BUSTI/VASI Rules and Policies

VASI/BUSTI Rules and Policies 

Students are expected to abide by stated program regulations and follow the directives of their course instructors, administrators and counselors. These rules have been designed for students’ safety and well-being. These rules and regulations are strictly enforced. 

Students found in violation of program or Boston University rules and regulations will meet the consequences detailed below:

CLASS 1 POLICIES 

Class 1 Policies are no-tolerance policies with the highest level of consequence, should a student be found in violation. 

When in violation, a student will be dismissed from the program immediately and will have a maximum of 24 hours to vacate the dorm and make travel arrangements to return home. The student will be sent home at the parent/guardian’s expense. Tuition and fees will not be refunded.  Students dismissed from the program do not receive course credit. This is true even if the student is dismissed on the last day. 

  1. Students must not be in the possession of, nor use, illegal drugs, marijuana or alcoholic beverages at any time. This includes possessing or using tobacco products of any kind.  
  2. Students must not take another person’s property without that individual’s permission.
  3. There will be NO physical violence, threat of physical violence, or harassment of any kind.
    1. Student Conduct, Sexual Assult/Harrassment, and Tolerance of Others
      Boston University reserves the right to remove a student from the program if, in the determination of University staff, a student’s continued enrollment would create a significant risk to the health and safety of the student or others, or if the student refuses to cooperate with efforts deemed necessary by the University to evaluate the student’s conduct. Participants are prohibited from engaging in conduct, in or out of the residence facility, which poses a threat to the health or safety of persons or property or interferes with the rights or well- being of others.Participants shall not engage in any form of harassment, bullying, or hazing. Harassment consists of conduct of any type (including but not limited to cyber, written, verbal, graphic, or physical conduct) which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance, or which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning, residential, or working environment.Participants shall not engage in any form of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment includes sexual conduct, or conduct with sexual overtones, which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance or which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning, residential, or working environment. In addition, residents are prohibited from engaging in conduct (in or out of the residence facility) that violates program policies; any provision of the Code of Student Responsibilities; the Boston University Conditions of Use and Policy on Computing Ethics; the Residence License Agreement; any rule/regulation of the University; or any other applicable law.A fundamental goal of Boston University College of Fine Arts pre-college programs is to foster a community environment based upon mutual respect and openness. Therefore, any form of discrimination, including but not limited to discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status, constitutes unacceptable behavior.

      Respecting the rights of other students presupposes that in the close and diverse society of Boston University, student expression of opinion will be respectful of others and will be exercised in good taste and decency. Bigotry, hatred, and intolerance have no place in our community. In displaying or distributing expressions of opinion, students are expected to show respect for the aesthetic, social, moral, and religious feelings of others upon whom their views may be imposed. Students are entitled to expect that those with whom they interact will demonstrate tolerance for diversity and respect for privacy.

  4. Students must not possess or use of weapons or fireworks.
  5. There will be NO intentional destruction of property, including graffiti and forms of vandalism.
  6. There will be NO throwing of articles of any kind from the residence hall windows.

     

    CLASS 2 POLICIES 

    These are policies that we take very seriously and any infraction will result in the following chain of disciplinary action:

    • First infraction: written warning.
    • Second infraction: written warning to both student and parents/guardian. 
    • Third infraction: probation for the remaining duration of the program. Parents/guardians notified of probation status. 
    • Fourth infraction during probation: dismissal from the program. 

    Class 2 policies include:

    1.  Being absent for Curfew Check-In and/or leaving the dormitory floor after curfew.  Although you are able to visit the bathroom, shower, and common areas after curfew check-in, you must be in your room at the time of  Curfew Check-In.  Curfew varies by day and is defined by both Warren Towers and Summer Program Administrators.
    2. Failing to use the buddy system.
      1. Off-Campus Buddy SystemStudents are allowed to leave campus during their free time. However, students are not permitted to leave campus by themselves—they must be accompanied by at least one other student in the program, or by a program assistant. Before leaving campus, students must inform their program assistant of their destination and estimated time of return. Students must always be back in the dorm before curfew or the start of a mandatory activity.The city of Boston is very safe, but our program staff reserves the right to restrict students’ access to any part of Boston for security reasons or other concerns. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in removal from the program.Please note: students who live in the Boston area may not host other summer program  students at their home during their program. 
    3. Having an unauthorized visitor on campus. (Campus is defined as in or immediately surrounding Boston University Buildings).  An authorized visitor is one who has made arrangements with the program administrators prior to the start of the program. 
    4. Having an unexcused absence from class or planned program activity. NOTE: Being more than 30 minutes late to a scheduled class will be considered an unexcused absence.
      1. A student may have up to two excused absences. That excuse must be submitted to program faculty and administrators at least 24 hours in advance. In the case of a medical need, staff must be notified immediately, and the student will be required to go to Student Health Services, incurring a $25 visit fee. 
      2. Tardiness: All classes and scheduled program activities are mandatory for participants and tardiness will not be tolerated. Arriving to class 1-30 minutes after the scheduled start time will be considered tardy, and repeated tardiness will affect the student’s final grade in the program. A final grade of C or lower is typically not eligible for transfer credit at collegiate institutions.
        1. Traffic/public transportation is not an excuse for tardiness or absence.
        2. If you are late, a PA will call you. If you do not pick up, they are required to physically find you.

       

      LEAVE REQUESTS

      Should a student need to leave the program/campus with a parent or guardian for a special event a leave request may be submitted. 

      1. Leave Requests during class/event hours:  In order to receive full credit, students must plan to participate in all Summer Program activities. Requests to miss classes and/or events must be made in writing, and approved, one week before the program’s start date. While approved absences will not impact credit, please know that tuition cannot be refunded, nor credits allocated, for unapproved departure of the program. Note: Requests made to miss a mandatory class/activity once the program begins will not be considered.
      2. Leave Requests during free time hours:  Students are encouraged to use free time for on-campus recreation and rest.  However, if a guardian would like to request a student leave the program for a 24hr and under visit, the request must be submitted 48 hours in advance and no later than 5pm (ET).  In the request, guardians must outline, via email:
        1. Time and date of pick-up and drop-off
        2. Mode of transport (MBTA, rideshare, car, etc.)
        3. Length of visit and purpose
        4. Contact name and number while student is away

        The request must then be confirmed via a telephone call.  Program Heads reserve the right to deny requests that may interfere with program activities.  Please know that students may not enter the dorms past curfew, and no exceptions may be granted.