Harding is a private, Christian university that teaches the inspiration of the Scriptures and strives to follow Christ and all he taught. Students are encouraged to live up to the high expectations and policies outlined in this handbook. They are designed for optimum development of social, academic, physical, emotional and spiritual potential.
Students are encouraged to serve others to reflect the mission of the University, both socially and spiritually, as this is the actual test of success for any person or organization. This is encouraged through participation in service and academic and professional organizations.
Harding provides a Christian environment in which spiritual growth is central. In addition to promoting scholarly pursuits, the University endeavors to instill within each student a more profound spiritual quality that, coupled with academic growth, enables the student to build a blessed and useful life. All of Harding’s administration and faculty members are dedicated to building Christian character and responsibility within each student.
Harding University is built with Christ as its chief cornerstone. It provides a setting in which Christian training and participation are encouraged, as well as other opportunities for spiritual growth.
Devotionals
Christian fellowship and worship are held in various settings on and around campus.
Church Services
To aid spiritual growth and develop and maintain Christian character, students are encouraged to be active participants at the religious gathering or congregation of their choice. Though graduate and professional course schedules are varied and flexible, every effort is made to avoid direct scheduling conflicts with traditional worship schedules.
Chapel Devotionals
Chapel is vital to the fundamental purpose of Harding University. Our primary objective is that all students grow spiritually while attending this University. The University holds daily chapel services that graduate and professional students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Services last 35 minutes and include a devotional period and announcements of general interest.
The camaraderie and Christian fellowship opportunity is a unique aspect of Harding’s student life. Graduate and professional programs often arrange separate chapel devotionals for their students. Attendance and participation policies are available in program policy documents.
Mission Trips
Some programs host mission trips that provide graduate and professional students with kingdom expansion experiences. Please contact each program for specific details.
Christ-focused Classes
Knowledge of the Bible and the personal and professional application of Christian principles are some of the most critical aspects of the development of Christian character. Every graduate and professional program includes coursework that incorporates a learning framework to address biblical knowledge integration and values-based practices, ethical decision-making and social responsibility, and servant leadership. Please consult with the program policy for more information.
Service Opportunities
As an institution with Christ as a cornerstone, service to others is integral to life. The University and community of Searcy offer numerous opportunities to volunteer one’s time and talents for the betterment of others. Each graduate and professional program may have its own opportunity for service. Please consult each program’s policy document for more information.
Services are provided by credentialed and professional faculty and staff. All academic programs and services are included in the cost of tuition and fees.
The University Dining Hall features a variety of stations, each offering a unique, Harding-specific culinary adventure. Students can expect more than just a meal. They can expect a true culinary experience filled with meaning and authenticity.
Hours of operation:
Monday-Friday Breakfast 7-10 a.m.
Lunch 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner 4:30–7:30 p.m
Additional locations:
Midnight Oil coffee shop in the Brackett Library
Starbucks located in Legacy Park on the west side of Dr. Jimmy Carr Street
Bison Deli in the Farrar Center for Health Sciences
Warehouse 4 Cafe and Bakeshop on the corner of East Woodruff Avenue and Dr. Jimmy Carr Street.
The Center for Professional Excellence provides career counseling and job search opportunities for students and alumni. Students have access to a library of literature and online resources on careers, companies and graduate schools for students to research. The CPE staff is available to assist students in crafting resumes, cover letters and mock job interviews.
Harding University’s policy is to accommodate students with disabilities pursuant to federal and state laws. Therefore, students with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning or psychological) who need to arrange any accommodations must contact their instructors and the Office of Disability Services and Educational Access at the beginning of the semester. (If the diagnosis occurs during the academic year, the student must self-identify with the Office of Disability Services and Educational Access as soon as possible to get academic accommodations in place for the remainder of the year.)
Reasonable accommodations will be provided depending on the documentation of the disability provided by an appropriately licensed health professional who made the diagnosis of the disability according to ADA guidelines.
Disability Services and Educational Access is located in the Hammon Student Center, Suite 239. This statement represents a responsiveness to federal expectations. It also reveals the desire on the part of the institution to meet its commitments to students in the academic arena who have documented disabilities.
Because some graduate and professional courses are taught at different sites and students may not have in-person access to Disability Services, the student must self-identify with the instructor of each course and submit documentation by email to Disability Services on the Searcy campus.
Please note that test accommodations are not provided at the graduate and professional levels but are arranged at the program level. Upon receiving the appropriate documentation approved by ADA Guidelines, the instructor may discuss academic accommodations via a telephone conference with the director of Disability Services. If you have questions, please contact the director of Disability Services at 501-279-4019 or DisabilityServices@harding.edu.
The mission of Diversity Services is to promote academic success and citizenship within a global perspective based on a Christian understanding of and respect for other cultures. This goal is achieved through providing academic support, cultural awareness and leadership opportunities. This office serves as the liaison between students and faculty and administrators on diversity issues. Diversity Services also sponsors the Multicultural Student Action Committee, composed of student leaders who initiate, plan and implement programs that increase multicultural awareness on the Harding campus.
The Registrar’s Office is responsible for maintaining your student records (personal data, transfer credits, registration, course information, grades and transcripts). These records are subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (called FERPA). (Please see Section 5: General Information > Legal Notices).
The Registrar’s Office provides the student with a degree evaluation that can be run on demand by going to Pipeline > Student > Degree Evaluation. There you will find instructions to run and interpret your degree audit.
The graduation application is found on Pipeline > Student > Graduation. The deadline for graduate and professional students to apply for graduation is October 1 for fall, March 1 for spring and June 20 for summer. Students may not participate in commencement before completion of all program requirements.
Questions should be directed to the registrar by calling 501-279-4057 or emailing registrar@harding.edu.
At the beginning of each school year, incoming students are issued a student identification card. This card is to be carried at all times on campus and at all Harding activities off campus, and no other person may use it. The ID card must be shown to any school official upon request.
The ID card serves as:
Lost ID cards must be replaced in the Security Technology Center (Kendall Building) at the cost of $10 to the student. This office is responsible for issuing ID cards and managing electronic access control (card locks), security cameras and other security-related technologies. ID cards are made Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The phone number is 501-279-5678.
If a University official (including faculty and staff members) asks a student to surrender the ID card, the student must comply. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. A student’s ID card may be held in case of pending disciplinary action. If a student withdraws from school, the ID card must be returned to the University.
Any person not possessing a valid ID card will be treated as a nonstudent.
Information Systems and Technology Student Support and Communications provides all University students with an e-mail/internet account while enrolled at Harding. The account serves as the official electronic communication channel for the University and must be checked regularly.
Use of this account will constitute acceptance of the rules and regulations as stated in the Policy for the Responsible Use of Information Systems and Technology. This policy can be found at harding.edu/ist/useofist.
Internet connections are provided in all Harding on-campus apartments, including Village and Legacy Apartments. Use of this Dorm Net connection will constitute an acceptance of the rules and regulations as stated in the following policies:
These policies can be found on the IS&T website.
Student Support and Communications is located on the second floor of the Anthony and Wright Administration Building, Room 203. Office hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is 501-279-4545, and the campus box number is 12264.
The DormNet Help Desk is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
The business office is responsible for the financial portion of registration, billing, collection of student accounts, charging meal plans, and posting charges and payments to student accounts.
Questions regarding charges, refund percentage on dropped classes, residential rent refund, and meal plans should be directed to the business office. Financial obligations for charges begin at the time a student registers. Ensuring payment of all charges is the student’s responsibility. All past-due accounts are subject to credit bureau reporting. If necessary to enforce payment, attorney fees, court costs and collection agency fees may be added to the amount owed. Transcripts will be released when accounts are in current status. Each account holder is responsible for informing the school of changes in name, address and telephone number.
Pipeline is Harding University’s online portal and includes official Harding University apps. Official Harding University apps are maintained or approved by IS&T at Harding. When students access Pipeline and approved apps (pipeline.harding.edu), they can:
Pipeline is a one-stop resource center for students. It also has links to students’ mail and calendar and to the learning management system.
Brackett Library provides 24/7 service to the Harding community through online resources with access to more than 180 databases providing full-text articles, ebooks and print materials that support the curriculum. The library webpage is available at library.harding.edu. In addition, best sellers, Christian fiction and juvenile literature collections are available. Librarians assist in locating electronic and print resources. Library instruction is provided to classes upon request, and individual assistance is available at the Information Desk or by scheduling a librarian.
Harding students may check out an unlimited number of regular stack books. For most students, stack books are checked out for two weeks and may be renewed once. Graduate, professional and honors students may check out books for three weeks. Students with overdue items will receive courtesy notices through their Harding email. At four weeks, overdue books are “assumed lost,” and the student is charged an overdue/replacement fee of $60 or the replacement cost if more. Should the item be found and returned after the fee has been paid, a portion of the fee will be refunded. Checkout periods and fines for juvenile books, reserves, best sellers and multimedia vary. Periodicals and some reference books cannot be checked out.
The Interlibrary Loan Services Department borrows or purchases materials not available locally. Wireless internet connection and designated areas for group study are available. Midnight Oil coffee shop is in the building. Students are encouraged to offer suggestions for collection development or services via the online suggestion box. Two student representatives serve each year on the library committee.
Patrons can find their subject librarian and scheduling information on the Research Consultations website at library.harding.edu/consultations.
Hours of operation:
Sunday 1-11 p.m.
Monday - Thursday 7:45 a.m.-11 p.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Summer hours or changes in regular hours will be posted in advance.
Located on the first floor of the Holland-Waller Center Suite 104, this office exists to help international students with procedures, expectations and requirements between the United States and their home countries.
The international student advisor is responsible for assisting with immigration matters, coordinating all campus and community services available to international students, liaising with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments, and promoting interaction between the international students, the University and the local community.
The Office of Public Safety is located in the Kendall Building. The phone number is 501-279- 5000. Public Safety officers are on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Office of Public Safety may be contacted for on-campus emergencies and other student needs, such as keys locked in a vehicle, jump-starting a battery, emergency transportation to the hospital and courtesy escorts after dark.
Public Safety officers are medical first responders and are certified in CPR. They have additional training in crime prevention, emergency response and other public safety concerns. Any suspicious behavior, on-campus traffic accidents, on-campus emergencies and all crimes occurring on campus should be reported immediately to the Office of Public Safety. Information about campus security, safety programs and procedures, and fire and crime statistics are available in compliance with the Jean Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. A copy of the annual security and fire report can be obtained at Campus Safety Security Report or by contacting the Harding University Office of Public Safety.
The Office of Public Safety has several armed officers commissioned by the state of Arkansas. Security cameras and networked access control are used in various locations on campus.
Any questions concerning parking regulations, parking citations or violations should be directed to the Office of Parking Services located in the Kendall Building or by calling 501-279-4005.
The University Counseling Center is located on the third floor of the McInteer Bible and World Missions Center. The center's mission is to provide caring and confidential services to enhance the quality of life experience for students at Harding. The center is staffed by male and female counselors with many years of experience. Some of the areas of student need may include stress management, anxiety, personal and social conflicts, depression and other adjustment difficulties that can develop in a college setting. In the event that a student needs medical or other specialized services, the center will assist in making an appropriate referral.
A student may request assistance from the Counseling Center by calling 501-279-4347 or emailing counseling@harding.edu. Also, a student may find additional information and resources at harding.edu/counseling.
Additionally, the Counseling Center has partnered with TimelyCare to deliver a virtual health and well-being platform for students. The service via the TimelyCare app provides 24/7 access to virtual care for mental and emotional support at no additional cost.
Student Health Services provides health assistance and facilitation to currently enrolled students, staff and faculty related to preventative care and minor illnesses and injuries. SHS is staffed by registered nurses and a nurse practitioner, who provide symptomatic care and health information, including facilitation of referrals to local medical providers in the event that medical intervention is needed. SHS can offer a limited quantity of over-the-counter medications for short-term minor illnesses. Common preventative care services, such as flu vaccination and TB skin testing or COVID-19 testing, are available at a significantly reduced cost to students.
Although we encourage students to carry health insurance for their benefit in case of extenuating circumstances, SHS does not file any claims with health insurance companies. Financial responsibility related to medical care delivered by local providers rests with the student. Harding students who would like access to a nurse practitioner will need to pay a minimal fee of $40 per semester (see the Health and Wellness website for further information)
SHS is closed when classes are not in session and has reduced hours in the summer - Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and vacation breaks. If immediate assistance is needed, contact the Office of Public Safety at ext. 5000 or go to the local emergency room at Unity Health located at 3214 E. Race Ave. Students who become ill or injured during clinic hours may report to SHS for advice or medical care.
SHS Contact Information:
115 Dr. Jimmy Carr St. (across from Starbucks)
studenthealth@harding.edu Phone: 501-279-4346
Fax: 501-279-4577
Hours of operation:
Fall and spring semesters
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Intersession, Summer I and II, as posted
The University operates Campus Mail Services. University housing is not serviced by U.S. Postal Services home delivery in Searcy; therefore, all students living in University housing must have a campus box at no charge. These boxes are typically assigned to students upon registration. A student cannot receive mail/parcels for another person in their box (except for spouse and/or children). Correspondence will be returned to the sender if improperly addressed. Full name and box number are required for delivery of mail. The correct format for receiving items through Campus Mail Services is:
Name/Department
HU 12345 (campus box number) 915 E. Market Ave.
Searcy, AR 72149-5615
Mail sent through Campus Mail Services is, in fact, mail delivered to the University. The laws and regulations relating to U.S. Postal Service mail delivery only apply before mail has been delivered to the University. Upon delivery to the University, all mail is sorted into individual campus boxes.
Upon graduation or withdrawal from school, students must complete a change of address in Pipeline so mail may be forwarded. Students should also notify magazines, newspapers and other correspondents of any address change when leaving the University permanently. Students leaving to attend an international program or leaving for the summer must complete a change of address in Pipeline. This will allow mail to be forwarded until the student’s return to the University. Students no longer residing in University housing must notify Campus Mail Services to keep or close their campus box.
Campus Mail Services also offers an intra-campus mail service for sending and receiving mail communication between departments, students, faculty and staff. Multiple pieces of candy, home-baked goods, etc., must be in factory-sealed containers or Ziploc bags. The following items will not be accepted for delivery by Campus Mail Services: any item deemed potentially hazardous, liquids, fruit, vegetables, flowers, or 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper (each sheet must be folded in half or thirds before being submitted to Campus Mail Services).
Hours of operation:
Monday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Summer: Closed at 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 501-279-4374
Students are expected to maintain the highest standard of moral conduct and personal integrity. A central responsibility of those in the Harding community is to understand and adhere to established University expectations, guidelines, and policies conducive to a healthy, safe, and respectful living and learning campus environment. Harding University reserves the right to refuse admittance or dismiss any student whose conduct is inconsistent with the University’s Christian mission and principles.
If a graduate or professional student is involved in an offense with an undergraduate student, sanctions against the graduate or professional student may include those listed in the undergraduate student handbook and this handbook.
Ethics and conduct codes, including program-specific criteria for dismissal, may be found in the policies for each program.
Harding University considers the following to be in conflict with its mission and therefore prohibited — participation in these will result in disciplinary action:
Class attendance and participation policies are determined by individual faculty members within university, college and department guidelines. The University expects students to attend all in-person classes and participate in all online classes according to the expectations outlined in each course syllabus. Admission to the University obligates the student to observe these policies. If a student has excessive absences or stops participating in an online class, University policy permits the teacher to assign a grade of “withdrawn falling” for the course, which counts as an F in the grade point average. Students who receive WF grades in three classes during a semester will be withdrawn from their remaining courses, and their academic standing will be updated at the end of the semester.
Students must contact their instructor before missing class for medical reasons and should reference the attendance policy in each course syllabus to determine when an excuse is required from a health care professional. Students are responsible for assignments and work missed because of any absence.
It is the responsibility of the teacher of the class(es) missed to evaluate all other absences.
Harding University expects all members of its community to live out the teachings and examples of the Bible in all matters, including human sexuality. Harding’s position and policy regarding sexual behavior and gender identity/expression are rooted in God’s Word as expressed in the Bible. We acknowledge how complex these matters can be, and encourage all members of the Harding community to live a chaste and moral life. Harding University views every human as an image-bearer of God, and aims to treat everyone with dignity and respect. Furthermore, Harding University remains committed to maintaining a physically and emotionally safe campus environment for all members of its community, and will not tolerate any forms of sexual harassment, belittling or bullying toward any person for any reason. The following expectations and guidelines pertaining to these issues, while not exhaustive, are intended to provide clarity, direction, support, and accountability where appropriate.
In Scripture human sexuality is portrayed as a gift from our Heavenly Father who instituted marriage as a covenant relationship between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:23-24; Matthew 19:3-9; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that sexual activity outside of the marriage bond is sin (1 Corinthians 6:18 -20). Personal behaviors that deviate from this Biblical standard include, but are not limited to: heterosexual sex outside of marriage; homosexual sex or suggestive same-sex behavior of a romantic nature; the viewing, possession and distribution of pornographic material; lewd, indecent or obscene conduct; and any sexual act or form of expression that disrupts the community. Harding University cannot accept any form of sexual behavior or expression that is not consistent with our understanding of biblical standards. With respect to sexual orientation, we realize that some people may be physically attracted to someone of the same sex. We make a distinction between one having such feelings and deciding to act upon them. Consistent with our understanding of scripture (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), we cannot accept homosexual acts or behavioral expressions suggestive of a romantic same-sex relationship.
Harding University holds firmly to God’s creation of male and female (Genesis 1:27; 5:2). From this biblical perspective, we cannot accept or support any attempts to change one’s birth sex. As such, and consistent with our deep religious convictions and values, Harding University chooses to use its facilities and programs in a manner aligned with the institution’s doctrinal beliefs rooted in the Bible. This position guides our decisions regarding requests for campus housing, restroom facilities, intercollegiate athletics and extracurricular participation, dress code, and in other matters considered relevant by the University. Furthermore, these decisions will be made in alignment with one’s sex at birth.
All members of the Harding community are expected to conduct themselves morally and in alignment with Biblical standards, including one’s sexual behavior. Violations of these expectations are subject to a range of appropriate action, up to and including termination for employees of the University, and expulsion for students. In the fallen world we live in, we understand that cultural and societal influences can lead to a host of temptations, including those of a sexual nature. We offer support services and guidance for all members of our community who are interested and implore the Harding community to represent Christ in approaching all matters with his kindness, truth and grace.
As a Christian university community, we will attempt to approach problems with alcohol or drug use characterized by compassion and encouragement without prejudice on the one hand and with directness, consistency and firmness on the other.
The consumption, possession or storage of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. This prohibition includes on and off campus.
Harding forbids the use, possession, distribution or sale of drugs or drug-related paraphernalia.
The University has a right to require a student to immediately participate in a drug test (urine or hair follicle) or breath test.
The use of tobacco in any form is not permitted at any time. Electronic cigarettes or vaporizers (with or without tobacco) are not allowed on campus or official Harding events.
All members of the Harding community must dress with modesty and decency appropriate to the Christian lifestyle and consistent with professional employment standards. For these reasons, faculty, staff and administration are also expected to dress with the same modesty, decency and professionalism.
Graduate and professional programs may require additional dress standards which will be stated in each program’s policies.
Two issues are addressed in this section: (1) appropriate behavior regarding the use of social media and (2) appropriate behavior for participation in online courses. Please note that each program may also have specific policies regarding online communications. Refer to each program’s policy document for more information.
The steady growth of social media has outpaced both legal and ethical implications. Currently, multiple lawsuits are pending that involve such issues as employee privacy, an employer’s right to know, contested ownership of social media accounts and libel.
It is imperative that students use caution regarding any postings made using social media. This includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and LinkedIn. There is no doubt that future employers will be conducting social media background checks on potential employees, and an inappropriate posting could mean the difference between getting a job or being passed over for further consideration.
As a student, be mindful of both the personal and professional reputations you are building. Know that potential employers will easily see careless or inappropriate postings and that such postings can severely damage a reputation. Following graduation and employment, be sure to become familiar with and abide by the employer’s policies regarding social media and internet usage.
Many graduate and professional classes are offered online. Participating in an online course opens up a new area of social interaction where communication occurs solely through the written word. Absent from communication are the nonverbal cues to which we have become accustomed in the traditional classroom, including but not limited to the tone of voice, body language and facial expressions.
Harding University is committed to the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ and his apostles. Harding University expects all members of its community to actively aspire to live disciplined lives of holiness, respect, and love for others. We live in a fallen world, and we will all, at times, fall short of these aspirations. Thus, the core purpose of discipline within the student conduct process is to guide students toward personal maturity, a responsible understanding of the impact of student behavior, and an increase in moral discernment.
Out of deep care for the welfare and dignity of our students, all conduct decisions are applied through love, mercy, and justice. Harding University believes discipline is both a corrective and restorative response to conduct violations, requiring careful assessment and a directed response to each student’s unique set of circumstances.
Academic misconduct is covered in the Harding University catalog, including relevant academic misconduct disciplinary procedures.
When it appears a rule of conduct or procedure, in the case of an individual or organization, has been broken, the appropriate graduate or professional program administrator shall conduct an investigation. If it is determined that disciplinary procedures are warranted due to the investigation, the student or organization will be asked to appear before the appropriate student affairs personnel. After the meeting, the student or organization will be informed of the specific charge(s) being made, the penalty imposed, and the right to appeal to the appropriate graduate or professional program administrator.
Any or all of the following can be imposed for a given infraction. Certain graduate and professional programs may require additional disciplinary sanctions and will be stated in each program’s policies.
IMPORTANT DEFINITION:
“Harding student” is defined as any person who has registered for courses at the University, even though such person is not attending classes at the time of the incident. Therefore, any student who has registered for classes but has not attended classes, is away for holidays or between semesters, or living away from the Harding campus in the summer is still considered a Harding student and subject to the rules and regulations of Harding University.
In any situation where a graduate or professional student is involved in an offense with an undergraduate student, sanctions against the graduate or professional student may include those listed in the undergraduate student handbook and this handbook.
Occasionally students find they must withdraw entirely from the University. The following are steps for withdrawing from the University for students enrolled in classes on the Searcy campus:
Students will not be considered officially withdrawn until the registrar has received notification and completed the drop for all classes. Students who do not complete an official withdrawal may receive a failing grade for each class. Students should consult their respective program offices for official withdrawal deadline dates.
As in the case of any procedural guidelines, Harding University reserves the right to change or make appropriate revisions, additions, amendments or corrections.
Note: Graduate and professional students who attend night and weekend classes on the Searcy campus should be aware that parking spaces with red lines are reserved for faculty and staff from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Students may park in faculty and staff parking Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 a.m. and any time on weekends.
For parking information at other locations, please contact the director of that location.
To contest a parking citation, an appeal must be submitted to the Traffic Appeals Committee within ten days of the citation issue date via the website, harding.thepermitstore.com. The Appeals Committee is composed of Harding faculty and staff members who review each appeal and decide based on the information contained in the appeal and information from the ticket itself. When there is a question about an appeal, members of the committee may consult with the parking services manager to find a resolution. The decision of the Traffic Appeals Committee is final.
The University reserves the right to remove by impounding any vehicle parked in such a way as to constitute a serious hazard or any vehicle that impedes vehicular or pedestrian traffic movement, the operation of emergency equipment, the making of essential repairs and services, or for other cogent reasons, such as failure to properly register the vehicle, excessive parking violations or abandoned vehicles. Owners of such vehicles will be required to pay all costs involved in removing, impounding or storing such vehicles.
Any attempt to manufacture, replicate or modify a parking permit or a temporary parking permit may result in, but is not limited to, immediate towing, disciplinary action and loss of the right to an appeal. This can include using a permit assigned to another person.
Penalties may be paid at the business office or online through the parking management website. Specific penalties for each fine can be found online at harding.edu/public-safety/ parking-registration.
Changes to the above information, including penalties for violations, may be made without prior notice by the administration.
Those who use the University’s IS&T resources are required to behave in a manner consistent with Harding’s mission, policies and codes of conduct. As a user of these resources, the user should adhere to the following guidelines:
Disciplinary Action: Breaches of this policy will be treated as breaches of discipline and dealt with as contained in the Harding University Code of Conduct.
For the purpose of this policy, pets are defined as any domestic or tamed animals, birds, snakes, reptiles and amphibians, unless specifically exempted below. Pets are prohibited from being in residence halls and apartments, offices, classrooms, hallways and all other areas in any academic or administrative building.
Pets on University grounds shall not be left unattended and must be maintained on a leash.
Any student bringing a pet onto the grounds is expected to clean up after it and not cause additional work for custodial or maintenance personnel.
Service animals are exempt from this policy if the student has a disability that is documented with the Office of Disability Services and Educational Access.
Animals officially part of the University’s teaching, research or clinical programs are exempt from this policy.
Organizations or individual students wishing to display or distribute literature or other materials to students and faculty on University-controlled property will be governed by the following:
FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (called FERPA) provides, with certain exceptions, that students shall have a right of access to their education records and that education institutions shall not release education records to non-school employees without the consent of the student. “Students” as used in this notice includes former students.
Right of Access
With few exceptions provided by law, students at Harding may see their education records upon request. Access will generally be granted immediately upon request; however, it is guaranteed within 45 days of the request. Students are entitled to copies (at the student’s expense) of records to which they have access. Under established procedures, students have the right to challenge the accuracy of the records and enter their viewpoints in the records. Harding's list of all education records is kept in the registrar’s office. A copy of the University FERPA Policy may be found in the online catalog > General Information > Legal Statements.
The University may not require students to sign a waiver of their right to access; however, students should be aware that recommendations and evaluations may not be very helpful or candid without a signed release.
A student’s home address and phone number will be available to a roommate assigned to that person.
HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996
Harding complies with applicable privacy and security standards, requirements and implementation specifications pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Notice of the uses and disclosures of protected health information made by Harding and students’ rights and Harding’s duties with respect to protected health information is provided to each student.
TITLE IX AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Harding University reaffirms the principle that students, faculty and staff have the right to be free from sex discrimination in the form of sexual harassment by any member of the academic community.
Sexual harassment is defined as an attempt to coerce an unwilling person into a sexual relationship, subject a person to unwanted sexual attention, punish a refusal to comply, or create a sexually intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Sexual harassment is generally understood to include a wide range of behaviors, from the actual coercing of sexual relations to the unwelcome or inappropriate emphasizing of sexual identity. This definition will be interpreted and applied consistently with Christian standards of behavior and conduct.
A student who believes that he or she has been sexually harassed may obtain redress through informal and formal procedures of the University. Complaints about sexual harassment will receive a prompt and equitable response. The right to the confidentiality of all academic community members will be respected in both informal and formal procedures insofar as is possible. Retaliation against individuals for bringing bonafide complaints of sexual harassment is expressly prohibited. Knowingly or willfully making a false claim is subject to discipline up to but not limited to dismissal from school. Formal procedures will not be initiated without a signed and verified written complaint. An individual found to have engaged in sexual harassment is subject to disciplinary action for violations of the policy, consistent with existing procedures.
Kevin Davis, executive director of Title IX and compliance, serves as the Title IX coordinator for the University. Amie Carter, assistant director of human resources, and Debra Nesbitt, Pryor Hall RLC, serve as deputy. Sexual harassment claims against a student may be filed with Kevin Davis (Kendall Building 113), Debra Nesbitt (Pryor Hall), the Office of Student Life in Hammon Student Center room 218 or the Office of Public Safety in the Kendall Building room 117. Claims against a faculty or staff member may be filed in the Office of Human Resources in Ezell Building 130.
Complainants and witnesses who report or participate in an investigation of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking will not be subject to disciplinary sanctions, such as suspension or probation, for violations of the code of conduct that occurred at or near the time of the incident. A student who believes that he or she is the victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking may obtain redress through procedures of the University. Complaints will receive a prompt and equitable response. The right to confidentiality of all academic community members will be respected insofar as is possible. Retaliation against individuals for bringing bonafide complaints is expressly prohibited. Knowingly or willfully making a false claim is subject to discipline up to but not limited to dismissal from the University. Formal procedures will not be initiated without a signed and verified written complaint. An individual found to have engaged in dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking is subject to disciplinary action for violations of the policy, consistent with existing procedures.
Claims made by a student against another student may be filed with Kevin Davis (Kendall Building 113), Debra Nesbitt (Pryor Hall), the Office of Student Life in Hammon Student Center 218 or in the Office of Public Safety in the Kendall Building room 117. Claims made by a student against a faculty or staff member may be filed with the Office of Human Resources in Ezell Building 130. A copy of the rights of the accuser and accused will be made available at the time the complaint is filed. Further information may be obtained through the annual security report at harding.edu/DPS.
The student, by being enrolled at the University, consents and grants to the University the right to enter and/or search that student’s room, with or without the student’s presence, to search his or her possessions that are in or on University property, to search computer files and data-storage devices, and for a reasonable period of time, to maintain possession of anything by which the student violates the rules and regulations of the University.
The student, by being enrolled at the University, directs and authorizes the University to refuse any item sent to the student through any means, including mail services, if the University finds possession of the item by the student would be inappropriate, would violate the rules and regulations of the University, or would be contrary to the mission of the University.
Harding’s policy states that drug and alcohol possession or use is unacceptable. Harding has chosen to take a strong stand against the use of controlled substances because of the significant risks that students assume when deciding to use them. Many of these substances are physically or psychologically addicting; the composition of “street” drugs can never be determined by the user and is often dangerous; strictly enforced laws and policies can lead to severe consequences for even the experimenter or occasional user. The negative personal consequences that can happen to a student far outweigh any brief exhilaration or escape. The University firmly believes that any use of controlled substances or the unauthorized use of prescription drugs outside of medical advice is contrary to the mission of Harding University. Students seeking information or personal assistance for substance abuse can receive counseling and referral to community resources in the counseling center.
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act requires our school to outlaw the possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol by students and school employees on school property or during school activities. It also requires us to explain the risks that drug and alcohol use may cause to an individual’s health.
Drug and alcohol use can:
Marijuana use can:
Cocaine use can:
Heroin use can:
Hallucinogen use can:
Alcohol use can:
Amphetamine/Stimulate use can:
Sedative use can:
Inhalant use can harm an individual’s:
Steroid use can:
Tobacco can:
Federal and state laws prohibit the possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs. In addition, the state of Arkansas has laws that pertain to alcohol use and possession. Contact the Office of Student Life with any questions.
The Office of Student Life also makes available important information concerning:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The authority to establish and enforce regulations of Harding University is vested in the board of trustees. The responsibility to initiate, implement and supervise the disciplinary process for students is delegated to the president, who has designated the graduate and professional program deans to designate the person in each program to conduct the nonacademic disciplinary proceedings of the University. The program dean and his or her staff shall be responsible to the provost of Harding University for the disposal of all cases.
The faculty and staff of Harding University are delegated the authority to enforce the Harding University Code of Conduct in the classroom, in residence halls, on campus and when involved in other activities.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Each of our students is responsible for knowing all the policies and regulations contained within this document. Each also is expected to demonstrate respect for oneself and the rights and property of others, both within and outside the University community.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of morality, integrity, orderliness and personal honor. Harding University reserves the right to refuse admittance or dismiss any student whose lifestyle is inconsistent with the Christian principles that this University represents.
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