Online Student Handbook

Life at MSOE

Online student handbook, policies and procedures and more to ensure your time at MSOE is a positive experience.

Policies and Procedures

Alcoholic Beverages and Consumption

The Student Conduct Code of MSOE specifies the minimum level of conduct expected of every student at the university. The policies and procedures given are those that students, faculty and administration have agreed upon to further the educational aims of the institution and to assist all students in the pursuit of their educational and personal development.

The MSOE community will not permit any of its members or nonmembers to violate the rights of any other member of the university community, or to create an environment that is not appropriate to an educational institution or residential campus community. Whenever that occurs, and regardless of the action or nonaction of civil authorities, action will be taken by the university whether or not an individual’s conduct has been influenced by the consumption of alcohol and/or use of other drugs.

A student who has been found to be responsible for any of the following actions pertaining to alcohol and illicit drug use will be subject to institutional disciplinary sanctions ranging from reprimand up to and including suspension or expulsion from the university as authorized by the Student Conduct Code and pursuant to the judicial processes set forth therein.

University Alcohol Policies
As an academic community, MSOE has a priority interest in the wellness and safety of all its members, as well as in the providing of an educational environment that actively promotes the intellectual, emotional and physical development of all its students. Such an environment at once affirms both the rights of individuals and the needs of the larger community to which they belong. Moreover, the maintenance of such an environment, as with any genuine social order, presumes both the freedom and the obligation to act responsibly.

As one important application of the principles stated above, MSOE believes that learning to make responsible decisions about the use of alcohol is a key developmental task for young adults in our society, and therefore is related to the educational mission of the university. MSOE policies regarding the use and consumption of alcoholic beverages by students and student groups are derived, accordingly, from the following general premises:

The MSOE community expects persons to take responsibility for themselves, for others and for the environment of which they are all a part.
The university will provide an environment that supports those who choose not to drink as well as those of legal age who choose to drink responsibly.
The university will discourage the misuse of alcohol by any member of its community through educational awareness programs and appropriate regulatory guidelines, and will offer assistance to any member having problems related to alcohol through Counseling Services or other community resources.
The university will comply with federal, state and local laws, and expects all members of its community to do likewise.

Use, Possession and/or Dispensing of Alcohol
The policies and procedures governing the possession, dispensing and consumption of alcoholic beverages by students and student groups are as follows:

THE UNIVERSITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO NOTIFY PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF STUDENTS WHO ARE FOUND TO BE IN VIOLATION OF INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES AND/OR STATE STATUTES REGARDING UNDERAGE POSSESSION OR CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
Alcoholic beverages may be possessed, purchased and/or consumed on the MSOE campus only by persons of legal age to do so, and then only in designated areas. These areas are residence hall student rooms (subject to residence hall policies and guidelines) and other areas that may be specifically approved for campus activities. Age eligibility will be checked by campus Public Safety personnel and/or a licensed bartender. At no time may alcohol be consumed in academic or administrative buildings or elsewhere on MSOE property unless prior approval has been obtained from the Student Life Office. Any person with alcohol in a nondesignated area will be required to dispose of it or to return to the area in which consumption is permitted.
Licensed bartenders are required at all authorized on-campus events where alcoholic beverages are dispensed. The MSOE campus food service shall have exclusive responsibility for providing all beverages and licensed bartenders, and dispensing all alcohol at such events. Carry-in or bring-your-own are not permitted.
Identification (state ID or driver’s license with photo) is required of those obtaining alcohol and will be checked at all campus locations where alcohol is dispensed. If a person’s age remains in question, he/she shall be required to produce another form of identification. The use of false identification to obtain alcohol at any approved campus event is a violation of state law and of the MSOE Student Conduct Code and is, therefore, subject to both civil and campus disciplinary action.
No person may procure for, sell to, dispense or give alcoholic beverages to an underage person, a person who is intoxicated or a person whose behavior appears to be negatively affected by the consumption of alcohol. Public Safety personnel may be summoned if necessary in any problem situation.
All promotional materials associated with events sponsored by student organizations, clubs or other student groups must be approved by the Student Life Office. Publicity and promotion of events at which alcoholic beverages are available may not encourage any form of alcohol abuse or emphasize quantity, frequency or duration of use. An alternative beverage (other than or in addition to water) must be made available at all events at which alcohol is dispensed, and its availability must be prominently stated as part of all promotional materials.
Beverage alcohol may not be provided as prizes or free awards, or to individuals or organizations as the result of raffles, contests, games, competitions or the like.
Organized games, contests, competitions and the like involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages by participants are prohibited. Likewise prohibited is the giving away of alcoholic beverages, or a flat admission charge or donation that then enables the consumption of alcohol at no charge or at a reduced charge.
All student-sponsored events must comply with campus, municipal, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to alcohol sale, purchase and/or consumption. Knowledge of, and compliance with, such laws and regulations is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization or individuals. Persons failing to comply are subject to both civil and campus disciplinary action.

Drug Policy

Use, Possession and/or Distribution of Controlled Substances

Standards of Conduct and Institutional Sanctions Regarding Alcohol and Illicit Drugs
The Student Conduct Code of MSOE specifies the minimum level of conduct expected of every student at the university. The policies and procedures given are those that students, faculty and administration have agreed upon to further the educational aims of the institution and to assist all students in the pursuit of their educational and personal development.

Students are not to use, possess or distribute any state or federally controlled drug, including stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, narcotics or cannabis on university premises or property owned or controlled by the university, except as authorized by law. Moreover, student involvement in such matters is of university concern whether it occurs on or off campus and irrespective of any action or inaction by civil authorities. Whenever such student involvement comes to the attention of the university, the circumstances may render the student subject to suspension or expulsion. The full professional resources of the MSOE Counseling Services, Health Services and all other student personnel services are available to assist any student to meet problems related to involvement with controlled substances. The university strongly urges that full advantage be taken of these services. All contacts with Counseling Services are kept confidential, apart from all academic and other records.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Policy

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Disclosure of Directory Information
Milwaukee School of Engineering designates certain student information as public or “Directory Information.” Such information may be disclosed by the university without written consent of the student at the discretion of the institution. Take a look at our FERPA policy.

Grievance/Complaint Policy

Grievance Procedure (Non-academic Area)
If a student has a complaint of unfair treatment in a nonacademic area that cannot be resolved with the staff or faculty member involved, he/she should contact the Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Life/Dean of Students.

The University’s Director of Human Resources also may be consulted on matters pertaining to alleged unfair treatment because of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Moreover, and in particular, each of the behaviors identified and defined as “harassment” and “sexual contact/assault” in the following policy statements is a violation of university policy and Article I, Section 8 (behavioral misconduct) of the Student Conduct Code. As such, each will result in appropriate institutional disciplinary action and also may subject the offender to civil action.

Any students who feel that they have been the object of such behaviors should contact the Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Life/Dean of Students. Faculty who wish to file a complaint should contact their department chairperson or the Vice President of Academics.

Staff employees may file a complaint with their immediate supervisor or the division supervisor within their area. Any student or employee also may contact the director of human resources to file a complaint or receive additional information.

All complaints will be investigated in a prompt and thorough manner. During such investigations, the confidentiality of all parties will be respected to the extent that it does not interfere with the university’s obligation to conduct a thorough investigation and take corrective actions where appropriate and necessary.

Harassment Policy

MSOE intends to provide an environment free from all forms of harassment or intimidation based on age, race, gender, creed, color, disability, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, ancestry or sexual orientation. Harassment may occur whenever unwelcome conduct, comments, teasing, joking or intimidation derived from any of these bases interferes with work or study or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature also are serious violations of this policy and are prohibited. As a form of sex discrimination, sexual harassment is moreover prohibited by state and federal law – specifically, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. More detailed information as to actions and behaviors that might constitute “sexual harassment” can be obtained from the Student Life Office and/or the Human Resources Department.

Harassment, regardless of its basis, occurs whenever submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or a condition of an individual’s employment or academic progress, or whenever submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions. Any student, faculty or staff member who violates this policy will be subject to corrective action, which may include discipline up to and including termination of employment or expulsion.

Moreover, student involvement in such matters is of university concern whether it occurs on or off campus, and irrespective of any action or inaction by civil authorities. Whenever such student involvement comes to the attention of the university, the circumstances may render the student subject to suspension or expulsion.

We are aware that conduct, comments or behavior that might be offensive to some individuals might be considered inoffensive by others. Because of this, it is sometimes difficult for administrators, managers or supervisors to learn of and take effective action to halt harassment unless the affected individual alerts an administrator, manager or supervisor both to the occurrence and the fact that the conduct in question is offensive or unwanted.

With these considerations in mind, we make several options available under the Grievance Procedure (outlined in the previous section) to individuals who feel they are subject to harassment. Affected individuals should first approach the alleged harasser and ask him or her to cease the offensive activity. If this is not effective in stopping the harassment or if the individual feels uncomfortable raising the matter with the alleged harasser, the individual should report the conduct to one of the appropriate individuals identified in the Grievance Procedure. If an individual feels uncomfortable raising the matter with the individual identified in the Grievance Procedure, or if the matter is not resolved with that person and the problem persists, the affected individual is free to bring the matter to the attention of any of the other individuals identified in the Grievance Procedure.

We will make every effort to halt any harassment. This policy will not be effective, however, without the cooperation of all members of the MSOE community. Any individual who believes he/she has been subjected to harassment is strongly encouraged to bring this matter to the attention of MSOE promptly so that the problem may be confronted.

We treat all claims of harassment seriously. All claims will be investigated, and confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible during the investigation. If an investigation reveals that harassment has occurred, we will take immediate and appropriate corrective action reasonably designed to halt the harassment and prevent recurrences, which may include discipline, expulsion or discharge of the harasser.

Retaliating or discriminating against someone for complaining about harassment is prohibited.

Hazing Policy

MSOE has a zero-tolerance policy on hazing. Freedom from the humility and danger of hazing is guaranteed to every member of the university community. MSOE prohibits the act of hazing and follows the laws set by the State of Wisconsin stated in section 948.51 Wisconsin Hazing Laws. Hazing is defined as any act of “forced activity" . Meaning any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization, regardless of a student's willingness to participate in the activity. No person may intentionally or recklessly engage in acts which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college or university. Under those circumstances, prohibited acts may include any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student. (Wisconsin State statute 948.51)

Any alleged incident of hazing should be reported to the Dean of Students.

Information Technology Policy

Information Acceptable Use Policy - MSOE Information Technology Department

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide users with clear guidance on the appropriate, safe, and legal way in which they can make use of information and IT equipment at MSOE. Users need to be aware of the compliance required with this policy and MSOE’s commitment to comply with requirements that all reasonable organizational and technical measures are taken to safeguard its data. What does the policy cover? Take a look.

Parental Notification Policy

The University reserves the right to notify parents/guardians of students who are found to be in violation of institutional policies and/or state statutes regarding underage possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Psychological or Physical Evaluation of Health; Withdrawal for Psychological or Medical Reasons

Standards and Procedures for Administrative Withdrawal on Psychological or Psychiatric Grounds
A student may be subject to administrative withdrawal from the university and/or from university housing if it is determined by the Director of Counseling Services, and when appropriate, in consultation with local mental health care institutions and/or agencies, that the student is suffering from a mental disorder as defined by the current American Psychiatric Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and as a result of the mental disorder does the following:

Engages or threatens to engage in behavior that imposes a danger of causing harm to self or others; or
Engages, or threatens to engage in, behavior that would cause significant property damage, or which directly and substantially impedes the lawful activities of others.
- In such cases, the director of counseling services may recommend to the dean of students that in the best interest of the student and/or the campus community the student be administratively withdrawn from school.
- A student suffering from a mental disorder who is accused of a disciplinary violation will not be excused from the disciplinary process unless the student as a result of the mental disorder:
Lacks the capacity to respond to the charge;
Did not know the nature or wrongfulness of the conduct at the time of the offense. In such cases, the vice president for student life/dean of students may refer the student for evaluation by an independent licensed psychiatrist or psychologist chosen by the institution. Students referred for evaluation in accordance with this provision shall be so informed in writing.
The student’s withdrawal from the university must not adversely affect his/her academic standing and record.
At the request of the student or the director of counseling services, students subject to administrative withdrawal for psychological or psychiatric reasons shall be accorded an informal hearing before the vice president for student life/dean of students. This meeting shall consist of a review and explanation for this action with the student and/or parents or guardians of the student. The informal hearing shall be conversational and nonadversarial.
Readmission to the university after an administrative withdrawal for psychiatric or psychological reason must be requested in writing and approved by the director of counseling services and/or the vice president for student life or dean of students.

Religious Activities Policy

Policy Regarding On-Campus Religious Activities
MSOE encourages spiritual exploration and moral and ethical formation as desirable components of students’ personal growth and development. On the other hand, the university asserts every individual’s right to make spiritual choices freely, and to form religious associations without coercion or constraint. At minimum, certainly, MSOE must insist as an academic institution that all members of the campus community – students, faculty and staff – be able to pursue their educational and professional objectives without harassment or undue distraction.

No matter how worthy the cause or idealistic the motive, evangelizing efforts and/or “spiritual recruitment” activities that are uninvited, and that are aggressive and persistent to a degree that is unacceptable and unwelcome, cannot be condoned. Moreover, no individual or organization, either internal or external to the university, may carry on activities on campus with the specific purpose to “proselytize” – that is, to make converts of – members of the campus community to a specific church or religious affiliation.

Any student or other member of the MSOE community having a complaint in this regard, or desiring more information regarding this policy, should contact the vice president of student life/dean of students.

Sales and Private Business Policy

Private Business, Sales and Soliciting
No form of selling, soliciting or private business is permitted on campus without specific prior written authorization by a Student Life Office professional staff member. Submit requests to the Student Life Office. Student organizations or outside groups must obtain an “authorization pass” that must be clearly displayed on their tables and/or carried with them when not at a specific location. Failure to do so will result in the group being asked to vacate the area or cease their actions.

Residents of the halls and responsible student organizations may obtain permission from the Housing Office to sell merchandise or services in the residence halls. In general, such activities must conform to residence hall policies.

Solicitation for individual, business or corporate sponsorship or donation for any university sanctioned event or activity by any student organization or project group must be reviewed and approved by the vice president of development prior to contact with a potential donor, underwriter or sponsor. Sponsorships/donations include, but are not limited to: requests for money, building materials, hardware or software, gift certificates, food donations and raffle prizes, etc.

All requests must be approved by the organization’s advisor and submitted in writing to the vice president of development in a timely fashion to ensure appropriate review

Written requests should include:

Student name(s) and contact information.
Advisor name(s) and contact information.
Organization/class for which solicitation is being conducted.
Organization(s) to which the proceeds will benefit.
Businesses/company names who will be solicited and explanation of what will be requested of them.
Timeline of project/solicitation.

Please deliver to:
Mr. Gregory Casey
Senior Director of Development
MSOE Alumni Partnership Center (APC)
1120 N. Broadway
(414) 277-4510 (office)
(414) 277-7480 (fax)

Smoking Policy

MSOE strives to provide a safe and healthy campus environment for all employees, students and visitors. Medical evidence clearly shows that smoking is harmful to the health of smokers. Research also indicates that secondhand smoke may be a health risk for nonsmokers. MSOE prohibits smoking in all buildings, parking facilities and college vehicles. In lieu of prohibiting smoking entirely on campus, MSOE has instead established designated smoking areas. All smoking must be confined to only designated smoking areas. Smoking anywhere else on campus is strictly prohibited.

Space and Room Reservation Policy

Campus Room Reservation Policies

Campus-wide room reservations follow an expanded policy adopted by the university in February 2002. For a copy of the full policy, contact the Student Life Office. Please be aware of the following:

Room reservation forms are available online at rooms.msoe.edu. Some requests may require coordination with another department or area. Parking for campus guests also is covered by this policy. It is suggested that all reservations be made a minimum of two weeks before the event.
Room reservations may be made by university departments or offices and by student organizations. Off-campus organizations or groups are required to contact the Student Life Office for room reservation requests at (414) 277-7225. A benefit to MSOE must be demonstrated for off-campus reservations to be considered. Reservations by outside individuals or companies through an office other than Student Life are not allowed unless an exception has been granted by Student Life.
Special needs or requests for a room reservation (such as room setups, audio-visual items, etc.) should be arranged through the proper departments and are the responsibility of the person or group reserving the room. The following is a list of contact areas:

Audio-Visual .................................(414) 277-7288
Catering .......................................(414) 277-7403
Facilities .......................................(414) 277-7459
Parking .........................................(414) 277-7161
Room Set-Up ...............................(414) 277-7412
Stage Lighting ..............................(414) 277-7368

Charges for space, equipment or parking may apply to any room reservation.
Please be aware that room reservations can be cancelled or changed at any time as determined by Campus Facilities.

Statement on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

In our society, the identification of the presence of a life-threatening communicable disease such as AIDS may present a challenge in responding to both the community concerns and the individual’s circumstances. Should an AIDS case be reported at MSOE, our response will be based on compassion and concern for the welfare of the afflicted individual as well as on protecting the MSOE community. Although we do not know with certainty all of the causes of AIDS, current medical knowledge indicates that students or employees with any form of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection do not pose a health risk to other students or employees in an educational community as long as they avoid any direct interchange of bodily fluids. The mere diagnosis of AIDS, AIDS related complex (ARC), or AIDS virus antibodies is not, in itself, sufficient basis for the exclusion or dismissal of students or employees. Emotional and/or physical harassment of individuals suspected of being infected is not acceptable behavior at MSOE, and will be dealt with accordingly.

In any given instance, the university will proceed on a case-by-case basis, with the advice of medical professionals. The diagnosis of the condition, as with other medical information, is confidential. An important role of the university in this area is education. The university will continue to review, revise and present health education and awareness programs aimed at providing facts and dispelling misunderstandings on this subject.

Student Travel Policy

In order to protect the safety and well being of the institution and its members, in an effort to align with the university’s overall mission, MSOE has adopted the following travel policy. View the MSOE Student Travel Policy.

Milwaukee School of Engineering