University Policies & Procedures

Academic probation is an official warning that a student is no longer in acceptable academic standing because, either:

• the student's grade point average has fallen below the level for the student's class (see Acceptable Academic Standing for minimum GPA information), or
• the GPA for a particular semester is below 1.000 .

While on academic probation, a student loses his/her eligibility for financial aid. A student may appeal to the Financial Aid Committee for one semester of financial aid. See the Undergraduate Catalog for conditions and process of appeal.

If courses are not offered in the day session, limited seats may be available for traditional day students in hybrid Adult Studies courses under unusual circumstances. The student must request an exception by the deadline date for changing or adding courses as indicated on the traditional day students’ academic calendar for each semester. 

For specific rules regarding Medical Marijuana, please refer to the "Medical Marijuana for Student with Disabilities" policy.

PHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENT

DeSales University has a deep concern for its students, faculty and staff and seeks to promote their well being in all areas through its policies. The University expresses concern about illegal drug and alcohol use, not only because it is a violation of state and federal laws, but because it is a serious detriment to the mission and goals of the University.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensation, manufacture, or sale of alcohol, narcotics or illicit drugs, other than those medically prescribed, properly used and in the original container, is prohibited at DeSales University. All members of the University community shall be held responsible for their behavior and for respecting the rights of others.

DeSales University does not encourage the use of alcoholic beverages and is concerned about alcohol abuse. It recognizes, however, that individuals of legal age must be given the individual freedom to choose to drink. The University expects that individuals will make responsible decisions about the use of alcoholic beverages.

Responsibility for obeying laws and University regulations concerning alcohol and drugs rests directly with each individual. Any student, faculty or staff member found in violation of federal, state and/or local law, or who violates the University's alcohol and drug policies, is subject to University disciplinary procedures, as well as criminal arrest and prosecution. Possible disciplinary sanctions include, but are not limited to, residential suspension, expulsion, participation in an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program, and dismissal. Sanctions may also apply to registered student organizations and to off-campus conduct involving activities sponsored or authorized by the University.

LEGAL STATUTES AND PENALTIES

I. ALCOHOL- The use, possession, or distribution of beverages containing alcohol on University property, including residence halls, is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and by the University's alcohol policy. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited outside all University residences and in all public areas of University residences, including but not limited to hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms, lounges, public restrooms, as well as outside of all University residences, including outdoor areas/patios at the University Heights. The University alcohol policy is strictly enforced in all residence halls.

The following University rules apply on property owned or controlled by the University or as part of any University activity:

• The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age is prohibited. Additionally, it is further prohibited for any student or employee to be in the presence of a person illegally possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Providing alcohol to or hosting alcohol gatherings with individuals under 21 years of age is prohibited
• Intoxication and the consumption of alcoholic beverages by students or employees so as to adversely affect academic or job performance and/or endanger the physical well-being of other persons and/or oneself, or which leads to damage of property is prohibited.
• It is prohibited to possess or dispense beer in a keg, beer ball, or anything else leading to excessive consumption. Bars, keg refrigerators, beer pong tables, and other physical items used for storing, serving, or consuming large quantities of alcohol are also prohibited.
• Students under 21 years of age are not permitted to possess empty containers of alcohol (cans or bottles) or alcohol-related paraphernalia as these items are considered acceptable evidence of illegal alcohol consumption.
• A resident who is 21 years or older may not have more than one case of beer (30 12 oz. servings), one gallon of wine, or one 750 ml. liquor bottle in his/her possession or room.
• Homemade alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Drinking games involving alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• The possession and use of any alcoholic energy drinks (for example, Four Loko, Joose, Sparks) on campus is prohibited regardless of whether or not the student who possesses or consumes is of legal age.

The following represents a summary of relevant statutes from the Pennsylvania Crimes Code (Title 18) and the Pennsylvania Liquor Code (Title 47) for alcohol related offenses:

1. A person, under the age of 21, commits a summary offense if he/she attempts to purchase, purchases, consumes, possesses or knowingly and intentionally transports any liquor or malt or brewed beverages. Maximum fine $300 plus court costs and mandatory loss of your drivers license for 90 days for a first offense, one year for a second offense and two years subsequent offenses. Police officers making an arrest for this offense are obligated to notify the parents or guardians of the minor charged (Pa C.S.A. 6308).

2. A person is guilty of a summary offense for a first violation and a misdemeanor of the third degree for any subsequent violations if he/she is under the age of 21 and knowingly and falsely represents him/herself to be 21 years of age or older, for the purpose of obtaining any liquor or malt or brewed beverages. Maximum fine is $500 plus court costs and loss of driver's license(Pa C.S.A. 6307).

3. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree if he/she knowingly, willfully, and falsely represents to any licensed dealer, or other person, that a minor is of legal age for the purpose of inducing a person to sell or furnish any liquor, malt or brewed beverages. The minimum penalty is a fine of not less than $300 (Pa C.S.A. 6309).

4. A person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if he/she intentionally and knowingly sells or intentionally and knowingly furnishes, or purchases with the intent to sell or furnish, any liquor or malt or brewed beverages to a person who is less than 21 years or age. Minimum penalty for violating this subsection is a fine not less than $1000 for the first violation and a fine of $2500 for each subsequent violation plus court costs (Pa C.S.A. 6310.1A).

5. A person commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if he/she intentionally, knowingly or recklessly manufactures, makes, alters, sells or attempts to sell an identification card falsely representing the identity, birth date or age of another. Minimum penalty is a fine of not less than $1000 for the first violation and a fine of not less than $2500 for each subsequent violation (Pa C.S.A. 6310.2).

6. A person commits a summary offense for a first violation and a misdemeanor of the third degree for any subsequent violation if he/she, is under 21 years of age and possesses an identification card that falsely identifies the person as being 21. It is also a violation to use the identification card of another individual. Minimum penalty is a fine not more than $500 plus court costs (Pa C.S.A. 6310.3).

7. It is unlawful for any person who is an operator or any occupant in a motor vehicle to be in possession of an open alcoholic beverage container or to consume any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances. This is a summary offense with a maximum penalty of $300 (Pa C.S.A. 7513).

8. A person is guilty of a summary offense if he/she appears in any public place under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Penalty is a maximum fine of $300 plus court costs (Pa C.S.A. 5505).

9. A minor (under 21 years of age) shall not drive, operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while having alcohol in his/her system. This is a summary offense with a fine of $100 (Pa C.S.A. 3718).

10. A person shall not drive, operate or be in physical control of the movement of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to a degree that renders the person incapable of safe driving. For an individual who is 21 years of age or older, the Blood Alcohol Content is .08, for a minor under 21, the Blood Alcohol Content is .02. It is a misdemeanor of the second degree for a first offense.

II. DRUGS - DeSales University prohibits illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia on property owned or controlled by the University or as part of any University activity. Drug paraphernalia is defined as any legitimate equipment, product, or material that is modified for making, using, or concealing illegal drugs and includes, but is not limited to, bongs, roach clips, drug pipes and any items modified or adapted so that they can be used to consume drugs. Drug paraphernalia found on University property will be confiscated.

Federal Law- Federal drug laws prohibit the manufacture, distribution, dispensation and possession of controlled substances unless specifically permitted by statute. The government categorizes controlled substances according to Schedules I through V. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse, with no accepted medical use. Schedule I drugs include, but are not limited to, heroin, marijuana, hashish, LSD and other hallucinogens. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, but some medical use, and include opium, morphine, codeine, barbiturates, cocaine and its derivatives, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP) and other narcotics. Schedule III, Schedule IV and Schedule V drugs have some potential for abuse, but less than Schedule I and II drugs, with Schedule III drugs having the most potential for abuse and Schedule V the least. Schedule III, IV and V drugs include chloral hydrate (IV), certain barbiturates (III and IV), benzodiazines (IV), glutethimide (III), other depressants and narcotics (III and IV), amphetamines (III) and other stimulants (III and IV). A complete listing of controlled substances and their classifications is contained in Title 21 of the United States Code at Section 812.

Penalties for the unauthorized possession, manufacture, sale, distribution or delivery of drugs varies according to the type and quality of drug, the existence of prior offenses and whether death or serious injury results from the drug involved. Special federal penalties apply to the sale or distribution of controlled substances to persons under age 21 or within 1,000 feet of school, college or university property.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Law- State law prohibits, among other things, the unauthorized manufacture, sale, delivery and possession of controlled substances. Consistent with federal law, Pennsylvania classifies controlled substances according to Schedules I through V. Penalties vary according to the type of controlled substance involved. For a simple possession of a small amount of marijuana (misdemeanor), persons may be subject to 30 days imprisonment and a $500 fine. A person may be subject to a maximum of 15 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine for the manufacture, delivery or possession of a Schedule I or II controlled drug such as cocaine, PCP or LSD (felony). Sentences can be doubled for second and subsequent offenses. Sentences can also be doubled for distribution of controlled offenses to persons under the age of eighteen. Penalties range from a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and a $50,000 fine for subsequent convictions for the manufacture, delivery or possession of 100 grams or more of a Schedule I or II controlled narcotic drug.

FEDERAL TRAFFICKING PENALTIES (2020 edition) PDF

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT **

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Prevention and Control Act of 1970.

Federal law also allows for the possibility of loss of property and federal grants as defined by the Controlled Substances Act and regulation 21CFR 1300.11-1300.15.

HEALTH RISKS

I. ALCOHOL-

Short-term effects- Alcohol is a depressant of the central nervous system which suppresses the part of your brain that controls judgment, resulting in a loss of inhibitions. It affects physical coordination, causing blurred vision, slurred speech and loss of balance. Alcohol is involved in a large proportion of fatal road accidents, assaults and incidents of domestic violence.

Long-term effects- Excessive drinking over time is associated with the following health problems and conditions:

• Liver diseases
• Neurological problems (dementia, stroke and neuropathy)
• Cardiovascular problems (myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation and hypertension)
• Psychiatric problems (depression, suicidality and anxiety)
• Social problems (unemployment, lost productivity and family problems)
• Gastrointestinal problems (pancreatitis and gastritis)

Binge Drinking- Most adverse health effects from underage drinking stem from acute intoxication resulting from binge drinking. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, immediate health effects of binge drinking may include:

• Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels of alcohol that suppress the central nervous system and cause loss of consciousness, low blood pressure and body temperature, coma, respiratory depression and death.
• Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, and increased risk of sexual assault. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
• Violence, including intimate partner violence and child maltreatment.

II. DRUGS-

PREVENTION AND ASSISTANCE

Alcohol and drug abuse affect individuals in a variety of ways which can significantly interfere with the mission of this University. Substance abuse can lead to dependency and addiction, with serious consequences for personal health and the overall quality of life. Counseling services and educational programs are available through the Counseling Center, the Campus Ministry Office and the Health Center. Confidential assistance will be offered to those who seek drug related counseling. Individuals, however, are always legally responsible for their own actions

The Counseling Center offers counseling and psychological services, including individual and group therapy. The Counseling Center also offers referrals to community drug and alcohol treatment programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Adult Children of Alcoholics Network of the Lehigh Valley.

Various drug and alcohol prevention programs are offered or presented at the University, including the following:

• Alcohol Edu (online alcohol education program that all incoming students are required to complete prior to coming to campus)
• Alcohol Task Force (comprised of faculty, staff, and students)
• Peer Counseling and Alcohol Awareness Campaign (provided by PACE)
• Alcohol screenings (available in person and online)
• Character U Presentations (national speakers on Drugs and Alcohol)
• Freshman Orientation Programs
• Resident Advisor Training, Residence Hall Programming and the Wellness Living/Learning Community (sponsored by the Office of Residence Life)
• DSU Community Wellness Fair (sponsored by Counseling and Health Center)
• Current literature and resources available in the Counseling and Health Centers
• Healthy CHOICES Events (sponsored by the Athletic Department) 

On-Campus Resources

If calling from off-campus or a cellular telephone, please dial 610-282-1100 and then the following extension:

Community Resources

What does it mean to audit a course?

To audit means to attend lectures and, with the permission of the instructor, to participate in class discussions. Auditors do not take exams and do not earn credits for the class they are auditing.

How do I audit a course?

To audit a course, complete the appropriate section of the Approval Form. This form must be signed by the instructor and your advisor before being submitted to the Registrar. This form can also be found on myDSU under Academic Affairs.

May I switch from credit to audit or audit to credit once I have begun the class?

Yes, you may switch from one to the other, within one month of the first day of class, with the permission of the instructor and your academic advisor. Check the Academic Calendar for specific dates. (N.B. Consult the Adult Studies calendar, if you are taking an Adult Studies course.)

If you wish to change your major or if you are undeclared and wish to declare a major, discuss this decision with your academic advisor and complete the following steps:

• Print a copy of the Approval Form in MyDSU under "Forms & Documents". Provide the information requested at the top of the form. Then, move to item 8 and insert your current major, as well as your intended new major.
• Obtain the signature of your current academic advisor.
• Return the form to the Registrar's Office and request that the Approval Form and a copy of your transcript be sent to the chairperson of department in which the major resides. The chairperson will accept, reject, or defer your request.
• Within one week, meet with the chairperson to learn the chairperson's decision. If you are accepted into the major, the chairperson will forward the decision (the Approval Form) to the Registrar's Office, who will change your major. This change will be recorded on your permanent record. Shortly after this, the the director of the academic resource center or another representative of the Academic Resource Center will e-mail you the contact information of your new advisor.

If you wish to add a second major to your program of study, please click here. If you wish to add a minor to your program of study, please click here.

The DeSales University Class Recording Policy aims to establish parameters for audio and/or visual recordings in order to protect the rights of students and faculty and their intellectual property and to ensure compliance with federal law concerning approved accommodations for students with documented disabilities. The recording of classes and the dissemination of those recordings will be limited as articulated in this policy.  This policy is designed to:

• protect student and faculty dignity and privacy;
• respect the integrity and effectiveness of the classroom experience; and
• comply with copyright and other pertinent laws.

Definition of Terms

Approved Accommodation: Institutions of higher education are not required to provide the requested or the student's preferred accommodation. Rather, they are required to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations.  All DeSales University students must provide appropriate documentation for the diagnosis of disabilities prior to receiving accommodations based on that disability. Reasonable accommodations will be determined and approved by the Office of Student Accessibility on an individual basis.  A diagnosis in and of itself does not automatically qualify an individual for accommodations.

Class: A class is defined as a regularly scheduled time(s) when students meet with a course instructor or guest presenter for instruction, learning, and/or assessment. For example, traditional day classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays ordinarily meet for 60 minutes, while traditional day classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays ordinarily meet for 90 minutes. This does not include private consultations about a course, such as those that might take place outside class instruction or after class has been dismissed.

Course Materials: Lecture notes, outlines, slides, PowerPoint presentations, readings, or other content made available to students by the instructor or guest presenter via Brightspace, in-class handouts, or other means.

Documented Disability:  The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires that accommodations be developed on a case-by-case basis, in a deliberative process between the institution and the person with disabilities. Recent and appropriate documentation of the disability and related functional limitations for which they are requesting accommodations must be provided to the Office of Student Accessibility. Accommodations will be authorized by the Office of Student Accessibility based on appropriate documentation of need. In some instances, the Director will need to consult with other members of the University community in order to determine the most appropriate accommodation. 

Recording: A video or audio replication or photographic image recorded on devices including, but not limited to, audio recorders, video recorders, phones, digital cameras, media players, computers, Smart Pens, and other handheld devices that record images and/or sound.

Initiation of Class Recordings

The purpose of recording class is to facilitate the achievement of learning outcomes and/or educational access, as a teaching/learning tool.  Class recordings may be initiated by a course instructor or, in the case of an approved accommodation, by the Director of the Office of Student Accessibility in keeping with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other pertinent laws. Students are prohibited from initiating recordings unless advance written permission is obtained from the class instructor. An instructor may give permission to an entire class as part of the course syllabus or, alternatively, grant permission to select individuals. The instructor may rescind previously granted permission to record at any point during the course, provided that doing so does not compromise an approved accommodation. No instructor will be required to permit recording except under requirements of law.

Access to Class Recordings

Access to class recordings created by the University is restricted to the students in the recorded class who have been given permission by the instructor or for whom recording has been approved as a reasonable accommodation by the Director of the Office of Student Accessibility. The content of any class, including course materials created by the instructor, is the intellectual property of that instructor. As such, any permitted class recordings made by students must be destroyed one week after the final grade is posted for the course, unless the student has received permission from the instructor to retain them or is entitled to retain them as an approved accommodation. Likewise, the instructor may inspect, retrieve, or destroy a recording created by the University, provided that any destruction is done after the recording has been used for its intended purpose and doing so does not compromise an approved accommodation.  Instructors may retain a recording for other purposes on the condition that all identifying student audio and images are edited out of the recording. 

Classes recorded by the instructor, with assistance from the Center for Educational Resources and Technology (CERT), will be controlled via our secure course management platform and other password protected systems. Access will be restricted to students as stated above, the instructor, and the CERT personnel necessary to maintain the system. Students will only have access to these recordings for the duration of the course.

Dissemination of Class Recordings

Class recordings may not be reproduced, transferred, distributed, or displayed in any manner. Students may not share authorized recordings from class in any way with anyone.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• sharing recordings with other students;
• sharing recordings with parents or guardians;
• sharing recordings with friends;
• sharing recordings through social media;
• posting recordings online;
• e-mailing recordings to anyone; and
• retaining downloaded recordings.

Permission to allow class recording is not a transfer of any copyrights in the recording or related course materials. Materials contained within the class recordings, including but not limited to videos and other web-based media, may also have their own copyright protection for which there may be separate prohibitions under the law against dissemination.

Consequences of Policy Violations

Distribution of class recordings or other course materials may constitute copyright infringement in violation of federal or state law, or University policy. Violation of this policy may subject a student to disciplinary action, including but not limited to failing the class under the University’s Academic Honesty Policy, in addition to any legal consequences that may apply.

Faculty must comply with current federal law regarding approved accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

Statement for Syllabi:

By registering for or attending DeSales University courses, individuals consent to the recording of classes within the scope of the DeSales University Class Recording Policy, available at…

APPROVED May 16, 2017 by vote of the faculty.
EDITED August 20, 2021 by Dean of Online Education to reflect current department names and job titles.

• The Office of Service and Advocacy, Student Engagement and Leadership, Conference Services, and Campus Environment must approve all collection boxes/bins. Collection boxes/bins are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Groups must use the designated boxes/bins by the University. 
• Information needed includes the following:
  • Group Name
  • Primary Student Contact and Faculty/Staff Member 
  • Primary Student Contact and Faculty/Staff Member Emails
  • Date Beginning
  • Date Ending
  • How many boxes/bins
  • Communication - The donation box/bins must be clearly labeled (typed, not handwritten) with information regarding: (1) what items are being collected, (2) what department/organization is sponsoring the donation, (3) what/who is benefiting from the donations, and (4) dates the donation will be happening.
  • Locations of Donation boxes/bins. They will not be placed in locations that could block egress or pedestrian traffic. Possible locations include areas next to, or on top of, recycle stations.
• Requests for boxes/bins use must be submitted at least two weeks ahead of the start date desired to ensure consideration for the desired time frame.  In the case of a natural disaster/emergency, the boxes/bins may be scheduled immediately.
• The Office of Residence Life must approve all collection boxes/bins that will be placed in a residence hall.
• The sponsoring group must empty all boxes/bins weekly.   Non-perishable food and non-edible items are only allowed to be collected. If the box/bin does begin overflowing, University staff will remove the box/bin.  If University staff believes the box/bin is not be maintained, the group will be ineligible to collect for the rest semester, plus the following semester.
• Collections will last no more than 21 calendar days. 
• All groups must remove boxes/bins at the end of semester or the Campus Environment department will dispose of the box. 
• Collection boxes/bins cannot be setup by anyone not employed by or a non-student of DeSales.
• DeSales and their employees are not responsible for box/bin contents. However, anyone found attempting to steal or vandalize the boxes/bins or their contents will be referred immediately to the University Police and Conduct office.
• DeSales University reserves the right to cancel or deny a collection box/bin request at any time.

What is a minor?

A minor is an emphasis in an area of study, in addition to the General Core Requirements and the required courses for the major. The six courses required to complete each of the various minors are listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. A minor can often complement a major and enhance your resume. For more about how you can use a minor to enhance your resume, contact the Director of Career Services and Internships.

How can I declare a minor?

• Consult the Undergraduate Catalog to determine which courses are required for the minor you wish to declare.
• Consult with your advisor in planning your minor courses.
• Complete the six required courses, as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog.
• Fill out the Declaration of a Minor Form.
• Obtain the required signatures and return the form to the Registrar's Office.
• Your minor will be indicated on your transcript.

May I have more than one minor?

Yes, you may, depending upon the requirements of your major and the number 
of additional courses you are able to fit into you schedule or to take during summer 
school.

DeSales University’s Computing and Networks Acceptable Use Policy requires that users comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including laws pertaining to copyright.
Campus network users who violate copyright law by using file-sharing programs to exchange music, videos, software, or other digital content without the consent of the copyright owner risk losing network access; repeated violations will result in disciplinary action.

When the university receives a violation notice stating that copyright infringement has been detected on DeSales’ network, the IT department notifies the network user that they must remove or disable access to the infringing material on their computer. Upon a second notification to a student, network access for their personal computer will be suspended and the matter will be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students for appropriate disciplinary action. Upon a second notification to faculty or other employee, the appropriate senior officer of the university will determine the action to be taken. DeSales University will terminate all network access for anyone who repeatedly infringes on the rights of copyright holders.

FAQ: Copyright law and the illegal use of file-sharing programs

Q: What is copyright?
A: Copyright is legal protection of intellectual property provided by the laws of the United States. Copyright applies to works in all media, not just print, and it covers all forms of a work, including the digital transmission and subsequent use. One of the most common forms of copyright violation involves downloading or sharing songs and movies from the Internet without the express consent of the copyright owner.

Q: What is the law concerning digital copyright?
A: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) obligates the university to block access to infringing material when a copyright violation is reported. Members of the community who engage in illegal file-sharing are subject to civil penalties from copyright owners as well as disciplinary action from the university.

Q: Is sharing and downloading music files and videos illegal?
A: File-sharing is illegal when it involves copying or distributing copyrighted materials, usually music and movies, but also TV programs, text, games, software, and images, without permission from the copyright owner.

Q: What kinds of activities violate the federal law?
A: Here are some examples of copyright infringement that may be found on a network:
You make an MP3 copy of a song because the CD or audio file you bought expressly permits you to do so. But then you offer your copy online using a file-sharing program so others can download it.
You join a file-sharing network and download unauthorized copies of copyrighted music from the computers of other network members.
You make a movie or large segment of a movie available on a Web site without permission of the copyright owner.

Q: How is copyright infringement detected?
A: The representatives of copyright owners, such as the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), regularly scan the Internet for file-sharing programs (for example, BitTorrent, Gnutella, and Ares) that exchange music, films, or software belonging to the copyright owners they represent. If copyright infringement is detected, they send a violation notice to the owner of the network where the unlawful file-sharing has occurred. The violation notice contains information that can be used to identify the network location of the offending computer.

Q: What happens if the violation notice leads to your computer?
A: When DeSales University receives a violation notice, the IT department notifies the network user that they must remove or disable access to the infringing material on their computer; otherwise, their network connection will be turned off. Upon a second notification to a student, network access for their personal computer will be suspended, and the matter will be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students for appropriate disciplinary action. Upon a second notification to faculty or staff, the Provost or the VP for Administration will determine the action to be taken. DeSales University will terminate network access for anyone who repeatedly infringes on the rights of copyright holders.

Q: I need to disable file sharing on my computer, how do I do that?
A: Each peer-to-peer client works differently. The University of Chicago has guides online for disabling the most popular file sharing programs. These guides should be used as a reference, do not contact the University of Chicago for assistance; DeSales University students and employees should contact helpdesk@desales.edu with questions or for assistance.

Q: To whom should copyright infringement be reported?
A: DeSales University’s agent under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act is:

IT Department
netadmin@desales.edu
610.282.1100 x1436

Background 

The U.S. Department of Education (34 CFR Section 600.2) defines “credit hour” as: “…an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

(1) one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or, 

(2) at least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (22 Pa. Code Section 31.21) states that a “semester hour represents a unit of curricular material that normally can be taught in a minimum of 14 hours of classroom instruction, plus appropriate outside preparation or the equivalent as determined by the faculty.”

DeSales University Credit Hour Policy
DeSales University complies with the above standards for the assignment of credit hours as established by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In addition, DeSales University is in compliance with policies set forth by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, using acceptable and consistent methods for assigning credit hours to all courses and programs of study and conforming to commonly accepted practice in higher education.

The number of credits is included with each course description in the Undergraduate Catalog and Graduate Catalog. Information about the number of credits, meeting dates and times, classroom location, and mode of delivery is published online and made available to students prior to registration.

Unit of Measurement
All DeSales University undergraduate and graduate courses are assigned credits as a unit of measurement for curricular material regardless of time frame or mode of delivery. A credit is the equivalent of one hour (50 minutes) of face-to-face classroom instruction per week for a semester of approximately 15 weeks. There is an expectation of two hours of outside study by the student for each hour of classroom instruction.           

Outside Study Activities
Outside study activities may include readings, review of notes, written assignments or journals, group projects, preparation for quizzes or exams, vocal or instrumental practice, rehearsal for dramatic productions, quantitative problem solving, literature research, theatrical rehearsal, creation of lesson plans, review of films and/or dramatic productions, preparation for presentations, lab reports, preparation for clinical experiences, or other assigned work as appropriate to the student learning outcomes of the course.   

Academic Period and Instructional Time
The traditional undergraduate academic year consists of a fall and spring semester that are approximately 15 weeks in length with an additional week for final examinations. One credit is awarded for one hour (50 minutes) of classroom instruction per week for the semester of approximately 15 weeks with a minimum of 14 hours of instruction. If a course meets for three 50-minute class periods or two 75-minute class periods per week, it is said to be a three-credit course and has a minimum of 42 hours of classroom instruction.

The ACCESS academic schedule consists of 11 sessions throughout the calendar year. The majority of the courses run for eight weeks, but ACCESS also offers a winter minimester that runs for 3 weeks, summer sessions that run for 6 weeks, and 4-5 credit courses (e.g., Natural Science courses) that run for 12-14 weeks. Courses are offered either as hybrid or completely online and meet the same number of hours as equivalent full-semester courses by requiring more frequent meetings, longer meeting times, asynchronous/synchronous online meetings, and/or utilizing instructional equivalencies (described below under online and hybrid courses).      

The academic year for the DPT, MEd, and MSPAS programs consists of fall, spring, and summer sessions that are typically 14 to 16 weeks in length. The academic year for the MBA, MCJ, MSIS, MSN, and DNP programs consists of fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. The fall, winter, and spring sessions are typically 12 weeks in length, and the summer session is 6 weeks in length. Regardless of whether the graduate programs consist of three or four sessions per year, courses meet the same number of hours as equivalent full-semester courses by requiring more frequent meetings, longer meeting times, asynchronous/synchronous online meetings, and/or utilizing instructional equivalencies.     

Periodic Review
Assignment of credit hours for each course is determined by the program/major based on the amount of work required to achieve the course’s student learning outcomes. Undergraduate and graduate students are provided with a course syllabus that conforms with the DeSales’ “Credit Hour Policy.” Faculty are required to submit to Division Heads all course syllabi prior to the start of the semester/session allowing time for review and approval. Final review and approval is made by the dean of undergraduate education for undergraduate courses and the dean of graduate education for graduate courses. In addition, existing courses are evaluated for compliance with federal and state regulations during each program’s five-year self-study and assessment.

New Course and Approvals
For the approval of a new course, the “Petition to Present a New Undergraduate (Graduate) Course” is completed by a faculty member and approved by the chair of the major (if applicable), department chair (if applicable), and division head, and is reviewed for compliance by the dean of undergraduate education for undergraduate courses and by the dean of graduate education for graduate courses. This petition must be accompanied by a syllabus which conforms to the “Instructions for Drafting a Course Syllabus” and to the “Credit Hour Policy.” New courses that request inclusion within the core curriculum must receive additional approval from the General Education Core Curriculum Committee.  

Below are the general guidelines for assigning credit hours to a particular method of instruction.

Face-to-Face Classroom Instruction
Face-to-face courses in the undergraduate and graduate programs utilize lectures, discussions, demonstrations, or other methods of instruction. DeSales University’s traditional academic year consists of a fall and spring semester that are approximately 15 weeks in length with an additional week for final examinations. One credit is awarded for one hour (50 minutes) of classroom instruction per week for the semester with a minimum of 14 hours of instruction.

The following table displays the minimal amount of student activity per credit for face-to-face classroom instruction: 

Online and Hybrid Courses
Through a combination of in-class contact hours and online activities, online or hybrid courses must provide the “instructional equivalent” of the number of in-class contact hours delivered in a traditional classroom setting. In the case of a fully online class, all of the instructional hours are calculated through “instructional equivalencies.” DeSales’ formal policy (Documentation of Instructional Equivalency Hours for Online and Hybrid Courses) as well as guidance for instructors (Credit Hour Instructional Equivalency Calculation for Online and Hybrid Courses) are posted for the university community on the MyDSU portal under “Policies & Procedures” in the “Distance Education and Instructional Technology” folder. Online and hybrid courses have the same quality, assessment, learning outcomes, requirements, etc. as courses offered face-to-face. Templates are used for consistency of syllabi across multiple versions of the same course and in the organization of content in Brightspace. A thorough review process is in place whereby the appropriate division head or department chair examines the course syllabus for each online or hybrid course to ensure that the content and rigor is equivalent to that of any classes with the same course number that are offered in the traditional face-to-face classroom setting. Additionally, the Distance Education and Instructional Technology Department reviews each course for proper set-up and use of technology in Brightspace. Instructors are contacted to update or enhance course material as needed. 

Laboratory Components of Courses
Laboratories are components of particular face-to-face courses. The laboratory portion of a course is the “hands on” component that supports the didactic (classroom) component of the course. Generally, one credit is awarded for two or three hours of laboratory per week. Online laboratories provide the instructional equivalent of the number of in-class contact hours.   

Internships
Internships are supervised learning experiences that take place outside the classroom for which academic credit may be granted. Internship applications are reviewed and approved by the director of the Career Development Center and the student’s faculty supervisor. Internships are limited to students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and are ordinarily limited to three credits per semester. Internship applications for more than three credits must also be approved by the student’s division head and the dean of undergraduate education (for traditional undergraduate students) or the dean of lifelong learning (for ACCESS students). Internships are graded pass-fail. Credits awarded are based on the following total hours worked during the internship: 

Student Teaching
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires 170 hours of supervised clinical field hours prior to student teaching. Education students seeking certification complete a series of supervised, 1-credit clinical field courses that, when combined, meet the 170 hour requirement. PDE requires a 14-week in-school experience for completion of program requirements for student teaching. During the 14-week in-school experience, 12 credits are awarded for a minimum of 64 days of student teaching.

Independent Study
Independent study courses permit a student to study independently and periodically with a faculty member. Independent study proposals are reviewed and approved by the faculty supervisor, the department chair (or division head), and the dean of undergraduate education for undergraduate students and by the faculty supervisor, program director, and dean of graduate education for graduate students. Credit hours are assigned based on the amount of academic activity associated with the course, the faculty supervision, and the amount of outside study (defined above under outside study activities). Most independent study courses are approved for 3 credit hours.

Tutorials
At times a student may wish to take a course which is listed in the Undergraduate or Graduate Catalog but which is not scheduled to be offered in a given semester. The student may ask a full-time faculty member (usually one who has previously taught the course) if he/she is willing to offer the course tutorially. Tutorials must match the minimum instructional time and minimum out-of-class student work per week assigned for face-to-face classroom instruction. Tutorial proposals are reviewed and approved by the advisor, the department chair (or division head), and the dean of undergraduate education for undergraduate students and by the advisor, program director, and dean of graduate education for graduate students.

Supervised Clinical Experience
For undergraduate nursing (NU) courses, including the required senior-level clinical internship, the credit hour assignment for a supervised clinical experience is based on the following required minimum total clinical hours: 

For the Physician Assistant, Nursing, and Physical Therapy graduate programs, credit for clinical experience is generally determined by their specific accrediting agencies (see the Graduate Catalog).                    

Practicum/Studio Courses, Applied Music, and Ensembles  
Practicum/studio courses, applied music lessons, and ensembles in the Performing Arts Division (theatre, dance, tv/film) are assigned credits based on the learning outcomes and student workload expectations within a specified period of academically-engaged time as determined by the program/major.

Research in Natural Science Department
During research courses, students conduct research in collaboration with a faculty member who has expertise in the subject matter. In the Natural Science Department (biology, chemistry, and biochemistry-molecular biology), one credit is awarded for a minimum time commitment of 3 hours per week for at least 14 weeks.

DeSales University students are offered the opportunity to cross-register at any one of the five LVAIC institutions (Cedar Crest College, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Moravian College, or Muhlenburg College) provided that necessary approvals at the home and host institutions are obtained.

What effect will cross-registered courses have on my GPA?

Some students take courses at other institutions with the hopes of raising their GPA. DeSales University will accept the grades from LVAIC institutions and these grades will be calculated into a student's GPA. While we do accept credits from other non-LVAIC institutions, it is important to recognize that non-LVAIC credits are not calculated in your GPA.

What do I need to know to participate in cross-registration?

• Students wishing to participate must visit http://www.lvaic.org/for-students/cross-registration/ and follow the procedures listed.
• Courses available on this campus or courses taken as an overload may not be cross-registered.
• A maximum of one course per semester may be cross-registered.
• Courses are offered on a space-available basis. Therefore, students should not assume that they will be able to get into the course that they desire.
• The grades for all cross-registered courses are automatically computed into a student's grade point average.
• Freshmen usually may not participate in this cross-registration policy.

Cyber bullying is defined as the use of electronic information and communication devices, to include but not limited to, email message, instant message, text messages, cellular telephone communication, blogs, chat rooms, and defamatory websites that:

1. Threaten, harass, intimidate, an individual or groups of individuals or,
2. Place an individual in reasonable fear of harm to the individual or damage the individual’s property or,
3. Have the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Violation of this policy is considered to be an act of intolerance and anyone found in violation will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the University. Please refer to the Intolerance Policy for more details.

To be eligible for the Dean's List, you must have taken no fewer than 12 semester 
hours for credit (excluding pass/fail classes) and attained a grade point average of 3.25 
or better.

A student with a grade of Incomplete in a course for a given semester is not eligible 
for the Dean's List that semester. 

Definitions

1. Demonstration: a person or assembly of persons engages in a rally, march, sit-in, public speech, or other public manifestation of welcome, approval, protest, or disapproval but does not include social or athletic events.
2. Registered student organization: a student organization properly registered with the dean of students and the Student Engagement and Leadership office pursuant to the DeSales University Student Handbook.
3. Sound amplification equipment: any device used to amplify sound.
4. University department: any officially recognized section of the University’s organizational structure.

General Statement

DeSales University recognizes the rights of students, faculty, and staff members to freedom of speech and peaceful assemblage. While individuals have the right to freedom of expression, including the right to dissent or protest, this expression cannot interfere with the rights of others or disrupt the processes of the University. The University has an obligation to protect the right and freedoms of all members of the University community, including those choosing not to participate in a demonstration. Additionally, the University also has an obligation to protect its property.

The freedom to assemble and exchange views is essential to University life. In order to provide an atmosphere in which open communication can occur without disrupting the academic mission or daily functions of the University, this policy is in effect to govern demonstrations. Public activities are subject to reasonable restrictions of time, place and manner, as described herein, with such restrictions being applied without discrimination to demonstration participants or the content of views being expressed.

The University will not tolerate improper actions by University community members, including visitors. Actions, which are improper, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Actual or threats of physical violence, or other forms of harassment
• Destruction of University property or other private property
• Interference with entry to or exit from University buildings or facilities, including free movement by individuals
• Disruption of or interference with instructional activities, campus events or other University business
• Interference with the rights of others to the freedom of speech and assembly
• Unauthorized entry to a University facility and failure to leave when requested by a representative of the University
• Possession of firearms, explosives, chemicals, or fire extinguishers
• Failure to comply with the orders of directives of University officials, police or other law enforcement agencies acting within the scope of their duties.

Policy

This policy applies to all demonstrations held on University property or at University-sponsored events.

1. Demonstrations may be held in the following areas in accordance with the listed guidelines:
   1. 
      The Free Speech Area is located in the grassy area between the Trexler Library and Dorothy Day Center. Reservation to use this area must be made at least 72 hours in advance with the dean of students’ office to facilitate orderly scheduling of the area. Individuals may demonstrate in the Free Speech Area between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Until an organization receives confirmation of its event request, the event may not be advertised.
   2. - The following areas may be used by a registered student organization or University department with an approved permit:
      1. Indoor facilities
      2. Intramural fields and other recreational areas
      3. Parking lots
      4. Residential areas of the campus
   3. - No unauthorized demonstration shall take place in the following areas:
      1. The health center and its adjacent sidewalks and grounds
      2. All streets and driveways used for vehicular traffic
      3. Wills Hall and its adjacent grounds
      4. Connelly Chapel and its adjacent grounds
2. All student groups and University departments desiring to sponsor a demonstration in a designated restricted area must register and submit a permit application to the dean of students’ office.
   1. In order to secure assistance in planning and obtaining University facilities and in order to protect the rights of all members of the University community, demonstrations must be registered not less than 36 hours in advance. Under compelling circumstances, the 36 hour requirement may be waived by the president of the University or the vice president of student life.
   2. The following information must be submitted:
      1. Desired location
      2. Desired date and times
      3. Route of march, if applicable
      4. Estimated attendance
      5. Names, addresses and telephone numbers of organizers
      6. Names of sponsoring student organization or university department
      7. Names of speaker(s)
   3. DeSales University reserves the right to disapprove applications for permits. The University will use it best efforts to approve permits, but the health, safety, and welfare of all concerned will be considered. The permit will not be given if the requested space is not available or if the University, using its best efforts, cannot make appropriate security arrangements to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of students, staff, and guests. Organizers may be requested to reschedule the event or modify arrangements. The dean of students reserves the right to determine the time and place of any public demonstration.
   4. Until an organization receives confirmation of its event request, the event may not be advertised.
3. The use of sound amplification equipment within 50 feet of University buildings, or in a manner obstructive or disruptive of University functioning, is prohibited.
4. The sponsoring organization or departments are responsible for maintaining the peaceful demeanor of the assembly. The sponsoring group shall be responsible for all expenses and damages incurred to the University, including any additional security expenses deemed necessary by the University.
5. Unlawful action or activity will not be permitted or condoned

Violations

If a demonstration violates any section of the student handbook or this policy, it shall be subject to immediate cancellation with the disbanding of all participants by order of the dean of students or her/his designee. If demonstrators fail to disband within 30 minutes, the University may choose to do either or both of the following:

1. To obtain a court injunction against them to suspend their activities. Thereafter, violators will be subject to prosecution in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
2. To ask participants for their University identification cards:
   • Those who produce identification cards will be immediately suspended from the University pending a disciplinary hearing
   • Those that do not produce identification cards will be assumed to be non-students. All non-students will be subject to criminal arrest. Individuals may be charged with trespassing on private property and/ or disorderly conduct.

After notification of suspension or trespassing, participants have five minutes to start a movement to cease and desist. Failure to do so will result in expulsion for students involved. These students and non-students will be subject to criminal prosecution.

The University uses its discretion to disclose directory information about students upon request unless specifically informed by the student in writing that this type of information should not be released. Directory information includes: •

• Student’s name
• Address & telephone number (local and permanent)
• Major field of study
• Sports and activities participation
• Most previous school attended
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Photographs
• Birth date
• E-mail address
• Dates of attendance, degree, and awards
• High school attended

Written requests to withhold the release of directory information must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than September 15. This request will be honored for one year. Written notice must be received annually to renew the request.

Annual Notification of Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his/her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the University has contracted; a person serving on the Board of Trustees; a student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing his/her professional responsibilities.
4. The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA:
   
   Family Policy Compliance Office 
   US Department of Education
   600 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington DC 20202-4605

Inspired by the inclusivity of the Gospel, we at DeSales University are committed to promoting excellence through diversity, equity and inclusion as aligned with Catholic social teaching. We will work intentionally to create inclusive and equitable approaches that support our unique experiences and identities, while being home to a diverse community of learners, practitioners, and scholars that is reflective of our Lehigh Valley and regional communities. This commitment is a mission-critical imperative in honoring our Salesian spirituality which creates a campus community that allows us to 'be who you are and be that well."

DeSales University has recently revised its guidelines on the use of drones on the DeSales University campus. The following guidelines on the use of drones on University property are now in effect:

1. Any University approved drone flights will be publicly advertised in the DeSales Daily in advance of such flight. Approved drone flights will be limited in number and must include a web request to University Police that can be found on the MyDSU web portal at the following link: https://portal.desales.edu/offices/police/police/Pages/Drone-Registration-Form.aspx. The use of drones on the DeSales University campus is limited only to approved faculty and staff members for official University business and authorized vendors.
2. The University has pursued drone insurance for limited University purposes. For all drone flights, an approved drone pilot license must be provided, if required (depending on size of drone), and for vendors (if the purpose of the flight is approved) or subcontracted University related drone flights, proof of insurance and insurance indemnification for the University must be provided.
3. Chief Richard Williams of the DeSales University Police Department will determine whether any drone flights can occur on campus, and all drone flights must be approved and monitored by University police.
4. Chief Richard Williams of the DeSales University Police Department will review any special requirements related to drone flights because of proximity to airports in the area: FAA regulation states that anyone wanting to fly a drone must have written permission from any airport within 5 miles of where they wish to fly. The airport does have the authority to deny the request. (The FAA law is Titled Public Law 112-95 section 336).
5. The official drone policy for DeSales University can be found on the MyDSU web portal under the Emergency Services heading on the Policies and Procedures tab.
6. The use of student or employee owned drones is strictly prohibited on University property.

There is a one-week period at the beginning of each semester, called the Drop-Add Period, during which you may drop and add courses for that semester and not be penalized. This applies to all day students who are taking either day courses or Adult Studies courses in any session. This transaction may be completed in webadvisor by clicking on "Register or Drop Sections" after logging in. However, before altering your courses, you should always discuss the potential change(s) with your advisor. You may not add another course to your schedule after the Drop-Add Period. This also applies to Adult Studies courses.

Please note that there is a difference between dropping a course and withdrawing from a course.

Hard-working, highly motivated, and academically superior students may want to consider a Dual Major. In such cases, it is important to understand that the degree will be awarded in only one of these majors. However, the second major will appear on your transcript.

It is important to plan your program of study to show how the requirements of each of your majors will be met. Seek advice from your current advisor and an advisor in the area of your second major. Then, complete these steps:

• Print a copy of the Dual Major Form.
• Obtain approval from the appropriate department chairpersons, discussing with them your proposed program of studies, and submit the completed form to the Registrar’s Office.

Updated 2023

Purpose

This policy aims to provide rules and guidelines for using email to disseminate information within and beyond DeSales University.

Background

Email is an essential tool for University communications. However, it is not the only or best communication tool for every use. Improper use of mass email exposes the University to being blocked by various email providers and financial liability under federal and global privacy laws. Failure to comply with these laws can result in confidentiality breaches, fines, and lawsuits.

Scope

This policy applies to all DeSales University emails in the @desales.edu domain or any subdomain. The scope of this policy also includes bulk/mass emails sent on behalf of DeSales via 3rd party providers.

Ownership

At DeSales University, our computer networks and email servers are the University’s property and support our community across all locations. It’s important to note that any emails stored on University servers, whether personal or related to the business of the University, belong to the University and not the individual account holder. Email is an official mechanism of communication within DeSales University and such communications are to be received and read promptly. Only University faculty, staff, and students and other persons who have received permission under the appropriate University authority are authorized users of the University's electronic mail systems and resources.

Privacy

The University will make reasonable efforts to maintain the integrity and effective operation of its electronic mail systems, but users are advised that those systems should in no way be regarded as a secure medium for the communication of sensitive or confidential information. It is especially important that users are careful to send messages only to the intended recipient(s). Particular care should be taken when using the “reply” command during email correspondence. Messages containing confidential information such as course grades, financial aid award amounts, or tuition/fee payment amounts should still be handled pursuant to existing registrar policy.

Bulk or Mass Email

This refers to emails sent to 50 individuals or more. Employees are directed to use The DSU Daily to publicize news or events that are relevant to a wide audience. Additionally, President’s Cabinet members are authorized to send mass emails to the University’s owned email distribution lists. Bulk/mass email is also approved for the following uses:

Coordination of 3rd Party Email Services

Internal email rules limit the number of emails that can be sent from Microsoft Outlook and Gmail. If an office needs to send bulk/mass emails using a different tool from what’s listed above, please get in touch with the Office of Marketing & Communications by emailing helpdesk@desales.edu.

Identification

Employees should use the institutional email signature when communicating and sending messages through desales.edu servers. Use desales.edu weblinks when possible, via the use of hyperlinked text.

Email Policy Abuse

Abuse of the email system by failing to follow the processes in this policy constitutes a violation of the University’s Computing Use and Internet Policy.

Access to University information technology resources may be denied until the issue has been resolved. Report any violations to helpdesk@desales.edu.

Prohibited Use

• Personal use of the email system that creates a direct cost for the University.
• Use of the University's email resources for personal monetary gain or for commercial purposes that are not directly related to University business.
• Sending copies of documents in violation of copyright laws.
• Capture and “opening” of electronic mail except as required in order for authorized employees to diagnose and correct delivery problems.
• Use of electronic mail to harass or intimidate others or to interfere with the ability of others to conduct University business.
• Use of electronic mail systems for any purpose restricted or prohibited by laws or University regulations.
• “Spoofing,” i.e., constructing an electronic mail communication so it appears to be from someone else.
• Attempting unauthorized access to electronic mail or attempting to breach any security measures on any electronic mail system, or attempting to intercept any electronic mail transmissions without proper authorization.
• Any offensive or disruptive messages, including any messages which contain sexual implications, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other comment that offensively addresses someone's age, gender, religious or political beliefs, national origin, or disability.
• Forwarding or sending viruses.
• Surveys that do not serve sanctioned University purposes.

Email Usage Best Practices

1. Use a Professional Email Address: If you're communicating on behalf of DeSales, use your professional email address rather than a personal one (this means using an email address that includes @desales.edu).
2. Subject Line: The subject line should be clear, concise, and relevant to the content of the email. It's the first thing the recipient sees, so make it count.
3. Use Appropriate Salutations: Begin your email with a professional greeting, such as "Dear Dr. Smith" or "Hello Mr. Johnson." Avoid overly informal greetings in professional correspondence.
4. Keep it Clear and Concise: Professional emails should be straightforward, avoid overly complex language, and keep the message as short as possible while conveying all necessary information.
5. Be Polite and Professional: Always maintain a polite and professional tone, even if the email discusses a complex or sensitive subject. Avoid using overly emotional language and always be respectful of the recipient.
6. Avoid Sensitive Information: It's generally a good practice not to send sensitive personal or financial information via email unless encrypted. This includes things like credit card numbers or social security numbers.
7. Use Correct Grammar and Spelling: Mistakes can make your email look unprofessional and sometimes even change your sentences' meaning. Use spell-check tools and consider reading your email out loud before sending it to catch any awkward phrasing.
8. Use Professional Signatures: End your emails with the University's approved email signature.
9. Mind Your Attachments: If you're sending an attachment, make sure it's a file type that your recipient can open and is not too large. Also, always mention the attachment in the body of your email. The size limit of 20MB for an attachment.
10. Respect Privacy with BCC: If you're emailing a large group, use BCC to protect individuals' email privacy and prevent “reply all” situations.
11. Respond Promptly: Professionalism in email extends to response times. Try to respond to all emails within 24-48 hours, even if it's to acknowledge receipt and let the sender know when you can provide a more complete response.
12. Avoid Overuse of High-Priority Option: Use the high-priority option only when your email is highly important. Overuse can cause recipients to ignore this flag.

Definitions

Bulk Email/Mass Email: Identical or similar messages sent to over 50 addresses.

Unsolicited Email: Any message that the recipient did not specifically request and would not reasonably expect to receive based on either an active, opt-in subscription to a mailing list or a current or past relationship with any part of the University (e.g., students, prospective students, alums, employees, customers, etc.)

Mailing List: A system that allows an email message to send to multiple addresses such that a recipient only sees their address or an address representing the entire list (e.g., fulltimefaculty@desales.edu in the To: or CC: fields), without revealing the addresses of other recipients in the list.

Official Email: Communications either required by law and regulation of the government or about official university business, e.g., messages related to Clery reporting, emergency services, etc.

First-Party Data: Refers to information directly collected from subscribers who opt-in to receive your emails. This data includes your emails' demographic details, behaviors, actions, interests, and preferences.

Opt-In: Refers to obtaining explicit permission from recipients before sending them marketing or promotional emails, ensuring compliance with CAN-SPAM regulations.

Slate: The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system used to manage interactions with prospective students, alums, and friends of the University.

CAN-SPAM Act: A U.S. law that sets rules for commercial email. It requires transparency, giving recipients the right to opt out of emails, and prohibits deceptive subject lines and false headers in mass email campaigns. Violations can lead to severe penalties.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): A European Union law governing data privacy. It mandates explicit consent for data collection, provides individuals with rights over their personal data, and imposes strict rules on emailing practices, including mass emails, to protect users' privacy and prevent data breaches.

Example Scenarios

Due to an unforeseen circumstance, you must make an adjustment to your courses. (Think: schedule changes, cancellations, virtual options, assignments, announcements, etc.)

• Do: Send a communication through the LMS or Colleague.
• Don’t: Send an email blast to all your students via Outlook. 

Your division or department is hosting an event for an internal audience and needs volunteers or attendees.

• Do: Post twice in the DSU Daily and engage other approved marketing channels beyond email (ex. Social media, Channel 7, mentioning it at meetings). 
• Don’t: Send a blast email to 50 or more individuals using Outlook or any other email campaign tool. If you miss the deadline for The Daily or aren’t seeing the interest you’d like after your allotted two posts, you are not authorized to use unapproved communications channels, even if it is time sensitive. Plan ahead to avoid complications.

You enjoy providing tips and musings to your colleagues.

• Do: Keep the email group under 50 and ensure that your communication will assist with their daily operations. If the tip is appropriate for the entire campus community and you are the subject matter expert, consider submitting it to the DSU Daily.
• Don’t: Force colleagues into a situation where they don’t want to receive your emails but feel uncomfortable emailing you to opt-out.

DeSales University states its graduation requirements in terms of three-credit courses, not the number of credits. In order to graduate, a student must:

• Complete at least 40 courses, plus three semesters of physical education 
  (PE 100 plus two PE activity courses); the courses must each be three 
  credits or more for a total of at least 120 credit hours.

• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 for all courses presented 
  for the degree.

• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 for courses required by and
  offered by the major.

• 15 courses at DSU, 5 of which must be in the student’s major

Improving Your GPA

Students wishing to raise their GPA may not realize that they have the opportunity to repeat a course in which they have received a grade of D, D+, or F. Please see the Undergraduate Catalog for complete information about this policy. Some students take courses at other institutions with the hopes of raising their GPA. However, please note that DeSales University only accepts the grades from our five partner institutions in the LVAIC consortium. As a result, while we do accept credits from other non-LVAIC institutions, those non-LVAIC credits do not affect your GPA. Learn more about taking courses through LVAIC institutions.

Estimating Your GPA Using the GPA Wizard

The GPA Wizard allows you to explore how your GPA may change in the future depending upon a variety of circumstances. You can choose from several options including:

• Estimate your anticipated Term GPA (commonly called "Semester GPA") and then see how that Term GPA would impact your Cumulative GPA
• Estimate the impact of repeating courses and then learn what type of grades you would need in order to reach a target Cumulative GPA
• Learn what type of grades you would need in order to reach a target Cumulative GPA (without repeating any courses)
• Chart your semester-by-semester progress using either Term GPA or Cumulative GPA

Be sure to read all directions carefully so that you can maximize the potential of the GPA Wizard. Please note that you will need Microsoft Excel 2007 or a converter for earlier versions of Microsoft Excel.

Estimating Your GPA By Hand

Students can identify their Grade Point Average (GPA) in WebAdvisor. For the Cumulative GPA, click on "Transcript" (under the Academic Profile heading of the main menu) and scroll to the bottom of this page. For your GPA in a particular term, click on "Grade Point Average by Term" (also under Academic Profile) and select the semester or term of interest to you.

In some cases, you may need more information than you can find in WebAdvisor. For example, you may wish to determine your GPA in your major (sometimes useful for resumes) or you may wish to estimate your anticipated GPA after the current semester. Using a very simple formula and a calculator, you can determine your Cumulative GPA, your Term GPA, and/or your GPA in Major.

First, you will need a list of the courses for which you want to calculate the GPA. This list must include the number of credits for each course and the grade for each course. You can obtain this information from WebAdvisor. If you are estimating your future GPA, you can insert your anticipated grades.

For example, if you were attempting to estimate your term GPA for the current semester, your list might look like this:

Second, you will need to determine how many grade points each individual letter grade is worth. The Grading System, as found in the Undergraduate Catalog, will help you with this:

Please note that neither pass-fail courses nor audited courses are calculated into your GPA. Furthermore, only the grades from transfer courses taken at LVAIC institutions will be computed into your GPA. All transfer courses from other institutions outside of the LVAIC consortium will not be calculated into your GPA, although the credits may be accepted.

Since a B is worth 3.0 grade points, if you receive a B in a four-credit course, you have a total of 12 grade points (3.0 grade point X four-credits = 12 grade points). Go back to your original table of grades, and add a column for grade points.

Third, determine your total number of credits (excluding any pass-fail courses, audited courses, or non-LVAIC transfer courses), as well as your total grade points.

Fourth, divide the total grade points by the total credits to determine your Grade Point Average. In the example provided above, 53.1 / 16 = 3.319 (rounded up). So, if this student were correct about the anticipated grades inserted into his/her list, then 3.319 would ultimately be the final Term GPA.

While your list of courses may be longer if you are attempting to determine your Cumulative GPA or the GPA for courses in your major, the formula will remain the same.

Suggestion: If your cumulative GPA does not seem impressive enough on your resume, your GPA in major courses could prove more helpful. For more information about how to insert your GPA into your resume, please contact the Director of Career Services.

This policy is administered by the Office of the Provost & Academic Affairs
These guidelines are grounded in DeSales University values, particularly Gentleness and Hospitality.

Use of Reserved and Unreserved Classrooms

• Recognized student groups may reserve standard classrooms and classroom auditoriums through the Office of Conference Services.
• Unlocked, unoccupied, unreserved classrooms and classroom auditoriums are available for student ad hoc use. However, students must vacate an unreserved room if asked to leave by a faculty or staff member.

Use of Classroom Audiovisual Equipment

• Students may use the audiovisual systems in standard classrooms or a previously reserved classroom auditorium through the control panel at the top of the podium.
• Students may not use the audiovisual systems in a classroom auditorium unless the room has been reserved in advance.
• When using a classroom podium computer, students should login with their DeSales username and password.
• When using an external device such as a laptop or game system, students should use the provided HDMI cable at the top of the podium.
• When use of the audiovisual equipment is complete, the system should be fully powered down using the podium control panel.
• Students should not go into the equipment cabinet, disconnect, or connect any cables other than the HDMI cable previously mentioned.
• Students should not touch or attempt to manually adjust classroom audiovisual equipment such as projectors or webcams, nor should they attempt to connect anything to this equipment.

General Courtesy / Hospitality Guidelines

• Leave any classroom in the condition you found it or better.
• If equipment in a classroom is not working correctly or the condition of a classroom requires a housekeeper's attention, report it to the Help Desk at helpdesk@desales.edu or ext. 4357.
• Keep in mind the university Character Code: As a member of DeSales University, I will conduct myself in a respectful manner with dignity and honesty in the Salesian tradition of humility and gentleness.
• Students that exhibit behaviors inconsistent with these guidelines are subject to disciplinary procedures administered by the Office of Student Conduct.

Approved by Provost Bro. Dan Wisniewski 10/18/2021

At DeSales University we believe in the dignity of life and hold a deep respect for each individual person as a creation of God. Hazing is contrary to these beliefs and will therefore not be tolerated in any form.

DeSales University defines hazing as any activity suspected of someone affiliating with or joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers, regardless of the persons willingness to participate. Furthermore, this definition includes any action which results in the disruption of the educational process, the impairment of academic performance, or failure to properly fulfill obligations to University sponsored groups or organizations.

DeSales University unconditionally opposes all forms of hazing and adheres to Pennsylvania Penal Law which defines hazing as follows:

“Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education. The term shall include but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor drug or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental distress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, or any willful destruction or removal of public or private property. For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. (Penal Law, P.S. 5325) “Any person who causes or participates in hazing commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.”(Penal Law, P.S. 5353)

Any violation or suspected violation of this hazing policy should be reported to any of the following: the Student Affairs Office, the Director of Athletics, or the Director of Student Engagement and Leadership. In addition, students may also report incidents of hazing to University Police dial ext. 1250 from any on campus phone or direct dial 610.282.1002.

Any person or organization in violation of this policy will be subject to University disciplinary action.

DeSales University follows the American College Heath Association (ACHA) recommendations for institutional prematriculation immunizations. 

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) suggests that students receive the meningitis vaccine less than 5 years before starting college. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania College and University Student Vaccination Act of 2002 requires that all students who will be residing in university owned housing provide documentation that they have received the vaccine or sign a declination statement after receiving information regarding the benefits of the meningitis vaccine. Approximately 70% of all cases of meningococcal disease in college students are vaccine preventable.

An "incomplete" indicates that a student, through no fault of his or her own, was unable to complete the course requirements within the regular term.

An "incomplete" must be made up within four calendar months of the last day of the class of the semester in which the "incomplete" was given.

If it is not made up by this date, the "I", (Incomplete) automatically becomes an "F".  (N.B. See the Adult Studies Calendar for the deadlines for Incompletes in Adult Studies courses.)

We acknowledge with respect, the people of the Lenni Lenape, the Indigenous Peoples on whose ancestral lands DeSales University now stands. We honor them and their many contributions to the world around us, including the original philosophy and practice of environmental stewardship.  Respecting the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si, we strive to “show special care for indigenous communities and their cultural traditions” (Laudato Si, 2015, no. 146).

The DeSales IRB Committee has the responsibility and full capabilities to review and monitor biomedical and socio-behavioral research that involves human subjects in which DeSales is engaged before the involvement of human subjects may begin.

Find all related information (e.g. application, policies and procedures, etc.) on the Institutional Review Board website.

Intolerance, harassment, or any other conduct that diminishes the dignity of a human person is incompatible with our fundamental commitment as a Catholic university in the Salesian tradition. Every person shall be treated with respect and dignity. No person shall be subject to any sexual, racial, psychological, physical, verbal, or other similar harassment or abuse. Those who treat others with such intolerance will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the University

A student may be required to withdraw temporarily from the University if his/her behavior constitutes a danger to himself or others or to property, if it disrupts the academic or community life of the University, or if the student’s physical or mental health problems cannot be safely or properly managed in the University setting.

When it is determined that a student must leave the institution for any of the reasons stated above, he/she will be urged to withdraw from the University voluntarily. If the student does not accept this option, the vice president for student life, in consultation with the provost, may require an involuntary administrative withdrawal. Recommendations of the dean of students, director of counseling, and director of student health center will be considered in making the decision.

After the student is notified of administrative action, the withdrawal shall take place immediately. Any appeal to the decision must be made to the President; however, the student must leave campus pending the outcome of the appeal.

The student shall be informed in writing of all conditions pertinent to withdrawal, including tuition refund, requirements for professional evaluation and treatment, restrictions prohibiting the use of campus facilities and services, and requirements for possible re-enrollment.

The DeSales University Emergency Services Department is responsible for the implementation of the following key/access card policy and to provide documented accountability of all key/access card transactions (e.g., issuance, return, loss, or theft) on the DeSales University campus. It is the responsibility of the student to review the DeSales University Key Policy located online at: www.desales.edu on the MyDSU portal under the “Policies & Procedures” tab.

Receipt of a University key carries implied responsibility. By possessing a key, the key holder agrees not to compromise the security of any area or building on the DeSales University campus and further agrees to secure each door upon leaving their designated area.

The following acts are examples of violations of the DeSales University Key Policy and are prohibited:

• Loaning keys
• Improper transfer of keys
• Unauthorized duplication of keys
• Altering keys, locks, or mechanisms
• Damaging, tampering, or vandalizing any University lock or hardware
• Propping open secure doors
• Admitting unauthorized person(s) into the building
• Failure to return a key/access card when requested by University Police or the Emergency Services Department or upon departure from the University
• Failure to report lost key(s)

The DeSales University Emergency Services Department, in coordination with the Housing Operations Office, is responsible for the issuance of room keys to students. If a student is reassigned to a different room after the semester begins, the Housing Operations Office shall notify the Emergency Services Department of the change. The reassigned student shall then appear in person at the Emergency Services Department, located in Lawless Hall to pick up their new key and sign the “Request for Access” form. The old room key shall be returned to the Emergency Services Department by the move-in completion date. If the old key is not returned to the Emergency Services Department by this date, the student’s account will be charged for a lock replacement to the old room.

Lost Keys/ID Cards

If a resident student loses a University issued residence key, the student shall report the matter to the DeSales University Police Department who will inform the director of emergency services and/or access control assistant of the loss. The locksmith will change the door locks prior to the end of the next business day between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

If the student(s) are present in the room, the locksmith will issue a new key to the student(s). If the student and/or roommate(s) are not present, the locksmith will leave a tag on the door instructing the student(s) to pick up their new key at the DeSales University Police Department.

In the event of a lost key, residents in Aviat Hall, Chappuis Hall, Conmy Hall, DeChantal Hall, Donahue Hall,, Tocik Hall, University Heights, and Annecy Hall will be assessed a $50.00 lock replacement fee on the student account of those responsible for the loss. Residents of the University Village will be assessed a $250.00 fee on the student account of those responsible for the loss.

The roommate(s) of the student who lost their room key must also return their old key(s) prior to the issuance of a new key.

All keys remain the property of DeSales University. If keys are not returned at the end of the semester or when requested by University personnel the key holder may, when applicable, be assessed a fee for key replacement and/or re-keying of the area.

If a DeSales University ID card is lost, stolen or damaged, the student shall report the matter immediately to the DeSales University Police Department. The student should then report the lost card to the University Card Office to obtain a new ID card. A fee of $35 will be billed to the student for replacement of the card. 

If after hours, the student may contact the DeSales University Police Department to obtain a temporary ID card. This temporary card will contain funds for meals at the various dining venues throughout campus, as well as access permissions to their respective dormitories. Funds used will be billed to the student’s University account.

All found ID cards should be forwarded to the Emergency Services Department.

End of the Year Key Return

At the end of each academic year, resident students must return all issued keys prior to their departure from campus. All students who are released from their housing contract during the academic year must return their keys to the Emergency Services Department.

Key Drop Boxes

Key drop boxes are provided for student convenience and are located in the following areas:

• Residence halls in the lobby areas
• University Heights at the entrance of Height 7
• University Village on the first floor of each building by the elevator

All keys not returned will be subject to a $50 lock replacement fee/$250.00 for University Village residents. All students who graduate or are no longer enrolled in classes at DeSales University must immediately return their ID card and/or keys to DeSales University’s Emergency Services Department.

International applicants (regardless of citizenship) whose native language is not English are required to submit English proficiency test scores as part of their application. English proficiency test scores are also required if an applicant attended secondary school in a non-English-speaking country.

Language Requirement Exceptions

• A score of 550 or above on the SAT Evidence-based Reading or 24 or better on the ACT English section
• If an applicant attended a U.S. high school or secondary school for at least three years and was enrolled in a traditional academic curriculum without ESOL coursework
• If an applicant attended another U.S. community college, college, or university full-time for at least two years without ESOL coursework
• Other exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by the Director of International Learning

Undergraduate admissions requires the following minimum scores on the TOEFL, iELTS, or the Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE).

All applicants to the Nursing (Traditional BSN [Freshman or Transfer], Accelerated BSN, ACCESS Evening-Weekend BSN), Medical Studies (Physician Assistant), or Health Sciences (Physical Therapy) programs, who were not born in the United States are required to take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language) and must obtain a total score of 100 with a minimum score of 26 for speaking. Requests for exceptions to this requirement will be made on a case-by-case basis. The program chair will make the final decision and there are no further appeals.

Since the health and safety of students are of primary importance, students are encouraged not only to look out for their own wellbeing, but also for that of their peers. Additionally, it is imperative that someone calls for medical assistance when an individual experiences severe intoxication or serious injury after consuming alcohol and/or marijuana.

When a student’s health and safety are threatened or appears to be in jeopardy, immediate action should be taken to prevent injury/illness/danger. However, students may be reluctant to seek help in such alcohol and/or marijuana related emergencies because of potential consequences for themselves, and for the person in need of assistance, under DeSales University’s Code of Conduct. Since these alcohol and/or marijuana related medical emergencies are potentially life threatening, DeSales University seeks to reduce barriers that may discourage students from seeking assistance.

The Medical Amnesty Policy represents the University’s commitment to increasing the likelihood that students will call for medical assistance when faced with an alcohol and/or marijuana- related medical emergency. The policy also promotes education for individuals who receive emergency medical attention related to their own use of alcohol and/or marijuana in order to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.

Policy

A student who seeks emergency medical assistance related to his/her consumption of alcohol and/or marijuana will be immune from sanctions for violating the University’s alcohol and drug policy provided that he/she completes a follow-up course of evaluation counseling and, if indicated, treatment. Failure to complete the prescribed course of evaluation counseling and treatment may result in the imposition of sanctions under the University’s Code of Conduct.

A student who calls for emergency medical assistance on behalf of a fellow student experiencing an alcohol and/or marijuana related medical emergency will be immune from sanctions for violating the University’s alcohol and drug policy regardless of whether or not the individual is under the influence/ possession of alcohol.

The Medical Amnesty Policy applies only to students who seek emergency medical assistance in connection with an alcohol and/or marijuana related medical emergency and does not apply to individuals experiencing an alcohol and/or marijuana related medical emergency who are found by University employees (e.g., university police, faculty, administrative staff, and residence life staff).

The Medical Amnesty Policy does not excuse or protect those individuals who repeatedly violate the University’s alcohol and drug policy. In cases where repetitive violations of the University’s alcohol and drug policy occur, appropriate action under the University’s code of conduct will be taken on a case by case basis. In the event violations of the University’s code of conduct occur, other than violations of the University’s alcohol and drug policy for which an individual receives immunity under this policy, appropriate disciplinary action may be instituted under the University’s Code of Conduct.

Procedure

Information about the time and location of the alcohol and/or marijuana related medical emergency will be recorded to enable any necessary follow-up in order to address issues of health and safety, vandalism, or chronic abuse of the alcohol policy.

In cases in which a student is transported to the hospital for an alcohol and/or marijuana related medical emergency and is unconscious or otherwise in serious physical jeopardy, parental notification by University officials may occur, not for the purpose of disciplinary action, but as a precautionary measure.

Note

This policy only provides amnesty from violations of the DeSales University code of conduct. It does not grant amnesty for criminal, civil, or legal consequences for violations of federal, state, or local law.

Patients who reside in Pennsylvania may qualify for medical cannabis if they have a terminal illness or if they suffer from one of 17 medical conditions. However, marijuana is a prohibited substance federally under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).  DeSales University abides by the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments.  Both Acts require that "as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education or state/local educational agency must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students."

Medical marijuana is not a reasonable accommodation under the ADA for students with disabilities, as marijuana is an illegal drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812(c).

For further information, please refer to the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program.

It is the policy of DeSales University to treat all reports of missing students as serious incidents and to investigate such reports completely. The DeSales University Police Department will thoroughly investigate all reports of missing students, treating every report as one where the person reported missing may be at risk until significant information to the contrary is confirmed. This policy establishes a framework for cooperation among members of the University community aimed at locating and assisting students who are reported missing.

The University encourages timely reporting of missing students to the University Police Department by all members of the DeSales community. This will assist in locating students who are reported missing and comply with federal law as stated in the Missing Person Procedures of the Higher Education Opportunity Act 2008.

Reporting Missing Students

A student may be considered to be missing if the student's absence is contrary to his or her usual pattern of behavior and unusual circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: (1) absence from multiple classes; (2) indicators that a student may be a victim of foul play; (3) expressed suicidal thoughts; (4) indicators of drug dependency; (5) indicators that the student may be in a life threatening situation or has been with persons who may endanger his or her welfare.

The University Police Department strongly recommends to all members of the DeSales community that if there is a possibility that a student is missing, contact the University Police as soon as possible, by calling ext 1250.

Any university employee who receives information that a student may be missing must report this information to the University Police immediately whether the student is a resident or non-resident student.

Any student, who believes that another student is missing, should notify the University Police as soon as possible.

University Police will investigate all incidents of reported missing students and will exhaust all leads to locate resident students (those who live in on-campus facilities). In situations where the student is a non-resident (resides off campus), the University Police will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the student resides or was last seen. University Police will cooperate fully with the investigation, providing assistance as requested. When applicable, University Police will notify outside law agencies as soon as possible.

Upon receiving a report of a missing student, and conducting a preliminary check of the student's room and other areas on campus the student may frequent, University Police will notify the Vice President for Student Life or his/her designee.

Emergency Contact Information

At the beginning of each academic semester, all students residing in on-campus housing will be notified of the following:

1. The student will have the opportunity, through WebAdvisor (accessed through “MY DSU”) to identify an emergency contact person or persons whom will be notified within 24 hours of the determination by law enforcement that the student is missing;
2. This contact information will be confidential and will be accessible only to authorized university officials and it will not be disclosed except to law enforcement personnel involved in a missing persons investigation;
3. For students who are 18 years of age or older, this notification to the designated emergency contact person will be made within but no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. If a designated person has not been identified by the student, the Office of Student Affairs or the DeSales University Police will notify the student's custodial parent or guardian;
4. For students who are under 18 years of age and not emancipated, the Office of Student Affairs or the DeSales University Police shall notify the student's custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing and will also notify the student's designated emergency contact person.

In alignment with our institution’s Catholic, Salesian Mission and Core Values, DeSales University (DSU) is committed to providing equal opportunity in the admission of students, the administration of educational programs, and activities for employees and applicants for employment, without discrimination based on protected categories: race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, gender identity, age, pregnancy, veteran status, or disability.

DeSales University is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility and mutual respect in a place free of discrimination on the basis of, and in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 along with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA/504), and other applicable state and federal laws.  

Lastly, in accordance with Title IX, a separate policy governs the reporting and review of alleged incidents of discrimination or harassment and misconduct on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status and alleged incidents of sexual assault. 

The Title IX policy for DeSales University can be found at desales.edu/titleix

A normal course load consists of five courses of three or more credits each. To "overload" means taking an additional course of three or more credits, or an additional three one-credit courses, excluding physical education courses.

Requirements for Overloading

• If you have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00, you may be permitted an overload of one course per semester subject to the approval of your advisor. 
• If you have a cumulative grade point average of 3.25, you may be permitted an overload of two courses per semester subject to the approval of your advisor. 
• Three one-credit courses in a semester may also be an overload, unless one of these is a physical education course. 

What is the procedure for getting an overload approved?

• When you meet with your advisor to discuss registering for the following semester's courses, speak about the possibility of overloading. 
• At pre-registration, it is only possible to register for a "normal" course load. You will need to complete an Approval Form and obtain the required signature. 
• Return the form to the Registrar's Office. 

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may take one course during a semester under the pass-fail option (exclusive of PE courses), provided that the course is a free elective. It must not be a core requirement, a major requirement, or a controlled elective.

What is the procedure for getting a pass-fail course approved?

• Complete the appropriate section of the Approval Form.
• Obtain the approval of your academic advisor and the instructor of the course.
• Submit to the Registrar's Office.

May I change from Pass-Fail to a letter grade, or from a letter grade to Pass-Fail, after the course has begun?

Yes, you may change from one to the other, within one month of the first day of the semester with the permission of the instructor, the Academic Dean, and your academic advisor. See the Academic Calendar for precise dates. (N.B. Consult the Adult Studies calendar, if you are taking an Adult Studies course.)

Photography and videography are integral to capturing the vibrant life and experiences at DeSales. Our photographers and videographers should always be mindful of personal boundaries and respect the privacy of individuals within the DeSales community. During events or in public spaces, it is generally acceptable to capture photographs and videography without explicit consent. For candid photos or footage unrelated to a public event, the Marketing and Communications Department will work to obtain verbal or written consent from individuals before capturing photographs where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Individuals should feel free to decline or withdraw their consent at any point without facing consequences by contacting the Marketing and Communications Department.

This Policy establishes guidelines designed to provide a safe environment for minors when on the DeSales University campus, or while participating in University-sponsored activities off campus. This Policy is intended to apply to University-sponsored activities involving minors, and programs for minors sponsored by non-University organizations that operate in University facilities.

Title IX

At DeSales University, we want to encourage users to collaborate and distribute documents digitally, rather than printing to a paper document. By doing this, the University's goals to achieve sustainability, become environmentally responsible, and reduce cost are met. To assist with these goals, DeSales University IT launched Paper Cut software to all faculty, staff, and students in August 2013. Paper Cut shows user's printing habits and gives the ability to print wirelessly to any public printer on campus. A link to Paper Cut is provided on the MyDSU portal.

Page allotments per semester:

• Faculty and Staff = 1,000 pages
• Students = 500 pages.

As users print, pages are deducted from their personal balance.

Once students reach -50 page balance, they will be unable to print to a network printer. On request to the Help Desk, student balances will be reset to 100 pages.

The use or possession of fireworks, firearms, ammunition, explosives, knives, or weapons of any kind is not permitted on campus. This includes pellet/air-soft guns that can cause damage to facilities or be mistaken for actual guns. Drones, and hover boards are also not permitted. See Weapons-Free Policy for more information.

Prohibited items may be confiscated and students may be subject to disciplinary action. 

Students may complete internships for credit in collaboration with a faculty supervisor, provided that they meet minimum criteria and follow procedures specified by the Career Development Center. For more information visit www.desales.edu/career and/or the Career Development Center in Dooling Hall.

Near the end of each semester, students planning to return the following semester need to register for classes. These are the steps that you should follow:

• Check the Academic Calendar to identify which week will be registration week.
• In the weeks leading up to registration, log-in to Web Advisor and click on "Registration Status and Time" to see the specific time at which you may begin to register.
• Approximately two weeks before registration, begin preparing a tentative schedule of courses.
• One to two weeks prior to registration (during Advisor Consultation Week, as published in the Academic Calendar), you should meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses that you plan to take, review mid-term grades, and ensure that you are on track for graduation. Your advisor must clear you in his/her Web Advisor account before you will be able to register.
• Please note that students with a financial hold will not be permitted to register until the matter is resolved with the Business Office.
• Log-in to Web Advisor at the assigned time and click "Search and register for classes."  Add desired classes to preferred sections and then submit preferred sections to complete registration.

Students may repeat courses in which a grade of C-, D+, D, or F was earned. After repeating a course, both the original grade and the repeated grade appear on the transcript but only the higher grade earned is used in the calculation of the GPA. Ordinarily, a student  may  repeat  a  course  only  once,  but  in  case  a  student twice fails a course required for graduation, the student may petition the advisor and the dean of undergraduate education, or assistant dean of lifelong learning for Adult Studies, to be allowed to take the course a third time.

For courses repeated elsewhere, the transfer grade will not replace the DeSales grade (except for courses taken through LVAIC Cross-Registration). See Transfer Courses below and Cross-Registration at LVAIC Institutions above for additional information.

All nursing students are required to achieve a grade of C+ or higher in all nursing courses. Any nursing student who receives less than a C+ may repeat that nursing course once. A nursing student can repeat a total of one (1) nursing course throughout the BSN curriculum. All nursing courses must be repeated at DeSales University.

Please see the Undergraduate Catalog for complete information about this policy.

At the heart of the Salesian tradition of the Catholic faith is the belief in the common good. DeSales University believes that successful residential communities are formed when students realize that they must balance or even compromise their individual preferences for the common good of all residents. Because DeSales University is first and foremost a learning community, the following regulations and guidelines are designated to ensure a high quality of residential life and to prevent behavior that is an infringement on the rights or dignity of others, detrimental to person growth and the common good, or in basic discord with the mission of the University. For these reasons, residential policies apply not only to students residing on campus, but extend to other DeSales students or guests visiting on–campus residences. Violation of residential regulations may lead to a referral to the Office of Student Conduct, including disciplinary action as appropriate.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

All students are expected to be conversant and comply with the policy on alcohol and illegal drugs at DeSales University. The University’s alcoholic beverage policies are strictly enforced in the residence halls. Excessive noise or reasonable suspicion of a policy violation is reason to knock and enter a student room. Contraband kept in student rooms or bathrooms is considered in plain view and may be confiscated without a University search warrant.

The regulations outlined below are strictly enforced on University property, including all on-campus residences.

1. It is prohibited for anyone to sell illegal drug substances.
2. It is prohibited for anyone to use or possess illegal drug substances.
3. It is prohibited for anyone to possess paraphernalia that may be used in conjunction with the use or sale of illegal drug substances.
4. It is prohibited for a student under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, consume, or be in the presence of an alcoholic beverage. The only exception is that a student whose roommate is 21 years or older may be in his/her room if his/her roommate is in possession of or consuming an alcoholic beverage.
5. It is prohibited for any student to be in the presence of any other person illegally possessing or consuming illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages.
6. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all public areas of University residences including but not limited to hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms, lounges, public restrooms, as well as outside of all University residences, including outdoor areas/patios at the University Heights.
7. It is prohibited to possess or dispense beer in a keg, beer ball, or anything else leading to excessive consumption. Bars, keg refrigerators, beer pong tables, and other physical items used for storing, serving, or consuming large quantities of alcohol are also prohibited.
8. Students under 21 years of age are not permitted to possess empty containers of alcohol (cans or bottles) or alcohol-related paraphernalia as these items are considered acceptable evidence of illegal alcohol consumption.
9. It is prohibited to possess or dispense “homemade” alcoholic beverages.
10. Intoxication is not permitted.
11. It is prohibited for anyone to play drinking games.
12. It is prohibited for anyone over the age of 21 years to consume/possess alcoholic beverages with individuals under the age of 21 present (except one’s roommate).
13. It is prohibited for anyone over the age of 21 years to provide alcohol to minors or to “host” alcoholic gatherings with students under the age of 21 present.
14. A resident who is 21 years or older may have no more than one case of beer (up to 30 12oz. servings), one gallon of wine, OR one 750 ml liquor bottle in his/her possession or room.
15. The possession and use of any alcoholic energy drinks (for example, Four Loko, Joose, Sparks) on campus is prohibited regardless of whether or not the student who possesses or consumes is of legal age.

Gambling

Gambling, including online wagering, is not permitted on University property. Support resources are available for students who may be concerned with their gambling behaviors.

Hall Sports

Due to the risk of personal injury or property damage, all sports activities involving balls, sticks, Frisbees, or other potentially injurious objects are prohibited in the residence halls. Students engaging in hall sports may be subject to disciplinary action as well as financial restitution for any damages to University property.

Noise

Residence life actively supports the academic success of our students and encourages an atmosphere conducive to study in all University residences. Each resident student is expected to be considerate of others by moderating the use of stereos, TVs, radios, videogames, or other entertainment items. Noise that significantly disturbs other residents is not permitted at any time. Outside antennas, amplified sounds, and sounds directed out of windows are prohibited. Upon request of staff or fellow students, students are expected to reduce noise and keep from disturbing others. Students may be required to remove stereos, musical instruments, or other amplified equipment from rooms and may be subject to disciplinary action if a violation occurs.

Quiet hours are in effect in all residences Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from midnight to 9:00 a.m. Loud talking in hallways and lounges, as well as outside of the residence halls and in parking lots, is prohibited during this time-period. Disorderly conduct that disturbs others is not permitted at any time. Residents who violate the noise policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Residents will be held accountable for noise caused by their guests.

Pets

Only fish are allowed in the University residences. Students are allowed 1 tank per room, and the tank may not exceed 10 gallons. Students must unplug and clean tanks and take fish home during December break. Stones, sand, marbles, or other decorative items used in fish tanks may not be disposed of in sinks or toilets. All other animals are prohibited in the residence halls.

Prohibited Items in Residence Halls

The use or possession of fireworks, firearms, ammunition, explosives, dangerous chemicals, knives, or weapons of any kind is not permitted in University residences. This includes pellet/air-soft guns that can cause damage to facilities or be mistaken for actual guns. Also, natural trees, motorcycles, gas-driven vehicles, drones, hover boards, gasoline, butane, propane, and other flammable gases and liquids are prohibited in the residence halls. Candles, incense, fire pits, hookahs, kerosene/alcohol/oil lamps, halogen lamps, lava lamps, sun bulbs, and any appliances containing heating elements that do not have an automatic shut-off switch (hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, space heaters, electric grills, etc.) are not permitted.

In addition, residents are not permitted to use bed risers or over-the-door-hangers, have waterbeds, pools, street signs, construction barriers, University banners, or University-issued lounge furniture in student rooms. Electrical signs are not allowed in the windows, and signs or other materials may not be hung outside of windows or off buildings. Prohibited items may be confiscated and residents subject to disciplinary action.

Restricted Areas

Students and their guests are not permitted to access roofs, attic spaces, maintenance areas, boiler/mechanical rooms, construction sites, or other posted areas. Students found doing so may be subject to disciplinary action. 

Room Entry/Search Procedures

Authorized University representatives may enter any room at any time for inspection, maintenance, or repair of facilities or to insure the safety of residents. The university’s director of emergency services, as well as staff members in student affairs, residence life (including RAs), facilities, police, and emergency management may enter a room during each break period to do safety and security checks. They will check fire safety equipment, windows, heating units and ensure that doors are locked and electrical items are unplugged. They will open refrigerators to make sure that perishable items are removed. Any prohibited items will be documented and confiscated.

After being notified, any confiscated item(s), if unclaimed, will be donated or discarded after two weeks. The return of the confiscated items will be at the discretion of the directors of residence life and public safety according to university policy.

Any member of the student affairs staff (including RAs and professional residence life staff), as well as police personnel, may enter a room after knocking if there are reasonable grounds to believe that University policies or residence hall regulations are being violated. Rooms and student vehicles on University property may be searched only with the authorization of the dean of students or his/her designee. Searches will only occur if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that there is a violation of federal, state, or local laws, or University/residence hall regulations. Every effort will be made to have the occupant(s) present. The staff members conducting the search will leave an inventory of any items confiscated as a result of the search.

A student is not allowed to enter another student’s room without permission from the occupant. University staff will provide access to a room only for the assigned resident of that room.

DeSales University takes the privacy and security of each student living in the residence halls seriously. At no time is any student or his /her guest allowed to enter another student’s room via the shared bathroom adjoining the suites. The bathroom area is a common space between the two private rooms. Unauthorized entry to the opposite room is strictly prohibited without the direct consent of the students living in that space. Failure of you or your guest (whom you are responsible for in the residence halls) to adhere to this policy may result in disciplinary action and potential removal from the residence halls. Additionally, unlawful entry into another individual’s room is in violation of law and may result in legal action.

Smoking

In support of the health and safety of the university community, smoking, including vaping, is not permitted in any University building. In addition, hookahs are not permitted to be used or possessed anywhere on campus. Smoking outside of any University building must be a minimum of 15 feet from the building and its entry way. Students should dispose of cigarette butts in designated receptacles only. Smoking cessation services are available to interested students through our Wellness Center.

Solicitation

Door-to-door sales or solicitations for profit or personal gain are prohibited in the residence halls. No outside businesses may be granted permission to use residence halls for sales purposes. Fundraising of any kind is restricted to the immediate University community and may not be undertaken in the residence halls by student clubs and organizations without the permission and approval of both student engagement and leadership and residence life. Forms must be filled out at least 14 business days prior to the actual event.

Visitation

The Catholic philosophy of DeSales University, as well as the security needs and the community nature of residence hall living, dictates that guests of the opposite sex are permitted to visit on-campus residences, including the University Heights and University Village, only in accordance with the following policy limits:

First-year residence halls/floors:

• Sunday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Upper class residence halls/floors, including the University Heights and University Village:

• Sunday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The purpose of the visitation policy is to provide an environment conducive to privacy and quiet.   DeSales students who do not reside in a particular residence hall are expected to call their host for entry into the building. All other guests (non-DeSales students) must be registered by their host using the guest registration form available by scanning the QR code posted in each residence hall. In order to avoid ticketing, guests must park in visitor lots only. Guests may not move about the residence halls at any time without being escorted by their residential host. Students may not loan their University ID card to another student or guest at any time. Students found doing so will be subject to disciplinary action.

Resident students are held responsible for the conduct of their guests at all times. Any policy violation by a guest will be considered a violation by the host and may result in a guest being asked to leave the premises of the University and/or being issued a letter of trespass prohibiting their return to campus.

A resident must seek the permission of his/her roommate before having a guest in the room. If the presence of a guest is an inconvenience to a roommate, at any hour, the guest must leave the room. Overnight guests (including other DeSales students) must complete the guest registration process on upon their arrival. Only overnight guests of the same gender are permitted. Each room may have up to four guests at a given time; however, guests may not stay for an extended period of time (more than two consecutive days, or more than eight total days in one academic semester). Residents and guests found to be using the window to gain entry into the building will be subject to disciplinary action. Failure to adhere to the visitation policy will be considered a serious violation of University policy and breach of residential security.Visits by Minors

Daily Visits by Minors - Persons under the age of 16 are not permitted to spend extended time in campus residences unless under director supervision of a parent/guardian. Minors (age 16 or 17) who are briefly visiting a resident student must be under the direct and continual supervision of their resident host at all times.

Overnight Visits by Minors - Guests under the age of 18 are not permitted to stay overnight in any campus residence unless registered with the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership for Sibling Weekend, part of an approved admissions/athletics overnight visit, or granted a special request through the Dean of Students Office. Approved individuals must carry an official visitor’s pass and be in the presence of their resident host at all times. Requests need to be made 48 hours in advance of the visit.

Interpersonal Relationships

The University encourages a deep respect for the individual person as created in God’s image. It accepts the teaching of the Catholic Church on human sexuality and expects the spirit of that teaching to be the guide for interpersonal relationships and the sexual conduct of its students. The University reserves the right to determine when violations of this understanding require a disciplinary response.

Updated June 2023

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership strongly encourages all members of the DeSales University community to use ENGAGE, Menuboard Manager - Channel 7, and the DSU Daily for promotions of events and programs.  If you are interested in large scale posters (12 x 18, 18 x 24, 24 x 36) please contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership and they will provide a list of preferred vendors.  All questions or concerns regarding the campus posting policy should be sent to seal@desales.edu

General Overview

• Postings/decorations of any kind must have the prior approval of the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership.  Please email seal@desales.edu for approval. Office staff will print and stamp the original posting to verify approval, and it will be signed and dated.  Staff will then make copies for pickup.  Exceptions include the following, but are not limited to, academic divisions, performing arts performances, library programs, and athletic events, which may approve and stamp their own postings.
• Flyers/postings/decorations will only be approved/stamped if the event has already been submitted and approved on ENGAGE.
• There will be a limit of ten (10) 8 ½  x 11 flyers per event. Any unauthorized postings/decorations will be removed, and the organizer will be contacted.
• ·Postings/Decorations are prohibited on doors, walls, windows, stairwells, and pillars in all University buildings.  Posting must be in a plastic holder to be placed on a table.
• All postings/decorations must include the event name, sponsor, contact, email/website, date, time, and location.
• All expired postings /decorations must be removed by the event sponsor within two days of expired event. 
• All postings/decorations must conform to the philosophy and objectives of DeSales University and student regulations.
• All postings must not violate any copyright laws or regulations.
• All postings/decorations that include alcohol or drug advertisements deemed offensive are prohibited.
• A copy of all postings will be kept on file in the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, and a representative will check all bulletin boards once a week.
• There will be one representative from each group on campus who will be the contact for the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership.
• If you are using social media, only approved University social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), are eligible.
• DeSales University reserves the right to remove notices posted by those who are not members of the University community. This includes but is not limited to the following examples:
  • Alcoholic beverage establishments
  • Tanning salons
  • Tobacco companies
  • Credit card companies 
  • Any advertisement or event that is not in compliance with the University’s mission.

Bulletin Board Usage

• Where bulletin boards are provided pushpins and staples are to be used when available.
• Duct tape, glue, and/or paste are strictly prohibited.
• Only one flyer per event and per bulletin board will be allowed.

Postings are permitted in the following buildings in the locations listed below

Dorothy Day Student Union

• Bathrooms - above urinals or in stalls in clear plastic holders with prior approval of the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership. 
• Bulletin boards – some boards in Dorothy Day are marked for a specific office. There are a number of general announcement boards.
• TV’s via Channel 7
  • Email to DSUCAB@desales.edu (please allow at 48 hours for your announcement to be uploaded to Channel 7)
  • Include the date range you would like it to run.
  • Attach the announcement as a .jpg file in landscape orientation (dimensions: 25.6” x 14.4”)

Dooling Hall

• Bathrooms – above urinals or in stalls in clear plastic holders with prior approval of the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership. 
• Bulletin boards – some boards in Dorothy Day are marked for a specific office. There are a number of general announcement boards.
• Flyers – individual offices and academic departments will supervise the bulletin boards within their area.
• Skylight Lounge – various bulletin boards and areas for posting.
• TV’s via Channel 7
  • Email to DSUCAB@desales.edu (please allow at 48 hours for your announcement to be uploaded to Channel 7)
  • Include the date range you would like it to run.
  • Attach the announcement as a .jpg file in landscape orientation (dimensions: 25.6” x 14.4”)

DeSales University Center (DUC)

• Bulletin boards – there are a number of general announcement boards.
• Paint is not permitted on the windows of the University Center.
• Posters – student groups are allowed to use poster paper to be hung on the wall to the left of the entrance of the dining area. These posters can be affixed with masking tape or blue painter’s tape only. No promotions or announcements should be taped/hung to any windows or entry doors.
  • When tickets are required for an event, posters can be displayed no earlier than two weeks prior to the event. In all other cases, posters can be hung one week before an event, but must be removed the day after it takes place.
• Please keep promotions on the Dining Hall side of the DUC
• No promotions in the restrooms on the Conference Center side
• TV’s via Channel 7
  • Email to DSUCAB@desales.edu (please allow at 48 hours for your announcement to be uploaded to Channel 7)
  • Include the date range you would like it to run.
  • Attach the announcement as a .jpg file in landscape orientation (dimensions: 25.6” x 14.4”)

Gambet Center

• Bulletin boards – there are a number of general announcement boards.
• Flyers – individual offices and academic departments will supervise the bulletin boards within their area.
• TV’s via Channel 7
  • Email to DSUCAB@desales.edu (please allow at 48 hours for your announcement to be uploaded to Channel 7)
  • Include the date range you would like it to run.
  • Attach the announcement as a .jpg file in landscape orientation (dimensions: 25.6” x 14.4”)

Billera Hall

• Bulletin boards – There are a number of general announcement boards.
• TV’s via Channel 7
  • Email to DSUCAB@desales.edu (please allow at 48 hours for your announcement to be uploaded to Channel 7)
  • Include the date range you would like it to run.
  • Attach the announcement as a .jpg file in landscape orientation (dimensions: 25.6” x 14.4”)

Residence Halls

• Flyers – one flyer needed per RA; 44 total will be sufficient.
• Please refer to the residence hall decorating and campus posting policy.
• Please contact the Office of Residence Life for any additional information.

Periodically, the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership will check for outdated postings within the following buildings. The offices located within in each building will supervise their own area.

• Tucker House, Buckley Center, Lawless Center, Hurd Science Center, Labuda Center for Performing Arts, Wills Hall, Chappuis Hall, Trexler Library, and Campbell Hall.

Outside Grounds

• Signage is prohibited in the following which are defined as outside grounds; lamp posts, street signs, building signs, sidewalks, exterior walls, utility poles, trees and other immobile objects considered part of the property.
• Outside signage must be freestanding. The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership must approve all designs and locations beforehand.
• Chalking is not permitted on campus except outside of the Dorothy Day Student Union with permission from the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, Campus Environment, and Conference Services

In support of the health and safety of the university community, smoking, including vaping, is not permitted in any University building. In addition, Hookahs are not permitted to be used or possessed anywhere on campus. Smoking outside of any University building must be a minimum of 15 feet from the building and its entry way. Students should dispose of cigarette butts in designated receptacles only. Smoking cessation services are available to interested students through our Wellness Center.

DeSales University’s procedure for snow and inclement weather is as follows: 

• A decision is made whether to close, delay, or remain open by 5:00 a.m.
• The decision is communicated via the University’s home page, phone system, e2campus, and local media.
• This process is then repeated by 2:00 p.m. for evening classes.
• School officials make the decision using the best information they have available at the time.

Commuters: Ultimately you have to make the best decision for yourself whether to drive to campus in inclement weather.

• Because weather can be unpredictable, it is sometimes difficult to determine how a 5:00 a.m. decision will play out at 10:00 a.m. or noon.
• The weather at the DeSales campus may be quite different from where you live.
• Students who decide not to attend class on a day of questionable weather should communicate with the faculty member who teaches the class.

Faculty: The decision whether to hold class is left to the individual faculty member within the following guidelines:

• If instruction occurs, the preferred mode is asynchronous.
• If synchronous instruction occurs, please do so at the scheduled class time and record and post the lecture for students who are unable to attend.
• Inform students via the Brightspace announcement feature and email clearly stating expectations about class instruction on the day the University is closed.
• Inform your division head and chair of your plans for class days when the University is closed.

Employees: Unless you’ve been instructed otherwise, you are expected to stay home during the hours when the University is closed for operation. Employees are not required to work from home during these instances unless specifically requested by their supervisor to do so.

Everyone: Please visit MyDSU to confirm your e2campus alerts are active so you receive timely and relevant information. Your safety and well-being are very important to us. Please be careful.

Small-Scale Special Events

Small-scale special events that use University funding will have no more than a three- drink limit per student.  These events typically last around two hours and an approved wristband must be used. All event hosts must have a printed list of eligible participants. Please refer to the University Social Gathering Policy for more information. 

Large-Scale Special Events

Large-scale special events that use University funding, such as, but not limited to Formal and Senior Events, where funds are also collected, will have a procedure determined by a committee of student leaders and staff members from the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership with the final decision being made by the Associate Dean(s) of Students.  An approved wristband must be used. All event hosts must have a printed list of eligible participants.  Please refer to the University Social Gathering Policy for more information.

University-Wide Special Events Sponsored by the President’s Office

University-wide special events, such as, but not limited to Senior Dinner Dance, Presidential Receptions, and the University Dinner Dance will have a procedure determined by the Office overseeing those events.

University and Student Events (Off Campus)

University and student events that occur off campus, such as, but not limited to sporting events, spring break trips, and international trips where alcohol can be served and purchased will defer to the regulations of the location. Students will be reminded that they represent the University at all times, and they are subject to University, state, and national laws.  It is up to the supervisor of the trip to determine if students can partake/purchase alcohol.

If your office or organization is interested in hosting a social gathering on campus that involves alcohol, please read the following policy. If you have any questions, please contact the Associate Dean of Students for Engagement and Leadership at 610-282-1100 ext. 1843.

NOTE: At the bottom of this policy, there is a form that you must fill out and return to the Associate Dean of Students for Engagement and Leadership. They will schedule a meeting with your office or organization to go over the procedures that will help your event run successfully. 

1. At any event where alcohol is served, the sponsor must be at least 21 years old.  Furthermore, at any event where alcohol is served, the sponsor is responsible for ensuring that all servers of alcohol comply with all the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the rules stated in this policy.  There must be at least one full-time faculty/staff member or designee supervising an event where alcohol is being served, and that person must remain sober throughout the entire event.
2. Persons under 21 years of age will not be served alcoholic beverages at the event.
3. Persons who are visibly intoxicated will not be admitted to the event or served alcoholic beverages.
4. Alcoholic beverages will not be sold at any event; furthermore, admission may not be charged at an event where alcoholic beverages are the only form of drink.
5. Donations may not be collected to pay for alcohol served at an event.
6. An appropriate number of signs must be displayed in the area(s) where alcohol beverages are served and at the entrance(s) to the party. The signs must clearly state: “The laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania forbid us and/or any attendee from serving alcohol to persons under the age of 21 or to permit such persons to consume alcoholic beverages at this event. Only invited guests are allowed to enter this event.”
7. At any event where alcohol is to be consumed, a professionally licensed bartender must be hired at the expense of the sponsoring office or organization.
   • Servers must be University-approved servers.
   • Servers must be sober and may not consume alcohol while on duty. 
   • Servers must be clearly identified with a name badge while serving alcoholic beverages.
   • Servers will serve only one drink at a time to an individual.
   • At no time is a student allowed to serve alcohol. Exceptions to this rule may be made at the discretion of the administrator approving the function.
8. Beer and wine are the only alcoholic beverages permissible at student-sponsored events. Liquor is prohibited unless approved beforehand.
9. At any event where alcohol is to be consumed by more than 100 participants, a University police officer or other approved security company must be present at the expense of the sponsoring group. 
10. Where alcoholic beverages are being served, adequate and attractively displayed supplies of food and non-alcoholic beverages must be provided. 
11. There will be no explicit or implied references to or drawings of alcoholic beverages in advertising for any campus event.
12. The flow of individuals into the party area will be monitored to prohibit those visibly intoxicated from entering to ensure compliance with the maximum capacity limit of the party event, and to check identification. 
13. If alcohol is served, guests 21-years-old and over must be identified by a University approved marking system, and two forms of identification must verify their age:
    • DeSales University ID
    • Valid driver’s license or acceptable alternative.
    • In addition, an over 21 year’s list must be present.  Guests of a DeSales University student must have state ID and sign in at the front desk of the event.  When appropriate, students and guests will have their ID swiped for verification.
14. Trash and recycling receptacles must be provided at all times.
15. Those who do not abide by all the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the rules stated in this policy will be asked to leave and may be subject to University disciplinary procedures. If the event is occurring in another state, those rules will apply.
16. Student Government Association’s University-allocated funds to DeSales student organizations may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.
17. An approved DeSales University wristband provided by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership identifies all participants who are legally permitted to consume alcohol. 
18. Kegs, beer bongs, and party balls are not permitted at student-sponsored events.
19. DeSales University vehemently opposes drinking games and shots/shooters.
20. Cups used for serving beer should be no larger than twelve ounces and must be made of clear plastic.
21. All events locations must be reserved with the Office of Conference Services.
22. Alcohol will stop being served 30 minutes before any event ends.  
23. Alcohol is not to be served, consumed, or transported on any form of transportation when sponsored by the University. This includes coach buses, vans, and other University vehicles.
24. Participants who bring unapproved alcohol into a University event will be asked to leave and the alcohol will be confiscated.
25. In one 24-hour period, students cannot partake in more than one University sponsored event serving alcohol.
26. During the COVID pandemic, all rules and regulations set forth by DeSales University must be followed including mask wearing.

This policy is subject to change based on events that may occur.

Senior Event Guidelines

A Student Government Association (SGA) Senior Event is a program that helps prepare members of the senior class for life after DeSales University. Senior events were implemented to give 21-year-old seniors the time to practice networking skills with faculty, staff, and alumni in a social setting. Students are asked to behave in a polite and responsibility manner just as they would in a work social setting. It is the job of the SGA to organize and execute the SGA Senior events.  Senior Events could be anything from trivia to painting whose goal is to bring members of the senior class together before Commencement.

A SGA Senior event will last two hours. All students are required to bring their state ID or license in addition to their DeSales University ID to gain admittance. To keep with the professional tone of Senior event, students are asked to dress business casual. In general, business casual means dressing professionally in a neat yet relaxed look. Students who behave unprofessional way will be asked to leave immediately.

At each SGA Senior event, there must be food served with beer or wine. No other alcoholic beverages are allowed. Bartenders are required to stop serving alcohol 30 minutes prior to the end of a SGA Senior event and are allowed to provide students with one alcoholic beverage at a time. All drinks must be put in a plastic cup, including beer. Students will be provided a University approved wristband. Students who are visibly intoxicated will not be served alcohol. There is a three-drink limit for all participating students.

If any student is found in violation of trading wristband tabs or giving a wristband to another student(s), all parties could lose future privileges at future events.

SGA officers must fill out a social gathering form prior to the Senior events, and dates need to be booked with the Office of Conference Services at least three weeks in advance; however, dates should be booked for the entire year during the summer months.

A student who enrolls in a DeSales University distance education (both online and hybrid) or correspondence education course is given a secure login and pass code.  This method of verifying student identity protects the privacy of student information.  The student is not charged a fee for this verification of student identity.  Each user of DeSales University’s learning management system is responsible for maintaining his/her secure login and pass code, which may not be given to or shared with anyone else.  To encourage academic integrity and protect students’ original work, DeSales University provides its faculty with SafeAssign ™ plagiarism detection software and Respondus Lockdown Browser ™ and Respondus Monitor ™ for securing the online test environment. Faculty are responsible for ensuring that their courses are designed to employ assessment methods that support the academic integrity provided by this student identity verification policy.  

The Office of the Provost is responsible for ensuring compliance with the DeSales Student Identity Verification policy in all the University’s credit-bearing courses.  The Provost’s Office reviews the policy annually with the assistance of the Center for Educational Resources and Technology (CERT) and Department of Information Technology (IT) to ensure continuing compliance with the federal regulations and to revise the DeSales University policy as necessary.

An undergraduate student, who feels that he or she has a student life grievance against a staff member in the area of student life, should follow the procedure outlined below:

• The student should first discuss the problem or grievance with the staff member. If, following this discussion, the student is not satisfied and continues to believe that he/she has not been dealt with fairly, he/she may discuss the grievance with the dean of students. If the matter is not resolved at this level, the student has recourse to the Student Affairs Committee. This request should be presented in writing and include the pertinent information regarding the grievance.
• As a final appeal, the student may request the vice president for student life hear the grievance. The decision of the vice president will be final.

Because of the University’s ongoing concern for student health and well-being, and because suicide is the second leading cause of death among college age students, student affairs has instituted the following policy. When a student explicitly verbalizes a threat of suicide, he/she is required to meet with the director of counseling or his/her designee for an assessment. If it is determined that the student is a threat to himself/herself, the following steps will apply:

1. A designated student affairs official will be called.
2. The director of counseling or designee will be contacted and meet with the student.
3. The student’s parents may be notified.
4. The student may be asked to leave residence pending the outcome of an outside evaluation by a board-certified psychiatrist (M.D.)
5. If asked to leave residence, the student may be permitted to return to residence only upon:
   1. Receipt of a written evaluation from a board-certified psychiatrist (M.D.) stating that he/she is not a danger to himself/herself or others and is able to return to the residential community under normal campus conditions.
   2. Official clearance by the dean of students or his/her designee.
6. During a period of involuntary separation, the student will not be permitted to enter a residence hall except to remove needed belongings. An appointment must made for this purpose with a University official or University police officer who will accompany the student. The student affairs official will notify the academic affairs office, and every effort will be made to help the student continue at the University without academic penalty.
7. The dean of students must receive a written clearance from a board-certified psychiatrist (M.D.) that the student is cleared and able to return to campus. The University reserves the right to impose reasonable requirements as a condition of the student’s return: Academic-load adjustment, residence hall assignment, etc.
8. If the student does not meet the requirements of the institution, the University reserves the right to institute the Involuntary Withdrawal Policy (See University Policy Section).

Prior approval for all transfer coursework completed at other institutions after matriculation to DeSales must be secured from the Associate Dean of Academic Life for traditional day students or the Assistant Dean of Lifelong Learning for Adult Studies students if the student wishes to transfer the work to his/her program at DeSales. 

Traditional day students must complete the appropriate section for proposed transfer courses on the Approval Form, secure departmental or division signatures where applicable (i.e., in cases where a course is required for the student’s major), and present it for approval to the Associate Dean of Academic Life with a catalog description of the course to be taken. Adult Studies students should consult with their Adult Studies Academic Advisor. At the conclusion of the course, the student must request that an official transcript be sent from the other college or university to the DeSales Registrar’s Office. The Registrar’s Office will validate the approved transfer of credit upon receipt of this transcript, provided that the student has earned a grade of C- or better for each course. 

Only credit is transferred. The grades for transfer courses are not calculated in the student’s GPA at DeSales. An exception is that grades earned at LVAIC institutions (Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges: Cedar Crest, Lafayette, Moravian, Muhlenberg, and Lehigh) via the cross-registration process are included in the calculation of the student’s DeSales GPA.

DeSales University has established agreements with several community colleges. These agreements include many courses that have been pre-approved for transfer to DeSales. If you select one of these pre-approved courses, you can bypass many of the steps above and simply bring your approval form to the Associate Dean of Academic Life or the Assistant Dean of Lifelong Learning for a signature.

The following regulations govern the transfer of credits into DeSales University. In all cases, transfer courses must be documented by an official transcript. In some cases, additional information, including syllabi, course descriptions, or other supporting materials may be required.

1)   With the exception of internships, all 3-credit courses taken at institutions accredited by the following regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or by the U.S. Department of Education (namely, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges) are eligible for transfer consideration at DeSales if the courses are meant to be transferable, are completed with a grade of C- or higher, and are consistent with DeSales' mission, philosophy, and liberal arts tradition.

2)   The acceptance or denial of transfer credit is not determined exclusively on the basis of the accreditation of the sending institution or the mode of delivery, but, rather, considers course equivalencies, including expected student learning outcomes and comparison with DeSales' curricula and standards. Courses that are accepted for transfer must be substantially equal in quantity and quality to the DeSales work for which they are offered as a substitute.

3)   No course in which a grade below C- was earned is accepted for transfer credit, except in the case that the student has completed an A.A. (Associate of Arts) or A.S. (Associate of Science) degree. All credits earned in an associate degree program and meant to be transferable will be transferred to DeSales, provided that the student achieved (a) a minimum cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.0 for all courses presented for the DeSales degree and (b) a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for courses required in and offered by the major at DSU. If the student has not satisfied both (a) and (b), the student’s courses will be evaluated individually, and only courses in which a C- or higher has been earned will transfer into DeSales.

4)   A student must complete at least 15 courses of three or more credits at DeSales to earn a degree from DeSales. A student can transfer a maximum of 25 courses of three or more credits into DeSales. A minimum of 40 courses of three or more credits are required to earn a DeSales degree.

5)   A student must complete 5 courses in the major at DeSales. (There are several professional programs, e.g., nursing and education, that have additional requirements imposed by their individual accreditation agencies. Please check with the chair or director of those DeSales programs.)

6)   All nursing (NU) courses with a required laboratory or clinical component must be completed at DeSales. For additional information, refer to the Nursing heading in Section 8 of the Undergraduate Catalog.

7)   Only credit is transferred. The grades for transfer courses are not calculated in the student’s DeSales GPA. An exception is that grades earned at LVAIC institutions (Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges: Lehigh University and Cedar Crest, Lafayette, Moravian, and Muhlenberg Colleges) via the cross registration process are included in the calculation of the student’s DeSales GPA. Once courses have been transferred, they become part of the student’s permanent record and cannot be removed.

8)   Courses not using traditional letter grades (A-F) will be considered for transfer only if additional documentation detailing successful completion of the courses is provided.

9) Courses taught online or in a hybrid format will be accepted assuming they meet the criteria above.

10) DeSales courses are assigned as credit hours. Courses evaluated for transfer from colleges and universities with different systems (e.g., quarter hours, units) are converted into credits.

11) The dean of undergraduate education is responsible for the final determination of the acceptance or denial of transfer credit.

12) Depending on status at the time of admittance, students will be exempt from certain parts of the University’s general education core as noted below:

• 0-7 Courses
  • No Exemptions
• 8-17 Courses
  • MOT Philosophy
  • MOT Social Studies
  • Composition and Rhetoric I
  • Composition and Rhetoric II*
  • Foreign Language or World Cultures I
  • Foreign Language or World Cultures II
  • Physical Education 100 & Activities
• 18 or More Courses
  • MOT Philosophy
  • MOT Social Studies
  • Composition and Rhetoric I
  • Composition and Rhetoric II*
  • Foreign Language or World Cultures I
  • Foreign Language or World Cultures II
  • Humanities I
  • Humanities II
  • MOT Mathematics
  • MOT Natural Science
  • MOT Literature
  • Introduction to Catholic Theology
  • Physical Education 100 & Activities

* Students are only exempt from EN104 with the transfer of at least one three-credit English course that includes the writing of a research paper.

13) Core-to-Core Agreement - The DeSales University general education core will essentially be fulfilled by the core of affiliated community colleges with a core-to-core transfer agreement. With appropriate A.A. and A.S. degrees, students will be required to take only two core courses at DeSales: Intermediate Theology and Values Seminar.

14) DeSales University has established articulation agreements with the following eleven community colleges. Each agreement lists courses that have been pre-approved for transfer and courses that will not be accepted for transfer. 

Pennsylvania

• Bucks County Community College
• Community College of Philadelphia
• Delaware County Community College
• Lehigh Carbon Community College*
• Montgomery County Community College*
• Northampton Community College*
• Reading Area Community College

New Jersey

• County College of Morris
• Middlesex County College
• Raritan Valley Community College
• Warren County Community College*

* A core-to-core agreement with DeSales University exists

15) The transfer policy for graduate programs is available 

Guidelines for Transfer Students Entering the Biology Degree

The purpose of these guidelines is to assist the transfer office in determining whether or not a student will be successful as a Biology major at DeSales University. These guidelines should not be viewed as non-negotiable.

Students entering the Biology program post-Freshmen academic standing should have attained a minimum of:

1. A 2.25/4.0 cumulative GPA
2. No grade below a C- in all science courses completed

Students who narrowly fall short of these requirements should be referred to the Department Chair of Biology for final decision. The chair will make the final decision after reviewing the student’s academic record.

2022-2023 University Catalogs:

• Undergraduate
• Graduate

See Residential Student Policies

To ensure that DeSales University maintains a community safe and free of violence for all employees and students, the University prohibits the possession or use of weapons on University property. A license to carry the weapon does not supersede the University policy. Any student in violation of this policy will be subject to prompt disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. All members of the community are subject to this provision, including contract and temporary employees, visitors, and vendors on University Property. “University Property” is defined as all University - owned or leased buildings and surrounding areas such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways and parking lots under the University’s ownership or control. This policy applies to all vehicles that come onto University property.

Weapons are defined as any instruments which are capable of inflicting serious bodily injury and shall include but not be limited to:

• Any rifle, shotgun, handgun, machine gun, or other firearm, or antique firearms suitable for use; any air gun, spring gun, B-B gun, or implement that is not a firearm, which propels a pellet of any kind with a force that can reasonably be expected to cause bodily harm; any starter pistol, flare gun, tranquilizer gun, stun gun, zip gun, spear gun, dart gun, sling shot; or ammunition of any type for weapons governed by these regulations.
• Explosives, knives, tasers, wooden or metal batons, bows and arrows (sharpened or hunting tips) and other weapons that might be considered dangerous or that could cause harm.

In addition, sports equipment derived from or similar to weapons such as baseball bats, fencing swords, bows & arrows, javelins, paint ball guns should be confined to sports facilities for their use or kept locked in a personal vehicle. 

Any University employee and/or student who violates these prohibitions shall be subject to discipline in accordance with regular University procedures, which may include suspension no less than one year or expulsion. Visitors to the University will be subject to appropriate trespass actions for failure to comply with these regulations. Further, if possession or use of a weapon, fireworks or paintball device is in violation of the law, it will be referred to DeSales University Police or other proper law enforcement authorities.

DeSales University reserves the right at any time to contact law enforcement authorities if there are reasonable grounds to believe that an employee, student, or a visitor has a weapon on University property. 

Communication Procedures for Matters Involving Questionable Accounting, Internal Controls, Auditing, Financial Fraud, or Unethical Behavior  

Updated:  December 2021 

1. Any complaints involving trustees, officers, management, faculty or employees of the University regarding questionable accounting, internal controls, auditing, financial fraud or unethical behavior not consonant with the principles of the University should immediately be reported in a named or anonymous submission to the Secretary of the University (Peter M. Rautzhan, Associate Vice President for Administration).  The submission should be made in writing, marked confidential, and appropriate detail of the facts of the matter should be included in order to assist the Secretary in the investigation of the assertion. The Secretary of the University must report these matters to the University’s Audit Committee in a prompt manner.
2. If an individual is uncomfortable reporting matters to the Secretary of the University, a named or anonymous submission may be made directly to the Chairman of the Audit Committee.  The submission should be made in writing, marked confidential, and appropriate detail of the facts of the matter should be included in order to assist the Audit Committee in the investigation of the assertion.  The submission should be addressed to:

   Mr. Gene Marino, Director of Finance
   City Center Allentown, Two City Center 
   645 W. Hamilton, Suite 600,
   Allentown PA 18101

3. Should, in rare instances, a matter occur where an individual is uncomfortable reporting either to the Secretary of the University or to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, a named or anonymous submission may be made directly to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  The submission should be made in writing, marked confidential, and appropriate detail of the facts of the matter should be included in the submission in order to assist the Chairman in the investigation of the assertion.  The submission should be addressed to:
   

   W. Douglas Brown, Esq.,
   Chairman DeSales University Board of Trustees
   1593 Saucon Valley Rd.
   Bethlehem, PA 18015 

A student may drop any course during the first week of each semester. In the event of such a drop, the course is not listed on his or her permanent record. Subsequent withdrawal (withdrawal with permission) requires approval. Traditional day students must complete the appropriate section for course withdrawal on the Approval Form, secure a signature from their advisor and the director of the academic resource center, and present the form for approval to the Registrar. Adult Studies students should consult with their Adult Studies Academic Advisor.

The last day for withdrawal with permission is the date published in the academic calendar. If a student withdraws with permission, he/she will be given a grade of either W, WP or WF, at the instructor’s discretion. The grade given in such instances will become part of the student’s permanent record but will not be used in the computation of his or her grade point average. Withdrawal more than two weeks after the day on which mid-term grades are due results in a failure (F) in all cases except those exempted by the Academic Affairs Committee as the result of student appeal.