., lotteries, betting on athletic events, numbers

games, cards and dice).

19. Retaliatory behavior in regards to any University process.

20. Any form of sexual misconduct, which includes, but is not

limited to: sexual harassment, stalking, dating violence,

domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or

retaliation. Violations involving sexual discrimination and/

or sexual harassment may be heard separately from other

code violations occurring at the same time. See the Sexual

Discrimination and Misconduct Policy for more information.

STUDENT CONDUCT PROCEDURES

(NON-ACADEMIC)

All student conduct regulations, procedures, and sanctions es-

tablished by the University shall be administered by the Dean of

Students, their designee, or a panel of trained student conduct

officers. Any member of the University community may file a

report under the Code of Student Conduct. A report should be

submitted in writing to the Office of Public Safety and Transpor-

tation, Residence Life Office, or Dean of Students Office as soon

as possible, but within two (2) weeks of the alleged misconduct.

The Dean of Students has the latitude to extend this deadline if

deemed necessary.

The student conduct procedures will be used to adjudicate

student conduct cases involving alleged violations of the Code of

Student Conduct. Minor deviations in these procedures, including

failure to meet stated deadlines which do not significantly preju-

dice any party and shall not invalidate the procedure. A student

who has been charged with a Code of Student Conduct violation,

and thus alleged to be involved in an inappropriate behavior, will

be afforded the following to assure fundamental fairness in the

student conduct process:

•

Notice – to be informed in writing of the specific violation

in which the student was allegedly involved. Such notice

will be given at least three (3) business days prior to the

hearing, when appropriate and possible, and will include

the time and place of the hearing. The notice will also in-

clude information regarding the student conduct process.

The hearing officer may extend the scheduling of hearings

based on good cause (i.e., illness or reasonable delays). The

hearing officer may consult with the complainant or the

respondent prior to the hearing to review the charges and

the student conduct procedures. The Dean of Students,

Vice President for Student Affairs, or a designee has the

authority to immediately suspend, pending the hearing,

any student from the residence halls and/or the University.

Students with disabilities who require accommodations for

classroom activities may also qualify for accommodations

during student conduct hearings. The student must notify

the Dean of Students two (2) business days in advance of

the hearing if they qualify for accommodations so that

information can be confirmed, and arrangements can be

made through the Accessibility Resource Center.

• File Access/Review – the student has the right to review

official documents in their student conduct file. Official

documents consist of materials that would be considered

“educational records” under the Family Educational Rights

and Privacy Act of 1974. Personal notes of University staff

members are not included. The student must make an ap-

pointment with the Dean of Students and/or their designee

and documents may be reviewed up to 24 hours before the

hearing. No copies or pictures may be made from the file,

the hearing officer or designee must be present, and the

file may not be removed by any student from the office

•

Inquiry – Once a charge has been filed and investigated, the

student will receive notice of the hearing to be conducted

by the Dean of Students or designee(s), including, but not

limited to, Residence Life staff, Student Affairs staff, and

conduct panels composed of faculty and staff members.

Participants will be updated throughout this process and

other policy violations may, at the option of the Dean of

Students, be handled separately. See Sexual Misconduct

Grievance Policy for more detail.

• Hearing – to have an opportunity to respond to the infor-

mation, to present information, and to include relevant

witnesses during a fair and impartial hearing. The hearing

shall be a private, internal review process that is informal,

but thorough. Criminal law concepts do not apply to the

student conduct process. Neither federal nor any state rules

of evidence apply in student conduct proceedings. The stan-

dard of proof will be the preponderance of the evidence,

which means that the information presented, as a whole,

shows that the occurrence of the alleged behavior was more

probable than not. The party or parties, their advisor(s) and

witnesses are prohibited from voice recording any part of

the judicial proceedings including interviews, hearings,

and subsequent meetings with administrators. The only

party authorized to record a student conduct hearing is the

Dean of Students Office. Conduct Panels are composed

of one chief hearing officer, one faculty member and one

staff member. Any real or perceived conflicts of interest

between the parties will be disclosed prior to proceedings.

The hearing shall be closed to everyone except the hear-

ing officials (panel members, recorder, and chief student

conduct officer), the complainant (person who reported the

alleged conduct violation), the respondent (the person who

allegedly violated the Code of Student Conduct), approved

advisers, and witnesses during select times of the student

conduct hearing. Private attorneys and parents may not

be present at the hearing. If the respondent fails either to

appear or to provide adequate prior notice of a reasonable

excuse for not appearing, the hearing may proceed without

them. The information in support of the charges will be

presented and considered, and the case will be heard in a

fair manner. Both the reporting party and the respondent

will be given the opportunity to indirectly question each

other and all witnesses through the hearing officer(s) dur-

ing the proceedings. Parents may be informed of charges

if deemed necessary by the Dean of Students or a designee.

• Witnesses – to be able to have witnesses speak or present

material relevant to the case. It is the responsibility of the

complainant or respondent to notify the witnesses of the

hearing and to provide a list of the witnesses to the Dean of

Students at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing.

Exceptions to the deadline may be determined by the hear-

ing officers/panel. The University may also call witnesses.

The student may review possible witness names 24 hours

prior to the hearing. Witnesses are to be on site for the

duration of the hearing and will be called to provide their

information as needed throughout the hearing.

•

Adviser – to have a Bellarmine University faculty member,

staff member or student attend the hearing in the role of an

adviser. The adviser may not address the panel. The adviser

cannot be one who is involved in the case or is related to any

person allegedly charged. The complainant and respondent

may each have an adviser present. The role of the adviser

is simply to lend emotional and personal support to the

student involved in the student conduct process. Students

must notify the Dean of Students twenty-four (24) hours

prior to the hearing regarding the name of their adviser.

•

Written Decision – to have written notification of the

findings of the hearing and the sanction(s), if applicable,

within three business days of the hearing. In instances of

sexual misconduct, the University will disclose the results

of any student conduct proceeding concurrently to the

complainant and respondent. In instances of crimes of

violence, the University will disclose the results of student

conduct proceedings upon receiving written request from

the complainant in the Dean of Students Office. If the victim

is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, Bellarmine

will provide the results of the disciplinary hearing to the

victim’s next of kin, if so requested.

•

Appeal - the student may make a written appeal within

three (3) days of being informed of a disciplinary sanction,

when the result of the hearing is suspension or dismissal

from the University or residence halls. Appeals must be

based on one or more of the following reasons:

Sanction proportionality - to determine whether the sanc-

tion was disproportionate to the offense committed, for

which the student was found to be responsible.

New information - to consider new information that

was not known at the time of the original hearing that,

if introduced, would substantially impact the finding or

sanction

» Procedural conformity - a claim that the hearing did not

conform to the procedures outlined, and that substantially

affected the outcome of the original hearing.

The written appeal must include the specific grounds for

the appeal, supporting arguments and documentation, and

any other relevant information the respondent wishes to

include. Upon receipt of the written appeal, the other prin-

cipal parties involved in the original hearing are notified and

provided reasonable opportunity to respond in writing to

the appeal. The principal parties include, but are not limited

to, the Dean of Students, the chief student conduct officer,

and any person(s) filing a report against a student. Validity

of appeals for residence hall suspension or dismissal will

be heard by the Dean of Students or a designee. Validity of

appeals for University suspension or dismissal will be heard

by the Committee on Student Appeals.

Residence hall suspension or dismissal and appeals of

University suspension or dismissal will be heard by the Com-

mittee on Student Appeals. This committee is composed of

one (1) faculty member and two (2) staff members appointed

by the VPSA. The appeals committee will examine witnesses

not previously heard, new information, pertinent materials

or information related to the original hearing, including,

but not limited to previous hearing summary/minutes,

sanction notification letter, incident report, letter of appeal,

and appeal responses. The committee will render a recom-

mendation to the VPSA or a designee, who will review the

recommendation and issue a written decision in the matter.

The VPSA will notify the appellant of the decision within

three working days of receipt of the recommendation from

the Appeals Committee. In case of any crime of violence or

sexual misconduct, both the complainant and the respondent

will receive written notification of the outcome of the appeal.

Students involved in an appeals process may be allowed to

attend classes, participate in University activities, and use

University facilities unless their presence constitutes a clear

and present danger to the University community or until the

verdict is determined.

•

Maintenance of Records - Documentation of all proceedings,

which may include written findings of facts, transcripts

or audio recordings will be kept in a secured location. In

cases which do not involve suspension or expulsion, the

records will be destroyed after seven years. Cases involv-

ing suspension or expulsion will be stored indefinitely.

Conduct records are kept separate from other academic

records and are protected under the Family Educational

Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

STUDENT CONDUCT SANCTIONS

The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found

to have violated the Code of Student Conduct.

1. Warning – a notice that the student has violated University

policy and is warned that further misconduct may result in

more severe disciplinary action.

2. On Notice – if a student has violated a policy that warrants

a more serious sanction than a Warning, but does not jus-

tify being placed on Probation, or if a student has already

received two or more Warnings, the student may be placed

“On Notice.” Any further infractions would result in being

placed on Probation or could justify suspension or dismissal

from the University or residence hall without first being

placed on Probation, depending on the incident.

3. Probation – a student may be issued a sanction of Probation

for a relatively serious first offense or as the result of an accu-

mulation of previous violations and sanctions. Probation may

be either University Probation or Residence Hall Probation.

Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the

probability of more severe student conduct sanctions if the

student is found to be in violation of any University policies

during the probationary period. Residence hall Probation

means that further violation of residence hall policy will result

in suspension or dismissal from the residence halls. University

Probation means that further violations of University policy

may result in suspension or dismissal from the University.

4. Parent/Legal Guardian Notification – in accordance with

the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA),

which is part of the Higher Education Act, amended in 1998,

the University has a right to notify parents/legal guardians

if a student under the age of 21 has violated an alcohol or

drug policy or is accused of a violent crime. Bellarmine

University may inform parents/legal guardians of students

who have received the sanction of University or Residence

Hall Probation.

Campus Involvement Restrictions/Good Standing Status – a

student found in violation of University or Residence Hall

policy with determined sanctions may, as part of their conduct

sanctioning be determined to be not in good standing for

a specific length of time. This status may have impact with

regards to on-campus opportunities including leadership

positions, travel, participation in events, study abroad, or

other opportunities. The Dean of Students, in consultation

with other appropriate University personnel, will determine

this on a case-by-case basis, depending on the severity of the

violation and the student’s conduct record.

Loss of Privileges – denial of specified campus privileges for

a designated period of time.

7. Educational/Developmental – the student may be required

to present a program, attend counseling sessions, write a

paper, or engage in other related activities. For alcohol-

related offenses, the student may be required to participate

in an alcohol education program.

8. Fines – fines may be assessed, depending on the incident.

Restitution – compensation for loss, damage, or injury.

This may take the form of appropriate service, monetary,

or material replacement.

10. Discretionary Sanctions – work assignments or service to

the University or community.

11.

Residence hall Relocation – the student may be required

to move to another room, floor, or residence hall. The

student may also be limited in their selection of a room,

suite, or building during the room selection process for the

following year.

12.

Residence hall Suspension – separation of the student from the

residence halls for a definite period of time, after which the

student may be eligible to return. Conditions for readmission

may be specified. This means the student may not live in the

halls but may visit the halls during normal visitation hours.

13.

Residence hall Dismissal/ban – permanent separation of the

student from the residence halls.

14. Held in Abeyance – the student is already on University or

Residence Hall Probation and is informed that the decision to

suspend or dismiss him/her is being suspended for a period

of time. This is rarely used and is a very serious sanction, as

any further violation would result in immediate suspension

or dismissal.

15. University Suspension – separation of the student from the

University for a definite period of time, after which the

student may be eligible to return. Conditions for readmis-

sion may be specified. A fourth alcohol-related offense may

result in University Suspension.

16. University Expulsion/Dismissal – permanent separation of

the student from the University.

17.

Campus Ban – the student is not to be on any campus

property. This ban includes the residence halls, academic

buildings, athletic facilities, and school grounds. If student

is seen on campus property, the appropriate authorities will

be contacted, and student may be arrested for trespassing.

STUDENT NON-ACADEMIC

GRIEVANCE POLICY

Bellarmine University students who believe they have been treated

unfairly by other students, University employees, or other third

parties with respect to non-academic matters or are convinced

they have been discriminated against in any matter on the basis

of race, color, disability, religion, age, national origin, gender

identity, gender or sexual orientation, may initiate and pursue

the grievance procedure in accordance with the provisions of this

document. Please see the Sexual Discrimination & Misconduct

Policy for grievance issues of sexual misconduct, stalking, do-

mestic violence, dating violence and harassment. Non-academic

matters are those concerned with all campus life, athletics and

intramural sports, access to facilities, services, and events. All

grievances of a non-academic nature are addressed through the

Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) office, as outlined in

the Student Non-Academic Grievance Policy.

If it is unclear whether a grievance is academic or non-aca-

demic, or if the grievance is determined to allege a violation of

the Sexual Discrimination and Misconduct Policy, the Provost

or their designee and the Vice President for Student Affairs or

their designee will consult to determine the appropriate griev-

ance venue and process.

Preliminary Steps

To initiate or pursue a non-academic grievance, the following

steps must be observed:

The grievant should first discuss the matter with the person

or persons directly involved, in an attempt to resolve the

grievance through informal discussion.

If there is no resolution, the grievant should discuss the matter

with the department supervisor or director to whom those

directly involved report (or if the department supervisor or

director is directly involved, with their supervisor), who

shall attempt to mediate an informal resolution.

c. If there is no resolution through the department supervisor

or director, the grievant should discuss the matter with the

Dean of Students, who shall attempt to mediate an informal

resolution.

If reconciliation has still not been achieved, the grievant

shall submit to the Non-Academic Grievance Committee,

through the VPSA, a written statement of the grievance.

The statement shall contain:

a brief narrative of the condition giving rise to the griev-

ance, including a summary of any attempts at reaching

an informal resolution to the matter;

ii. a designation of the parties involved; and

iii. a concise statement of the remedy requested

Formation of the Committee

At the beginning of each academic year, the VPSA shall

choose three members and two alternates from among the

University’s full-time faculty and staff to serve on the Non-

Academic Grievance Committee pool for that year

At the beginning of each academic year, the Executive

Committee of the Student Government Association (SGA)

shall select two students and two alternates to serve in the

Non-Academic Grievance Committee pool for that year.

c. A chair and vice chair will be selected from the faculty and

staff members to serve for one year.

Upon receipt of a written statement of a non-academic griev-

ance, the VPSA shall notify the Committee Chair- person

(or Vice-Chairperson if the grievance involves the Chairper-

son’s area). The Committee is composed of a Chairperson

(or Vice-Chairperson, as appropriate), two faculty/staff

members and two students.

Committee Action

Upon receipt of the written statement of a non-academic grievance

and the accompanying statement of response from the individual

member named in the grievance, the Non-Academic Grievance

Committee shall:

Determine prior to considering the grievance whether

discussions between the student, persons directly involved,

department supervisor/director, and the Dean of Students

have been exhausted in attempting to resolve the grievance

informally.

Notify the parties named in the statement of the receipt

of a grievance naming them; send a copy of the statement

to the named parties and to all committee members; and

request a written statement of response from the faculty/

staff member (respondent) named in the student’s grievance.

The faculty/staff member or student statement of response

shall be received within five (5) working days of its request

and shall contain the following:

a brief narrative of any attempts made between the

grievant and respondent to resolve the matter informally,

including the names of any mediators (department super-

visor, director, and/or Dean of Students) involved; and

ii.

a response to the allegations made in the student’s state-

ment of grievance.

Notify the grievant and respondent of their rights to challenge

Committee members for cause and request early notifica-

tion of challenge(s) to expedite the grievance procedures.

Included in this notification will be a list of the names of

Committee members. Any Committee members removed

for cause shall be replaced by alternate members selected

as in section 2, and the newly formed committee shall meet

again to render a decision as to whether sufficient grounds

are present to warrant a hearing.

d. Determine whether grounds are present to warrant a hear-

ing within five (5) working days after receiving the written

statements of grievance. This decision cannot be appealed.

e. Notify the grievant and the named parties of the commit-

tee’s decision to hear the grievance in writing.

If a hearing will be held, notify in writing all parties involved,

including any witnesses, of the date, time and place of the

hearing at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date set.

g. Inform the parties that the standard of proof rests with the

grievant, and that each party may be accompanied to the

hearing by an adviser. An adviser to the process is a Bellarmine

University faculty, staff or student who may not participate

in the hearing unless specifically addressed by the Commit-

tee. The adviser cannot be one who is involved in the case

or is related to any person involved in the case. The adviser

may not address the panel. The standard of proof will be

the preponderance of the evidence, which means that the

information presented as a whole demonstrates that the oc-

currence of the alleged behavior was more probable than not.

h. Request in writing from all parties involved any pertinent

material deemed necessary for review by the Committee

prior to the hearing, as well as the names of witnesses who

will appear at the hearing or will submit a written statement

on behalf of the parties involved. A written statement may

be provided by a witness on behalf of any party involved in

lieu of an appearance at the hearing, unless the Committee,

after review of any such statement, deems an appearance at

the hearing is necessary. Witnesses will not be allowed both

to submit a statement and appear at the hearing unless the

committee so requests. These materials, plus any additional

materials either party chooses to submit, must be submitted

to the Committee no later than two (2) working days prior

to the hearing.

All communications among the Committee, the grievant(s)

and person(s) named in the statement of grievance will

be confidential. Every effort will be made by Committee

members to maintain confidentiality throughout the entire

grievance process.

The student has the right to review official documents in

their grievance file. Official documents consist of materials

that would be considered “educational records” under the

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Hearing Process

All hearings conducted by the Non-Academic Grievance Com-

mittee shall be conducted confidentially in the following manner:

a. The hearing shall be closed to everyone except the hearing

officials (Committee members, recorder, and chief hearing

officer), the grievant(s), respondent(s), adviser (s) and wit-

nesses during the actual time of their testimony. Private

attorneys and parents may not be present at the hearing.

b. The hearing shall be a private, internal review process that

is informal but thorough.

The grievant(s) and respondent(s) must be present during the

information gathering portion of the hearing. If the respon-

dent chooses to not attend, the committee will meet in their

absence. Witnesses will be available and called when needed.

The Committee reserves the right to allow the presence of

a secretary or technical assistant, if needed.

Any Committee member may question any of the participants

at the hearing at any time during the proceedings.

e. The grievant will present their statement and/or witnesses

to the Committee.

The respondent will present their statement and/or wit-

nesses to the Committee.

g. The grievant and respondent will have the opportunity to

question the grievant and respondent(s) and witnesses about

their statements.

h. After all information is exchanged, all persons, other than

the Committee members and the recording secretary, will

leave the room. The grievant(s), respondent(s) and witnesses

will continue to be available to the Committee should further

information be requested.

i. The Committee will meet in closed session to decide upon

its recommendation(s) to the VPSA.

The Committee shall submit its report with recommendation(s)

to the VPSA. If the grievance directly involves the VPSA

the report and recommendation(s) of the Non-Academic

Grievance Committee shall be referred to the Provost. If

the grievance directly involves the Provost, the report and

recommendation of the Non-Academic Grievance Commit-

tee shall be referred to the President.

k. The student’s grievance will not be included as part of the

student’s official record, unless it results in a change in

student status.

Decision

In the event a hearing is held and an appeal taken, the VPSA shall

approve or reject the Committee’s recommendation(s) within

ten (10) working days after it is received, unless the VPSA feels

that more information is necessary, in which case the VPSA may

resubmit the case to the Committee for further findings prior to

the decision. If the decision of the VPSA is not in accord with the

Committee’s recommendation(s), they shall state the reasons for

that decision, in writing, to all persons directly involved in the

grievance and to the Committee Chairperson (or Vice-Chairperson,

as appropriate). The VPSA shall then take appropriate action to

implement their decision.

Appeal

The Provost, within twenty-one (21) days after the VPSA’s de-

cision, may be petitioned by the grievant(s) or respondent(s) to

reconsider the decision based only upon information clearly not

available at the original hearing. Such an appeal is discretionary.

TITLE IX AND GENDER-RELATED

GRIEVANCES

For the full policies and guidelines related to Title IX and gender-

related grievances, please see the Sexual Discrimination and

Misconduct Policy at the end of this publication.

BIAS-RELATED INCIDENTS

Bellarmine University values and celebrates the diverse back-

grounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives of our com-

munity members. Bias-related incidents, including slurs based on

racial or ethnic identity, faith tradition, gender identity, sexual

orientation, ability and others create, a hostile educational, liv-

ing and working environment and such acts are not tolerated in

our academic community.

The term “bias-related” refers to language, behaviors and

acts that demonstrate discrimination or hate against persons

or groups because of any of the following identity categories

(perceived or otherwise): age, gender, gender identity, sex,

sexual orientation, race, disability, color, religion, national or

ethnic origin, familial or economic status. These categories are

examples and are not an exhaustive list of attributes or charac-

teristics protected under this policy.

Reporting Bias

If you experience or witness a bias-related incident contact the

Office of Public Safety and Transportation at 502.272.7777,

which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will be put in

contact with a Bias Response Team Member. A Bias Response

Team member will promptly review all bias incident reports

and treat the reports in the highest level of confidentiality pos-

sible. You may also report a bias-related incident by complet-

ing the Student Concern Report Form found at https://www.

bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/ dean/student-concern-report.

For more information about bias-related incidents or response

contact Allison Schumacher Smithkier, Chief Title IX Officer

at 502-272-7337 or aschumache01@bellarmine.edu.

DISABILITY GRIEVANCE POLICY

Introduction

Bellarmine University does not discriminate on the basis of dis-

ability in its programs or activities, or with regard to employment.

In the event that the University determines discrimination has oc-

curred, it will take steps to prevent its recurrence and will correct

its effects on the student and others, if appropriate. The Grievance

Procedure is not a legal proceeding but an internal process to enable

the University to discover and remedy the effects of any alleged

discrimination. Students who believe they have experienced dis-

ability discrimination may utilize these disability discrimination

grievance procedures.

Preliminary Steps

To initiate or pursue a grievance based on discrimination related to

the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following prelimi-

nary step must be observed to address the alleged discrimination.

Students should attempt to resolve disputes informally with

either the party alleged to have committed the violation,

and/or with the head of the department or unit in which

the alleged violation occurred. There is no requirement

that a student alleging disability discrimination utilize these

informal procedures before filing a formal report. However,

experience has shown that the majority of reports can be

effectively resolved through the informal process. Students

are encouraged to resolve disputes via these informal pro-

cedures when possible. The Director of the Accessibility

Resource Center is available to provide advisory and media-

tion services to students.

Formal Resolution Procedures

Students alleging disability discrimination must contact

the Director of the Accessibility Resource Center (or the

Dean of Students if the Accessibility Resource Center staff

is directly involved) or file a report through the Student

Concern Report Form to initiate their grievance.

The report must include the following: the specific act(s)

or circumstance(s) alleged to constitute the discriminatory

action that is the basis of the report, including the time and

place of the alleged discrimination, the student’s basis for

believing that it was motivated by disability discrimination,

and the remedy requested.

c. Upon receipt of the formal report, a University official des-

ignated by the Accessibility Resource Center Director will

initiate an ad- equate, reliable, and impartial investigation

of the report. During the course of the investigation, the

student will be given the opportunity to present witnesses

and other information.

d. The University investigator will complete the investigation

within 60 days after submission of the written report. The

decision will include findings of fact, and if discrimination

is found, 1) a determination of action to be taken to resolve

the effects of the discrimination; and 2) appropriate action

to be taken with regard to the discriminating individual.

The student and all other parties will be advised of the

outcome of the grievance to the fullest extent allowed by

state and federal law.

e. The decision may be appealed within 7 business days of its

issuance. The appeal must be made in writing to the Ac-

cessibility Resource Center Director or designee and must

include the basis for the appeal.

The Accessibility Resource Center Director or their designee

will issue a decision after receiving the appeal. The appeal

decision is final. The student and all other parties will be

advised of the outcome of the appeal to the fullest extent

allowed by state and federal law.

Timeframe for this process may be extended if there are

extenuating circumstances including college breaks, etc.

It is prohibited for any University employee, official, or

student to retaliate against or hinder the testimony of any

individual because they have filed a report under this pro-

cedure or who has otherwise assisted in the investigation

of a grievance. Such retaliation may result in a variety of

sanctions, including termination or dismissal.

CAMPUS SECURITY INFORMATION

2021-2022

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security

Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1990, Bellarmine University

publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety report. This report

is prepared by the Clery Campus Committee with oversight from

the Office of Public Safety. The report includes statistics for the

previous three years and include all reported instances of crimes

and Residence Hall Fires required by the Campus Security Act, not

just convictions or adjudications that occur within the Bellarmine

University Clery geography. All members of the Bellarmine Uni-

versity community and prospective students and families have the

right to access both the policy and crime statistics upon request.

The current Annual Security and Fire Safety report can be located

at https://www.bellarmine.edu/security/statistics-and-reports/.

For questions related to the policy, crime statistics or daily incident

log, please contact the Office of Public Safety.

THE MICHAEL MINGER LIFE SAFETY ACT

The Michael Minger Life Safety Act, KRS 164.948 to 164.9489

is a Kentucky state law that requires public colleges and universities

as well as private institutions licensed by the Kentucky Council on

Postsecondary Education (CPE) to report campus crimes to their

employees, students and the public and to report annually to the

Council on Postsecondary Education. Campus crime log definition

at KRS 164.9481(1): means the daily log maintained by an institu-

tion and developed by the council consistent with the provisions.

An institution shall maintain a campus crime log as required by

KRS 164.9481(1) Campus Security Authority – definition at KRS

164.948(2): means campus police, security officers, and any of-

ficial at a postsecondary education institution who has significant

responsibility for student and campus activities, including student

discipline, student housing, and student life administration. Profes-

sional mental health, pastoral, and other licensed counselors when

functioning in that capacity are not considered campus security

authorities.

As this definition relates to Bellarmine University Campus

Security authorities (CSA) would include the Director of Public

Safety, Public Safety officers and staff and any official of the Uni-

versity who has significant responsibility for student and campus

activities including student conduct, student housing, student

judicial affairs and student life. Designated University officials are:

President, Vice President for Business Affairs, Vice President for

Student Affairs, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean

of Students, Director of Residence Life, Residence Life Professional

Staff, Athletic Director, and Athletic Coaching Staff. The president

or his/her designee may identify other officials if necessary.

Enforcement Authority: The Office of Public Safety officers have

the responsibility for enforcing University polices and regulations

and for reporting crime violations to local and state authorities.

The mission of Bellarmine University’s Office of Public Safety is

to ensure a safe living, working, and learning environment while

being sensitive to the needs of a diverse community. We are com-

mitted to achieving the highest standards of professionalism and

customer service while being dedicated to fostering cooperative

relationships with the Bellarmine community. We are committed

to continually striving for excellence through professionalism,

collaboration through understanding the needs of the community

and exceeding their expectations. Our goal is to become an elite

community-based public safety department in higher education. The

Office of Public Safety provides security services to the University

in order to maintain a safe environment.

How to Prevent Crimes:

Being on a college campus is an exciting experience but it is im-

portant to prevent yourself from becoming more vulnerable than

necessary or putting yourself into potentially harmful situations.

The following tips can help you to avoid possible dangers.

1. Do not let anyone into your residence hall, residence hall

room, apartment, or house that you do not know. Your

personal safety is of the upmost importance. Do not allow

a stranger to make you feel guilty about taking safety pre-

cautions or intimidate you into compromising your safety.

2. Make sure your room door is locked at ALL times.

3. Be careful with your keys. Do not loan your keys (room or

car) out to anyone. If you lose your residence hall keys, pay

the fine and get a new set.

4. If you have a car, lock it. It seems so easy to remember, yet

it is so easy to forget. Also, if you live on campus, check on

your car multiple times throughout the week.

5. If you have a bike, properly secure it. Secure bikes through

the wheel and frame with a high-quality lock; the U-Lock

is recommended.

6. Watch your belongings. Never leave items unattended like

your backpack, laptop, or cell phone, even if it is just for a

minute. Make it a habit to take these valuables with you.

7. Walk with a friend when out late at night. There is always

safety in numbers. If you do not have any friends available,

please call the Office of Public Safety for an escort.

Know the location of the nearest emergency phones on

campus. There are a number of Blue Phones and Yellow

Phones on campus. If needed, please use them in the event

of an emergency; they will ring directly to the Office of

Public Safety.

9. If you see something, say something. If you see some- thing

that looks suspicious or dangerous, please contact the Of-

fice of Public Safety immediately. If your life (or the life of

another) is in imminent danger, call 911 then call the Office

of Public Safety.

10. Stay alert! Pay attention to what is going on around you and

avoid blocking sounds or using distracting devices such as

a cell phone. Your ears and eyes are your best defense to

being taken by surprise.

How to Report a Crime

All students, faculty and staff members within the Bellarmine

community are strongly encouraged to report all crimes and safety

related issues accurately and promptly. For immediate assistance,

dial 911 and then the Office of Public Safety. It is important to report

these crimes for investigations, making necessary timely warnings

or if assistance is needed from local law enforcement agencies and

other first responders. You can reach the Office of Public Safety on

any campus telephone at the four-digit number 7777. Off -campus

callers can reach The Office of Public Safety at 502.272.7777.

The Office of Public Safety is located on the ground floor of the

Centro Treece Hall in CNTH-054. The campus is equipped with

eleven outdoor emergency blue phones that ring into the Office of

Public Safety automatically when activated. Pressing the red button

initiates an emergency call. The Office of Public Safety conducts

bi-weekly testing on the emergency blue phones. Courtesy phones

are free of charge and located in the lobbies or inside public areas of

most University buildings. Students and employees can use these

accessible telephones to call the Office of Public Safety. In addition,

you may report a crime to any Campus Security Authority (CSA).

How to Report a Crime Anonymously

Those within the Bellarmine community may voluntarily and

anonymously report crimes to the Office of Public Safety at www.

bellarmine.edu/security/report. If a student, faculty or staff mem-

ber is aware of behaviors and/or conditions that may be harmful to

another student; they should also contact the Student Affairs staff

at 502.272.8150. With this information, the University can keep

accurate records of the number of incidents involving students,

determine where there may be a pattern of crime with regard to a

particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the University

community of potential danger when necessary. Reports filed in

this manner will only be counted and disclosed in the annual crime

statistics for the University.

Further information about campus safety can be obtained

from the Director of Public Safety and Transportation by calling

502.272.7777.

CAMPUS LIFE

Orientation, New Student & Family Programs

Week of Welcome (WOW) is a program designed to assist

students in making a smooth transition to the University. All

first-time, full-time first-year students are required to attend

Week of Welcome. The student-led program occurs after first-

year student check-in and prior to classes beginning. It is led by

trained student Week of Welcome team members who lead small

group discussions and large activities. At WOW, students meet

their fellow classmates and learn from experienced students,

faculty, and staff what it takes to be successful at Bellarmine.

Information about WOW is sent out during the summer. Student

leadership is provided by the WOW Team, under the direction

of the Student Activities Center.

The Knight Transition is our orientation program offered

for transfer and re-admitted students and adult learners. This

experience provides students with information about how Bel-

larmine is unique compared to other campuses. Some topics

include: campus technology, campus services and resources,

and campus engagement. There is also time for meeting with

financial aid and academic advisors. Information about The

Knight Transition is sent out during the summer. For more

information, contact the Student Activities Center.

Family Programs at Bellarmine University regard family

members as partners in the educational journey of all students.

Programs, events, and open communication will assist parents

and family members in engagement with the University com-

munity, will aid families in navigating the institution, will assist

in supporting students, and will seek to develop a long-lasting

connection to the Bellarmine community. For more information

and resources about Bellarmine University Family Programs,

please visit www.bellarmine.edu/parents. You may also email

parents@bellarmine.edu.

Commuter Services

Students who commute to the University are encouraged to

become active and engaged members of the Bellarmine com-

munity. Commuter students have access to everything from the

Counseling Center to the SuRF recreation facility. Resources,

communications, and assistance for commuters are available

through the Dean of Students Office at 502.272.8150 or com-

muters@bellarmine.edu.

Locker rental in Centro is available free of charge. The locker

rental agreement (available on the Commuter Services website

www.bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/commutercenter) should

be completed and submitted to the Dean of Students Office. The

Commuter Lounge in Centro, including a kitchen with fridge,

sink, and microwaves as well as a lounging area, pool table, and

computers and printers are available to you. Commuters may

purchase a meal plan for use at the University Dining Hall as

well as other locations on campus by visiting https://bellarmine.

sodexomyway.com/my-meal-plan/index.

Should a commuter student be on campus and unable to return

home due to inclement weather, accommodations may be made

to stay on campus overnight. To make arrangements to stay on

campus, students should contact the Office of Public Safety and

Transportation at 502.272.7777. The Office of Public Safety

and Transportation will coordinate with the Office of Housing

and Residence Life to facilitate accommodations.

Student Activities

Student Activities Center (SAC) creates transformative student

experiences for the Bellarmine community through cultivation

of meaningful connections and sustaining campus traditions.

Bellarmine offers a variety of opportunities for campus and

community engagement. The SAC supports our almost 100

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), including academic,

special interest, service, social, and sports clubs. The Bellarm-

ine Activities Council (BAC) coordinates a diverse calendar of

programs and activities to enrich campus life utilizing student

activity fees. The Student Government Association (SGA) serves

as a voice for all students on campus issues. BAC and SGA are

among several other student organizations that you can get

involved with. For a complete listing of RSOs or to start a new

organization visit Engage: engage.bellarmine.edu. Engage also

houses our Student Activities Interest Questionnaire, which will

help match you with engagement opportunities. The Student

Activities Center can be reached at 502.272.7115 or sac@bel-

larmine.edu.

Community Engagement

Community engagement and community-based leadership are

highly valued at Bellarmine University. Thousands of hours

of community engagement are logged each year, dedicated to

improving the human condition and communities in the area,

the region, and abroad. Community engagement opportunities

can be found on MobileServe, Engage, or the biweekly email

newsletter Stuff to Do with BU, or by following @bellarminecce

on Instagram. The Center for Community Engagement and the

SGA Vice President for Campus and Community Engagement

plan opportunities for students throughout the academic year. All

students are encouraged to participate in community engagement

whether through experiential educational experiences in class,

in-person or virtual service with student organizations or social

justice focused trips and campus traditions, such as Alternative

Spring Break, MLK Jr. Week of Social Responsibility, campus

blood drives, and Knights in Action.

The Center for Community Engagement

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) is in CNMH

082 and 080. The CCE supports students with curricular and

co-curricular community engagement experiences.

• Students can add 1 academic credit to any course by regis-

tering for a BU-250, which entails 30 hours of community

engagement with a nonprofit or government institution

during the named semester.

•

The Community Engagement Access provides financial

support to students who are completing an unpaid intern-

ship or BU-250 experience.

•

Knights Pantry locations are in Centro Treece 225 and

Siena Terzo kitchen and vending area and provide food and

toiletries to all students, faculty, and staff, free of charge.

• Knights Closet is also located in Centro Treece and offers

career-ready clothing, winter accessories, and Bellarmine

gear at no cost.

•

Alternative Spring Break is a weeklong experience at a local

or regional site to combat a specific social justice topic and

students can apply through Engage.

•

Bonner Leaders is a Federal Work Study/KREBS program

for students who want to earn their financial aid award at

a community site.

•

Pathways to College is a mentoring program that allows

Bellarmine undergraduate students to share their lived

experiences with middle and high school students in the

local area.

•

RISE tutoring is a K-12 tutoring program in the local area.

•

In partnership with OII, the CCE hosts an annual MLK

Week in January with community engagement and educa-

tional opportunities.

To log community engagement hours, please go to OneBel-

larmine and select MobileServe under Student Life. This single

sign-on platform allows one to find community opportunities

and log engagement hours over the course of one’s college

experience. To get engaged, email communityengagement@

bellarmine.edu.

Leadership Development

Bellarmine University encourages all students to explore their

leadership style and beliefs through building on our leader-

ship foundations: 1) leadership is not reliant on a position,

role, or title; 2) leadership is impacted by your identities and

your awareness of them; 3) leadership is a relationship-driven,

service-oriented, and collaborative process; and 4) leadership is

situational–sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow. We

believe in the power of everyday leadership; meaning leadership

is a choice and something you can practice anywhere, anytime.

Bellarmine provides unique opportunities to assist students in

developing skill sets, practicing leadership, and growing their

confidence in preparation for being leaders in their industries,

workplaces, and communities. Students can participate in the

Bellarmine Leadership Institute (BLI), attend leadership retreats

and workshops, discover their Top 5 Strengths through the

CliftonStrengths Assessment, and take on positional leadership

roles with student organizations or University departments. To

learn more about these opportunities, students are encouraged

to visit Engage or contact the Student Activities Center.

Voter Registration and Civic Engagement

In compliance with the 1998 Reauthorization of the Higher

Education Act of 1965, Bellarmine University will make sure

all students have an opportunity to register to vote. Bellarmine

is recognized as a Voter-Friendly Campus and encourages all

students to participate in civic learning and democratic engage-

ment. Online voter registration, absentee ballot requests, as well

as information about upcoming elections and civic engagement

opportunities, can be found at bellarmine.edu/vote. Hard cop-

ies of voter registration forms are also made available through

the Center for Community Engagement. Students who are

registered to vote in their home state may request an absentee

ballot by going to www.usa.gov and clicking on Voting & Elec-

tions under the Topics menu or by contacting the county clerk

in their hometown. For a listing of Kentucky’s county clerks

go to bellarmine.edu/vote. For additional information, visit

ht t p s://v ot e .g o v.

CAMPUS RECREATION &

WELLNESS

Sport, Recreation, & Fitness Center (SuRF)

The Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness offers a

fitness facility called the SuRF (Sport, Recreation & Fitness)

Center. It is available for students, staff, faculty, and alumni to

help balance the rigors of academic life and provide a healthy

lifestyle. The Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness

requires that all members have their Bellarmine identification

card in order to gain access to the SuRF Center.

The SuRF Center consists of three indoor tennis courts, six

outdoor tennis courts, cardiovascular machines, free weights,

weight machines, and free play courts. There is a lounge area

with billiards, ping-pong, and a TV equipped with an Xbox and a

Wii where students can gather for fun and relaxation. Men’s and

women’s showers and dressing areas are also located inside the

facility. Free Group Fitness classes, such as Yoga, Boot Camp,

Butts & Guts, and Pilates are offered at the SuRF Center in ad-

dition to paid personal training sessions with certified personal

trainers.. Class descriptions, schedules, and locations are posted

on the Campus Recreation & Wellness website: bellarmine.edu/

studentaffairs/recreationcenter.

Intramural Sports

The Intramural Sports program at Bellarmine University is

housed within the Department of Campus Recreation & Well-

ness and is designed for inclusive student engagement. The

program is founded on the principle of “participation for all”

and not only provides opportunities for both competition and

recreation, but extensive student involvement in the administra-

tion and supervision of every activity. Popular seasonal activities

include indoor volleyball, basketball, soccer, and flag football;

the program also offers a variety of one-day competitions such

as ping pong, cornhole, dodgeball, billiards, and video game

tournaments. Special signature events such as Mud Volleyball

are also held annually.

Campus Wellness

Within the Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness,

Campus Wellness offers educational outreach such as special

events, presentations, and trainings on a variety of health and

wellness topics. Relevant topics for students include resilience,

stress, sleep health, nutrition, physical activity, mental health,

and much more. Our signature events include Cookies and

Canvas, the Relaxation Station, Art 6 Feet Apart, Sleepy Knights

Sleep Challenge, Mental Health Screening Series, Ask the RD

Nutrition Coaching, and Finals are Ruff. Stay up to date with

Campus Wellness events by connecting with us on Instagram

@bellarminewellness.

Holistic wellness considers the mind, body, and spirit, while

balancing the eight dimensions of wellness. Campus Wellness

encourages students to explore opportunities to integrate the

dimensions of wellness in all aspects of their lives. Opportunities

for students to become involved with Campus Wellness include

serving as a Peer Wellness Educator and academic internships.

For more information, please call 502.272.8340 or visit https://

www.bellarmine.edu/wellness.

Athletics

All Bellarmine student-athletes are provided with a Student-

Athlete Handbook to guide policies, procedures, and expecta-

tions for student-athletes.

Bellarmine University is a member of the National Collegiate

Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and competes in the

ASUN Conference for most of its sports. Bellarmine also spon-

sors NCAA Division I men’s wrestling, which competes in the

Southern Conference, NCAA Division I women’s field hockey

which competes in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), and

NCAA Division I men’s and women’s swimming, which competes

in the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA). The school

sponsors 22 men’s and women’s NCAA sports.

In the summer of 2020, Bellarmine transitioned from an

NCAA Division II institution to an NCAA Division I institu-

tion. Bellarmine is the only private Division I University in

Kentucky and one of the few Division I Catholic universities in

the South. Most home sporting events are held on campus in

Knights Hall, Owsley B. Frazier Stadium, or the Eddie Weber

Tennis Complex. Bellarmine students gain free admission to all

home sporting events. For more information about Bellarmine

Athletics, visit the website at https://www.BUKnights.com or

contact Athletics at 502.272.8380.

Campus Ministry & Spiritual Programs

The mission of the Office of Campus Ministry is to encourage

students to engage in spiritual self- reflection, adopt healthy

spiritual wellness practices, become fully formed spiritual adults,

and work toward interfaith respect and cooperation.

All faith initiatives on campus, including faith-based student

organizations, are organized through or must be registered

with the Office of Campus Ministry and the Interfaith Coali-

tion (IFC). Students of all or no faiths are encouraged to take

advantage of these resources to enhance their spiritual well-being

or to gather regularly to pray, study, and practice their faith in

fellowship with others.

Founded as a Catholic college, Bellarmine continues to

exercise its Catholicism and offers Catholic students a home

where they might become mature, responsible Catholics through

Chapel ministry roles, liturgical celebrations throughout the

year, Catholic speakers, retreat opportunities, and the BU-

Catholic student group. Guided by the Catholic teachings in

Nostra Aetate, we are equally committed to providing a home

for students of all faiths to grow into a deeper, more mature

understanding of their own traditions and connect with others

in a spirit of ecumenical and interfaith community. Students

who are exploring their faith identity or claim no faith tradi-

tion are also encouraged to engage in dialogue, reflection, and

community with other students around faith and spirituality.

Interfaith Reflection Rooms are provided for quiet prayer,

meditation, or reflection for all members of the Bellarmine

community in the Library, Flynn Building, and Anniversary

Hall, and for residential students in Siena Terzo.

Through the Office, priests, ordained and lay ministers,

community faith leaders, and student Spiritual Peer Mentors and

Interfaith Interns offer insight and engage in dialogue with stu-

dents around various topics pertinent to worldview exploration,

interfaith cooperation, and overall spiritual wellness. Individual

and group spiritual direction is available for students seeking to

deepen their relationship with God, improve their prayer lives,

discover their gifts and talents pointing to their life’s calling and

purpose, discern their course in important decisions, and find

their “true self” about which Merton wrote so often.

An interfaith gathering space, the Campus Ministry Office

is on the ground floor of Centro. For more information or to

schedule an appointment, contact the Office of Campus Ministry

at 502.272.8051 or campusministry@bellarmine.edu.

Staff & Support Persons

Staff, Spiritual Peer Mentors, Interfaith Interns,, local seminar-

ians, and the leadership of current faith-based organizations

coordinate efforts to include all students interested in spiritual

growth. Campus Ministry staff members offer resources and

direction for individuals, student groups, and programming

and can assist students in identifying local houses of worship.

Religious Affinity Groups

Groups of students who identify as Catholic, Inter-/Non-

denominational Christian, Jewish, and Muslim meet regularly

to plan events. Every faith-based registered student organization

is a member of the Interfaith Coalition (IFC), as well as a group

committed to interfaith exploration. Other religious affinity

groups can and do exist formally and informally. We welcome

students to speak with Campus Ministry staff if there is inter-

est in organizing a group that is not currently represented on

campus. Students who wish to form faith communities to study

scripture or pray with like-minded peers, other than through

the recognized faith-based groups, meet with the Director of

Campus Ministry to register their group and receive access to

resources, space reservations, and help in reaching more students.

The Office maintains a list of local ministers who can serve as

additional resources. University and non-Bellarmine ministry

personnel must have a background check on file, be approved

by the Director and, with the other faith-based groups, agree

to abide by the Campus Ministry Covenant.

Sacred Spaces on Campus

Our Lady of the Woods Chapel was dedicated as a private chapel

in May 2001 for Bellarmine University. All events in the Chapel

are scheduled and overseen by the Office of Campus Ministry.

Mass is offered on Sundays, Tuesdays through Thursdays, and

Holy Days of Obligation when classes are in session. Adoration

and Reconciliation are available Wednesdays. A Marian grotto

is located outdoors, at ground level beneath the Chapel, with a

rosary garden path along the side of Chapel. Students serve as

the chapel musicians and liturgical ministers. Interfaith wor-

ship services, special Masses, and educational events held in the

Chapel are published via Engage and campus email. Off-campus

faith-related events also are advertised by the Office for area

churches and houses of faith.

There are several other spaces dedicated to interfaith prayer

and reflection. Interfaith Reflection Rooms are located in room

202A of the W.L. Lyons Brown Library, room 133 in the Flynn

Building, first floor of Anniversary Hall, and the first floor of

Siena Terzo. Additionally, the Thomas Merton Center in the

Brown Library is a quiet place to read, study, and meditate.

The Dr. Patricia Carver Office of Identity & Inclusion

The mission of the Dr. Patricia Carver Office of Identity and

Inclusion is to develop and educate Bellarmine students, faculty,

and staff on the power of their identities and their impacts on

the global community. We also serve as advocates on behalf of

historically marginalized populations, while promoting diversity,

inclusion, and belonging and encouraging community members

to challenge their own personal narratives.

We fulfill this mission by providing opportunities that engage

the Bellarmine community in identity exploration, cultural

humility, and social justice, while also providing a number of

support services in partnership with entities across Bellarmine

and the greater Louisville community. Through this work, we

not only help to create a more inclusive campus but also provide

the tools for our community to thrive in a diversifying world.

For additional information, contact the Director of Identity

and Inclusion at 502.272.7304, visit our suite on the first floor

of Centro, Horrigan 113, check out our webpage at bellarmine.

edu/oii or our Instagram page @BU_OII.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The mission of the Career Development Center is to empower

career-ready students and alumni to successfully live, work, lead,

and serve in the global community, and our vision is to ensure equi-

table career success for all students by focusing on the integration of

career and academic planning, the impact of experiential learning,

and the value of social capital on future career success.. Students

find their Pathway to Meaningful Work through:

Self-Discovery

Students can articulate professional values, interests, personality,

and skills and incorporate in decision-making.

•

Take BU199: Career Pathways Exploration (1-credit course)

•

Complete PathwayU (free vocational assessments) to discover

the degree programs and career paths that align with your

values and interests at https://bellarmine.edu/studentaf-

fairs/careercenter/exploration

• Meet with a career advisor to explore majors & careers

Career Readiness

Students demonstrate the requisite core competencies that broadly

prepare the college educated for success in the workplace and

lifelong career management.

•

Find an on-campus position on Handshake at

https://bellarmine.joinhandshake.com

•

Meet with a career advisor to prepare your job or graduate

school application materials

•

Take BU299: Internship Preparation and Success (1-credit

course)

•

Prepare for interviews using Big Interview at

https://bellarmine.biginterview.com

Experiential Learning

Students complete an applied learning experience through in-

ternships, externships, clinicals, student teaching, research, and

community engagement to gain relevant experience in a career

field of interest.

•

Find hundreds of internship and job postings at

https://bellarmine.joinhandshake.com

•

Take advantage of the Summer Internship Scholarship:

complete a 3-credit internship course for only $410 (pre-

requisite is BU299 or course equivalent)

•

Participate in a 30-hour service commitment to a com-

munity organization through the BU250 Community-based

Practicum (1 academic credit)

Mentoring & Networking

Students connect to alumni, community members, and employers to

build relationships and increase access to professional opportunities.

• Attend Mentor Knight in the fall and connect with several

alumni in your field of interest to build your professional

network and explore career options

• Participate in the Alumni Mentor Program in spring and

be matched with an alum in your career field of interest to

receive individualized career support

• Attend career fairs, meet & greets, and networking events

to connect with employers.

Equity & Inclusion

Students demonstrate the awareness and skills necessary to equitably

engage and include people from different local and global cultures.

•

Participate in the Alumni Mentor Program in spring and be

matched with a shared affinity alum to receive individual-

ized career support

•

Attend the Dinner with the Pros networking event in spring

to connect with employers recruiting diverse talent.

•

Complete the Diversity, Equity and Inclusions modules in BU

199/299, available through the Career Development Center

•

Complete the EPIC Toolbox Equity & Inclusion Module as

a part of student staff training

Location: Centro-McGowan Hall, suites 086-090

Social Media: #KnightsGetHired

• Facebook - Bellarmine University Career Development

• Twitter - @BUCareerDev

• Instagram - @BuCareerDev

Website: bellarmine.edu/careerdev and https://bellarmine.

joinhandshake.com

Contact: 502.272.8151 or careerdev@bellarmine.edu

CAMPUS SUPPORT AND CARE OF

STUDENTS

Holistic care of students is of the upmost concern. In order to

best support the academic success of students, the following

teams and services are in place to care for the mental, emotional,

and physical health of students.

Care Team

The Care Team is an interdisciplinary group of University

professionals who work proactively to enhance students’ well-

ness, thereby enriching the campus and increasing its safety.

The Care Team is chaired by the Dean of Students and includes

representatives from Residence Life, the Counseling Center, the

Office of Health Services, the Accessibility Resource Center,

Campus Wellness, the Student Success Center, Title IX Office,

Student Care Coordinator, and the Office of Public Safety and

Transportation. Reports are received and processed daily by the

team and appropriate interventions and follow-up are planned

for the individuals of concern. The team meets twice monthly

to maintain communication and case management. Campus

constituencies are trained annually on the mission and pur-

pose of the Care Team and on reporting procedures. Students,

faculty, and staff members may report information to the Care

Team. All reports will be followed up by a Care Team member

by phone or email.

Appropriate referrals include but are not limited to the follow-

ing concerns:

•

Problems in daily functioning (e.g. missing class, social

isolation, poor hygiene, erratic behavior, marked decline

in academic performance)

• Mental health (suicidal statements/ideation, references to

imposing harm to self or others, depression, grief, eating

disorder)

• Health/medical concern

• Adjustment concerns (social issues/family concerns)

• Substance use/abuse concerns

• Other concerns about well-being (e.g. suspected domestic

violence, harassment, homelessness)

Student Concern Report

Students who are experiencing challenges or have a peer who

may be experiencing challenges and would like to reach out for

support can visit the top floor of Centro, Treece Hall, Rooms

225, call 502.272.8150, or submit that concern through our

Student Concern Report.

Students may submit information to form about an experi-

ence that they encountered, a concern that they may have for a

peer, or a situation that they witnessed. Students may provide

their name or report anonymously, however University officials

may be limited in their response if an anonymous report is filed.

This form is monitored daily and a representative from Student

Affairs will then provide appropriate follow up to the concern.

If the report involves a campus event or service, the director of

the responsible area will be consulted and follow up will occur

in a timely manner.

Examples of issues to report:

• Concern about the mental health of a peer

•

Experiences of perceived bias or microaggressions that

may be related to race, ethnicity, class, ability, sex, gender,

sexual orientation, or any other protected class

•

Title IX concerns related to incidences of harassment, sexual

misconduct, or intimate partner violence

• Concerns regarding basic need insecurity (housing, food,

etc.)

•

Any other concern related to students at Bellarmine or

incidents that may involve Bellarmine students happening

either on or off campus

• Incidents of hazing, bullying, or harassment

• Reports related to issues with a campus service, program,

or activity

International Student & Scholar Support

Bellarmine University is committed to the support of students

from around the world in order to help them flourish. This of-

fice assists international students with requirements from the

U.S. Department of Homeland Security or Department of State

visa concerns. We also educate students on related processes,

including employment options, internships, and other opportu-

nities. In addition, we provide support for students through the

adjustment and acclimation to the United States and connect

students to resources at Bellarmine and in Louisville. For more

information about any of these services contact International

Student & Scholar Support at internationalservice@bellarmine.

edu or visit bellarmine.edu/international-services/services.

Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund is available to support the persis-

tence of our students to graduation. Student Emergency Funds

provide one-time micro-grants to students experiencing an

unanticipated financial need. Students may apply for one Student

Emergency Fund request in a given academic year. Students must

be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate classes at the time of

the request. The number of students who can be served by the

Student Emergency Fund is subject to the availability of funds.

Applicants should be prepared to show financial hardship

resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unplanned

event. Applicants must complete all application questions and

submit supporting documentation if requested.

Students can learn more and request emergency funding by

visiting bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/dean/student-emergency-

fund.

ADDRESS & NAME CHANGES

Students wishing to update or change their address with the

University may do so by logging into the Self-Service tab on their

one.bellarmine.edu account. Once there, students can access

their contact information on the top right corner and request

this change within “user profile.” Any questions regarding this

process should be directed to the Registrar’s Office.

Legal Name Changes

A legal name change on institutional records may be made upon

the production of evidence showing the name has been officially

changed. A certified copy of a court order, a marriage certifi-

cate, or a dissolution decree reflecting the new name in full are

examples of the evidence required to support an official name

change. Minor changes in name can be made without a court

order at the discretion of the Registrar (for example, spelling

corrections or revisions). In these instances, the student must

provide documentation such as current driver’s license with

photo, Social Security card, or resident alien card. Name changes

may be submitted online at the Registrar’s Office website.

Chosen Name Changes

To encourage a more inclusive and welcoming campus, com-

munity members have the option to use a chosen name on

campus whenever possible. The name will appear wherever a

legal name is not necessary.

A student wishing to use a chosen name may do so by visiting

the self-service page in one.bellarmine.edu. After clicking on

self-service, click the displayed username in the upper right-

hand corner of the page. A drop-down menu will appear, click

on user profile, and under personal identity details click the

pencil to edit. Be sure to click save after entering information.

The chosen name must be reasonable and may not be used to

misrepresent the individual.

Use of the legal name will continue to be required for cer-

tain documents, including but not limited to, payroll records,

billing records, financial aid documents, transcripts, medical

records, and federal immigrations documents. Students will

need to visit the TSC help desk to get a new ID that reflects

the chosen name. Students may contact the Registrar’s Office

at registrar@bellarmine.edu or 502.272.8133 for questions

about updating their chosen name in self-service.

CAMPUS STORE

The campus store sells school supplies, office and residence hall

supplies, clothing, cards, candy, miscellaneous personal items,

and Bellarmine memorabilia in addition to providing course

materials through OnCourse.. Store hours are always posted

on the website as well as in the campus store.

The campus store accepts all major credit cards as well as

personal checks with complete student information printed on

the check and a driver’s license. Business and starter checks will

not be accepted. For more information, please call the campus

store at 502.272.8111.

For the most up to date information regarding the OnCourse

partnership with Follett, please visit https://www.bellarmine.

edu/oncourse.

W. L. LYONS BROWN LIBRARY

The W. L. Lyons Brown Library stands as a visible symbol of

the centrality of teaching and learning at Bellarmine University.

The services and collection resources of the library support the

curriculum and general information needs of the University

community. In addition to housing the library collections and

services, it also contains the Thomas Merton Center, the Student

Success Center, the Office of Military and Veteran Services,

the Honors Program, and the majority of all technology sup-

port operations.

The W. L. Lyons Brown Library is a teaching library. Librar-

ians work closely with faculty members to ensure that Bellarmine

students learn to appreciate the value of informed participation

in their communities. These collaborative efforts support the

development of students into lifelong learners.

The Lansing Learning Commons

The Lansing Learning Commons (LLC), located on the main

floor of the W. L. Lyons Brown Library, is space designed to

support student study and learning. With its moveable tables,

chairs, soft seating and whiteboards, the LLC is an excellent

place to study, read and write both alone and in groups. The

area includes current technology such as large monitors for col-

laborative work on presentations and projects, a color printer

and both PC and Mac workstations for student use. In addition,

it has ample electrical outlets and charging connections to sup-

port personal devices.

Reference Services/Ask Us

Professional librarians provide individualized research assis-

tance to students, staff and faculty members. This one-on-one

assistance helps students learn to effectively use the academic

resources available through the library. There are also two

online services, Ask Us and Chat, where students, staff, and

faculty may submit reference questions and will be assisted by

one of the reference librarians. The library’s resources include

over 85,000 print materials and over 100 online databases,

including EBSCOhost, JSTOR, ProQuest and Ovid. In addi-

tion, the library provides access to over 335,000 eBooks and

over 65,000 online periodicals. Access to the library’s online

catalog and other online resources is provided from computer

workstations in the Lansing Learning Commons and the rest

of Level 1, as well as numerous other terminals throughout the

building and remotely through the campus network.

Interlibrary loan services are provided so that students, staff,

and faculty may access materials that are unavailable locally. The

library is a member of the Kentuckiana Metroversity consortium

and the Federation of Kentucky Academic Libraries (FoKAL)

consortium and uses the OCLC national database for cataloging

and interlibrary loan purposes.

Information Fluency

Information fluency for all students is an important focus of

the University. Through individual and collaborative efforts,

the librarians and staff actively promote information fluency,

emphasizing the ability to locate, access, evaluate, and use

information. This ability is essential for lifelong learning and

is developed over time. Bellarmine students participate in a

general education curriculum that is designed to be strongly

developmental and help students cultivate and master abilities

essential to a meaningful education. Many of these goals are

achieved by connecting the student directly to the intellectual

and technological resources available through the W. L. Lyons

Brown Library.

Study Spaces

Students enjoy a variety of environments in which to study,

including the Lansing Learning Commons, group study rooms,

individual study carrels and lounge chairs, as well as tables,

ledge desks, a spacious reading room, and additional tables

among the book stacks. Level 2 of the library has been set aside

as a quiet study floor. The library building also includes study

locations offering networked desktop computers, and a wireless

network which allows connection to the campus network and

Internet for wireless device users. Additionally, members of the

Bellarmine community may borrow laptops at the Circulation

Desk for use in the library.

Noise, Cell Phone and Service Animal Policy

It is very important that we maintain a quiet environment for

those who will be using the library for studying and research

purposes. Level 2 of the library has been set aside as a “quiet

study” floor for individuals. Patrons are asked to turn off or set

on silent cell phones when entering the library. As a courtesy

to all, cell phones should not be used in any study areas of the

building. House phones are available on all levels of the building

for your convenience. The library staff asks for cooperation in

maintaining a noise-free library and adhering to the quiet floor

and cell phone policies. These policies are intended to enhance

an atmosphere that is conducive to study and research. Also,

keeping with campus policy, no animals except service animals

are allowed in the building.

Regular Library Hours Fall & Spring Semesters

The library is open seven days a week. Please visit https://www.

bellarmine.edu/library for all hours and exceptions.

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER

Located in the W.L. Lyons Brown Library, the Student Success

Center (SSC) serves all students with various types of academic

support and advising services.

SSC programs and services include:

•

The Academic Advising Center located in the SSC supports

students in taking ownership of their educational journey.

Our advisors work with students to integrate their inter-

ests, values, and academic and professional goals to set

them on a path to success. We assist students in considering

the different major and minor options at Bellarmine and

can recommend out-of-class, value-added opportunities

(internships, learning abroad, student research, and much

more). Our Center advises first-year and particular majors

in the second year, as well as all first time to Bellarmine

Transfer Students.

•

BU100 First-Year Focus, a one-credit course that supports

transition to college life and is required for all new students

who are recent high school graduates and enrolled full-time

in their first year.

• Peer tutoring for many 100 and 200 level courses.

•

Writing and multi-modal support at any level and stage

(course papers, research, capstone and creative projects,

personal statements, and presentations).

•

Classroom presentations and workshops on topics pertaining

to the development of study, time management, writing

and presentation skills.

•

Testing Center for students with accommodations through

the Accessibility Resource Center and students who miss

a test due to a University sponsored event.

•

Peer Coaching for all incoming students to support students’

academic and social transition to Bellarmine.

•

Student Success Coaching for any student on academic

probation and/or returning to classes from a period of

separation.

• Study Abroad and International Programs (SAIP)

Students must work with the SAIP office if they plan

to partake in any form of credit bearing international

studies/study abroad during their time at Bellarmine.

Not working with the Study Abroad and International

Programs office could result in transfer credit not being

accepted by Bellarmine.

Students are not permitted to study abroad for their final

semester at Bellarmine (they may be permitted to par-

ticipate in a short-term winter or spring break program).

Depending on the type of program, different GPA re

quirements apply.

•

Pioneer Scholars, a community of first-generation students

who participate in various activities aimed at helping stu-

dents successfully transition into college. Pioneer Scholars

guides first-generation students to be the first in their family

to graduate with a four-year degree. It includes a weekly,

first-year mentoring program, first-generation celebrations

and acknowledgements, leadership development, academic

success workshops, and more.

•

Learning Communities is an integrated, thematic learn-

ing experience for students that includes peer and faculty

mentoring, common courses, and co-curricular activities

within a community setting. LCs include:

Galileo: designed for students interested in the health

professions

» Compassio: created to engage students in social justice

and community

Terra: established for students interested in issues of

sustainability and environmentalism

» Eureka: for students majoring in STEM programs

» Explore: created for students who are interested in ex-

ploring their major and career path

» Valor: a community that supports first-year and trans-

fer Active Duty, National Guard, Select Reserves, and

veteran students

Please contact the SSC at studentsuccess@bellarmine.edu or

502.272.7400 if you have questions about any of our programs

or services.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Students retain all rights and interest in their individual scholar-

ship, research, creative work, and other traditional academic

products, such as class projects or assignments associated with

full or partial completion of degree requirements except in

situations where the work is defined as a “work for hire”, com-

missioned, sponsored by an outside entity, and/or required the

extraordinary use of University resources above and beyond

those required with completion of an academic program. For

more information on this policy, please refer to the University’s

intellectual property policy. The policy is published in Chapters

7 and 9 of the University Policies and Procedures Manual, found

at https://catalog.bellarmine.edu.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS &

PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

Bellarmine University’s FERPA Statement (The Family Education

Rights & Privacy Act) affords Bellarmine University students

certain rights with respect to their education records. Please

visit the Online Catalog at catalog.bellarmine.edu or visit bel-

larmine.edu/registrar/ferpa/ for more information.

FINANCIAL AID

The Office of Financial Aid administers all institutional, federal,

and state financial assistance programs. Assistance at Bellarmine

may be awarded on the basis of academic merit, achievement,

distinction, academic discipline, program of study, or demon-

strated financial need. All students enrolled at least half-time,

as defined by the University, may be eligible to benefit from one

or more financial aid programs. If you have additional questions

or would like more information, please contact the Office of

Financial Aid at 502.272.7300.

How to apply: Students should complete the Free Application

for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov as soon as pos-

sible after October 1 each year. A separate form is needed to

apply for summer aid. This application is available on the web

at bellarmine.edu/financialaid/summerterm or in the Office

of Financial Aid by mid-February.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (Undergraduate):

Federal regulations require that all students who receive any

federal or state financial assistance make measurable academic

progress toward a degree at Bellarmine University. Students

are strongly encouraged to review Bellarmine’s Satisfactory

Academic Progress Policy at bellarmine.edu/financialaid/

progressundergrad.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (Graduate):

Federal regulations require that all students who receive any

federal or state financial assistance make measurable academic

progress toward a degree at Bellarmine University. Students

are strongly encouraged to review Bellarmine’s Satisfactory

Academic Progress Policy at bellarmine.edu/financialaid/

progressgraduate/.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Students: Federal regulations

require that all students who receive any federal or state financial

assistance make measurable academic progress toward a degree

at Bellarmine University. Students are strongly encouraged to

review Bellarmine’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy at

bellarmine.edu/financialaid.

Certificate Program Students: Federal regulations require

that all students who receive any federal or state financial assis-

tance make measurable academic progress toward a certificate

at Bellarmine University. Students are strongly encouraged to

review Bellarmine’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy at

bellarmine.edu/financialaid/progresscertificate.

TUITION PAYMENT

Payment due dates are listed in each semester class schedule.

Undergraduate students are expected to enter and begin making

payments on an installment plan by August 1, 2023; or pay in

full the estimated amount due by August 1,2023.

Graduate students are expected to pay in full by August 25,

2023, or enter into a payment arrangement that is described on

the tuition contract. Students who do not pay their tuition and

fees or select a payment method by this deadline will be subject

to interest charges. Questions should be directed to the Office

of Student Accounts at 502.272.8264 or studentaccounts@

bellarmine.edu. Billing dates and refund policies are listed in

each semester’s Class Schedule and online at one.bellarmine.

edu. Students will be asked to select a payment method by

signing a tuition contract. Payment options are outlined below.

Tuition Bill

Student tuition bills will be uploaded to the student’s secure

online account at one.bellarmine.edu on the One Payment

Gateway portal. An email is sent to the official Bellarmine

University email address of the student when the bill is available

for viewing. Bellarmine University’s Office of Student Accounts

does not mail tuition bills. In order for parents or other autho-

rized users to receive the tuition bill and monthly statements,

students must set them up with an ID and password by logging

on to one.bellarmine.edu on the One Payment Gateway under

My Account. The system will send an email to the parent/

authorized user with the login and password so that they may

view and/or pay the tuition bill online at any time. Emails will

also be generated to the parent’s email address so that they will

be advised when the statement is available online.

Payment Options

•

Payment in Full (PIF) – Students not enrolled in one of the

deferred payment methods must pay in full by the published

due date each semester. To avoid interest charges, payment

must be received by the published due date. If the payment

is not received on or before the due date, interest charges

will be assessed at the rate of 1% monthly or 12% annually.

Outstanding balances must be paid in full before students

will be allowed to register for any further classes or receive

official transcripts.

•

Monthly Payment Plan (MPP) – Payment plans must be set

up each semester. With this “pay as you go” plan, the student

pays an enrollment fee and can divide tuition payments

over 4-6 months per semester. This plan is interest-free as

long as the plan is set up for the correct amount and paid

as agreed. There is an enrollment fee of $40 for the pay-

ment plan and the minimum contract amount is $1,000.

Students must enroll themselves in the monthly payment

plan online each semester that they wish to pay by monthly

installments. Any amount not covered by the monthly pay-

ment plan must be paid by the published due date. If the

payment is not received on or before the due date, interest

charges will be assessed at the rate of 1% monthly or 12%

annually. Outstanding balances must be paid in full before

students will be allowed to register for any further classes

or receive official transcripts.

•

Federal Work-Study Plan (FWS) – Students receiving FWS

funds and electing to have their paycheck automatically de-

ducted and applied to their tuition account must register for

this plan in the Office of Student Accounts by completing

a Tuition & Payroll Authorization Form. To be eligible for

this interest-free plan, students must complete the Tuition

& Payroll Authorization Form to have the deduction ap-

plied to their account. Any remaining balance that is not

expected to be covered by FWS must be paid in full by the

published due date or enrolled in a monthly payment plan.

If the account is not paid in full by the due date, interest

charges are assessed in the amount of 1% monthly or 12%

annually. Outstanding balances must be paid in full before

students will be allowed to register for any further classes

or receive official transcripts.

•

Government Assistance – This payment method is only for

those students who receive tuition assistance via an ROTC

scholarship, Veteran’s Administration benefits, or Vocational

Rehabilitation benefits. The student or the government

agency must provide The Office of Student Accounts with

appropriate documentation each semester. The portion of

the student’s balance that is not covered by government

assistance must be paid in full by the published due date.

If the account is not paid in full by the due date, interest

charges are assessed in the amount of 1% monthly or 12%

annually. Outstanding balances must be paid in full before

students will be allowed to register for any further classes

or receive official transcripts.

•

Deferred Payment Plan (DEFR) – This payment method is

only for those students who receive tuition reimbursement

from their employers and wish to defer the payment of their

tuition until 30 days after grades are posted online each

semester. The student must provide Bellarmine with ap-

propriate documentation from the employer each semester.

There is a $50 fee per student per semester assessed to defer

the payment of tuition. To qualify for DEFR, students must

provide a letter from their employer each semester stating

their intention to pay or reimburse educational expenses.

Please contact the employer’s Fringe Benefit Coordinator

to find out the company reimbursement policy. The por-

tion of the student’s balance not covered by the employer

must be paid in full by the published due date. If the ac-

count is not paid in full by the due date, interest charges

are assessed in the amount of 1% monthly or 12% annually.

Outstanding balances must be paid in full before students

will be allowed to register for any further classes or receive

official transcripts.

•

Corporate Reimbursement (CORP) – This plan is only

for students who have their tuition paid directly to the

University by their employer. This plan carries no interest

charges provided the tuition is paid in full within 30 days

from the date the grades are posted online each semester.

To qualify for CORP, students must provide a letter from

their employer each semester stating their intention to

pay or reimburse educational expenses. Please contact the

employer’s Fringe Benefit Coordinator to find out the com-

pany reimbursement policy. The portion of the balance not

covered by corporate reimbursement must be paid in full

by the published due date. If the account is not paid in full

by the due date, the account carries a 1% interest charge

monthly or 12% annually. Outstanding balances must be

paid in full before the student will be allowed to register

for any additional classes or receive official transcripts.

Methods of Payment

• The Office of Student Accounts accepts cash, checks, ca-

shier’s checks and money orders

•

E-Checks are accepted online at one.bellarmine.edu on

the One Payment Gateway portal with no additional fees

(this requires a routing number and an account number)

•

Credit cards are only accepted online (VISA/MasterCard/

Discover/American Express) – a convenience fee of 2.85%

is charged

•

Payment Plans are offered to equally divide tuition payments

over approximately 4-6 monthly payments per semester.

For all payment options above, the student agrees to reim-

burse Bellarmine the fee of any collection agency, which may

be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33% of the debt, and

all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, that

Bellarmine may incur in such collection efforts.

Office hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and

are extended during tuition due date periods as published in the

semester Class Schedule. Please contact the Office of Student

Accounts for summer hours. A night depository, located next

to the Student Account window, is available for payments after

hours. You may mail payments to: Office of Student Accounts,

Bellarmine University 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, KY

40205.

Please contact the Office of Student Accounts at studentac-

counts@bellarmine.edu for more information regarding the

available payment options and methods of payment.

Bellarmine University’s

Sexual Discrimination and

Misconduct Policy

2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

ATIXA 2020 ONE POLICY, TWO PROCEDURES MODEL

USE AND ADAPTATION OF THIS MODEL WITH CITATION TO ATIXA IS PERMITTED

THROUGH A LIMITED LICENSE

To: Bellarmine University

ALL OTHER RIGHTS RESERVED.

Bellarmine University’s

Sexual Discrimination and

Misconduct Policy

2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

ATIXA 2020 ONE POLICY, TWO PROCEDURES MODEL

USE AND ADAPTATION OF THIS MODEL WITH CITATION TO ATIXA IS PERMITTED

THROUGH A LIMITED LICENSE

To: Bellarmine University

ALL OTHER RIGHTS RESERVED.

POLICY: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY,

HARASSMENT, AND

NONDISCRIMINATION

We are an inclusive Catholic university that educates students—

mind, body, and spirit—for meaningful lives, rewarding careers,

ethical leadership, and service to improve the human condition.

1. Glossary

• Advisor means a person chosen by a party or appointed

by the institution to accompany the party to meetings re-

lated to the resolution process, to advise the party on that

process, and to conduct cross-examination for the party

at the hearing, if any.

• Complainant means an individual who is alleged to be

the victim of conduct that could constitute harassment or

discrimination based on a protected class; or retaliation for

engaging in a protected activity.

•

Complaint (formal) means a document filed/signed by a

Complainant or signed by the Chief Title IX Officer alleg-

ing harassment or discrimination based on a protected class

or retaliation for engaging in a protected activity against

a Respondent and requesting that Bellarmine University

investigate the allegation.

• Confidential Resource means an employee who is not

a Mandated Reporter of notice of harassment, discrimina-

tion, and/or retaliation (irrespective of Clery Act Campus

Security Authority status).

• Day means a business day when Bellarmine University is

in normal operation.

•

Education program or activity means locations, events,

or circumstances where Bellarmine University exercises

substantial control over both the Respondent and the

context in which the sexual harassment or discrimination

occurs and also includes any building owned or controlled

by a student organization that is officially recognized by

Bellarmine University.

• Final Determination: A conclusion by the standard of

proof that the alleged conduct occurred and whether it did

or did not violate policy.

• Finding: A conclusion by the standard of proof that the

conduct did or did not occur as alleged.

•

Formal Grievance Process means “Process A,” a method

of formal resolution designated by Bellarmine University

to address conduct that falls within the policies included

below, and which complies with the requirements of 34

CFR Part 106.45.

•

Grievance Process Pool includes any investigators,

hearing officers, appeal officers, and advisors who may

perform any or all of these roles (though not at the same

time or with respect to the same case).

•

Hearing Decision-Maker or Panel refers to those who

have decision-making and sanctioning authority within Bel-

larmine University’s Formal Grievance process.

•

Investigator means the person or persons charged by

Bellarmine University with gathering facts about an alleged

violation of this Policy, assessing relevance and credibility,

synthesizing the evidence, and compiling this information

into an investigation report and file of directly related

evidence.

• Mandated Reporter means an employee of Bellarmine

University who is obligated by policy to share knowledge,

notice, and/or reports of harassment, discrimination,

and/or retaliation with the Chief Title IX Officer, Deputy

Coordinators [and/or their supervisor].

• Notice means that an employee, student, or third-party

informs the Chief Title IX Officer or other Official with

Authority of the alleged occurrence of harassing, discrimi-

natory, and/or retaliatory conduct.

• Official with Authority (OWA) means an employee of

Bellarmine University explicitly vested with the respon-

sibility to implement corrective measures for harassment,

discrimination, and/or retaliation on behalf of Bellarmine

University.

•

Parties include the Complainant(s) and Respondent(s),

collectively.

• Process A means the Formal Grievance Process detailed

below and defined above.

• Process B means the informal alternative resolution pro-

cedures detailed in Appendix C.

•

Recipient means a postsecondary education program that

is a recipient of federal funding.

• Remedies are post-finding actions directed to the Com-

plainant and/or the community as mechanisms to address

safety, prevent recurrence, and restore access to Bellarmine

University’s educational program.

• Respondent means an individual who has been reported

to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute ha-

rassment or discrimination based on a protected class; or

retaliation for engaging in a protected activity.

Not to be confused with those mandated by state law to report child abuse, elder abuse, and/or abuse of individuals with disabilities to ap-

propriate officials, though these responsibilities may overlap with those who have mandated reporting responsibility in this Policy.

•

Resolution means the result of an informal or Formal

Grievance Process.

•

Sanction means a consequence imposed by Bellarmine

University on a Respondent who is found to have violated

this policy.

• Sexual Harassment is the umbrella category including

the offenses of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking,

and dating violence and domestic violence. See Section

17.b., for greater detail.

• Chief Title IX Officer is at least one official designated

by Bellarmine University to ensure compliance with Title

IX and Bellarmine University’s Title IX program. Refer-

ences to the Coordinator throughout this policy may also

encompass a designee of the Coordinator for specific tasks,

such as Deputy Coordinator.

•

Title IX Team refers to the Chief Title IX Officer, the

Deputy Coordinators, and any member of the Grievance

Process Pool.

2. Rationale for Policy

Bellarmine University is committed to providing a workplace and

educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs,

and activities, that are free from discrimination, harassment, and

retaliation. To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights

laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting

the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational

program or activity, Bellarmine University has developed internal

policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial

process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or

harassment on the basis of sex, and for allegations of retaliation.

Bellarmine University values and upholds the equal dignity of all

members of its community and strives to balance the rights of the

parties in the grievance process during what is often a difficult

time for all those involved.

3. Applicable Scope

The core purpose of this policy is the prohibition of discrimination

on the basis of sex. Sometimes, discrimination involves exclusion

from activities, such as admission, athletics, or employment.

Other times, discrimination takes the form of harassment or,

in the case of sex-based discrimination, can encompass sexual

harassment, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, dat-

ing violence or domestic violence. When an alleged violation of

this anti-discrimination policy is reported, the allegations are

subject to resolution using Bellarmine University’s “Process A”

or “Process B,” as determined by the Chief Title IX Officer, and

as detailed below.

When the Respondent is a member of Bellarmine University

community, a grievance process may be available regardless of the

status of the Complainant, who may or may not be a member of

Bellarmine University community. When the Respondent is not

a member of Bellarmine University community, supportive mea-

sures may still be available to the Complainant. This community

includes, but is not limited to, students,

student organizations,

faculty, administrators, staff, and third parties such as guests,

visitors, volunteers, invitees, and campers. The procedures below

may be applied to incidents, to patterns, and/or to the campus

climate, all of which may be addressed and investigated in ac-

cordance with this policy.

4. Chief Title IX Officer

Allison Schumacher Smithkier serves as the Chief Title IX Officer

and oversees implementation of Bellarmine University’s Sexual

Misconduct and Title IX Policy. The Chief Title IX Officer has

the primary responsibility for coordinating Bellarmine Univer-

sity’s efforts related to the intake, investigation, resolution, and

implementation of supportive measures to stop, remediate, and

prevent discrimination, harassment, and retaliation prohibited

under this policy.

5. Independence and Conflict-of-Interest

The Chief Title IX Officer manages the Title IX Team and acts

with independence and authority free from bias and conflicts

of interest. The Chief Title IX Officer oversees all resolutions

under this policy and these procedures. The members of the

Title IX Team are vetted and trained to ensure they are not bi-

ased for or against any party in a specific case, or for or against

Complainants and/or Respondents, generally.

To raise any concern involving bias or conflict of interest

by the Chief Title IX Officer, contact Chief Human Resources

Officer, Dana Hummel, dhummel@bellarmine.edu. Concerns

of bias or a potential conflict of interest by any other Title IX

Team member should be raised with the Chief Title IX Officer.

Reports of misconduct or discrimination committed by

the Chief Title IX Officer should be reported to Chief Human

Resources Officer, Dana Hummel, dhummel@bellarmine.

edu. Reports of misconduct or discrimination committed by

any other Title IX Team member should be reported to the

Chief Title IX Officer.

For the purpose of this policy, Bellarmine University defines “student” as any individual who has has fully matriculated or who is registered, or

who is registered or enrolled for credit or non-credit bearing coursework, and who maintains an ongoing relationship with Bellarmine University.

6. Administrative Contact Information

Complaints or notice of alleged policy violations, or inquiries

about or concerns regarding this policy and procedures, may

be made internally to:

• Allison Schumacher Smithkier, Institutional Chief Title

IX Officer

Centro, Treece Hall Room 225C

502.272.7337 |aschumache01@bellarmine.edu

• Mark Wiegand, Deputy Chief Title IX Officer

Office of Academic Affairs

Centro, Treece Hall Room 228

502.272.8368 | mwiegand@bellarmine.edu

• Pam Stackhouse, Deputy Title IX Officer

Athletics Department

Knights Hall, Room 022C

502.272.7997 | pstackhouse@bellarmine.edu

• Dana Hummel, Deputy Title IX Officer

Human Resources

Centro, Horrigan Hall Room 202E

502.272.7232 | dhummel@bellarmine.edu

Bellarmine University has determined that the following

administrators are Officials with Authority to address and cor-

rect harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation. In addition

to the Title IX Team members listed above, these Officials with

Authority listed below may also accept notice or complaints on

behalf of Bellarmine University

• Denise Brown-Cornelius, Interim Vice President for

Finance

• Dr. Mark Wiegand, Interim Vice President for Academic

Affairs and Provost

• Dr. Mike Marshall, Vice President for Enrollment, Mar-

keting and Communication

• Dr. Leslie Maxie, Dean of Students

• Dr. Helen Grace Ryan, Vice President for Student Affairs

• Dr. Sean Ryan, Senior Vice President of Administration

and Trustee Affairs

Bellarmine University has also classified all employees (in-

cluding residence life student staff) as Mandated Reporters of

any knowledge they have that a member of the community is

experiencing harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation.

Inquiries may be made externally to:

• Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-1100

Customer Service Hotline #: 800.421.3481

Facsimile: 202.453.6012

TDD#: 877.521.2172

Email: OCR@ed.gov

Web: http://www.ed.gov/ocr

For complaints by employees involving the terms and condi-

tions of employment: Equal Employment Opportunity Com-

mission.

Notice/Complaints of Discrimination, Harassment,

and/or Retaliation

Notice or complaints of discrimination, harassment, and/or

retaliation may be made using any of the following options:

File a complaint with, or give verbal notice to, the

Chief Title IX Officer(or Deputy). Such a report may

be made at any time (including during non-business

hours) by using the telephone number or email address,

or by mail to the office address, listed for the Chief

Title IX Officer and Deputy Coordinators.

ii.

To file a report online, students are encouraged to uti-

lize the following form: https://www.bellarmine.edu/

studentaffairs/dean/student-concern-report/. To file

a report online, employees are encouraged to utilized

the form found here: https://www.bellarmine.edu/hr/.

Anonymous reports are accepted. The university

may be required to conduct an inquiry and investiga-

tion into any report that is filed given the context and

nature of the report. Filing an anonymous report may

drastically reduce the university’s ability to respond

to the report. Bellarmine University tries to provide

supportive measures to all Complainants, which is im-

possible with an anonymous report. Because reporting

carries no obligation to initiate a formal response, and

as Bellarmine University respects Complainant requests

to dismiss complaints unless there is a compelling threat

to health and/or safety, the Complainant is largely in

control and should not fear a loss of privacy by making

a report that allows Bellarmine University to discuss

and/or provide supportive measures.

A Formal Complaint means a document filed/signed by the

Complainant or signed by the Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy)

alleging a policy violation by a Respondent and requesting that

Bellarmine University investigate the allegation(s). A complaint

may be filed with the Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy) in

person, by mail, or by electronic mail, by using the contact

information in the section immediately above. As used in this

paragraph, the phrase “document filed by a Complainant” means

a document or electronic submission (such as by electronic mail

or through an online portal provided for this purpose by Bel-

larmine University) that contains the Complainant’s physical or

digital signature, or otherwise indicates that the Complainant

is the person filing the complaint.

If notice is submitted in a form that does not meet this stan-

dard, the Chief Title IX Officer will contact the Complainant

to ensure that it is filed correctly.

8. Supportive Measures

Bellarmine University will offer and implement appropriate and

reasonable supportive measures to the parties upon notice of

alleged harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation.

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive

individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably

available, and without fee or charge to the parties to restore or

preserve access to Bellarmine University’s education program

or activity, including measures designed to protect the safety of

all parties or Bellarmine University’s educational environment,

and/or deter harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation.

The Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy) promptly makes

supportive measures available to the parties upon receiving

notice or a complaint. At the time that supportive measures are

offered, Bellarmine University will inform the Complainant, in

writing, that they may file a formal complaint with Bellarmine

University either at that time or in the future, if they have not

done so already. The Chief Title IX Officer works with the

Complainant to ensure that their wishes are taken into account

with respect to the supportive measures that are planned and

implemented.

Bellarmine University will maintain the privacy of the sup-

portive measures, provided that privacy does not impair Bel-

larmine University’s ability to provide the supportive measures.

Bellarmine University will act to ensure as minimal an academic

impact on the parties as possible. Bellarmine University will

implement measures in a way that does not unreasonably burden

the other party.

These actions may include, but are not limited to:

• Referral to counseling, medical, and/or other healthcare

services

• Referral to the Employee Assistance Program

• Referral to community-based service providers

• Visa and immigration assistance

• Student financial aid counseling

• Education to the community or community subgroup(s)

• Altering campus housing assignment(s)

• Altering work arrangements for employees or student-

employees

• Safety planning

• Providing campus safety escorts

• Providing transportation accommodations

• Implementing contact limitations (no contact directives)

between the parties

• Academic support, extensions of deadlines, or other

course/program-related adjustments

• Campus Ban Issuance

• Timely Warnings to the university community

• Class schedule modifications, withdrawals, or leaves of

absence

• Increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the

campus

• Any other actions deemed appropriate by the Chief Title

IX Officer

Violations of no contact orders will be referred to appropriate

student or employee conduct processes for enforcement and/

or adjudication.

9. Risk Analysis

Bellarmine University can act to remove a Respondent entirely

or partially from its education program or activities on an

emergency basis when an individualized safety and risk analysis

has determined that an immediate threat to the physical health

or safety of any student or other individual justifies removal.

This risk analysis is performed by the Chief Title IX Officer (or

Deputy) in conjunction with the Care Team (for students) and

a trained outside consultant (for employees) using its standard

objective violence risk assessment procedures, the NABITA Risk

Rubric through the national NABITA organization.

In all cases in which an emergency removal is imposed, the

student, employee, or two (2) representatives from a student

organization will be given notice of the action and the option to

request to meet with the Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy) prior

to such action/removal being imposed, or as soon thereafter

as reasonably possible, to show cause why the action/removal

should not be implemented or should be modified.

This meeting is not a hearing on the merits of the allegation(s),

but rather is an administrative process intended to determine

solely whether the emergency removal is appropriate. When

this meeting is not requested in a timely manner, objections to

the emergency removal will be deemed waived. A Complainant

and their Advisor may be permitted to participate in this meet-

ing if the Chief Title IX Officer determines it is equitable to

do so. This section also applies to any restrictions that a coach

or athletic administrator may place on a student-athlete arising

from allegations related to Title IX. There is no appeal process

for emergency removal decisions.

A Respondent may be accompanied by an advisor of their

choice when meeting with the Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy)

for this meeting. The Respondent will be given access to a writ-

ten summary of the basis for the emergency removal prior to

the meeting to allow for adequate preparation.

The Chief Title IX Officer has sole discretion under this

policy to implement or stay an emergency removal and to de-

termine the conditions and duration. Violation of an emergency

removal under this policy will be grounds for discipline, which

may include expulsion or termination.

Bellarmine University will implement the least restrictive

emergency actions possible in light of the circumstances and

safety concerns. As determined by the Chief Title IX Officer,

these actions could include, but are not limited to: removing

a student from a residence hall, temporarily re-assigning an

employee, restricting a student’s or employee’s access to or use

of facilities or equipment, allowing a student to withdraw or

take grades of incomplete without financial penalty, authoriz-

ing an administrative leave, suspension of specific duties, and

suspending a student’s participation in extracurricular activi-

ties, student employment, student organizational leadership, or

intercollegiate/intramural athletics.

At the discretion of the Chief Title IX Officer, alternative

coursework or work options may be pursued to ensure as minimal

an academic or employment impact as possible on the parties.

10. Promptness

All allegations are acted upon promptly by Bellarmine University

once it has received notice or a formal complaint. Complaints

can take 60-90 business days to resolve, typically. There are

always exceptions and extenuating circumstances that can cause

a resolution to take longer, but Bellarmine University will avoid

all undue delays within its control.

Any time the general timeframes for resolution outlined in

Bellarmine University procedures will be delayed, Bellarmine

University will provide written notice to the parties of the

delay, the cause of the delay, and an estimate of the anticipated

additional time that will be needed as a result of the delay.

11. Privacy

Every effort is made by Bellarmine University to preserve the

privacy of reports.

Bellarmine University will not share the

identity of any individual who has made a report or complaint

of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation; any Complainant,

any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of

sex discrimination, any Respondent, or any witness, except as

permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

(FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g; FERPA regulations, 34 CFR part

99; or as required by law; or to carry out the purposes of 34

CFR Part 106, including the conducting of any investigation,

hearing, or grievance proceeding arising under these policies

and procedures.

Bellarmine University reserves the right to designate which

Bellarmine University officials have a legitimate educational

interest in being informed about incidents that fall within this

policy, pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy

Act (FERPA).

Only a small group of officials who need to know will typi-

cally be told about the complaint, including but not limited to:

human resources, division of student affairs, public safety, and

the Bellarmine University Care team.

Bellarmine University may contact parents/guardians to

inform them of situations in which there is a significant and

articulable health and/or safety risk, but will usually consult

with the student first before doing so.

Confidentiality and mandated reporting are addressed more

specifically below.

For the purpose of this policy, privacy and confidentiality have distinct meanings. Privacy means that information related to a complaint will

be shared with a limited number of Bellarmine University employees who “need to know” in order to assist in the assessment, investigation,

and resolution of the report. All employees who are involved in Bellarmine University’s response to notice under this policy receive specific

training and guidance about sharing and safeguarding private information in accordance with state and federal law. The privacy of student

education records will be protected in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), as outlined in Bellarmine

University’s FERPA policy. The privacy of employee records will be protected in accordance with Human Resources policies. Confidential-

ity exists in the context of laws that protect certain relationships, including those who provide services related to medical and clinical care,

mental health providers, counselors, and ordained clergy. The law creates a privilege between certain health care providers, mental health care

providers, attorneys, clergy, spouses, and others, with their patients, clients, parishioners, and spouses. Bellarmine University has designated

individuals who have the ability to have privileged communications as Confidential Resources. For more information about Confidential Re-

sources, see page 26. When information is shared by a Complainant with a Confidential Resource, the Confidential Resource cannot reveal

the information to any third party except when an applicable law or a court order requires or permits disclosure of such information. For

example, information may be disclosed when: (i) the individual gives written consent for its disclosure; (ii) there is a concern that the individual

will likely cause serious physical harm to self or others; or (iii) the information concerns conduct involving suspected abuse or neglect of a

minor under the age of 18, elders, or individuals with disabilities. Non-identifiable information may be shared by Confidential Resources for

statistical tracking purposes as required by the federal Clery Act. Other information may be shared as required by law.

12. Jurisdiction of Bellarmine University

This policy applies to the education program and activities of

Bellarmine University, to conduct that takes place on the campus

or on property owned or controlled by Bellarmine University,

at Bellarmine University-sponsored events, or in buildings

owned or controlled by Bellarmine University’s recognized

student organizations. The Respondent must be a member of the

university community in order for its full procedures to apply.

This policy can also be applicable to the effects of off-campus

misconduct that effectively deprive someone of access to Bellar-

mine University’s educational program. Bellarmine University

may also extend jurisdiction to off-campus and/or to online

conduct when the Chief Title IX Officer determines that the

conduct affects a substantial Bellarmine University interest.

Regardless of where the conduct occurred, Bellarmine Uni-

versity will address notice/complaints to determine whether the

conduct occurred in the context of its employment or educational

program or activity and/or has continuing effects on campus or

in an off-campus sponsored program or activity. A substantial

Bellarmine University interest includes:

Any action that constitutes a criminal offense as defined

by law. This includes, but is not limited to, single or repeat

violations of any local, state, or federal law;

Any situation in which it is determined that the Respondent

poses an immediate threat to the physical health or safety

of any student or other individual;

c. Any situation that significantly impinges upon the rights,

property, or achievements of oneself or others or significantly

breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder; and/or

Any situation that is detrimental to the educational interests

or mission of Bellarmine University.

If the Respondent is unknown or is not a member of the

Bellarmine University community, the Chief Title IX Officer

will assist the Complainant in identifying appropriate campus

and local resources and support options and/or, when criminal

conduct is alleged, in contacting local or campus law enforcement

if the individual would like to file a police report.

Further, even when the Respondent is not a member of

Bellarmine University’s community, supportive measures,

remedies, and resources may be accessible to the Complainant

by contacting the Chief Title IX Officer or Deputy Coordinator.

In addition, Bellarmine University may take other actions

as appropriate to protect the Complainant against third parties,

such as barring individuals from Bellarmine University property

and/or events.

All vendors serving Bellarmine University through third-

party contracts are subject to the policies and procedures of

their employers or to these policies and procedures to which

their employer has agreed to be bound by their contracts.

When the Respondent is enrolled in or employed by another

institution, the Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy) can assist the

Complainant in liaising with the appropriate individual at that

institution, as it may be possible to allege violations through

that institution’s policies.

Similarly, the Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy) may be able

to advocate for a student or employee Complainant who experi-

ences discrimination in an externship, study abroad program,

or other environment external to Bellarmine University where

sexual harassment or nondiscrimination policies and procedures

of the facilitating or host organization may give recourse to the

Complainant.

13. Time Limits on Reporting

There is no time limitation on providing notice/complaints to

the Chief Title IX Officer. However, if the Respondent is no

longer subject to Bellarmine University’s jurisdiction and/or

significant time has passed, the ability to investigate, respond,

and provide remedies may be more limited or impossible.

Acting on notice/complaints significantly impacted by the

passage of time (including, but not limited to, the rescission

or revision of policy) is at the discretion of the Chief Title IX

Officer, who may document allegations for future reference,

offer supportive measures and/or remedies, and/or engage in

informal or formal action, as appropriate.

When notice/complaint is affected by significant time delay,

Bellarmine University will typically apply the policy in place at

the time of the alleged misconduct and the procedures in place

at the time of notice/complaint.

14. Online Harassment and Misconduct

The policies of Bellarmine University are written and inter-

preted broadly to include online and cyber manifestations of

any of the behaviors prohibited below, when those behaviors

occur in or have an effect on Bellarmine University’s education

program and activities or use Bellarmine University networks,

technology, or equipment.

While Bellarmine University may not control websites, social

media, and other venues in which harassing communications are

made, when such communications are reported to Bellarmine

University, it will engage in a variety of means to address and

mitigate the effects.

Members of the community are encouraged to be good digital

citizens and to refrain from online misconduct, such as submit-

ting to anonymous gossip sites, sharing inappropriate content via

Snaps or other social media, unwelcome sexting, revenge porn,

breaches of privacy, or otherwise using the ease of transmission

and/or anonymity of the Internet or other technology to harm

another member of Bellarmine University community.

15. Policy on Nondiscrimination

Bellarmine University adheres to all federal and state civil

rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private

institutions of higher education.

Bellarmine University does not discriminate against any

employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for

admission on the basis of:

• Race,

• Religion,

• Color,

• Sex,

• Pregnancy,

• Religion,

• Creed,

• Ethnicity,

• National origin (including ancestry),

• Citizenship status,

• Physical or mental disability (including perceived dis-

ability),

• Age,

• Sexual orientation,

• Gender identity,

• Gender expression,

• Veteran or military status (including disabled veteran,

recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or cam-

paign badge veteran, and Armed Forces Service Medal

veteran),

• or any other protected category under applicable local,

state, or federal law, including protections for those op-

posing discrimination or participating in any grievance

process on campus, with the Equal Employment Oppor-

tunity Commission, or other human rights agencies.

This policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment

and access to educational opportunities. Therefore, any member

of Bellarmine University community whose acts deny, deprive,

or limit the educational or employment or residential and/or

social access, benefits, and/or opportunities of any member of

Bellarmine University community, guest, or visitor on the basis

of that person’s actual or perceived membership in the protected

classes listed above is in violation of Bellarmine University policy

on nondiscrimination.

When brought to the attention of Bellarmine University,

any such discrimination will be promptly and fairly addressed

by Bellarmine University according to the grievance process

described below.

16.

Policy on Disability Discrimination and Accom-

modation

Bellarmine University is committed to full compliance with the

Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended,

and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which pro-

hibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities,

as well as other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining

to individuals with disabilities.

Under the ADA and its amendments, a person has a disability

if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially

limits a major life activity.

The ADA also protects individuals who have a record of

a substantially limiting impairment or who are regarded as

disabled by Bellarmine University, regardless of whether they

currently have a disability. A substantial impairment is one

that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as

hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks,

walking, or caring for oneself.

The Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources and

the Chief Human Resources Officer have been designated as

Bellarmine University’s ADA Coordinators responsible for

overseeing efforts to comply with these disability laws, including

responding to grievances and conducting investigations of any

allegation of noncompliance or discrimination based on disability.

Grievances related to disability status and/or accommoda-

tions will be addressed using the procedures either through

the Student Grievance Process or through Human Resources.

a. Students with Disabilities

Bellarmine University is committed to providing qualified

students with disabilities with reasonable accommodations

and support needed to ensure equal access to the academic

programs, facilities, and activities of Bellarmine University.

All accommodations are made on an individualized ba-

sis. A student requesting any accommodation should first

contact the Director of the Accessibility Resource Center,

who coordinates services for students with disabilities.

The Director of the Accessibility Resource Center

reviews documentation provided by the student and, in

consultation with the student, determines which accom-

modations are appropriate for the student’s particular

needs and academic program(s).

b. Employees with Disabilities

Pursuant to the ADA, Bellarmine University will provide

reasonable accommodation(s) to all qualified employees

with known disabilities when their disability affects the

performance of their essential job functions, except

when doing so would be unduly disruptive or would

result in undue hardship to Bellarmine University.

An employee with a disability is responsible for sub-

mitting a request for an accommodation to the Human

Resources and providing necessary documentation. Hu-

man Resources will work with the employee’s supervisor

to identify which essential functions of the position are

affected by the employee’s disability and what reasonable

accommodations could enable the employee to perform

those duties.

17. Policy on Discriminatory Harassment

Students, staff, administrators, and faculty members are entitled

to an employment and educational environment that is free of

discriminatory harassment. Bellarmine University’s harassment

policy is not meant to inhibit or prohibit educational content

or discussions inside or outside of the classroom that include

germane but controversial or sensitive subject matters protected

by academic freedom.

The sections below describe the specific forms of legally

prohibited harassment that are also prohibited under Bellar-

mine University policy. When speech or conduct is protected

by academic freedom it will not be considered a violation of

Bellarmine University policy, though supportive measures will

be offered to those impacted.

a. Discriminatory Harassment

Discriminatory harassment constitutes a form of dis-

crimination that is prohibited by Bellarmine Uni-

versity policy. Discriminatory harassment is defined

as unwelcome conduct by any member or group of

the community on the basis of actual or perceived

membership in a class protected by policy or law.

Bellarmine University does not tolerate discriminatory

harassment of any employee, student, visitor, or guest.

Bellarmine University will address all forms of harass-

ment when reported, whether or not the harassment

rises to the level of creating a “hostile environment.”

A hostile environment is one that unreasonably inter-

feres with, limits, or effectively denies an individual’s

educational or employment access, benefits, or op-

portunities.

This discriminatory effect results from

harassing verbal, written, graphic, or physical conduct

that is severe and pervasive and objectively offensive.

When discriminatory harassment rises to the level of creating

a hostile environment, Bellarmine University may also impose

sanctions through application of the grievance process below.

Bellarmine University reserves the right to address of-

fensive conduct and/or harassment that 1) does not rise

to the level of creating a hostile environment, or 2) that

is of a generic nature and not based on a protected sta-

tus. Addressing such conduct may result in the imposi-

tion of discipline under Bellarmine University policy,

but may be addressed through respectful conversation,

remedial actions, education, effective Alternate Reso-

lution, and/or other informal resolution mechanisms.

For assistance with Alternate Resolution and other infor-

mal resolution techniques and approaches, employees should

contact the Director of Human Resources, and students

should contact the Chief Title IX Officer and Deputy Chief

Title IX Officer.

b. Sexual Harassment

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights

(OCR), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commis-

sion (EEOC), and the Commonwealth of Kentucky re-

gard Sexual Harassment, a specific form of discrimina-

tory harassment, as an unlawful discriminatory practice.

Bellarmine University has adopted the following defi-

nition of Sexual Harassment in order to address the unique

environment of an academic community, which consists not

only of employer and employees, but of students as well.

Acts of sexual harassment may be committed by any

person upon any other person, regardless of the sex, sex-

ual orientation, and/or gender identity of those involved.

Sexual Harassment, as an umbrella category, includes

the offenses of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic

violence, dating violence, and stalking, and is defined as:

Conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of

the following:

1. Quid Pro Quo:

a. an employee of Bellarmine University,

conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or

service of Bellarmine University,

on an individual’s participation in unwelcome

sexual conduct; and/or

2. Sexual Harassment:

a. unwelcome conduct,

This definition of hostile environment is based on Federal Register / Vol. 59, No. 47 / Thursday, March 10, 1994: Department of Education

Office for Civil Rights, Racial Incidents and Harassment Against Students At Educational Bellarmine University’s Investigative Guidance.

b. determined by a reasonable person,

c. to be so severe, and

d. pervasive, and,

e. objectively offensive,

f. that it effectively denies a person equal access to

Bellarmine University’s education program or

activity.

3. Sexual assault, defined as:

a. Sex Offenses, Forcible:

i. Any sexual act directed against another per-

son,

ii. without the consent of the Complainant,

iii.

including instances in which the Complainant

is incapable of giving consent.

b. Forcible Rape:

i. Penetration,

ii. no matter how slight,

iii. of the vagina or anus with any body part or

object, or

iv.

oral penetration by a sex organ of another

person,

v. without the consent of the Complainant.

c. Forcible Sodomy:

Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another

person,

ii. forcibly,

iii.

and/or against that person’s will (non-con-

sensually), or

iv.

not forcibly or against the person’s will in

instances in which the Complainant is in-

capable of giving consent because of age

because of temporary or permanent mental

or physical incapacity

d. Sexual Assault with an Object:

i. The use of an object or instrument to pen-

etrate,

ii. however slightly,

iii.

the genital or anal opening of the body of

another person,

iv. forcibly,

and/or against that person’s will (non-con-

sensually),

vi.

or not forcibly or against the person’s will

in instances in which the Complainant is

incapable of giving consent because of age or

because of temporary or permanent mental

or physical incapacity.

e. Forcible Fondling:

The touching of the private body parts of

another person (buttocks, groin, breasts),

ii. for the purpose of sexual gratification,

iii. forcibly,

iv.

and/or against that person’s will (non-con-

sensually),

or not forcibly or against the person’s will

in instances in which the Complainant is

incapable of giving consent because of age or

because of temporary or permanent mental

or physical incapacity.

f. Sex Offenses, Non-forcible:

i. Incest:

1. Non-forcible sexual intercourse,

between persons who are related to each

other,

3. within the degrees wherein marriage is

prohibited by the Kentucky State law.

ii. Statutory Rape:

1. Non-forcible sexual intercourse,

with a person who is under the statutory

age of consent of Kentucky.

4. Dating Violence, defined as:

a. violence,

b. on the basis of sex,

c. committed by a person,

d. who is in or has been in a social relationship of a

romantic or intimate nature with the Complainant.

The existence of such a relationship shall

be determined based on the Complainant’s

statement and with consideration of the length

of the relationship, the type of relationship,

and the frequency of interaction between the

persons involved in the relationship. For the

purposes of this definition—

ii. Dating violence includes, but is not limited

Unwelcomeness is subjective and determined by the Complainant (except when the Complainant is below the age of consent). Severity,

pervasiveness, and objective offensiveness are evaluated based on the totality of the circumstances from the perspective of a reasonable person

in the same or similar circumstances (“in the shoes of the Complainant”), including the context in which the alleged incident occurred and

any similar, previous patterns that may be evidenced.

Per state law.

to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of

such abuse.

iii.

Dating violence does not include acts covered

under the definition of domestic violence.

5. Domestic Violence, defined as:

a. violence,

b. on the basis of sex,

c. committed by a current or former spouse or in-

timate partner of the Complainant,

d. by a person with whom the Complainant shares

a child in common, or

e. by a person who is cohabitating with, or has co-

habitated with, the Complainant as a spouse or

intimate partner, or

f. by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the

Complainant under the domestic or family violence

laws of Kentucky or

by any other person against an adult or youth

Complainant who is protected from that person’s

acts under the domestic or family violence laws

of Kentucky.

To categorize an incident as Domestic Violence, the relation-

ship between the Respondent and the Complainant must be

more than just two people living together as roommates. The

people cohabitating must be current or former spouses or have

an intimate relationship.

6. Stalking, defined as:

a. engaging in a course of conduct,

b. on the basis of sex,

c. directed at a specific person, that

i. would cause a reasonable person to fear for

the person’s safety, or

ii. the safety of others; or

iii. Suffer substantial emotional distress.

For the purposes of this definition—

i. Course of conduct means two or more acts,

including, but not limited to, acts in which the

Respondent directly, indirectly, or through

third parties, by any action, method, device, or

means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils,

threatens, or communicates to or about a

person, or interferes with a person’s property.

ii.

Reasonable person means a reasonable person

under similar circumstances and with similar

identities to the Complainant.

iii. Substantial emotional distress means signifi-

cant mental suffering or anguish that may but

does not necessarily require medical or other

professional treatment or counseling.

7. Employee Relationships, defined as:

The employment of relatives or individuals in

volved in a dating relationship in the same area

of the University may cause serious conflicts and

problems with favoritism and employee morale.

In addition to claims of partiality in treatment at

work, personal conflicts from outside the work

environment can be carried over into day-to-day

working relationships.

Although Bellarmine has no prohibition against

employing relatives of current employees or indi-

viduals involved in a dating relationship with current

employees, it is strongly discouraged. Bellarmine is

committed to monitoring situations in which such

relationships exist in the same area. In case of actual

or potential problems, Bellarmine will take prompt

action to avoid favoritism or inequitable treatment

of other employees. This can include reassignment

or, if necessary, termination of employment for one

or both of the individuals involved.

Because the University views it as professionally

unethical, because the potential for abuse or the

appearance of abuse is so great, and because of the

inherent differential in authority, the University

prohibits the following relationships and acts,

whether they are consensual or not:

•

Every non-student member of the University

Community is prohibited from engaging in

romantic or sexual relationships, or in romantic

or sexual conduct with any student currently

enrolled as an undergraduate at the University.

•

Every member of the University Community is

prohibited from engaging in romantic or sexual

relationships or in romantic or sexual conduct

with anyone whom he or she educates, counsels,

coaches, supervises, or evaluates in any way.

Even when both parties have consented at the

outset to the development of such a relationship, it

is the officer, instructor or other person in the rela-

tive position of power who, by reason of authority

conferred by the University, bears the burden of

accountability. In extraordinary situations excep-

tions to this policy might be granted. [for this,

one should confer with the Chief Title IX Officer.]

Some examples of possible exceptions may include:

•

A recent Bellarmine graduate, hired by the

University, continuing a relationship that began

while both individuals were students.

•

An employee’s spouse enrolling as a graduate or

nontraditional undergraduate student.

Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case

basis. Similarity to one of the examples cited above

does not automatically make the relationship accept-

able. If you have any questions about the application

or effect of this policy to an existing or potential

relationship, it is your duty to consult with your

supervisor or the Chief Title IX Officer.

In keeping with this University policy, if charges

of harassment are made, the existence of a consen-

sual relationship in any of the contexts stated above

shall not be a defense. Disciplinary penalties for

individuals who violate these provisions may include

written reprimand, formal warning, suspension,

termination or dismissal, or such other penalties,

as the University deems appropriate and consistent

with the gravity of the offense. In the case of fac-

ulty, violation of these prohibitions may constitute

“serious misconduct…or neglect of professional

duties and responsibilities, or moral turpitude,”

and can therefore constitute grounds for dismissal

of a tenured or untenured faculty member.

Bellarmine University reserves the right to

impose any level of sanction, ranging from a repri-

mand up to and including suspension or expulsion/

termination, for any offense under this policy.

c. Force, Coercion, Consent, and Incapacitation

As used in the offenses above, the following definitions

and understandings apply:

Force: Force is the use of physical violence and/or

physical imposition to gain sexual access. Force also

includes threats, intimidation (implied threats), and

coercion that is intended to overcome resistance or

produce consent (e.g., “Have sex with me or I’ll hit

you,” “Okay, don’t hit me, I’ll do what you want.”).

Sexual activity that is forced is, by definition, non-

consensual, but non-consensual sexual activity is not

necessarily forced. Silence or the absence of resistance

alone is not consent. Consent is not demonstrated by the

absence of resistance. While resistance is not required

or necessary, it is a clear demonstration of non-consent.

Coercion: Coercion is unreasonable pressure for

sexual activity. Coercive conduct differs from seductive

conduct based on factors such as the type and/or extent

of the pressure used to obtain consent. When someone

makes clear that they do not want to engage in certain

sexual activity, that they want to stop, or that they do

not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction,

continued pressure beyond that point can be coercive.

Consent is:

• knowing, and

• voluntary, and

• clear permission

• by word or action

• to engage in sexual activity.

Since individuals may experience the same interaction

in different ways, it is the responsibility of each party to

determine that the other has consented before engaging

in the activity.

If consent is not clearly provided prior to engaging in

the activity, consent may be ratified by word or action

at some point during the interaction or thereafter, but

clear communication from the outset is strongly encour-

aged.

For consent to be valid, there must be a clear expression

in words or actions that the other individual consented

to that specific sexual conduct. Reasonable reciprocation

can be implied. For example, if someone kisses you, you

can kiss them back (if you want to) without the need to

explicitly obtain their consent to being kissed back.

Consent can also be withdrawn once given, as long as

the withdrawal is reasonably and clearly communicated.

If consent is withdrawn, that sexual activity should cease

within a reasonable time.

Consent to some sexual contact (such as kissing or

fondling) cannot be presumed to be consent for other

sexual activity (such as intercourse). A current or previ-

ous intimate relationship is not sufficient to constitute

consent.

Proof of consent or non-consent is not a burden placed

on either party involved in an incident. Instead, the

burden remains on Bellarmine University to determine

whether its policy has been violated. The existence of

consent is based on the totality of the circumstances

evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable person in

the same or similar circumstances, including the context

in which the alleged incident occurred and any similar,

previous patterns that may be evidenced.

Bondage, discipline/dominance, submission/sadism, and masochism.

Consent in relationships must also be considered in

context. When parties consent to BDSM

or other forms

of kink, non-consent may be shown by the use of a safe

word. Resistance, force, violence, or even saying “no”

may be part of the kink and thus consensual, so Bellar-

mine University’s evaluation of communication in kink

situations should be guided by reasonableness, rather

than strict adherence to policy that assumes non-kink

relationships as a default.

Incapacitation: A person cannot consent if they are

unable to understand what is happening or is disoriented,

helpless, asleep, or unconscious, for any reason, including

by alcohol or other drugs. As stated above, a Respondent

violates this policy if they engage in sexual activity with

someone who is incapable of giving consent.

It is a defense to a sexual assault policy violation that

the Respondent neither knew nor should have known the

Complainant to be physically or mentally incapacitated.

“Should have known” is an objective, reasonable person

standard which assumes that a reasonable person is both

sober and exercising sound judgment.

Incapacitation occurs when someone cannot make

rational, reasonable decisions because they lack the

capacity to give knowing/informed consent (e.g., to

understand the “who, what, when, where, why, or how”

of their sexual interaction).

Incapacitation is determined through consideration of

all relevant indicators of an individual’s state and is not

synonymous with intoxication, impairment, blackout,

and/or being drunk.

This policy also covers a person whose incapacity re-

sults from a temporary or permanent physical or mental

health condition, involuntary physical restraint, and/or

the consumption of incapacitating drugs.

d. Other Civil Rights Offenses

In addition to the forms of sexual harassment described

above, which fall within the coverage of Title IX, Bel-

larmine University additionally prohibits the following

offenses as forms of discrimination outside of Title IX

when the act is based upon the Complainant’s actual or

perceived membership in a protected class.

•

Sexual Exploitation, defined as: taking non-consensual

or abusive sexual advantage of another for their own

benefit or for the benefit of anyone other than the

person being exploited, and that conduct does not

otherwise constitute sexual harassment under this

policy. Examples of Sexual Exploitation include, but

are not limited to:

Sexual voyeurism (such as observing or allowing

others to observe a person undressing or using the

bathroom or engaging in sexual acts, without the

consent of the person being observed)

» Invasion of sexual privacy

Taking pictures, video, or audio recording of an-

other in a sexual act, or in any other sexually-related

activity when there is a reasonable expectation of

privacy during the activity, without the consent of all

involved in the activity, or exceeding the boundaries

of consent (such as allowing another person to hide in

a closet and observe sexual activity, or disseminating

sexual pictures without the photographed person’s

consent), including the making or posting of revenge

pornography

» Prostituting another person

Engaging in sexual activity with another person while

knowingly infected with human immunodeficiency

virus (HIV) or a sexually-transmitted disease (STD)

or infection (STI), without informing the other

person of the infection

Causing or attempting to cause the incapacitation

of another person (through alcohol, drugs, or any

other means) for the purpose of compromising that

person’s ability to give consent to sexual activity, or

for the purpose of making that person vulnerable to

non-consensual sexual activity

Misappropriation of another person’s identity on

apps, websites, or other venues designed for dating

or sexual connections

» Forcing a person to take an action against that per-

son’s will by threatening to show, post, or share

information, video, audio, or an image that depicts

the person’s nudity or sexual activity

» Knowingly soliciting a minor for sexual activity

» Engaging in sex trafficking

Creation, possession, or dissemination or child por-

nography

•

Threatening or causing physical harm, extreme verbal,

emotional, or psychological abuse, or other conduct

which threatens or endangers the health or safety of

any person;

•

Discrimination, defined as actions that deprive, limit,

or deny other members of the community of educational

or employment access, benefits, or opportunities;

•

Intimidation, defined as implied threats or acts that

cause an unreasonable fear of harm in another;

•

Hazing, defined as acts likely to cause physical or

psychological harm or social ostracism to any person

within the Bellarmine University community, when

related to the admission, initiation, pledging, joining,

or any other group-affiliation activity.

• Bullying, defined as:

» Repeated and/or severe

» Aggressive behavior

Likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control, or

diminish another person, physically and/or mentally

Violation of any other Bellarmine University policies

may constitute a Civil Rights Offense when a violation

is motivated by actual or perceived membership in a

protected class, and the result is a discriminatory limi-

tation or denial of employment or educational access,

benefits, or opportunities.

Sanctions for the above-listed Civil Rights Offenses

range from reprimand through expulsion/termination.

18. Retaliation

Protected activity under this policy includes reporting an

incident that may implicate this policy, participating in the

grievance process, supporting a Complainant or Respondent,

assisting in providing information relevant to an investiga-

tion, and/or acting in good faith to oppose conduct that

constitutes a violation of this Policy.

Acts of alleged retaliation should be reported immediately to

the Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy) and will be promptly

investigated. Bellarmine University is prepared to take ap-

propriate steps to protect individuals who fear that they may

be subjected to retaliation.

It is prohibited for Bellarmine University or any member of

Bellarmine University’s community to take materially adverse

action by intimidating, threatening, coercing, harassing, or

discriminating against any individual for the purpose of in-

terfering with any right or privilege secured by law or policy,

or because the individual has made a report or complaint,

testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate

in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing

under this policy and procedure.

Charges against an individual for code of conduct violations

that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment

but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report

or complaint of sex discrimination, or a report or complaint

of sexual harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any

right or privilege secured by Title IX, constitutes retaliation.

Charging an individual with a code of conduct violation for

making a materially false statement in bad faith in the course

of a grievance proceeding under this policy and procedure

does not constitute retaliation, provided that a determination

regarding responsibility, alone, is not sufficient to conclude

that any party has made a materially false statement in bad faith

19. Mandated Reporting

All Bellarmine University employees (faculty, staff, adminis-

trators) are expected to report actual or suspected discrimi-

nation or harassment to appropriate officials immediately,

though there are some limited exceptions.

In order to make informed choices, it is important to be

aware of confidentiality and mandatory reporting require-

ments when consulting campus resources. On campus, some

resources may maintain confidentiality and are not required

to report actual or suspected discrimination or harassment.

They may offer options and resources without any obliga-

tion to inform an outside agency or campus official unless a

Complainant has requested the information be shared.

If a Complainant expects formal action in response to

their allegations, reporting to any Mandated Reporter will

immediately pass reports to the Chief Title IX Officer or

Deputy (and/or police, if desired by the Complainant), who

will take action when an incident is reported to them.

The following sections describe the reporting options at

Bellarmine University for a Complainant or third-party

(including parents/guardians when appropriate):

a. Confidential Resources

If a Complainant would like the details of an incident

to be kept confidential, the Complainant may speak

with:

•

On-campus licensed mental health counselors through

the Bellarmine Counseling Center

• On-campus health service providers and staff

•

On-campus members of the clergy/chaplains working

within Campus Ministry

•

Off-campus Employee Assistance Program (for em-

ployees)

• Off-campus (non-employees):

» Center for Women and Families

» Local or state counseling agencies

» Local or state health care staff

» Local or state assistance agencies

» Clergy/Chaplains

» Attorneys

All of the above-listed individuals will maintain confi-

dentiality when acting under the scope of their licensure,

professional ethics, and/or professional credentials, ex-

cept in extreme cases of immediacy of threat or danger

or abuse of a minor/individual with a disability, or when

required to disclose by law or court order.

Campus counselors and the Employee Assistance Pro-

gram are available to help free of charge and may be

consulted on an emergency basis during normal business

hours.

Mandated Reporters and Formal Notice/Complaints

All employees of Bellarmine University (including resi-

dence life student staff), with the exception of those who

are designated as Confidential Resources, are Mandated

Reporters and must promptly share with the Chief

Title IX Officer (or Deputy) all known details of a re-

port made to them in the course of their employment.

Employees must also promptly share all details of behav-

iors under this policy that they observe or have knowledge of,

even if not reported to them by a Complainant or third-party.

Complainants may want to carefully consider

whether they share personally identifiable details with

non-confidential Mandated Reporters, as those de-

tails must be shared with the Chief Title IX Officer.

Supportive measures may be offered as the result of such

disclosures without formal Bellarmine University action.

Failure of a Mandated Reporter, as described above

in this section, to report an incident of harassment

or discrimination of which they become aware is a

violation of Bellarmine University policy and can be

subject to disciplinary action for failure to comply

Though this may seem obvious, when a Mandated

Reporter is engaged in harassment or other violations

of this policy, they still have a duty to report their own

misconduct, though Bellarmine University is technically

not on notice when a harasser is also a Mandated Re-

porter unless the harasser does in fact report themselves.

Finally, it is important to clarify that a Mandated

Reporter who is themselves a target of harassment or

other misconduct under this policy is not required to

report their own experience, though they are, of course,

encouraged to do so.

20. When a Complainant Does Not Wish to Proceed

If a Complainant does not wish for their name to be shared,

does not wish for an investigation to take place, or does not

want a formal complaint to be pursued, they may make such

a request to the Chief Title IX Officer, who will evaluate

that request in light of the duty to ensure the safety of the

campus and to comply with state or federal law.

The Chief Title IX Officer has ultimate discretion over

whether Bellarmine University proceeds when the Complain-

ant does not wish to do so, and the Chief Title IX Officer

may sign a formal complaint to initiate a grievance process

upon completion of an appropriate violence risk assessment.

The Chief Title IX Officer’s decision should be based on

results of the violence risk assessment that show a compel-

ling risk to health and/or safety that requires Bellarmine

University to pursue formal action to protect the community.

A compelling risk to health and/or safety may result from

evidence of patterns of misconduct, predatory conduct,

threats, abuse of minors, use of weapons, and/or violence.

Bellarmine University may be compelled to act on alleged

employee misconduct irrespective of a Complainant’s wishes.

The Chief Title IX Officer must also consider the effect

that non-participation by the Complainant may have on the

availability of evidence and Bellarmine University’s ability

to pursue a Formal Grievance Process fairly and effectively.

When the Chief Title IX Officer executes the written com-

plaint, they do not become the Complainant. The Complainant

is the individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct

that could constitute a violation of this policy.

When Bellarmine University proceeds, the Complainant (or

their Advisor) may have as much or as little involvement in

the process as they wish. The Complainant retains all rights

of a Complainant under this Policy irrespective of their level

of participation. Typically, when the Complainant chooses

not to participate, the Advisor may be appointed as proxy for

the Complainant throughout the process, acting to ensure

and protect the rights of the Complainant.

Note that Bellarmine University’s ability to remedy and

respond to notice may be limited if the Complainant does

not want Bellarmine University to proceed with an inves-

tigation and/or grievance process. The goal is to provide

the Complainant with as much control over the process as

possible, while balancing Bellarmine University’s obligation

to protect its community.

In cases in which the Complainant requests confidential-

ity/no formal action and the circumstances allow Bellarmine

University to honor that request, Bellarmine University will

offer informal resolution options (see below), supportive

measures, and remedies to the Complainant and the com-

munity, but will not otherwise pursue formal action.

If the Complainant elects to take no action, they can change

that decision if they decide to pursue a formal complaint at

a later date. Upon making a formal complaint, a Complain-

ant has the right, and can expect, to have allegations taken

seriously by Bellarmine University, and to have the incidents

investigated and properly resolved through these procedures.

21. Federal Timely Warning Obligations

Parties reporting sexual assault, domestic violence, dating

violence, and/or stalking should be aware that under the

Clery Act, Bellarmine University must issue timely warn-

ings for incidents reported to them that pose a serious or

continuing threat of bodily harm or danger to members of

the campus community.

Bellarmine University will ensure that a Complainant’s

name and other identifying information is not disclosed, while

still providing enough information for community members

to make safety decisions in light of the potential danger.

22. False Allegations and Evidence

Deliberately false and/or malicious accusations under this

policy, as opposed to allegations which, even if erroneous,

are made in good faith, are a serious offense and will be

subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Additionally, witnesses and parties knowingly providing

false evidence, tampering with or destroying evidence after

being directed to preserve such evidence, or deliberately

misleading an official conducting an investigation can be

subject to discipline under Bellarmine University policy.

23. Amnesty for Complainants and Witnesses

Bellarmine University community encourages the reporting

of misconduct and crimes by Complainants and witnesses.

Sometimes, Complainants or witnesses are hesitant to report

to Bellarmine University officials or participate in grievance

processes because they fear that they themselves may be in

violation of certain policies, such as underage drinking or

use of illicit drugs at the time of the incident. Respondents

may hesitate to be forthcoming during the process for the

same reasons.

It is in the best interests of the Bellarmine University com-

munity that Complainants choose to report misconduct to

Bellarmine University officials, that witnesses come forward

to share what they know, and that all parties be forthcoming

during the process.

To encourage reporting and participation in the process,

Bellarmine University maintains a policy of offering parties

and witnesses amnesty from minor policy violations – such

as underage consumption of alcohol or the use of illicit drugs

– related to the incident.

Amnesty does not apply to more serious allegations such

as physical abuse of another or illicit drug distribution. The

decision not to offer amnesty to a Respondent is based on

neither sex nor gender, but on the fact that collateral miscon-

duct is typically addressed for all students within a progres-

sive discipline system, and the rationale for amnesty – the

incentive to report serious misconduct – is rarely applicable

to Respondent with respect to a Complainant.

Students: Sometimes, students are hesitant to assist

others for fear that they may get in trouble themselves (for

example, an underage student who has been drinking or using

marijuana might hesitate to help take an individual who has

experienced sexual misconduct to Public Safety.

Bellarmine University maintains a policy of amnesty for

students who offer help to others in need. While policy

violations cannot be overlooked, Bellarmine University may

provide purely educational options with no official disciplinary

finding, rather than punitive sanctions, to those who offer

their assistance to others in need.

24. Federal Statistical Reporting Obligations

Certain campus officials – those deemed Campus Security

Authorities – have a duty to report the following for federal

statistical reporting purposes (Clery Act):

a. All “primary crimes,” which include homicide, sexual

assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor

vehicle theft, and arson;

b. Hate crimes, which include any bias motivated primary

crime as well as any bias motivated larceny or theft,

simple assault, intimidation, or destruction/damage/

vandalism of property;

VAWA

-based crimes, which include sexual assault,

domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking; and

Arrests and referrals for disciplinary action for weapons-

related law violations, liquor-related law violations, and

drug abuse-related law violations.

All personally identifiable information is kept private, but

statistical information must be passed along to [campus law

enforcement] regarding the type of incident and its general

location (on or off-campus or in the surrounding area, but no

addresses are given) for publication in the Annual Security

Report and daily campus crime log.

Campus Security Authorities include: student affairs staff,

public safety, local police, coaches, athletic directors, resi-

dence life staff, human resources staff, advisors to student

organizations, and any other official with significant respon-

VAWA is the Violence Against Women Act, enacted in 1994 codified in part at 42 U.S.C. sections 13701 through 14040.

sibility for student and campus activities.

INTERIM RESOLUTION PROCESS

FOR ALLEGED VIOLATIONS

OFTHE POLICY ON EQUAL OP-

PORTUNITY, HARASSMENT, AND

NONDISCRIMINATION (KNOWN

AS PROCESS “A”)

1. Overview

Bellarmine University will act on any formal or informal

notice/complaint of violation of the Sexual Discrimination

and Misconduct Policy that is received by the Chief Title IX

Officer or any other Official with Authority by applying

these procedures, known as “Process A.”

The procedures below apply only to qualifying allega-

tions of sexual harassment (including sexual assault, dating

violence, domestic violence, and stalking, as defined above)

involving students, staff, administrator, or faculty members.

Process B can also apply to sexual harassment (including

sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalk-

ing, as defined above) when jurisdiction does not fall within

Process A, as determined by the Chief Title IX Officer.

Employees are subject to the terms of their agreements/

employees’ rights to the extent those agreements do not

conflict with federal or state compliance obligations.

The procedures below may be used to address collateral

misconduct arising from the investigation of or occurring

in conjunction with reported misconduct (e.g., vandalism,

physical abuse of another). All other allegations of miscon-

duct unrelated to incidents covered by the Policy will be

addressed through procedures elaborated in the student and

employee handbook.

2. Notice/Complaint

Upon receipt of a complaint or notice to the Chief Title

IX Officer of an alleged violation of the Policy, Bellarmine

University initiates a prompt initial assessment to determine

the next steps Bellarmine University needs to take.

Bellarmine University will initiate at least one of three

responses:

Offering supportive measures because the Complainant

does not want to proceed formally; and/or

ii. An informal resolution; and/or

iii. A Formal Grievance Process including an investigation

and a hearing.

The investigation and grievance process will determine

whether or not the Policy has been violated. If so, Bellarm-

ine University will promptly implement effective remedies

designed to ensure that it is not deliberately indifferent to

harassment or discrimination, their potential recurrence,

or their effects.

3. Initial Assessment

Following receipt of notice or a complaint of an alleged viola-

tion of this Policy, the Chief Title IX Officer engages in an

initial assessment, which is typically one to five business days

in duration. The steps in an initial assessment can include:

• If notice is given, the Chief Title IX Officer seeks to de-

termine if the person impacted wishes to make a formal

complaint, and will assist them to do so, if desired.

» If they do not wish to do so, the Chief Title IX Officer

determines whether to initiate a complaint because a

violence risk assessment indicates a compelling threat

to health and/or safety.

•

If a formal complaint is received, the Chief Title IX Officer

assesses its sufficiency and works with the Complainant to

make sure it is correctly completed.

•

The Chief Title IX Officer reaches out to the Complainant

to offer supportive measures.

•

The Chief Title IX Officer works with the Complainant

to ensure they are aware of the right to have an Advisor.

•

The Chief Title IX Officer works with the Complainant to

determine whether the Complainant prefers a supportive

and remedial response, an informal resolution option, or

a formal investigation and grievance process.

» If a supportive and remedial response is preferred, the

Chief Title IX Officer works with the Complainant to

identify their wishes and then seeks to facilitate imple-

mentation. No Formal Grievance Process is initiated,

though the Complainant can elect to initiate one later,

if desired.

» If an informal resolution option is preferred, the Chief

Title IX Officer assesses whether the complaint is suit-

able for informal resolution, and may seek to determine

if the Respondent is also willing to engage in informal

resolution.

» If a Formal Grievance Process is preferred, the Chief

Title IX Officer determines if the misconduct alleged

falls within the scope of Title IX:

›

If it does, the Chief Title IX Officer will initiate

the formal notice to both parties, and the formal

investigation and grievance process, directing the

investigation to address:

• an incident, and/or

• a pattern of alleged misconduct, and/or

• a culture/climate issue, based on the nature of

the complaint.

› If it does not, the Chief Title IX Officer determines

that Title IX does not apply (and will “dismiss” that

aspect of the complaint, if any), assesses which policies

may. Please note that dismissing a complaint under

Title IX is just procedural, and does not limit Bel-

larmine University’s authority to address a complaint

with an appropriate process and remedies.

a. Violence Risk Assessment

In many cases, the Chief Title IX Officer may deter-

mine that a Violence Risk Assessment (VRA) should be

conducted by the Care Team for student concerns and

by trained staff within Human Resources for employee

concerns as part of the initial assessment. A VRA may

also be conducted by an external third party who is

trained in such matters. A VRA can aid in ten critical

and/or required determinations, including:

•

Emergency removal of a Respondent on the basis of

immediate threat to physical health/safety;

• No contact orders between the parties;

•

Whether the Chief Title IX Officer should pursue/sign

a formal complaint absent a willing/able Complainant;

•

Whether to put the investigation on the footing of

incident and/or pattern and/or climate;

• To help identify potential predatory conduct;

• To help assess/identify grooming behaviors;

• Whether it is reasonable to try to resolve a complaint

through informal resolution, and what modality may

be most successful;

•

Whether to permit a voluntary withdrawal by the

Respondent;

•

Whether to impose transcript notation or commu-

nicate with a transfer Bellarmine University about a

Respondent;

• Assessment of appropriate sanctions/remedies (to be

applied post-hearing);

• Whether a Clery Act Timely Warning

• Issuing a campus ban

Threat assessment is the process of evaluating the ac-

tionability of violence by an individual against another

person or group following the issuance of a direct or

conditional threat. A VRA is a broader term used to

assess any potential violence or danger, regardless of

the presence of a vague, conditional, or direct threat.

VRAs require specific training and are typically con-

ducted by psychologists, clinical counselors, social

workers, case managers, law enforcement officers, or

other Care Team members. A VRA authorized by the

Chief Title IX Officer should occur in collaboration with

the Care Team (for students) or a trained consultant

(for employees) a VRA is required by the Chief Title IX

Officer, a Respondent refusing to cooperate may result

in a charge of failure to comply within the appropriate

student or employee conduct process.

A VRA is not an evaluation for an involuntary behavioral

health hospitalization, nor is it a psychological or mental

health assessment. A VRA assesses the risk of action-

able violence, often with a focus on targeted/predatory

escalations, and is supported by research from the fields

of law enforcement, criminology, human resources, and

psychology.

b. Dismissal (Mandatory and Discretionary)

Bellarmine University must dismiss a formal complaint

or any allegations therein if, at any time during the in-

vestigation or hearing, it is determined that:

The conduct alleged in the formal complaint would not

constitute sexual harassment as defined in the Policy

hereinabove, even if proved; and/or

The conduct did not occur in an educational program or

activity controlled by Bellarmine University (including

buildings or property controlled by recognized student

organizations), and/or Bellarmine University does not

have control of the Respondent; and/or

The conduct did not occur against a person in the

United States; and/or

At the time of filing a formal complaint, a complainant

is not participating in or attempting to participate in the

education program or activity of Bellarmine University.

Bellarmine University may dismiss a formal complaint

or any allegations therein if, at any time during the in-

vestigation or hearing:

1. A Complainant notifies the Chief Title IX Officer in

writing that the Complainant would like to withdraw

the formal complaint or any allegations therein; or

2. The Respondent is no longer enrolled in or employed

by Bellarmine University; or

Specific circumstances prevent Bellarmine University

from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determina-

These dismissal requirements are mandated by the 2020 Title IX Regulations, 34 CFR Part 106.45.

tion as to the formal complaint or allegations therein.

Upon any dismissal, Bellarmine University will prompt-

ly send written notice of the dismissal and the rationale

for doing so simultaneously to the parties.

This dismissal decision is appealable by any party un-

der the procedures for appeal below. The decision not

to dismiss is also appealable by any party claiming that

a dismissal is required or appropriate. A Complainant

who decides to withdraw a complaint may later request

to reinstate it or refile it.

4. Counterclaims

Bellarmine University is obligated to ensure that the grievance

process is not abused for retaliatory purposes. Bellarmine

University permits the filing of counterclaims but uses an

initial assessment, described above, to assess whether the

allegations in the counterclaim are made in good faith.

Counterclaims will be assessed for retaliatory intent and

those deemed retaliatory in nature will not be permitted.

Counterclaims determined to have been reported in good

faith will be processed using the grievance procedures below.

Investigation of such claims may take place after resolution

of the underlying initial allegation, in which case a delay

may occur.

Counterclaims may also be resolved through the same

investigation as the underlying allegation, at the discretion

of the Chief Title IX Officer.

5. Right to an Advisor

The parties may each have up to two Advisors of their choice

present with them for all meetings and interviews within the

resolution process, if they so choose. The parties may select

whoever they wish to serve as their Advisor as long as the

Advisor is eligible and available.

Choosing an Advisor who is also a witness in the process

creates potential for bias and conflict-of-interest. A party

who chooses an Advisor who is also a witness can anticipate

that issues of potential bias will be explored by the hearing

Decision-maker(s).

a. Who Can Serve as an Advisor

The Advisor may be a friend, mentor, family member,

attorney, or any other individual a party chooses to ad-

vise, support, and/or consult with them throughout the

resolution process. The parties may choose Advisors from

inside or outside of Bellarmine University community.

The Chief Title IX Officer will also offer to as-

sign a trained Advisor for any party if the party so

chooses. If the parties choose an Advisor from the

pool available from Bellarmine University, the Advisor

will be trained by Bellarmine University and be famil-

iar with Bellarmine University’s resolution process.

If the parties choose an Advisor from outside the

pool of those identified by Bellarmine Univer-

sity, the Advisor may not have been trained by Bel-

larmine University and may not be familiar with

Bellarmine University policies and procedures.

Parties also have the right to choose not to have an

Advisor in the initial stages of the resolution process,

prior to a hearing.

Advisors in Hearings/Bellarmine University-

Appointed Advisor

Under U.S. Department of Education regulations appli-

cable to Title IX, cross-examination is required during the

hearing, but must be conducted by the parties’ Advisors.

The parties are not permitted to directly cross-examine

each other or any witnesses. If a party does not have an

Advisor for a hearing, Bellarmine University will appoint

a trained Advisor for the limited purpose of conducting

any cross-examination.

A party may reject this appointment and choose their

own Advisor, but they may not proceed without an

Advisor. If the party’s Advisor will not conduct cross-

examination, Bellarmine University will appoint an

Advisor who will do so thoroughly, regardless of the

participation or non-participation of the advised party

in the hearing itself. Extensive questioning of the parties

and witnesses will also be conducted by the Decision-

maker(s) during the hearing.

c. Advisor’s Role

The parties may be accompanied by their Advisor in all

meetings and interviews at which the party is entitled

to be present, including intake and interviews. Advisors

should help the parties prepare for each meeting and

are expected to advise ethically, with integrity, and in

good faith.

Available” means the party cannot insist on an Advisor who simply doesn’t have inclination, time, or availability. Also, the Advisor cannot

have institutionally conflicting roles, such as being a Title IX administrator who has an active role in the matter, or a supervisor who must

monitor and implement sanctions.

Bellarmine University cannot guarantee equal Advisory

rights, meaning that if one party selects an Advisor who

is an attorney, but the other party does not or cannot

afford an attorney, Bellarmine University is not obligated

to provide an attorney.

d. Pre-Interview Meetings

Advisors may request to meet with the administrative

officials conducting interviews/meetings in advance of

these interviews or meetings. This pre-meeting allows

Advisors to clarify and understand their role and Bel-

larmine University’s policies and procedures.

e. Advisor Violations of Bellarmine University

Policy

All Advisors are subject to the same Bellarmine Univer-

sity policies and procedures, whether they are attorneys

or not. Advisors are expected to advise their advisees

without disrupting proceedings. Advisors should not

address Bellarmine University officials in a meeting

or interview unless invited to (e.g., asking procedural

questions). The Advisor may not make a presentation or

represent their advisee during any meeting or proceed-

ing and may not speak on behalf of the advisee to the

Investigator(s) or other Decision-maker(s) except during

a hearing proceeding, during cross-examination.

The parties are expected to ask and respond to ques-

tions on their own behalf throughout the investigation

phase of the resolution process. Although the Advisor

generally may not speak on behalf of their advisee, the

Advisor may consult with their advisee, either privately

as needed, or by conferring or passing notes during any

resolution process meeting or interview. For longer or

more involved discussions, the parties and their Advisors

should ask for breaks to allow for private consultation.

Any Advisor who oversteps their role as defined by this

policy will be warned only once. If the Advisor contin-

ues to disrupt or otherwise fails to respect the limits of

the Advisor role, the meeting will be ended, or other

appropriate measures implemented. Subsequently, the

Chief Title IX Officer will determine how to address

the Advisor’s non-compliance and future role.

f. Sharing Information with the Advisor

Bellarmine University expects that the parties may wish

to have Bellarmine University share documentation and

evidence related to the allegations with their Advisors.

Parties may share this information directly with their

Advisor or other individuals if they wish. Doing so may

help the parties participate more meaningfully in the

resolution process.

Bellarmine University also provides a consent form

that authorizes Bellarmine University to share such in-

formation directly with their Advisor. The parties must

either complete and submit this form to the Chief Title

IX Officer (or Deputy) or provide similar documenta-

tion demonstrating consent to a release of information

to the Advisor before Bellarmine University is able to

share records with an Advisor.

g. Privacy of Records Shared with Advisor

Advisors are expected to maintain the privacy of the

records shared with them. These records may not be

shared with third parties, disclosed publicly, or used

for purposes not explicitly authorized by Bellarmine

University. Bellarmine University may seek to restrict

the role of any Advisor who does not respect the sensitive

nature of the process or who fails to abide by Bellarmine

University’s privacy expectations.

h. Expectations of an Advisor

Bellarmine University generally expects an Advisor to

adjust their schedule to allow them to attend meetings

when planned, but may change scheduled meetings to

accommodate an Advisor’s inability to attend, if doing

so does not cause an unreasonable delay.

Bellarmine University may also make reasonable provi-

sions to allow an Advisor who cannot attend in person

to attend a meeting by telephone, video conferencing,

or other similar technologies as may be convenient and

available.

i. Expectations of the Parties with Respect to

Advisors

A party may elect to change Advisors during the process

and is not obligated to use the same Advisor throughout.

The parties are expected to inform the Investigator(s) of

the identity of their Advisor at least two (2) business days

before the date of their first meeting with Investigators

(or as soon as possible if a more expeditious meeting is

necessary or desired).

The parties are expected to provide timely notice to

the Chief Title IX Officer if they change Advisors at

any time. It is assumed that if a party changes Advisors,

consent to share information with the previous Advisor

is terminated, and a release for the new Advisor must

be secured. Parties are expected to inform the Chief

Title IX Officer of the identity of their hearing Advisor

at least two (2) business days before the hearing.

j. Assistance in Securing an Advisor

Bellarmine University will refer students and employees

to the Louisville Bar Association if a party is seeking

legal representation to participate as an Advisor in the

process. Options may be found here: https://www.

loubar.org/public-resources/need-a-lawyer/.

6. Resolution Processes

Resolution proceedings are private. All persons present

at any time during the resolution process are expected to

maintain the privacy of the proceedings in accordance with

Bellarmine University policy. No recordings (either video

or audio) of meetings or hearings are allowed by any party

other than Bellarmine University. While there is an expecta-

tion of privacy around what Investigators share with parties

during interviews, the parties have discretion to share their

own knowledge and evidence with others if they so choose.

Bellarmine University encourages parties to discuss this with

their Advisors before doing so.

a. Informal Resolution

Informal Resolution can include three different ap-

proaches:

• When the parties agree to resolve the matter through

an alternate resolution mechanism

•

When the Respondent accepts responsibility for violat-

ing policy, and desires to accept a sanction and end the

resolution process; or

• When the Chief Title IX Officer can resolve the mat-

ter informally by providing supportive measures to

remedy the situation.

To initiate Informal Resolution, a Complainant needs

to submit a formal complaint, as defined above. If a

Respondent wishes to initiate Informal Resolution, they

should contact the Chief Title IX Officer to so indicate.

It is not necessary to pursue Informal Resolution first

in order to pursue a Formal Grievance Process, and any

party participating in Informal Resolution can stop the

process at any time and begin or resume the Formal

Grievance Process.

Prior to implementing Informal Resolution, Bellarmine

University will provide the parties with written notice of

the reported misconduct and any sanctions or measures

that may result from participating in such a process,

including information regarding any records that will

be maintained or shared by Bellarmine University.

Bellarmine University will obtain voluntary, written

confirmation that all parties wish to resolve the matter

through Informal Resolution before proceeding and

will not pressure the parties to participate in Informal

Resolution.

b. Alternate Resolution

Alternate Resolution is an informal process, including

mediation or restorative practices, etc. by which a mutu-

ally agreed upon resolution of an allegation is reached. All

parties must consent to the use of Alternate Resolution.

The Chief Title IX Officer may look to the following

factors to assess whether Alternate Resolution is ap-

propriate, or which form of Alternate Resolution may

be most successful for the parties:

• The parties’ amenability to Alternate Resolution;

•

Likelihood of potential resolution, taking into account

any power dynamics between the parties;

• The parties’ motivation to participate;

• Civility of the parties;

•

Cleared violence risk assessment/ongoing risk analysis;

• Disciplinary history;

• Whether an emergency removal is needed;

• Skill of the Alternate Resolution facilitator with this

type of complaint;

• Complaint complexity;

• Emotional investment/intelligence of the parties;

• Rationality of the parties;

• Goals of the parties;

• Adequate resources to invest in Alternate Resolution

(time, staff, etc.)

The ultimate determination of whether Alternate Reso-

lution is available or successful is to be made by the Chief

Title IX Officer. The Chief Title IX Officer maintains

records of any resolution that is reached, and failure to

abide by the resolution agreement may result in appropri-

ate responsive/disciplinary actions. Results of complaints

resolved by Informal Resolution or Alternate Resolution

are not appealable.

c. Respondent Accepts Responsibility for Alleged

Violations

The Respondent may accept responsibility for all or part

of the alleged policy violations at any point during the

resolution process. If the Respondent indicates an intent

to accept responsibility for all of the alleged misconduct,

the formal process will be paused, and the Chief Title IX

Officer will determine whether Informal Resolution can

be used according to the criteria in that section above.

If Informal Resolution is applicable, the Chief Title IX

Officer will determine whether all parties and Bellarmine

University are able to agree on responsibility, sanctions,

and/or remedies. If so, the Chief Title IX Officer imple-

ments the accepted finding that the Respondent is in

violation of Bellarmine University policy and implements

agreed-upon sanctions and/or remedies, in coordination

with other appropriate administrator(s), as necessary.

This result is not subject to appeal once all parties

indicate their written assent to all agreed upon terms

of resolution. When the parties cannot agree on all

terms of resolution, the Formal Grievance Process

will resume at the same point where it was paused.

When a resolution is accomplished, the appropriate

sanction or responsive actions are promptly implemented

in order to effectively stop the harassment or discrimina-

tion, prevent its recurrence, and remedy the effects of

the discriminatory conduct, both on the Complainant

and the community.

d. Negotiated Resolution

The Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy) with the consent

of the parties, may negotiate and implement an agree-

ment to resolve the allegations that satisfies all parties

and Bellarmine University. Negotiated Resolutions are

not appealable.

7. Grievance Process Pool

The Formal Grievance Process relies on a pool of administra-

tors (“the Pool”) to carry out the process. Members of the

Pool are announced in an annual distribution of this policy

to all students, parents/guardians of students, employees,

prospective students, and prospective employees.

The list of Pool members and a description of the Pool can

be found at https://www.bellarmine.edu/title-ix/.

a. Pool Member Roles

Members of the Pool are trained annually, and can serve

in in the following roles, at the direction of the Chief

Title IX Officer:

• To act as an Advisor to the parties

•

To serve in a facilitation role in informal resolution

or Alternate Resolution if appropriately trained in

appropriate resolution modalities (e.g., mediation,

restorative practices

• To investigate complaints

•

To serve as a hearing facilitator (process administrator,

no decision-making role)

• To serve as a Decision-maker regarding the complaint

• To serve as an Appeal Decision-maker

b. Pool Member Roles

The Chief Title IX Officer appoints the Pool, which acts

with independence and impartiality. While members of

the Pool are typically trained in a variety of skill sets

and can rotate amongst the different roles listed above in

different cases, Bellarmine University can also designate

permanent roles for individuals in the Pool, using others

as substitutes or to provide greater depth of experience

when necessary. This process of role assignment may

be the result of particular skills, aptitudes, or talents

identified in members of the Pool that make them best

suited to particular roles.

c. Pool Member Training

The Pool members receive annual training jointly or

based on their respective roles. This training includes,

but is not limited to:

• The scope of Bellarmine University’s Discrimination

and Harassment Policy and Procedures

• How to conduct investigations and hearings that pro-

tect the safety of Complainants and Respondents, and

promote accountability

• Implicit bias

• Disparate treatment and impact

• Reporting, confidentiality, and privacy requirements

•

Applicable laws, regulations, and federal regulatory

guidance

• How to implement appropriate and situation-specific

remedies

•

How to investigate in a thorough, reliable, and im-

partial manner

• How to uphold fairness, equity, and due process

• How to weigh evidence

• How to conduct questioning

• How to assess credibility

• Impartiality and objectivity

• How to render findings and generate clear, concise,

evidence-based rationales

• The definitions of all offenses

•

How to apply definitions used by Bellarmine University

with respect to consent (or the absence or negation of

consent) consistently, impartially, and in accordance

with policy

•

How to conduct an investigation and grievance process

including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution

processes

• How to serve impartially by avoiding prejudgment of

the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias

• Any technology to be used at a live hearing

• Issues of relevance of questions and evidence

•

Issues of relevance to create an investigation report

that fairly summarizes relevant evidence

• How to determine appropriate sanctions in reference

to all forms of harassment, discrimination, and/or

retaliation allegations

Specific training is also provided for Appeal Decision-

makers, Advisors (who are Bellarmine University employ-

ees), and Chairs. All Pool members are required to attend

these trainings annually. The materials used to train all

members of the Pool are publicly posted here https://www.

bellarmine.edu/hr/response-team/.

d. Pool Membership

The Pool includes:

• 4 or more chairs: with representation from across the

university to be assigned to allegations involving student

and employee as appropriate

• 3 or more members of the Academic Affairs adminis-

tration and/or faculty

• 3 or more members of the administration/staff

• 2 representatives from Human Resources

• 1 representative from Athletics

Pool members may be outside contracted personnel who

are trained in Title IX. This option can be utilized due

to internal pool capacity, case complexity or significant

potential for conflict of interest.

Pool members are usually appointed to two-year terms.

Individuals who are interested in serving in the Pool are

encouraged to contact the Chief Title IX Officer.

8. Formal Grievance Process: Notice of Investiga-

tion and Allegations

The Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy) will provide written

notice of the investigation and allegations (the “NOIA”) to the

Respondent upon commencement of the Formal Grievance

Process. This facilitates the Respondent’s ability to prepare

for the interview and to identify and choose an Advisor to

accompany them. The NOIA is also copied to the Complain-

ant, who is to be given advance notice of when the NOIA

will be delivered to the Respondent.

The NOIA will include:

• A meaningful summary of all of allegations,

• The identity of the involved parties (if known),

• The precise misconduct being alleged,

•

The date and location of the alleged incident(s) (if known),

• The specific policies implicated,

• A description of the applicable procedures,

•

A statement of the potential sanctions/responsive actions

that could result,

•

A statement that Bellarmine University presumes the

Respondent is not responsible for the reported miscon-

duct unless and until the evidence supports a different

determination,

•

A statement that determinations of responsibility are

made at the conclusion of the process and that the par-

ties will be given an opportunity to inspect and review

all directly related and/or relevant evidence obtained

during the review and comment period,

•

A statement about Bellarmine University’s policy on

retaliation,

• Information about the privacy of the process,

•

Information on the need for each party to have an Advi-

sor of their choosing and suggestions for ways to identify

an Advisor,

•

A statement informing the parties that Bellarmine Uni

versity’s Policy prohibits knowingly making false state-

ments, including knowingly submitting false information

during the resolution process,

• Detail on how the party may request disability accom-

modations during the interview process,

• A link to Bellarmine University’s VAWA Brochure,

• The name(s) of the Investigator(s), along with a process

to identify, in advance of the interview process, to the

Chief Title IX Officer any conflict of interest that the

Investigator(s) may have, and

• An instruction to preserve any evidence that is directly

related to the allegations.

Amendments and updates to the NOIA may be made as the

investigation progresses and more information becomes available

regarding the addition or dismissal of various charges.

Notice will be made in writing and may be delivered by one

or more of the following methods: in person, mailed to the local

or permanent address(es) of the parties as indicated in official

Bellarmine University records, or emailed to the parties’ Bel-

larmine University-issued email or designated accounts. Once

mailed, emailed, and/or received in-person, notice will be

presumptively delivered.

9. Resolution Timeline

Bellarmine University will make a good faith effort to com-

plete the resolution process within a sixty-to-ninety (60-90)

business day time period, including appeal, which can be

extended as necessary for appropriate cause by the Chief

Title IX Officer, who will provide notice and rationale for

any extensions or delays to the parties as appropriate, as well

as an estimate of how much additional time will be needed

to complete the process.

10. Appointment of Investigators

Once the decision to commence a formal investigation is

made, the Chief Title IX Officer appoints Pool members

to conduct the investigation (typically using a team of two

Investigators), usually within two (2) business days of deter-

mining that an investigation should proceed. When utilizing

outside contracted Investigators, a one-person model may

be used with consideration given to the level of training and

expertise of the individual selected.

11. Ensuring Impartiality

Any individual materially involved in the administration of

the resolution process [including the Chief Title IX Officer,

Investigator(s), and Decision-maker(s)] may neither have nor

demonstrate a conflict of interest or bias for a party gener-

ally, or for a specific Complainant or Respondent.

The Chief Title IX Officer will vet the assigned

Investigator(s) to ensure impartiality by ensuring there are

no actual or apparent conflicts of interest or disqualifying

biases. The parties may, at any time during the resolution

process, raise a concern regarding bias or conflict of inter-

est, and the Chief Title IX Officer will determine whether

the concern is reasonable and supportable. If so, another

Pool member will be assigned and the impact of the bias

or conflict, if any, will be remedied. If the source of the

conflict of interest or bias is the Chief Title IX Officer,

concerns should be raised with the Chief Diversity, Equity

and Inclusion Officer.

The Formal Grievance Process involves an objective evalu-

ation of all relevant evidence obtained, including evidence

which supports that the Respondent engaged in a policy

violation and evidence which supports that the Respondent

did not engage in a policy violation. Credibility determina-

tions may not be based solely on an individual’s status or

participation as a Complainant, Respondent, or witness.

Bellarmine University operates with the presumption that

the Respondent is not responsible for the reported miscon-

duct unless and until the Respondent is determined to be

responsible for a policy violation by the preponderance of

the evidence.

12. Investigation Timeline

Investigations are completed expeditiously, normally within

thirty (30) business days, though some investigations may

take weeks or even months, depending on the nature, extent,

and complexity of the allegations, availability of witnesses,

police involvement, etc.

Bellarmine University will make a good faith effort to

complete investigations as promptly as circumstances permit

and will communicate regularly with the parties to update

them on the progress and timing of the investigation.

13.

Delays in the Investigation Process and

Interactions with Law Enforcement

Bellarmine University may undertake a short delay in its

investigation (several days to a few weeks) if circumstances

require. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to:

a request from law enforcement to temporarily delay the

investigation, the need for language assistance, the absence

of parties and/or witnesses, and/or accommodations for

disabilities or health conditions.

Bellarmine University will communicate in writing the

anticipated duration of the delay and reason to the parties

and provide the parties with status updates if necessary.

Bellarmine University will promptly resume its investiga-

tion and resolution process as soon as feasible. During such

a delay, Bellarmine University will implement supportive

measures as deemed appropriate.

Bellarmine University action(s) are not typically altered

or precluded on the grounds that civil or criminal charges

involving the underlying incident(s) have been filed or that

criminal charges have been dismissed or reduced.

14. Steps in the Investigation Process

All investigations are thorough, reliable, impartial, prompt,

and fair. Investigations involve interviews with all relevant

parties and witnesses; obtaining available, relevant evidence;

and identifying sources of expert information, as necessary.

All parties have a full and fair opportunity, through the

investigation process, to suggest witnesses and questions, to

provide evidence and expert witnesses, and to fully review

and respond to all evidence on the record.

The Investigator(s) typically take(s) the following steps, if

not already completed (not necessarily in this order):

• Determine the identity and contact information of the

Complainant

• In coordination with campus partners (e.g., the Chief

Title IX Officer), initiate or assist with any necessary

supportive measures

•

Identify all policies implicated by the alleged misconduct

and notify the Complainant and Respondent of all of the

specific policies implicated

•

Assist the Chief Title IX Officer with conducting a

prompt initial assessment to determine if the allegations

indicate a potential policy violation

• Commence a thorough, reliable, and impartial investi-

gation by identifying issues and developing a strategic

investigation plan, including a witness list, evidence list,

intended investigation timeframe, and order of interviews

for all witnesses and the parties

• Meet with the Complainant to finalize their interview/

statement, if necessary

•

Prepare the initial Notice of Investigation and Allegation

(NOIA). The NOIA may be amended with any additional

or dismissed allegations

» Notice should inform the parties of their right to have

the assistance of an Advisor, who could be a member

of the Pool or an Advisor of their choosing present for

all meetings attended by the party

• Provide each interviewed party and witness an oppor-

tunity to review and verify the Investigator’s summary

notes (or transcript) of the relevant evidence/testimony

from their respective interviews and meetings

•

Make good faith efforts to notify the parties of any meet-

ing or interview involving the other party, in advance

when possible

• When participation of a party is expected, provide that

party with written notice of the date, time, and loca-

tion of the meeting, as well as the expected participants

and purpose

• Interview all available, relevant witnesses and conduct

follow-up interviews as necessary

• Allow each party the opportunity to suggest witnesses

and questions they wish the Investigator(s) to ask of the

other party and witnesses, and document in the report

which questions were asked, with a rationale for any

changes or omissions.

• Complete the investigation promptly and without un-

reasonable deviation from the intended timeline

•

Provide regular status updates to the parties throughout

the investigation.

•

Prior to the conclusion of the investigation, provide the

parties and their respective Advisors (if so desired by

the parties) with a list of witnesses whose information

will be used to render a finding

• Write a comprehensive investigation report fully sum-

marizing the investigation, all witness interviews, and

addressing all relevant evidence. Appendices includ-

ing relevant physical or documentary evidence will be

included

•

The Investigator(s) gather, assess, and synthesize evidence,

but make no conclusions, engage in no policy analysis,

and render no recommendations as part of their report

•

Prior to the conclusion of the investigation, provide

the parties and their respective Advisors (if so desired

by the parties) a secured electronic or hard copy of the

draft investigation report as well as an opportunity

to inspect and review all of the evidence obtained as

part of the investigation that is directly related to the

reported misconduct, including evidence upon which

Bellarmine University does not intend to rely in reaching

a determination, for a ten (10) business day review and

comment period so that each party may meaningfully

respond to the evidence. The parties may elect to waive

the full ten days. Each copy of the materials shared will

be watermarked on each page with the role of the person

receiving it (e.g., Complainant, Respondent, Complain-

ant’s Advisor, Respondent’s Advisor).

•

The Investigator(s) may elect to respond in writing in the

investigation report to the parties’ submitted responses

and/or to share the responses between the parties for

additional responses

• The Investigator(s) will incorporate relevant elements

of the parties’ written responses into the final investi-

gation report, include any additional relevant evidence,

make any necessary revisions, and finalize the report.

The Investigator(s) should document all rationales for

any changes made after the review and comment period

•

The Investigator(s) shares the report with the Chief

Title IX Officer and/or legal counsel for their review

and feedback

•

The Investigator will incorporate any relevant feedback,

and the final report is then shared with all parties and

their Advisors through secure electronic transmission

or hard copy at least ten (10) business days prior to a

hearing. The parties are also provided with a file of any

directly related evidence that was not included in the

report

15.

Role and Participation of Witnesses in the In-

vestigation

Witnesses (as distinguished from the parties) who are em-

ployees of Bellarmine University are expected to cooperate

with and participate in Bellarmine University’s investiga-

tion and resolution process. Failure of such witnesses to

cooperate with and/or participate in the investigation or

resolution process constitutes a violation of policy and may

warrant discipline.

While in-person interviews for parties and all potential

witnesses are ideal, circumstances (e.g., study abroad, summer

break) may require individuals to be interviewed remotely.

Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, WebEx, or similar technologies

may be used for interviews if the Investigator(s) determine

that timeliness or efficiency dictate a need for remote inter-

viewing. Bellarmine University will take appropriate steps to

reasonably ensure the security/privacy of remote interviews.

Witnesses may also provide written statements in lieu of in-

terviews or choose to respond to written questions, if deemed

appropriate by the Investigator(s), though not preferred. If

a witness submits a written statement but does not intend

to be and is not present for cross examination at a hearing,

their written statement may be used at the discretion of the

Chief Hearing Officer.

16. Recording of Interviews

No unauthorized audio or video recording of any kind is

permitted during investigation meetings. If Investigator(s)

elect to audio and/or video record interviews, all involved

parties must be made aware of audio and/or video recording.

17. Evidentiary Considerations in the Investigation

The investigation does not consider: 1) incidents not directly

related to the possible violation, unless they evidence a pat-

tern; 2) the character of the parties; or 3) questions and

evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or

prior sexual behavior, unless such questions and evidence

about the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to

prove that someone other than the Respondent committed

the conduct alleged by the Complainant, or if the questions

and evidence concern specific incidents of the Complainant’s

prior sexual behavior with respect to the Respondent and

are offered to prove consent.

18. Referral for Hearing

Provided that the complaint is not resolved through Informal

Resolution, once the final investigation report is shared with

the parties, the Chief Title IX Officer will refer the mat-

ter for a hearing, unless the information found warrants a

dismissal from the Chief Title IX Officer.

The hearing cannot be less than ten (10) business days

from the conclusion of the investigation –when the final

investigation report is transmitted to the parties and the

Decision-maker–unless all parties and the Decision-maker

agree to an expedited timeline.

The Chief Title IX Officer will select an appropriate

Decision-maker from the Pool.

19. Hearing Decision-maker Composition

Bellarmine University will designate a three-member panel

from the Pool, at the discretion of the Chief Title IX Officer.

One of the three members will be appointed as Chair by the

Chief Title IX Officer.

The Decision-maker(s) will not have had any previous in-

volvement with the investigation. The Chief Title IX Officer

may elect to have an alternate from the Pool sit in throughout

the resolution process in the event that a substitute is needed

for any reason.

Those who have served as Investigators will be witnesses in

the hearing and therefore may not serve as Decision-makers.

Those who are serving as Advisors for any party may not

serve as Decision-makers in that matter.

The Chief Title IX Officer may not serve as a Decision-

maker or Chair in the matter but may serve as an adminis-

trative facilitator of the hearing if their previous role(s) in

the matter do not create a conflict of interest. Otherwise,

a designee may fulfill this role. The hearing will convene at

a time determined by the Chief Title IX Officer or Chair.

20. Evidentiary Considerations in the Hearing

Any evidence that the Decision-maker(s) determine(s) is

relevant and credible may be considered. The hearing does

not consider: 1) incidents not directly related to the possible

violation, unless they evidence a pattern; 2) the character of

the parties; or 3) questions and evidence about the Complain-

ant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior, unless

such questions and evidence about the Complainant’s prior

sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than

the Respondent committed the conduct alleged by the Com-

plainant, or if the questions and evidence concern specific

incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with

respect to the Respondent and are offered to prove consent.

Previous disciplinary action of any kind involving the Re-

spondent may be considered in determining an appropriate

sanction upon a determination of responsibility. This informa-

tion is only considered at the sanction stage of the process.

The parties may each submit a written impact statement

prior to the hearing for the consideration of the Decision-

maker(s) at the sanction stage of the process when a deter-

mination of responsibility is reached.

After post-hearing deliberation, the Decision-maker renders

a determination based on the preponderance of the evidence;

whether it is more likely than not that the Respondent vio-

lated the Policy as alleged.

21. Notice of Hearing

No less than ten (10) business days prior to the hearing,

the Chief Title IX Officer or the Chair will send notice of

the hearing to the parties. Once mailed, emailed, and/or

received in-person, notice will be presumptively delivered.

The notice will contain:

•

A description of the alleged violation(s), a list of all poli-

cies allegedly violated, a description of the applicable

procedures, and a statement of the potential sanctions/

responsive actions that could result.

•

The time, date, and location of the hearing and a re-

minder that attendance is mandatory, superseding all

other campus activities.

•

Any technology that will be used to facilitate the hearing.

•

Information about the option for the live hearing to

occur with the parties located in separate rooms using

technology that enables the Decision-maker(s) and parties

to see and hear a party or witness answering questions.

Such a request must be raised with the Chief Title IX

Officer at least five (5) business days prior to the hearing.

•

A list of all those who will attend the hearing, along

with an invitation to object to any Decision-maker on

the basis of demonstrated bias. This must be raised with

the Chief Title IX Officer at least two (2) business days

prior to the hearing.

•

Information on how the hearing will be recorded and on

access to the recording for the parties after the hearing.

•

A statement that if any party or witness does not ap-

pear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing may be held

in their absence, and the party’s or witness’s testimony

and any statements given prior to the hearing may not

be considered by the Decision-maker(s). For compelling

reasons, the Chair may reschedule the hearing.

• Notification that the parties may have the assistance of

an Advisor of their choosing at the hearing and will be

required to have one present for any questions they may

desire to ask. The party must notify the Chief Title IX

Officer if they do not have an Advisor, and Bellarmine

University will appoint one. Each party must have an

Advisor present. There are no exceptions.

•

A copy of all the materials provided to the Decision-

maker(s) about the matter, unless they have been pro-

vided already.

•

An invitation to each party to submit to the Chair an

impact statement pre-hearing that the Decision-maker

will review during any sanction determination.

•

An invitation to contact the Chief Title IX Officer to

arrange any disability accommodations, language as-

sistance, and/or interpretation services that may be

needed at the hearing, at least seven (7) business days

prior to the hearing.

•

Parties may not bring mobile phones/devices into the

hearing.

Hearings for possible violations that occur near or after

the end of an academic term (assuming the Respondent is still

subject to this Policy) and are unable to be resolved prior to

the end of term will typically be held immediately after the

end of the term or during the summer, as needed, to meet

the resolution timeline followed by Bellarmine University

and remain within the 60-90 business day goal for resolution.

In these cases, if the Respondent is a graduating student, a

hold may be placed on graduation and/or official transcripts

until the matter is fully resolved (including any appeal). A

student facing charges under this Policy is not in good stand-

ing to graduate.

22. Alternative Hearing Participation Options

If a party or parties prefer not to attend or cannot attend

the hearing in person, the party should request alternative

arrangements from the Chief Title IX Officer or the Chair

at least five (5) business days prior to the hearing.

The Chief Title IX Officer or the Chair can arrange to

use technology to allow remote testimony without compro-

mising the fairness of the hearing. Remote options may also

be needed for witnesses who cannot appear in person. Any

witness who cannot attend in person should let the Chief

Title IX Officer or the Chair know at least five (5) business

days prior to the hearing so that appropriate arrangements

can be made.

23. Pre-Hearing Preparation

The Chair, after any necessary consultation with the parties,

Investigator(s) and/or Chief Title IX Officer, will provide the

names of persons who will be participating in the hearing, all

pertinent documentary evidence, and the final investigation

report to the parties at least ten (10) business days prior to

the hearing.

Any witness scheduled to participate in the hearing must

have been first interviewed by the Investigator(s) or have

proffered a written statement or answered written ques-

tions, unless all parties and the Chair assent to the witness’s

participation in the hearing. The same holds for any evidence

that is first offered at the hearing. If the parties and Chair

do not assent to the admission of evidence newly offered at

the hearing, the Chair will delay the hearing and instruct

that the investigation needs to be re-opened to consider

that evidence.

The parties will be given a list of the names of the De-

cision-maker(s) at least five (5) business days in advance of

the hearing. All objections to any Decision-maker must be

raised in writing, detailing the rationale for the objection,

and must be submitted to the Chief Title IX Officer as soon

The final investigation report may be shared using electronic means that preclude downloading, forwarding, or otherwise sharing.

as possible and no later than two days prior to the hearing.

Decision-makers will only be removed if the Chief Title IX

Officer concludes that their bias or conflict of interest pre-

cludes an impartial hearing of the allegation(s).

The Chief Title IX Officer will give the Decision-maker(s)

a list of the names of all parties, witnesses, and Advisors at

least five (5) business days in advance of the hearing. Any

Decision-maker who cannot make an objective determination

must recuse themselves from the proceedings when noti

fied of the identity of the parties, witnesses, and Advisors

in advance of the hearing. If a Decision-maker is unsure of

whether a bias or conflict of interest exists, they must raise

the concern to the Chief Title IX Officer as soon as possible.

During the ten (10) business day period prior to the hear-

ing, the parties have the opportunity for continued review

and comment on the final investigation report and available

evidence. That review and comment can be shared with the

Chair at the pre-hearing meeting or at the hearing and will

be exchanged between each party by the Chair.

24. Pre-Hearing Meetings

The Chair may convene a pre-hearing meeting(s) with the

parties and/or their Advisors to invite them to submit the

questions or topics they (the parties and/or their Advisors)

wish to ask or discuss at the hearing, so that the Chair can

rule on their relevance ahead of time to avoid any improper

evidentiary introduction in the hearing or provide recom-

mendations for more appropriate phrasing. However, this

advance review opportunity does not preclude the Advisors

from asking at the hearing for a reconsideration based on

any new information or testimony offered at the hearing.

The Chair must document and share their rationale for any

exclusion or inclusion at this pre-hearing meeting.

The Chair, only with full agreement of the parties, may

decide in advance of the hearing that certain witnesses do

not need to be present if their testimony can be adequately

summarized by the Investigator(s) in the investigation report

or during the hearing.

At each pre-hearing meeting with a party and their Advisor,

the Chair will consider arguments that evidence identified

in the final investigation report as relevant is, in fact, not

relevant. Similarly, evidence identified as directly related

but not relevant by the Investigator(s) may be argued to be

relevant. The Chair may rule on these arguments pre-hearing

and will exchange those rulings between the parties prior to

the hearing to assist in preparation for the hearing. The Chair

may consult with legal counsel and/or the Chief Title IX Of-

ficer, or ask either or both to attend pre-hearing meetings.

The pre-hearing meeting(s) will not be recorded.

25. Hearing Procedures

At the hearing, the Decision-maker(s) has the authority to

hear and make determinations on all allegations of discrimi-

nation, harassment, and/or retaliation and may also hear and

make determinations on any additional alleged policy viola-

tions that have occurred in concert with the discrimination,

harassment, and/or retaliation, even though those collateral

allegations may not specifically fall within the policy on

Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination.

Participants at the hearing will include the Chair, any ad

ditional panelists, the hearing facilitator, the Investigator(s)

who conducted the investigation, the parties (or three (3)

organizational representatives when an organization is the

Respondent), Advisors to the parties, any called witnesses,

Chief Title IX Officer (or Deputy), and anyone providing

authorized accommodations or assistive services.

The Chair will answer all questions of procedure. Anyone

appearing at the hearing to provide information will respond

to questions on their own behalf.

The Chair will allow witnesses who have relevant informa-

tion to appear at a portion of the hearing in order to respond

to specific questions from the Decision-maker(s) and the

parties and will then be excused.

26. Joint Hearings

In hearings involving more than one Respondent or in which

two (2) or more Complainants have accused the same indi-

vidual of substantially similar conduct, the Chief Title IX

Officer reserves the right to proceed with a joint investiga-

tion and hearing.

However, the Chief Title IX Officer may permit the in-

vestigation and/or hearings pertinent to each Respondent to

be conducted separately if there is a compelling reason to do

so. In joint hearings, separate determinations of responsibil-

ity will be made for each Respondent with respect to each

alleged policy violation.

27. The Order of the Hearing – Introductions and

Explanation of Procedure

The Chair explains the procedures and introduces the par-

ticipants. This may include a final opportunity for challenge

or recusal of the Decision-maker(s) on the basis of bias or

conflict of interest. The Chair will rule on any such chal-

lenge unless the Chair is the individual who is the subject of

the challenge, in which case the Chief Title IX Officer will

review and decide the challenge.

The Chair then conducts the hearing according to the hear-

ing script. At the hearing, recording, witness logistics, party

logistics, curation of documents, separation of the parties,

and other administrative elements of the hearing process are

managed by a non-voting hearing facilitator appointed by the

Chief Title IX Officer. The hearing facilitator may attend to:

logistics of rooms for various parties/witnesses as they wait;

flow of parties/witnesses in and out of the hearing space;

ensuring recording and/or virtual conferencing technology

is working as intended; copying and distributing materials

to participants, as appropriate, etc.

28.

Investigator Presents the Final Investigation

Report

The Investigator(s) will then present a summary of the final

investigation report, including items that are contested and

those that are not, and will be subject to questioning by the

Decision-maker(s) and the parties (through their Advisors).

The Investigator(s) will be present during the entire hearing

process, but not during deliberations.

Neither the parties nor the Decision-maker(s) should ask

the Investigator(s) their opinions on credibility, recommended

findings, or determinations, and the Investigators, Advisors,

and parties will refrain from discussion of or questions about

these assessments. If such information is introduced, the

Chair will direct that it be disregarded.

29. Testimony and Questioning

Once the Investigator(s) present their report and are ques-

tioned, the parties and witnesses may provide relevant infor-

mation in turn, beginning with the Complainant, and then

in the order determined by the Chair. The parties/witnesses

will submit to questioning by the Decision-maker(s) and then

by the parties through their Advisors (“cross-examination”).

All questions are subject to a relevance determination

by the Chair. The Advisor, who will remain seated during

questioning, will pose the proposed question orally, electroni-

cally, or in writing (orally is the default, but other means of

submission may be permitted by the Chair upon request or

agreed to by the parties and the Chair), the proceeding will

pause to allow the Chair to consider it, and the Chair will

determine whether the question will be permitted, disal-

lowed, or rephrased.

The Chair may explore arguments regarding relevance

with the Advisors, if the Chair so chooses. The Chair will

then state their decision on the question for the record and

advise the party/witness to whom the question was directed,

accordingly. The Chair will explain any decision to exclude

a question as not relevant, or to reframe it for relevance.

The Chair will limit or disallow questions on the basis

that they are irrelevant, unduly repetitious (and thus irrel-

evant), or abusive. The Chair has final say on all questions

and determinations of relevance, subject to any appeal. The

Chair may consult with legal counsel on any questions of

admissibility. The Chair may ask advisors to frame why a

question is or is not relevant from their perspective but will

not entertain argument from the advisors on relevance once

the Chair has ruled on a question.

If the parties raise an issue of bias or conflict of interest

of an Investigator or Decision-maker at the hearing, the

Chair may elect to address those issues, consult with legal

counsel, and/or refer them to the Chief Title IX Officer,

and/or preserve them for appeal. If bias is not in issue at the

hearing, the Chair should not permit irrelevant questions

that probe for bias.

30.

Refusal to Submit to Cross-Examination and

Inferences

If a party or witness chooses not to submit to cross-exami-

nation at the hearing, either because they do not attend the

meeting, or they attend but refuse to participate in ques-

tioning, then the Decision-maker(s) may use their discretion

on any prior statement made by that party or witness at the

hearing (including those contained in the investigation report)

in the ultimate determination of responsibility.

If the statements of the party who is refusing to submit

to cross-examination or refuses to attend the hearing are the

subject of the allegation itself (e.g., the case is about verbal

harassment or a quid pro quo offer), those statements are

not precluded from admission.

The Decision-maker(s) may not draw any inference solely

from a party’s or witness’s absence from the hearing or refusal

to answer cross-examination or other questions.

If charges of policy violations other than sexual harassment

are considered at the same hearing, the Decision-maker(s)

may consider all evidence it deems relevant, may rely on

any relevant statement as long as the opportunity for cross-

examination is afforded to all parties through their Advisors,

and may draw reasonable inferences from any decision by any

party or witness not to participate or respond to questions.

If a party’s Advisor of choice refuses to comply with Bel-

larmine University’s established rules of decorum for the

hearing, Bellarmine University may require the party to

use a different Advisor. If a Bellarmine University-provided

Advisor refuses to comply with the rules of decorum, Bel-

larmine University may provide that party with a different

Advisor to conduct cross-examination on behalf of that party.

31. Recording Hearings

Hearings (but not deliberations) are recorded by Bellarmine

University for purposes of review in the event of an appeal.

The parties may not record the proceedings and no other

unauthorized recordings are permitted.

The Decision-maker(s), the parties, their Advisors, and

appropriate administrators of Bellarmine University will be

permitted to listen to the recording in a controlled environ-

ment determined by the Chief Title IX Officer. No person

will be given or be allowed to make a copy of the recording

without permission of the Chief Title IX Officer.

32.

Deliberation, Decision-making, and Standard

of Proof

The Decision-maker(s) will deliberate in closed session to

determine whether the Respondent is responsible or not

responsible for the policy violation(s) in question. If a panel

is used, a simple majority vote is required to determine the

finding. The preponderance of the evidence standard of proof

is used. The hearing facilitator may be invited to attend

the deliberation by the Chair, but is there only to facilitate

procedurally, not to address the substance of the allegations.

When there is a finding of responsibility on one or more

of the allegations, the Decision-maker(s) may then consider

the previously submitted party impact statements in deter-

mining appropriate sanction(s).

The Chair will ensure that each of the parties has an

opportunity to review any impact statement submitted by

the other party(ies). The Decision-maker(s) may – at their

discretion – consider the statements, but they are not binding.

The Decision-maker(s) will review the statements and any

pertinent conduct history provided by the Dean of Students

and will determine the appropriate sanction(s) in consultation

with other appropriate administrators, as required.

The Chair will then prepare a written deliberation state-

ment and deliver it to the Chief Title IX Officer, detailing

the determination, rationale, the evidence used in support

of its determination, the evidence disregarded, credibility

assessments, and any sanctions.

This report typically should not exceed three (3) to five

(5) pages in length and must be submitted to the Chief Title

IX Officer within two (2) business days of the end of delibera-

tions, unless the Chief Title IX Officer grants an extension.

If an extension is granted, the Chief Title IX Officer will

notify the parties.

33. Notice of Outcome

Using the deliberation statement, the Chief Title IX Officer

will work with the Chair to prepare a Notice of Outcome.

The Notice of Outcome may be reviewed by legal counsel. The

Chief Title IX Officer will then share the letter, including the

final determination, rationale, and any applicable sanction(s)

with the parties and their Advisors within 5 business days

of receiving the Decision-maker(s)’ deliberation statement.

The Notice of Outcome will then be shared with the par-

ties simultaneously. Notification will be made in writing and

may be delivered by one or more of the following methods:

in person, mailed to the local or permanent address of the

parties as indicated in official Bellarmine University records,

or emailed to the parties’ Bellarmine University-issued email

or otherwise approved account. Once mailed, emailed, and/

or received in-person, notice will be presumptively delivered.

The Notice of Outcome will identify the specific policy(ies)

reported to have been violated, including the relevant policy

section, and will contain a description of the procedural

steps taken by Bellarmine University from the receipt of

the misconduct report to the determination, including any

and all notifications to the parties, interviews with parties

and witnesses, site visits, methods used to obtain evidence,

and hearings held.

The Notice of Outcome will specify the finding on each

alleged policy violation; the findings of fact that support

the determination; conclusions regarding the application of

the relevant policy to the facts at issue; a statement of, and

rationale for, the result of each allegation to the extent Bel-

larmine University is permitted to share such information

under state or federal law; any sanctions issued which Bel-

larmine University is permitted to share according to state or

federal law; and any remedies provided to the Complainant

designed to ensure access to Bellarmine University’s edu-

cational or employment program or activity, to the extent

Bellarmine University is permitted to share such information

under state or federal law (this detail is not typically shared

with the Respondent unless the remedy directly relates to

the Respondent).

The Notice of Outcome will also include information on

when the results are considered by Bellarmine University to

be final, any changes that occur prior to finalization, and the

relevant procedures and bases for any available appeal options.

34.

Statement of the Rights of the Parties (see Ap-

pendix A)

35. Sanctions

Factors considered when determining a sanction/responsive

action may include, but are not limited to:

•

The nature, severity of, and circumstances surrounding

the violation(s)

• The Respondent’s disciplinary history

• The need for sanctions/responsive actions to bring an

end to the discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation

•

The need for sanctions/responsive actions to prevent

the future recurrence of discrimination, harassment,

and/or retaliation

• The need to remedy the effects of the discrimination,

harassment, and/or retaliation on the Complainant and

the community

• The impact on the parties

•

Any other information deemed relevant by the Decision-

maker(s)

The sanctions will be implemented as soon as is feasible,

either upon the outcome of any appeal or the expiration of

the window to appeal without an appeal being requested.

The sanctions described in this policy are not exclusive of,

and may be in addition to, other actions taken or sanctions

imposed by external authorities.

a. Student Sanctions

The following are the usual sanctions that may be imposed

upon students or organizations singly or in combination:

• Warning: A formal statement that the conduct was

unacceptable and a warning that further violation of any

Bellarmine University policy, procedure, or directive

will result in more severe sanctions/responsive actions.

•

Required Assessment: A mandate to meet with and

engage in either Bellarmine University-sponsored or

external counseling to better comprehend the miscon-

duct and its assessment.

•

Probation: A written reprimand for violation of insti-

tutional policy, providing for more severe disciplinary

sanctions in the event that the student or organization is

found in violation of any institutional policy, procedure,

or directive within a specified period of time. Terms

of the probation will be articulated and may include

denial of specified social privileges, exclusion from co-

curricular activities, exclusion from designated areas

of campus, no-contact orders, and/or other measures

deemed appropriate.

•

Suspension: Termination of student status for a

definite period of time not to exceed two years and/

or until specific criteria are met. Students who return

from suspension are automatically placed on probation

through the remainder of their tenure as a student at

Bellarmine University.

•

Expulsion: Permanent termination of student status

and revocation of rights to be on campus for any reason

or to attend Bellarmine University-sponsored events.

This sanction will be noted permanently as a Conduct

Expulsion on the student’s official transcript.

•

Withholding Diploma: Bellarmine University may

withhold a student’s diploma for a specified period of

time and/or deny a student participation in commence-

ment activities if the student has an allegation pending

or as a sanction if the student is found responsible for

an alleged violation.

•

Organizational Sanctions: Deactivation, loss of

recognition, loss of some or all privileges (including

Bellarmine University registration) for a specified

period of time.

•

Other Actions: In addition to or in place of the above

sanctions, Bellarmine University may assign any other

sanctions as deemed appropriate.

b. Employee Sanctions

Responsive actions for an employee who has engaged in

harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation include:

• Warning – Verbal or Written

• Performance Improvement/Management Process

• Required Counseling

• Required Training or Education

• Probation

• Loss of Annual Pay Increase

• Loss of Oversight or Supervisory Responsibility

• Demotion

• Suspension with pay

• Suspension without pay

• Termination

• Other Actions: In addition to or in place of the above

sanctions, Bellarmine University may assign any other

sanctions as deemed appropriate.

36.

Withdrawal or Resignation While Charges

Pending

Students: If a student has an allegation pending for violation

of the Sexual Discrimination and Misconduct Policy, Bel-

larmine University may place a hold on a student’s ability to

graduate and/or to receive an official transcript/diploma.

Should a student decide to not participate in the resolu-

tion process, the process proceeds absent their participation

to a reasonable resolution. Should a student Respondent

permanently withdraw from Bellarmine University, the

resolution process ends, as Bellarmine University no longer

has disciplinary jurisdiction over the withdrawn student.

However, Bellarmine University will continue to address and

remedy any systemic issues, variables that may have contributed

to the alleged violation(s), and any ongoing effects of the

alleged harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation. The

student who withdraws or leaves while the process is pend-

ing may not return to Bellarmine University. Such exclusion

applies to all campuses of Bellarmine University. A hold will

be placed on their ability to be readmitted. They may also be

barred from Bellarmine University property and/or events.

If the student Respondent only withdraws or takes a leave

for a specified period of time (e.g., one semester or term), the

resolution process may continue remotely and that student

is not permitted to return to Bellarmine University unless

and until all sanctions have been satisfied.

During the resolution process, Bellarmine University may put

a hold on a responding student’s transcript or place a notation

on a responding student’s transcript or dean’s disciplinary

certification that a disciplinary matter is pending.

Employees: Should an employee Respondent resign with

unresolved allegations pending, the resolution process ends,

as Bellarmine University no longer has disciplinary jurisdic

tion over the resigned employee.

However, Bellarmine University will continue to address

and remedy any systemic issues, variables that contributed

to the alleged violation(s), and any ongoing effects of the

alleged harassment or discrimination.

The employee who resigns with unresolved allegations

pending is not eligible for rehire with Bellarmine University

and the records retained by the Chief Title IX Officer will

reflect that status.

All Bellarmine University responses to future inquiries

regarding employment references for that individual will

include that the former employee resigned during a pending

disciplinary matter.

37. Appeals

Any party may file a request for appeal (“Request for Appeal”),

but it must be submitted in writing to the Chief Title IX Of

ficer within 5 days of the delivery of the Notice of Outcome.

A 3-member Appeal Panel will be appointed. The appeal

panel will have one Chair who will oversee the review pro-

cess. No appeal Decision-maker will have been involved in

the process previously, including any dismissal appeal that

may have been heard earlier in the process.

The Request for Appeal will be forwarded to the Appeal

Chair for consideration to determine if the request meets

the grounds for appeal (a Review for Standing).

This review is not a review of the merits of the appeal,

but solely a determination as to whether the request meets

the grounds and is timely filed. If it meets the grounds for

appeal, the Appeal Panel will then review the appeal and all

information regarding the case.

a. Grounds for Appeal

Appeals are limited to the following grounds:

A. Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of

the matter;

B. New evidence that was not reasonably available at the

time the determination regarding responsibility or

dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of

the matter;

The Chief Title IX Officer, Investigator(s), or Decision-

maker(s) had a conflict of interest or bias for or against

Complainants or Respondents generally or the specific

Complainant or Respondent that affected the outcome

of the matter; and

Sanction Proportionality – when either party does not

agree that the level of sanctions given match the level of

severity of the behavior for which the Respondent was

found responsible. There must be a finding of respon-

sibility for sanction proportionality to be considered.

If any of the grounds in the Request for Appeal do not

meet the grounds in this Policy, that request will be

denied by the Chair and the parties and their Advisors

will be notified in writing of the denial and the rationale.

If any of the grounds in the Request for Appeal meet the

grounds in this Policy, then the Appeal Chair will notify

the Appeal Panel and other party(ies) and their Advisors,

the Chief Title IX Officer, and, when appropriate, the

Investigators and/or the original Decision-maker(s).

The other party(ies) and their Advisors, the Chief Title

IX Officer, and, when appropriate, the Investigators

and/or the original Decision-maker(s) will be mailed,

emailed, and/or provided a hard copy of the request

with the approved grounds and then be given 5 business

days to submit a response to the portion of the appeal

that was approved and involves them. All responses will

be forwarded by the Chair to all parties for review and

comment.

The non-appealing party (if any) may also choose to

raise a new ground for appeal at this time. If so, that

will be reviewed for standing by the Appeal Chair and

either denied or approved. If approved, it will be for-

warded to the party who initially requested an appeal,

the Investigator(s) and/or original Decision-maker(s), as

necessary, who will submit their responses in 5 business

days, which will be circulated for review and comment

by all parties.

Neither party may submit any new requests for appeal

after this time period. The Appeal Chair will collect any

additional information needed and all documentation

regarding the approved grounds and the subsequent

responses and the Appeal Panel will render a decision

in no more than 5 business days, barring exigent cir-

cumstances. All decisions will apply the preponderance

of the evidence standard.

A Notice of Appeal Outcome will be sent to all parties

simultaneously including the decision on each approved

ground and rationale for each decision. The Notice

of Appeal Outcome will specify the finding on each

ground for appeal, any specific instructions for remand

or reconsideration, any sanctions that may result which

Bellarmine University is permitted to share according

to state or federal law, and the rationale supporting the

essential findings to the extent Bellarmine University

is permitted to share under state or federal law.

Notification will be made in writing and may be deliv-

ered by one or more of the following methods: in person,

mailed to the local or permanent address of the parties

as indicated in official institutional records, or emailed

to the parties’ Bellarmine University-issued email or

otherwise approved account. Once mailed, emailed

and/or received in-person, notice will be presumptively

delivered.

b. Sanctions Status During the Appeal

Any sanctions imposed as a result of the hearing are

stayed during the appeal process. Supportive measures

may be reinstated, subject to the same supportive mea-

sure procedures above.

If any of the sanctions are to be implemented immedi-

ately post-hearing, then emergency removal procedures

(detailed above) for a hearing on the justification for doing

so must be permitted within 48 hours of implementation.

Bellarmine University may still place holds on official

transcripts, diplomas, graduations, and course registra-

tion pending the outcome of an appeal when the original

sanctions included separation.

c. Appeal Considerations

•

Decisions on appeal are to be deferential to the original

decision, making changes to the finding only when there

is clear error and to the sanction(s)/responsive action(s)

only if there is a compelling justification to do so.

•

Appeals are not intended to provide for a full re-hearing

(de novo) of the allegation(s). In most cases, appeals

are confined to a review of the written documentation

or record of the original hearing and pertinent docu-

mentation regarding the specific grounds for appeal.

• An appeal is not an opportunity for Appeal Decision-

makers to substitute their judgment for that of the

original Decision-maker(s) merely because they disagree

with the finding and/or sanction(s).

• The Appeal Chair/Panel may consult with the Chief

Title IX Officer on questions of procedure or rationale,

for clarification, if needed. Documentation of all such

consultation will be maintained.

•

Appeals granted based on new evidence should normally

be remanded to the original Investigator(s) and/or

Decision-maker(s) for reconsideration. Other appeals

may be remanded at the discretion of the Chief Title IX

Officer or, in limited circumstances, decided on appeal.

• Once an appeal is decided, the outcome is final: fur-

ther appeals are not permitted, even if a decision or

sanction is changed on remand (except in the case of

a new hearing). When appeals result in no change to

the finding or sanction, that decision is final. When

an appeal results in a new finding or sanction, that

finding or sanction can be appealed one final time on

the grounds listed above and in accordance with these

procedures.]

•

In rare cases where a procedural error cannot be

cured by the original Decision-maker(s) (as in cases of

bias), the appeal may order a new hearing with a new

Decision-maker(s).

• The results of a remand to a Decision-maker(s) can-

not be appealed. The results of a new hearing can be

appealed, once, on any of the three available appeal

grounds.

• In cases in which the appeal results in reinstatement

to Bellarmine University or resumption of privileges,

all reasonable attempts will be made to restore the

Respondent to their prior status, recognizing that some

opportunities lost may be irreparable in the short term.

38. Long-Term Remedies/Other Actions

Following the conclusion of the resolution process, and in

addition to any sanctions implemented, the Chief Title IX

Officer may implement additional long-term remedies or

actions with respect to the parties and/or the campus com-

munity that are intended to stop the harassment, discrimi-

nation, and/or retaliation, remedy the effects, and prevent

reoccurrence.

These remedies/actions may include, but are not limited to:

• Referral to counseling and health services

• Referral to the Employee Assistance Program

• Education to the individual and/or the community

• Permanent alteration of housing assignments

•

Permanent alteration of work arrangements for employees

• Provision of campus safety escorts

• Climate surveys

• Policy modification and/or training

• Provision of transportation accommodations

•

Implementation of long-term contact limitations between

the parties

• Implementation of adjustments to academic deadlines,

course schedules, etc.

At the discretion of the Chief Title IX Officer, certain

long-term support or measures may also be provided to the

parties even if no policy violation is found.

When no policy violation is found, the Chief Title IX Officer

will address any remedies owed by Bellarmine University to

the Respondent to ensure no effective denial of educational

access.

Bellarmine University will maintain the privacy of any

long-term remedies/actions/measures, provided privacy

does not impair Bellarmine University’s ability to provide

these services.

39.

Failure to Comply with Sanctions and/or Interim

and Long-term Remedies and/or Responsive

Actions

All Respondents are expected to comply with the assigned

sanctions, responsive actions, and/or corrective actions

within the timeframe specified by the final Decision-maker(s)

(including the Appeal Chair/Panel).

Failure to abide by the sanction(s)/action(s) imposed by

the date specified, whether by refusal, neglect, or any other

reason, may result in additional sanction(s)/action(s), including

suspension, expulsion, and/or termination from Bellarmine

University and may be noted on a student’s official transcript.

A suspension will only be lifted when compliance is

achieved to the satisfaction of the Chief Title IX Officer.

40. Recordkeeping

Bellarmine University will maintain for a period of seven

years records of:

Each sexual harassment investigation including any

determination regarding responsibility and any audio

or audiovisual recording or transcript required under

federal regulation;

ii.

Any disciplinary sanctions imposed on the Respondent;

iii. Any remedies provided to the Complainant designed

to restore or preserve equal access to Bellarmine Uni-

versity’s education program or activity;

iv. Any appeal and the result therefrom;

v. Any Informal Resolution and the result therefrom;

vi.

All materials used to train Chief Title IX Officers,

Investigators, Decision-makers, and any person who

facilitates an Informal Resolution process. Bellarmine

University will make these training materials publicly

available on Bellarmine University’s website.

vii.

Any actions, including any supportive measures, taken

in response to a report or formal complaint of sexual

harassment, including:

a. The basis for all conclusions that the response was

not deliberately indifferent;

Any measures designed to restore or preserve

equal access to Bellarmine University’s education

program or activity; and

If no supportive measures were provided to the

Complainant, document the reasons why such a

response was not clearly unreasonable in light of

the known circumstances.

Bellarmine University will also maintain any and all re-

cords in accordance with state and federal laws.

41. Disabilities Accommodations in the Resolution

Process

Bellarmine University is committed to providing reason-

able accommodations and support to qualified students,

employees, or others with disabilities to ensure equal access

to Bellarmine University’s resolution process.

Anyone needing such accommodations or support should

contact the Director of the Accessibility Resource Center

or Human Resources, who will review the request and, in

consultation with the person requesting the accommodation

and the Chief Title IX Officer, determine which accommo-

dations are appropriate and necessary for full participation

in the process.

42. Revision of this Policy and Procedures

This Policy and procedures supersede any previous policy(ies)

addressing harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination,

and/or retaliation and will be reviewed and updated annually

by the Chief Title IX Officer. Bellarmine University reserves

the right to make changes to this document as necessary,

and once those changes are posted online, they are in effect.

During the resolution process, the Chief Title IX Officer

may make minor modifications to procedures that do not

materially jeopardize the fairness owed to any party, such

as to accommodate summer schedules. The Chief Title IX

Officer may also vary procedures materially with notice (on

the institutional website, with the appropriate effective date

identified) upon determining that changes to law or regula-

tion require policy or procedural alterations not reflected

in this Policy and procedures.

If government laws or regulations change – or court de-

cisions alter – the requirements in a way that impacts this

document, this document will be construed to comply with

the most recent government regulations or holdings.

This document does not create legally enforceable protec-

tions beyond the protection of the background state and federal

laws which frame such policies and codes, generally.

This Policy and procedures are effective August 15, 2023.

APPENDIX A: STATEMENT OF

RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES

•

The right to an equitable investigation and resolution

of all credible allegations of prohibited harassment or

discrimination made in good faith to Bellarmine Uni-

versity officials.

• The right to timely written notice of all alleged viola-

tions, including the identity of the parties involved (if

known), the precise misconduct being alleged, the date

and location of the alleged misconduct (if known), the

implicated policies and procedures, and possible sanctions.

• The right to timely written notice of any material ad-

justments to the allegations (e.g., additional incidents or

allegations, additional Complainants, unsubstantiated

allegations) and any attendant adjustments needed to

clarify potentially implicated policy violations.

•

The right to be informed in advance of any public release

of information regarding the allegation(s) or underlying

incident(s), whenever possible.

• The right not to have any personally identifiable infor-

mation released to the public without consent provided,

except to the extent permitted by law.

•

The right to be treated with respect by Bellarmine

University officials.

•

The right to have Bellarmine University policies and

procedures followed without material deviation.

• The right not to be pressured to mediate or otherwise

informally resolve any reported misconduct involving

violence, including sexual violence.

•

The right not to be discouraged by Bellarmine University

officials from reporting sexual misconduct or discrimi-

nation to both on-campus and off-campus authorities.

•

The right to be informed by Bellarmine University

officials of options to notify proper law enforcement

authorities, including on-campus and local police, and

the option(s) to be assisted by Bellarmine University

authorities in notifying such authorities, if the party so

chooses. This also includes the right not to be pressured

to report, as well.

• The right to have allegations of violations of this Policy

responded to promptly and with sensitivity by Bellarmine

University law enforcement and/or other Bellarmine

University officials.

•

The right to be informed of available interim actions

and supportive measures, such as counseling; advocacy;

health care; legal, student financial aid, visa, and im-

migration assistance; or other services, both on campus

and in the community.

• The right to a Bellarmine University-implemented no-

contact order or a no-trespass order against a non-

affiliated third party, when a person has engaged in or

threatens to engage in stalking, threatening, harassing,

or other improper conduct that presents a danger to the

welfare of the party or others.

•

The right to be informed of available assistance in chang-

ing academic, living, and/or working situations after

an alleged incident of discrimination, harassment, and/

or retaliation, if such changes are reasonably available.

No formal report, or investigation, either campus or

criminal, needs to occur before this option is available.

Such actions may include, but are not limited to:

Relocating an on-campus student’s housing to a different

on-campus location

Assistance from Bellarmine University staff in complet-

ing the relocation

Changing an employee’s work environment (e.g., report-

ing structure, office/workspace relocation)

» Transportation accommodations

» Visa/immigration assistance

Arranging to dissolve a housing contract and a pro-

rated refund

Exam, paper, and/or assignment rescheduling or ad-

justment

Receiving an incomplete in, or a withdrawal from, a

class (may be retroactive)

» Transferring class sections

Temporary withdrawal/leave of absence (may be ret-

roactive)

» Campus safety escorts

» Alternative course completion options.

• The right to have Bellarmine University maintain such

actions for as long as necessary and for supportive mea-

sures to remain private, provided privacy does not

impair Bellarmine University’s ability to provide the

supportive measures.

•

The right to receive sufficiently advanced, written notice

of any meeting or interview involving the other party,

when possible.

•

The right to ask the Investigator(s) and Decision-maker(s)

to identify and question relevant witnesses, including

expert witnesses.

•

The right to provide the Investigator(s)/Decision-maker(s)

with a list of questions that, if deemed relevant by the

Investigator(s)/Chair, may be asked of any party or

witness.

• The right not to have irrelevant prior sexual history or

character admitted as evidence.

• The right to know the relevant and directly related evi-

dence obtained and to respond to that evidence.

•

The right to fair opportunity to provide the Investigator(s)

with their account of the alleged misconduct and have

that account be on the record.

• The right to receive a copy of the investigation report,

including all factual, policy, and/or credibility analyses

performed, and all relevant and directly related evidence

available and used to produce the investigation report,

subject to the privacy limitations imposed by state and

federal law, prior to the hearing, and the right to have

at least ten (10) business days to review the report prior

to the hearing.

•

The right to respond to the investigation report, includ-

ing comments providing any additional relevant evidence

after the opportunity to review the investigation report,

and to have that response on the record.

• The right to be informed of the names of all witnesses

whose information will be used to make a finding, in

advance of that finding, when relevant.

• The right to regular updates on the status of the inves-

tigation and/or resolution.

•

The right to have reports of alleged Policy violations

addressed by Investigators, Chief Title IX Officers, and

Decision-maker(s) who have received at least eight hours

of relevant annual training.

• The right to a Hearing Panel that is not single sex in its

composition, if a panel is used.

• The right to preservation of privacy, to the extent pos-

sible and permitted by law.

•

The right to meetings, interviews, and/or hearings that

are closed to the public.

•

The right to petition that any Bellarmine University

representative in the process be recused on the basis of

disqualifying bias and/or conflict of interest.

•

The right to have an Advisor of their choice to accompany

and assist the party in all meetings and/or interviews

associated with the resolution process.

• The right to the use of the appropriate standard of evi-

dence, preponderance of the evidence to make a finding

after an objective evaluation of all relevant evidence.

• The right to be present, including presence via remote

technology, during all testimony given and evidence

presented during any formal grievance hearing.

•

The right to have an impact statement considered by

the Decision-maker(s) following a determination of re-

sponsibility for any allegation, but prior to sanctioning.

• The right to be promptly informed in a written Notice

of Outcome letter of the finding(s) and sanction(s) of

the resolution process and a detailed rationale therefor

(including an explanation of how credibility was as-

sessed), delivered simultaneously (without undue delay)

to the parties.

• The right to be informed in writing of when a decision

by Bellarmine University is considered final and any

changes to the sanction(s) that occur before the deci-

sion is finalized.

• The right to be informed of the opportunity to appeal

the finding(s) and sanction(s) of the resolution process,

and the procedures for doing so in accordance with the

standards for appeal established by Bellarmine University.

• The right to a fundamentally fair resolution as defined

in these procedures.

APPENDIX B: VIOLENCE RISK

ASSESSMENT (VRA)

Threat assessment is the process of assessing the actionability

of violence by an individual against another person or group

following the issuance of a direct or conditional threat. A

Violence Risk Assessment (VRA) is a broader term used

to assess any potential violence or danger, regardless of the

presence of a vague, conditional, or direct threat.

The implementation of VRAs require specific training and

are typically conducted by student conduct officers, and/or

other CARE team members if conducted with a student. In

the case of an employee, the VRA would be conducted by a

trained consultant.

A VRA occurs in collaboration with the CARE team (or

consultant) and must be understood as an on-going process,

rather than a singular evaluation or meeting. A VRA is not

an evaluation for an involuntary behavioral health hospital-

ization nor is it a psychological or mental health assessment.

A VRA assesses the risk of actionable violence, often with

a focus on targeted/predatory escalations, and is supported

by research from the fields of law enforcement, criminology,

human resources, and psychology.

When conducting a VRA, the assessor(s) use an evidence-

based process consisting of:

1. an appraisal of risk factors that escalate the potential

for violence;

a determination of stabilizing influences that reduce

the risk of violence;

a contextual analysis of violence risk by considering

environmental circumstances, hopelessness, and suicid-

ality; catalyst events; nature and actionability of threat;

fixation and focus on target; grievance collection; and

action and time imperative for violence; and

the application of intervention and management

approaches to reduce the risk of violence.

To assess an individual’s level of violence risk, the Chief

Title IX Officer will initiate the violence risk assessment

process through the Care Team or outside consultant. The

Care Team will assign a trained individual(s) to perform

the assessment, according to the specific nature of the Title

IX case.

The assessor will follow the process for conducting a violence

risk assessment and will rely on a consistent, research-based,

reliable system that allows for the operationalization of the

risk levels.

Some examples of formalized approaches to the VRA

process include: The NaBITA Risk Rubric,

The Structured

Interview for Violence Risk Assessment (SIVRA-35),

Work-

place Assessment of Violence Risk (WAVR-21),

The VRA is conducted independently from the Title IX

process, free from outcome pressure, but is informed by it.

The individual(s) conducting the assessment will be trained

to mitigate any bias and provide the analysis and findings in

a fair and equitable manner.

The assigned individual conducts a VRA process and makes

a recommendation to the Chief Title IX Officer as to whether

the VRA indicates there is a substantial, compelling, and/

or immediate risk to health and/or safety of an individual

or the community.

www.nabita.org/tools

www.nabita.org/resources/assessment-tools/sivra-35/

www.wavr21.com

APPENDIX C: PROCESS B

• Process B is applicable when the Chief Title IX Officer

determines Process A is inapplicable, or offenses subject

to Process A have been dismissed.

• If Process A is applicable, Process A must be applied in

lieu of Process B.

•

Bellarmine University can substitute any alternative

process instead of Process B, if desired.

• VAWA Section 304 requirements apply to Process B or

any alternative process for reports that fall under VAWA.

• Title IX requirements outside of Section 106.30 (based

on the original 1975 regulations, the 2001 Revised Guid-

ance, etc.) may also be applicable to Process B.

•

This includes but is not limited to, when jurisdiction

for Title IX is not met but the alleged behavior if hav-

ing taken place would otherwise be a violation of sexual

misconduct.”

INTERIM RESOLUTION PROCESS FOR ALLEGED

VIOLATIONS OF BELLARMINE UNIVERSITY SEXUAL

DISCRIMINATION AND MISCONDUCT POLICY

Bellarmine University will act on any formal or informal

allegation or notice of violation of the policy on Equal Op-

portunity, Harassment and Nondiscrimination that is received

by the Chief Title IX Officer

or a member of the admin-

istration, faculty, or other employee, with the exception of

confidential resources, as articulated in the Policy above.

The procedures described below apply to all allegations of

harassment or discrimination on the basis of protected class

status involving students, staff, faculty members, or third

parties, with the exception of at-will employees.

These procedures may also be used to address collateral

misconduct arising from the investigation of or occurring in

conjunction with harassing or discriminatory conduct (e.g.,

vandalism, physical abuse of another). All other allegations

of misconduct unrelated to incidents covered by this policy

will be addressed through the procedures elaborated in the

respective student, faculty, and staff handbooks.

1. Initial Assessment

Following intake, receipt of notice, or a complaint of an alleged

violation of Bellarmine University’s nondiscrimination Policy, the

Chief Title IX Officer

engages in an initial assessment, which

is typically one to five business days in duration. The steps in an

initial assessment can include:

•

The Chief Title IX Officer reaches out to the Complain

ant to offer supportive measures.

•

The Chief Title IX Officer works with the Complainant

to ensure they have an Advisor.

• The Chief Title IX Officer works with the Complain-

ant to determine whether the Complainant prefers a

supportive response or an Administrative Resolution.

» If a supportive and remedial response is preferred, the

Chief Title IX Officer works with the Complainant to

identify their wishes and then seeks to facilitate imple-

mentation. The Administrative Resolution process is not

initiated, though the Complainant can elect to initiate

it later, if desired.

» If an Informal Resolution option is preferred, the Chief

Title IX Officer assesses whether the complaint is suit-

able for informal resolution and may seek to determine

if the Respondent is also willing to engage in Informal

Resolution.

If Administrative Resolution is preferred, the Chief

Title IX Officer initiates the investigation process and

determines whether the scope of the investigation will

address:

› Incident, and/or

› A potential pattern of misconduct, and/or

› A culture/climate issue.

•

In many cases, the Chief Title IX Officer may determine

that a Violence Risk Assessment (VRA) should be con-

ducted by the Care Team or outside consultant as part

of the initial assessment. A VRA can aid in ten critical

and/or required determinations, including:

» Interim suspension of a Respondent who is a threat to

health/safety;

Whether the Chief Title IX Officer should pursue Admin-

istrative Resolution absent a willing/able Complainant;

» Whether to put the investigation on the footing of inci-

dent and/or pattern and/or climate;

All references herein to a Chief Title IX Officer also include a designee of the Chief Title IX Officer.

If circumstances require, the Senior Vice President for Administration and Trustee Affairs or Chief Title IX Officer will designate another

person to oversee the process below should an allegation be made about the Coordinator or the Coordinator be otherwise unavailable or un-

able to fulfill their duties.

» To help identify potentially predatory conduct;

» To help assess/identify grooming behaviors;

Whether a Complaint is amenable to Informal Resolution,

and what modality may be most successful;

» Whether to permit a voluntary withdrawal by the Re-

spondent;

Whether to impose transcript notation or communicate

with a transfer Bellarmine University about a Respondent;

» Assessment of appropriate sanctions/remedies;

» Whether a Clery Act Timely Warning/Trespass order

is needed.

More about Bellarmine University’s process for VRA can be

found in Appendix B.

Based on the initial assessment, Bellarmine University will

initiate one of two responses:

•

Informal Resolution – typically used for less serious

offenses and only when all parties agree to Alternate

Resolution, or when the Respondent is willing to accept

responsibility for violating policy. This can also include

a remedies-only response.

•

Administrative Resolution – investigation of policy

violation(s) and recommended finding, subject to a

determination by the Chief Title IX Officer or Deci-

sion-maker and the opportunity to appeal to an Appeal

Decision-maker.

The investigation and the subsequent Administrative Resolu-

tion determine whether the nondiscrimination policy has been

violated. If so, Bellarmine University will promptly implement

effective remedies designed to end the discrimination, prevent

recurrence, and address the effects.

The process followed considers the preference of the parties

but is ultimately determined at the discretion of the Chief Title

IX Officer. At any point during the initial assessment or formal

investigation, if the Chief Title IX Officer determines that reason-

able cause does not support the conclusion that policy has been

violated, the process will end, and the parties will be notified.

The Complainant may request that the Chief Title IX Of-

ficer review the reasonable cause determination and/or re-open

the investigation. This decision lies in the sole discretion of the

Chief Title IX Officer, but the request is usually only granted in

extraordinary circumstances.

2. Resolution Process Pool

The resolution processes rely on a pool of officials (“Pool”) to carry

out the process. Members of the Pool are announced in an annual

distribution of this Policy to all students and their parents/guard-

ians, employees, prospective students, and prospective employees.

The list of members and a description of the Pool can be

found at https://www.bellarmine.edu/titleix. Members of the

Pool are trained annually in all aspects of the resolution process

and can serve in any of the following roles, at the direction of the

Chief Title IX Officer:

•

To provide sensitive intake for and initial advice pertain-

ing to the allegations

• To act as optional process Advisors to the parties

• To investigate allegations

• To serve as a Decision-maker

The Chief Title IX Officer, carefully vets Pool members for

potential conflicts of interest or disqualifying biases and appoints

the Pool, which acts with independence and impartiality.

Pool members receive annual training organized by the Chief

Title IX Officer, including a review of Bellarmine University

policies and procedures as well as applicable federal and state

laws and regulations so that they are able to appropriately address

allegations, provide accurate information to members of the com-

munity, protect safety, and promote accountability.

The Pool members receive annual training specific to their

role. This training includes, but is not limited to:

•

The scope of Bellarmine University’s Sexual Discrimina-

tion and Misconduct Policy and Procedures

•

How to conduct investigations and hearings that protect

the safety of Complainants and Respondents and promote

accountability

• Implicit bias

• Disparate treatment and impact

• Reporting, confidentiality, and privacy requirements

•

Applicable laws, regulations, and federal regulatory

guidance

•

How to implement appropriate and situation-specific

remedies

•

How to investigate in a thorough, reliable, and impartial

manner

• How to uphold fairness, equity, and due process

• How to weigh evidence

• How to conduct questioning

• How to assess credibility

• Impartiality and objectivity

• Types of evidence

• Deliberation

•

How to render findings and generate clear, concise,

evidence-based rationales

• The definitions of all offenses

•

How to apply definitions used by Bellarmine University

with respect to consent (or the absence or negation of

consent) consistently, impartially, and in accordance

with policy

• How to conduct an investigation and grievance process

including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution

processes

• How to serve impartially, by avoiding prejudgment of

the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias

• Any technology to be use

• Issues of relevance of questions and evidence

•

Issues of relevance to create an investigation report that

fairly summarizes relevant evidence

•

How to determine appropriate sanctions in reference to

all forms of harassment and discrimination allegations

Specific training is also provided for Appeal Decision-

makers, intake personnel, and Advisors.

3. Counterclaims

Counterclaims by the Respondent may be made in good faith but

are also sometimes made for purposes of retaliation. Bellarmine

University is obligated to ensure that any process is not abused

for retaliatory purposes.

Bellarmine University permits the filing of counterclaims, but

uses the initial assessment, described above in the Policy section,

to assess whether the allegations are made in good faith. If they are,

the allegations will be processed using the resolution procedures

below, typically after resolution of the underlying allegation.

A delay in the processing of counterclaims is permitted, ac-

cordingly. Occasionally, allegations and counterclaims can be

resolved through the same investigation, at the discretion of the

Chief Title IX Officer. When counterclaims are not made in good

faith, they will be considered retaliatory, and may constitute a

violation of this Policy

4. Advisors

a. Expectations of an Advisor

Bellarmine University generally expects an Advisor to

adjust their schedule to allow them to attend Bellarm-

ine University meetings when planned, but Bellarmine

University may change scheduled meetings to accom-

modate an Advisor’s inability to attend, if doing so does

not cause an unreasonable delay.

Bellarmine University may also make reasonable provi-

sions to allow an Advisor who cannot attend in person

to attend a meeting by telephone, video conferencing,

or other similar technologies as may be convenient and

available.

Parties whose Advisors are disruptive or who do not

abide by Bellarmine University policies and procedures

may face the loss of that Advisor and/or possible Policy

violations.

Advisors are expected to consult with their advisees

without disrupting Bellarmine University meetings or

interviews. Advisors do not represent parties in the

process; their role is only to advise.

b. Expectations of the Parties with Respect to

Advisors

Each party may choose an Advisor

who is eligible and

available

to accompany them throughout the process.

The Advisor can be anyone, including an attorney, but

should not be someone who is also a witness in the

process. A party may elect to change Advisors during

the process and is not obligated to use the same Advisor

throughout.

The parties are expected to inform the Investigators

of the identity of their Advisor at least two (2) business

days before the date of their first meeting with the

Investigator(s) (or as soon as possible if a more expedi-

tious meeting is necessary or desired).

The parties are expected to provide timely notice to

the Investigator(s) and/or the Chief Title IX Officer if

they change Advisors at any time.

Upon written request of a party, Bellarmine University

will copy the Advisor on all communications between

Bellarmine University and the party.

At the discretion of the Chief Title IX Officer, more

than one Advisor may be permitted to the parties, upon

request. For equity purposes, if one party is allowed

another Advisor, the other party must be allowed another

as well.

5. Resolution Options

Proceedings are private. All persons present at any time during

the resolution process are expected to maintain the privacy of

the proceedings in accord with Bellarmine University Policy.

While there is an expectation of privacy around what is

discussed during interviews, the parties have discretion to share

This could include an attorney, advocate, or support person. Witnesses are not entitled to Advisors within the process, though they can be

advised externally. If Bellarmine University allows more than one Advisor for one party, they should do so for all parties.

“Available” means the party cannot insist on an Advisor who simply doesn’t have inclination, time, or availability. Also, the Advisor cannot

have institutionally conflicting roles, such as being a Title IX administrator who has an active role in the matter, or a supervisor who must

monitor and implement sanctions.

100

their own experiences with others if they so choose, but are

encouraged to discuss with their Advisors first before doing so.

a. Informal Resolution

Informal Resolution is applicable when the parties vol-

untarily agree to resolve the matter through Alternate

Resolution mediation, restorative practices, etc., or

when the Respondent accepts responsibility for violating

Policy, or when the Chief Title IX Officer can resolve

the matter informally by providing remedies to resolve

the situation.

It is not necessary to pursue Informal Resolution first

in order to pursue Administrative Resolution, and any

party participating in Informal Resolution can stop

the process at any time and request the Administrative

Resolution process. Further, if an Informal Resolution

fails after the fact, Administrative Resolution may be

pursued.

i. Alternate Resolution

Alternate Resolution is an informal process, such

as mediation or restorative practices, by which a

mutually agreed upon resolution of an allegation is

reached. It may be used for less serious, yet inappro-

priate, behaviors and is encouraged as an alternative

to the Administrative Resolution process (described

below) to resolve conflicts. The parties must consent

to the use of Alternate Resolution.

The Chief Title IX Officer determines if Alternate

Resolution is appropriate, based on the willingness

of the parties, the nature of the conduct at issue,

and the susceptibility of the conduct to Alternate

Resolution.

In an Alternate Resolution meeting, a trained

administrator facilitates a dialogue with the parties

to an effective resolution, if possible. Institutionally-

imposed sanctions are not possible as the result of

an Alternate Resolution process, though the parties

may agree to accepted sanctions and/or appropriate

remedies.

The Chief Title IX Officer maintains records of

any resolution that is reached, and failure to abide

by the resolution can result in appropriate enforce-

ment actions.

Alternate Resolution is not typically the primary

resolution mechanism used to address reports of

violent behavior of any kind or in other cases of

serious violations of policy, though it may be made

available after the Administrative Resolution pro-

cess is completed should the parties and the Chief

Title IX Officer believe it could be beneficial. The

results of Alternate Resolution are not appealable.

ii.

Respondent Accepts Responsibility for Al-

leged Violations

The Respondent may accept responsibility for all or

part of the alleged policy violations at any point dur-

ing the resolution process. If the Respondent accepts

responsibility, the Chief Title IX Officer makes a

determination that the individual is in violation of

Bellarmine University Policy.

The Chief Title IX Officer then determines ap-

propriate sanction(s) or responsive actions, which

are promptly implemented in order to effectively

stop the harassment, discrimination, and/or retalia-

tion; prevent its recurrence; and remedy the effects

of the conduct, both on the Complainant and the

community.

If the Respondent accepts responsibility for all

of the alleged policy violations and the Chief Title

IX Officer or designee has determined appropriate

sanction(s) or responsive actions, which are promptly

implemented, the process is over. The Complainant

will be informed of this outcome.

If the Respondent accepts responsibility for some

of the alleged policy violations and the Chief Title

IX Officer has determined appropriate sanction(s)

or responsive actions, which are promptly imple-

mented, for those violations, then the remaining

allegations will continue to be investigated and

resolved. The Complainant will be informed of this

outcome. The parties are still able to seek Alternate

Resolution on the remaining allegations, subject to

the stipulations above.

iii. Negotiated Resolution

The Chief Title IX Officer, with the consent of the

parties, may negotiate and implement any agreement

to resolve the allegations that satisfies all parties and

Bellarmine University.

b. Administrative Resolution

Administrative Resolution can be pursued for any behavior

for which the Respondent has not accepted responsibility

that constitutes conduct covered by the Equal Opportu-

nity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy at any

time during the process. Administrative Resolution starts

with a thorough, reliable, and impartial investigation.

If Administrative Resolution is initiated, the Chief

Title IX Officer will provide written notification of the

investigation to the parties at an appropriate time dur-

ing the investigation. Typically, notice is given at least

48 hours in advance of an interview. Advanced notice

101

facilitates the parties’ ability to identify and choose an

Advisor, if any, to accompany them to the interview.

Notification will include a meaningful summary of the

allegations, will be made in writing, and may be delivered

by one or more of the following methods: in person,

mailed to the local or permanent address of the parties

as indicated in official Bellarmine University records,

or emailed to the parties’ Bellarmine University-issued

or designated email account.

Once mailed, emailed, and/or received in-person,

notice will be presumptively delivered. The notifica-

tion should include the policies allegedly violated, if

known at the time. Alternatively, the policies allegedly

violated can be provided at a later date, in writing, as

the investigation progresses, and details become clearer.

Bellarmine University aims to complete all investiga-

tions within a sixty (60) business day time period, which

can be extended as necessary for appropriate cause by

the Chief Title IX Officer, with notice to the parties as

appropriate.

Once the decision is made to commence an investiga-

tion, the Chief Title IX Officer appoints Pool members

to conduct the investigation (typically using a team of

two Investigators), usually within two (2) days of de-

termining that an investigation should proceed.

The Chief Title IX Officer will vet the assigned

Investigator(s) to ensure impartiality by ensuring there

are no conflicts of interest or disqualifying bias.

The parties may, at any time during the resolution

process, raise a concern regarding bias or conflict of

interest, and the Chief Title IX Officer will determine

whether the concern is reasonable and supportable. If

so, another Investigator will be assigned and the impact

of the bias or conflict, if any, will be remedied. If the

bias or conflict relates to the Chief Title IX Officer,

concerns should be raised with Dana Hummel, Chief

Human Resource Officer.

Investigations are completed expeditiously, normally

within 30 business days, though some investigations

take weeks or even months, depending on the nature,

extent, and complexity of the allegations, availability of

witnesses, police involvement, etc.

Bellarmine University will make a good faith effort

to complete investigations as promptly as circumstances

permit and will communicate regularly with the par-

ties to update them on the progress and timing of the

investigation.

Bellarmine University may undertake a short delay in

its investigation (several days to weeks, to allow evidence

collection) when criminal charges based on the same

behaviors that invoke Bellarmine University’s resolution

process are being investigated by law enforcement. Bel-

larmine University will promptly resume its investigation

and resolution process once notified by law enforcement

that the initial evidence collection process is complete.

Bellarmine University action(s) are not typically altered

or precluded on the grounds that civil or criminal charges

involving the underlying incident(s) have been filed or

that criminal charges have been dismissed or reduced.

Investigations involve interviews with all relevant

parties and witnesses, obtaining available, relevant evi-

dence, and identifying sources of expert information,

as necessary.

All parties have a full and fair opportunity, though the

investigation process, to suggest witnesses and questions,

to provide evidence, and to fully review and respond to

all evidence, on the record.

6. Investigation

The Investigators typically take the following steps, if not already

completed (not necessarily in this order):

• Determine the identity and contact information of the

Complainant

• In coordination with campus partners (e.g., the Chief

Title IX Officer), initiate or assist with any necessary

supportive measures

•

Identify all policies implicated by the alleged misconduct

•

Assist the Chief Title IX Officer with conducting an initial

assessment to determine if there is reasonable cause to

believe the Respondent has violated policy

•

If there is insufficient evidence to support reasonable

cause, the process is closed with no further action

•

Commence a thorough, reliable, and impartial investiga-

tion by developing a strategic investigation plan, includ-

ing a witness list, evidence list, intended investigation

timeframe, and order of interviews for all parties and

witnesses

• Meet with the Complainant to finalize their statement,

if necessary

•

Prepare the initial Notice of Investigation and Allegation

(NOIA) on the basis of the initial assessment. Notice

may be one step or multiple steps, depending on how

the investigation unfolds, and potential policy violations

may be added or dropped as more is learned. Investiga-

tors will update the NOIA accordingly and provide it

to the parties.

102

• Notice should inform the parties of their right to have

the assistance of a Pool member as a process Advisor ap-

pointed by Bellarmine University other Advisor of their

choosing present for all meetings attended by the advisee

•

When formal notice is being given, it should provide

the parties with a written description of the alleged

violation(s), a list of all policies allegedly violated, a

description of the applicable procedures, and a state-

ment of the potential sanctions/responsive actions that

could result

•

Give an instruction to the parties to preserve any evidence

that is directly related to the allegations

• Provide the parties and witnesses with an opportunity

to review and verify the Investigator’s summary notes

from interviews and meetings with that specific party

or witness

•

Make good faith efforts to notify the parties of any meet-

ing or interview involving the other party, in advance

when possible

•

Interview all relevant individuals and conduct follow-up

interviews as necessary

• Allow each party the opportunity to suggest questions

they wish the Investigator(s) to ask of the other party

and witnesses

• Complete the investigation promptly and without un-

reasonable deviation from the intended timeline

•

Provide regular status updates to the parties throughout

the investigation

• Prior to the conclusion of the investigation, summarize

for the parties the list of witnesses whose information

will be used to render a finding

• Write a comprehensive investigation report fully sum-

marizing the investigation and all evidence

•

Provide parties with a copy of the draft investigation

report when it is completed, including all relevant evi-

dence, analysis, credibility assessments, and recom-

mended finding(s)

• Provide each party with a full and fair opportunity to

respond to the report in writing within 5 business days

and incorporate that response into the report

• Investigators may choose to respond in writing in the

report to the responses of the parties, and/or to share

the responses between the parties for their responses,

while also ensuring that they do not create a never-

ending feedback loop

•

Share the report with the Chief Title IX Officer or legal

counsel for review and feedback.

•

Provide the final report to the Chief Title IX Officer

with one of two options:

Include in the report a recommendation to the Chief Title

IX Officer/Decision-maker on a determination, based

on a preponderance of the evidence, whether a policy

violation is more likely than not to have occurred; OR

Gather, assess, and synthesize evidence without making a

finding, conclusion, determination or recommendation.

• Provide the final report to the Chief Title IX Officer.

Recommend to the Chief Title IX Officer a finding,

based on a preponderance of the evidence (whether a

policy violation is more likely than not).

7. Determination

Within two to three days of receiving the Investigator’s recom-

mendation, the Chief Title IX Officer or a trained, designated

Decision-maker from the Pool

reviews the report and all re-

sponses, and then makes the final determination on the basis of

the preponderance of the evidence.

If the record is incomplete, the Chief Title IX Officer/Decision-

maker may direct a re-opening of the investigation, or may direct

or conduct any additional inquiry necessary, including informally

meeting with the parties or any witnesses, if needed.

The recommendation of the investigation should be strongly

considered but is not binding on the Chief Title IX Officer/

Decision-Maker. The Chief Title IX Officer or Decision-maker

may invite and consider impact statements from the parties if and

when determining appropriate sanction(s),if any.

The Chief Title IX Officer then timely provides the parties with

a written Notice of Outcome to include findings, any sanction(s),

and a detailed rationale, delivered simultaneously (without undue

delay) to the parties.

8. Additional Details of the Investigation Process

a. Witness responsibilities

Witnesses (as distinguished from the parties) who are

faculty or staff of Bellarmine University are expected to

cooperate with and participate in Bellarmine University’s

investigation and resolution process. Failure of a witness

to cooperate with and/or participate in the investigation

or resolution process constitutes a violation of Policy

and may be subject to discipline.

When the Chief Title IX Officer is the Investigator or has been heavily involved in the process prior to determination, a Decision-maker

should be designated from the Pool to ensure there is no conflict of interest.

103

h. Notification of outcome

If the Respondent admits to the violation(s), or is found

in violation, the Chief Title IX Officer [in consultation

with other administrators as appropriate] determines

sanction(s) and/or responsive actions, which are promptly

implemented in order to effectively to stop the harass-

ment, discrimination, and/or retaliation; prevent its

recurrence; and remedy the effects of the discriminatory

conduct, both on the Complainant and the community.

The Chief Title IX Officer informs the parties of the

determination within two to three business days of the

resolution, ideally simultaneously, but without signifi-

cant time delay between notifications. Notifications are

made in writing and may be delivered by one or more

of the following methods: in person; mailed to the lo-

cal or permanent address of the parties as indicated in

official Bellarmine University records; or emailed to

the parties’ Bellarmine University-issued or designated

email account. Once mailed, emailed, and/or received

in-person, notice is presumptively delivered.

The Notification of Outcome specifies the finding for

each alleged policy violation, any sanction(s) that may

result which Bellarmine University is permitted to share

pursuant to state or federal law, and the rationale sup-

porting the essential findings to the extent Bellarmine

University is permitted to share under state or federal

law.

The notice will detail when the determination is con-

sidered final and will detail any changes that are made

prior to finalization.

Unless based on an acceptance of violation by the Re-

spondent, the determination may be appealed by either

party. The Notification of Outcome also includes the

grounds on which the parties may appeal and the steps

the parties may take to request an appeal of the findings.

More information about the appeal procedures can be

found in section 11 below.

9. Sanctions

Factors considered when determining any sanction(s)/responsive

action(s) may include, but are not limited to:

•

The nature, severity of, and circumstances surrounding

the violation

• An individual’s disciplinary history

•

Previous allegations or allegations involving similar

conduct

• The need for sanctions/responsive actions to bring an

end to the discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation

b. Remote processes

Parties and witnesses may be interviewed remotely by

phone, video conferencing, or similar technologies if the

Investigator(s) or Decision-maker determine that timeli

ness or efficiency dictates a need for remote interviewing.

Witnesses may also provide written statements in lieu of

interviews, or respond to questions in writing, if deemed

appropriate by the Investigator(s), though this approach

is not ideal. Where remote technologies are used, Bel-

larmine University makes reasonable efforts to ensure

privacy, and that any technology does not work to the

detriment of any party or subject them to unfairness.

c. Recording

No unauthorized audio or video recording of any kind is

permitted during the resolution process. If Investigator(s)

elect to audio and/or video record interviews, all in-

volved parties must be made aware of audio and/or

video recording.

d. Evidence

Any evidence that is relevant and credible may be consid-

ered, including an individual’s prior misconduct history

as well as evidence indicating a pattern of misconduct.

The process should exclude irrelevant or immaterial

evidence and may disregard evidence lacking in cred

ibility or that is improperly prejudicial.

e. Sexual history/patterns

Unless the Chief Title IX Officer determines it is appro-

priate, the investigation and the finding do not consider:

(1) incidents not directly related to the possible violation,

unless they evidence a pattern; (2) the sexual history

of the parties (though there may be a limited exception

made with regard to the sexual history between the

parties); or (3) the character of the parties.

f. Previous allegations/violations

While previous conduct violations by the Respondent

are not generally admissible as information supporting

the current allegation, the Investigator(s) may supply

the Chief Title IX Officer with information about pre-

vious good faith allegations and/or findings, when that

information suggests potential pattern and/or predatory

conduct.

Previous disciplinary action of any kind involving

the Respondent may be considered in determining the

appropriate sanction(s), if Bellarmine University uses a

progressive discipline system.

g. Character witnesses

Neither the Chief Title IX Officer nor the Investigator(s)

meet with character witnesses. Character statements are

not allowable witnesses for this policy and procedure.

104

•

The need for sanctions/responsive actions to prevent

the future recurrence of discrimination, harassment,

and/or retaliation

• The need to remedy the effects of the discrimination,

harassment, and/or retaliation on the Complainant and

the community

• The impact on the parties

•

Any other information deemed relevant by the Chief

Title IX Officer

The sanction(s) will be implemented as soon as is feasible.

The sanctions described in this policy are not exclusive of, and

may be in addition to, other actions taken, or sanctions imposed

by outside authorities.

a. Student Sanctions

The following are the sanctions that may be imposed

upon students or student organizations singly or in

combination:

•

Warning: A formal statement that the behavior was

unacceptable and a warning that further infractions of

any Bellarmine University policy, procedure, or directive

will result in more severe sanctions/responsive actions.

• Required Assessment: A mandate to meet with and

engage in either Bellarmine University-sponsored or

external counseling to better comprehend the miscon-

duct and its assessment.

• Probation: A written reprimand for violation of Bel-

larmine University Policy, providing for more severe

disciplinary sanctions in the event that the student or

organization is found in violation of any Bellarmine Uni

versity policy, procedure or directive within a specified

period of time. Terms of the probation will be articulated

and may include denial of specified social privileges,

exclusion from co-curricular activities, exclusion from

designated areas of campus, no-contact orders, and/or

other measures deemed appropriate.

•

Suspension: Termination of student status for a definite

period of time not to exceed two years, and/or until

specific criteria are met. Students who return from

suspension are automatically placed on probation through

the remainder of their tenure as a student at Bellarmine

University. At the discretion of the Chief Title IX Officer,

this sanction may be noted as a Disciplinary Suspension

on the student’s official transcript.

• Expulsion: Permanent termination of student status,

revocation of rights to be on campus for any reason or

attend Bellarmine University-sponsored events. This

sanction will be noted as a Conduct Expulsion on the

student’s official transcript.

•

Withholding Diploma and/or Official Tran-

scripts: Bellarmine University may withhold a student’s

diploma and/or official transcripts for a specified period of

time, and/or deny a student participation in commence-

ment activities, if the student has an allegation pending,

or as a sanction if the student is found responsible for

an alleged violation.

•

Organizational Sanctions: Deactivation, loss of

recognition, loss of some or all privileges (including

Bellarmine University registration), for a specified

period of time.

• Other Actions: In addition to or in place of the above

sanctions, Bellarmine University may assign any other

sanctions as deemed appropriate.

b. Employee Sanctions

Responsive actions for an employee who has engaged in

harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation include:

• Warning – Verbal or Written

•

Performance Improvement/Management Process

• Required Counseling

• Required Training or Education

• Probation

• Loss of Annual Pay Increase

•

Loss of Oversight or Supervisory Responsibility

• Demotion

• Suspension with pay

• Suspension without pay

• Termination

• Other Actions: In addition to or in place of the above

sanctions, Bellarmine University may assign any other

sanctions as deemed appropriate.

10.

Withdrawal or Resignation While Charges are Pending

Students: Bellarmine University does not permit a student to

withdraw if that student has an allegation pending for violation

of the policy on Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondis-

crimination. Bellarmine University may place a hold, bar access

to an official transcript, and/or prohibit graduation as necessary

to permit the resolution process to be completed.

Employees: Should an employee resign with unresolved

allegations pending, the records of the Chief Title IX Officer

will reflect that status, and any Bellarmine University responses

to future inquiries regarding employment references for that

individual will include the former employee’s unresolved status.

11. Appeals

All requests for appeal consideration must be submitted in writ-

ing to the Chief Title IX Officer within 5 business days of the

105

delivery of the written finding of the Chief Title IX Officer or

Decision-maker. Any party may appeal the findings only under

the grounds described below.

An Appeal Panel and Chair Decision-maker chosen from the

Pool will be designated by the Chief Title IX Officer from those

who have not been involved in the process previously. Any party

may appeal, but appeals are limited to the following grounds:

•

A procedural error or omission occurred that significantly

impacted the outcome of the hearing (e.g., substantiated

bias, material deviation from established procedures,

failure to correctly apply the evidentiary standard.

•

To consider new evidence, unknown or unavailable

during the investigation, that could substantially impact

the original finding or sanction. A summary of this new

evidence and its potential impact must be included.

When any party requests an appeal, the Chief Title IX Officer

will share the appeal request with the other party(ies) or other

appropriate persons such as the Investigator(s), who may file a

response within three (3) business days. The other party may

also bring their own appeal on separate grounds.

If new grounds are raised, the original appealing party will

be permitted to submit a written response to these new grounds

within 5 business days. These responses or appeal requests will be

shared with each party. The Appeal Chair will review the appeal

request(s) within 5 business days of completing the pre-appeal

exchange of materials. If grounds are not sufficient for an appeal,

or the appeal is not timely, the appeal Chair dismisses the appeal.

When the appeal Chair finds that at least one of the grounds

is met by at least one party, additional principles governing the

review of appeals include the following:

•

Decisions by the Appeal Chair/Panel are to be deferential

to the original decision, making changes to the finding

only when there is clear error and to the sanction(s)/

responsive action(s) only if there is compelling justifica-

tion to do so.

•

Appeals are not intended to be full re-hearings (de novo)

of the allegation(s). In most cases, appeals are confined

to a review of the written documentation or record of

the investigation and pertinent documentation regarding

the grounds for appeal.

• An appeal is not an opportunity for the Appeal Chair/

Panel to substitute their judgment for that of the original

Investigator(s) or Chief Title IX Officer/Decision-maker

merely because they disagree with the finding and/or

sanction(s).

•

Appeals granted based on new evidence should normally

be remanded to the Investigator(s) for reconsideration.

Other appeals should be remanded at the discretion of

the Appeal Chair/Panel.

•

Sanctions imposed as the result of Administrative Resolu-

tion are implemented immediately unless the Chief Title

IX Officer stays their implementation in extraordinary

circumstances, pending the outcome of the appeal.

For students: Graduation, study abroad, internships/

externships, etc., do NOT in and of themselves con-

stitute exigent circumstances, and students may not be

able to participate in those activities during their appeal.

•

All parties will be informed in writing within 5 business

days of the outcome of the appeal without significant

time delay between notifications, and in accordance with

the standards for Notice of Outcome as defined above.

•

Once an appeal is decided, the outcome is final; further

appeals are not permitted, even if a decision or sanc-

tion is changed on remand. When appeals result in no

change to the finding or sanction, that decision is final.

When an appeal results in a new finding or sanction,

that finding or sanction can be appealed one final time

on the grounds listed above, and in accordance with

these procedures.

• In rare cases when a procedural error cannot be cured

by the original Investigator(s) and/or Chief Title IX Of-

ficer/Decision-maker (as in cases of bias), the Appeal

Chair/Panel may recommend a new investigation and/

or Administrative Resolution process, including a new

resolution administrator.

• The results of a new Administrative Resolution process

can be appealed once, on any of the three applicable

grounds for appeals.

•

In cases in which the appeal results in Respondent’s

reinstatement to Bellarmine University or resumption

of privileges, all reasonable attempts will be made to

restore the Respondent to their prior status, recogniz-

ing that some opportunities lost may be irreparable in

the short term.

12. Long-Term Remedies/Actions

Following the conclusion of the resolution process, and in ad-

dition to any sanctions implemented, the Chief Title IX Officer

may implement long-term remedies or actions with respect to the

parties and/or the campus community to stop the harassment,

discrimination, and/or retaliation; remedy its effects; and prevent

its reoccurrence.

These remedies/actions may include, but are not limited to:

• Referral to counseling and health services

• Referral to the Employee Assistance Program

• Education to the community

106

• Permanent alteration of housing assignments

•

Permanent alteration of work arrangements for employees

• Provision of campus safety escorts

• Climate surveys

• Policy modification

• Provision of transportation accommodations

•

Implementation of long-term contact limitations between

the parties

• Implementation of adjustments to academic deadlines,

course schedules, etc.

At the discretion of the Chief Title IX Officer, long-term

remedies may also be provided to the Complainant even if no

policy violation is found.

When no policy violation is found, the Chief Title IX Officer

will address any remedial requirements owed by Bellarmine

University to the Respondent.

13.

Failure to Complete Sanctions/Comply with Interim

and Long-term Remedies/Responsive Actions

All Respondents are expected to comply with conduct sanctions,

responsive actions, and corrective actions within the timeframe

specified by the Chief Title IX Officer.

Failure to abide by the sanction(s)/action(s) imposed by the

date specified, whether by refusal, neglect, or any other rea

son, may result in additional sanction(s)/responsive/corrective

action(s), including suspension, expulsion, and/or termination

from Bellarmine University and may be noted on a student’s

official transcript.

A suspension will only be lifted when compliance is achieved

to the satisfaction of the Chief Title IX Officer.

14. Recordkeeping

In implementing this policy, records of all allegations, investiga-

tions, resolutions, and hearings will be kept indefinitely, or as

required by state or federal law or institutional policy, by the

Chief Title IX Officer in the Title IX case database.

15.

Statement of the Rights of the Parties (see Appendix A)

16.

Disabilities Accommodation in the Resolution Process

Bellarmine University is committed to providing reasonable

accommodations and support to qualified students, employees,

or others with disabilities to ensure equal access to the resolu-

tion process at Bellarmine University. Anyone needing such

accommodations or support should contact the Director of the

Accessibility Resource Center, who will review the request and,

in consultation with the person requesting the accommodation,

and the Chief Title IX Officer, determine which accommodations

are appropriate and necessary for full participation in the process.

17. Revision

These policies and procedures will be reviewed and updated annu-

ally by the Chief Title IX Officer. Bellarmine University reserves

the right to make changes to this document as necessary and once

those changes are posted online, they are in effect.

The Chief Title IX Officer may make minor modifications to

these procedures that do not materially jeopardize the fairness

owed to any party, such as to accommodate summer schedules.

The Chief Title IX Officer may also vary procedures materially

with notice (on Bellarmine University website, with the appro-

priate effective date identified) upon determining that changes

to law or regulation require policy or procedural alterations not

reflected in this policy and procedure.

Procedures in effect at the time of the resolution will apply to

resolution of incidents, regardless of when the incident occurred.

Policy in effect at the time of the offense will apply even if the

policy is changed subsequently but prior to resolution, unless the

parties consent to be bound by the current policy.

If government regulations change in a way that impacts this

document, this document will be construed to comply with the

most recent government regulations.

This document does not create legally enforceable protections

beyond the protection of the background state and federal laws

which frame such policies and codes, generally.

This policy and procedure was implemented in August 14th,

2020.

107

Parking Guide

2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

109

Parking Guide

2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation is responsible for

all parking rules and regulations conferred by the University.

All University personnel and students assume responsibility

for any citations they receive for improper parking, including

payment of fines. There are limited on campus parking spaces,

so parking is first come, first served, and not guaranteed for

any permit holder.

Bellarmine University reserves the right to revise parking

and traffic regulations and to close or alter parking spaces at

any time.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND

PARKING PERMIT TAGS

All University personnel and students must have a valid parking

permit displayed in their vehicle in order to park on Bellarmine

University property. To obtain a parking permit, register online

at one.bellarmine.edu.

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation, Room CNTH

054 of Centro Treece Hall, issues parking permits for students

24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Office of Student Accounts, Room CNHH 208 of Cen-

tro Horrigan Hall, issues parking permits for employees M-F

8am-5pm.

The parking permit fee for students is included in the compre

hensive fee. The individual registering the permit is responsible

for all parking violations in any vehicle displaying the permit.

Faculty, staff, and students may purchase and be issued one

parking permit. A permit may be transferred to any vehicle

driven on Bellarmine University property. The individual who

purchases and registers the permit is responsible for all parking

violations in any vehicle displaying the permit.

All vehicle registrations and parking permit tags expire July

31 of each year.

Parking permit tags must be displayed on the rearview mir-

ror of the vehicle. Display permit number facing outwards. If

driving a motorcycle or motorbike, you will be issued a permit

from the Office of Public Safety and Transportation that can

be adhered where it is visible on the motorcycle/motorbike.

Use of the parking permit is restricted solely to the person is-

sued the permit. Only faculty/staff may receive a second permit.

Faculty/staff may do so at no additional cost by registering a

second vehicle. If a third permit tag is needed, request approval

from the Director of Public Safety, once approved you will be

charged $25.00.

The theft or loss of a parking permit should be reported to

the Office of Public Safety and Transportation immediately. In

the event that a vehicle is stolen, and the permit is no longer

obtainable, the individual may provide a police report to the

Office of Public Safety and Transportation for a replacement

permit at no charge. If the permit was lost or stolen on campus

property, please contact the Office of Public Safety and Trans-

portation to file a report. If the permit is lost or stolen and a

police report is not provided, the individual will need to remit

payment for $25.00 for a replacement permit.

Subsequent replacement permits will result in a charge of

$50.00 for each additional replacement permit. Recovered, lost

or stolen permits should be returned to the Office of Public

Safety and Transportation.

Any egregious violation of the parking policy such as tamper-

ing, altering, or giving a permit to an unauthorized person will

be referred to the Office of Public Safety and Transportation

and the Dean of Students Office for investigation.

ENFORCEMENT

Prior to enforcing parking regulations, the Office of Public

Safety and Transportation will announce a grace period to the

community that will allow for warning tickets to be issued

for a duration of time at the beginning of each semester in an

academic year before beginning to issue citations for parking

violations. Enforcement of the parking regulations will be sus-

pended during the period from 5:00 p.m. on Friday through

9:00 p.m. on Sunday, as well as during events that draw a large

number of visitors to the campus. Please note that rules against

parking in fire lanes, unauthorized use of an accessible parking

space, reserved/restricted spaces, grass, or landscaped areas,

and moving violations will be enforced at all times.

Parking is permitted on campus in available spaces on a

first come first served basis, but only in designated paved ar-

eas. Owning a parking permit does not guarantee parking on

campus. Reserved markings may appear on signs or be painted

on the pavement. Compliance with these restrictions will be

strictly enforced. All permits may park in any open non-reserved

faculty/staff and/or upper-class designated parking lots from

5:00 p.m. on Friday through 9:00 p.m. on Sunday; however,

please note the rules against parking in fire lanes, unauthor-

ized use of an accessible parking space, reserved or restricted

spaces, grass or landscaped areas, and moving violations will

be enforced at all times.

110

111

112

PERMIT CODES

• Alumni and Surf Patron: Code A

• Faculty and staff members: Code B

•

Faculty and staff members restricted to Lot 1 – Bellarmine

Lot: Code E

• Upper-class Student Residents: Code U

• Student: Code S

• First-Time, Full-Time Commuter: Code F

• First-Time, Full-Time Resident: Code R

LOT DESCRIPTIONS

• Lot 1 – Bellarmine Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 1: “E” “R” “F” “S” “U” “A”

Location of Lot 1: Follow Via Cassia to the back of cam-

pus, take a left at the stop sign.

• Lot 2 – Knights Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 2: “F” “A” “S” “U”

Location of Lot 2: Borders East, North and West of

Knights Hall to the North of Knights Way

• Lot 3 – Alumni Way Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 3: “S” “U” “A”

Location of Lot 3: Between Alumni Drive and Knights

Way

• Lot 4 – Via Cassia Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 4: “B”

Location of Lot 4: Between Alumni Drive and Via Cassia

• Lot 5 – Franciscan Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 5:Reserved/Accessible

permits only

Location of Lot 5: From the side of Pasteur Hall to Cen-

tro/Horrigan Hall by the Public Safety Office

• Lot 6 – Centro Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 6: “B”

Location of Lot 6: Directly in front of Centro

• Lot 7 – Seibert Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 7: “S” “U”

Location of Lot 7: Seibert Terrace

• Lot 8 – Treece Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 8:”S” “U”

Location of Lot 8: Treece Terrace

• Lot 9 – Ursuline Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 9: “B”

Location of Lot 9: Small lot behind Miles Hall

• Lot 10 – Thomas Merton Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 10: “S” “U”

Location of Lot 10: Small lot behind Petrik Hall next to

Newman Hall

• Lot 11a – Siena Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 11a: “U”

Location of Lot 11a: Between Kennedy/Newman Hall

and Siena Secondo

• Lot 11b – Siena Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 11b: “S” “U”

Location of Lot 11b: In Front of Siena Terzo

• Lot 12 – Stadium Lot

Permits allowed to park in Stadium Lot: “S” “U”

Location of Stadium Lot: To the side of Frazier Stadium

• Lot 13 – Newburg Lot East and Newburg Lot West

Permits allowed to park in Lot 13 East:”S” “U”

Permits allowed to park in Lot 13 West: “B”

Location: Surrounding Allen Hall

• Lot 14 – Bishop Lot

Permits allowed to park in Lot 14:”B” “S” “U”

Location of Lot 14: 961 Bishop Lane

• Lot 15 – Sports Complex

Permits allowed to park in Lot 15: “B” “S”

• Location of Lot 15: 3408 Newburg Lane

• Lot 16 – Watterson Building

Permits allowed to park in Lot 16: “B” “S” “U” “R” “F”

“E” Location of Lot 16: 3430 Newburg Lane

GENERAL VISITORS AND

ADMISSIONS VISITORS

No parking permit is required for short-term parking in visi-

tor designated areas located in Lot 1: Bellarmine Lot, Lot 6:

Centro Lot and Lot 13: Newburg Lot East, visitors do not need

to register with Public Safety. Only Admissions Visitors and/

or reserved visitors can park in the designated Admission and

Reserved Visitor spaces located in Lot 6: Centro Lot. These

spots are designated with signage.

VISITOR PARKING

Designated Visitor Spots/Visitor Temporary Parking Permits

Campus visitors will be allowed to park in the designated visi-

tor spots Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. through 5:00

p.m. Visitors who have temporary parking permits may park in

any available legal parking spaces. Please note the rules against

113

parking in fire lanes, unauthorized use of an accessible parking

space, reserved/restricted spaces, grass or landscaped areas,

and moving violations will be enforced at all times.

General visitor information:

• Parking time is limited to 2 hours in Lot 1: Bellarmine

Lot and Lot 13: Newburg Lot East. Visitor signs are

posted.

• Long-term visitors (those parking for more than 2 hours)

should be sent a special parking permit by the depart-

ment they are visiting or obtain a special temporary

parking permit from the Office of Public Safety and

Transportation, located on the ground level in Centro

Treece Hall (Room CNTH-054).

• If there are no visitor spots available, please come to the

Office of Public Safety to obtain a temporary parking

permit.

• Metroversity or other students attending classes on cam-

pus are not considered visitors and must obtain a valid

parking permit.

• Please park in the 15-minute parking outside the Office

of Public Safety and Transportation in Lot 5: Franciscan

Lot to obtain temporary parking.

WEEKEND PARKING

Although parking is open on the weekends from 5:00 pm on

Friday through 9:00 pm on Sunday, those spaces that are reserved

or restricted remain reserved or restricted. Restricted parking

spaces include reserved spaces for campus officials and offices,

accessible parking spaces, fire lanes, reserved visitor spaces,

admissions, and improper use of 15-minute parking. If you park

in any reserved/ restricted spot, you will receive a citation.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

The University endorses the general Kentucky regulations gov-

erning parking regulations for those needing accessible parking.

Parking in designated accessible parking areas is reserved for

those students, employees, and visitors who have a documented

disability. If you are unable to park in your designated lot, you

may park in any legal space.

All students, faculty and staff members who utilize accessible

parking spaces are required to obtain a Bellarmine Accessible

Parking permit. Members with a state issued accessible permit

must still obtain a Bellarmine Accessible Parking permit. A

Bellarmine Accessible Parking permit can be obtained from the

Director in the Office of Public Safety and Transportation with

a valid doctor’s note. The Office of Public Safety and Trans-

portation is located in Centro Treece Hall Room CNTH-054.

The phone number is 502.272.7777. For additional assistance,

you may also contact the Accessibility Resource Center at

502.272.8490 or arc@bellarmine.edu.

Any employees, with an “E”, or Student with a “S”, “F”, “R”

or “U” permit who have an accessible parking permit will not

be restricted to these areas and may park in any legal space,

provided their vehicle displays the proper Bellarmine park-

ing permit tag and the Bellarmine issued accessible parking

dashboard permit. First-year commuters with an “F” parking

permit and first-year residents with an “R” permit must keep

their permit for the entire first year, regardless of how many

credit hours they may have earned. Please attempt to park in

your designated lot. Please note the rules against parking in fire

lanes, unauthorized use of an accessible parking space, reserved/

restricted spaces, grass or landscaped areas, and moving viola-

tions will be enforced at all times.

LOADING ZONE PARKING

Loading Zone parking spots are in several places next to each

major building. Vehicles parked in these spaces must be dropping

off or picking up material from their office, class, or residence

hall. Parking in the Loading Zones with flashers is limited to

15 minutes and will be strictly enforced.

RESTRICTED LANES

Parking in fire lanes (as indicated by yellow striping on the

roadway or curb), driving lanes (any area that does not have

white striping), in grass or landscaped areas, and spaces allocated

for accessible parking may result in the vehicle being ticketed,

booted and/or towed.

MOTORCYCLE, MOTORBIKE AND

MOPED PARKING

All University personnel and students must register any motor-

cycle/motorbike/moped, online at One Bellarmine, that parks

on campus. These spaces are marked with green stripes. More

than one motorcycle/motorbike/moped can park in the same

designated green spot. Motorcycles, motorbikes, and mopeds

must be parked in a designated motorcycle/motorbike/moped

parking area. Failure to park in a designated motorcycle/motor-

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bike/moped area will result in a citation. The Office of Public

Safety and Transportation will issue a permit that is able to be

displayed on the vehicle.

FACULTY, STAFF AND

STUDENTS WITH TEMPORARY

VEHICLES

Faculty, staff and students must come to the Office of Public

Safety and Transportation to obtain a temporary parking pass.

Failing to obtain a temporary parking pass will result in the

individual receiving a citation. Individuals can obtain this park-

ing pass 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the Office of Public

Safety and Transportation. Please bring with you the year, make,

model of vehicle, along with your license plate number.

NON-CREDIT COURSE

ENROLLEES

Non-credit course enrollees will not be required to register their

vehicle; however, the Continuing Education Department will

issue a special permit. Special permits will be valid only during

the hours in which the non-credit courses are being offered. The

special permit allows the individual to park in any unrestricted

student parking areas. These students are also required to follow

the same accessible parking regulations as any other student.

MOVING VIOLATIONS

Persons involved in moving violations, such as speeding, reckless

driving, failure to observe stop signs and other driving regula-

tions are subject to receiving a citation. The speed limit while

driving on campus is 15 miles per hour.

OFF CAMPUS PARKING

Bellarmine University has a beautiful campus in a wonderful

neighborhood. A good relationship with our neighbors is impor-

tant. We ask that you be a good citizen and neighbor and always

park on campus. It shows our neighbors that the University cares

about the integrity of the neighborhood.

FINES

The Office of Public Safety and Transportation is responsible

for the enforcement of parking and traffic regulations and the

issuance of citations for violations of these regulations. All Uni-

versity personnel and students must assume responsibility for

any citations they receive for improper parking and regulation

violations, including the payment of fines.

Students’ unpaid parking fines may be added to their stu-

dent account. Unpaid fines could result in additional charges

and financial holds for transcripts, grades, and/or registration.

Faculty and staff members authorize the University to deduct

unpaid parking fines and penalties from earnings by registering

their vehicle.

NOTE: Initial parking citation fees are displayed in the

Bellarmine Parking Permit system (Rydin). After 10 days,

unpaid parking citations may be moved out of Rydin and to the

student or employee’s account. When the citation is moved to

the student/employee account, the citation shows as “PAID”

in the Rydin system in order to prevent duplicate payment. To

verify if payment has been received, please validate by select-

ing “PAID” in the Rydin system to see details of the payment.

If the record reads “Student/Employee Account/Tuition Bill”

then the citation was not paid in the parking system before the

10-day grace period and is still outstanding and due directly

to the University.

Any person receiving $200.00 or more (or more than five

citations) in parking violations may have their vehicle booted.

Parking boots may be applied to vehicles with any unpaid cita-

tions after thirty (30) days.

FINE SCHEDULE

The following are meant to be examples of citations, not limited

only to those examples.

The fines will be assessed for violations of the respective

regulations:

No parking permit tag/decal displayed: $40

Example: failing to obtain or properly display a Bellarmine

issued parking permit. Permits should be hanging from the

rear-view mirror facing outwards or if on a motorized vehicle

placed where it can be easily observed.

Misuse of parking permit: $40

Examples: tampering, altering, or giving a permit to an unau-

thorized person.

Improper parking: $40

Examples: parking in grass, parking outside the lines of a park-

115

ing space, parking in two parking spaces, parking a motor bike

improperly, parking a vehicle in a motor bike space, etc.

Parking in a restricted area: $40

Examples: failing to park in the lots as designated by your Bel-

larmine parking permit tag.

Parking in a restricted space: $100

Examples: parking in any of the following areas: Admissions,

Visitor, Visitor reserved, or any other assigned designated parking.

Minor Violations: $40

Examples: altering/misusing assigned parking permit, altering

posted signage, moving traffic cones/barriers, etc.

Major Violations: $100

Examples: moving violations, driving the wrong way on a posted

one-way road, stop sign violation, reckless driving/speeding, etc.

Parking in a fire lane $100

Example: parking in designated passageways or access roads

that allow fire apparatuses to pass through, parking or driving

in an area that is not intended for normal vehicle traffic $100

Parking in an accessible space: $100

Example: parking in an accessible parking space without the

Bellarmine assigned Accessible Parking tag $100

Boot Removal: $100*

The fee that must be paid before the boot is removed from the

vehicle.

*Boot removal fee and outstanding unpaid citation balance must be

paid before the boot will be removed.

APPEALS

Should a person believe their citation is unjust and not in keep-

ing with the University parking regulations, that person may

appeal the citation to the traffic appeals committee, which

meets regularly to review appeals depending on the University

academic calendar.

Attendance at the committee meetings is not mandatory

for an appeal to be made. If an individual would like to appear

before the committee in addition to their written appeal, they

must do so themselves; no proxies will be allowed to appear on

behalf of an individual. No attorneys or parents may be present

at the committee meetings. If a student is registered with our

Accessibility Resource Center with academic accommodations,

those accommodations will be met during any appeals. Please

email trafficappeals@bellarmine.edu in advance to make the

committee aware of any needs.

Depending on the nature of the citation, one citation a

student/employee receives may be reduced to a warning and

fee waived by taking a short quiz regarding the understanding

of Bellarmine parking regulations. Exclusions to this rule are

parking in an accessible space, fire lane, reserved space, or

visitor space. You must email trafficappeals@bellarmine.edu

with your name, ID number, and citation number if you are

interested in waiving your citation fee by completing the quiz

on parking regulations. You will then be notified if you are

eligible for the quiz and sent further instructions. This process

can be completed only once.

TRAFFIC APPEALS COMMITTEE

The Traffic Appeals Committee is a subcommittee of the Traffic

and Safety Committee, and is comprised of faculty, staff, and

student representation. The committee convenes twice a month

throughout the year (September, October, November, December,

February, March, April and once in May if needed) to review

citation appeals. All meetings of the Traffic Appeals Committee

will be listed on the Office of Public Safety and Transportation

website. The Office of Public Safety and Transportation will

have a representative at the appeal hearings. Decisions will not

be given at the hearing but via email after the hearing.

Please note it is important to file your appeal within 10

business days. To file an appeal, please visit https://www.bel-

larmine.edu/security/parking/parkingappeal/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information about Parking at Bellarmine, email The

Office of Public Safety and Transportation at security@bel-

larmine.edu or call 502-272-7777.

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117

Dining Services Guide

2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

119

Dining Services Guide

2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

NOTE FROM THE DINING

SERVICES TEAM

Bellarmine University Dining Services is thrilled to serve you

and we can’t wait to share all that we have to offer. From fun

and engaging events to campus traditions, innovative creations,

and much more, you will love our thriving dining program.

We are here for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any

questions, comments, or concerns, and make sure to follow us

on Instagram @BellarmineGrub!

DINING SERVICES TEAM

• Brant Keel, General Manager

• Timmy Armistead, Campus Executive Chef

• Stephanie Maddox, Retail Manager

• Mary Kennedy, Catering Manager

• Maria Mendoza, Marketing Coordinator

• Joe Chism, Registered Dietitian

CAMPUS MEAL PLANS &

PURCHASES

Bellarmine provides a robust meal plan program that offers

students flexibility and convenience. The meal plan options

allow you to select a meal plan that best meets your needs.

Students may change their meal plan selection during the first

ten business days of each semester.

Students have several meal plans from which to choose to

meet their needs. The plans are structured to give students

maximum flexibility, affording students the opportunity to

select a plan that works best for them.

Residential Undergraduate Students

All residential students are required to have a meal plan during

each contract year. Meal plan exception applications must be

submitted prior to the beginning of the semester for consid-

eration. The exception request form can be found by visiting

https://www.bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/residence/policy/.

Please contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life if you

have questions. If an exception is granted, the student will only

be refunded as detailed in the housing and meal plan contract.

Each undergraduate residential plan includes a fixed weekly

allotment of swipes combined with a fixed dollar amount of

Flex Dollars. The swipe weekly allotment refreshes each Sun-

day morning. The Flex Dollars are loaded at the start of each

semester. These options allow a student to use their meals at

any time during the week, up to the limited number allotted

for the week.

Dining Services are not available during Thanksgiving Break,

Winter Break, and Spring Breaks.

Commuter Students (Undergraduate & Graduate)

The Commuter Student plans include a fixed number of

swipes combined with a fixed dollar amount of Flex Dollars.

Swipes and Flex Dollars are loaded at the time of purchase. All

commuters also have the option to open a Declining Balance

or BU Dollars account.

Payment can be made online for these options with an e-check (no

fee) or by credit card (2.75% fee). The Student Accounts Office

can also accept cash or check for these plans. The Commuter

Meal Plans can be found at https://bellarmine.sodexomyway.

com/my-meal-plan/.

Residential Graduate Students

All students living on campus are required to purchase a meal

plan. While residential graduate students are free to choose from

any of the residential dining meal plans, they are automatically

assigned to the graduate meal plan. Graduate students have the

option to transfer to a residential undergraduate meal plan and

may do so by contacting the Office of Housing and Residence

Life. Dining Services are not available for residential students

during semester breaks, including but not limited to Thanksgiv-

ing Break and Spring Break.

Meal plan options can be found at https://bellarmine.so-

dexomyway.com/my-meal-plan/.

Meal Swipes

Each Sunday morning guests will receive a set amount of meal

swipes depending on their meal plan that can be used in the

University Dining Hall, Café Ogle, and the Palio. One swipe

is equal to one meal at each location. There is no limit to how

many meal swipes can be used per meal period, but guests only

receive their set number of swipes for the week.

Flex Dollars

The amount of Flex Dollar funds posted to a student’s meal

card is determined by the Meal Plan (undergraduate, graduate,

or commuter) purchased. Flex Dollars cannot be purchased

separately. Flex Dollars are accepted like cash at various dining

locations. Flex Dollars work on the same principle as a pre-paid

debit card. Students can use their Flex Dollars for snack items

or full meals and are accepted at all dining locations.

If a student purchases a spring semester meal plan, any un-

used Flex Dollars from the fall semester will roll forward for

120

use in the spring semester. If a student does not participate in a

meal plan in the spring semester, the meal plan is turned off and

unused fall semester Flex Dollars are forfeited. For all students,

Flex Dollars must be used by the end of the spring semester, or

those dollars are forfeited. Unused Flex Dollars at the end of the

spring semester do not roll to any future semester.

Declining Balance Dollars

Any student may open a Declining Balance account. Students

may add Declining Balance Dollars at the Office of Student

Accounts with cash or check or at one.bellarmine.edu on the

One Payment Gateway. Declining Balance Dollars work on

the same principal as a pre-paid debit card. Unused Declining

Balance Dollars roll from fall to spring semester, and also roll

from academic year to academic year.

After graduation or withdrawal from Bellarmine, a student

may request a refund of any unused Declining Balance Dollars,

provided they do not have an outstanding balance due to Bel-

larmine. A processing fee of $20.00 will be deducted from any

such refund check printed. For students with an outstanding

balance, the unused Declining Balance Dollars may be applied

to your Bellarmine account balance. Unused Declining Bal-

ance Dollars remaining on your account will be forfeited to

the University twelve months after your date of graduation or

withdrawal. To monitor your Declining Balance Dollars, you

may log onto your one.bellarmine.edu account.

BU Dollars

Any student may open a BU Dollars account. Unlike Declin-

ing Balance Dollars, BU Dollars can additionally be used at the

Bellarmine Bookstore and at various participating off-campus

locations around the city of Louisville. Please contact the Office

of Student Accounts directly to receive a list of participating

locations. Students may add BU Dollars at the Office of Student

Accounts with cash or check or at one.bellarmine.edu on the

One Payment Gateway. BU Dollars work on the same principal

as a pre-paid debit card. Unused BU Dollars roll from fall to

spring semester and roll from academic year to academic year.

After graduation or withdrawal from Bellarmine, a student

may request a refund of any unused BU Dollars, provided they

do not have an outstanding balance due to Bellarmine. A pro-

cessing fee of $20.00 will be deducted from any such refund

check printed. For students with an outstanding balance, the

unused BU Dollars may be applied to your Bellarmine account

balance. Unused BU Dollars remaining on your account will

be forfeited to the University twelve months after your date of

graduation or withdrawal. To monitor your BU Dollars, you

may log onto your one.bellarmine.edu account.

CATERING POLICY

Catering Services are available for departments and student

organizations, as well as for external clients. The on-campus

catering service must be used for any on-campus food purchase

over $250 for which Bellarmine University or student organiza-

tion accounts will be used. Contact the Catering Office at cater-

ing@bellarmine.edu or 502.272.8349 for further information.

DINING SERVICES LOCATIONS

Any questions, comments, or concerns regarding Bellarmine

Dining Services may be addressed to bkeel@bellarmine.edu.

University Dining Hall (UDH)

The University Dining Hall (UDH) offers all-you-care-to- eat

restaurant quality food from the made-to-order stations, the

grill, salad bar, deli station, an allergy friendly station and

more. Featuring a wide variety of fresh food designed to sat-

isfy everyone’s appetite with food choices to rival your favorite

restaurants. The University Dining Hall is in the George G.

Brown Activities Building. This dining service option is avail-

able for all students and accepts all methods of payment. Special

dietary needs are accommodated daily, and specific concerns

are addressed on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Director of

Dining Services for arrangements.

In addition to the University Dining Hall, Bellarmine offers the

following additional dining locations:

Café Ogle

• Located in Centro

•

Offers branded concepts such as Einstein’s Brothers Bagels,

Pizza Hut Express, and more, with food-court style seating

• Hours of Operation may vary with each concept

•

All payment methods accepted. From 1:30 PM through

4:30 PM Monday through Friday, venues will accept meal

plan swipes.

Pasteur Hall

• Located in the Pasteur Hall lobby

• Offers breakfast items, soups, salads, sandwiches, snacks,

and beverages

• Hours of Operation posted at the location

• Meal Swipes are not accepted at this location

Allen Hall

• Located on the first floor of Allen Hall

121

• Offers breakfast items, soups, salads, sandwiches, snacks,

and beverages

• Hours of Operation posted at the location

• Meal swipes are not accepted at this location

Catie’s Café

• Located on the first floor of Siena Primo Residence hall

• Offers coffee, smoothies, snacks, and convenience items

• Open in the evenings

• Meal Swipes are not accepted at this location

The Palio

• Located in Siena Terzo Residence hall

• Offers an a la carte dining experience

• Open during breakfast and Late Knight hours

• Accepts all methods of payment

Knights Pantry

Knights Pantry is a no-cost food pantry providing supplemen-

tal food to Bellarmine students, faculty, and staff and is made

possible through a partnership with Dare to Care. Guests are

welcome to access the pantry as many times as they need and

take whatever they need. Information on use of the pantry is

private and what a guest takes is not tracked.

There are two locations on campus: Centro Treece 225 and

Siena Terzo 117. Both locations are open 24/7, but if the door

is locked call Public Safety at 502.272.777 for entry.

122

Residential Living

Guidelines & Community

Standards

2023 - 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

124

Dear Residence Hall Students:

The Department of Housing and Residence Life is looking forward to welcoming residents to campus for

the 2023-2024 academic year. Living on campus places you at the heart of the Bellarmine community.

The residential living experience here provides you with a quality residence hall experience by creating

a supportive, welcoming and inclusive environment in the halls, that connects you to your peers and the

University. As a member of the residential community, you have the opportunity to become involved

in numerous activities and residential programs, to become friends with many people from a variety of

different backgrounds, and to enrich your academic pursuits at the University.

You also have responsibilities as an involved community member. The Guide to Residential Living

has been developed to aid you in knowing more about the residence hall experience and the expectations

of each community member. By reading and understanding the policies and procedures outlined you

can become a productive member of the community, aiding in the development of a safe and positive

environment. The entire Residence Life staff is here for you throughout your time at Bellarmine. Your

Area Coordinator, Resident Assistant, Spiritual Peer Mentor, Diversity Peer Educator, the Central Office

team, and I look forward to getting to know you and support your success at Bellarmine this upcoming

academic year.

I encourage you to go beyond your comfort zone this year; challenge yourself to grow by experiencing

new ideas and opportunities; be willing to make a difference in your community and spend time getting

to know others in your hall and on campus. I hope that you enjoy your home away from home with us.

Best wishes for an exciting and successful year!

Go Knights!

Lindsey Gilmore, Ph.D.

Director of Housing & Residence Life

Petrik Hall

502.272.7275

lgilmore@bellarmine.edu

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RESIDENCE LIFE MISSION & VISION

The mission of the Department of Housing and Residence Life

is to support the mission of the Division of Student Affairs by

providing a living-learning environment for students that sup-

ports their academic endeavors and fosters the growth of the

whole person. Residence Life promotes student development

by encouraging the student to live cooperatively in community,

demonstrating good citizenship and character, and to become

involved in the activities and leadership opportunities in the

halls. The Residence Life program at Bellarmine University

seeks to educate residents in the ways of community. In keep-

ing with the Catholic tradition of Bellarmine University, the

Residence Life program upholds the fundamental dignity of

each resident. Residents are expected to treat each other with

respect and concern and to be engaged, productive members

of the community.

DIVERSIT Y, EQUIT Y, AND

INCLUSION ACTION STATEMENT

Bellarmine University’s Department of Housing and Residence

Life is central to the social, emotional, and intellectual growth

and development of students. Our commitment focuses on

three tenets: the people residing within our communities, the

environments in which residents live, and the staff that work

with the residents. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and

inclusion goes further than accepting those who are different

from us by working to minimize attitudes, actions, and practices

that may exclude, marginalize, or oppress individuals and work

on facilitating an understanding, recognition, and appreciation

of difference.

Valuing the intrinsic dignity of every person

Rooted in our Catholic tradition and the inclusive spirit of

Thomas Merton we value all individuals of the community as

it is enriched by individuals of different races, colors, creeds,

sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, abilities,

ages, political viewpoints, veteran statuses, ethnicities, and

national origins.

Building welcoming and inclusive environments for all

We strive to develop communities that are inclusive of all

and includes diverse views, people, and experiences as well

as one that is not burdened by discrimination and oppression.

Our hope is to create a space in which students can explore,

discover, and grow.

Hiring, training, and retaining a diverse staff

We are dedicated to recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining

a diverse group of staff members. These staff members will be

able to seek out resources to provide programs, services, and

relationships that enhance student success and development

and allow for critical conversations and reflection regarding

our value of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE

HALL STAFF

Each residential area is staffed with a full-time Area Coordina-

tor , a master-level professional who lives in each residential

area and supervise the Resident Assistants in the buildings.

Each residence hall also has Resident Assistants who are un-

dergraduate students serving in a paraprofessional capacity.

There is a member of our on call team available each night for

emergencies; Additionally, Resident Assistants are on call dur-

ing the weekends, and Resident Assistants sit the desk every

evening from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. when the halls are open. All staff

members of the Department of Housing and Residence Life are

here to address the student population’s needs, maintain a safe

and academically conducive environment, and assist students

in the transition to University life. We encourage all students

to become acquainted with their Resident Assistant, as well as

all Residence Life staff members. The Residence Life Office is

in Petrik Hall and is open Monday through Friday,9:00 a.m..

to 5:00 p.m. with package pick up ending at 7 p.m.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Bellarmine University provides housing to undergraduate and

graduate students without regard to, and does not discriminate

on the basis of, age, color, disability, family responsibilities, fa-

milial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information,

marital status, national origin, personal appearance, political

affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, source of

income, veteran’s status or any other factor prohibited by law

in its educational programs and activities.

The Department of Housing and Residence Life is committed

to finding appropriate housing for students who self-identify as

transgender or gender non-conforming on a case-by-case basis.

126

LIVE ON REQUIREMENT

All full-time students with 88 or less total credit hours must live

in the designated University residence unit or with a local par-

ent/legal guardian (within a 50-mile radius of the University).

Students 22 years of age or older are exempt from this policy.

Exceptions may be made to reasonably accommodate health

concerns, financial concerns, or other special cases, but students

seeking such exceptions must go through the housing exception

process and have prior written approval from the Director of

Housing and Residence Life. If a student does not live either with

a local parent/legal guardian or in the designated University

residence unit and has not applied for an exception and been

approved, the student may be subject to conduct sanctioning

from the University and/or housing fines. Fines equal to half of

the room rate for each semester that the student is in violation

of the live-on requirement may occur

This policy is established on the belief that residential living

provides students with the educational and social foundation

necessary for continued personal and academic growth. All

residential students are required to have a meal plan during

each contract year. Bellarmine provides a meal plan program

that offers flexibility and convenience. The meal plan options

described in the Dining Services Guide allow students to select

a meal plan that best meets their needs. Students may change

their meal plan selection during the first ten days of each se-

mester. Meal plan exception applications must be submitted to

the Residence Life Office prior to the beginning of the semester

for consideration. The Director of Housing and Residence Life

reviews all meal plan exceptions in collaboration with the Direc-

tor of Dining Services. If an exception is granted, the student

will only be refunded as detailed in the housing and meal plan

contract. Please contact the Office of Housing and Residence

Life if you have questions.

FIVE PRINCIPLES OF

COMMUNITY

Community is defined as a body of people living together in

the same place for a common purpose. The Bellarmine com-

munity is defined by the individuals who live within it and by

their relationships with each other. Residence Life strives to

create a positive, learning community in which the individuals

are able to develop their skills, values, and identity. Residence

Life provides the structure for an effective community through

quality programming, meaningful relationships, and leadership

opportunities within the halls. Residence Life also provides

community members the tools to hone their skills as life-long

learners. Each community member has an individual responsi-

bility to contribute to the community to help create a strong,

positive and inclusive community.

Connection

Residents will learn at least one way they can engage with either

their peers, faculty, or staff members.

• Seek out new relationships

• Get involved with campus life

• Participate in authentic conversation

Academics

Residents will learn at least one skill that will aid in their aca-

demic success at Bellarmine.

• Develop and clarify goals

• Gain an understanding of how to achieve goals

• Prioritize academic success

• Engage with faculty outside of class

• Define personal success

• Discover areas of passionate interest

Diversity

Residents will cultivate a growth mindset of openness and be

willing to stretch beyond their biases fears, and comfort levels

while learning about their position to others who are different

than themselves.

• Exploration of self: values & identity

• Interaction with, and appreciate, others who are different

than oneself

• Explore cultures of peers

• Advocate for social change & justice

Civility

Residents will demonstrate care for their community members

or the environment in which they live. Residents will develop

skills they can utilize for the practice of civil discourse through

community conversations.

• Explore how one’s lifestyle contributes to the community

• Appreciate and recognize contributions to community

• Share responsibility for physical and relational community

• Serve and give back to the greater community

Well-being

Residents will learn about at least one of the eight dimensions

of wellness and one way that they can practice that dimension.

• Explore and learn about topics related to well-being

•

Practice good self-care: physically, emotionally, and mentally

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• Develop personal responsibility for safety

These principles inform the work of Residence Life staff

and the areas in which residents should grow and develop by

living in the residence halls. Living on campus provides unique

opportunities for students to develop friendships, engage with

faculty and staff, and experience the numerous campus activi-

ties and resources readily available to them. Academics are a

fundamental priority of the student experience. Furthermore,

during their entire time at Bellarmine, students are exploring,

shaping, and refining their unique identity. Our community

is shaped by the diverse backgrounds and experiences of each

individual member; therefore, learning to understand, re-

spect, and appreciate this diversity enhances overall learning

and development. A shared living environment offers several

opportunities to teach residents about personal responsibility,

how their decisions impact other people, and the obligation

they have as a member of a com- munity. Finally, Residence Life

promotes a safe living-learning environment and concern for

holistic well-being through incorporating the mental, physical,

emotional, and spiritual health needs of students.

RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION

(RHA)

RHA is the organization that represents all students residing in

the residence halls. Its purpose is twofold: RHA plans activities

for all the residence halls and produces policy recommendations

affecting the quality of life in the residence halls by presenting

these suggestions to the Director of Housing and Residence Life.

RHA is an excellent involvement opportunity for any student

living in the residence halls and especially for first-year or trans-

fer students who want to immediately get involved on campus.

RHA consists of an Executive Board of elected officers that

represents all residence halls. The Executive Board positions

are Executive President, Treasurer, Vice President of Engage-

ment, National Communication Coordinator, Upperclassmen

Representatives, First-Year Representatives, and NRHH Presi-

dent, The Executive Board meets weekly. All residents of the

halls are members of the RHA and are welcome to voice their

opinions at the RHA meetings.

One way to become involved is to attend the RHA meetings.

Ask Resident Assistants for meeting location and time. Another

excellent way to become engaged is to run for a position as a

Hall Delegate. Elections will be held early in the fall semester.

Delegates are entrusted as leaders of residential students by

serving not only as a voice for residential students but also as

promoters of the Residence Life program. The qualities of a

good RHA Hall Delegate are organizational skills, a strong work

ethic, the willingness to pitch in, self-motivation and initiative,

and the ability to plan, manage, and follow through with RHA

activities and events.

RECREATIONAL GAMES &

OTHER ITEMS

Equipment is provided by the Residence Hall Association and

Residence Life. The following items are available for checkout

from the Residence Life staff members at the front desk area of

all buildings, Monday - Friday, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Ideas

for new purchases can be shared at RHA meetings.

• Assorted sports equipment

• Pool, Ping Pong, Foosball and Air Hockey equipment

• Vacuums

SAFETY TIPS

Your safety is very important to us. Personal safety often requires

no more skill than common sense. Do not take your personal

safety lightly and remember to use your common sense in all

situations. The following are some commonsense steps that a

residential student can take toward personal safety:

•

Always be alert to your environment. Personal safety begins

with taking notice of your surroundings and responding

appropriately to them.

• When walking around campus in the evenings, or at times

when there are fewer people on campus, travel in pairs or

utilize the Campus Escort Service by contacting the Office

of Public Safety at 502.272.7777. Be sure to use well-lit

paths and sidewalks.

• Never allow anyone into the residence halls who is not a

resident.

• Keep your residence hall room locked at all times and do

not give your keys to anyone.

• Take photos or engrave your valuables with your name so

that they are easily identified if stolen.

•

The University is not responsible for damage or loss of

property, so residents are encouraged to purchase renter’s

insurance for emergencies.

•

Do not prop open any doors or windows to buildings.

Also, be sure to report any broken latches, missing screens,

or other facility concerns immediately to Residence Life

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and Facilities through School Dude (online maintenance

request system).

•

When using the internet and/or social media, do not make

arrangements to have people you meet online visit you or for

you to visit them. If you choose to meet, do so in a public

place and inform someone of the meeting. If you receive

threatening or inappropriate emails save them and report

them immediately to Residence Life and Public Safety.

•

Report any strangers on campus or in the residence halls who

you feel are suspicious to Public Safety and Residence Life.

• Report any crimes or violence immediately to Residence

Life and Public Safety.

•

If you are staying in the residence halls during a break period

(before/after/during a semester) be sure to register with the

Residence Life Office and seek permission to be in the halls.

• Do not overextend the usage of your electrical outlets in

your residence hall room.

•

When cooking be sure to stay in the area of the food prepa-

ration to attend to any concerns that might arise.

• Keep a flashlight and a small first aid kit in your residence

hall room in case of an emergency.

• Know your emergency exits from the residence hall and

vacate the hall each time you hear the fire alarm, unless

instructed by the Residence Life Office to do otherwise.

•

Talk to your roommate or suitemates about guests and other

topics. The Residence Life Office encourages the use of the

Roommate/Suitemate Agreement.

•

Inform family or friends if you have plans to be out of town

for an extended time so that they do not needlessly worry.

•

Carry your student I.D. or another form of photo I.D. with

you at all times.

•

If a medical emergency arises contact your Resident As-

sistant or Public Safety. University staff members cannot

transport you, but they can assist with making phone calls

to family members or for medical assistance.

• Alcohol and drug use is against Residence Life policy and

can also place your health in danger. If you ever suspect that

you, or a friend, are at risk of being ill as a result of drug or

alcohol use, do not worry about “getting in trouble”; contact

Residence Life and Public Safety immediately for assistance.

See Medical Amnesty Policy in the Student Handbook.

•

Be knowledgeable of residence hall and University policies

and procedures and adhere to them. Attending residence hall

meetings will increase your awareness of these procedures

and any changes that are forthcoming.

• Park in designated parking areas with your parking pass in

the appropriate location to avoid tickets or damage to your

vehicle. Also, keep your car locked and always secured. Do

not leave keys or valuables in your car; if necessary, store

them in the trunk or take them to your room.

•

Report any threatening or harassing behavior to Residence

Life and Public Safety. Report any vandalism or theft to

Public Safety immediately.

•

Introduce yourself to your Resident Assistant and seek them

or the Residence Life Office for information or concerns.

RESIDENCE HALL AMENITIES &

SERVICES

Bulletin Boards and Notices

Throughout the year, notices containing information pertinent

to residential students are posted in the high traffic areas and via

email. Students are responsible for reading and understanding

these notices. Posters must be approved through the Student

Activities Office for all RSOs and programs. The Residence

Life Office must approve any other postings. All posters will

be posted by Residence Life Staff including all posters approved

by the Student Activities Center. Postings are not permitted on

glass entrance doors. RAs are given dry erase boards for their

use to provide information for residents.

Computer Labs

The computer labs, located in the halls. The labs are equipped

with computers and printers, plus lap-top access. All residence

hall rooms have either wired or wireless access to Internet..

Accessibility Resources/Accommodations

Bellarmine University is committed to achieving equal edu-

cational opportunities and full participation for persons with

disabilities. It is the University’s policy that no eligible person

be excluded from participating in any University program or

activity, be denied the benefits of any University program or

activities, or otherwise be subject to discrimination with regard

to any University program or activity. A student must be regis-

tered with the Accessibility Resource Center, and the staff must

recommend any reasonable accommodations for housing. Once

the department receives an accommodation letter from ARC, all

reasonable attempts will be made to meet the accommodation(s).

Mail Delivery Service

The University provides mail service for residents. The resident

will receive a campus mailbox number and combination or key

during the residence hall check-in process. If a student does

not receive a combination or key to a campus mailbox it is the

student’s responsibility to contact their Area Coordinator. Mail

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is distributed to residents’ mailboxes daily; and it is the resident’s

responsibility to check the mailbox regularly. All packages are

logged, and an email message is sent out to residents when

their package is ready for pick-up. Mail and packages should be

addressed as follow:

Name

Bellarmine University

Residence Hall Name and Room Number

Campus Box #

2001 Newburg Road

Louisville, KY 40205

The Residence Life Office can track packages that come to

our office from the University mailroom; however, we cannot

track any mail (envelopes, cards, etc) from USPS. We recom-

mend never sending cash through regular mail; all valuables

and/or gifts should be sent in the form of a package.

Outgoing mail can be taken to the mailroom on the ground

floor of Centro.

Please Note: The Residence Life Office does not forward

mail during University holidays, semester break, or over the

summer. Residents need to contact individual businesses (e.g.,

banks, credit card companies/stores, magazine/newspaper

subscriptions, etc.) to inform them of the new address. The

U.S. Postal Service Mail Forwarding kits cannot be used to

forward student mail because the resident’s address is the same

as the entire University’s address.

Roommate and Suitemate Agreement

The Roommate Agreement is a tool to help you and your

roommate(s) to get to know each other and to establish spe-

cific guidelines/expectations for your room, its use, and your

belongings. It is important to complete the Agreement in detail

to avoid possible conflicts that might arise during the year. The

Roommate Agreement should be returned to your RA. Your

RA will keep the Agreement on file, and they may use it in

assisting with the resolution of roommate conflicts, if needed.

At any time, you and your roommate(s) may make changes to

the Agreement. If you reside in a suite-style room, there is also

a suitemate agreement that can be completed.

Evacuation Assistance

It is the policy of the University to provide accessible places for

students to live and study, with appropriate safety and security

measures in place. During fire alarms and other emergencies,

alarms and flashing lights, which are located throughout the

residential facilities, will alert students of potential and/or im-

minent danger. In addition, public address systems will be used

when possible. Smoke detectors are in all residential rooms and

public areas, and sprinkler systems are located in all residence

halls. Local authorities and staff make every attempt to assist

persons with disabilities who may require assistance evacuating

a building during an emergency. The staff have been trained to

follow the Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities procedures,

as outlined in the Student Handbook. The Residence Life and

Public Safety staffs will maintain a list of the students who may

need assistance and their room assignments. This information

will be shared with external rescue personnel if needed. It is

the responsibility of the student to inform the Residence Life

Office or the Accessibility Resource Center if evacuation as-

sistance will be needed.

Students have the opportunity to provide this information

at the time of submitting an application or may contact the

Residence Life Office or the Accessibility Resource Center at

any time during the year to request assistance.

Recreation

Recreational areas are located in all the residence halls. Resi-

dents may check out equipment with their Bellarmine ID. Game

rooms are subject to all residence hall and University policies.

Kitchen Facilities

All halls (except Petrik Hall) have full common kitchens with

a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, sink, and eating area.

Halls also have common areas with ice machines and vending.

Residents have the responsibility to clean the common kitchen

and appliances after each use. Cleaning supplies will be supplied

in each area. Petrik Hall has a kitchenette in every suite with a

full-size refrigerator, stove, and microwave. It is the resident’s

responsibility to keep the kitchenettes clean.

Each student is responsible for providing their own cooking

and eating utensils. However RHA will provide a set of pots,

pans, and cooking utensils at the beginning of each year. Knives

are allowed in the residence halls as long as they are used for

and designed for cooking purposes (i.e., a paring knife). ALL

other blades are a violation of the Student Code of Conduct

and Weapons policy.

Common courtesy requires that residents clean up after

themselves in the kitchen. For health and safety reasons, the

kitchen cabinets or drawers may not be locked at any time. If

you have concerns about securing your food and utensils, keep

them in your room.

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Laundry Facilities

Laundry machines are located in all of the halls and laundry

service is a free amenity to all residential students. Check out

information in the laundry room about the smartphone app that

is available to monitor wash and dry cycles.

Loan Keys

Students who are locked out of their room may gain access by

contacting the RA sitting desk (7:00 p.m. - midnight –every

day), the RA on duty (weekends 8:00 a.m. – midnight), the

Residence Life Office 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Monday through

Friday) or Public Safety (mid- night - 8:00 a.m. weekdays and

weekends). The staff members will only key individuals into their

room after verifying their identity through their BU ID or ID

number and documenting the loan key/key-in with appropriate

paperwork. If a resident is issued a loan key, the student must

bring the key back to the front desk of their building within

48 hours or a lock change will be ordered at the expense of the

student. The student will be assessed $130 for a lock change

to cover the expense of one new core and three new keys. Any

additional keys needed for the room will be an extra charge of

$25 per key. Effective the first week of classes, the first loan

key/key- in will be courtesy, but any subsequent loan key/key-

in from that point forward will have a $5 charge per incident

billed to their student account.

Missing Student Policy

Bellarmine University takes student safety very seriously. To

this end, we have developed policies and procedures to assist in

locating missing Bellarmine residential students. Individuals who

believe a residential student to be missing should contact Public

Safety at 502.272.7777 to complete a missing person report.

Upon notification that a student is missing, Public Safety will

conduct an investigation to confirm that the student is missing

and determine when they were last seen. When a student has

been determined to be missing for 24 hours or more the student’s

designated contact person will be notified by the Vice President

for Student Affairs or a designee. The designated contact person

is confidential. If the student does not have a designated contact

person, the local Police Department will be contacted by the

Office of Public Safety and Transportation no later than 24 hrs

after the student has been determined missing. Students who

are under 18 years of age will have their parents or guardians

notified by the Vice President of Student Affairs or a designee

that they are missing. Residence Life asks for the name of an

emergency contact person for all residential students.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are a responsibility shared by the entire

University community, including every student. Residential

students have special responsibilities to keep room and entrance

doors locked at all times, to lock windows when out of the room,

and to deny entrance to any building or room by unauthorized

individuals. Residents should immediately notify the Residence

Life staff in the building and the Office of Public Safety of any

suspicious person or other emergencies in a building.

A Public Safety Officer provides security coverage through

regular rounds in the residence halls. The officer will patrol

the buildings, identifying and addressing safety, security, and

behavioral problems. The Public Safety Officers work in con-

junction with the Residence Life staff members.

Residents are expected to give full cooperation to Public Safety

by complying with the security procedures and cooperating with

Public Safety personnel. Propped doors (non-residential room

doors) will result in disciplinary action. Student Conduct sanc-

tions will be imposed on any student who tampers with room

or building doors, fire alarms or detection equipment, security

cameras, or the emergency telephones (blue poles with lights).

If you find your vehicle has been damaged by an accident,

hit and run, or vandalism, notify the Office of Public Safety at

once. An officer will respond and take a report. A police report

is necessary to satisfy most insurance company requirements.

The University is not responsible for damage to a student’s car.

Study Rooms

The study rooms that are available are open 24 hours per day.

These rooms are for study or reading purposes only and cannot

be reserved for group/organization use.

Telephone Services

Residents who need local land line phone service may request

installation of the service by submitting an application to the

Department of Housing and Residence Life. Activation will be

based on the individual application submitted and will be at no

cost to the student. Students with room activation are respon-

sible for providing their own telephones. Cordless telephones

2.4 ghz or larger cannot be used in the residence halls due to

potential interference with the wireless network.

So that adequate phone service will be available for personal

or emergency use, students will have access to “public phones”

in residence hall lobbies and Resident Assistants will be provided

with a land line phone in their rooms.

Students residing in 1816 Norris Place apartments will

automatically have local telephone service.

Television Lounges

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Each residence hall is equipped with a TV connected to campus

cable. Use of gaming consoles, laptops, and streaming devices

should be used in common areas with community consent and

with regards to others.

Vacuum Cleaners

All residents may check out a vacuum cleaner from their front

desk 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. A student’s Bellarmine I.D. card

is required to check out a vacuum. Residents will be held fi-

nancially responsible for damages to equipment.

RESIDENCE HALL PROCEDURES

Check-In and Check-Out

A student moving into the residence halls is responsible for

completing an online room inspection. We define a room as an

enclosed space with a lock and a door. Common or suite lounges

are not considered rooms. The room inspection information can

be found in the Housing Portal and used for assessing damages

when a student changes rooms or exits the halls. Students are

asked to review and accept their room inspection in the Housing

Portal within 48 hours of their arrival on campus. Residents

must also complete the RCR upon checking in or out of the halls.

All furniture must remain in the room and be returned to its’

original arrangement, damages should be reported, the room

cleaned, keys returned, and the check-out process completed

prior to the student vacating the room. Fail- ure to complete

the check-in or check-out process properly will result in fees to

your student account. Students must return keys to a Residence

Life staff member prior to checking out of a hall permanently.

Keys not returned to a staff member will result in an improper

check out fee and a charge for a lock change.

Consolidation Process

A consolidation process is utilized by the Residence Life Office

to maximize the space in the residence halls and open rooms

for new assignments. The consolidation process occurs during

the beginning of each semester. The Residence Hall Contract

states that the University reserves the right to require a student

to share a room with a roommate. The consolidation process

is as follows:

1. All residents who do not have a roommate, a single room

upgrade, or accommodation will be contacted by the Resi-

dence Life Office and notified of the consolidation process

in writing.

2. Residents without roommates will be given the following

options:

a. Be consolidated with another resident on their cur-

rent f loor.

b. Choose a roommate and complete the room change

process.

Take their current room as a single (at the private

room rate) if space is available.

4. All moves will be completed by the end of the fourth week

of each semester.

5. In general, a resident who is the last single person on their

floor is not required to consolidate to a different floor.

However, the Residence Life Office reserves that option if

there is a need for space within the residence halls. Students

who lose their roommate and do not move must reside on

only one half of the room and the room must be prepared

to accept a new roommate at any time.

Hall Closings

The residence halls close for Thanksgiving Break and Spring

Break at 8:00 p.m. on the last day of classes prior to each break.

Any changes to this schedule will be announced to residents no

later than 2 weeks prior to closing. At the end of the Fall and

Spring Semesters, the halls close the Friday exams are complete

at 12:00 p.m. Students are asked to leave the halls no later than

24 hours after their last scheduled exam or at the final hall closing

time, whichever comes first. Your RA will provide information

about required check out procedures. Students who do not check

out appropriately or vacate their rooms within the stated time

frame may be assessed a fee. Residents found in the halls while

they are closed are subject to University conduct sanctions. It

is important that students remove items they may need during

the hall closing period.

You can apply for an exception during each break to remain

on campus in the event of extenuating circumstances. Excep-

tion information will be sent out at least two weeks prior to

each break. Some breaks may require a nightly fee. Consult all

notices that are posted during these times for more information.

Room Assignments

The established guidelines for obtaining housing are published

by the Residence Life Office in the spring semester. It is the

student’s responsibility to obtain the necessary forms and fol-

low all instructions carefully. Room assignment is contingent

upon the receipt or the completed application/contract and

class enrollment. A room is defined as a space with a door that

locks. Common areas are not considered room space and can-

not be assigned.

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Room Assignments for Students with ARC Accom-

modations

On-campus residence hall accommodations are available for

students with disabilities. Adaptive housing space is limited,

and spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis when

Residence Life is contacted by the Accessibility Resource Center.

It is the responsibility of the student to register with the Ac-

cessibility Resource Center by filling out the accommodation

application and submitting the appropriate documentation. The

Accessibility Resource Center and the Residence Life Office

will respond to requests for appropriate and reasonable housing

accommodations in a timely manner.

If a student or the student’s parents or advocate believe that

the University’s policy or the student’s housing assignment

does not reasonably accommodate the student’s disability or

endangers the student’s safety or health, they may file an appeal.

The appeal must be in writing and filed with the Director of

Residence Life within 15 days of the assignment. If the student is

not satisfied with the response of the Residence Life senior staff

member, the student may request a review by the Appeals Com-

mittee within seven calendar days after receipt of the decision

by the Residence Life officer. The Appeals Committee shall be

comprised of the Director of the Accessibility Resource Center

(Chair), the Director of Public Safety, the Director of Health

Services, and the Assistant Director of Facilities Management.

The Dean of Students and Residence Life Office will forward

the appeal. The Appeals Committee shall notify the student in

writing of its decision within ten working days after the appeal

is received. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final

and not subject to further review. Specially adapted rooms for

ADA students are located in Petrik, Anniversary, Siena Terzo,

and Siena Quarto halls.

Room Changes

Room changes may occur during the designated room change

period set by Housing and Residence Life. After first discussing

the matter with the roommate(s), a student wishing to change

rooms should notify their Area Coordinator. Residents request-

ing a different roommate must be willing to move to another

room. The resident not requesting a change has a right to stay

where they are. Room changes should be through the appropri-

ate form for the benefit of all parties involved. All roommates

must go through the roommate mediation process with their

Resident Assistant or Area Coordinator before a decision will

be made about a room change unless it is during open room

change (generally in January)

Any student who changes rooms without prior approval from

the professional staff in Housing and Residence Life may be

subject to disciplinary action and must move back to the origi-

nal room. A roommate responsible for creating a conflict, as a

result of inconsiderate behavior or harassment, will be subject

to disciplinary action and a possible mandatory room change. If

a mandatory room change results in the offender having a private

room, they will either need to consolidate with another single

occupant or be charged the full private room rate.

Security Cameras and Equipment

Tampering with security cameras or other equipment dedicated

to the safety of the residential community may result in immedi-

ate dismissal from the residential system and potentially from

the University. Student(s) found responsible for the vandalism

or tampering will be charged for the costs of repairs, parts, and

labor of the equipment in addition to potential conduct fines.

COMMUNITY STANDARDS

An environment conducive to learning, living, and growing re-

quires an atmosphere of cooperation among residents and respect

for self, others, and property. Community Standards help to

ensure a positive community in the residence halls. While the

Residence Life staff assumes some responsibility for educating

residents about community standards and implementation of

them, ultimate responsibility for knowing and complying with

the information in this handbook lies with each resident. Living

in a residence hall is a privilege and requires residents to exercise

good judgment and self-discipline by taking responsibility for their

decisions and behavior. By allowing the existence of behaviors

or items that violate housing and residence life policies and/or

the Bellarmine Code of Conduct, students have demonstrated an

implied consent for the violation and thus may be equally charged

and sanctioned for the violation. In addition, students may be

considered in violation if they fail to remove themselves from

the violation and/or fail to report it. Students who choose not

to respect the established standards may be subject to conduct

action and may be asked to leave the community.

Students must also comply with the terms of the Residence

Hall Contract, the Community Standards, and the University’s

Code of Conduct. The Department of Housing and Residence

Life and the University reserve the right to add or change policies.

Alcohol

The University’s alcohol policy is consistent with Kentucky

State Law prohibiting the consumption and serving of alcoholic

beverages by and to individuals who are under 21 years old. In-

dividuals who are of legal drinking age and choose to consume

133

alcohol must do so in a responsible manner. Consumption on

campus by individuals of age is for individual consumption.

To discourage mass consumption of alcohol, the University

restricts the amount of alcohol one person may possess as part

of the alcohol policy. Alcohol quantities are limited to a 6-pack

of 12 oz. individual servings of beer, a 750ml bottle of wine,

or a pint of liquor.

Distribution of alcoholic beverages, drinking in public, public

intoxication, abuse (requiring medical attention, passing out,

vomiting, loss of memory or hospitalization), manufacturing

alcohol, possessing consumption devices (bongs/funnels) and

mass containers (kegs/mixed alcohol from a common source

outside of its original packaging) are not permitted. This in-

cludes common areas (main lounges, laundry rooms, study

lounges, etc.) suites, rooms, lawns, courtyards, parking lots,

stairs and elevators.

Residents may not display alcohol containers (e.g., beer can

pyramids, windowsill displays, etc.) regardless of the person’s

age. Empty containers and/or packaging (cans, bottle, kegs,

beer bongs, cardboard cartons, etc.) will be viewed as evidence

of possession and/or consumption of alcohol. Residents are

not allowed to use alcohol containers whether full or empty as

decorations within their residence hall room.

Substance Free Areas: Residents may choose to designate a

room as a substance-free living environment. All residents have

contractually agreed not to possess or use alcohol, illegal drugs,

or tobacco products of any kind in those areas.

Appliances

Limitations are imposed on electrical appliances because of fire

safety concerns. Acceptable appliances include: iron, radio,

stereo, TV, study lamp, video game console, electric razor, hair

appliances, personal computer and DVD player. Small coffee

pots and hot air corn poppers with an automatic cutoff element

and enclosed heating unit are permitted, provided they do not

exceed 5000 watts or 120 volts. Hot plates, electric grills, air

fryers, space heaters, candle warmers and other open-element

electrical appliances are not permitted in the residence halls.

In addition, halogen lamps are not allowed in the residence

halls for safety reasons. Prohibited electrical equipment will be

confiscated and returned at semester break.

Bicycles

Bicycles are not permitted to be kept in lounges or hallways,

and should not block building exits, stairways, or hallways. It

is recommended that bicycles be kept locked in the outdoor

bicycle rack provided and the bicycle’s serial number be included

on your registry of personal items. We ask that all residential

students register their bikes with their Area Coordinator within

the first 10 days of each semester. The University assumes no

responsibility for bicycles that are stolen, lost, or damaged while

on University property. Bicycles that are in unauthorized areas

will be removed. If a lock must be cut to remove the bicycle,

the student assumes responsibility for its replacement.

Building Safety

Any attempt to compromise the University security systems,

access an unauthorized area, replicate University keys, and/

or any behavior that is perceived to be a widespread threat to

the safety of others is prohibited. Other safety and security re-

strictions include but are not limited to tampering with entry/

exit doors locking systems, accessing attics and roofs and/or

posting campus threats. Residents are not allowed to throw

objects into or out of windows or off balconies. Not only does

this act increase the litter around the buildings, it also causes

undue danger to residents and people passing by. Windows and

balconies are not to be used for drying purposes, as entrances

to rooms, or for coolers.

Propping doors is also a building safety issue. Propping doors

imposes a security risk for all people within the community.

This includes outside entrance doors to a building, room doors,

bathroom doors, or any other doors within a building as well

as tampering with the locking mechanism. Any student found

propping a door or entering in the building through a propped

door may be subject to disciplinary action. Door propping

also includes taping or otherwise interfering with the locking

mechanism on any door, so that it does not lock or latch. Bed-

room doorstops are permissible when a resident is present in

their room. Hanging items from or displaying items (i.e. flags,

signs, marketing materials) in windows which are visible from

the exterior of the building is also prohibited.

Hallways, lobbies, and lounges are not to be used as recre-

ational areas. Any hall sport can be dangerous to other persons

and can result in damage to the residence halls. The noise and

obstructions may also negatively impact the community. There-

fore, sports and recreation activities (including food fights, water

fights, rollerblading, skateboarding, bike riding, football, etc.)

are prohibited in the residence halls.

Bunk/Loft Beds

Kennedy, Newman, and the Siena Complex have factory made

“bunkable” beds. Beds may be used as bunk beds if residents

insert metal dowels in the beds. These metal dowels may be

obtained from the Residence Life Office. Also, residents of

these buildings may raise their beds up to one foot (12 inches),

to accommodate the storage of boxes, etc. Bunk beds may not

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be raised. Students may loft their own beds at their own risk.

The University is not responsible for non-University loft beds;

and may request a university loft kit at the beginning of each

semester using the designated form.

Confiscation

Residence Life staff members have the right to confiscate any item

deemed inappropriate, causing disturbance to the community,

or in direct violation of a University or Residence Life Policy.

Certain items may be kept and returned at semester break so

that items can be removed from campus.

Drugs

Refer to the Policy on Alcohol and Illicit Drugs in Student

Handbook.

Escort Policy

All guests, whether residents or not, must be escorted by the

resident host at all times. Residents are responsible for the

behavior of their guests at all times. Disruptive behavior from

guests during visitation may result in loss of visitation privileges.

Building Entrance Phones

Building entrance phones are located at or near (when avail-

able) the main entrance of the residence halls for convenience

to guests and security of residents. The guest must wait to be

admitted to the residence hall by their host.

It is imperative that residents of the hall not admit individuals

waiting outside or knocking on the entrance doors. Those indi-

viduals waiting will be admitted and escorted by their host. In

addition, entrance doors may not be propped open. This policy

is to help to ensure the safety of residents and the security of

their belongings. Admitting persons who are not a resident’s

guest presents a potentially dangerous situation. Residents who

admit individuals, other than their own guests, or who prop the

entrance door, will be subject to disciplinary action. For your

safety, please admit only your guests and escort them.

Explosives

Community values and safety require that explosives, fireworks,

firecrackers, highly flammable materials, and dangerous chemicals

be prohibited on campus. Such explosives will be confiscated,

and individuals will be subject to student conduct sanctioning.

Extension Cords

If extension cords are used, they must be UL (Underwriters

Laboratory) approved and “heavy duty.” The University rec-

ommends the use of surge protectors. Residence Life and the

University do not assume liability for damage caused by electrical

surges that occur periodically.

Fire Safety

Fire safety equipment, such as fire doors, fire alarms, and fire

extinguishers, are present to protect lives and property. Tam-

pering with such equipment is extremely dangerous and will

not be tolerated. Tampering with fire extinguishers and /or fire

alarms, and lighting material may result in dismissal from the

residence halls. Tampering with other fire safety equipment,

including damaging smoke detectors, is prohibited and results

in a disciplinary action. Smoke detectors are checked periodi-

cally to ensure proper functioning. Setting an unauthorized fire

is prohibited. For safety reasons, burning candles (including

candle warmers), incense and smoking/vaping are not allowed

in the residence halls for any purpose. If a student sees a fire,

they should report it to 911 immediately.

Harassment/Offensive Behavior

All students and University employees are to be treated with

respect. Abusive language, including but not limited to profan-

ity, threats, racist or degrading language, remarks, “jokes,”

unwanted physical contact, or inappropriate sexual language,

gestures, or activity are considered harassment and/or offensive

behavior. Such behavior degrades the dignity due to all persons

and will be considered violations of both Residence Hall and

University policies. Also refer to the Sexual Discrimination &

Misconduct policy in the Student Handbook.

Harmful Behavior

Behavior that places self or others in harm or potential danger

is prohibited.

Keys/Student IDs

Students will be issued the appropriate keys and or Student ID

to their assignment upon arrival at the residence halls. It is a

student’s responsibility to carry their key and/or ID at all times.

Students are not allowed to hand out or lend their keys and/or

ID to anyone at any time. Students must return keys to the hall

staff when they move out of a room. Credit will not be given

for keys returned after the check-out date.

Lost keys and/or IDs must be reported to the Residence Life

Office. A charge of $130.00 will be assessed for each lost key.

When a key is lost, the appropriate lock(s) will be changed and

card swipe systems will be reprogrammed. All new keys and/or

IDs will be issued to the residents. Students found with duplicate

keys or ID cards may be subject to disciplinary action and a fine.

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Needle/Syringe Disposal

For the health and safety of all residents and staff, students who

use needles, syringes and/or finger prick devices must use an

approved sharps container for disposal. These items cannot be

disposed of in any building trash container or dumpster. Students

are responsible for providing their own sharps container. If any

student needs assistance with disposal of these items, please

contact the Office of Health Services at 502.272.8313.

Non-Compliance

All students and their guests are to cooperate with any reasonable

request or sanction from a University staff member, including

student staff members. Failure to comply will result in conduct

sanctioning. Guests who fail to comply will be asked to leave the

residential community immediately and will be banned until

their student conduct hearing.

Offensive Materials/Displays

The Residence Life staff members encourage all residents to be

sensitive to our diverse population and to visitors to the halls.

Offensive materials externally posted or that can be viewed

from outside the room (e.g., through a door or window) are

not permitted. University officials will deem appropriateness

of materials and take necessary action. Inappropriate items may

not be displayed on the outside of bedroom doors and Residence

Life staff members may request items be removed. Please see

the University Posting Policy.

Overnight Guests & Host Responsibility

Overnight guests should not cohabitate with a resident at any

time. Cohabitation exists when a person who is not assigned to

a particular residence hall room or apartment uses that room

or apartment as if they were living there. Cohabitation includes

but is not limited to:

• Accessing the room or apartment while the assigned resi-

dents are not present

•

Utilizing a key or ID to enter a room or apartment to which

one is not assigned

• Keeping clothing or other personal belongings in the resi-

dence hall room or apartment

•

Sleeping overnight in the room/apartment on a regular basis

• Using the bathroom and shower facilities as if one lives in

the room/apartment

When a guest’s continual presence hinders a roommate’s

ability to study, sleep, and/or occupy their room, this will be

considered a violation of the policy as well.

All guests are required to observe Residence Life and Uni-

versity policies. The host is responsible for the guest’s behavior

and assumes this responsibility by informing the guest of the

Residence Life and University policies. If guests violate Residence

Life or University policies, the guest and host are responsible.

The host must accompany the guest at all times in the residence

hall. A guest must show a valid picture ID card and Overnight

Pass when asked by Public Safety officers or Residence Life staff.

Pets

Residents may have certain types of fish (tropical fish/goldfish),

aquatic frogs that can survive under water in their residence hall

rooms. Animals should be maintained in tanks of 10 gallons

or less. There is a limit of no more than 2 tanks per residence

hall room. Tanks should be maintained and cleaned routinely

for the health of the animals. Animals should be taken home

during holidays and breaks for their safety; failure to do so may

result in the resident partaking in the student conduct process.

All other animals are prohibited unless they are approved service

or emotional support animals as documented by the Accessibility

Resource Center and Residence Life.

Physical Contact/Use of Force

Physical contact/use of force against any person will not be

tolerated. Residents and employees of the University are en-

titled to be free of intimidation, fear, or the threat of physical

contact or the use of force. Violations of this policy could result

in disciplinary action.

Quiet Hours/Noise

There is to be an environment conducive to study in the resi-

dence halls at all times of the day and night. Therefore, we have

a 24-hour Consideration Policy. The 24-Hour Consideration

Policy means that residents should monitor their noise levels at

all times, giving consideration to other residents. Quiet hours

are as follows:

Sunday – Thursday 11:00 p.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Friday – Saturday 2:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

The Quiet Hours policy will be further restricted during

the week of final exams. Violations of 24-Hour Quiet Hours

during final exams may result in the immediate suspen- sion

from the hall for the duration of the exam week (including Study

Day). Stereos are not to be aimed out windows or played with

the student’s door open.

Refrigerators/Microwaves

Housing and Residence Life provides UL approved mini refrig-

erators and approved wattage microwaves in each room. Quads

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will have two microwaves and two refrigerators. Students may

not bring their own microwave or fridge unless they have writ-

ten approval from Residence Life professional staff.

Approved resident-owned refrigerators must be UL (Under-

writers Laboratory) approved and no larger than 3.2 cubic feet

(not to exceed 120 volts). Approved resident-owned microwaves

cannot exceed 700 watts (not to exceed 120 volts). Microwaves

exceeding this limit or the designated number per room/suite

will be confiscated for the remainder of the semester and

residents will be subject to the student conduct process. The

Department of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right

to change or amend this policy should the electrical systems of

the halls not be sufficient to withstand the use of microwaves.

Room Entry and Search

When a staff member seeks access to a student’s room to de-

termine compliance with applicable policies or for inspections

for improvements and repairs, the occupant will be notified

of such action in advance when feasible. There may be entry

without notice in emergencies or when imminent danger to

life, safety, health, or property is reasonably feared. Residence

Life staff and Public Safety have the right to enter a resident’s

room when requests to open the door have been ignored or de-

nied. The University may conduct a search of a student’s room

without consent to determine compliance with federal, state,

or local law, as well as University rules and regulations, when

there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred

or is taking place. “Probable cause” exists when the facts and

circumstances within the knowledge of the institution, and of

which it has reasonably trustworthy information, are sufficient

to cause a person of reasonable caution to believe that an offense

has been or is being committed. University officials will make

a reasonable effort to seek permission from residents for a con-

sensual search as well as ask residents to produce any items that

may be in violation with University and residence hall policies

prior to conducting a conduct search. A consensual search allows

residents to be forthcoming with officials about any violations

that have occurred in the residence halls and will help expedite

the process. Cooperation with officials will be noted in conduct

records. University officials will respect resident’s belongings

and treat them with care when conducting any search. Conduct

searches may be conducted when drugs, alcohol, or weapons/

explosives are suspected to be in a residence hall.

Sledding and Other Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities are encouraged in the play fields located on

Newburg Road or in the University Quad. Sledding and skate-

boarding are not allowed on any campus property.

Smoke Free Environment

All residence halls are tobacco and smoke-free. No smoking is

allowed anywhere within the residence halls. Students found

smoking inside the residence halls may be subject to conduct

sanctioning. Tobacco use is not permitted in any University

building, on campus property, or University owned vehicles.

Tobacco products in use mean all forms of tobacco including but

not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookahs),

electronic cigarettes/vapes, and smokeless tobacco products.

Solicitation

No solicitors, salespeople, or agents, whether students or not, are

permitted to personally contact students in the residence halls

for commercial purposes except when contracted by the Uni-

versity or Department of Housing and Residence Life. Students

are not permitted to go door-to-door for promotional reasons

unless approved by the Director of Housing and Residence Life

and/or their designee. If you have received sales solicitations

or promotional information by phone, mail, door-to-door, or

on your vehicle’s windshield, please inform the Residence Life

Office. Additionally, students are not allowed to use their rooms

for commercial purposes.

Theft

Each year students lose money, clothing, and valuables from

rooms left unoccupied with the door unlocked or the windows

open. The University is not responsible for any loss or damage

due to theft, fire, vandalism, accident, or student negligence; the

University does not provide insurance for your personal property.

Students are encouraged to inventory all personal belongings and

to record serial numbers when possible. Residents are strongly

advised to have their parents’ homeowner’s insurance cover their

personal property at school or to obtain renter’s insurance. In

the event of theft, immediately advise your RA/Residence Life

and Public Safety. If a lock is not working properly, report it

to the Residence Life Office or if after hours, the RA at desk/

on-call or Public Safety. Students are expected to refrain from

taking others’ belongings without their permission.

University Property

Unauthorized possession of University property will be con-

sidered theft. If students are found with University property,

a disciplinary fine may be assessed for each individual item in

addition to the student being processed through the student

conduct system.

Vandalism

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Vandalism to any building, University property, or others’ per-

sonal property is forbidden. Residents are encouraged to report

vandalism. When the responsible person(s) is not identified

regarding vandalism of University property/building vandalism,

all residents of that area maybe assessed to cover the repairs.

The responsible community will be determined by the Director

of Housing and Residence Life.

Sanctions for those responsible for the vandalism may include

restitution of property damage, disciplinary action, and possible

expulsion from the halls or the University. More information

regarding damage charges are found below under the ‘damage

charges’ section.

Visitation

In all co-ed halls (Anniversary, Petrik, Siena Quarto, and Siena

Terzo, 1816 Norris Place), “in-hall visitation” (students living in

the same halls visiting each other) and guests from outside the

hall are permitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In community bath style halls, same floor visitation is per-

mitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Guests from other floors,

other buildings or outside the halls are allowed from 10:00

a.m. – 2:00 a.m. each day.

All visitors are expected to abide by Residence Life policies

and must be accompanied by their resident host while in the

halls. Visitation may be restricted during breaks or when the

halls are closed.

FACILITIES

The facilities management staff has made, and continues to

make, renovations and preventative maintenance. The guide-

lines below regarding damages, decorations, elevator use, pest

extermination, housekeeping services, inspections, painting, and

general maintenance have been established to reduce necessary

and costly repairs. Each student is responsible for the care and

cleaning of their room/suite. The room and furnishings must

be kept in clean and orderly condition and remain in the room

at all times. It is expected that students will be considerate of

University property.

Damage Charges

The University holds each student accountable and responsible

for damage to University property beyond normal wear and

tear. Breakage or marring of furniture; defacing of walls, ceil-

ings, carpets; use of nails, screws, staples; damage to windows,

doors; or general vandalism to University property may result

in a damage charge and possible disciplinary action.

If a student or group of students can be identified as respon-

sible for damages, they will be accountable for the charges. If a

specific individual or group cannot be identified for damages in

a public area, the assessments will be made and all individuals

in that area will be responsible.

Areas may be defined but not limited to: building, floor,

bathroom, suite, and room. For example, if there is damage

to a bathroom in a clearly defined area, all individuals will be

charged a repair cost if no single person takes responsibility. The

entire building is responsible for the following areas: stairwells,

lobbies, entrance doors, laundry rooms, office areas, basements,

elevators, kitchens, lounges, computer labs, and study rooms.

Additional areas may be identified on a case-by-case scenario.

Damage to decorations and bulletin boards may be included in

vandalism charges. Improper disposal of trash may also result in

damage charges to the area. Responsibility for the maintenance

of a vandalism-free environment rests with the individuals liv-

ing in each building. RAs, the Residence Life professional staff,

and Public Safety help facilitate safety and security within the

residence hall boundaries. Billing for damage assessments will

occur monthly or as needed. These assessments are charged

against the student bill. Fines, in addition to assessments, may

be levied especially in cases in which fire safety equipment or

other security property has been damaged. Such fines are billed

to a student account and must be paid promptly to ensure one’s

status in the residence halls.

Decorations

Decorations are encouraged to enhance and personalize resi-

dents’ rooms. Because of the fire hazard, live Christmas trees,

wreaths, and garlands are not permitted. Hanging any item

from the ceilings, in doorways, over lights, and over fire safety

equipment (e.g., smoke detectors and sprinklers) is prohibited

for fire safety reasons. To reduce the damage to the doors, memo

boards have been provided on room doors. The use of double-

sided tape is not permitted, and nails are never to be used in

concrete. Wallpaper borders and other fixed decorations are

not permitted. To hang items in the rooms, 3M hooks or other

non-damaging products are recommended. Please be careful

when removing decorations to avoid potential damage charges

Elevator

The elevator is a convenience for residents of Siena, Petrik, and

Anniversary Halls. Overloading and manually holding the doors

open will cause the elevator to malfunction. Please use the “open

door” button to hold the door. Elevator repairs are expensive

and maybe assumed by the residents in cases of vandalism.

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Extermination

All residence halls receive extermination service every month

in public areas and twice a year in student rooms. If you have

a problem between the exterminator’s scheduled visits, please

submit a maintenance request through School Dude.

Housekeeping Services

The University provides daily custodial service for the common

areas in each residence hall: lounges, corridors, stairways, and

public restrooms. Cleaning is done between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30

p.m. Students are expected to clean their own rooms or suites.

This includes suite bathrooms and suite common areas in Petrik,

and suite and private bathrooms in any other residence hall.

Damage charges will be assessed if common or private areas

are left unreasonably messy

Inspections

The Residence Life Office may inspect rooms and suites to

protect all residents from safety, health, and fire hazards. In-

spections also identify preventive maintenance needs. When

possible, you will be notified prior to these inspections. A walk

through of all residence hall rooms is conducted during end of

the semester hall closings.

Painting

While originality plays a big part in the atmosphere that residents

create in their living space, no part of the residential area may

be painted; this includes rooms and all common areas.

Maintenance

Residents are encouraged to complete a Maintenance Request

Form online through School Dude as soon as a maintenance need

arises. The Maintenance staff person completes work orders

between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and in order of receipt and

urgency. There may be times where second shift maintenance

responds to work order requests. The staff member will always

knock and announce their presence. If the residents are not

available, the staff member will enter the room and make the

repair. Your cooperation with maintenance and custodial staff

will ensure prompt attention to problems and efficient main-

tenance of the halls. If there is a maintenance emergency after

hours please contact the RA at desk/on call or Public Safety.

Screens

Where provided, screens are not to be removed from windows.

There will be a replacement charge for missing or damaged

screens.

MEDICAL EVENTS

Serious and Life-Threatening Illnesses or Injuries

1. Do not move a seriously injured person. Call 911 then call

the Office of Public Safety.

If a non-serious medical event arises during office hours,

please contact the Residence Life Office immediately at

502.272.7272. Public Safety will be contacted immediately

by the Residence Life Office.

If a medical event arises at any time other than normal

office hours, please contact the Office of Public Safety at

502.272.7777. The Office of Public Safety will notify the

Residence Life professional on call.

If a student requires transportation to a hospital, the Office

of Public Safety will contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

and guide them to the residence hall location. A residence life staff

member should be at the door to greet EMS and Public Safety

and guide them to the resident’s location. Another residence life

staff member should remain with the student requiring medical

attention at all times until the EMS arrives at the location. Under

no circumstances should a student, staff member, or anyone

other than the EMS transport the individual to the hospital. A

residence life or student affairs on-call staff member may also

meet a student to the hospital. The professional staff on call, or

their designee, may contact the parent or guardian and notify

him/ her of the emergency and the location of the hospital.

FIRE SAFETY

It is important for residents to familiarize themselves with the

location of fire extinguishers, fire alarm boxes, exit routes,

alternative exits, and fire safety procedures. A building must

be evacuated by all present in an orderly manner as soon as any

alarm sounds. It is suggested that you keep a coat, a pair of shoes,

and a flashlight readily available in case you must evacuate.

What To Do in Case of Fire

1. If you discover or suspect a fire – Sound the alarm, call 911

then call the Office of Public Safety and Transportation

(502.272.7777).

2. Leave the building – Try to help others only if you can do

so without jeopardizing your personal safety. After exiting

the building, go to your designated evacuation area to allow

clear passage of emergency personnel and equipment.

139

3. Do not go back – Do not re-enter the building until safety

officials say it is safe to return.

Fire Extinguishers

Care must be taken in operating the fire extinguisher prop-

erly. Fire extinguishers generally are operated by pulling out

the locking pin, aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire, and

squeezing the handle and sweeping back and forth. An easy way

to remember this is: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. A descrip-

tion of each extinguisher’s operating instructions is located

on the nameplate of the extinguisher. There are two types

of extinguishers as described on the label: large silver type A

(water), for only trash/paper fires; and small, red type ABC

(dry chemical) used for grease, electrical, and chemical fires.

When a fire extinguisher is discharged, even partially, do not

hang it up again. Report it immediately to the Residence Life

Office or Public Safety and it will be recharged and replaced.

Fire Drills

A fire drill is a practice exercise entailing the prompt, complete,

controlled, orderly, and quiet evacuation of a building. Kentucky

law requires a minimum number of fire drills for University

buildings each academic year. This trial run familiarizes resi-

dents with proper evacuation procedures. A sufficient number

of fire drills are held to ensure efficient evacuation procedure

for each residence hall. At the sound of an alarm, it should be

assumed that it is an emergency and not a drill or a false alarm.

No one is permitted to remain in the building any time a fire

alarm is sounded.

Suggestions For Fire Safety

Fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and warning systems are in the

buildings for the safety of the people living or working therein.

Tampering with these systems in any way may cause injury or

death in the event of a fire. A false alarm is illegal. If appre-

hended, individuals risk expulsion from the University and/or

criminal proceedings. Discharging extinguishers unnecessarily

may result in dismissal from the residence halls.

Keep corridors and stairwell doors closed at all times to

prevent smoke, fire, and toxic gases from spreading throughout

the residence hall during a fire. Proper housekeeping is most

important in the prevention of fires. Do not allow ordinary

combustibles to accumulate in any area. Remove old papers,

rags, and packing materials as soon as you are finished with

them; remove garbage from your room daily. At all times, keep

corridors and fire doors free from stored items (e.g., bicycles),

debris, and other obstructions.

Flammable liquids such as gasoline and paint thinners are not

permitted in the residence halls for any purpose. Because of the

potential threat to personal safety in the event of a fire, clothing

and other flammable materials are not allowed as ceiling hang-

ings over lights, smoke detectors, or sprinklers. Flammable or

wet materials must not be placed above HVAC units. Burning

candles and incense is prohibited.

General Steps For Evacuation

Get down low and crawl if there is smoke - If you get caught

in smoke, get down on the floor and crawl on your hands

and knees. Cleaner, cooler air can be found near the floor.

In very low visibility environments, use your hands to feel

for a wall then follow it around to an exit door.

2. Feel doors before opening - Before opening any doors, feel

the metal knob; if it is HOT, do not open the door. If it is

cool, brace yourself against the door, open slightly, and if

heat or heavy smoke are present, do not enter. Immediately

close the door.

Go to the nearest exit or stairway - If the nearest exit is

blocked by fire, heat or smoke, go to another exit. Do not

use elevators. All building elevators are dysfunctional during

a fire alarm. Close as many doors as possible as you leave,

this helps to confine the fire.

4. Keep doors closed if trapped - If you are trapped in a room,

place towels or clothing, preferably wet under the door to

keep smoke out.

5. Signal for help - Hang an object out the window (bedsheet,

jacket, etc.) to attract attention. If a telephone is available call

911 then call the Office of Public Safety and Transportation

(502.272.7777) and report, you are trapped. Be sure to give

your room number and location.

6. Do not jump from the room - Any rescue attempts will be

made by the Fire Departments.

Specific Evacuation Procedures for Residence halls

All residents must be familiar with their primary assigned exit

and an alternate exit. Students must also be prepared to direct

their guests to the proper exits and to ensure their compliance.

Exit procedures will be checked by Public Safety, firefighters,

and Residence Life staff.

•

Kennedy Hall: Descend the stairwell closest to your room.

Exit through the front lobby or the emergency fire door on

the ground floor. Assemble in the parking lot area below

the residence halls away from the building.

•

Newman Hall: Descend the stairwell closest to your room.

Exit through the front lobby or the rear emergency fire

door. Assemble in the lower parking lot area away from

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the building.

• Siena Halls: Descend the stairwell closest to your room.

Exit through the front lobby or the rear emergency fire

door. Assemble in the lower parking lot area away from

the building.

•

Petrik Hall: Descend the stairwell closest to your suite. Exit

through the front or rear exit. Do not use the elevator. As-

semble in the lower parking lot area away from the building.

•

Anniversary Hall: Descend the stairwell closest to your

room. Exit through the lobby or the emergency fire door

on the first floor.Do not use the elevator. Assemble in the

parking lot adjacent to the building, yet far enough away

to maintain safety.

• 1816 Norris: Descend the stairwell closest to your apart-

ment. Exit through the front or rear exit. Assemble in the

parking lot behind the building yet far enough away to

maintain safety.

Evacuation Of Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities should study and remember the features

of each building they are in, including designated Evacuation

Assembly Areas, stairwells, exits, phone locations, and elevator

procedures. At times, assistance from others may be needed.

Persons with disabilities should seek assistance from others if

emergency evacuation becomes necessary. Students should be

aware of the exit nearest to their room or current location, and

possible alternatives.

If you require any assistance evacuating the residence hall in

an emergency (e.g. fire), please notify the Accessibility Resource

Center and the Director of Housing and Residence Life at the

beginning of the semester and include the nature of assistance

needed. This information will be shared with the on-call team,

residence life staff, Public Safety, and fire department personnel

who could provide assistance.

Severe Weather

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are right for devel-

opment of a severe thunderstorm. Continue normal activities

but be alert to intensified weather. Keep radio or TV tuned to

weather casts. Be alert for changes in the weather. Be prepared

to move to a safe place.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe weather is in the

area and precautions should be taken. Remain indoors, away

from windowed areas. Close windows/close blinds in case of

broken glass. Refrain from telephone use. Notify Public Safety

of any damage.

Tornado Watch: A tornado watch is issued when weather

conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunder-

storms that are capable of producing tornados. A tornado watch,

therefore, implies that is there also a severe thunderstorm watch.

Follow the same precautions as a severe thunderstorm watch.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted. Seek shelter.

The Residence Life staff and/or Public Safety will notify you of

severe weather conditions and when possible danger has passed.

• Kennedy-Newman & Siena Halls: Vacate upper floors and

seek shelter on the lower levels along an interior wall, away

from windows, with all doors closed. Do not go to the lobby.

• Petrik: Vacate top floor (5th) and seek shelter in the com-

mon area of suites on floors 1-4. Close bedroom and study

room doors and stay away from windows. Do not go to

the lobby area.

•

Anniversary: Vacate upper floors and seek shelter on lower

levels. Stay away from the center and ends of the hallway

due to glass windows. Close all room doors.

• 1816 Norris: Seek shelter on the ground floor, basement,

interior walls and/or bathrooms. Stay away from windows.

•

If Outside: Get out of cars. Lie in a low area, covering your

head and neck. If possible, keep a portable radio tuned to

weather reports.

Please sign up for RAVE alerts through One Bellarmine to be

notified of severe weather.

STUDENT CONDUCT PROCESS

(See Code of Student Conduct)

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