2023-24 annual notice on rights and responsibilities of the Virginia Tech community
A message from Amy Sebring, executive vice president and chief operating officer, and Frances Keene, vice president for Student Affairs.
As members of the Virginia Tech community, we are individuals and community members with both rights and responsibilities. The following is important information related to our community standards regarding health, safety, and security:
Student Code of Conduct: When students accept admission to Virginia Tech as undergraduate, graduate, or professional students, they also accept membership in the university community and responsibility for upholding its shared values and expectations. The Student Code of Conduct outlines policies established by the university that set standards for students’ non-academic behavior, along with procedures for adjudicating and sanctioning violations of these standards.
The Student Code of Conduct is intended to include other rules, regulations, and policies issued by the university that pertain to students and student organizations. Violations of these policies are actionable under the Student Code of Conduct when the violation warrants consideration beyond what is available in these policies. Additional policies include but are not limited to the following: dining policies, housing policies, and all university-level policies.
Student Arrest Disclosure: All students are reminded of their responsibility to report to the Student Conduct Office within 10 business days of any arrest, conviction, or issuance of a protective order. This notification must be made in person to the Student Conduct Office using the required self-disclosure of arrest(s)/conviction(s) form, which is available on the Student Conduct website. The purpose of this policy is to enhance the safety and security of the university community.
Internet Copyright Infringement Complaints: Peer-to-peer software enables unauthorized uploading of copyrighted music or movies. Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, violates university policy and may subject one to civil and criminal liabilities. See the Copyright at Virginia Tech website for more information.
Alcohol and Drug Policy Summary: In accordance with the federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, and the Commonwealth of Virginia's Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs, it is the policy of Virginia Tech that the unlawful or unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol and illicit drugs by employees and students on university property or as part of any university activity is prohibited. The university's failure to comply with this requirement could result in the loss of federal funds. The university's Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program (DAAPP) and biennial review are available online.
Students with alcohol-related concerns or questions should consult with Hokie Wellness, located at 195 McComas Hall, 540-231-2233. Students may also contact Hokie Wellness at the same location for information and support related to drug use.
Employee Assistance Program: The Employee Assistance Program offers counseling and other resources to employees during difficult times. To learn more, contact the provider associated with your benefit plan: COVA Care and COVA HDHP-Anthem at 1-855-223-9277, COVA HealthAware-Aetna at 1-888-238-6232, Kaiser Permanente-Beacon Health Solutions at 1-866-517-7042, or Optima Health Vantage at 1-800-899-8174. The Hokie Wellness team is available to all employees and may be contacted at 540-231-8878.
Physical and Digital Accessibility: Virginia Tech is committed to equal access and opportunity for all students, employees, and visitors to our campus. The university provides dedicated resources to assist those with disabilities and to address barriers to access, both physical and digital.
Statement of Business Conduct Standards: The university has business standards that provide a strong foundation of business practices to ensure Virginia Tech's integrity and reputation. All of our employees are expected to follow these standards.
Hokie Hotline: Virginia Tech is committed to integrity, a culture of compliance, and the promotion of the highest ethical standards for all employees. To help ensure an ethical work environment, all members of the university should report any suspected wrongdoing (e.g., fraud, waste, abuse, non-compliance), see University Policy 1040. The Hokie Hotline allows the option to report concerns anonymously, if you choose.
Mandated Reporter Legislation: Virginia law (§63.2-1509 of the Code of Virginia) requires all faculty and staff to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Suspected instances of child abuse and neglect should be reported to the local Social Services Department or to the Department of Social Services toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-552-7096. For information, contact the Human Resources Service Center.
Virginia law (§23.1-806 of the Code of Virginia) requires that any responsible employees of Virginia Tech are required to report acts of sexual violence or any other sexual misconduct by employees or students to the Title IX coordinator. Additional information, including definitions of a responsible employee, can be found in the Code of Virginia or Virginia Tech University Policy 1026. Please visit the Office for Equity and Accessibility website for more information and reporting contact information.
Addressing harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence: The Office for Equity and Accessibility (OEA) coordinates the university's response to all reports of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under the university's anti-discrimination policies, including Policy 1025. Virginia Tech is committed to providing a safe environment free from harassment, discrimination, and violence of any kind. Every member of our community who has experienced sexual harassment or gender-based violence has the right to report it. Contact Title IX Coordinator Katie Polidoro at polidoro@vt.edu or 540-231-1824 or file an online report through the SAFE at VT website. Employees who become aware of incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based violence are required by University Policy 1026 to report them to the Title IX Coordinator. To report harassment or discrimination incidents, submit OEA’s online reporting form or call 540-231-2010.
Updating VT Alerts: Students and employees are reminded to sign up for VT Alerts, the emergency notification system, and to ensure that contact information is reviewed and updated annually. A VT Alert is issued when a situation requires immediate action or awareness on the part of students, employees, and visitors.
Updating Directory Information: Students and employees are reminded to update directory information in Hokie Spa. Faculty and staff should update directory information by going to Hokie Spa, selecting "Hokie PLUS," and then "Update Emergency Contacts." For students, updating emergency contact information is now a required step in the course registration process.
Emergency Telephone Services: To ensure that emergency responders are dispatched to the correct locations, the university is required to update call location information in the local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) database when telephones are added, when the location of a device changes, or when telephones are removed. Network Infrastructure and Services (NI&S) updates the PSAP database using orders placed to install, move, or disconnect service. Telephone service customers are responsible for promptly advising NI&S when room or suite identifiers change due to renovation or remodeling. Additionally, if electrical power fails in a building, access to emergency services from Voice over IP (VoIP) phones will not function. Network Infrastructure and Services strongly recommends augmenting service in selected locations throughout a building with traditional analog and digital telephone services to ensure access to emergency support during a power failure. For additional information, contact a NI&S customer support service specialist at 540-231-6460.
Suicide Prevention Resources: If students, parents, family members, faculty, or staff have concerns about a student possibly considering self-harm or suicide, please call the Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557. This number can be used to speak with a counselor during regular office hours or after hours. Information about suicide prevention from the Cook Counseling Center and other resources in the New River Valley are available online. Students can also access immediate support from a counselor through the TimelyCare app which can be accessed from the Apple or Google App store or through timelycare.com/virginiatech. A person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts may also text or call 988 or 911 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to access emergency services.
Virginia Tech is committed to standards that support the university’s tripartite mission of education, research, and engagement – all standards by which we live, work, and learn together. These standards are derived from our guiding philosophical principles, the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. The principles are not binding but supply excellent guidance when exercising your rights and responsibilities. We encourage all community members to engage others with civility and respect.
Supervisors are responsible for sharing this information with employees who do not have electronic access.
