VII. College Policies: Safety and Wellbeing of the Community

The college expects that personal integrity and self-respect will be demonstrated by one’s own commitment to responsible personal behavior and by a willingness to offer assistance to others whose behavior appears harmful to oneself or to the community. These expectations include but are not limited to behavior that indicates lack of respect for community members both at the college and off campus, respect for oneself, and an upholding of the values espoused in the Wooster Ethic and held by the community at large.

The college will provide education about responsible personal behavior and community standards, offer counseling resources, support federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, and foster an environment that support students in their efforts to make and abide by responsible decisions.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

The presence of alcohol in a campus setting raises several complex issues, which include behavioral, safety, and legal problems. The College of Wooster does not consider the use of alcoholic beverages and/or other drugs as necessary to the process of higher education. The college also respects and complies with state and federal laws. Therefore, it is necessary for the college to define certain restrictions regarding the possession, use, consumption, furnishing, and purchase of alcoholic beverages.

Students are expected not to abuse their minds or bodies by use of harmful or illegal drugs, including the excessive or inappropriate use of alcohol. Students who choose to drink will use alcoholic beverages responsibly and will be held accountable for irresponsible use. The College considers it to be a violation of a college policy to endanger oneself or others through the use of alcohol. Impairment of a student’s judgment as a result of alcohol use does not relieve a student of responsibility.

Alcohol

General Definitions

Permanent resident: A resident of an approved college space who attends or is employed by the college or has otherwise been approved by the college for residency in a specific space for at least the length of a semester.

Persons: This shall include both students and non-students.

Serve: To provide food or beverage to another individual.

Sober: Person abstaining from substance use for a given period of time.

State Alcohol Law

Ohio Revised Code §4301.69 prohibits consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons less than 21 years of age and furnishing alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 21. Each person is expected to know the Ohio state laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. The possession or use of any alcoholic beverages in violation of these statutes on college property or in student residences is subject to disciplinary action.

Alcohol Policies

Persons under the age of twenty-one (21) may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages and may not host alcohol consumption in their room.

Persons under the age of nineteen (19) may not serve alcohol at a registered social event.

Persons under the age of eighteen (18) may not attend a registered social event where alcohol is being served

No alcohol may be provided to a person under twenty-one (21) years of age. No person shall possess an open container

No individual will coerce a person(s) to drink alcohol or use other drugs.

Beer and wine are the only alcoholic beverages that may be served at approved functions, and they must be served in accordance with the provisions set forth in Social Events with Alcohol.

Engaging in activities, whether alcohol is present or not, that promote irresponsible or high-risk drinking (e.g., drinking games, use of funnels, chugging contests, or any means where alcohol is consumed as part of a competition) is prohibited.

No open container, carrier, or cup of alcoholic beverage may be carried outside a student’s assigned residential unit or an approved party space.

Common-source alcohol containers (e.g., vats, kegs, etc.) are not permitted.

Venues – Residence Halls

Individual consumption of alcoholic beverages in college housing is based on the style of residence:

  • Residence Halls: No alcohol may be possessed in first-year halls, including empty containers.
    • This provision shall not apply to any staff member residing within a first-year center who is at least 21 years of age and who consumes in their room, or their guest, if that guest is also at least 21 years of age.
    • This shall not be construed to disallow the hosting of events with alcohol in spaces recommended by Residence Life and approved by Scot Council.
  • Houses:
    • Alcohol may not be consumed on balconies, outdoor spaces, fire escapes, attics, basements, or on roofs.
    • Houses looking to have social gatherings with alcohol must register their event with the DOS or the Lowry Center & Student Activities.  
  • Any residential unit may come to an agreement by group consensus where alcohol may be possessed and consumed by residents of legal age. Students who need or want assistance with this should contact the Office of Residence Life or their RA.
Venues – Campus Locations

Possession of alcohol is prohibited at all college-sponsored functions in which students are in attendance, including, but not limited to dances, concerts, athletic events, and dinners, without proper and prior approval from the Office of the President. Student organized events where alcohol is served or is present must be registered using the Campus Events with Alcohol form.  No space or event reservations will be approved until approval from the appropriate parties is received. Consistent with NCAA policy, the use of alcohol is prohibited at all athletic events.

Consuming alcohol or possessing an open container in unauthorized venues is not permitted.

Unauthorized venues include, but are not limited to:

  • Lowry Center, except for pre-approved, college sponsored events
  • Residence hall hallways
  • Bathrooms
  • Study rooms in residence halls
  • Campus grounds, except for pre-approved, college-sponsored events 
  • Athletic fields
  • Academic buildings, except for pre-approved, college-sponsored events
  • Parking lots, sidewalks, and City of Wooster streets

Students may consume alcohol in common kitchens in residence halls if the alcohol is always attended. Students may not leave alcohol unattended in residence-hall kitchens.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages by those of legal drinking age is limited to the confines of student rooms, the Underground (served by trained personnel), designated social lounges, or at an approved social event where alcohol service has been approved.  These spaces are updated on a yearly basis by the Office of Residence Life and the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities and sent to Scot Council for approval (see http://wooster.edu/reslife/halls). Information about these spaces may be found on the Student Rights and Responsibilities webpage.

Students hosting a guest that is not a member of The College of Wooster community are responsible for the behavior of their guest(s). Any violations to the alcohol policy by campus guests may result in the host being referred to the conduct system.

No person may display advertisements or items (e.g., signs, posters, photographs, bottles) that promote illegal drug and/or alcohol products in the unauthorized venues or any public spaces of the campus (e.g., hallways, lounges, bathrooms, exterior windows of residence halls, grounds, parking lots, etc.).

College officials may require a student to surrender possession of alcohol and paraphernalia in cases where a person is violating college policy and or federal, state or local law

Social Events and Registration Requirements

Guidelines for Small Social Gatherings Without Alcohol

Any event that hosts fewer than 25 persons or a number of persons equivalent to one and a half times the occupancy of the space, whichever is smaller, but at which alcohol is not being served does not need to be registered in advance. At such gatherings, the policy for individual consumption applies. (This is intended to keep medium-sized gatherings at which some individuals may be consuming alcohol from requiring registration – e.g., Super Bowl parties, Oscar-watching gatherings, etc.) However, the college must be notified of such gatherings for safety purposes. As such, a student at such an event must call the Campus Safety non-emergency number (330-263-2590) simply to make them aware that such an event is occurring. Campus Safety will not intervene unless there is reason to believe that a violation of college policy is occurring.

Guidelines for Small Social Gatherings with Alcohol

Events containing fewer than 25 persons or a number of persons equivalent to one and a half times the occupancy of the space, whichever is smaller, where alcohol is being consumed are considered Small Social Gatherings and do not require completion of the On-Campus Social Event Registration Form or submission of a guest list to the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities. All participants at small social gatherings are expected to consume alcohol responsibly based on the policies outlined in The Scot’s Key.

  • Participants must be of legal drinking age to be in possession of or consuming alcohol.
  • All gatherings must abide by all fire code and capacity code requirements.
  • Residential Hall room capacity is equivalent to two (2) guests per resident. For example, a double room may have a total of six (6) people in the unit at one time.
  • Each small house has an individualized maximum capacity allotment.
  • The space in which drinking is occurring must be a space where alcohol consumption is allowed.
  • Small social gatherings that take place in reservable spaces are not required to reserve that space through 25Live. Reservations are still recommended to ensure that the space is available.

Guidelines for Large Social Gatherings and Events with Alcohol

Events with more than twenty-five (25) participants are considered Large Social Gatherings. There are types of large social gatherings: those where alcohol is served and those where alcohol is not necessarily being served but is present in the environment and likely being consumed.  Regardless of type, large social gathering require that the organizers go through an application and registration process.

Applications for social gatherings must be submitted three (3) business days prior to the event to Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Reservations must be made on 25Live but cannot be made more than two (2) weeks in advance of the event date. If an application is not submitted by the deadline, then the reservation will be declined.

  • The organizers of the event will be required to meet with the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • To be eligible to host large social gatherings with alcohol in designated spaces, the hosting group or the group who lives in that space may not be on any type of probation or in poor conduct standing
  • College officials will check in on registered events at the start of the events and at the end of the events
  • College officials will check in approximately fifteen (15) minutes before the start of the party with the Sober Monitors and Servers to confirm the Party Monitor contract is being met
  • College officials will inspect the event location before the event and after
  • Should there be any damages or excessive cleaning required, a fee will be assessed to the group to avoid any fees to the residential community. This inspection will occur the following morning
  • Campus Safety will check in with Sober Monitors, Contact Persons, and Servers when called for assistance. Campus Safety will check to ensure the event ends by 1:00 a.m.
  • The college reserves the right to end an event if the event poses a safety hazard or is overly disruptive to the residents or the surrounding community
  • Non-alcoholic beverages and food are required at all functions when alcohol is being served. Non-alcoholic drinks must be made available in quantity, prominence, and accessibility at least equal to that of the alcoholic beverages to be served. Non-alcoholic beverages may include but are not limited to soda, juice, lemonade, and bottled water. Clear cups must be provided
  • There must be a person both present at the event and abstaining from consumption to work with college officials should a problem arise

Large Social Gatherings

Where Alcohol is Present (But Not Served)

At events of at least twenty-five (25) people where alcohol is present and or consumed, the following rules apply:

  • Large social gatherings or events held Sunday through Thursday may start no earlier than 6:00 p.m. and must end by 10:30 p.m., not exceeding three (3) hours in duration
  • Events held Friday and Saturday may start no earlier than 6:00 pm and must end by 1:00 a.m. but may not exceed five (5) hours in duration unless approved by a designated member of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Clean-up of Events
  • The college recognizes that some events may have spills and trash. Those who host the event are required to clean up the space by 7:00 a.m. the next morning. This is not the responsibility of the guests, custodial staff, resident assistants, other college personnel, or residents of the building.
  • Event hosts are not required to mop but are expected to clean up any spills, remove trash off the floor, and take all trash from the party out of the building to the nearest dumpster at the end of the event.

Where Alcohol is Being Served (and Consumed)

At events where alcohol is being served in addition to being consumed, in addition to the rules listed above, the following also apply:

  • Alcohol may only be served for the initial two (2) hours of the event
  • Beer and wine are the only alcoholic beverages that are to be served at a social event by appropriate serving sizes. A serving of alcohol is either a 12 oz. portion of beer or a 5 oz. portion of wine
  • During a registered social event where alcohol is served, all alcohol must be served and consumed in an individual, prepackaged container
  • To reduce the risk of injury, all alcohol must be served in clear plastic containers or aluminum cans. No alcohol may be served or consumed from glass bottles
  • It should be known that all types of mixed drinks (e.g., “Jungle Juice”) are completely prohibited from any social gathering
  • Groups may only have 48 oz. of beer or 20 oz. of wine (approximately 4 drinks) per anticipated guest of legal drinking age available at the party
  • The event must have both sober servers and sober monitors for the duration of the event.

Sober Servers

Servers serving beer or wine at a social event must be at least nineteen (19) years of age and must have completed the appropriate training sessions provided by the College. Training must be renewed on an annual basis.

Servers must be sober and remain sober for the duration of their serving shift. Any Server found at any time not to be sober during their shift will be subject to conduct sanctioning, and the event risks being shut down.

Servers and alcoholic beverages must be separated from the guests by a bar or another substantial physical barrier. Only beer/wine may be served.

Servers will ensure all students being served are of legal drinking age.

Servers do not have to be members of the hosting organization or group.

Sober Monitors

Monitors must have completed the appropriate training sessions provided by The College of Wooster. Training must be renewed on an annual basis.

Monitors must wear some type of identifier as a sober monitor for the duration of the event. The college will provide identifiers on an annual basis.

Monitors must be sober and remain sober for the duration of the event. Any Monitor found at any time to not be sober during their shift will be subject to conduct sanctioning and the event risks being shut down.

Sober Monitors will not allow severely intoxicated students into their event.

Monitors do not have to be members of the hosting organization or group.

Monitors will be stationed at each entry and exit point to the event. There will also be a Sober Monitor per fifty (50) guests floating inside the event. (e.g., 100- 149 guests = 3 floating monitors, 150-199 guests = 4 floating monitors).

When events are held at houses, at least one (1) event monitor must be a resident of the residential unit being used to hold the party. Spaces cannot be “rented” or “loaned” out to other students or groups.

Party Spaces can be reserved by anyone. The members who host the event will be held responsible for the party and any damages to the space that occur during the event.

At an event where alcohol is being served, each guest must show their College of Wooster identification card before admittance to an event.

A student must present their valid College of Wooster identification card and/or legal proof of age to be served alcohol. No exceptions will be made if someone cannot present their college of Wooster ID or legal proof of age document.

Any participant that is not a College of Wooster community member must show legal proof of age and be accompanied by a College of Wooster student before admittance to an event.

Policy Violations and Educational Sanctions

The College of Wooster strives to educate students and take preventative approaches to alcohol use but cannot condone any illegal or harmful use of alcohol. If a student violates the college’s alcohol policy, the ideal approach is an educational response to empower the student to make better choices for themselves. However, in cases where a student has put themselves or others at substantial risk of harm, higher level administrative sanctions may also be imposed. In appropriate situations (e.g., in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals) the student’s parent or guardian may be notified.

All policy violations are addressed through the college’s conduct process. Sanctions with associated costs may come at student’s expense. The table of violations and sanctions provided below describes what may typically occur if a student has been found in violation of the college’s alcohol policy:

Violation/OccurrenceTypical Sanction
Students that have open containers in public places for the first time.Official warning and documentation of violation on file
Students that have multiple violations (more than one) of open containers in public places.Educational sanction, such as an on-line program and/or CHOICES (harm reduction course facilitated by counselors); Student referred to credentialed professional for substance use assessment and required to complete treatment recommendations
Underage possession/use of alcohol for the first and second time.Educational sanction, such as an on-line program and/or CHOICES (harm reduction course facilitated by counselors); Student referred to credentialed professional for substance use assessment and required to complete treatment recommendations
Underage possession/use of alcohol for the third time.Educational sanction, such as an on-line program and/or CHOICES (harm reduction course facilitated by counselors); Student referred to credentialed professional for substance use assessment and required to complete treatment recommendations; Conduct probation
Students displaying symptoms of excessive alcohol use, putting self and/or others at risk, causing disruption to the community, playing drinking games, or requiring medical attention at the Longbrake Wellness Center for the first timeEducational sanction, such as an on-line program and/or CHOICES (harm reduction course facilitated by counselors); Student referred to credentialed professional for substance use assessment and required to complete treatment recommendations
Students displaying symptoms of excessive alcohol use, putting self and/or others at risk, causing disruption to the community, or playing drinking games, or requiring medical attention at the Longbrake Wellness Center for the second timeEducational sanction, such as an on-line program and/or CHOICES (harm reduction course facilitated by counselors); Student referred to credentialed professional for substance use assessment and required to complete treatment recommendations; Individual sessions with a counselor; Conduct probation
Students displaying symptoms of excessive alcohol use, putting self and/or others at risk, causing disruption to the community, or playing drinking games, or requiring medical attention at the Longbrake Wellness Center 3 or more timesEducational sanction, such as an on-line program and/or CHOICES (harm reduction course facilitated by counselors); Student referred to credentialed professional for substance use assessment and required to complete treatment recommendations;  conduct probation; Letter of apology to parties involved
Students that require medical assistance and are transported to the Emergency Room due to alcohol and drug useEducational sanction, such as an on-line program and/or CHOICES (harm reduction course facilitated by counselors); Student referred to credentialed professional for substance use assessment and required to complete treatment recommendations;  conduct probation

The college reserves the right to impose alternative and/or additional sanctions through the college’s conduct process, including suspension or expulsion, when, for example, violations of the alcohol policy are accompanied by violations of other college policies.

Students should also be aware that any citations issued by law enforcement agents are independent of the college’s conduct system and processes, and do not serve in lieu of sanctions that may be imposed by the college. A table of various laws of the State of Ohio and the maximum penalties associated with each is listed below

Ohio Revised Code, AlcoholOffenses under Ohio LawFineSentence
Open container of alcohol in public4301.62$150None
Purchase by a minor4301.69 (E)$10006 months
Misrepresentation by minor to obtain alcohol4301.634$10006 months
Furnishing false identification cards4301.633$10006 months
Consumption in motor vehicle4301.2684$25030 days
Possession of alcohol not lawfully acquired4301.67$25030 days
Sale or furnishing to a minor4301.69$10006 months

Group Policy Violations

It is expected that all students will comply with the On-Campus Social Event Policy and Student Alcohol Policy as outlined. Groups that violate the policies may face policy violations within the conduct system or through Scot Council which may result in the loss of privileges and/or funding or suspension/permanent withdrawal of the right to operate as a recognized or chartered student organization. For host groups found in violation of these policies or other policies, the following sanctions may be imposed:

First Infraction:

  • Events will be subject to random walk-throughs for six (6) weeks following the receipt of sanctioning. In cases where a suspension of classes during a college break is in occurring, the period of sanctioning will resume at the time classes resume.

Second Infraction:

  • The group(s) will lose the privilege to serve alcohol at large social events for eight-weeks following the receipt of sanctioning. In cases where a suspension of classes is in place, the period of sanctioning will resume at the time classes begin
  • The group must complete a community service project as determined by the Conduct Hearing Officer.

Third Infraction:

  • The group(s) lose the privilege to host social events for fifteen weeks. In cases where a suspension of classes is in place, the period of sanctioning will resume at the time classes begin
  • Further sanctioning may occur at the discretion of the Conduct Hearing Officer or the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

In addition to these sanctions, the college may mandate educational sanctions for the group to safeguard the health and well-being of the group, its members, and the larger campus community.

In cases where multiple students are admitted to the Longbrake Student Wellness Center and/or the Emergency Room and those students were served underage and/or the students are over 21 years of age and their condition is attributed to being over-served, sanctioning at the highest level may be warranted immediately regardless of the history, or lack thereof, of previous policy violations by the group.

Other Drugs

Students are expected not to abuse their minds or bodies by use of harmful or illegal drugs. The college does not consider the use of drugs as necessary or conducive to the process of higher education. Federal, State, and local statutes and the policy of The College of Wooster prohibit the following (but not limited to) regarding illicit drugs:

  • Use
  • Offering for sale, manufacturing, or distributing
  • Possession
  • Drug paraphernalia (including, but not limited to pipes, bongs, clips, grinder, etc.).

Under these statutes and college policy, “drugs” are understood to include, but are not limited to, marijuana as well as the following: barbiturates, amphetamines, prescription tranquilizers, LSD compounds, mescaline, psilocybin, DMT, cocaine and other narcotics or opiates. College policies also apply to the use of any synthetic compounds as defined by Ohio Revised Code and/or federal laws. Any individual guilty of violating civil statutes or institutional policy in and on college property or as part of any off-campus activity sponsored by the college is subject to college disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion, referral to the civil authorities for prosecution and/or referral to an appropriate counselor or rehabilitation treatment program.

Medical Use

Students that are taking any of the prior mentioned drugs under prescription of a doctor must be also complying with Ohio state laws, the Drug Free Schools Act, and Federal Laws related to the use of the drug(s). Medical Marijuana, while legal in Ohio in certain forms, is not legal under Federal Law and its use is prohibited on the college campus.

Sale of Drugs

The college considers intent to sell, the selling and offering for sale of illicit drugs to others to be a particularly serious offense and is strictly prohibited. Any such offense will be referred to the law enforcement authorities and those authorities, when possessing proper documents, may have access to any building on campus without prior notice and they will have the complete cooperation of college personnel.

Law Enforcement

Drug use and/or possession offenses shall be referred to the Wooster Police Department and shall result in fines and charges through the City of Wooster court system. Any criminal charges under federal, state, and/or local laws are independent of action taken through the college’s conduct system.

Medical Assistance Amnesty and Safe Harbor

Medical Amnesty

The college is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all members of the campus community. There are times when a student may consume alcohol to a level of extreme intoxication or a student may have a medical emergency following the use of drugs and/or alcohol. Signs of a medical emergency may include but are not limited to vomiting, loss of coordination or balance, loss of consciousness, and/or bouts of unresponsiveness. In those cases, the college considers the safety, health, and well-being of students, paramount to documenting students for minor violations of the code of student conduct. To encourage students to seek help for students who require medical assistance under those circumstances, the College will consider Medical Assistance Amnesty for both the student in need of medical assistance and the student(s) seeking help on behalf of that student.

The College may apply Medical Assistance Amnesty as a resolution to minor policy violations under the following circumstances:

  • For a student who requires medical assistance
  • For a student who is a victim of certain crimes, such as physical assault, sexual assault, or sexual misconduct
  • For a student who is assisting another student in need of medical assistance
  • For a student who is reporting a serious crime and/or policy violation to the appropriate authorities

The determination of whether Medical Assistance Amnesty is granted is based on the totality of the circumstances and is determined by the Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The list of minor policy offenses for which a student may be granted Medical Assistance Amnesty includes:

  • Possession or consumption of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age
  • Irresponsible use of alcohol
  • Open container violation
  • Marijuana or other drug use cannot be considered for amnesty

The granting of Medical Assistance Amnesty by The College of Wooster has no bearing on any criminal or civil proceeding that may be filed through the City of Wooster or State of Ohio court systems. Medical Assistance Amnesty may, but will usually not, be granted under the circumstances similar to those listed below:

  • When there are multiple or repeated incidents involving the same student
  • In cases in which a drug offense could result in a criminal arrest or a felony drug violation (e.g., when drug paraphernalia is present and State law requires that it be reported)
  • When a student has a history of conduct violations at the college. (Exception: If the student is a victim of a crime, their history of conduct violations does not prevent the granting of Medical Assistance Amnesty.)

In cases where Medical Assistance Amnesty is granted, no violation of the code of student conduct will be recorded against the student. However, the college reserves the right to require a student to complete one or more educational programs in lieu of formal, conduct sanctioning. Failure to complete the required program(s) may result in the loss of Medical Assistance Amnesty in which case the college would proceed with recommended policy violations.

Safe Harbor

The College of Wooster believes that students with substance addictions or dependencies deserve the opportunity to seek assistance outside of the threat of drug tests or conduct sanctions without concern of minor policy violations being filed through the student conduct process. Students who voluntarily seek assistance for themselves may be granted Safe Harbor. In consideration of the safety, health, and well-being of the student, the college reserves the right to require a student to complete one or more educational programs and/or to agree to a written action plan to address the addiction/dependency. Failure to complete the required educational programs and/or to follow the written action plan may nullify the Safe Harbor protection.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Legal age for purchase of tobacco products, including e-cigarette and vaping-related products, is 21 in Ohio. College policy and Ohio law prohibit the use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, vaping, and/or e-cigarette style devices:

  • In all college buildings, including residence hall and program house facilities in their entirety
  • Within a 25-foot radius of any college building
  • In all college-owned or college-leased vehicles
  • At all college-sponsored events and activities, including, but not limited to, athletic contests and practices, regardless of venue, and inclusive of all spectators’ grandstands and bleachers

This prohibition applies to everyone, including, but not limited to:

  • All college students
  • All college personnel
  • All campus visitors, vendors, and contract employees
  • All game personnel (players, coaches, trainers, managers, and game officials), in accordance with NCAA regulations

The storage of hookahs for tobacco use is allowed in residences, however the use of them follows the general college tobacco policy as listed above. The possession of bongs, grinders, and other drug paraphernalia are not allowed.

Fire Safety

Fire Alarms

In the event of a fire alarm (actual or drill), students are expected to evacuate the building by way of the safest and closest exit and/or stairway. It is expected that all students will comply with the Fire and Personal Safety Procedures of the college and evacuate buildings in compliance with instructions. Use of elevators to exit during a fire alarm is prohibited. Students are expected to remain outside of the building advised by the Fire Department or by College of Wooster Campus Safety that the building is safe for re-entry.

Firefighting Equipment  

Misuse or abuse of firefighting equipment and/or alarms is prohibited, and maximum penalties may be imposed for violations. Nobody may tamper with firefighting equipment and/or alarms. Battery-operated smoke detectors in residential units will be inspected each month. Tampering with firefighting equipment is subject to fines up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation. Tampering includes, but is not limited to:

  • Covering or removing smoke detectors that prevents activation
  • Pulling a fire alarm in a false and malicious manner or falsely reporting an incident
  • Dividing the room with anything that could impede the travel of smoke thus causing a delay in the activation of the smoke detector
  • Playing with or discharging a fire extinguisher in a non-emergency situation

Use of fire within college facilities (particularly within residential units) endangers life and property and is viewed as a serious offense. Maximum penalties may be imposed for such violations. Because of the possible danger involved, the college has provided a list of Prohibited Items. Failure to observe this regulation will be considered a serious violation and if a fire occurs, the student(s) involved bears full liability and may be subject to dismissal from the college.

Failure to comply with this policy and City ordinances and will result in referral for conduct action and/or action by Civil authorities.

Prohibited Items

The following items/conduct are prohibited for personal safety on campus and in residence halls:

  • Candles and/or incense (lit or unlit). Candles can be owned and used for religious purposes, however they must be stored and lit in approved spaces. Contact the college’s Religious and Spiritual Life staff for information
  • All personal grills and friers, including but not limited to, smokers, charcoal grills, propane grills and fryers, including air fryers
  • Room-heating devices, including all space heaters, kerosene or oil lamps, and alcohol – burners
  • Gasoline-powered items, such as motorcycles, mopeds, or parts thereof.
  • Hover boards
  • Pressurized tanks (e.g., helium tanks)
  • Flammable and/or combustible liquids/chemicals including gasoline and charcoal
  • Fireworks, smoke bombs, sparklers, etc.
  • Halogen lamps
  • Electrical appliances with an exposed heating source (e.g., toaster ovens, toasters, and hot plates)
  • Overloaded electrical receptacles
  • Multi-plug devices
  • Extension cords
  • Non-UL approved surge protectors
  • Surge protectors linked together
  • Air conditioners (except for approved housing accommodations that are provided and installed by the college)
  • Smoking inside any residential space; this includes the use of vaping devices and/or electronic cigarettes
  • Draping curtains or placing objects, including fabric, over lighting fixtures, smoke detectors, or fire sprinkler systems and windows
  • Hanging cardboard, plastic, or fabric (e.g., tapestries, banners, and flags) on walls, ceilings, light fixtures, or fire sprinkler apparatus. Posters on walls cannot exceed 25% of the total wall surface
  • Hanging stringed lights on the exterior of buildings without the advanced, expressed, written consent. Inside residence halls, students may use up to three strands of stringed light per room
  • All stringed lights must be UL-approved. Lights may be lit only while students are present in their rooms. Contact with drapes, bedding, or other combustibles is prohibited
  • Live trees or wreaths are not permitted within residence halls, houses, or in places of assembly at any time. Only certified fire-retardant artificial trees and wreaths are allowed
  • Pools, permanent or temporary, are prohibited indoors and outdoors in accordance with City of Wooster ordinances and regulations
  • Weapons (see Weapon’s policy)

Open Fires

Open fires (bonfires, campfires, etc.) are prohibited by Wooster City ordinance. Grilling and other outdoor cooking are limited to designated picnic areas. Exceptions for open fires may be made only by the Wooster Fire Department, Office of Scheduling and Events, and Campus Safety. To hold an event with open fire, students must submit a reservation through 25Live that is submitted to the Office of Scheduling and Events at least five (5) weeks in advance of the event date. Separate from 25Live and the outdoor request form, communication with the Director or Associate Director of Campus Safety needs occur at least five (5) weeks prior to the event date. Office of Scheduling and Events will collaborate with Campus Safety and other campus constituents to coordinate exceptions with the Wooster Fire Department.

Fires are limited to three (3) hours in length and must end by 11:00 p.m. All wood fires take place in the 4×4 metal fire ring provided by the college on the west end of Residential Quad (near Kenarden patio), or in gas fire pit outside of Armington Hall.  No wood fire will be permitted to exceed two (2) foot by three (3) foot in size.  The City of Wooster requires a special permit for wood-burning fires, such as the fire pit near Holden Hall. Only wood is allowed to be burned in these fires. Campus Safety will be the ones to submit the application request for a permit and communicate with the City of Wooster.

Event organizers are required to extinguish the fire prior to leaving from the event location. Event organizers are expected to clean-up around the area immediately following the event. All trash/recycling must be thrown out in the proper dumpster. Additional clean-up maybe necessary on the morning after the fire and must be completed by 8:00 a.m. If an organization/department does not clean-up or properly extinguish the fire after the event, this may result in the loss of hosting future outdoor events. Failure to comply with the city ordinance may result in a substantial civil penalty and/or fine as well as action through the college’s conduct process. 

Firearms, Explosives and Other Weapons

Firearms, weapons, and explosives are prohibited on the College of Wooster campus. The college reserves the right to confiscate firearms, other weapons and fireworks and may impose maximum penalties for violations of the above. Failure to comply may also result in action by the civil authorities.

Guns

In accordance with Ohio’s Concealed Carry Law (link, 2923.12, et seq.), college policy prohibits handguns on college property, in college-owned or leased vehicles, and while conducting College business. Individuals who have been issued a permit by the State of Ohio to carry a concealed weapon are not exempt from the provisions of this policy. The storage of weapons in college-owned facilities is likewise prohibited. Ohio law allows for concealed weapons in locked non-college vehicles or while a license holder is in the process of placing a handgun in a locked vehicle on a college campus. 

Other Weapons or Objects Used as Weapons

Additionally, under no circumstances are other weapons, and/or objects carried for the purpose of injuring or intimidating others, permitted on college property, including outdoor areas (except by employees as needed to perform bona fide duties of their work). Other weapons or objects include but are not limited to all types of firearms; tasers/stun guns and other similar devices; switchblade knives and knives with a blade longer than four inches (knives longer than four inches are allowed if there is a clear use as a cooking utensil. These are to be kept in the student’s room and not left in the kitchens); dangerous chemicals (except when necessary for academic or other approved college work or function), explosives including blasting caps and other detonation devices; pellet guns, paintball guns, BB guns, brass knuckles, slingshots, martial arts weapons (except when used for previously approved activities of chartered organizations), and chains. Students using items not listed above improperly or maliciously may be subject to a violation of this policy. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action that may include separation from the college.

This policy applies to all employees (faculty and staff), students, contract and temporary workers, vendors, consultants, and anyone visiting or conducting business on college property. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action that may include separation from the college.

The carrying of weapons by law enforcement officials conducting official business on college property is the only exception to this policy that will be considered.

Possession and use of fireworks on campus is prohibited. The term “fireworks” means any combustible or explosive composition, or any substance or combination of substances or articles prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. 

Disorderly Conduct

Students and student organizations must not engage in behavior that threatens the safety, security, or functioning of the college, its members, or guests. Disorderly Conduct is the unreasonable or reckless behavior by an individual or group that creates a potentially unsafe situation for members of the community, endangers others, or damages property; disrupts the peace or interferes with the normal operation of the college, in-class, or college-sponsored events; and/or infringes on the rights of others.  

Disorderly behaviors also include 

  • Indecent Exposure – defined as deliberately exposing a portion of one’s own body in a manner that is considered contrary to standards of appropriate behavior.   Inappropriate exposure includes but is not limited to:
    • exposing one’s buttocks, breasts, or genitals,
    • posting or sending unsolicited pictures of one’s buttocks, breasts, or genitals
    • public nudity
    • public urination
    • Violations of the Community Care Agreement are also a form of disorderly conduct.
  • Violating the Community Care Agreement

Failure to Comply

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that students are accountable and responsible for their decisions and actions to promote civility and ethical behavior. Failure to comply is defined as, but not limited to, failing without just cause, to comply with the directions of a college official acting in the performance of their duties and authority, refusing to comply with a college-wide directive (i.e.: safety alerts, Public Health Guidelines), or with the orders of individuals acting on behalf of the college. A college official is defined as any faculty, staff, or administrator, or other individual contracted to act on the college’s behalf. This policy includes, but is not limited to the following:

  • Students and their guests must comply with the directions of persons who have properly identified themselves as college officials.
  • Students have an obligation to complete or comply with assigned disciplinary sanctions resulting from student conduct/conflict resolution proceedings by the deadlines specified.
  • Students are not permitted to impede or interfere with a conduct process or campus investigation.
  • The full cooperation of all students is mandated in emergency situations, including cooperation with the directives of college officials or civil authorities.

Off-Campus Conduct

It is expected that the conduct of all College of Wooster students will be consistent with the educational purposes of the institution and in no way will interfere with the functioning of the community. Students should be guided by a mutual concern for the community, integrity, property, and need to live in an environment conducive to the fulfillment of their individual lifestyles. Behavior off-campus does not guard students from a response from college staff if the behavior or actions interfere with the mission of the college or the relationship with the larger community.