Disciplinary Policies and Procedures

Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures

1. Standards of Academic Integrity

Pomona College is an academic community in which all members are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and in their exercise of responsibilities towards other members of the community. The College expects students to understand and adhere to basic standards of honesty and academic integrity. These standards include but are not limited to the following.

In projects and assignments (including homework) prepared independently, students never represent the ideas or the language of others as their own.

Students do not destroy or alter either the work of other students or the educational resources and materials of the College.

Students neither give nor receive assistance with examinations.

Students do not represent work completed for one course as original work for another or deliberately disregard course rules and regulations.

In laboratory or research projects involving the collection of data, students accurately report data observed and do not alter or fabricate data for any reason.

2. Reporting Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy

When the College’s standards of academic integrity have been breached, violations should be reported.

When an instructor encounters a possible instance of academic dishonesty and wishes to determine whether or not College standards have been violated, the instructor may consult with their department chair, with a colleague(s) or with the Dean of Students before reaching a conclusion.

In so far as possible, when consulting with the chair, the Dean, or another colleague, the instructor should protect the anonymity of the student(s) involved and should take steps to protect the security and integrity of the evidence.

Violation of confidentiality shall not be grounds for dismissal of the case. When an instructor concludes that standards of academic honesty have been violated, the instructor will consult with the student about the case. If the student is unavailable, the instructor may leave the grade as IP until the case is resolved. After reaching a conclusion that academic dishonesty has occurred but before consulting with the student, the instructor should ask the Dean of Students if there have been previous instances of academic dishonesty involving the student.

If the student acknowledges that they are responsible for an act of dishonesty in a course and the Dean of Students reports that there have not been other instances of academic dishonesty involving the student, the instructor should impose a penalty proportional to the severity of the dishonesty. The sanction must be course-specific—such as a failing grade on an assignment or in the course. Once assigned, the violation and the sanction must be reported to the Dean of Students.

If the instructor believes that the first infraction is so serious that a course specific sanction is insufficient, the instructor may indicate that special circumstances are present (e.g. the action jeopardizes another student’s work, the action occurs as part of another violation of the Student Code). In this case, the procedures followed will be the same as those for a second violation of the Academic Honesty Policy (see below).

Upon receiving an instructor’s report of a first instance of academic dishonesty and the penalty imposed, the Dean of Students shall write to the student describing the violation, evidence of the violation, and summarizing the penalty. The student must notify the Dean within 5 school days of the date of the letter if they wishe to dispute the charge. If the student disputes the charge, the case will be referred to the Academic Discipline Board. (See below.)

If the student disputes the charge of dishonesty, the case will be referred to the Academic Discipline Board for resolution— determination of whether the student has committed an act of dishonesty and, if so, determination of the penalty. The penalties the Board can consider in a first instance of academic dishonesty are limited to those affecting the class in which the act of dishonesty occurred unless the instructor alleges that special circumstances merit consideration of a more serious penalty.

In cases in which a hearing panel is to be convened, the Dean of Students shall notify the Dean of the College.

3. Reporting a Second or Additional Instance of Academic Dishonesty

If, upon receiving a report of academic dishonesty, the Dean of Students finds that the accused student has been responsible for a previous violation of the College’s Academic Honesty Policy, the case must be referred to the Academic Discipline Board for a hearing.

In all cases when the Academic Discipline Board is convened, the Dean of Students shall prepare a written statement of charges and present them to the student. The student is encouraged to have an advisor present during this initial meeting with the Dean and during the hearing.

The student may select as an advisor any member of the faculty, staff or student body of the Claremont Colleges who is neither an attorney nor a member of the Academic Discipline Board or the Student Judiciary Council. If the student does not have an advisor, one can be suggested from an advisor pool consisting of faculty and staff who have been trained for the role. A person may not serve both as an advisor and witness in the same case.

4. Procedures for Academic Dishonesty Hearings

Pre-Hearing Procedures

1. If the case is not resolved between the instructor and the student, if it involves special circumstances, or if it represents a second instance of academic dishonesty, the case will be referred to the Academic Discipline Board.
2. The instructor or the Dean of Students shall notify the student that the case has been referred to the Academic Discipline Board. Additionally, the instructor shall provide the Dean with a written account of the violation.
3. The Dean of Students shall prepare a dcomprehensive written charge sheet specifying the portions of the Academic Honesty Policy that the student is alleged to have violated and outlining the evidence of dishonesty. The Dean will meet with the student to present and discuss the charge sheet. All charges must be brought within one year of the occurrence of the alleged violation.
4. Prior to the initial meeting with the student, the Dean of Students shall inform the student of their pre-hearing rights. The student’s rights include:

• Being provided with a comprehensive, written charge sheet.
• Being provided with a copy of the Student Handbook if the student does not have one.
• Being informed that the Academic Honesty Policy and the student’s rights under that policy are outlined in the Student Handbook.
• Being informed that the student has the right to have an advisor present in meetings with the dean and in the hearing.

5. The full Academic Discipline Board consists of eight faculty members and seven students. The faculty members shall be drawn from the membership of the Academic Procedures Committee and the Faculty Grievance Committee. The non-voting chair shall be the chair of the Academic Standards Committee. The Chair must be a tenured member of the faculty. The student members shall include the Academic Affairs Commissioner, two student members of the Student Affairs Committee (to be appointed by the Student Affairs Committee) and four student members of the Judiciary Council (to be appointed by the Chair of the Judiciary Council and the Dean of Students). The Dean of Students (or an Associate Dean of Students) shall sit on all Board hearings as an ex-officio, nonvoting member.
6. A hearing panel for each case shall consist of the faculty chair who votes only in the event of a tie, three additional faculty members, and three student members chosen randomly by the Chair from the full Academic Discipline Board.
7. A hearing panel shall be convened as soon as possible after a charge sheet has been presented to a respondent, normally within 60 days.

5. Convening Hearings of the Academic Discipline Board
   1. The Chair of the Board shall convene the hearing, notify the committee members, respondent, complainant, and witnesses of the time and place of the meeting, and conduct the hearing. If the Chair is unable to serve, the Dean of Students shall designate a tenured faculty member of the Board to serve as the hearing panel chair.
   2. The respondent may challenge one faculty and one student member of the hearing panel, excluding the Chair. These challenges shall be made in writing by the respondent at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled hearing. The Chair will replace challenged members.
   3. The Chair shall summon those individuals whom the instructor and/or the respondent requests as well as other faculty, staff, and students of Pomona College who have relevant information to offer the Board.
   4. The Chair may appoint, to assist the panel, a neutral faculty expert from the discipline in question who is not a faculty member at Pomona College.
   5. Pertinent records, exhibits, and written statements may be accepted as evidence for consideration by the hearing panel at the discretion of the Chair. All such material must be approved by the chair 72 hours prior to the start of the hearing. The student respondent and instructor have the right to review such evidence at least 48 hours prior to the start of the hearing. The Chair shall exclude evidence that does not meet College standards. Evidence shall be limited to:

• Facts pertinent to the charge.

• Arguments addressing the applicability of the regulation on which the charge is based to the facts of the case.

• Circumstances or attitudes that might affect the severity of any sanction imposed.

• Physical and/or electronic evidence associated with the violations (exams, papers, lab reports, etc.).

6. All information upon which the determination of responsibility for violating the Academic Honesty Policy is to be based shall be introduced into evidence in the presence of the respondent at the hearing.

6. Academic Discipline Hearings Procedures
   1. The Chair presides at hearings and shall conduct the hearing to ensure the fair presentation of all pertinent evidence and witnesses. As the hearing begins, the Chair shall:

      • Describe the procedures under which the hearing will be conducted.

      • Read the charges and remind the respondent of their rights.

      • Indicate the order in which evidence and testimony will be presented.

      • Discuss the standard of judgment to be applied to the case, ensuring that all panel members understand the College’s standard of clear and convincing evidence and presumption of innocence in contested hearings.

      • Indicate that all decisions must be based solely on information presented at the hearing.

   2. The members of the hearing panel shall not discuss the case outside of the hearing. Likewise, statements of the instructor, student respondent(s), and witnesses, whether written or oral, are confidential and may not be used or quoted for any purpose outside of the hearing.

   3. Hearing shall be conducted in private. Persons who are appropriately present at all hearings are: The student respondent, the instructor bringing the complaint, the Chair, the hearing panel members, the Dean of Students (or an Associate Dean), and the advisor to the student respondent.

   4. The advisor to the student respondent is prohibited from addressing the hearing panel and may speak only to the student respondent.

   5. The Chair may authorize the attendance of persons who are not normally authorized to attend the hearing, order the hearing room cleared, or order any person to leave. A majority vote of panel members present may overrule a decision of the Chair.

   6. A single recording shall be made of all hearings during the time that witnesses and other pertinent information are being presented. Deliberations about whether or not the Academic Honesty policy has been violated or about sanctions shall not be recorded.

   7. The recording of the hearing will be kept in the Office of Student Affairs. If the case is appealed, the student, the instructor bringing the complaint, the student’s advisor, the Chair, the President, the chair of the appeal hearing and the appeal board members, and the Dean of Students may listen to the tape. Only the named individuals have the privilege of hearing a tape recording of the Pomona College Academic Discipline Board hearing.

   8. The recording is the property of Pomona College. Those authorized to hear the recording must do so in the Office of Student Affairs or in an area arranged by the Office of Student Affairs. No one may copy the recording or receive copies of it. The recording will be kept for one calendar year following the end of an appeal.

   9. As the hearing begins, the Chair will call on the instructor bringing the complaint to make a statement and present evidence of the violation of the Academic Honesty Policy.

   10. The student respondent shall then have the opportunity to make an opening statement and address questions to the instructor bringing the complaint.

   11. Panel members, the panel Chair, and the Dean or Associate Dean of Students, the instructor bringing the complaint and the student respondent are entitled to question the instructor bringing the complaint, student respondent and all witnesses.

   12. Witnesses shall appear one at a time in an order determined by the Chair.

   13. The student respondent shall have the opportunity to make the final statement in the hearing.

   14. The hearing panel may recess at any time, upon the decision of the Chair, for the purpose of gathering additional information or to provide a break in the hearing or the deliberation.

   15. The student respondent or their advisor may ask the Chair for a recess at any time during the hearing in order for the advisor to ask a question of the Chair or consult with the respondent.

   16. After the hearing has been concluded, the panel and Chair shall go into closed deliberations to determine whether the respondent has violated the Academic Honesty Policy and, if they are found to have violated the Policy, what sanctions should be imposed. This phase of the proceedings shall not be recorded. All witnesses, the instructor bringing the charge, the student respondent and advisor shall not be present for deliberations.

   17. The hearing panel shall first consider the question of whether the student respondent has violated the Policy. A majority of four of the six voting members, (or four of seven if the chair votes to break at tie), is required for the panel to reach a finding. The panel will find that the student has committed a violation if the information presented in the hearing provides clear and convincing evidence of such violation.

   18. A respondent’s previous Academic Conduct Record shall not be made available to the panel until after the decision concerning whether or not the respondent violated the Policy has been reached.

   19. If a respondent is found responsible for a violation of the policy, this panel shall then review relevant precedents and consider sanctions. The respondent’s previous academic conduct record shall be considered in assessing a sanction. That record will be provided to the hearing panel by the Office of Student Affairs. A majority of four of the six voting members (or four of seven if the chair votes to break a tie) is required for the panel to assign a sanction.

   20. If a respondent is found not responsible for a violation of the policy, all records associated with the charges and hearing shall be destroyed, with the exception of exams, papers, or other assignments that the student asks to be returned.

   21. The Chair shall inform the student respondent, the instructor who brought the complaint, and the Office of Student Affairs of the results of the hearing. The chair shall prepare a written opinion for the Vice President and Dean of Students which summarizes the findings of the panel and the sanction(s) assigned, if any, and explains the reasons for the decision. The Office of Student Affairs shall issue an official letter of notification to the respondent.

   22. If the respondent is found not responsible for a violation, they shall have the option of not returning to the class in which the alleged violation occurred. The student may complete the course under the supervision of another faculty member by finishing all course assignments and examinations in a comparable time frame. Alternatively the student may withdraw without penalty from the course (the withdrawal shall not be recorded on the student’s transcript). Selection among alternatives shall be arranged by the Dean of Students or the Chair of the Hearing panel. A written record of the resolution shall be filed with the Office of Student Affairs and the office of the Dean of the College.

   23. When the hearing is concluded the Dean of Students shall inform the Dean of the College of the outcome.

   24. The Office of Student Affairs shall maintain a permanent, public precedent file which consists of case abstracts specifying charges, facts, case disposition and sanctions, if any. The precedent file shall be furnished to Boards of Academic Discipline prior to the point in the hearing at which sanctions are discussed.

7. Sanctions

   1. When assigning sanctions, the hearing panel shall consider the severity of the offense, precedent, the attitude of the respondent, the respondent’s previous academic conduct record, and the conditions under which the offense was committed.

   2. Sanctions that may be imposed include:

      1. Academic Sanctions:

         • Lower grade on an assignment

         • Loss of credit on an assignment

         • “F” on an assignment

         • “F” in the course

         • Assignment of make-up or additional work

      2. Other Sanctions:

         • Suspension from the College

         • Loss of College honors

         • Expulsion from the College

8. Appeals

​A student respondent may appeal a decision of the Academic Discipline Board to the Dean of the College. Such a request must be filed with the Dean of Student’s office within five days of the date of the letter providing official notification of the sanction.

After reviewing the case, the Dean of the College may uphold the Board’s decision, or remand the decision to the Board and may include comments or issues to be consider further by the Board. After further deliberation about the Dean’s concerns, the Board shall reaffirm or alter their decision. At this point, the decision of the Board is final.

Alcohol Policy

The health and well-being of every Pomona student is the responsibility of each community member and of the entire community and is the primary focus of the following policy. The College recognizes that responsible alcohol use can be compatible with healthy adult behavior and successful social events.

Our intent is to ensure the safety of our students and to ensure that the College’s environment remains conducive to the intellectual, cultural and social learning and growth that is the College’s mission. Pomona College takes a therapeutic approach when working with students involved in alcohol policy violations. Every effort is made to connect students with appropriate resources on campus. Pomona College employs a Drug and Alcohol Counselor with whom students may speak in strict confidence. Jasa Cocke is located in Wig hall and her telephone number is 909-607-8763.

The alcohol policy was written by the Student Affairs Committee on which students, faculty, and administrators serve together. The Student Affairs Committee has final authority over the regulations that govern student life at Pomona College. Pomona College complies with and enforces all federal, state, and local laws governing alcohol consumption and distribution.

1. Regulations

   1. Students 21 years of age and older are permitted to possess and drink alcoholic beverages at Pomona but may not distribute, furnish, or serve alcohol to people under 21years of age or to obviously intoxicated persons of any age.

   2. Students under 21 years of age may not consume, possess, distribute, or sell any alcoholic beverage.

   3. Pomona students who live off campus are bound by this policy.

   4. Because of the dangers it poses, possession or consumption of hard alcohol is viewed with special disfavor by the College. Hard alcohol is not allowed in south campus residence halls. Students of any age who violate college policies while using or distributing hard alcohol will face enhanced sanctions. Virtually all of the alcohol poisoning cases on the Pomona College campus involve hard alcohol consumption.

   5. Operating a motorized vehicle, a bicycle, or a skateboard on Claremont Colleges’ property while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Motorized vehicles include cars, golf carts, and motorcycles, among other vehicles.

   6. Excessive consumption of alcohol is often a contributing factor in violations of other important college policies. These policies include those addressing vandalism, noise, and misuse of fire safety equipment. The involvement of alcohol in such violations may be considered a compounding factor by Deans and Judicial Boards in assigning sanctions.

   7. Unsafe drinking behavior, especially drinking games and contests, will be subject to sanctions. The College strongly discourages “front-loading” and “doing shots” of hard alcohol because these behaviors maximize the dangers associated with intoxication and the risk of alcohol poisoning. “Front-loading” is the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time prior to attending a social event.

   8. Public drunkenness is not permitted.

   9. Students may not drink alcoholic beverages in public areas on campus, except at officially registered parties and social events at which those over 21 years of age may be served or at private gatherings in common living room areas of student suites (applicable for students who are 21 years of age and older). Campus social events are officially registered with the Office of the Campus Center and are subject to the conditions outlined in the Party and Social Event Regulations.

   10. Open containers of alcohol or cups containing alcoholic drinks may not be carried around campus or in public spaces in the residence halls.

   11. Private gatherings in residence hall rooms or the common living room areas of student suites that violate the College’s Alcohol and Drug Policies, infringe on public space, or become a public nuisance, will be dispersed. Students who host or attend such parties will be sanctioned appropriately. Hosts are responsible for the behavior of those who attend.

   12. Kegs and other common containers of alcohol, with the exception of bottles of wine, are prohibited in residence halls and in all other areas of the campus, except when officially registered. Kegs may not be registered in residential spaces. Common containers of alcohol include kegs, kegerators, pony kegs, punch bowls, water coolers, and other such containers obviously meant to serve a large number of individuals.

   13. Pomona College operates under a “Good Samaritan” policy. Each Pomona student shares responsibility for the safety and welfare of their fellow students. Failing to seek assistance for a fellow student who appears to be dangerously drunk will result in sanctions. In medical emergencies, students should always seek help from College officials (Resident Advisors, Deans or Campus Safety). Sanctions will not be imposed on students who seek or receive medical attention.

   14. The entire Pomona College community is responsible for the well-being of prospective students visiting the campus. Giving or offering drugs or alcohol to a prospective student will result in sanctions.

   15. From the time that students arrive on campus in August until the beginning of the second week of classes, the College does not permit alcoholic beverages to be served or consumed on campus. During this time, students many not have open containers of alcohol in their room or in their possession. This period is known as “Substance-Free Opening.” All students, regardless of age or class standing, are required to observe Substance Free Opening.

   16. Brewing beer, distilling alcohol, or fermenting wine is not permitted on campus.

2. Party and Social Events Regulation

The College allows student organizations and individual students to register parties and social events that serve alcohol (“registered events”) in specified campus locations. The College reserves the right to revoke or alter the specific spaces in which registered events can be held and the frequency with which registration may occur.

1. The following regulations apply to ALL registered events

   1. Beer and wine are the only alcoholic beverages that may be served or consumed at registered events.

   2. Beer includes all fermented beverages with an alcohol content of up to 6%. Wine includes champagne and other sparkling wines with alcohol content of up to 14%.

   3. Alcohol may not be purchased with funds collected as mandatory fees by the College, including all fees turned over to the ASPC by the College for the purpose of supporting student activities.

   4. Alcoholic beverages may not be sold at any campus event without an appropriate State license.

   5. Alcoholic beverages may not be served at registered events that are open to the general public.

   6. Events at which alcohol is served may not be registered during reading days or during the final examination period.

   7. Consumption or possession of alcohol at athletic events is prohibited.

   8. Alcohol may not be served at study breaks. A study break is an event that is limited in duration (1-2 hours) and intended to provide a time to relax after studying.

   9. Individuals are prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages to any registered event or from taking alcoholic beverages out of events or social functions.

   10. The number of people attending a registered event who may legally drink will determine the amount of alcoholic beverages available.

2. The following regulations apply only to registered events held in PUBLIC SPACE

   1. Locations in which this category of events may currently be registered include: Smith Campus Center locations (Edmunds Ballroom, the Courtyard, Doms Social Room); Sontag Greek Theater; Eversole Courtyard; Walker Courtyards; Clark V Courtyards; Clark I Courtyards; Harwood Courtyard; Bixby Plaza; Seaver Theater Courtyard; the lobby of Bridges Auditorium; Frank Dining Hall; and Frary Dining Hall.

   2. Events at which alcohol is served must be registered with and approved by the Office of the Campus Center and Student Programs in Suite 244 of the Smith Campus Center, at 909-621-8610.

   3. Only students of The Claremont Colleges who present valid College identification cards and their guests and/or visitors with guest passes are permitted to attend registered events. Guest passes may be obtained at the Office of Campus Life or at the Smith Campus Center Building Manager’s window.

   4. Students of the Claremont Colleges must show their college-issued ID card, as proof of age, at the point of alcohol service. Visitors of students, who possess a valid Guest Pass, must show their Driver’s License with their Guest Pass, at the point of alcohol service.

   5. Registered events in public space must have one or more of the College’s servers on duty at all times to serve alcohol. Servers ensure that only those are served who:

      • are 21 years of age or older

      • possess identification that confirms their age

      • are not intoxicated.

No event with alcohol may begin or continue without a College server in charge of alcohol distribution. Servers are hired by the Office of the Campus Center and Student Programs after an event is registered.

6. Campus Safety Officers must be hired for the duration of public events at which alcohol is served. Campus Safety Officers are hired by the Office of the Campus Center and Student Programs after an event is registered.
7. All registered events in public space must have a host or hosts who are present for the duration of the event. If alcohol is served, at least one host must be 21 years of age or older. Hosts contact the Office of the Campus Center and Student Programs to arrange appropriate numbers of servers and Campus Safety officers and to ensure that the party does not begin or continue without their presence. Hosts are also responsible for ending the event at the agreed upon time and for ensuring clean-up of the event site.
8. High-quality non-alcoholic beverages and appealing food must be readily available and accessible at social events throughout the duration of the event.
9. A public registered student event serving alcohol can only be held from Sunday night through Wednesday night if it meets all of the following criteria:
   • The entity hosting the event is an academic or administrative department or is an open-membership, registered student organization
   • The event is not a party nor is it connected to a party
   • The event ends by 9:30 pm
   • All attendees to the event must RSVP in advance of the event, and there are 35 participants or less

3. Advertising Alcohol

​​In order to avoid a hidden culture of alcohol use and in order to advertise a diversity of events, publicity about particular types of alcohol is permitted.

Electronic media in which social events are advertised on the Pomona campus (but not the other four undergraduate campuses) may include reference to the type of alcohol being served. For example, events which are wine tasting, wine and cheese receptions, champaign brunches, Oktoberfest, etc. may be noted as such, but alcohol may not be the focus of publicity.

Electronic advertising which is sent to students, faculty and staff at Pomona to announce social events must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Advertising may specify the type of alcohol being served (for example, wine, champagne, sake) but it may not specify brands.

2. Advertising may not specify the quantity of alcohol present.

3. Advertising may not portray drinking as a solution to personal or academic problems of students or as an enhancement to social, sexual, or academic status, nor may it be portrayed as the central purpose of the event.

4. Advertising may not encourage drinking or make reference to drunkenness.

5. Posters, banners, flyers, and other print media which are designed to be displayed on campus and in public may not mention alcohol when advertising parties, or other events.

4. The following regulations apply only to registered PRIVATE EVENTS
   1. Students over 21 years of age who have participated in the College’s host safety training program may register wine, a single ponykeg or a single keg of beer for a social event in the spaces that the college designates annually.
   2. Events of this nature may occur only on Friday and Saturday nights for up to four hours in duration, anytime between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM. They must be registered with and approved by the Office of Campus Center and Student Programs at least 24 hours in advance.
   3. Private parties may not be advertised. Any beer or wine served at private parties must be provided and paid for by the host(s).
   4. The student registering the event shall be considered the event host. Hosts must:
      • Ensure that no student who is obviously intoxicated or under 21 years of age is served
      • Assume responsibility for the conduct of party guests and/or visitors (including those with guest passes)
      • Ensure that the event does not violate the College noise policy
      • Ensure that the event does not spill over into public space
      • Ensure that the event is not excessively crowded
      • Be present and sufficiently sober to carry out all hosting obligations for the duration of the event. Hosts who fail to fulfill any of these obligations will no longer be permitted to register an event and will face sanctions.

3. Sanctions for Violation of the Alcohol Policy

In medical emergencies, students should always seek the assistance of College officials (Resident Advisors, Deans, or Campus Safety). Sanctions are not imposed on students who seek or need medical attention.

1. General Guidelines

   1. The sanctions listed are the typical penalties for particular violations of
      the alcohol policy. Any violation of the Student Code or of the alcohol policy
      may be resolved by a dean’s sanction or referred to the Judiciary Council for
      additional consideration and sanctions. Sanctions up to and including
      suspension or expulsion from the College may be imposed.

   2. Sanctions and points will be levied against each student found responsible for the policy violation(s).

   3. Points may not be converted to community service.

2. Sanctions for Particular Violations of the Alcohol and Drug Policy

Note: points are greater for repeat offenses

1. Point System for Drugs, Alcohol, and Parties

Hosting an Unregistered Party

Providing Alcohol to Someone under 21 years of age

Attending an Unregistered Party

Kegs, “Kegorators,” Pony Kegs, Party Balls, and other Common Containers (Keg will be confiscated)

Possession and/or Consumption of Hard Alcohol on South Campus

Other Possession and/or Consumption of Alcohol by Students under 21 Years of Age

Falsification of Identification

Drinking Games as Defined in our Policy*

* Drinking games involving unsafe behavior, underage drinking, or resulting in evident intoxication are prohibited and may be subject to points.

Marijuana Use, Possession, or Trading

Additional Points For Marijuana Use in Residence Halls & Other Smoke-free Areas (As Defined by Policy)

Additional Points Possession of Open Containers of Alcohol by Any Student, Regardless of Age or Class Standing, during Substance-Free Opening Period

Point Forgiveness: One point is forgiven every 33 days (excluding summer and winter breaks) from the date of the last, point-incurring violation.

If, through one or more incidents, a student accumulates:

• 1 to 5 Points: Student will receive a formal written warning and referral to the AOD Counselor.
• 6 to 10 Points: Referral to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor. Student will be assigned an educational project commensurate with the infraction (e.g., poster about alcohol safety for residence hall, short paper in response to article on THC and impact on memory, etc.). Project deadline will be mutually agreed upon by student and RLC.
• 11 to 15 Points: Students with 11 or more points are penalized in the housing lottery (50 is added to their room draw number). Referral to AOD Counselor.
• 16 to 19 Points: Student will be placed on a status of residential probation. Student’s parent(s) or guardian will be notified of the change of residential status. Students on any form of probation are prohibited from studying abroad per Article 6, Section A, Part 2.
• 20+ Points: Student will be suspended from the residence halls.
   

2. Driving under the influence

Students found responsible for operating a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol whether on campus or elsewhere may no longer register, drive, or park an automobile on the Pomona College campus.

3. Substance-Free Opening violations

In addition to points, violations of Substance Free Opening will result in 10 hours of community service. In addition, violators will not be allowed to move into a residence hall prior to the opening day established for all returning students the following fall. Because the student would be required to live off campus during preopening training, violations may jeopardize leadership positions such as a Sponsor or Mentor, Admissions Intern, Residence Advisor, Head Sponsor, Orientation Adventure Leader, among other positions. SubstanceFree Opening violations may also result in Judiciary Council hearings if other Student Code violations are associated with the sanctioned incident.

4. Violating the obligations of a private party host

Students who fail to fulfill the obligations of a host will have the privilege of hosting permanently revoked and may be subject to additional sanctions.

3. Other Sanctionable Violations of the Alcohol Policy

   • Providing or serving alcohol to obviously intoxicated persons of any age.

   • Public drunkenness.

   • Open containers of alcohol or cups containing alcohol in public space.

   • Making alcohol. Providing alcohol to students under 21 years of age.

4. The violations listed above in part C are subject to the following potential sanctions:

1. Warning.

2. Points.

3. Confiscation of alcohol, false ID Cards and other prohibited items; Removal of brewing or distilling materials and equipment from campus.

4. Citation by Campus Safety or arrest by the Claremont Police Department; filing of an incident report by a Resident Advisor (RA).

5. Mandatory meeting with a Dean.

6. Suspension from social events where alcohol is served.

7. Loss or suspension from campus housing or dining.

8. Suspension or denial of permission to hold further social events.

9. Community service.

10. Required participation in an alcohol education program.

11. Placement at the bottom of the class in room draw.

12. Placement at the bottom of the College room draw.

13. Suspension or loss of organizational status.

14. Referral to the Judiciary Council for disciplinary action where penalties up to suspension and expulsion may be imposed.

15. Sanctions that specifically address a particular violatio.

5. Federal, State and Local Law
   1. Students are not exempt from local, state, and federal law while on the Pomona College campus.
   2. The federal government, through the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, requires that colleges enforce state and local laws concerning drugs and alcohol in order to remain eligible for federal funds including federal student financial aid.
   3. California has a strict host liability law. If a student sells or serves alcohol, they can be held responsible in a court of law for the conduct of any individual who is served if that person subsequently injures themselves, becomes ill, dies, or injures a third party. This is especially true when the person served is a minor or is already intoxicated.
   4. The City of Claremont prohibits public intoxication, open containers of alcohol in vehicles, and consuming alcohol in public parks.
   5. It is illegal to sell, furnish or give alcoholic beverage to anyone under 21 or to anyone who is obviously intoxicated. (California Business & Professions Code Sec. 25658.)
   6. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages or to possess alcoholic beverages in any public place, including streets or highways. (California Business & Professions Code Sec. 25662.)
   7. It is illegal to sell alcohol without a valid license or permit. (California Business & Professions Code Sec. 23301.)
   8. It is illegal to drink while driving. (California Vehicle Code Sec. 23221.)
   9. It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle. (California VehicleCode Sec. 23222, 23223.)
   10. It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. (Intoxication is presumed when blood alcohol level is .08% or higher, but may be found with blood alcohol levels of .05% to .08%). (California Vehicle Code Sec. 23152.)
   11. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol level of .05% or more or to drive while under the influence of alcohol. (California Vehicle Code Sec. 23140.)
   12. It is illegal to ride a bicycle or to operate a water vessel, water ski or aquaplane while intoxicated.
   13. It is illegal to present any form of false identification to purchase, order or attempt to purchase any alcoholic beverage or to possess false evidence of age and identity. (California Business & Professions Code Sec. 25661.)
   14. It is illegal to sell or provide false evidence of age or identity and to anyone under age 21. (California Business & Professions Code Sec. 25661.)
   15. It is illegal for anyone under age 21 to enter or stay in a place licensed to sell liquor without a lawful reason to be there. (California Business & Professions Code Sec. 26665.)
   16. It is illegal to be found in a public place under the influence of liquor, drugs or controlled substances if you are unable to care for your own safety or interfere with the use of a public way. (California Penal Code Sec. 647(f).)

Legal Penalties

In general, a misdemeanor is punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year. A felony is punishable by imprisonment in state prison for more than one year. Other penalties stated below for a particular offense may be in addition to those stated for misdemeanors and felonies.

• Anyone who sells or gives any alcoholic beverage to a person under age 21 is guilty of a misdemeanor. Punishment may include a fine of $1,000, which may not be suspended and performance of not less than 24 hours of community service in addition to penalties provided for misdemeanor violations.
• Anyone under age 21 who purchases any alcoholic beverage or consumes an alcoholic beverage in any on-sale premises is guilty of a misdemeanor.
• Anyone under 21 who attempts to purchase any alcoholic beverage is guilty of an infraction and shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100. Any subsequent violation shall be punished by a fine of not more than $250 or 36 hours of community service.
• Anyone under 21 who is in possession of an alcoholic beverage in a public place or street or highway is guilty of a misdemeanor.
• Anyone under 21 who presents false evidence of age and identity to order or obtain any alcoholic beverage or who possesses false evidence of age and identity is guilty of a misdemeanor. Punishment shall include a fine of $250 which may not be suspended or performance of not less than 24 hours nor more than 32 hours of community service.
• Penalties for drunk driving:

  1. First Offense: Imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 96 hours, at least 48 hours of which shall be continuous, nor more than six months and by a fine of not less than three hundred ninety dollars ($390), nor more than one thousand dollars ($1000) and completion of a driving under the influence education program (at least 30 hours if blood alcohol was less than .20% and at least 45 hours if more than .20%). If under 21, suspension of driver’s license for one year, over 21, suspension for six months. In addition, a period of probation from three to five years may be imposed. If registered to the driver, the vehicle may be impounded for 1 to 30 days.

  2. Second Offense (within 7 years): Fines from $390 to $1000, imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 90 days nor more than one year, driver’s license suspension of 18 months. If registered to the driver, the vehicle will be impounded for 1 to 30 days.

  3. Third Offense: Fines from $390 to $1000, imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 120 days nor more than one year, driver’s license revocation for four years. If registered to the driver, the vehicle may be impounded for 1 to 90 days or may be sold.

  4. Fourth Offense or greater; Fines from $390 to $1000, imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 180 days to three years in state prison, driver’s license revocation for four years. If registered to the driver, the vehicle may be impounded for 1 to 90 days or may be sold.

  5. For all offenses, participation in an alcohol or drug program may be required and vehicles registered to the driver may be sold or impounded for periods up to three years.

  6. Driving privileges are suspended for six months for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test. The suspension is for two years if there has been a prior conviction within seven years, and for three years if there have been three or more convictions within seven years.

17. ​​Resources for Students

​No student will be sanctioned for seeking alcohol counseling or assistance for themselves and/or other students. Any information the deans receive will remain confidential unless it appears that the life or safety of a student is at stake.

Pomona College encourages its students to discuss safe alcohol use and/or the issues and problems associated with alcohol abuse with any one of the individuals listed below. Students are encouraged to approach any Dean, Resident Advisor or Faculty member with whom they feel comfortable if they suspect that they or one of their fellow students has an alcohol abuse problem.

• Jasa Cocke - Pomona College Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Wig Hall 1A, ext. 78763.

• On-Call Deans - a dean is available for assistance 24 hours a day when students are on campus. Call ext. 72000, and have Campus Safety page the dean.

• Student members of the Residence Hall Staff (RHS) - (909) 607-2000, ext 21 and 22 for North Campus, 23 and 24 for South Campus.

• Community Resources - The Claremont United Church of Christ Congregational at the corner of Harrison and Harvard Avenues provides a space for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Students are welcome to attend any and all of the AA meetings they offer. Meeting times include:
  • Adult Children of Alcoholics –
    Mon. 7 pm, Rm. 205.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous –
    Daily: 7 AM daily (365 days a year),
  • Women’s group –
    Monday, 10:30 AM, Sumner Room
    Monday, 6:30 PM, Sumner Room.
    Tuesday, 8 PM, Roberts Room.
    Wednesday, 8 PM, Sumner Room.
    Thursday, 10 AM Women’s group, Club Room downstairs.
    Friday, 6:30 PM, Women’s group, Sumner Room.
    Saturday, 11 AM, Sumner Room.
  • Project Sister –
    24-hour Help Line • 909.626.HELP (909.626.4357) • 626.966.4155 7 days a week
  • House of Ruth –
    24-Hour Hotline: 909-988-5559

Pomona College Drug Policy

Statement of Purpose

Pomona College believes that students have the right to live and work in an environment free from the effects of drugs and drug abuse. Accountability and shared responsibility serve as the overarching principles that shape this policy. In that spirit the policy aims to clarify the responsibilities of community members, define appropriate behaviors, describe the College’s response to hazardous, illegal or disruptive behavior, and inform community members about the resources available for addressing drug-related concerns and problems.

In accordance with state and federal laws, Pomona College has established these priorities:

1. To provide an atmosphere free from the manufacture, sale, distribution, use or abuse of illegal or prescription drugs

2. To stress safety, and individual accountability for all Pomona College students

3. To establish clear penalties for violating the College’s drug policy

4. To provide students with information about confidential on‐ and off‐campus resources to address issues related to drug use and abuse.

All Pomona College students are expected to comply with federal, state, and local laws, to follow the requirements of the College’s drug policy and to respect the right to a drug free environment shared by all members of the campus community. Violations of the Pomona College Drug Policy or of any of the state laws of California are subject to disciplinary action.

Pomona College operates under a Good Samaritan Policy. Each Pomona student shares responsibility for the safety and well-being of other students in our community. Failing to seek assistance for a student who seems dangerously ill from the effects of drugs will result in sanctions. In medical emergencies, students should always seek help from college officials (Resident Advisors, Deans or Campus Safety). If a student seeks or receives medical attention for consumption of drugs or alcohol, or aids someone else in seeking or receiving medical attention, then that student shall not be sanctioned, except for referrals to AOD counseling, for violations of the Handbook directly related to consumption of drugs or alcohol.

Furthermore, students cannot be sanctioned for violations of the Student Handbook if the proximate cause of the College’s discovery that they violated the Handbook was their own reporting for the sake of seeking, receiving, or aiding someone else in seeking or receiving medical attention. Judicial bodies also have the discretion to determine that this policy does not apply in more serious situations, including criminal possession of drugs, property damage, violence, etc. Judicial bodies shall consider and set a reasonable temporal limit when applying the “Good Samaritan” policy.

Drug Policy Violations

It is a violation of the Pomona College Drug Policy for students to:

1. Possess, manufacture, sell, provide, distribute or use, or participate in the use of illegal drugs. Prohibited drugs include all illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD and other hallucinogens, designer drugs and prescription drugs (not including personally prescribed drugs) or other illegal drugs.

2. Have drug paraphernalia in their residence hall rooms, on their person, or in any area under their immediate control.

3. Violate state, federal or local laws concerning drug use, distribution, sale or manufacture.

4. Pomona complies with Federal law regarding the use and possession of marijuana; therefore, marijuana use on campus is prohibited even though Proposition 64 (legalization of marijuana) passed in California in 2016, and even if the student has documentation of medically prescribed marijuana.  A student with documentation of medically prescribed marijuana may speak with the Dean of Campus Life or the Disability Coordinator regarding the application process to live off campus.

Sanctions

Violation of the drug policy will subject students to disciplinary actions that may range from probation, points, loss of housing, and up to suspension or expulsion. The College may also require a student who possesses or uses illicit drugs or is found with drug paraphernalia to participate in an approved drug rehabilitation program (at the expense of the student) and to provide the College satisfactory evidence of successful completion of the program and of being drug free.

When it is not possible to determine who within a group of students is responsible for the use, possession, manufacture, sale or distribution of drugs, responsibility for the offense will fall on the occupant in whose room or automobile or social gathering the violation occurs unless another individual within the group accepts responsibility.

Sanctions for violation of the drug policy are divided into Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3.

Category I Sanctions

Category I sanctions will be assigned to students found using, possessing or providing marijuana to other student. Category 1 will also include misusing prescription drugs or providing prescription drugs to other students. Sanctions can be found in the “Sanctions for Particular Violations of the Alcohol and Drug Policy” section of the Handbook.

Category II Sanctions

Category II sanctions will be assigned to students found using, possessing or providing cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, LSD or other hallucinogens, designer drugs or other illegal drugs not covered under Category I.

1. First Offense: A student found in violation will be fined $200 and required to meet with Pomona’s Drug and Alcohol Counselor until released, and to follow the Drug and Alcohol Counselor’s recommendation for treatment as a condition of remaining enrolled at Pomona College. The College will notify the student’s parents or guardian of the violation. The student will be placed on probation after the first offense involving Category II drugs.
2. Second Offense: A student who commits a second violation of a Category II offense will be placed on leave from the College and required to receive treatment. The student may not return to Pomona until the treating physician indicates to the satisfaction of the Dean of Students and the College’s Drug and Alcohol Counselor that the student is drug-free and able to resume his or her education.

Category III Sanctions

Category III sanctions apply when a student is found responsible for the manufacture, sale, distribution, or intent to distribute any illegal or prescription drug.

1. First Offense: A student found to be manufacturing, selling, distributing or intending to distribute any illegal or prescription drug will be sent to the Judicial Council with a recommendation for suspension from the College for at least one semester.
2. Second Offense: A student found to be manufacturing, selling, distributing or intending to distribute any illegal or prescription drug who has been found responsible for a first instance of such conduct will be referred to the Judicial Council with a recommendation for expulsion from the College. President may impose an interim College suspension prior to a hearing before a judicial body. See “Interim Suspension,” Article IV, section D of the Student Code.

Responding to Drug Policy Violations

Residence hall rooms are Pomona College property. The College respects the student’s right to privacy and college officials will not enter residence hall rooms without reasonable suspicion that college policies or regulations have been violated. When a credible report of drug use or drug sale exists or when a hazardous or disruptive situation occurs, the College reserves the right of access to student rooms, and to search property in the room owned by the College (e.g., desk, drawers, closet, bed). For health, safety or security reasons or to determine compliance with Pomona College policies, access to students’ rooms by college staff (including RAs) may occur without notice. The College reserves the right to remove items that violate college policies.

Failure to comply with the directions of College officials (including RAs) is a violation of the Student Code and will result in disciplinary action.

When a student is charged with a violation of Federal, State or Local Law, a College disciplinary action may be taken if the action also violates College policies.

Local, State and Federal laws apply to the Pomona College campus and law enforcement officials do patrol and police the Pomona campus. College officials are not able, even when they are willing, to shield students who violate the law.

General Overview of Local State and Federal Laws Concerning Drugs

It is a crime to possess, use, sell, manufacture, or distribute illegal drugs. Both federal and state laws impose criminal sanctions including imprisonment, on persons violating criminal drug laws.

• California State Law
  • Simple possession of marijuana

California law sets forth the rules for personal possession of marijuana (Health and Safety Code 11357). Possession for personal use of not more than 28.5 grams (a bit more than an ounce) of marijuana is legal in California as of November 9, 2016, for people age 21 and older, as is possession of up to 4 grams of concentrated cannabis (hashish).

The following, however, are crimes (either misdemeanors or infractions):

• Possession of marijuana by anyone under 21
• Possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or more than 4 grams of concentrated cannabis
• Possession of marijuana or concentrated cannabis on the grounds of any K-12 school while school is in session

Complete California laws on marijuana possession, cultivation, sale, and transportation; possession of and possession for sale of controlled substances; and possession with intent to manufacture may be found at the California Legistlative Information website.

• Possession of drug paraphernalia

​It is unlawful to possess and opium pipe or any device, contrivance, instrument or paraphernalia used for unlawfully injecting or smoking a controlled substances, which is classified as a narcotic drug.

• Unauthorized Possession of Controlled Substances:

Except as otherwise provided…every person who possesses (1) any controlled substance or (2) any controlled substance which is a narcotic drug, unless upon the written prescription of a physicians, dentist, podiatrist or veterinarian licensed to practice in this state, shall be punished by imprisonment in state prison for a period of not less than two years or more than ten years and shall not be eligible for release upon completion of sentence or on parole or any other basis until they have been imprisoned by for period of not less than two years in the state prison. (Sect 11350)

• Possession for Sale of Controlled Substances

Except as otherwise provided…every person who possesses for sale (1) any controlled substance or (2) any controlled substance which is a narcotic drug shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a period of not less than five years or more than 15 years and shall not be eligible for release upon completion of sentence or not parole or any other basis until they have been imprisoned for a period of not less than 2 fi years in the state prison. (Sec. 11351)

• Possession with Intention to Manufacture Methamphetamine

​Any person who possesses both methlamimine and phenyhl-2propanone (phrnylacetone) at the same time with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for between one and five years. (Sec.11383).

The Health Risks of Drugs

The use of drugs poses significant health risks. Drugs can create psychological dependence, which is defined as a need or craving for the substance and can produce feelings of restlessness, tension or anxiety when the substance is withdrawn. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, characterized by the need for increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect. As tolerance and psychological dependence develop, judgment becomes impaired. People do not realize that they are losing control over the use of the substance and that they need help. Drugs such as LSD,  amphetamines, and marijuana alter emotion, cognition, perception, physiology and behavior in a variety of ways. Serious health risks include depression, apathy, hallucination, paranoia, and impaired judgment among other things. LSD has caused psychotic breaks in a number of students. All these substances have adverse effects on pregnancy. When two or more substances are combined, there is often an effect that is stronger than their additive sum.

Students find that drug use is incompatible with high-level academic performance. The depression, apathy, and distraction that accompany drug use have resulted in poor academic performance (failing grades) and the need to take a leave from Pomona in order to receive adequate treatment for substance abuse problems.

Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Incident Protocol

What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is a criminal act that is committed against the person or property of another because of the other person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender identity or expression and sexual orientation.

Hate crimes also include any such crimes committed against the property of a public agency or private institution - including educational facilities and advocacy groups - because the property of the agency or institution is identified or associated with a person or group of an identifiable race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

Some hate crimes may violate California and/or federal law, and the conduct underlying them may violate Pomona College’s policies, including provisions of the Student Code and the Harassment and Discrimination Policy.

What is a Bias-Related Incident?

Bias-related incidents are expressions of hostility against another individual (or group) because of the other person’s (or group’s) race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender identity or expression and sexual orientation, or because the perpetrator perceives that the other person (or group) has one or more of these characteristics. Depending on the circumstances, a bias-related incident may not be a crime, and may be protected speech. The conduct underlying some bias-related incidents may violate the College’s policies, including provisions of the Student Code and the Harassment and Discrimination Policy.

How Do Free Speech Requirements Impact Bias-Related Incidents / Hate Crimes?

Free Speech requirements protect many forms of “hateful” and intolerant speech and expressive conduct, including that which occurs during such common College activities as debates, speeches, arguments, conversations, classroom discussions, lectures, distribution of flyers and displaying of posters. In certain contexts, courts have found speech and expressive conduct to be protected that many in our community would find repugnant, including such things as display of the confederate flag, nazi symbols, cross burning, and flag burning. Such speech and expressive conduct, however, may be inconsistent with the College’s community values and it may present an opportunity for open dialogue, debate and better understanding othe scope of protected speech and the role of tolerance in a community.

Guidelines for Responding to Hate Crimes and Bias-Related Incidents

These guidelines do not alter any College policies - such as the Student Code and Harassment and Discrimination Policy - and are designed to address incidents that violate such policies as well as those which do not. It envisions instances of protected (but hateful or intolerant) speech that may generate harm requiring intervention without discipline. Bias-related incidents need to be addressed because they harm individuals, undermine civility and understanding in the Pomona community, or impede the educational process. Public discussion and education can promote awareness of prejudice and examination of the values that underlie the Pomona community.

What Should a Student Do If They have been the Target of a Hate Crime or a Bias-Related Incident?

All hate crimes and bias-related incidents should be immediately reported to the Dean on-call. We also encourage reporting such incidents to Campus Safety and Law Enforcement Agencies. Students who have been the target of such an incident can also get support and assistance from Student Affairs offices.

Although hateful messages on such things as flyers, posters, e-mail, answering machines, dry erase boards, and graffiti are often obnoxious or worse, it is helpful to preserve them as evidence and not to disturb or remove anything that could help identify the source and/or targets or other affected persons.

How Will Pomona College Respond in Such Cases?

The College believes it is important to respond to a hate crime or bias-related incident with concern for the student who has been targeted and the community as a whole.

If a particular student has been targeted, the on-call Dean will assist the student in documenting the event and will explain the options for addressing what has occurred. If the incident is a crime, the student will be assisted in contacting the police. If the incident involves the violation of a College policy, the procedures for investigation and resolution under that policy will be undertaken.

A wide range of assistance is available to students who are targeted. The on-call Dean will assist with referrals to the counseling center, a chaplain, or the head of the relevant mentor group or support center. The Housing & Residence Life Office will try to ensure that the affected student feels safe in their residential environment and will, if appropriate, adjust campus housing and/or change course schedules. The on-call Dean will also offer help documenting the event (e.g., taking photos of dry erase boards or items placed on the student’s door); help in talking with/filing a complaint with Campus Safety and/or the police; give advice about initiating disciplinary action against the offender; assistance in arranging counseling or other forms of support, including campus escort service or help in initiating mediation between the affected student and the offender.

When hate crimes and bias-related incidents occur on campus, they can strain the fabric of the community. The Dean of Students Office will consider what sort of communication about the incident is appropriate, taking into account various interests such as personal safety and confidentiality.

In some cases, public discussion about the incident can serve to educate the community and promote awareness of prejudice. Programs that address bias-related incidents can change a hateful incident into an opportunity for increased understanding and personal growth. The targeted student may elect to participate in such a College-sponsored discussion of the incident. In some cases, the Dean of Students Office may, in collaboration with other offices on campus and with students, offer programs that include one or more of the following: residence hall discussions, open forums, panels, films, speakers, and other educational programming. Among other things, these events may serve to help the community understand, process, and address what has occurred. The RA and Sponsor staff within each residence hall are also prepared to provide leadership in responding to such events.

What Guidelines Will Govern the College’s Response? (Incident Response Team)

The College has established an Incident Response Team (IRT) to address issues relating to hate crimes and bias-related incidents. The IRT is composed of the Dean of Students or their designee, one or two staff members in Student Affairs, one or two members of the faculty, and student representatives chosen from the campus community. All members of the IRT must be Pomona faculty, students, or staff.

Student members of the IRT will be selected from the general student population. When deemed applicable, students may be chosen from among specific student mentoring and support groups. Representatives from specific organizations may be invited to participate in the IRT if hate crimes or bias related incidents occur on campus that affect their members. The Dean of Students or their designee, a Student Affairs Staff member, and two students selected from IRT may function each year as a Steering Committee. The Steering Committee may respond to hate incidents, work on publicity, plan events, and schedule meetings of the full IRT as required. Campus Safety may work with the IRT in order to improve communication about incidents. The Claremont Police Department may also be invited for discussion of campus hate and bias-related incidents and may be asked to meet with the IRT from time to time.

When a hate crime or a bias-related incident is reported to the Dean of Students Office, the Dean of Students will inform the President, the Director of Campus Safety, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the IRT. However, a student may request a confidential conversation with the Dean, in which case the IRT and other offices will not receive a report of the case. A student may also ask an RA, Mentor, or Sponsor to report an incident to the Dean or the IRT on their behalf.

Goals of the Incident Response Team

The IRT will meet periodically to:

• Develop recommendations to help the Dean of Students determine when and how the community should be informed of a hate crime or bias-related incident that has occurred at Pomona, recognizing that in every case the Dean will need to make that determination according the circumstances of the case. For example, in some cases a senior officer of the College may write to all faculty, students and staff. In other cases, a communication from the IRT itself may be appropriate. In still other cases, the Dean may determine that no communication is necessary or appropriate.

• Discuss the types of effective programming that might be undertaken in response to hate crimes and bias-related incidents after they occur.

• Undertake education of the community about hate crimes and bias-related incidents, so that students have access to information about the issues and how incidents can be reported. For example, the IRT may be asked to advise on a poster or a sticker that can be visible on campus and on a more detailed pamphlet discussing hate crimes and bias-related incidents.

When an incident occurs, the full team or the Steering Committee will gather to review what has occurred and to make recommendations to the Dean of Students about the necessity and the nature of a public response, on the information that will be released in a public statement, and on effective educational programming.

The recommendation of the IRT will govern the College’s response to the incident. However, the Dean of Students may decline to follow the IRT’s recommendations when, in the Dean’s judgment, the action proposed is inappropriate or harmful.

If a majority of the IRT disagrees with the Dean’s decision, that decision may be appealed to the Vice President and Dean of the College, whose decision in the matter will be final.

Members of the IRT are required to keep strictly confidential all information about incidents on campus that they obtain as a result of their participation in the IRT, and to publicly discuss only such information that has already been made publicly available by the Office of Student Affairs.

Stalking Policy

1. Policy Statement

Pomona College strives to maintain a campus environment free of violence. Stalking can affect every aspect of an individual’s life, often beginning with phone calls, emails, social networking posts and/or letters, and can sometimes escalate to violence. Individuals of all genders, gender identities, races and ethnicities, religions, age, abilities, and sexual orientation can be the subject of stalking. Individuals who engage in stalking behaviors are subject to disciplinary action. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students and up to and including termination for employees. Stalking is a crime in California and is subject to criminal prosecution. Pursuing a complaint through the College does not preclude an individual from pursuing legal action as well.

2. Definition

Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: (1) feel fear for their safety; or (2) the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. Stalking includes behaviors or activities occurring on more than one occasion that collectively instill fear in a victim, and/or threaten their safety, mental health, or physical health. Such behaviors and activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Non-consensual communication, including face-to-face communications, telephone calls, voice messages, e-mails, texts, letters, notes, gifts, or any other communications that are undesired and place another person in fear

Use of online, electronic or digital technologies, including:

• Unauthorized posting of pictures, messages, and/or information about the complainant on websites, Internet sites, social networking sites, and/or bulletin boards or chat rooms.
• Sending unwanted/unsolicited email, texts, or talk requests
• Posting private or public messages on Internet sites, social networking sites, and/or bulletin boards
• Installing spyware on a victim’s computer
• Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to monitor victim
• Pursuing, following, waiting, or showing up uninvited at or near a residence, workplace, classroom, or other places frequented by the victim
• Surveillance or other types of observation, including staring or “peeping”
• Trespassing
• Vandalism
• Non-consensual touching
• Direct verbal or physical threats
• Gathering information about an individual from friends, family, and/or co-workers
• Threats to harm self or others
• Defamation - lying to others about the victim

3. Reporting Information

1. Off-Campus

Pomona College encourages individuals to report incidents of stalking to law enforcement authorities, and respects that whether or not to do so is a personal decision of the individual. Members of the Dean of Students staff are available to assist individuals in contacting the Claremont Police or other appropriate law enforcement agency. In some circumstances, a victim may wish to seek a legal order of protection against the alleged perpetrator. Victims may also request that the College restrict someone’s access to the College campus who is not a member of the Pomona College community.

In certain instances, Pomona College may need to report conduct to law enforcement authorities even when the subject of the conduct has not decided to do so. Such circumstances include incidents that warrant the undertaking of additional safety and security measures for the protection of the victim and the campus community or other situations in which there is clear and imminent danger, and when a weapon may be involved. The decision to report an incident to law enforcement will be shared with the victim and will take into account the safety concerns of the individual.

2. To the College

The College encourages individuals to report incidents of stalking to the College. Prompt reporting is encouraged, because facts often become more difficult to establish as times passes. However, the College will investigate and take appropriate action in response to all reports of stalking behavior regardless of when the alleged conduct occurred. The ability of the College to respond to the conduct is limited if the Respondent is no longer a member of the College community. If a College staff member, faculty member or student leaves the College with a pending complaint they will not be permitted to return to the College until the complaint is resolved through the College’s appropriate grievance or discipline process.

An individual who believes they have been the subject of stalking and who wishes for the details to remain completely confidential should speak with certain College officials who may maintain confidentiality and may not disclose information shared with them, except where required by law. These officials include: Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services staff, Student Health Services staff and members of the clergy including the McAlister Center chaplains.

4. Safety and Support Resources

Pomona College is committed to supporting victims of stalking by providing safety and support services. Due to the complex nature of stalking, an individual who has been a victim of stalking may need assistance in obtaining one or more of the following:

• College no-contact order
• Counseling support through Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services
• Change in an academic schedule
• Provision of alternative housing opportunities
• The imposition of an interim suspension on the alleged perpetrator
   

For assistance, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Associate Dean of Students and College Title IX Coordinator, Sue McCarthy, at 909-621-8017. If safety is an immediate concern, contact Campus Safety at 909-607-2000 if you are on campus or the Claremont Police Department at 911 if you are off-campus.

Banning Disruptive Persons From The Campuses Of The Claremont Colleges

Background

The Claremont Colleges are composed of seven institutions of higher education, including: The Claremont Graduate University, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, the Keck Graduate Institute, Pitzer College, Pomona College, and Scripps College. For the purpose of this policy, the Claremont University Consortium shall also be considered part of The Claremont Colleges, as well as any property owned or rented by The Claremont Colleges which is located away from the home campuses.

As institutions of higher education, The Claremont Colleges share a common purpose of providing an educational experience that is, among other things, safe from harm, fosters personal growth, and is intellectually enlightening. The need to protect individual institutions and The Claremont Colleges from harm to its community members and assets is therefore a very high priority. Balanced against this priority is the need to protect free speech and academic freedom.

The Claremont Colleges must comply with all legal requirements of the United States and the State of California when taking steps to protect community members and assets.

Policy

In the event of a threat to the safety or well-being of an individual, group, or member institution of The Claremont Colleges, each institution reserves the right to prohibit disruptive or potentially dangerous persons from their campuses. The Claremont Colleges further agree to consult with each other about such individuals and, with permission, extend the ban to cover any or all of the member institutions and their functions.

The authority for this policy emanates from each institution’s right to control its own property, and authority for coordination between The Claremont Colleges occurs through agreement among the Presidents of the Colleges.

Under normal circumstances, the Deans of Students, the Director of Campus Safety, or the Vice President for Student Affairs of The Claremont University Consortium shall be the designated officials who are responsible for the banning of disruptive or potentially dangerous persons from campus. Other designated officials may be expected to carry out these duties, as determined by the President(s) of the institution(s).

The designated official who is assigned to review any potentially disruptive or dangerous situation may exercise emergency power, including issuing an immediate ban, to respond to a threat. These actions shall be reasonable and narrowly tailored to the fit the event.

The designated official may also issue a ban as the result of an investigation, with the opportunity for all parties to be heard, and the results of which lead the official to conclude that illegal activity, disruption, or the threat of harm to others or property has or may have occurred. The official may also ban an individual if there is reason to suspect that illegal activity, disruption, or the threat of harm to others or property is increasingly likely to occur in the future.

Bans to one or more of The Claremont Colleges may be temporary or permanent, and shall clearly indicate their length and scope to the person who has been banned. This policy does not preclude The Claremont Colleges from taking criminal, civil, or restraining action against individuals.

The following procedures provide guidelines to be used by the designated official to ban an individual from the campus, property, or function of the college or colleges. These procedures do not apply to faculty or staff.

Procedures Governing Individuals With or Without a Relationship to The Claremont Colleges

(1) Regarding Individuals with No Direct Connection to The Claremont Colleges:

This set of procedures applies to individuals who: have never been a student of The Claremont Colleges; do not have a spouse or partner who is an employee or volunteer at The Claremont Colleges; and are not parents or guardians of a current or former student of The Claremont Colleges.

Each designated official has the authority to issue a ban on behalf of one or more of The Claremont Colleges. A ban of this type is communicated to all other Student Deans, and a copy of the ban letter shall be sent to the Director of Campus Safety.

(2) Regarding Individuals with a Connection to One of The Claremont Colleges or the Claremont University Consortium:

This set of procedures applies to: alumni; former students who are not currently enrolled; spouses or partners of an employee, part-time employee, or volunteer; those performing volunteer work; and parents or guardians of current or former students.

The designated official initiating the ban shall send a message to all other Deans of Students to determine if there is any objection to banning the individual in question. Any Dean raising an objection may choose not to have his/her campus covered by the ban. If no concerns are raised within 48 hours, the initiating official may apply the ban to cover all The Claremont Colleges’ properties.

(3) Regarding Current Students:

This set of procedures applies to any student who is currently enrolled at one of The Claremont Colleges, including when the Colleges are in or out of session.

It is within the authority of the banning campuses and CUC to make this decision without regard to judicial proceedings at the home campus.

(a) How the Ban of a Current Student Applies to Colleges:

Unless otherwise specified, the banned student shall be permitted to attend classes and use relevant academic resources on campus but suspended from all other activities.

(b) How the Ban of a Current Student Applies to the Claremont University Consortium:

Depending upon the circumstances of the individual student, the VP for Student Affairs shall determine, in consultation with individual CUC services and the Dean of Students at the college at which the student is enrolled, the scope and extent of the ban from CUC services and property. The student shall normally be permitted to make appointments at CUC offices and services as needed. For “drop in services” that a student might utilize (i.e.. OBSA, CLSA, Chaplains, etc), the VP for Student Affairs shall decide, based on the circumstances giving rise to the ban, whether drop-in privileges shall continue or if the banned student shall be required to schedule appointments.

Generally, banned students shall be permitted to use Honnold Library and the Huntley Bookstore, although CUC reserves the right to limit and/or suspend privileges where circumstances warrant such action. Circumstances under which a student might be restricted from bookstore and/or library usage include, but are not limited to, students who appear to pose a threat to the health, safety or welfare of other patrons and/or theft from the facility.

Requests for Review, Modification, or Removal of a Ban

A person banned from one or more of The Claremont Colleges may request that the banning party discuss the nature of the ban, modify the ban, or withdraw the ban. It is the responsibility of the banned person to contact the official who first initiated the ban to request a conversation about the ban within 5 business days. It is also the responsibility of the banned person to bring any substantive changes to the attention of the banning official in order to request reconsideration. For current students who have been banned, the home campus Dean of Students should review the ban policy and appeals process with the student.

Changes to any ban will be communicated to the other designated officials for their consideration relevant to the person’s status on their respective campuses.

Effective Date & Application of this Policy to New Institutions

Should additional institutions formally join The Claremont Colleges, this policy shall automatically apply to those institutions upon incorporation, including their property in Claremont and elsewhere.

Date of Approval by the Council of The Claremont Colleges: April 5, 2011.

On January 1, 2018, the legal name of Claremont University Consortium was changed to The Claremont Colleges, Inc. When “Claremont University Consortium” appears in this document, the references are to The Claremont Colleges, Inc. or to The Claremont Colleges Services.

Hazing Policy

1. Policy Statement

Hazing can be psychologically and/or physically harmful to individuals, can damage organizations and teams, and undermines the educational mission and values of Pomona College. Hazing is strictly prohibited by Pomona College policy and California state law (Sections 32050 (245.6) and 32051 of the California Education Code and Section 48900 q of the California Penal Code). No student, College employee or volunteer, student organization, or athletic team, shall conduct or condone hazing activities. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action. If you have knowledge of hazing or potential hazing activities you should contact the Dean of Students Office who will investigate and take action to stop the conduct.

2. Definition

Any act or the creation of a situation that tends to endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student; an act or the creation of a situation which tends to humiliate or degrade a student; or an act or creation of a situation which destroys or removes public or private property when these are part of initiation, admission into, affiliation with or continued membership in a group or organization. An act or a situation becomes hazing when an organization creates the dangerous, illegal, or humiliating situation and exposes students to it.

A level of coercion is often involved in hazing; an individual being hazed may not feel they can opt out of participation because of peer pressure or a desire to belong or “fit in” to the group. Because of the socially coercive nature of hazing, this definition of hazing applies whether or not the participants consent to such activity or perceive the activity as “voluntary.”

Hazing does not include actions or situations that are part of officially sanctioned and supervised College activities such as athletic training and conditioning.

An individual can be responsible for violating this policy for soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in activities which violate this policy.

3. Examples

Hazing activities often involve alcohol; however, activities need not involve alcohol to violate this policy. Common examples of behaviors that can be hazing include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Shaving, tattooing, piercing or branding
• Engaging in or simulating sexual acts
• Threatening to physically restrain someone or actually restraining them
• Assigning unreasonable chores or acts of servitude
• Causing excessive exercise, sleep deprivation or excessive fatigue
• Interfering with an individual’s personal hygiene
• Requiring the wearing of specific apparel or acting in a way that is conspicuous and may cause the individual embarrassment or ridicule
• Degrading or humiliating games and activities, including paddling
• Activities that would unreasonably interfere with students’ other activities or obligations (academic, extracurricular, family, religious, etc.)
• Physical threats or abuse of any kind including throwing objects or substances at an individual Encouraging or requiring a person to consume alcohol, drugs, or foreign or unusual substances, including consumption of large quantities
• Encouraging the use of alcohol or illegal drugs
• Forcing a student into a violation of the law or College policy such as indecent exposure, theft, or trespassing
   

The College will use a “reasonable person” standard when evaluating such conduct and its potential effects. The determination of whether a particular activity constitutes hazing will depend on the circumstances and context in which that activity is occurring. Some key questions which are used to evaluate whether an activity is hazing include:

• Was a person or group being singled out because of their status with the group or team?
• Was there a risk of physical or psychological discomfort or harm as a result of the activity? Was the activity demeaning, abusive or dangerous?
• Was there a level of coercion and/or peer pressure involved? How easily was someone able to opt out of the activity?
• Did the current members refuse to do what the new members were asked to do?Did the activity or activities interfere with the participants’ other activities or obligations (academic, extracurricular, family, religious, etc.)?
• Was alcohol involved?
• Was there a sexual element to the activity?
• Did any of the activities violate College policy or federal, state or local law?

4. How to Avoid Hazing

There are many positive ways to welcome new members into a group or team. The Smith Campus Center or Dean of Students staff can assist you in identifying such activities which can help build cohesiveness and foster teamwork. When you are considering an activity associated with membership in an organization or team ask yourself: Would you feel comfortable describing the activity to others (parents, grandparents, College official, law enforcement, etc.)? If you would be hesitant to describe the activity to others then the activity may constitute hazing and the group would be best served in participating in a different activity.

Policy on Disciplinary Records

A Pomona College student acquires a disciplinary record with the College if they are sanctioned by the Judicial Council, Academic Discipline Board, Student Affairs Committee, or by one of the Deans or Associate Deans of Student Affairs or Campus Life for a violation of the Pomona College Student Code or other disciplinary policies. Sanctions imposed by faculty members or other College officials may also result in a disciplinary record. Any disciplinary action concerning fines and/or points is not considered part of the official disciplinary record for post-graduation purposes (i.e., employment or graduate school admission). Other sanctions issued by Deans may also specify that they will not be considered part of the official disciplinary record for post-graduation purposes. A student’s choice to appeal disciplinary action to the Judicial Council shall not impact whether the alleged violation is included on the student’s official disciplinary record for post-graduation purposes. The length of time that Pomona College maintains a disciplinary record is determined by the severity of the sanction that has been imposed. If the sanction is a warning, probation, fine, limitation on participation, restitution, or discretionary sanction (such as community service, the writing of a research paper, or attendance at AA meetings), the disciplinary record will be maintained for five years following the date of the offense.

If the sanction is a residence hall suspension or change, residence hall expulsion, college suspension or college expulsion, the disciplinary record will be maintained as a permanent College record. Information on Student Code violations is confidential. See Student Code .

Other Policies

The Claremont Colleges Demonstration Policy

The undergraduate Claremont colleges – Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College – together with Claremont Graduate University, the Keck Graduate Institute and The Claremont Colleges Services are all member institutions of The Claremont Colleges. Each of these member institutions respects the rights of free speech and peaceable assembly and supports their exercise. However, when the exercise of speech and assembly becomes disruptive or non-peaceable, and infringes upon the rights of others, threatens property or public safety, or impedes the business of the member colleges or The Claremont Colleges Services, the individual colleges and TCCS will act according to this policy.

Every institution in the Consortium has instituted procedures for presenting and peaceably resolving disagreements about policies. Officials at the individual Claremont Colleges and The Claremont Colleges Services are willing to examine, discuss, and explain institutional policies to any member of The Claremont Colleges community. However, participation in a demonstration that is materially disruptive and non-peaceful or involves the substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others on the property of any of The Claremont Colleges or The Claremont Colleges Services or their affiliated institutions is prohibited.

Determination of when a demonstration or action is non-peaceful or disruptive may be difficult, but the Claremont Colleges individually and collectively subscribe to the general guidelines listed below.

1. Non-peaceful actions or demonstrations are those that endanger or injure, or threaten to endanger or injure, any person, or that damage or threaten to damage property.

2. Disruptive actions or demonstrations are those that restrict free movement on any of the campuses, or interfere with, or impede access to, regular activities or facilities of any of the Colleges or The Claremont Colleges Services.

General Guidelines

If an officer or designee of an affected college or The Claremont Colleges Services informs individuals in a given area that their collective actions are judged non-peaceful or disruptive and that they should disperse, individuals remaining may be charged on their home campus with a violation of this policy.

Any individual acting in a non-peaceful or disruptive manner, whether they are acting individually or within a group, may be charged on the basis of the individual’s or group’s behavior with a violation of this policy. Ignorance of this policy or lack of intent to violate this policy is not an acceptable justification for violating it.

Lack of intent or lack of awareness of the existence of College and The Claremont Colleges Services policy will not excuse violations. Charges will be brought at the home college of the accused.

Any president on their home campus, or designee, or the Chief Executive Officer of The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS), or designee, on the property of TCC is authorized to take actions against any individual violating this policy. Actions may include arrest, or other legal action, or notice of disciplinary charges and handled through the home college’s disciplinary procedures. The presidents and the Chief Executive Officer of TCCS may delegate their authority to act.

Enforcement Policy

In the event of a non-peaceful or disruptive action on the property of any of the Claremont colleges, TCCS, or any of their affiliated offices or programs, the affected College or Colleges or TCCS will act according to the following procedures:

1. The President(s) of the College(s) where activities are disrupted or the Cheif Executive Officer of TCCS, in the case of The Claremont Colleges Services property, will determine whether or not negotiation will take place with those involved in the demonstration or disruption. The president(s) will also determine the actions to be taken including, but not limited to, provisional or summary suspension or arrest.
   The president of the college may summarily suspend a student of their college violating this policy. However, the president of the college or the CEO of TCCS will only have the authority to provisionally suspend a student representing one of the other Claremont colleges – pending referral to the home campus disciplinary body.
2. The Colleges and TCCS agree that cases of student disruption or non-peaceful action normally will be treated as a violation of the student’s home campus conduct code and will be adjudicated by the normal disciplinary process at the student’s home college. Appropriate officials at the affected institution(s) may put disruptive or non-peaceful individuals on notice that they are in violation of this policy and file charges against them. Officials at the home campus agree to acknowledge requests for disciplinary action including requests for suspension and take action that is consistent with and/or allowed by disciplinary procedures at the home campus.
3. Officials at the other campuses will promptly provide assistance in identifying disruptive or non-peaceful individuals to the campus where the disruption occurs or to TCCS.
4. All individuals who are engaged in disruptive or non-peaceful action will be notified that they are trespassing. Persons who continue to trespass after notification are subject to arrest (by a Peace Officer or by Private Person. California Penal Code Section 834).
5. Individual Claremont Colleges and TCCS may bill students or file civil suits to recover damages and costs.
6. While officials at affected colleges or TCCS may temporarily revoke any or all student privileges or take steps to end disruptive or non-peaceful protests, the college at which the student is enrolled, and only that college, may adjudicate complaints and make final decisions about alleged violations of conduct, apart from those decisions made by a court of law.

(Approved by the Council of Presidents of The Claremont Colleges, November 2001).

On January 1, 2018, the legal name of Claremont University Consortium was changed to The Claremont Colleges,
Inc. When “Claremont University Consortium” appears in this document, the references are to The Claremont
Colleges, Inc. or to The Claremont Colleges Services.

“The Farm” Use Rules

The Farm is the property of Pomona College and subject to all regulations and use rules that govern the campus. The farm is managed by the Environmental Analysis Program and it is dedicated to the study of agricultural systems.

The Wash, where the farm is located, is a multi-use area preserved for recreation, natural beauty and athletics. Because of its multipurpose nature, the area of the Wash available for use and cultivation by The Farm is restricted to marked boundaries. Use or cultivation outside of this area is not permitted. Decisions about use and governance policies for the Farm will be made by a steering committee composed of the Dean of Students, faculty from Environmental Analysis Program, a student from the Farm Club, and Farm staff.

The following policies govern use of the farm:

1. Seven-College Identification or Farm Pass must be presented upon request.

   • Farm Pass application available by request.

   • 7C students, faculty, staff and Farm Pass holders may have two visitors while at The Farm.

2. Alcohol is not permitted on the Farm.

3. Smoking is not permitted in any area of the Farm, Dome or Outdoor Classroom.

4. Open fires are not allowed on the Farm.

   • Barbeques and cook outs are permitted through a registered event.

5. The Farm is open for use from one hour before sunrise until one hour past sunset.

6. Persons under 18 years of age must be under the supervision of an adult who has a valid current Farm Pass or 7C ID

7. Registration of Events at The Farm:

   1. Events need to be registered with the ASPC office in Smith Campus Center.

   2. Requests for events at The Farm can only come from 7C identification holder.

   3. Registered events at the Farm may be approved to run until 9:00 PM.

8. Amplified sound or drumming is permitted during daylight hours only, unless part of a registered event.

9. The Farm should be kept clean and neat, without unnecessary trash and litter, in accordance with Pomona College standards. Trash must be disposed of; compost and recycling should be placed in proper receptacles.

10. Use of Outdoor classroom and/or Dome available by request to Farm Staff.

11. All are asked to walk on paths and to avoid walking on the plant beds.

12. All are asked to return tools to their proper location after use.

13. Harvesting limited to fruits when in season. Harvesting of produce from other plantings is only permitted with the consent from individual plant bed managers.

14. Respect the work of students who work to make The Farm a pleasant and viable experience.

Contact Farm staff if you have questions or would like to learn about the Farm’s routine practices and philosophies.

Please enjoy the Farm Tours available upon request.

Fire Equipment Misuse Policy

Proper use of fire systems and fire emergency equipment is essential for the protection of all members of the community. Students alone or in concert with others may not tamper with, discharge or play with fire extinguishers, fire doors, smoke detectors, exit lights, or tamper with or pull a fire alarm under false pretenses.

In addition, prompt and cooperative response to fire alarms, in accordance with college emergency procedures, is required of every resident, visitor, and guest. All students must evacuate the building during any fire alarm.

Any student who is responsible, alone or in concert with others, for misuse of a fire extinguisher or other emergency firefighting equipment will receive a mandatory fine for a first offense. This fine can be appealed to the Judiciary Council only on the basis of dispute about the facts of the incident. In case of a violation for which the responsible person is not identified, the fine can be levied against a residence hall at the discretion of the Dean of Campus Life. A second offense will result additionally in withdrawal of campus housing and dining privileges for at least one full semester. At the discretion of the Dean of Campus Life, second offenses may be referred instead to the Judiciary Council with a recommendation for a stronger penalty.

Actions which set off building fire alarms disrupt the residents, violate state law, and endanger others. Any student who willfully commits such an offense will be fined $500.

A student whose campus privileges have been withdrawn for this reason may, after spending at least one full semester in off-campus housing, petition the Dean of Campus Life to resume residency on campus under terms agreed upon by the Dean.

All individuals present in a building when a fire alarm sounds are required to evacuate the building immediately, in accordance with standard emergency procedures. Any student who does not cooperate with these procedures will be fined on a first violation, and the automatic fine will be doubled for each subsequent violation. Habitual refusal to cooperate will result in referral to the Judiciary Council with a recommendation of withdrawal of campus housing and dining privileges.

California law establishes criminal penalties for willful and malicious tampering with fire protection equipment or sounding false alarms.

The state and local fire codes, as well as Pomona College policy, require the following:

1. It is prohibited, negligently or intentionally, to set a fire of any size or type in or around any residence hall on campus. Open flame devices, including incense and candles, (excluding cigarette lighters and matches) are not allowed in the residence halls.

2. Placing furniture, bicycles, boxes, or any item in such a way that obstructs emergency evacuation procedures is a violation of the state fire codes. These codes are strictly enforced by staff.

3. Corridors and exit doors are to be kept clear of obstruction at all times.

4. Lighted candles or open flames in the residence halls are not permitted.

5. Excessive amounts of combustibles, such as paper, paper products, textiles attached in the room or attached to walls or ceilings, or as room dividers, are a fire hazard and are not permitted.

6. Corridor decorations and signs shall be made of nonflammable materials treated with an approved fire retardant. Trees or any branches used for seasonal decorations must be treated with an approved fire retardant and so tagged.

7. Flammable liquids shall not be stored or used in any residence hall.

8. The use of a non-approved cooking appliance is prohibited.

9. Motor scooters, motorcycles, and other vehicles which have gas tanks cannot be stored anywhere in the residence halls at any time.

10. Gasoline, kerosene, and other combustibles are fire hazards and are prohibited in the residence halls.

In all of these matters, students are responsible for the behavior of any guests and/or visitors, including students from the other Claremont Colleges, who are present in a building at their invitation, and penalties may be assessed on the hosts for violations committed by their guests and/or visitors.

Greek-Letter Organizations – Fraternities

The Student Affairs Committee has created the following regulations for all social Greek-letter organizations:

1. Initiation

Fraternities may not invite potential new members, nor initiate new members until the second semester of the new member’s first year or later. In the second semester, new member activities must take place after March 1, in order to give students time to consider their choices. Alcohol is not permitted during new member activities. Also, see “Hazing.”

Fraternities must file dates and general plans for new member education and initiation with the Assistant Director of the Smith Campus Center, including information about whether or not the faculty advisor will be present and during which hours. The Assistant Director of Smith Campus Center may visit any new member education program and the initiation.

2. Membership

All fraternities must limit their membership to Pomona College students.

Membership lists must be provided to the Office of the Campus Center and Student Programs and to the IFC each semester.

3. Voting Procedures

After open discussions, elections to membership should be made with the faculty advisor present. The voting procedure may require for election votes of 80 percent of the members present, or, if fewer than 15 are voting, three votes less than unanimity.

4. Advisors

Every Greek-letter organization must have a faculty advisor, who is expected to play a prominent role in the organization’s activities, including participating in the planning of initiation activities. The organization’s annual statement of purpose must be signed by the advisor.

Recognizing that it may be beneficial in maintaining connections with the community and in organizing community service projects, advisors to the various fraternities are encouraged to meet on occasion to discuss fraternity activities.

5. Alcohol Education

Prior to recruitment, all registered members of each fraternity shall participate in an alcohol education program that will include a review of current College alcohol policy. The program shall be arranged by the Office of the Campus Center and Student Programs.

6. Recruitment

Each semester before rush, fraternities must hold at least one open house on campus, where prospective members may learn about the traditions, goals, and existing membership of the fraternities in which they might be interested. These open houses must be broadly publicized.

7. Statements of Purpose

Every Greek-letter organization, in order to be registered, must annually submit to the Office of the Campus Center and Student Programs a form that includes a statement of purpose. It must be signed by each member and the faculty advisor.

This Statement of Purpose will outline the fraternity’s responsibilities to the community and their intended activities for the year, and will serve as the basis for periodic fraternity reviews. This form will be kept on file by the staff person who serves as fraternity liaison.

8. Withdrawal of Registered Status

The College holds each Greek-letter organization responsible for the actions of its individual members at the group’s events. Antisocial behavior attributable to the collective action of the organization or antisocial behavior of individual members related to such group action may result in the revocation of the group’s official status. The Judiciary Council has jurisdiction over fraternity violations of College policy.

9. Disbanded Organizations

Any Greek-letter organization officially disbanded by the College may prepare a new statement of purpose and apply to the SAC for official recognition once again.

The SAC has full discretion as to whether or not to grant recognition again in cases where it has been withdrawn. If relevant, misconduct in connection with a disbanded organization may be viewed as an aggravating circumstance in the instance that a student is called before the Judiciary Council on other grounds. This policy does not modify the general rule that if student organizations—recognized, unrecognized, or officially disbanded—act in ways severely detrimental to the wellbeing of the College community, the organization and their members may be subject to disciplinary action.

10. Fraternity Funding

ASPC funds may be available to assist Greek-letter organizations with those events that are held for the benefit of the College community. Such events must be open to all students, on campus, and non-profit.

Policy Concerning Treatment of Animals on Campus

Pomona College restricts the ability of students to keep animals on campus. Students may not have cats or dogs in the residence halls. Only completely caged, non-poisonous pets that are legal in the state of California are permitted and then only if they do not adversely affect other residents and if the owner maintains appropriate conditions of care and sanitation. Students who keep a completely caged, non-poisonous pet on campus must obtain the permission of the Office of Campus life.

If a cat, a dog, or another animal not approved by the Office of Campus Life, is found in a student residence, the resident will be fined. The animal must be removed from the residence hall within 72 hours following notification by the Office of Campus Life. Failure to remove the animal or additional instances involving an animal or animals will result in more substantial fines.

In compliance with California state law, animals are not allowed in areas where food is served. This policy is strictly enforced in the College’s dining halls, The Sagehen Cafe, and in the Coop Fountain.

Furthermore, the College, as well as the state and local law, requires the humane treatment of animals. Appropriate food, water, exercise and sanitary living conditions must be provided.

If farm animals or exotic animals (horses or sheep, peacocks, or reptiles) are brought to campus by a student or students, permission must be obtained for the animals to be on campus from the Office of Campus Life. A responsible person must be identified to care for the animal(s) while they are present on campus. The person assuming responsibility for the animal(s) must indicate how and where the animal will receive food, water, exercise and a safe and sanitary place of abode while on campus.

Any person(s) found abusing, teasing, tormenting, or inflicting any type of cruelty to an animal on campus will be held accountable by the College through the Dean of Students or by the Student Judiciary Council. Penalties for violating this policy may include mandatory community service, fines, suspension of on-campus privileges, suspension or expulsion from the College. Students may also be held legally accountable for violation of state law prohibiting cruelty to animals.