Pepperdine University - School of Law -

Student Life Policies and Regulations

Each student is responsible for knowing and adhering to all policies and regulations, and is expected to demonstrate respect for the rights and property of others, both within and outside the university community. Given Pepperdine University's foundation on the Christian faith as the basis for its expectations of student conduct, it is expected that all students will maintain the highest standards of personal honor, integrity, morality, and orderliness. The university reserves the right to refuse admittance to or dismiss any person who violates these policies.

All members of the university community are expected to comply with the laws and regulations of the federal government, the State of California, the County of Los Angeles, and of Pepperdine University. Cooperation with officers of the University Department of Public Safety and public law enforcement personnel in the conduct of their duties is required.

While the policies outlined in this handbook provide students an effective set of guidelines for personal conduct, the university retains the right to instate additional policies or to modify existing ones as needs may dictate.

The Law Student's Relationship to the Profession

Students at Pepperdine University School of Law are treated as members of the legal profession to which they aspire, and are expected to conduct themselves accordingly.

The American Bar Association's Code of Professional Responsibility provides: "A lawyer should maintain high standards of professional conduct and should encourage fellow lawyers to do likewise. He should be temperate and dignified, and shall refrain from all illegal and morally reprehensible conduct. Because of his position in society, even minor violations of law by a lawyer may tend to lessen public confidence in the legal profession. Obedience to law exemplifies respect for law. To lawyers especially, respect for the law should be more than a platitude."

A similar moral responsibility rests upon the Pepperdine law student in every aspect of law school life. The Academic Honor Code, administered by elected student representatives, is a central part of the culture of the law school. The theme of the honor system is that the integrity of the lawyer is the basis of our legal system. The Student Code of Conduct governs non-academic behavior. Both the Academic Honor Code and the Student Code of Conduct are on the law school web site, and all students are required to be familiar with them.

Conduct Expectations

Pepperdine University expects from all of its students the highest standard of moral and ethical behavior in harmony with its Christian philosophy and purposes. Engaging in or promoting conduct or lifestyles inconsistent with traditional Christian values is not acceptable.

All students of the School of Law owe a continuing duty to report in writing to the Dean of the School of Law any conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contrendere (no contest to the charge), except regarding minor traffic offenses. The report must be made within 14 days of the conviction or plea. The university reserves the right to dismiss a student, after reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard, who has been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contrendre to an offense other than a minor traffic violation, or who fails to notify the School of Law of a conviction or plea as described above.

Alcohol and Drugs

It is the desire of Pepperdine University to foster an alcohol-and-drug free environment in which to work, live, and learn. As a Christian University, Pepperdine attempts to take an approach to individual problems of alcohol or drug use characterized by helpfulness, compassion, understanding, and encouragement on the one hand, and by directness and concerned firmness on the other. It is also the law school's intent to comply with the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Amendment of 1998. See Substance Abuse Policy in this handbook. Consequently, the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or possession of empty containers is prohibited on university property, regardless of a student's age. Intoxication is also prohibited. The use, possession, distribution, or sale of all illegal or potentially harmful drugs or drug-related paraphernalia is strictly prohibited. Anyone involved in the sale of drugs will be dismissed immediately.

Reporting a Threat

If you believe an individual poses an imminent threat to a member or members of the University community, please contact our Department of Public Safety immediately. If you are located at a graduate campus and believe imminent danger is likely, please contact 911 immediately and then contact the Department of Public Safety.If you do not believe that harm is imminent, but an individual's behavior seems threatening or seems likely it could lead to harm to the individual or to the community, you should report the concern. If you are a student or a faculty member, contact Public Safety or your dean's office. If you are a staff member or other member of the community, contact Public Safety or the Center for Human Resources. In the event you would like to submit a report during non-business hours, the Department of Public Safety is open everyday, 24 hours a day. It is better to err on the side of notifying the appropriate individuals than to remain silent; the institution has resources with which to assess these situations and the individual of concern.If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Safety.

For convenience, contact information appears below:

Department of Public Safety (310) 506-4442
Seaver College Dean of Students Office (310) 506-4472
School of Law Dean's Office (310) 506-4621
GSBM Dean's Office (310) 568-5689
GSEP Dean's Office (310) 568-5615
SPP Dean's Office (310) 506-7490
Center for Human Resources(310) 506-4397

Sexual Relationships

Out of concern for the health and safety of members of the university community, and to uphold the moral character of the educational environment, students are expected to make decisions regarding their sexual relationships consistent with the university's Christian philosophy.

The School of Law does not discriminate against any person on the basis of any sexual orientation which such person may have. However, sexual conduct outside of marriage is inconsistent with the school's religious traditions and values. Therefore, as a matter of moral and faith witness, the faculty, staff, and students of the School of Law are expected to avoid such conduct themselves and the encouraging of it in others.

Sexual Harassment

Pepperdine University reaffirms the principle that its students, faculty, and staff have a right to be free from sex discrimination in the form of sexual harassment by any member of the university community.

Sexual harassment is defined as an attempt to coerce an unwilling person into a sexual relationship, or to subject a person to unwanted sexual attention, or to punish a refusal to comply, or to create a sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, living, or educational environment. This definition will be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with accepted standards of mature behavior, academic freedom, and the mission of the university.

Complaints about sexual harassment will be responded to promptly. The right to confidentiality of all members of the University community will be respected in both informal and formal procedures, insofar as possible. This policy explicitly prohibits retaliation against individuals for bringing factual complaints of sexual harassment. Formal procedures will not be initiated without a written and signed complaint. An individual found to have sexually harassed another is subject to disciplinary action that is consistent with existing procedures.

Weapons

Possession and/or use of all types of weapons including, but not limited to, firearms, air and spear guns, knives, martial arts weapons, bows and arrows, and explosives of any type are prohibited on university property.

Dishonesty

Dishonesty in any form, including plagiarizing, cheating on assignments or examinations, knowingly furnishing false information on university records, forging, altering, or misusing documents, records, or identification cards, or failing to comply with written or verbal directives of duly authorized officials acting in the performance of assigned duties is strictly prohibited.

Hazing

Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited.

Theft and Vandalism

Theft or vandalism, including acts of malicious mischief, as well as willful and wanton damage or destruction of property, is strictly prohibited.

Portable Computer Usage in the Classroom

You may use your portable computer during class for the purpose of taking notes or other purposes that are directly related to and supportive of your participation in class. However, the use of computers is a privilege and not a right and it may be withdrawn if you do not use it responsibly. Use of a computer in class for activities or purposes unrelated to the course causes a significant distraction for other students and severely disrupts the ability of those students to participate fully in class. Therefore, any improper usage of a computer during class is prohibited, including but not limited to, composing, reading, or sending e-mails; instant messaging; searching or browsing the Internet; playing games; or viewing movies.

As a matter of maintaining an atmosphere conducive to learning in the classroom and as a means of avoiding distraction to others, the following principles of good practice regarding the use of portable computers in the classroom are adopted:

Only portable or notebook computers may be used in the classroom. The use of modems or printers in the classroom is prohibited.
In purchasing portable computers, students should make sure that the keyboard is one which does not "click" when the keys are depressed. If other students complain, computers which make excessive noise may be excluded from the classroom.
The use of power cords in aisles of the classroom is prohibited. Students should purchase an extra battery so that power can be replaced if the installed battery is depleted.
Most classrooms are equipped with power outlets for each seat. Student are encouraged to use these outlets for their computers. Students should purchase an extra battery so that power can be replaced if the installed battery is depleted.
Computers should be set so that no audible signal is heard (e.g., when the battery is low).
Software should be installed so that there is no sound when the software is "booted up" or used.
In any situation in which the use of a computer or computers causes a disruption in the classroom, the professor may require that such usage be discontinued.

Computer Crime

Misusing University computers may be considered a felony under California Penal Code, Section 502, passed by the California State Legislature in 1979. Misusing computers includes illegally accessing computer facilities, accessing or copying files or programs without the owner's permission, using computer resources for unapproved administrative or instructional purposes, devising or executing any scheme to defraud or extort, obtaining money, property, or services with false or fraudulent intent, representations, or promises, or maliciously accessing, altering, deleting, damaging, or destroying any computer system, computer network, computer program, or data. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student found to have misused any university computer or computer program.

Obscene Material

The exhibition or distribution of material or representations deemed to be obscene or contrary to the religious tenets of the university is strictly prohibited.

Soliciting or Advertising

Solicitation or advertisements which have not been cleared in advance through School of Law administration are strictly prohibited.

Gambling

Gambling is not allowed on campus or at university-sponsored activities.

Smoking

Smoking is limited to unrestricted outdoor areas. Smoking is not permitted in any university building including apartment living rooms or common areas.

Pepperdine University School of Law

Academics - Student Handbook