POLICIES PERTAINING PRIMARILY TO INDIVIDUALS
POLICY ON THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
The exercise of personal responsibility expected of members of the University of Florida community includes the obligation to make sound judgments regarding alcoholic beverages. The University of Florida recognizes that individuals and groups assume the risk and liability associated with alcoholic beverages.
The sale, service, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the University of Florida campus and at University of Florida events must be within the guidelines established by federal and state law and municipal and county ordinances. Further, because of concern for the health and safety of individuals on the University campus, the University has formulated rules concerning the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol on campus.
University rules also place certain restrictions on events involving alcoholic beverage distributors. Any student, student group, or employee of the University who is found to be in violation of the law or the University alcohol policy shall be subject to disciplinary action by the University.
“Rule 6C1-2.019, Florida Administrative Code”
LOCATIONS
1. The sale of alcoholic beverages on the University campus shall be permitted in the following facilities: areas in the J. Wayne Reitz Union that are designated for such use under the regulations set out in the Reitz Union Policy Manual; and the University Golf Club. The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in these facilities are subject to the following conditions:
A. The Director of the J. Wayne Reitz Union or the Director’s designee shall set the days and hours of sale for designated areas in the Union. The Director of Athletics or the Director’s designee shall set the days and hours of sale for the University Golf Club.
B. The only alcoholic beverages that may be possessed or consumed in any facility listed above are those alcoholic beverages purchased in that respective facility, and the purchased alcoholic beverages must be consumed within that respective facility.
C. Whenever the management of any facility listed above conducts a reduced-price alcohol promotional event or allows for a period of time in which the prices of alcoholic beverages are reduced, there shall be comparable reductions in the prices of nonalcoholic beverages during such event or period of time.
D. The management of any facility listed above shall not sponsor drinking games or any other activities, which encourage the rapid and/or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
2. The serving, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages shall be permitted in the following areas on the University of Florida campus (which is deemed to include all properties under the University’s control and all fraternity and sorority houses):
A. Private rooms of individuals of legal drinking age residing in University housing and in fraternity and sorority houses when such serving, consumption, or possession is not in conjunction with a function held by a student group.
B. Public meeting areas in University housing and in fraternity and sorority houses, during a function held by a student group(s); after registration of such function under applicable residence hall or sorority and fraternity policies.
C. Those areas of the J. Wayne Reitz Union that are designated for such use under the regulations set out in the Reitz Union Policy Manual.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections (1) and (2) above, the President or the Associate Vice President for University Relations may give written permission, under terms specified with said permission, for the sale, service, consumption, or possession of alcohol at other times and/or locations on the University of Florida campus provided that in no event shall alcoholic beverages be sold, served, consumed, or possessed in any outdoor public area of campus, classroom, laboratory, or office. A current list of such permits shall be on file for inspection in the Office of the Associate Vice President for University Relations during working hours.
SOCIAL EVENTS
4. Any person or group of persons holding a function at a location where consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted, under the provisions of this rule, shall abide by the following regulations when conducting the function. Additional guidelines for serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages may be established by the person or group holding the function.
A. The person or group(s) holding the event must establish precautionary measures at the function to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not served to persons under the legal drinking age, to persons who appear intoxicated, or to persons known to be addicted to intoxicants.
B. At the function, a person (or persons) over the legal drinking age must be designated as the server(s). All alcoholic beverages to be served must be located so that access to them can be had only through the designated server(s).
C. Nonalcoholic beverages must be available at the same place as the alcoholic beverages and featured as prominently as the alcoholic beverages.
D. The only alcoholic beverages that may be possessed or consumed at the function are those alcoholic beverages served at the function, and the alcoholic beverages must be consumed within the designated area in which the function is being held.
E. Drinking contests or any other activities, which encourage the rapid and/or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, shall not be permitted at the function.
F. Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed at any social event held in conjunction with fraternity rush or other organized drive to recruit students on campus.
5. Any function sponsored by a student or a student group (or groups) at which alcoholic beverages are sold, whether or not the function is open to the public, or any function sponsored by a student or a student group (or groups) at which alcoholic beverages are served and which is open to the public may be held in those areas permitted under the provisions of this rule only after written approval is obtained for such function. Written permission must be obtained from the Dean of Students Office or the Director of Housing. Such approved function shall be subject to the regulations set out in this Section, in Section (4) of the University’s rule, and, if applicable, in Section (6) of the rule. Functions at which alcoholic beverages are sold shall include functions at which alcoholic beverages are served and for which an admission fee is charged, at which cups are sold, at which tickets are sold, at which cash or anything else of value is exchanged for alcoholic beverages, or at which donations are collected by the group, or members thereof, sponsoring the function. Functions open to the public shall be defined as those functions, which the general public has been invited, through oral, written, or printed announcement(s), advertisement(s) or invitation(s).
A. If the function includes the sale of alcoholic beverages, the requisite permit must be obtained from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco of the State of Florida.
B. Announcement(s)/ advertisement(s), including, but not limited to, flyer(s), notice(s), poster(s), banner(s), tee-shirt(s) and newspaper and radio announcement(s) concerning the function must note the availability of non-alcoholic beverages as prominently as the availability of alcoholic beverages and that proper identification in order to be served or sold alcoholic beverages and must not make reference to the amount of alcoholic beverages, as, for example, the number of kegs of beer, available at the event, nor to any form of drinking contest.
C. At least one uniformed member of the University Police Department, or a substitute approved by the Chief of Police of the University Police Department, must be present at all times during the function and be paid by the sponsoring group.
SPONSORED EVENTS INVOLVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTORS
6. A person, student group (or groups) may sponsor an activity involving a commercial off-campus distributor of alcoholic beverages (an entity manufacturing or selling alcoholic beverages at wholesale) under the following guidelines.
A. The group(s) sponsoring the activity shall be responsible for all aspects of the activity, including all publicity and advertising.
B. Advertising and publicity must reflect sole sponsorship of the event as being
that of the group.
C. Advertising or announcements (posters, banners, flyers, radio and newspaper advertisements, tee-shirts, etc.) may reflect a commercial off-campus distributor’s support, but must not indicate or convey sponsorship by the distributor.
D. Advertising which promotes campus events must not portray drinking as a solution to personal or academic problems or as necessary to social, sexual, or academic success.
E. Promotion of alcoholic beverage brands at the activity must not encourage any form of alcohol abuse nor place emphasis on quantity and frequency of use.
F. Alcoholic beverages, such as kegs or cases of beer, shall not be provided as free awards, prizes or rewards, to individual(s) or groups.
OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS
For events held off-campus, student groups are expected to obey applicable state laws and local ordinances. Registered student organizations are subject to disciplinary action by the university as it relates to violations of laws, ordinances, and University rules.
PENALTIES
1. A student adjudicated of a violation of this policy shall be guilty of a violation of the Student Conduct Code and subject to sanctions which may include one or more of the following penalties as provided in rule 6C1-4.016(3) of the Florida Administrative Code: loss of university privileges, restitution, reduced or failing grade for class in which offense occurred, community/university service, residence hall transfer or removal, and education requirements related to the violation committed.
2. Organizational sanctions for violations of this policy by student groups may range from written reprimand and official recognition thereof through revocation of registration or loss of permission to use or meet at campus facilities, or in the case of fraternities or sororities, the right to exist at the University as provided for in rule 6C1-4.016(4) of the Florida Administrative Code.
3. Penalties for violations of this policy by a University employee may range from oral reprimand to termination of employment as provided for in Rules 6C1-1.007 and 3.047 of the Florida Administrative Code.
SELECTED LAWS PERTAINING TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
The use of alcoholic beverages by members of the University of Florida Community is subject to the alcoholic beverage laws of the State of Florida and to local ordinances. Below are selected state statutes and city ordinances pertaining to alcoholic beverages with brief summaries:
AMONG THE PERTINENT LAWS REGARDING THE REGULATION OF SALES ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Statute 561.422 - Nonprofit civic organizations, temporary permits.
Upon filing of an application with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco and payment of a fee of $25, a permit may be issued authorizing a bona fide nonprofit civic organization to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises only, for a period not to exceed 3 days subject to any state law or municipal or county ordinances regulating the time for selling such beverages. Sale of alcoholic beverages includes any admission charge, sale of cups, sale of tickets, and/or donations.
Statute 562.12 - Beverages sold with improper license, or without a license or registration, or held with intent to sell prohibited.
Convicted violators of this statute shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.
AMONG THE PERTINENT LAWS REGARDING THE DRINKING AGE ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Statute 562.11 - Selling, giving, or serving alcoholic beverages to persons under age 21; misrepresenting or misstating age or age of another to induce licensee to serve alcoholic beverages to person under 21; penalties.
It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, serve, or permit to be served alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age or to permit a person under 21 years of age to consume said beverages on the licensed premises.
It is unlawful for any person to misrepresent or mistake his or her age or the age of any other person for the purpose of inducing any licensee or his agents or employees to sell, give, serve, or deliver any alcoholic beverage to a person under 21 years of age.
Anyone convicted of violating either of the above provisions is guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor. If a driver’s license or an identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is used in violation of these provisions, additional penalties may be imposed, including suspension or revocation of the driver’s license.
Statute 562.111 - Possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under age 21 prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years,...to have in his or her possession alcoholic beverages. Convicted violators of this statute are guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. Suspension or revocation of a driver’s license may also be imposed.
Statute 768.125 - Liability for injury or damage resulting from intoxication.
A person who sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person of lawful drinking age shall not thereby become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such person, except that a person who willfully and unlawfully sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person who is not of lawful drinking age or knowingly serves a person habitually addicted to the use of any or all alcoholic beverages may become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such minor or person.
AMONG THE OTHER STATE LAWS THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO SITUATIONS INVOLVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Statute 856.011 - Disorderly Intoxication
No person in the state shall be intoxicated and endanger the safety of another person or property, and no person in the state shall be intoxicated or drink any alcoholic beverage in a public place or in or upon any public conveyance and cause a public disturbance. Convicted violators of this statute are guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.
Statute 856.015 - Open House Parties
No adult [person 21 years-of-age or older] having control of any residence shall allow an open house party [defined as “a social gathering at a residence”] to take place at said residence of any alcoholic beverage or drug is possessed or consumed at said residence by any minor [person under 21 years-of-age] where the adult knows that an alcoholic beverage or drug is in the possession of or being consumed by a minor at said residence and where the adult fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the possession or consumption of the alcoholic beverage or drug. Convicted violators of this statute are guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor.
Statute 316.193 - Driving Under the Influence
1. A person is guilty of the offense of driving under the influence and is subject to punishment as provided in subsection (2) if such person is driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle within this state, and:
(a) The person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in §.877.111, or any substance controlled under Chapter 893, when affected to the extent that his normal faculties are impaired; or
(b) The person has a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or higher. For underage (under 21) the level is .02.
Statute 316.1936 - Possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles prohibited; penalties.
1.....2. It is unlawful and punishable as provided in this section for any person to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage while operating a vehicle in the state or while a passenger in or on a vehicle being operated in the state.......
AMONG THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE ORDINANCES THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO SITUATIONS INVOLVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE THE FOLLOWING:
City Ordinance Section 4-4(b) (1)
It shall be unlawful for any person to consume or have in his/her possession (which shall include consumption/possession while in or on any motor vehicle situated in the following locations) any alcoholic beverages in any open container on any public street, thoroughfare, sidewalk (except in a licensed sidewalk cafe), or on any publicly owned parking facility in the city....
City Ordinance Section 4-4(b) (2)
Except the section commonly known as the executive suite boxes, it shall be unlawful for any person to consume or to have in his or her possession any alcoholic beverages within the stands, stadium, or grounds of Florida Field, which is the stadium located on the campus of the University of Florida. This prohibition shall apply at any place within the gates of the stadium whether the same be in the stands, on the grounds, in the aisles or at any other place in said stadium. Violators of these city ordinances may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or both.
CLEAN INDOOR AIR
The Florida Clean Indoor Air Act of 1992, implemented by Section 386.201, Florida Statutes, prohibits smoking in enclosed indoor areas, other than those specifically designated as smoking areas, and further forbids designation of any smoking areas in educational facilities.
Accordingly, the University of Florida Policy requires that no smoking areas shall be designated within the University facility including, but not limited to, classrooms, offices, dining facilities, student residential facilities or any other building owned or leased by the University. This policy is consistent with the smoking policy of the State University System of Florida.
Each Department Chair and Director is responsible for ensuring policy compliance within areas under their jurisdiction. University standards for performance and conduct outline procedures for the willful violation of the provision of law, university rules, regulations and policies. It also important to note that any person who smokes, in other than designated smoking areas, commits a non-criminal violation punishable by a fine.
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR AT
UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC EVENTS
Actions by individuals or groups that disrupt an athletic event on the University of Florida campus or that inhibit the opportunity for other members of the university community to observe the event in reasonable safety are unacceptable at the University of Florida. Those individuals or groups that are disruptive will be charged with violations of the Code of Student Conduct where applicable. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to, possession of alcohol, not being in possession of your ticket, disorderly behavior, sitting in a block without a ticket, and throwing any object in the stadium.
UNIVERSITY DRUG POLICY
The possession and use of controlled drugs by members of the University of Florida community must at all times be in accordance with the provisions of Florida law, the rules of the Board of Regents of the State of Florida, and the rules of the University of Florida, which include the Code of Student Conduct. Under Florida law, no person may possess substances regulated under the provisions of Chapter 893, Fla. Statute (controlled substances and “designer drugs”) unless dispensed and used pursuant to prescription or otherwise authorized by law. Possession, sale, and delivery of such substances are prohibited unless authorized by law. Under the Code of Student Conduct, students at the University of Florida who possess, use or deliver controlled substances and “designer drugs” not dispensed and used pursuant to prescription are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the University. Disciplinary action against a student under university rules does not preclude the possibility of criminal charges against that individual. The filing of criminal charges similarly does not preclude action by the University.
LEGAL SANCTIONS
State law prohibits the possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under age 21. No person may sell, give, serve, or permit to be served alcoholic beverages to a person under 21, and it is unlawful for a person under 21 to misrepresent his or her age in order to obtain alcohol. Violation for the first of any such offenses is punishable by a definite term of imprisonment of up to 60 days and/or a $500 fine; a subsequent offense is punishable by a definite term of imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of $1,000. Possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under the age of 21 also may result in curtailment of driving privileges. Misrepresentation of age also will lead to the curtailment of driving privileges.
Under state law it is a crime for any person to possess or distribute controlled substances/drugs as described in Section 893.03, Florida Statutes, except as authorized by law. Punishment for such crimes ranges from first-degree misdemeanors (up to one year imprisonment and up to a $1000 fine) to first-degree felonies (up to 30 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine).
Specifically, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana is punishable with imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000; possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana is a third-degree felony with imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000. Possession of less than 28 grams of cocaine is a third-degree felony. Possession of more than 28 grams of cocaine is a first-degree felony, punishable with imprisonment for life and a fine of up to $250,000. The driving privilege also may be affected if any of these crimes are committed.
Trafficking (distributing specified large quantities of various controlled substances) is punishable by a term of imprisonment up to life and a fine of $25,000 to $500,000, depending on the particular illicit drug and the quantity involved. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony involving the sale of or trafficking in, or conspiracy to sell or traffic in, a controlled substance under certain circumstances may be disqualified from applying for state employment.
Penalties under federal law for drug trafficking generally are greater than penalties under state law. Convictions on drug-related charges also may result in forfeiture of federal financial aid. Punishments may include a fine up to $8 million and life imprisonment. For more information, look at the following website <http://www.edc.org/hec/pubs/dfcr.htm>
HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses of alcohol significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. The use of small amounts of alcohol by a pregnant woman can damage the fetus. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increases the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts.
Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairment in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Heavy use may result in chronic depression and suicide and also may be associated with the abuse of other drugs. Very high doses can cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects described.
Even occasional heavy drinking may be associated with the harmful effects described above. Binge drinking, which occurs over an extended period of time, involves repeated use of alcohol to the point of intoxication. A person may give up usual activities and responsibilities during this time in order to use the alcohol, and serious impairment in all areas of functioning may occur.
Long-term heavy alcohol use can cause digestive disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, circulatory system disorders, and impairment of the central nervous system—all of which may lead to early death.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence, and at least 15-20 percent of heavy users eventually will become problem drinkers or alcoholics if they continue drinking. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions, which can be life threatening.
The use of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription and other drugs pose a serious threat to health. For example, the use of marijuana (cannabis) may cause impairment of short-term memory, comprehension, and ability to perform tasks requiring concentration. The use of marijuana also may cause lung damage, paranoia, and possible psychosis. The use of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens may cause nervous system disorders and possible death as the result of an overdose. Illicit inhalants can cause liver damage.
There are significant risks associated with the use of alcohol and drugs. These risks include impaired academic or work performance; lost potential; financial problems; poor concentration; blackouts; conflicts with friends and others; vandalism, theft, and murder; sexual assault and other unplanned sexual relationships; spouse and child abuse; sexually transmitted diseases; and unusual or inappropriate risk taking which may result in physical or emotional injury or death.
Detailed information about alcohol consumption, the use of illegal drugs, and the misuse of prescription and other drugs may be obtained by calling the Campus Alcohol and Drug Resource Center at 392-1161 x4281, SC* 622-1161 x4281 or by checking out its website at /http://www.health.ufl.edu/shcc/cadrc.htm/
AVAILABLE DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELING AND REHABILITATIVE AND REENTRY PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEES
By calling one of the university’s Employee Assistance Referral Service contacts, employees can locate resources within the community for assistance in dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. The referral service is free and confidential, and all university employees, including Other Personnel Services (OPS) employees, are eligible to call. Call Kenneth Osfield, Academic Affairs, at 392-7056, SC 622-7056, or a University Personnel Services’ satellite office: E&G/Aux, 392-6615, SC 622-6615, Health Science Center, 392-3786, SC 622-3786; IFAS, 392-4777, SC 622-4777; Physical Plant, 392-2333, SC 622-2333.
STUDENTS
Students may seek assistance at the Alcohol/Substance Abuse Program (ASAP), 392-1171 x 4321; the Student Mental Health Center, 392-1171; and/or the Counseling Center, P301 Peabody Hall, 392-1575. Many student organizations also provide an opportunity to become involved in alcohol and drug education projects. For general information about these student organizations, contact 392-1671.
OTHER RESOURCES
Help for all members of the University community is available through Alcoholics Anonymous at 372-8091 and/or Narcotics Anonymous at 374-9264. Additional places where one can get treatment are listed in the Gainesville telephone directory under the headings, “Alcoholism Treatment Centers,” “Drug Abuse and Addiction Treatment,” and “Information and Referral Services—Drug Abuse and Addiction.”
FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
The following are required of the University of Florida and its employees:
1. An employee shall notify his or her supervisor or other appropriate management representative of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the work place no later than five days after such conviction.
2. The University shall notify any federal contracting agency within ten days of having received notice that an employee engaged in the performance of such contract or grant has had a criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the work place.
3. The University will take appropriate personnel action against any employee who is convicted for a violation occurring in the work place or will require the employee’s satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Faculty and faculty OPS, including “post-docs,” may call the ADA Office, Academic Affairs, at 392-7056, SC 622-7056, TDD 846-1046, with questions.
Administrative and Professional (A&P), University Support Personnel System (USPS), or other OPS employees may call University Personnel Services’ Employee Relations and Development section, 392-1072, SC 622-1072, or the appropriate personnel satellite office with questions.
Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students may call Student Affairs at 392-1274, SC 622-1274, or the Dean of Students Office at 392-1261, SC 622-1261.
Please direct your questions about the university’s commercial driver license program and federally mandated drug and alcohol testing at the University of Florida to the UF Workers’ Compensation Office, University Personnel Services, at 392-4940, SC 622-4940.
Policy Revised April 1999
EQUALITY OF ACCESS
The University of Florida does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs, and activities, as specified by federal laws and regulations. The compliance officer for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, as amended, is the Assistant Dean of Students, Disability Resource Center, located in 0020 Reid Hall, 392-8565. The Coordinator for the Americans with Disability Act is Dr. Kenneth Osfield, located in 232 Stadium, 392-7056 (V); 846-1046 (TDD).
FIREARMS-POSSESSION AND USE
The possession of firearms and weapons on the University campus is prohibited except as provided for by state statute and applicable university policy. The term “firearm” is defined for the purpose of this policy to include, but is not limited to, rifles, shotguns, handguns, pellet guns, BB guns, and pistols. Weapons include, but are not limited to, knives, bows and arrows and martial arts equipment.
For the convenience of persons residing on the University of Florida campus, weapons may be registered and stored for safekeeping at the University Police Department.
FOOD IN CLASSROOMS
Eating and drinking in classrooms is prohibited unless specifically permitted by the dean, college or unit administrator for special meetings and functions.
HIV/AIDS POLICY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
The policy of the University is to assess the needs of students or employees with HIV infection on a case-by-case basis. With the permission of the affected individual (whether students, faculty or staff member), the Director of the Student Health Care Center, (392-1161) will assist in the coordination of resources and service.
The confidentiality of the individual’s HIV status as well as the individual’s welfare are respected. Breach of confidentiality of information obtained by a University employee in an official University capacity may result in disciplinary action.
Based on current medical information concerning risk of infection, the University does not isolate persons with HIV infection or AIDS from other individuals in the educational or work setting. Furthermore, the University supports the continued participation, to the fullest extent reasonably possible, of these individuals in the campus educational/work environment.
It is also the policy of the University to provide education, which seeks to prevent the spread of HIV infection. Those at risk for HIV infection are encouraged to get tested; those who are infected are urged to seek treatment. With current advances in HIV/AIDS treatment, early intervention can be crucial to maintaining well being and delaying complications of the illness. In keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the University considers HIV/AIDS to be a disability. Students or employees who are disabled by HIV infection or AIDS can utilize existing support services.
HIV/AIDS POLICY OF
STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
It is the policy of the State University System to balance the education and employment rights of students and university employees with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) with the rights of other students and university employees to an environment in which they are protected from contracting the disease. In the belief that education will prevent the spread of the HIV/AIDS, and help the public to respond in a reasoned manner, the SUS is committed to providing the university communities and communities at large with education on the nature and transmission of the disease and rights of HIV/AIDS victims.
A university committee consisting of representatives shall be responsible for implementing and administering the SUS Policy on HIV/AIDS in specific cases, and coordinating the university’s efforts in educating the university community on aspects of HIV/AIDS. The University will make available to its students and employees information about the transmission of HIV/AIDS and what precaution can be taken by individuals to prevent the spread of the disease.
The committee will meet regularly to recommend appropriate actions and to monitor the university’s efforts.
The University Committee on HIV/AIDS will designate an HIV/AIDS counselor available to answer questions and provide counseling to both students and employees. Contact with the HIV/AIDS Counselor will be confidential. The name, location, telephone number and hours of availability of the AIDS counselor will be posted prominently at each university and included in the university’s student and employee handbooks. The policy shall be distributed to all students at registration and to all employees at the time of employment. New employees, and each employee on an annual basis, will be provided copies of HIV/AIDS pamphlets produced by the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS), which will be distributed to students at registration and to all employees. Each university will make available to its students and employees information about the transmissibility of the disease and precautions that may be taken by AIDS victims and non-victims to prevent the spread of the disease. Coordination of their educational effort will be the responsibility of the University Committee on AIDS. The committee can be reached at www.health.ufl.edu/shcc/hivinfo.htm.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
For the purpose of these guidelines, an individual infected with HIV/AIDS is one who:
a. is diagnosed as having AIDS; or
b. is a symptomatic but has shown by appropriate testing to have antibodies of HIV or its antigens in blood, body fluids or tissue.
There is no evidence to indicate that HIV/AIDS can be spread by casual contact. The evidence demonstrates that HIV transmission requires direct contact with infected body fluids to cause infection. The greatest risks are: contaminated syringes and needles, infected blood or body fluids, or homosexual or heterosexual contact with an infected person.
The SUS will be guided in its actions by medical evidence, applicable federal and state laws and regulations, the guidelines suggested by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Public Health Service, the American College Health Association, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, and the Governor’s Task Force on AIDS.
ADMISSIONS
An individual’s HIV/AIDS status may not be considered in the application for admission to the university.
SUSPENSIONS AND WITHDRAWALS
No student will be required to cease attending the university solely on the basis of a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. Such decisions will be made only after reasonable accommodations have been made and an examination of the facts demonstrates that the student can no longer perform as required.
HIV/AIDS POLICY--RESIDENCE HALL LIVING
The Division of Housing will not allow concern or suspicion about the health or sexuality of a student or employee on the part of one or more others to result in a demand that the suspected person be tested for HIV infection, relocated, isolated, ostracized, or excluded from campus housing.
Students or employees seeking personal counseling about HIV infection from housing staff members will be referred confidentially through established supervisory channels to the Director of the Student Health Care Center. In keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the University considers HIV/AIDS to be a disability. Students or employees who are disabled by HIV/AIDS can utilize existing support services.
HIV/AIDS COUNSELING
For more information about AIDS and this policy, please contact the Student Health Care Center at 392-1161.
ILLNESS POLICY
Students who are absent from classes or examinations because of illness should contact their professors. The student should contact his or her College by the published deadline to drop a course because of medical reasons. After the college petition deadline, students may petition the University Senate Committee on Student Petitions to drop a course for medical reasons. A student should contact the Dean of Students Office, Division of Student Affairs, for procedural information to withdraw for medical reasons.
RACIAL HARASSMENT
The University of Florida expects its students to treat other persons with respect and human dignity. Any behavior that results in the harassment or intimidation of another person related to the race of that person will not be tolerated and is a violation of the University’s Code of Student Conduct.
SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
The University of Florida expects its students to treat other persons with respect and human dignity in all interpersonal relationships. Any behavior that results in the sexual abuse, harassment, or intimidation of another person, or any unwanted objectionable sexual attention towards another person, will not be tolerated and is a violation of the University’s Code of Student Conduct.
Sexual harassment is defined as objectionable, unwanted sexual attention from either a person in a position of authority or power or from a peer. Sexual harassment also can involve verbal or written communications of a sexual nature that create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational or work environment. Students who have experienced sexual harassment or who have friends who have been harassed may find it helpful to discuss the situation with someone. Confidential counseling services are available at the University Counseling Center in P301 Peabody Hall, Student Mental Health Service in the Student Health Care Center, and the Center for Sexual Assault/Abuse Recovery Education in the Student Health Care Center. Staff in the Dean of Students Office, P202 Peabody Hall, has been designated to assist students who have complaints or questions about sexually offensive behavior by faculty, staff and students. Students also can contact various administrators in their particular college as well as the Office of Affirmative Action, 145 Tigert Hall (392-6004). Students are encouraged to report incidents of sexual harassment so that the University can identify and deal with problems of sexual harassment.
TICKET SCALPING
Ticket scalping is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and can result in disciplinary action. The Code of Student Conduct prohibits anyone from selling a ticket to an athletic event for more than $1.00 above the price paid. As an example: if you paid $15.00 for a ticket to an event at Florida Field, you may resell it for no more than $16.00.