Student-Life Policies

Drug- and Alcohol-Abuse Prevention Student Policy
Student Code of Conduct

DRUG- AND ALCOHOL-ABUSE PREVENTION STUDENT POLICY (April 2008)

Drug-Free Campus. Curtis has adopted a Drug- and Alcohol-Abuse Prevention Policy in order to provide and maintain a campus free of the unlawful use of drugs and alcohol. Parts of that policy are based upon the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and applicable regulations issued by the United States Department of Education. For purposes of this policy, drugs are defined as any substance which is defined, listed, or identified as a controlled substance under federal statutes and regulations. Further, drugs are defined as a controlled substance under federal statutes and regulations, including, but not limited to, marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, methadone, methaqualone, hallucinogens [including, but not limited to, PCP, LSD, and psilocybin (mushrooms)], narcotics or opiates (including, but not limited to, heroin, morphine, opium, Demerol, and Percodan), and Fentanyl. Curtis intends through this policy to promote a safe learning and work environment for its community and to discourage and prevent unlawful conduct and activities relating to drugs and alcohol. This policy and the procedures implementing it are applicable to all members of the Curtis community.

All members of the Curtis community are prohibited from unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, purchasing, transferring, selling, or using a controlled substance (sometimes called an illicit drug) and/or alcohol on Curtis property or during participation in any activities of Curtis regardless of whether such activities take place on or off the property of Curtis. Also, all members of the Curtis community are required to be at Curtis without having engaged in the current, illegal use of any controlled substance and free of the unlawful presence of any controlled substance in their body systems. All members of the community are prohibited from storing in a locker or desk, or other repository on Curtis property, any controlled substance that is not lawful for him or her to possess. Anyone who is convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace must notify the director of student services, in writing, of such conviction within five (5) calendar days after such conviction. Anyone who engages in conduct that is prohibited by this policy or do not give the required notice of conviction will be subject to disciplinary sanctions, as determined by Curtis, in its discretion, up to and including dismissal from Curtis. Also, anyone who engages in conduct prohibited by this policy may be required to successfully complete a rehabilitation or treatment program, determined to be appropriate by Curtis, in its discretion, in order to be eligible to remain at Curtis. Curtis has the discretion whether or not to accept the determination made by the rehabilitation or treatment program that the student successfully completed such program. Reinstatement with Curtis, either during or upon successful completion of a rehabilitation or treatment program, is not guaranteed. The decision whether or not to reinstate at any time will be made solely by Curtis, in its discretion.

All members of the Curtis community are reminded that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, purchase, transfer, sale, or use of controlled substances (i.e., illicit drugs) and/or alcohol is against the law. Curtis may refer any violations of law to local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities for prosecution.

All members of the Curtis community are reminded that there are serious health risks associated with the unlawful use of controlled substances and the abuse of alcohol. “Excessive alcohol consumption and the abuse of drugs are just plain dangerous. Alcohol and drug abuse can affect your health and ability to function and think … Heavy drinkers and drug abusers are not only a danger to themselves, but to others—on the highways, at home, in the workplace” and at school. (“Health Risks of Alcohol and Drug Abuse”, Buddy T. About.com Guide to Alcoholism, http://alcoholism.about.com/od/effect/u/Risks.htm#s1)

To assist the Curtis community in understanding and avoiding the perils of substance abuse, Curtis has a Drug-Free Awareness Program, that makes information available about: (1) the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse; (2) Curtis’s Drug- and Alcohol-Abuse Prevention Policy; (3) the availability of treatment and counseling for students who voluntarily seek such assistance; and (4) the penalties Curtis may impose for drug or alcohol abuse violations. As part of this program, Curtis issues an annual statement to students and employees concerning this policy. A copy of the statement, in addition to its distribution, is available in the human resources and benefits coordinator’s office for review.

Students are encouraged to meet with the staff of the Curtis Student Services Office or with the University of Pennsylvania Student Health Service for assistance. Students should make an appointment with our mental health consultants if they feel they need professional counseling in this area.

Students should refer to the Curtis Code of Conduct for information about the student disciplinary procedure or meet with a member of the student services staff.

No Smoking. In compliance with applicable laws, smoking inside Curtis (all buildings), the bridges between its buildings, fire stairs, and near emergency exits is strictly prohibited. Smoking also is strictly prohibited outdoors within twenty (20) feet of any entrance or exit of any Curtis buildings, out of consideration for the health of Curtis students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This includes the entrances to 1718, 1720, and 1726 Locust Street, as well as the handicapped-accessible entrance to Field Concert Hall and all emergency exits.

Further, Curtis asks that cigarette butts be properly disposed of, rather than dropped outside the buildings as smokers enter. A cigarette-disposal container can be found on the sidewalk in Mozart Place at a safe distance from all entrances and exits, and we encourage all smokers to use it. We encourage all smokers to consider becoming nonsmokers.

Any person who is violating this policy will be informed that smoking is prohibited by law in those areas (referred to as the no-smoking areas) and will be requested to immediately refrain from smoking or leave the no-smoking areas. Applicable law provides for reporting to appropriate authorities if a person does not comply with a request to immediately refrain from smoking or leave the no-smoking areas. Any employee engaged in smoking in any building or facility of Curtis, or other no-smoking areas, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge from employment. The word “smoking” includes inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other such device that contains tobacco or other smoke-producing products.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
I. Preamble
The Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains exceptionally gifted young musicians for careers as performing artists on the highest professional level. One of the world’s leading music schools, Curtis provides full-tuition scholarships to all of its students, ensuring that admissions are based solely on artistic promise. A Curtis education is uniquely tailored to the individual student, with personalized attention from a celebrated faculty and unusually frequent performance opportunities.

Curtis is a community in which musical and intellectual growth, learning by doing, mutual tolerance, and respect for freedom of thought and expression are principles of great importance. In an environment that promotes the free interchange of ideas, cultural diversity, and many performing and social opportunities, Curtis students take advantage of the academic and nonacademic opportunities available to them, deepening their insights through formal instruction, and expanding their musical education experience beyond Curtis. Members of the Curtis community participate actively in the greater Philadelphia, state, national, and international communities in which they reside. Members of the Curtis community include students, faculty, staff, and those otherwise affiliated with the school.

By accepting membership into the Curtis community, a student accepts an obligation to promote its welfare by assuming the rights and responsibilities listed below. Each member of this community is responsible for his or her own actions and is expected to respect the rights of others.

II. Rights of Student Citizenship
Membership in the Curtis community affords every student certain rights that are essential to the school’s educational mission and its character as a community:

(A) The right to have access to and participate in the academic and nonacademic opportunities afforded by Curtis, subject to applicable standards or requirements.

(B) The right to freedom of thought and expression.

(C) The right to be free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

(D) The right to the fair process in the determination of accountability for conduct, as set forth in this Code.

III. Responsibilities of Student Citizenship: Proscribed Conduct
Students are expected to exhibit responsible behavior regardless of time or place, both on and off campus. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Responsible behavior is a standard of conduct that reflects higher expectations than may be prevalent outside the Curtis community. Any student who violates this Code is subject to the disciplinary sanctions as set forth here.

Responsible behavior includes but is not limited to the following obligations.

A. Students shall:

(1) Comply with all provisions of the Curtis “Academic Honesty Policy.”

(2) Respect the health and safety of others. This prohibits acts or threats of physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.

(3) Respect the rights of fellow students to participate in organizations and in relationships with other students without fear, threat, or any act of hazing. Hazing is any act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation and admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition of continued membership in any group or organization. The express or implied consent of the victim will not be a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act; it is a violation of this Code.

(4) Properly use the Curtis computer facilities and resources.

(5) Be honest and truthful in dealings with Curtis about one's own identity (e.g., name or Social Security number), and in the use of Curtis and other identification.

(6) Cooperate fully and honestly in any student discipline matter.

(7) Comply with all Curtis contracts, such as Living Occupancy Agreements and other contracts.

(8) Comply with all Curtis policies and regulations, including Living Occupancy Agreements. Students are required to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects credit upon the Curtis community and to exemplify good citizenship in any community.

(9) Comply with federal, state, and local laws, including complying with the directions of Curtis officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.

(B) Students shall not:

(1) Engage in conduct toward other students that infringes upon the Rights of Student Citizenship.

(2) Steal and/or damage, deface or misuse of property or facilities of Curtis or of other members of the Curtis community or other personal or public property.

(3) Possess, duplicate or use keys to any Curtis premises or otherwise obtain entry without proper authorization.

(4) Possess or use dangerous articles (such as firearms, explosive materials, other weapons, dangerous chemicals, etc.) on Curtis property or at Curtis events.

(5) Use, possess, manufacture or distribute alcoholic beverages, except as expressly permitted by Curtis regulations, on Curtis premises.

(6) Possess use or distribute any controlled substance in violation of law. Refer to our Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Student Policy (April 2008) found on the Curtis website.

(7) Use or consume any alcohol or controlled substance while representing Curtis at gigs, concerts or any other Curtis function. This prohibition applies to every student regardless of age, and includes periods before the performance, regardless of place, and during or after the performance at the location. Under no circumstance shall a student appear for any performance or other Curtis function while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drug. For additional information, refer to our Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Student Policy (April 2008) found on the Curtis website.

(8) Engage in the unauthorized entry into or transfer of any Curtis computer file or the file or computer of any member of the Curtis community; use another person’s identification or password; use any computer or electronic device to interfere with the work of another member of the community and/or the normal operation of Curtis; send obscene or abusive messages; violate any copyright law, including but not limited to the unauthorized download or copying of copyrighted music.

(9) Disrupt or obstruct teaching, performance, or any disciplinary process, or other Curtis activity, including public service functions, whether on or off campus.

(10) Attempt to do any of these things.

IV. Student Discipline Procedure
A. The Dean of Curtis will serve as the Student Conduct Administrator.

B. The Student Conduct Board (SCB) will comprise the Dean, a member of the senior staff, and a faculty member, each selected by the Dean. The Dean shall serve as chairman. The SCB will provide for the administration and conduct of any hearing in a manner consistent with this Code to determine whether a student has violated the Code and whether sanctions are to be imposed. The nature of any such hearing - including whether it will be by live or written testimony, who will be permitted to appear and participate, and the nature of the evidence it will consider - will be determined by the SCB, taking into account the nature of the allegations and any other relevant circumstances. Any such hearing will ordinarily be not open to the public or members of the Curtis community.

C. A decision by the Student Conduct Board is final unless a written appeal is filed within five days of the decision with the Director of Student Services.

The appeal will be decided by the President or the President’s designee, who cannot have had a direct role in the Student Conduct Board’s decision. The President or designee will determine what is required and allowed in connection with the appeal, including whether to permit live or written submissions, on a case by case basis. The President or designee will have the power to modify [and either increase or decrease any sanction], remand, affirm, or reverse any determination of the Student Conduct Board.

D. The decision of the President or designee as to any appeal is final; there are no other appeals beyond this step.

V. Parallel Proceedings
Curtis disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with conduct that potentially violates both the criminal law and this Student Code. Proceedings under this Code may move forward without regard to whether other criminal or other proceedings are pending. Sanctions will not be subject to change because of the outcome of any other external proceeding, whether criminal or civil.

VI. Procedure for Complaint
Any member of the Curtis community may file charges against a student for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct by giving a written charge to the Director of Student Services. Charges should be filed as soon as possible after the event takes place, preferably within three days.

The Director of Student Services will determine whether the charges can be disposed of by consent on a basis acceptable to the Dean, who must approve any such resolution including imposition of a sanction. The consent of the person filing the charges will not be required for such a disposition by consent which will, in most cases, best serve the individuals and the Curtis community.

If there is no disposition, the Dean will be advised and will convene the SCB to determine the charges and, if appropriate, any sanction to be imposed.

VII. Sanctions
A. These sanctions (one or more) may be imposed upon any student found to have violated this Code:

(1) Warning – written notice of violation, no further sanctions

(2) Probation – written reprimand and disciplinary probation with conditions

(3) Loss of Privileges or other conditions

(4) Monetary penalty and/or restitution

(5) Other Sanctions – for example: work assignments, essays, service, etc. This is not meant to limit the available sanctions, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

(6) Suspension- separation of the student from Curtis. Conditions for readmission may be specified.

(7) Expulsion – permanent separation from Curtis

(8) Withholding of the Degree

(9) Revocation of Admission and/or Degree – admission and/or a conferred degree may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of the CURTIS Student Code, or other violation of CURTIS standards in obtaining the degree, or other serious violations by a student prior to graduation.

B. The SCB will decide whether a determination and/or sanction will be made part of the student’s permanent academic record. In those cases in which the determination and/or sanction is made a part of the student’s disciplinary record, the student may ask that the Dean expunge the record after 18 months, if there has been no other allegation of a Code violation. The Dean, whose decision on the request will be final, will take into account the student’s entire record in deciding whether to grant the expungement.

VIII. Interim Suspension
Immediate interim suspension or other action may be summarily imposed by the President if necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the student or other members of the Curtis community, to preserve Curtis property, or if the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of Curtis. Such interim action does not replace the regular Discipline process, which shall proceed as set forth in this Code.

Procedure for Complaint
1. Charge
2. Associate Dean of Student Services and Financial Assistance
If no consent,
3. Dean
4. Student Conduct Board (dean, senior staff, faculty)
If appeal,
5. President or designee affirms, reverses, modifies, or remands to the Student Conduct Board.