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Dean of Students Office Dean of Students Office

Policies and guidelines

Below is a list of policies and guidelines within the Dean of Students Office and Wayne State University. It is the responsibility of each community member to become familiar with the standards and expectations of the Wayne State University community. Information regarding specific university and unit policies and guidelines are available below. 

When conduct violates the law, infringes on the rights of others, substantially disrupts normal university operations, or threatens health, physical safety and/or welfare, appropriate university representatives will take action.  When possible, a request will be made to cease such conduct. If circumstances allow, this request will be restated more than once.

Persons engaging in substantially disruptive, threatening, prohibited or illegal conduct are expected to cease and desist such conduct immediately when requested to do so by an appropriate university representative. The failure to comply with such a request may result in university actions, including and not limited to removal from a program, facility or activity, and/or civil or criminal enforcement (e.g., arrest) if the conduct violates the law. These responsive actions are applied in a content- neutral manner.

Students engaging in such conduct may also be subject to discipline under Wayne State University’s Student Code of Conduct, as appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the University. University employees engaging in such conduct may be subject to discipline, as appropriate, up to and including termination of employment.

The Wayne State University Police Department has the authority and the responsibility to take necessary actions to restore normal operations. Their actions may include, and are not limited to, making additional requests to end the substantially disruptive, threatening, prohibited or illegal conduct, removal of individuals from the location, and initiating civil and/or criminal enforcement if laws are being violated (e.g., arrests). 

Student Code of Conduct

If you have questions regarding any of these policies, please contact doso@wayne.edu.

Policy and guideline categories

List of policies and guidelines

Conduct

Anti-hazing statement

Hazing is strictly prohibited.

No student organization or individual student shall conduct nor condone hazing activities. Any individual responsible for hazing may be subject to university disciplinary action, criminal prosecution and civil prosecution.

Anti-hazing statement

Drug and alcohol abuse on campus 

Wayne State University is committed to providing a drug-free environment for its faculty, staff, and students. The unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensation, sale or manufacture of drugs or alcohol is prohibited on university premises, at university activities and at university worksites.

Drug and alcohol abuse on campus

Free speech on campus FAQs

Universities at their best are places of dialogue, where ideas and knowledge are tested through the process of reason and critical thinking. As a result, ideas may clash as they are passionately debated and the rights to speech, assembly and expression are put into practice on campuses.

Wayne State University is proud to be a campus where the free and civil exchange of ideas flourishes, and where people can express their unique views, in spite of whether they align with our own. 

Free speech on campus FAQs

General conduct in Student Center managed spaces

  • Disorderly behavior of any kind, including excessive noise, running in the building, or otherwise causing a disruption to the peace and order of the Student Center is not permitted. 
  • Indecent exposure, voyeurism, exhibitionism, or other lewd and lascivious acts are not permitted. 
  • Harassment of other Student Center guests or staff, either verbally or physically is not permitted. This may include verbal abuse, use of profanity or other abusive language, intimidation, staring at or following another person within the facility, sexual harassment or harassment on the account of race, religion, ethnic background, gender or sexual orientation. 
  • Any damage to the facility due to the result of patron negligence or misconduct will be the responsibility of the patron to cover monetarily. Access to the facility will be removed until damages are paid in full and/or adjudication through the Student Code of Conduct.

All Wayne State University Code Annotated, University Policies, Student Code of Conduct and the Administrative Policy and Procedure Manual are observed and enforced in the Student Center.

Non-discrimination/Affirmative Action

Wayne State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity in all of its operations, employment opportunities, educational programs and related activities.

Non-discrimination/Affirmative Action policy

Sexual assault policy

This University Policy is issued pursuant to the Board of Governors' statutes "Sexual Harassment" and "Student Due Process Policy”. It is the purpose of this University Policy to assure the fullest possible awareness of Wayne State University's policy on sexual assault, and to confirm and regularize Wayne State University's procedure regarding sexual assault.

Sexual Assault policy

Sexual harassment statute

It is the policy of Wayne State University that no member of the University community may sexually harass another. Any employee or student will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy.

Sexual harassment statute

Student rights and responsibilities

The association of a student with a university brings with it certain rights and privileges and likewise imposes obligations and responsibilities. For instance, a student has the right to competent instruction, good counseling, and adequate facilities, and in all areas he/she has the right to expect the highest degree of excellence possible within the resources of the University. A student also has the right to protection from unreasonable and capricious actions by faculty, administration, and student organizations. He/she has the responsibility to devote himself/herself to the serious pursuit of learning and to respect the rights and opinions of others, including faculty, the administration, and his/her fellow students.

Student rights and responsibilities

Reservations

Campus Reservations space use policies

Specific space use policies

Alcohol

Any group requesting to serve alcohol must follow the steps below:

  • Groups may not bring their own alcohol into at any University owned building on the main campus or medical/pharmacy campus or WSU owned building in the City of Detroit.
  • Must fill out a Request to Serve Alcohol form provided by the Office of Special Events. Please contact 313-577-4585 or screservations@wayne.edu to request the form.
  • Must hire Catering by 313 Dining Co. to purchase and serve the alcohol.
  • No admission fees can be charged if alcohol is being served at an event in Student Center Building.

Amplified sound

Amplified sound of any kind is permitted only on Keast Commons, only during Student Center operating hours, and only with a reservation.

Programs or events that use amplified sound are not permitted elsewhere on campus at any time other than as part of official university events.

All outdoor events are subject to the City of Detroit noise ordinance.

Bake sales

The group must comply with all health regulations established by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. 

Food sale and service locations must comply with standards set by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. 

To book a bake sale please visit ems.wayne.edu or Student Center and Campus Reservations in Suite 011 of the Student Center.

Cancellations

Reservations make use of many services such as room set-up, audio-visual assistance, food service, building management and maintenance. Furthermore, staff members spend a considerable amount of time processing the paperwork involved in such requests.

Failure to cancel a reservation at least one full business day prior to the scheduled event or not showing up to claim the space within 30 minutes of the reserved start time may result in the assessment of an administrative fee. The fee will be determined based on room type, equipment ordered and labor involved.

A history of cancellations and/or no-shows may result in refused future reservation requests for the remainder of the semester in which the infractions occur and upon review of either the Dean of Students Office advisor or the director of the Student Center.

Catering and food service

The purpose of the WSU food policy is to provide opportunities for meetings and events with food that can be held safely, consistent with Public Health Department guidelines, and without undue potential for damage to on campus facilities.

Catering by 313 Dining Co. is the sole provider of food totaling $1,000 or more in Student Center managed spaces (including snacks).

Catering and food service policy

Fronting

Student organizations and/or University departments may not serve as "fronts" for off-campus organizations and/or departments in order to gain use of meeting space or information tables. Meetings and events reserved by university student organizations or departments must fall under both of the following guidelines:

  • The event/meeting must be conceptualized, planned and managed by the student organization or department and must truly be an organization or department initiative.
  • Any costs associated with the event/meeting must be paid by the student organization and/or department.

If Student Center and Campus Reservations suspects and/or believes that a student organization and/or department is fronting, reservation capabilities for that organization and/or department will be revoked. Student organizations and/or organizers may also face student code of conduct charges.

Literature tables

Registered student organizations and departments reserving literature tables are allowed two reservations per week. Each reservation is limited to three hours.

Outdoor BBQ guidelines

As of June 2019 all BBQs must be provided by Catering by 313 Dining Co.

Student organization recurring reservations

Student Organizations may make up to two recurring reservations per week. If additional recurring reservations are needed please contact Student Center and Campus Reservations at 313-577-4585. Additional meetings can be added week-of if space is available.

Student organizations

Registration

Organizations must re-register themselves each academic year. The cycle begins in May and ends the last day of class in the winter semester. Organizations must have a minimum of two members, including the president.

Affiliated organizations

At such time as the purpose or regulations of any national regional or local groups conflict with the policies of Wayne State University, the later will control. 

Officers

Only currently enrolled Wayne State University students are eligible to be officers. Organizations can only have one president on the roster, but as many co-presidents as necessary.

Memberships

All full members must be registered students of Wayne State University. 20% can be non-registered affiliates who have no voting rights, but can participate in group activities. Membership must be open to all currently registered WSU students (see Non-Discrimination Policy).

Student Activities Funding Board event funding

The Student Activities Funding Board (SAFB) provides a set amount of funding to Registered Student Organizations to host activities on campus including speakers, workshops, seminars, cultural events, screening movies or other networking social events. Approved funding is provided to cover the vendor services as well as food, decorations and event supplies under the funding caps.

Student Activities Funding Board policies

Promotion and distribution

Student Life Marketing and Graphics payments

By approving the estimate, the client is agreeing to pick up and pay for orders within 30 days of the posted invoice date.

Flyers, posters and campus bulletin boards

Certain buildings on campus have specific areas for the display of leaflets and posters or other publicity material. Posts can be made on any open bulletin board on campus that does not have a reserved sign on it.

The university prohibits posting of publicity materials on walls, doors and windows.  

Guidelines for posting on campus bulletin boards

Distribution and sales of literature, food and goods

Soliciting for personal gain, selling products or services; or approaching guests for the purpose of obtaining signatures for petitions within the building is not permitted.

Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual

Spirit Rock

The “Spirit Rock” is located across from the Undergraduate Library near the Linsell House, on Gullen Mall. 

Spirit Rock policies

Chalking

The use of chalk to create signs is permitted only on sidewalks. Permanent markers, paint, or spray chalk are prohibited. Chalking may not be done under entrance canopies or under overpasses where rain cannot naturally wash away the chalk. Chalking is also not allowed on any vertical surfaces found on buildings, columns, outside or inside walls or windows, trees, retaining walls or steps. The exception being the tunnel under Towers Residential Suites where painted with black chalk paint.

Facilities

Property

Vandalizing or defacing materials or property including equipment, furniture, walls, televisions or any other aspect of the Student Center is not allowed. Decorations may not be glued, taped, or puncture any surface without prior approval. 

Anyone wishing to remove materials, equipment or property from the building must receive prior authorization from Student Center and Campus Reservations. 

Personal property left unattended will be placed in the Lost and Found at the Information Desk. Items may be retrieved from the Information Desk. 

Safety and security

Bicycles are not allowed in the facility. All bicycles must be secured at the racks provided next to the Student Center near Mort Harris RFC. Any bicycles secured to the facility, or fence adjacent to the south end of the building, will be confiscated. 

Use of skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, scooters, hoverboards or other sports equipment within the facility is not permitted. 

Firearms or any other weapons are not permitted in the Student Center.

Groups in the Student Center food court

Groups of 15 or more utilizing the food court must be coordinated through the Student Center and Campus Reservations prior to arrival. Please call 313-577-4585.

Research, filming and photography

The Student Center is the "living room" of Wayne State's main campus. In an effort to maintain a healthy environment for our patrons, unauthorized research, filming, and photography are prohibited within the facility. Any filming, videotaping, or photographing in the Student Center performed by anyone not associated with the Office of Marketing and Communication or the Student Center and Campus Reservations must receive approval from the Director of the Student Center.

Additional policies

Acceptable use of information technology resources

This policy is designed to guide students, faculty and staff in the acceptable use of computer systems, networks, and other information technology resources at Wayne State University.

Acceptable use of information technology resources

Housing and Residential Life community living guide 

The Office of Housing and Residential Life at Wayne State fosters student learning and success through engaging residents in an intentional living-learning community. Supported by safe, comfortable and convenient residence hall, apartment and dining environments, residents grow in self-awareness and cross-cultural understanding as they practice social and group development as members of a diverse group of Wayne State learners.

Housing and Residential Life Community Living Guide

Missing student 

This policy, with its accompanying procedures, establishes a framework for cooperation among members of the Wayne State University community aimed at locating and assisting students who reside in campus housing and are reported missing.

Missing student policy

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