Community Handbook

Campus Life

Access to Campus

Northwest University is a Washington non-profit corporation under state law and as such, property owned by the University is “private property.” All persons who enter onto property owned or leased by Northwest University should be able to demonstrate a legitimate and approved purpose to be present on campus. When practical, university students and employees should accompany their guests or visitors while on campus. Persons not having a legitimate or approved purpose to be on campus or whose behavior is inappropriate may be asked to leave by Campus Security personnel. Persons refusing to leave will be considered trespassing by the Kirkland Police Department.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Substance Abuse

The possession, use, consumption, or distribution of any type of alcoholic beverage, tobacco product, illegal substance or controlled medication without a prescription on University property, in conjunction with any University sponsored activities, or while enrolled as a traditional undergraduate student is specifically prohibited by Northwest University policy. Additional information about the alcohol and substances policy is available on the Northwest University Drug Free Schools and Communities Act web page.

Bicycles

Bicycles or scooters may be stored in the designated bicycle racks located on campus. Northwest University is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen bicycles. It is up to the student to provide his/her own lock. Residence Hall and Apartment residents storing their bike outside of their room/apartment need to obtain a Bicycle Permit from the University Housing office.
No bicycles or scooters are permitted at any time in the entryways, residence hall lounges or hallways, stairways or closets inside or outside of any campus buildings. Bicycles may not be locked to anything other than a designated bicycle rack. Any bicycles found in inappropriate locations may be confiscated and discarded.
Students may keep bicycles in their own room or apartment under the following conditions:

All bicycles will be pushed to and from the student’s room. At no time is any bicycle to be ridden in the residence hall.
Students must notify the Resident Dean when they are storing a bicycle in their rooms. This notification must include the specific residence hall, the student’s room number, bicycle color, and name brand.
Storage of bicycles in dorm rooms is only permitted for students who occupy the room and have received permission from the Resident Life Staff and from their roommate.
Any damage resulting from storage of bicycles in residence hall rooms will be assessed to occupants of that room.
Bikes may be stored in a student’s University apartment or balcony/deck storage closet.

Dismissal

The University reserves the right to dismiss from enrollment students who:

Do not comply with University policies.
Are unable/unwilling to carry out the normal routine of campus life.
Threaten to harm self or others or are unable to provide sufficient self-care.
Cause damage to property.
Place consistent unrealistic expectations on the time and energy of other students, faculty or staff or cause significant disruption to the campus community.

Dismissal decisions are made after appropriate and prayerful evaluation of the circumstances, the prospects for positive change, the level of the student’s cooperation and/or willingness to respond to university intervention, and amount of staff care necessary for a successful outcome. While usually the result of a Student Life Judicial Council decision, dismissal may also be initiated by the Vice President of Student Development.

Grievance Procedure

Students may initiate a grievance procedure if they:

need to report a harassment incident.
believe that they have not been treated according to stated procedures and policies.
believe a request for an accommodation has not been properly responded to, approved or implemented.
perceive improper actions with regard to a disability or perception of a disability.

To address grievance informally, the student should meet with the Vice President of Student Development who will attempt to resolve the matter. If the grievance is against a faculty member or if it is filed as a formal grievance, the Provost will also serve with the Vice President of Student Development as the grievance response team.

University personnel cannot always work instant solutions, but the NU student is in a supportive community that is committed to take all reasonable steps toward a positive resolution to perceived student grievances. We are committed to process all grievances in accordance with appropriate state and federal guidelines with the understanding that all students, faculty and staff are members of this Christian community of scholarship and learning.

Retaliation against someone who files a grievance is prohibited for good-faith reporting of concerns about discrimination or harassment. Students or employees who are asked to testify during an investigation are expected to cooperate fully. Any student or employee found to have engaged in discrimination, harassment, or retaliation is subject to immediate disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the University, up to and including dismissal or termination.

Students who have questions regarding these policies may contact either of the following persons:

Jim Heugel
Provost
Northwest University
PO Box 579
Kirkland, WA 98083-0579
Phone: 425-889-4098

Paul Banas
Vice President for Student Development
Northwest University
PO Box 579
Kirkland, WA 98083-0579
Phone: 425-889-5261

Procedure

Contents of Grievance. Formal grievances should be filed by the student in writing with the Vice President of Student Development and contain (1) the name, current address, and student ID# of the person making the complaint (complainant); (2) a brief description of the alleged harassment or discriminatory action or actions; (3) the date or dates of the alleged harassment or discriminatory actions; and (4) the person or persons alleged to have engaged in the harassment or discriminatory action or actions.

Informal Resolution. The grievance officer(s) shall determine whether the matter may be promptly resolved informally (e.g., when the complaint arises from miscommunication between the parties, or when the accused party admits wrongdoing and agrees to take appropriate corrective action). Informal resolution will be attempted as soon as possible unless deemed inappropriate by the grievance officer. If a formal or informal complaint is resolved informally, no further action or documentation will be required by the University.

Formal Resolution. In response to a formal grievance, the grievance officer should investigate and prepare written findings as to the validity of the complaint and recommendations as to the University response. In consultation with the grievance response team, the grievance officer will make the final decision and communicate the decision (Determination), including appropriate disciplinary sanctions if indicated, to the complainant (if a victim of harassment) and the accused party.

Corrective Action . Any student or employee who is found to have discriminated against another student or employee will be subject to corrective action and appropriate discipline, up to and including immediate dismissal or termination.

Appeal. Either party may appeal the Determination by filing a notice of appeal (Notice) with the Provost. The Notice must be filed within five days after receipt of the Determination, and must include a copy of the Determination and a description of the errors being appealed. The Provost will provide a copy of the Notice to the grievance officer and the other party. The other party may file a rebuttal statement to the appeal within five days after receipt of the Notice. The Provost will submit the Notice and rebuttal statements to the Office of the President which will review the matter and take any appropriate action, including, but not limited to affirming, modifying or reversing the determination or requiring that additional investigation be performed. The Office of the President will provide a written decision to both parties, and the grievance officer. The decision of the Office of the President shall be final.

Confidentiality. The University should use special safeguards in handling complaints. However, in order to act on behalf of all employees, students and others, the University cannot guarantee the anonymity of an individual making a complaint. The University reserves the right to fully investigate every complaint, and to notify appropriate officials as the circumstances warrant.

Protection Against Retaliation. It is against the University’s policy to discriminate or retaliate against any person who has filed a complaint concerning a violation of the Nondiscrimination policy or has testified, assisted or participated in any manner in any investigation proceeding or hearing concerning the policy. Any employee or student who, after appropriate investigation, has been determined to have retaliated against anyone for using or expressing the intent to use the complaint procedure in this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal or termination.

False Claims. The University recognizes that false allegations of discrimination can have serious effects. Therefore, the University may take disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal or termination of employment from the University in cases where a student or employee submits false, frivolous or vexatious complaints.

Motor-vehicles

Northwest University seeks to provide and maintain a safe campus environment for pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic. It is considered a privilege for students to operate and park a vehicle on the campus. Parking and driving regulations are created and enforced to establish a climate of safety and order. The complete motor-vehicle policy is located on the Northwest University Security web page and is available in the Campus Security office.

Movies or Videos on Campus

If you plan to show a movie or video on campus, please read the guidelines for public viewing of movies and video. If you are uncertain about your responsibilities under the copyright law, contact the Student Development office or the MPAA (handles public performance licenses) to avoid the possibility of punitive action.

Public screenings and are illegal unless the film title being shown is a copy which was obtained with “Public Performance Rights.” A screening is considered public if it takes place:

in residence hall lounges
in the Dining Hall and the Aerie
in the Chapel
in classrooms (except in the case of face-to-face instruction by a faculty member)
at any outdoor location on campus

Anyone connected with the illegal showing of a copyrighted film can be named in a copyright infringement suit. This includes student organizations, academic departments, organization advisors, and University officials as well as the individual who knowingly operated the equipment at the illegal showings.

Campus Advertising Policy

Advertisements, newspapers, and other printed media may only be distributed by students or non-students on the University campus or in the University facilities with the expressed permission of the Office of Student Development or one of the approved departments listed below. All such materials must include identification of the publisher and the distributing organization, church, or individual. Anything advertised on campus must have a positive influence on the University community and be complimentary to the mission and vision of the University. Students who violate any policy relating to the distribution or posting of printed media may be subject to disciplinary action. Permission to post an ad is not an endorsement by the University. Approved postings can be identified by a department stamp, date of approval and initial.

There are six groups that approve the various postings that go up around Northwest University’s campus:

Student Development: Approves all postings including job postings, business advertising, non-profit organization advertising, courses or academic events offered at NU, graduate programs related to their students’ fields of study, study abroad programs, and all campus events.
Residence Life: Approves all postings for residence halls, at the discretion of area coordinators.
Housing: Approve notices of rooms for rent in the community.
Campus Ministries: Approves all ministry-related events, including events they sponsor, volunteer opportunities in the community, and non-profit organization advertising.
Marketing Department: Approves all enrollment materials and any other media published by the marketing department.

The following locations are available for general posting:

Hurst Library (bulletin board)
Ness Building (2 bulletin boards)
HSC (concrete center columns)
Pecota Student Center hallway (bulletin board)
Perch Lounge (bulletin board)
The Caf (bulletin board)
Faculty/employee lounges

All postings in other locations on campus will be removed including those attached to glass doors or their adjacent windows. Stamped flyers will expire after two weeks.

A comprehensive description of all campus communication options is available on the Student Life Home Page.

Security Policies and Statistics

In compliance with the Clery Act, security policies and campus crime statistics are available on the Northwest University Security office web page or at the Security Services office.

Statement of Non-discrimination

Northwest University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability in its admissions policies. Further, it is the policy of the University not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law, in the administration of its educational programs, including employment, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other college-administered programs and activities. Northwest is a drug and alcohol-free campus for all employees and students, and offers educational programs in alcohol and drug awareness for all campus groups.

Students who have questions regarding this policy, or believe they may have been discriminated against in violation of this policy, should immediately refer to and follow the University’s Grievance Procedures included in the Student Community Handbook.

Student Meetings

Students shall have the “privilege of meeting" regarding the use of University facilities provided such meetings

Are conducted in an orderly manner
Have been scheduled with the knowledge and approval of the appropriate administrator, advisor, or faculty member.
Do not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Do not interfere with any classes, scheduled meetings, ceremonies, or other university functions or events.
Do not conflict with the mission, vision, and philosophy of the University.
Are scheduled by room reservation through the administrative services office by emailing your request to Judy Olson-Briggs .

A student who conducts or participates in a meeting that violates any provision of this policy may be subject to University discipline. Non-students who participate in or aid and/or abet any meeting or meetings in violation of this section may be subject to prosecution under the state criminal trespass law and/or any other possible civil or criminal remedies available to the University.

Theft and Vandalism

Theft, attempted or actual, and/or vandalism to the property of Northwest University or the property of a member of the University community may result in criminal charges as well as University disciplinary action. Repair of damage caused by vandalism and/or pranks will be charged to the student or persons who caused the damage at a rate of $50.00 per hour plus materials per student or perpetrator.

University Housing

Included is some general information that may be of interest to all Northwest University students. Northwest University has housing options available for both individual and families. These facilities include residence halls, student apartments, family apartments, duplexes and single family houses. Complete information about University Housing is available on the Housing office web page.

Access and Privacy

The University appreciates students’ desire for privacy in their campus living areas and intends to provide, when the University deems appropriate, advance notice before staff or employees enter. When the University seeks access to students’ rooms, apartments, or houses to make repairs or improvements or for other necessary reasons, the occupants of the residence involved generally are notified 24 hours in advance. A work request to the maintenance office is considered consent to enter. During breaks in the academic calendar personnel may enter University housing in order to assess the condition of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and assess or perform other routine maintenance.

In an effort to maintain a safe and healthy learning community, the University reserves the right to enter and search University owned buildings and residences (including residence hall rooms, apartments and houses) without prior notice or any other limitation

to maintain order
for maintenance inspections or work
to investigate health concerns, safety issues, suspicious behavior or circumstances, illegal activity, property damage or when there is reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe that University regulations have been or are being violated.
for any other reason deemed legitimate by the University

It is inappropriate for students to enter another student’s room or borrow another student’s possessions without permission and may be considered theft or damage to the property of the fellow student.

Interim Housing

On campus interim housing is available on a per month basis separate from the regular semester charges. Rent payment is due in advance. Interim housing is divided into two time frames: Winter interim housing between fall and spring semesters, and summer interim housing. During winter interim housing residence hall housing is closed for approximately 10 days. Further explanation specific to each type of housing may be found on the Housing office web page.

Lounges

The lounge of each residence hall serves many functions: a lobby, a communication center and a visitor area. All behavior in the residence hall lobbies must comply with the guidelines and policies of Northwest University.

The lounges in the residence halls are provided as places where students may come for social fellowship and relaxation. Students appearing in the lounge of their residence halls should be dressed in acceptable general campus attire. Crowder Hall Lobby is not to be used as a lounge. The University encourages a variety of social and cultural opportunities that contribute to students’ spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical development. These interactions help students cultivate responsible maturity in public and private relationships while remembering the importance of a Christ-centered environment.

Hours for Gray-Beatty Lounge and Perks Lounge:
Sunday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Friday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

No visitors of the opposite sex are permitted to go beyond the lounges into the residence hall, except during open visitation hours as posted by the Resident Dean. A lounge may be closed on special occasions. Conduct in the lounges must be in keeping with all sections of the Student Community Handbook including Christian principles of modesty and good taste. In the spirit of Christian community, activities that can be embarrassing to participants and observers will not be permitted.

Residence Hall Overnight Guests

Students living in residence may invite a relative, friend, or current off-campus student (of the same gender as the student) to be their guest in the residence hall for up to three nights each semester without charge.

Previous arrangements must be made with the Resident Dean by registering their guest using a completed Guest Registration form. If the guest is to stay more than three nights, a $10.00 per night charge will be assessed. A guest may be allowed to stay a maximum of 7 nights per semester, room permitting. Students having unregistered guests will forfeit their 3 nights (without charge) and will be assessed $20.00 (double the daily guest rate) per night for each unregistered guest. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action. Any guests not complying with Northwest University policies will be asked to leave immediately. No guests are allowed in rooms or hallways of the opposite sex without prior approval. No overnight guest of the opposite sex is permitted at any time in student housing. Guests must be registered by using a Guest Registration Form available from one of the following persons: Resident Assistant, Resident Dean, or Director of Community Life.

Students are expected to explain Northwest University policy to their guests and are therefore responsible for the behavior of their guests. All guests not registered for an overnight stay must leave the campus by 12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Violation of this policy will prohibit the guest from being on campus at any time. Guests must be registered by using a Guest Registration Form available from either a Resident Assistant or a Resident Dean.

All guests under age 18 must have verbal or written permission from their parent/guardian submitted to the Resident Dean of the requested living area prior to the requested stay. An “Under Age 18” form must be filled out by the student making the request and approved by the Residence Life staff prior to the guest’s stay. Forms are available from the Resident Dean and/or Resident Assistants.

Residence Hall Visitation

No person is permitted to be in the Resident Hall living areas of the opposite sex except during open visitation hours. This includes both the hallways and individual residence hall rooms. Students found in violation of the policy will be subject to disciplinary action. A guest found in violation of the policy will be removed from the property and may not be allowed to return. The Residence Life staff will post open visitation hours during which students may visit other residence halls.

Student Apartment Visitation

The student apartments do allow open-house visitation hours from noon to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Visitors of the opposite gender are to confine their visits to the living/dining room areas after 10 p.m. Room doors must be completely open at all times when visitors of the opposite gender are present. Those in violation may be held accountable through the University disciplinary system.

Weapons, Fireworks and Explosives

Items such as handguns, rifles, shotguns, flare guns, starter guns, stun guns, B.B. guns, pellet guns, firearm ammunition, or any other device which propels a projectile, including all explosive devices or fireworks, or a device which may be used in such a manner as to cause bodily injury, will not be allowed on campus; neither on one’s person, in campus buildings nor in any vehicle present on campus grounds.

Clubs, brass knuckles, nunchackas, switch blade knives, knives with a blade length in excess of 3 1/2 inches or any other object classified as a dangerous weapon in the State of Washington are prohibited on campus. Individuals found in possession of any such items, will be subject to disciplinary action that may include prosecution for any criminal violations. Disciplinary action may occur when an individual uses any object normally not classified as a weapon, in such a manner as to cause or threaten bodily harm.

Living in Community

Resident Life