Effective Date: June 4, 2019
Last Reviewed: June 8, 2023
One of the basic student rights is the right to privacy. The right to be secured and protected against unreasonable inspections of student rooms and personal belongings is part of this right to privacy. Students are responsible for the contents of their room, car, locker, or person. Students may also be held responsible for shared common areas. Students need not be present or notified when an inspection is conducted.
Routine Entry & Inspection of Premises
The College reserves the right to enter all campus premises on a regular basis to examine the same or to make such repairs, additions, or alterations, as it deems necessary. In addition, the College reserves the right to enter the premises in order to take those precautions that might be found necessary to protect the health and safety of the occupants or other persons therein. Students must be advised that the College will take disciplinary action against any violators of College policy, even if the violation is observed as part of a routine operation.
Visual Inspection
When the College has reason to suspect that a violation of College policy is occurring, the College reserves the right to investigate the situation and confiscate evidence of such violations. In addition, the College may make a visual inspection of the student’s room, motor vehicle, and person. The possession or use of alcoholic beverages and containers, drug paraphernalia, suspicious odors, disruptive behavior, or behavior that may be of concern will generally be considered the basis for a visual inspection. As a follow-up to a visual inspection, the College may request permission from the student to inspect personal belongings such as closed lockers, refrigerators, closets, wardrobes, desks, bags, or boxes.
Thorough Inspection
When the College has reasonable suspicion that a serious violation of federal, state, and local laws or College policy is occurring, it may, with approval from the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee or a lawfully issued search warrant, thoroughly inspect a student’s person, room, motor vehicle, and belongings without their consent. Materials obtained will be confiscated and used in disciplinary procedures.
Federal, Commonwealth & Local Authority
It should be noted that federal, state, and local officials may exercise their legitimate authority in conducting search and seizure procedures without the consent of the College.