Student Handbook - Sweet Briar College

Section III: College Policies
Code of Conduct
All members of the Sweet Briar community must be responsible for their actions
and make sure these actions do not impose upon other community members.
The College has the authority and responsibility to establish rules and standards
that may require academic, moral, and ethical behavior that is considered above
the standards of society at large. The principal responsibility for proper conduct
rests with each student, and as much as possible, she is encouraged to resolve
conflicts of individual rights and responsibilities herself. The College will
become involved, however, when a student cannot resolve a conflict herself;
when local, state or federal laws have been broken; when there could be or is a
potential for personal harm or property damage; or when College regulations
have been violated.
Sweet Briar requires students to obey local, state and federal laws. The College
also has regulations that it expects students to follow both on and off campus,
and at College-sponsored events. Each student is reminded that, in her conduct
off campus as well as on, she is a representative of the Sweet Briar community.
She is charged with the responsibility to insure that at all times her conduct
reflects creditably upon the good names and ideals of the College.
Civility and respect are central to the Sweet Briar community. Behavior that a
reasonable person would find inconsistent with the values of civility and
respect for persons is unacceptable. This includes behavior commonly referred
to as bullying. Such actions are subject to disciplinary action appropriate to
the nature, severity, and circumstance of the misconduct.
The College reserves the right to take action against students whose behavior
either on or off-campus blemishes the College’s general image or reputation.
Students whose off-campus activities have a direct bearing on the College or
members of the Sweet Briar community could be subject to disciplinary action.
If a student is involved in an illegal act off campus, the College reserves the
right to initiate disciplinary action.
Alcohol Policy
The College’s statement on the use and possession of alcoholic beverages has
been developed to reflect the values of the College and to be in compliance with
the Alcohol Beverage Control Laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Students
are responsible for educating themselves about regulations and abiding by them.
Students are considered adults, are expected to obey the law, and are held
accountable for their own behavior and safety. As noted in the College’s
statement, only students of legal drinking age may possess and consume
alcoholic beverages in student residences. Common containers (i.e. beer balls,
kegs) are not permitted in student residences. Students are expected to follow
the proper procedures for securing appropriate location and obtaining proper
permits for events where alcohol will be served. Per Commonwealth law,
alcohol is not to be consumed in public areas, including residence hall lounges,
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