Acting Accordingly – Not Only an On-Campus Requirement

By now, you have most likely heard about the Code of Conduct, and maybe you have taken the quiz online (www.sa.psu.edu/ja). But - did you know that the Code of Conduct not only applies to student behavior on campus, but also to your behavior off-campus? If you engage in a behavior that violates the code, even if you are off-campus, you may be subject to disciplinary action.

If the Office of Judicial Affairs receives a report that a student has violated a local, state, or federal law, or a complaint from others that alleges a student has done so, the incident will be reviewed by a staff member. If it is determined that this violation is also a violation of the Code of Conduct, disciplinary action may be taken against the student.

It is important to remember who you are and who you are representing. Your behavior both on campus and off is a reflection of the school you attend. Just because you cross over College Avenue or are visiting a student off-campus, this does not mean you are still not a Penn State Student. Keep in mind that important line from the Alma Mater- ‘may no act of ours bring shame’- and always think before you make decisions.

Until next time- “For the Glory - Know the Code”.

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Computers – What Constitutes Misuse?

In this age of modern technology, most of us would be lost without our computers. We use them at home, in class, and beyond. More importantly, within them, we keep all our most important stuff. Music, movies, papers, and pictures are just a few examples. Do you really want to share all that information with whoever wants to look for it?

Everyone is aware that there are both legal and illegal programs out there for downloading music and videos. You can find a song you like on iTunes, Napster, or Rhapsody, pay $0.99 for it and it’s yours. There are other programs out there, like Limewire, where you can search for a song or movie you like, and download it for free from someone else’s collection. Sounds like a great plan, right? Not so much. This download of files is illegal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. No matter how much better it seems to download it that way, just don’t do it.

But one thing you may not know is that the penalties for downloading files aren’t nearly as intense as what you can be given for sharing files. This is the uploading of your files that other people do. When you use a program like Limewire it opens up the files you have on your computer for other people to view and then take. And if a person is savvy, they can not only find your music and movies, but also your confidential files you don’t want people seeing. While there are steps you can take to block this material from others’ view, the default setting makes it open to everyone. Even if you don’t set out to share files, it can happen. And the fines you could get hit with aren’t pretty.

My advice? Suck it up and pay the $0.99 per download. It’s a lot cheaper in the long run than the $8000 lawsuit you could get hit with down the line.

Until next time, “For the Glory” - Know the Code.

Alcohol 101

As you have most likely heard by now- if you are under the age of 21, it is against state and federal laws for you to consume alcohol. It is also against University regulations listed in the Code of Conduct. During your time at Penn State you may find yourself in a situation where you have to make the decision of whether or not to consume alcohol. With that said, let’s take a minute to think about what could happen if you are caught drinking underage.

Since drinking under the age of 21 is a violation of the Code of Conduct, if you are caught you will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs. You will meet with a staff member in a disciplinary conference during which you may be charged and sanctioned for violating the Code. If this is your first offense, you can expect the sanctions to range from a Disciplinary Warning to Disciplinary Probation, along with the completion of an alcohol education program. However, it is important to keep in mind that the seriousness of the incident, as well as your prior discipline history also factor into your sanction(s). So, before you reach for that beer or mixed drink, remember that there are consequences for drinking until you turn 21.

In addition to drinking underage, there are other alcohol related offenses listed in the Code. When you hit your 21st birthday, it doesn’t give you carte blanche to drink whenever and wherever you like. There are certain places, both on and off campus, where you are and are not allowed to drink. There are also items in the Code regarding excessive consumption of alcohol and driving under the influence. Know your limits, and know when not to get behind the wheel of a car. It’s your health, the safety of you and the other members of our community, and it just makes good sense. Finally, it is against the Code and the law to provide alcohol for someone who is not 21. No matter how much your underage friends may beg, if you buy it for them or serve it to them at a party, you could be facing some serious consequences yourself!

To learn more about the University’s alcohol policy, visit our website www.sa.psu.edu/ja and read up on the Code. Until next time, “For the Glory”- Know the Code.