Student Handbook

2026-2027 University of North Alabama Student Handbook

ONLINE VERSION

INTRODUCTION

GENERAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Location: GUC 107
Phone: 256.765.4658 or 256.765.4469
Website: una.edu/events

The Guillot University Center (GUC) is the center of the university community. It is intended to provide a place where students can meet and relax. In addition to the GUC Food Court and the University Mailroom, the GUC also offers a variety of meeting places, both formal and informal, and houses numerous offices including: the Vice President for Student Affairs; Title IX; the Center for Student Engagement (Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Activities and Leadership Development, the Student Government Association, and the University Program Council); University Center Operations and Event Management; Aubrey and Annie Looney ROAR Access; Student Conduct; University Case Manager; UNA Dining (Chartwells); and the University Ombudsman. The GUC also houses the Lion’s Den Game Room. Any questions regarding use of the GUC should be forwarded to University Center Operations and Event Management.

University Center Policies

The Guillot University Center (GUC) is scheduled through the Department of GUC Operations and Event Management. A minimum of 48 business hours’ notice is required for booking space. Campus Reservation Forms can be accessed on the website.

Campus events (hosted by colleges, departments, and registered student organizations) that are scheduled during regular business hours incur no charges for setup, technical support, and staffing. However, events held outside or beyond these hours will be charged after-hours fees. Campus departments and organizations are not permitted to co-sponsor/front activities with outside groups just to have charges waived for those groups.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are permitted to be in the GUC. However, other pets and animals are not allowed inside unless special circumstances exist and permission is granted.

University Center Operations and Event Management reserves the right to move the location of any scheduled event for prudent reasons, including, but not limited to, safety, user priority, and appropriateness of space. The contact person for the event will be notified. The website contains the most current policies and procedures regarding:

GUC use;
Scheduling facilities in the GUC and costs;
Food guidelines;
Posting and advertising;
Co-sponsoring and “fronting”;
The Market Place vendor procedures, expectations, and costs;
Political candidates;
Outdoor campus decorations;
Weddings.

Location: GUC 1st Floor
Mailroom Window Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mailboxes: Mailboxes are accessible during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters while the GUC is open. Please Note: The GUC is closed on all observed holidays and during severe inclement weather following the UNA cancellation schedule.
Phone: 256.765.4282
Website: una.edu/mail-room

The University Mailroom operates independently of the U.S. Postal Service and is dedicated to meeting the communication needs of the campus community. Residential students receive a UNA mailbox. It is not designed to function as a full-service post office and is primarily used by residential students, departments, and employees for intercampus business. The University Mailroom is located in the Guillot University Center on the first floor. Mailboxes are accessible while the GUC is open. Please see the website for more information on the Mailroom.

Student Information

Only students who are campus housing residents may use the university mail service to receive personal mail and packages. If not living on campus, all personal mail should be addressed to the student’s home or apartment.
The University will not assume responsibility for money or other valuables distributed through the University Mailroom, nor does the University guarantee delivery.
Campus mail that cannot be delivered will be returned to the sender provided the sender's complete and valid address is shown. Mail that cannot be returned will be destroyed.
In accordance with postal regulations, packages may only be picked up by the person to whom the package is assigned. A UNA Mane Card must be presented to pick up a package.
STUDENT’S NAME on mail and packages MUST MATCH the name on the student’s UNA MANE CARD. This helps the Mailroom guarantee that packages are directed to the right individual, especially considering the sensitive nature of some deliveries.
DO NOT address items to a student’s residence hall or to a University apartment. The Mailroom is not responsible for items that are misrouted or delivered incorrectly because of incorrect or missing address information.
Below is an example of the correct formula to use when addressing mail to students. Use this address structure exactly, regardless of carrier:

STUDENT’S FULL NAME
UNA BOX # __ __ __ __
FLORENCE, AL 35632-0001

Location: Collier Library, 1st Floor
Phone: 256.765.4924
Email: manecard@una.edu
Website: una.edu/manecard

The Mane Card serves as the official UNA Campus ID and is now on your smart phone! The Mane Card Mobile ID can be used as a debit card, meal card, library card, and residence hall access card. The Mane Card Mobile ID is valid only for the person to whom it is issued and should be carried at all times when the student is on campus. It must be presented to any university official or duly constituted authority upon request. Refusal to identify oneself to a university authority upon request or any other misuse of the Mane Card Mobile ID (including its use by anyone other than the person to whom it is issued) constitutes grounds for serious disciplinary action against all parties involved.

Loss or theft of a Mane Card Mobile ID should be reported immediately to the Mane Card office, located in The Commons, or by visiting una.edu/manecard.

At the beginning of each semester, Mane Card Mobile IDs belonging to enrolled students automatically become active. They have different authorized activities (i.e., door access, meal plans, etc.) dependent upon the student’s registration status.

Please follow these steps to get your Mane Card Mobile ID:

Set up DUO on your personal device: edu/its/duo
Download the Transact eAccounts app: eacct-una-sp.transactcampus.com/eAccounts
Submit your photo and picture of your government issued photo ID in eAccounts
After you receive your photo approval in your UNA email account, download your Mane Card Mobile ID by pulling up eAccounts on your phone and clicking on “Add to Apple Wallet” or “Add to Google Wallet”

For more information on how to get your Mobile ID, please visit una.edu/manecard/mobileid. If you do not have a compatible mobile device, no worries! Simply contact the Mane Card Office at 256-765-4924 or manecard@una.edu. Our hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.

STUDENT LIFE

Location: Guillot University Center, 1st Floor, Suite 163
Phone: 256.765.4248
Email: studentengagement@una.edu
Website: una.edu/students

The Center for Student Engagement houses the areas of Fraternity and Sorority Life, GUC Operations and Event Management, and Student Activities and Leadership Development. The Center supports a wide variety of student-led programs designed to provide opportunities for students to become involved on campus. This includes opportunities for students to serve in leadership roles where they may obtain a variety of transferable skills such as conflict management, teamwork, personal responsibility, sharpened communication, and more. These programs should facilitate personal growth, increase self-awareness, and enhance the perceived value of their experience at UNA. Center for Student Engagement programs include student organization registration and support, student government, student events and activities (University Program Council, Student Allocation Funding, Homecoming, Miss UNA Program, Step Sing, Mane Month), community service and outreach, and other development opportunities. The purpose of the Center for Student Engagement is to develop leaders and inspire success by supporting co-curricular student experiences.

Mane Month

Student Engagement collaborates with offices and departments across campus to create a master calendar of events and activities for the first full month of the fall semester known as Mane Month. Almost every day is packed with multiple opportunities to get students involved on campus. For information visit una.edu/manemonth.

University Program Council

The mission of the University Program Council (UPC) is to provide student-led programming that supports a vibrant campus experience, values traditions, and creates opportunities for all student populations at UNA. The council consists of 12 paid student workers that are passionate about their campus and providing their peers with a great UNA experience through programs and events. UPC programs include events such as Bingo Bango, silent discos, tailgates, Homecoming activities, Step Sing, Spring Concert, cultural and service events, and more. The Center for Student Engagement provides supervision and administrative support to the University Program Council. Information about UPC events and how to join UPC may be found at una.edu/upc and through Campus Groups.

Student Allocation Funding

Registered student organization leaders also have the opportunity to plan events for campus. They may apply for Student Allocation funding each semester to cover the costs of events, so long as they are open to all students and the organization is in good standing with Student Engagement. The Student Allocation Budget Oversight Committee consists of members of Student Government Association and faculty and is advised and supported administratively by Student Activities and Leadership Development staff. More information about student allocation funding is located here.

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)

Student organizations play an important role at the University of North Alabama. Registered Student Organizations provide unique learning experiences outside of the classroom and create opportunities for students’ personal and professional development. UNA also recognizes the positive impact that student organizations can have on recruitment and retention of students.

All student organizations must register with the Center for Student Engagement through Campus Groups in order to be recognized on campus, have access to student allocation funding, and utilize other campus resources. The registration protocol enables the university to maintain communication with student leaders, promote organizations and their activities to other students, and to provide several specialized services for student organizations.

Any university student organization that is recognized by the university is subject to the policies and procedures as outlined in the UNA Student Handbook and in the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Handbook.

Community Service

Large-scale community service projects such as the National Volunteer Week and Lions Lend a Hand provide opportunities for students across campus to participate in serving the local community together. These events allow students to jump-start each semester by volunteering and building relationships with others.

Aside from organized events and programs, there are always opportunities for students to connect with community organizations for volunteer purposes on their own time. The Center for Student Engagement focuses on connecting students with meaningful and intentional service experiences and opportunities.

Keller Key

The Keller Key award was established as a memorial to the late President James Albert and Mrs. Mariglen Keller. A Keller Key is presented at each commencement to the honor graduate(s) who, on the basis of having earned all credits for the bachelor’s degree at this university, has made the highest grade point average. The recipient(s) of the Keller Key will be identified by the Registrar’s Office in accordance with established guidelines. For this purpose, all academic work ever attempted at UNA will be included in the calculation of the GPA. A student may receive the award only once even though more than one degree may be earned.

Turris Fidelis Award

The Turris Fidelis Key – awarded on the basis of outstanding service to the university, as well as superior scholastic achievement – may be awarded to no more than two graduating seniors at the fall and spring commencement ceremonies. The Turris Fidelis Key is the highest honor that can be conferred upon a graduating senior. A joint committee of faculty and students selects recipients. Summer graduates are considered candidates for the award during the subsequent fall commencement ceremony.

Distinguished Academic Achievement Award

The Distinguished Academic Achievement Award is presented to the UNA graduate with the highest-grade point average who has completed at least 32 semester hours at UNA and is not eligible for the Keller Key Award. The grade point average is based on all work attempted. This award is presented annually at the University Awards Gala.

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame recognition at UNA is awarded annually to no more than four senior students who have demonstrated leadership in campus activities and outstanding service to the University, and have maintained a minimum 2.75 GPA. This recognition is sponsored by the Student Government Association.

Undergraduate Service Awards

The Student Government Association recognizes no more than four students of freshman, sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior standing who have maintained excellence in scholarship with at least a 2.5 GPA and have made outstanding contributions to the University through campus activities.

University Man and Woman

The Student Government Association recognizes one senior male and one senior female who have maintained academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have made outstanding contributions to the University through non-academic functions.

ROTC Awards

The Department of Military Science makes numerous awards to outstanding military science students. Among these are the Outstanding Basic Cadet and Outstanding MS III and MS IV awards, and the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award. The staff, in cooperation with the Second US Army ROTC Region, also selects Distinguished Military Graduates to be commissioned Second Lieutenants in the Regular Army.

Willingham Award

The Henry J. Willingham Award is conferred upon one teacher candidate majoring in early childhood or elementary education and one teacher candidate majoring in secondary education for exemplifying the professional spirit and personal qualifications required for leadership in the teaching profession and for high academic achievement in the institution’s program of teacher education. The presentation is made at the annual University Awards Gala during the spring semester. This award is in memory of the late Dr. Henry J. Willingham, who served as president of the college from 1913 to 1938.

Phi Kappa Phi Awards

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi invites juniors, seniors, and graduate students into its membership once a year with an April initiation ceremony. To be eligible for membership, Juniors must have completed at least 24 semester hours at UNA, have completed at least 72 hours overall, and rank in the upper 7.5% of their class.

Seniors must have completed 24 semester hours at UNA, at least 96 semester hours overall, and rank in the upper 10% of their class. Graduate students must have completed 18 hours of graduate work at UNA and rank in the upper 10% of their class.

Phi Kappa Phi also sponsors a competition and awards two sophomore book scholarships, sponsors a “Student Scholars Forum,” and accepts research papers for judging in the following categories: undergraduate individual research, undergraduate collaborative research, graduate individual research, and graduate collaborative research.

University of North Alabama Lion’s Cup

The Lion’s Cup was created in 2003 to recognize one outstanding student organization. It remains in the Center for Student Engagement until it is presented to the president of the selected organization each spring at the University Awards Gala. To be considered the organization’s goals and achievements must strengthen the campus community and should include collaborating with other organizations, participating in university-sponsored trainings, and promoting university-sponsored initiatives. A committee selected by the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development evaluates the organizations that apply.

RSO's receive points toward the award each year based of the following criteria:

Attending required RSO Leadership and Budget Training (+3 per person, max 5 people)
Submitting the re-registration form in the Fall semester on-time (+5)
Updating required RSO Officers within the Campus Groups page following an election or selection of officers (+5)
Participate in RSO Leadesrship development opportunites sponsored by SALT (+1 per person, max 5 people)
Be approved through the RSO allocation process for a campus event or travel (+1, max 5)
Remaining in good standing with UNA (+5)
Be named RSO of the Month during the Academic Year (+5, max 1)
Participate in UNA’s Hazing Prevention Week Events (+3, max 3 events)
Participate/sponsor one campus-wide community service program (+3, max 2)
Activtely participate in and support campus events (i.e. The Big Deal, Mane Month, Lion Lend a Hand, Homecoming Spirit Challenge, Homecoming Court nominations, Step Sing, Intramurals, and more) (+2, max 5 events)

Dr. Kimberly Greenway Outstanding Service Award

The Dr. Kimberly Greenway Outstanding Service Award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has made significant contributions to students. The award was renamed after Dr. Greenway in honor of how she empowered, encouraged, guided, and educated countless students to reach the full potential of their intellectual and personal growth. Individuals are nominated by student organizations and the winner is selected by a student committee.

Outstanding Service Award, Individual

The Outstanding Service for an Individual Award is presented to a student who has contributed their time to bettering the UNA and surrounding communities. The recipient is selected not only for the number of volunteer hours they have completed but also for the quality of the service they have provided to the community. Individuals who would like to be considered for the award may submit an application with their outlined volunteer efforts and photos or other documents supporting their volunteer work. The recipient is selected by a panel of faculty and staff members.

Outstanding Service Award, Group/RSO

The Outstanding Volunteerism Award for a Group/Registered Student Organization (RSO) is presented to a student organization who has contributed their time to bettering the UNA and surrounding communities. The recipient is selected based on the quality of the service they have provided to the community. Groups/RSOs that would like to be considered for the award may submit an application with their outlined volunteer efforts and photos or other documents supporting their volunteer work. The recipient is selected by a panel of faculty and staff members.

LIVING ON CAMPUS

Staff

Housing & Residence Life has over 75 professional, graduate and undergraduate student staff to serve the 2,000+ students living in on-campus residence halls and apartments. To learn more about our dedicated staff, please click on one of the links below:

Professional Staff

Our professional staff provide leadership and support for the department in various specialized areas. This includes our Executive Director, Associate Director, Assistant Director of Housing Facilites, Assistant Director of Conduct and Development, Assistant Director of Residential Experiences, Occupancy & Operations Coordinator, Executive Assistant, and Area Coordinators.

Area Coordinators

Our Area Coordinators (ACs) are Master's level professional staff with significant experience in residence life. Area Coordinators supervise graduate assistants and oversee the resident advisor (RA) staff. They are responsible for community development and the operations within each residence hall.

Graduate Assistant

Our Graduate Assistants (GAs) are full-time graduate students that work part-time with Housing & Residence Life in the areas of residential education, supervision, program development, and leadership.

Resident Advisors

Our Resident Advisors are full-time undergraduate students that serve as educators, community builders and mentors to the students on their floors.

Environmental Specialists

Our Environmental Specialists are full-time support staff that oversee the cleanliness and safety sanitation of common areas throughout the residence halls. They are an instrumental part of our residential communities.

Residential Opportunities

Our residential areas contain thriving communities that engage students and contribute to their overall learning experience. Part of our mission is to enable students to foster their personal development and academic success. Living on campus directly exposes students to multiple leadership opportunities and ways to become involved.

We have a multitude of residential options available to students including community-style, suite-style, and hotel style residence halls in addition to eight nearby apartment complexes for upperclassmen students.

Policies and Community Living Standards

In addition to the University Student Conduct Policies (found here), Housing & Residence Life has residential policies that all students and guests are expected to abide by. These policies apply to university apartments and residence halls. Please review the Guide to Campus Living for additional information.

STUDENT CONDUCT

Location: Guillot University Center, Suite 202
Phone: 256.765.5012
Email: studentconduct@una.edu
Website: una.edu/student-conduct

University of North Alabama Code of Student Conduct

STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Students at the University of North Alabama are responsible for knowing and staying knowledgeable of the Code of Student Conduct and its processes.

Confidentiality of records connected to the Code of Student Conduct and the conduct process is required through the Family Educational Records Privacy Act (FERPA). Waivers of FERPA can be found at:
https://www.una.edu/policies/ferpa-notification-family-educational-and-right-to-privacy-act.html

PURPOSE AND GOALS

The University of North Alabama is committed to providing a community that fosters and nurtures individual growth while promoting integrity, community, social justice, respect, and responsibility. By promoting these foundational aspects of maturity and growth, the Code of Student Conduct seeks to provide guidance for student behavior that aligns with the mission and values of the University of North Alabama. Behavior that fails to align with the mission and values of the University of North Alabama will be addressed through a respectful, fair, and educational student conduct process.

The goals of the Code of Student Conduct and its process are:

Provide an environment that promotes the educational mission of the University of North Alabama.
Provide an environment that promotes the safety and health of the University of North Alabama students.
Educate students on appropriate practice of respecting all members of the University of North Alabama community.
Support a high ethical standard of individual and student organizational behavior.
Allow the University of North Alabama community to hold each other accountable.
Build a culture where students and student organizations take responsibility for actions that do not align with the mission and values of the University of North Alabama.

University of North Alabama Code of Student Conduct

JURISDICTION

The Code of Student Conduct and the student conduct process applies to the conduct of students and University of North Alabama affiliated student organizations. For the purposes of student conduct, the University of North Alabama considers an individual to be a student when an offer of admission has been extended and thereafter as long as the student has a continuing educational interest in the University.

The University of North Alabama retains conduct jurisdiction over students who choose to take a leave of absence, withdraw, or have graduated for any misconduct that occurred prior to the leave, withdrawal or graduation. If sanctioned, a hold may be placed on the student’s ability to re-enroll and/or obtain official transcripts and/or graduate. All sanctions must be satisfied prior to re-enrollment eligibility.

The Code of Student Conduct applies to behaviors that take place on the campus, at UNA-sponsored events and may also apply off-campus when the Director of Student Conduct or designee determines that the off-campus conduct may present a danger or threat to the health or safety of him/herself or others; and/or impinges upon the rights, property or achievements of self or others or significantly breaches the peace and/or causes social disorder; and/or is detrimental to the educational mission and/or interests of the University;

The Code of Student Conduct may be applied to behavior conducted online, via email or another electronic medium. Students should also be aware that online postings such as blogs, web postings, chats and social networking sites are in the public sphere and are not private. These postings can subject a student to allegations of conduct violations if evidence of policy violations is posted online. The University does not regularly search for this information but may act if and when such information is brought to the attention of UNA officials.

The Code of Student Conduct applies to guests of students. Student hosts may be held accountable for the misconduct of their guests.

University of North Alabama Code of Student Conduct

VIOLATIONS

Although not all inclusive, some aspects of misconduct deemed unacceptable and subject to disciplinary action are as follows:

Academic Dishonesty. Acts of academic dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, and/or misrepresentation will be addressed as outlined in the Academic Honesty Policy;
Alcohol. Unlawful use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages.
Assisting or Cooperating. Action or inaction with another or others to violate the Code of Student Conduct; Complicity with or failure of any student or organized group to appropriately address known or obvious violations of the Code of Student Conduct or law;
Discrimination. Any act or failure to act which denies, deprives or limits the educational, employment, residential and/or social access, benefits and/or opportunities of any member of the campus community, guest or visitor that is based upon an individual or group's actual or perceived status (race, color, sex, pregnancy status, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law). See the UNA Policy on Nondiscrimination.
Discriminatory and Bias-Related Harassment. Any unwelcome conduct based on actual or perceived status including: [race, color, sex, pregnancy status, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law]. Any unwelcome conduct should be reported to campus officials, who will act to remedy and resolve reported incidents on behalf of the reporting party and community. See the UNA Policy on Discriminatory Harassment at https://www.una.edu/titleix/policies-and-procedures.html
Disorderly Conduct/Disruption. Substantial disruption of UNA operations including obstruction of teaching, research, administration, other UNA activities, and/or other authorized non-UNA activities which occur on campus; Causing, inciting, or participating in any disturbance that presents a clear and present danger to self or others, causes physical harm to others, or damage and/or destruction of property
Drugs. Unlawful use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs and other controlled substances or drug paraphernalia
Failure to Comply. Abuse or interference with, or failure to comply in, UNA processes including conduct and academic integrity hearings; Attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the campus conduct system; Failure to follow reasonable directions of UNA officials or law enforcement during the performance of their duties.
Fire Safety. Violation of local, state, federal or campus fire policies.
Fraud. Knowingly furnishing, presenting, or possessing false, falsified or forged materials, documents, accounts, records, identification or financial instruments in order to gain something of value or preferential treatment.
Gambling. Gambling as prohibited by the laws of the State of Alabama. (Gambling may include lotteries, sports pools and online betting activities);
Harassment: Unwelcome conduct that is so severe, pervasive, or persistent and objectively offensive, and that so undermines and detracts from the person’s educational experience, that it denies or limits a person’s equal access to an institution’s resources, activities, and opportunities.
Harm to Persons. Intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm or endangering the health or safety of any person.
Hazing. An intentional or reckless act that degrades and/or endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. Participation or cooperation by the person(s) being hazed does not excuse the violation. Failing to intervene to prevent, and/or failing to discourage, and/or failing to report those acts may also violate this policy.
Hostile Environment. Sanctions can and will be imposed for the creation of a hostile environment only when discriminatory and bias-related harassment is sufficiently severe, pervasive (or persistent), and objectively offensive such that it unreasonably interferes with, limits or denies the ability to participate in or benefit from the University’s educational or employment, social and/or residential program or activities. [2]
IT and Acceptable Use. Violating the University Acceptable Use and Computing Policy, found online at: https://www.una.edu/its/una-it-policy.html
Ordinances and Laws. Evidence of violation of local, state or federal laws, when substantiated through the University’s conduct process.
Other Policies. Violating other published UNA policies or rules
Retaliatory Discrimination. Any intentional, adverse action taken by a responding individual or allied third party, absent legitimate nondiscriminatory purposes, against a participant or supporter of a participant in a civil rights grievance proceeding or other protected activity under this Code.
Sexual Misconduct. Refer to the sexual misconduct policy found at https://www.una.edu/titleix/policies-and-procedures.html.
Theft. The unauthorized taking or maintaining possession of anything of value belonging to another entity.
Threatening Behaviors. Implied threats or written or verbal conduct that causes a reasonable expectation of injury to the health or safety of any person or damage to any property.
Traffic/Parking Policy. Violation of traffic and parking rules and regulations.
Trespassing. Unauthorized access to any UNA building (i.e. keys, cards, etc.) or unauthorized possession, duplication or use of means of access to any University building or failing to timely report a lost UNA identification card or key; Misuse of access privileges to UNA premises or unauthorized entry to or use of buildings.
Vandalism. Intentional, reckless and/or unauthorized damage to or destruction of UNA property or the personal property of another;
Weapons. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on University premises or use of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens or causes fear to others, including the storage of any item that falls within the category of a weapon in a vehicle parked on UNA property (for more information, see Weapons Statement at https://www.una.edu/student-conduct/policies/weapons-statement.html);
1. Subject, of course, to statutorily conveyed rights to carry/possess weapons on campus and/or in locked vehicles on campus.
2. This policy attempts to balance the need of the community to create a civil climate while also embracing the 1st Amendment protection that attaches to most harassing speech that is simply offensive.

University of North Alabama Code of Student Conduct

CONDUCT SANCTIONS

One or more of following sanctions may be imposed upon any student or student organization for any single violation of the Code of Student Conduct:

Warning: An official written notice that the student has violated UNA policies and/or rules and that more severe conduct action will result should the student be involved in other violations while the student is enrolled at the University.

Restitution: Compensation for damage caused to the University or any person’s property. This could also include situations such as failure to return a reserved space to proper condition – labor costs and expenses. This is not a fine but, rather, a repayment for labor costs and/or the value of property destroyed, damaged, consumed, or stolen.

Fines: Reasonable fines may be imposed.

Community/UNA Service Requirements: For a student or organization to complete a specific supervised UNA service.

Loss of Privileges: The student will be denied specified privileges for a designated period of time.

Confiscation of Prohibited Property: Items whose presence is in violation of UNA policy will be confiscated and will become the property of the University. Prohibited items may be returned to the owner at the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct and/or Campus Police.

Behavioral Requirement: This includes required activities including, but not limited to, seeking counseling or substance abuse screening, writing a letter of apology, etc.

Educational Program: Requirement to attend, present and/or participate in a program related to the violation. It may also be a requirement to sponsor or assist with a program for others on campus to aid them in learning about a specific topic or issue related to the violation for which the student or organization was found responsible. Audience may be restricted.

Restriction of Visitation Privileges: May be imposed on a resident or non-resident student. The parameters of the restriction will be specified.

UNA Housing Probation: Official notice that, should further violations of Housing & Residence Life or UNA policies occur during a specified probationary period, the student may immediately be removed from UNA housing. Regular probationary meetings may also be imposed.

UNA Housing Reassignment: Reassignment to another UNA housing facility. UNA HRL personnel will decide on the reassignment details.

UNA Housing Suspension: Removal from UNA housing for a specified period of time after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for re-admission to UNA housing may be specified. Under this sanction, a student is required to vacate UNA housing within 24 hours of notification of the action, though this deadline may be extended upon application to, and at the discretion of, UNA HRL personnel. This sanction may be enforced with a trespass action if deemed necessary. Prior to reapplication for UNA housing, the student must request a Housing Readmission Review with the Department of Housing & Residence Life to determine whether or not the student may return to University Housing, if so, whether any restrictions apply.

UNA Housing Expulsion: The student’s privilege to live in, or visit, any UNA housing structure is revoked indefinitely. This sanction may be enforced with a trespass action if deemed necessary.

UNA Probation: The student is put on official notice that, should further violations of UNA policies occur during a specified probationary period, the student may face suspension or expulsion. Regular probationary meetings may also be imposed.

Eligibility Restriction: The student is deemed “not in good standing” with the University for a specified period of time. Specific limitations or exceptions may be granted by the Director of Student Conduct or his/her designee and terms of this conduct sanction may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ineligibility to hold any office in any student organization recognized by the University or hold an elected or appointed office at the University; or
Ineligibility to represent the University to anyone outside the University community in any way including: participating in the study abroad program, attending conferences, or representing the University at an official function, event or intercollegiate competition as a player, manager or student coach, etc.

UNA Suspension: Separation from the University for a specified minimum period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Eligibility may be contingent upon satisfaction of specific conditions noted at the time of suspension. The student is required to vacate the campus within 24 hours of notification of the action, though this deadline may be extended upon application to, and at the discretion of, the Director of Student Conduct or his/her designee. During the suspension period, the student is banned from university property, functions, events and activities without prior written approval from the Director of Student Conduct or his/her designee. This sanction may be enforced with a trespass action as necessary.

UNA Expulsion: Permanent separation from the University. The student is banned from university property and the student’s presence at any UNA-sponsored activity or event is prohibited. This action may be enforced with a trespass action as necessary.

Other Sanctions: Additional or alternate sanctions may be created and designed as deemed appropriate to the offense with the approval of the Director of Student Conduct or designee.

Student Organization Sanction: Deactivation, de-recognition, loss of all privileges (including status as a UNA registered group/organization), for a specified period of time.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND PROTOCOLS

Advertising on the University of North Alabama (UNA) campus is restricted to UNA departments and registered student organizations in good standing. Publicity and promotional methods to advertise events, campaigns, or educational information are prohibited from promoting alcohol and/or the sale of alcoholic beverages. Advertising cannot promote illegal drugs, incite violence, nudity, contain sexually explicit material or profanity. Non-compliant materials will be removed. Individuals, organizations, or departments will be held responsible for all damages resulting from unauthorized advertising and/or failure to adhere to outlined procedures, including associated financial costs. For questions about these procedures, contact GUC Operations and Event Management (GUC 107) at 256-765-4658.

A-Frame

To place A-Frame signs outdoors on campus, individuals must obtain approval from GUC Operations and Event Management. Submit an A-Frame Permission Form at least five (5) business days before the intended setup date.

Digital Signage

The Guillot University Center (GUC) utilizes LED screens in the atrium and TV screens outside the Center for Student Engagement to promote events sponsored by UNA, a university department, or a registered student organization (RSO) in good standing. External ads or paid ads for businesses will not be approved. Moreover, we reserve the right to remove or deny advertisements containing subject matter considered to be offensive or in poor taste.

Submissions will be reviewed by GUC Operations and Event Management and approved or rejected for posting. Email correspondence will be sent to confirm if the post has been accepted or rejected. The post will not appear without the confirmation email.
Posts appear best with succinct, efficient information visible at a glance from a distance. Please carefully proofread the digital signage prior to submission.
GUC Operations and Event Management reserves the right to deny posts that are not compliant with the regulations stated above, as well as those which include typos and/or errors.

How to Submit

Please upload your file (JPG, JPEG, or PNG) using the GUC LED Screen Request.
Files must be submitted at least five (5) business days prior to the event.
All submissions must have the name of the RSO or department clearly visible as well as a point of contact listed.

File Size and Format Requirements

All digital signage submissions must meet the specifications below:

Landscape orientation
1920 x 1080 (16:9) Aspect Ratio
JPG, JPEG, or PNG format

Notices, Posters, and Flyers

Notices, posters, and flyers may not be taped to, adhered to, or otherwise displayed on glass doors or on walls of campus buildings. The placement of flyers is restricted to public bulletin boards and is limited to one flyer per bulletin board. We reserve the right to remove advertisements containing subject matter considered to be offensive or in poor taste. Publicity materials with adhesive or gummed surfaces are prohibited in all locations. Any damage to University property resulting from improper postings may result in monetary charges.

In many buildings, bulletin boards may be assigned to administrative offices or academic departments. Permission from the designated office is required before posting notices on their respective bulletin boards. Contact information for building coordinators may be found here.

Regulations

Flyers may be no larger than 11 x 17 inches.
Flyers are prohibited on windows, walls, doors, or any painted surface.
Flyers must be removed no later than two (2) business days after the event is complete.

Sidewalk Chalk

The use of sidewalk chalk is strictly prohibited on campus.

Window Painting

Window painting is permitted exclusively for designated University-wide events such as Homecoming. Window Painting is confined to the Guillot University Center building. Prior authorization from the Office of GUC Operations and Event Management is required with a request for approval period of at least five (5) business days.

Yard Signs and Banners

For outdoor display of banners or yard signs, individuals or organizations must obtain approval from two entities:

GUC Operations and Event Management, located in GUC 107 and reachable at 256-765-4658, and
UNA Facilities Administration and Planning, by submitting a work order.

It is crucial not to stake banners into the campus grounds without assistance from the UNA Facilities Administration and Planning team, as this may result in damage to gas pipes, water pipes, sprinkler lines, and more. A request for approval must be submitted at least five (5) business days before installing outdoor yard signs and banners. Additionally, all items must be removed within two (2) business days following the conclusion of the event.

The University of North Alabama (UNA or the University) recognizes and supports the rights of members of the campus community to engage in expressive activities in a manner consistent with local, state and federal law. The purpose of this policy is to promote the free exchange of ideas and the safe and efficient operation of the University. The primary function of the University is the discovery, improvement and dissemination of knowledge by means of research, teaching, discussion and debate. It is not the role of the University to shield individuals from speech protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, including ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or offensive. The University protects intellectual freedom and free expression. In balancing the rights of students, faculty, staff and visitors to speak on campus with the University’s need to preserve and protect its campus community, expressive activities may be subject to reasonable regulation with regard to time, place and manner, whether inside buildings or outside on campus ground.

Within this policy “expressive activities” include:

Meetings and other group activities of registered UNA student organizations;
Speeches, performances, demonstrations, rallies, vigils and other similar events by members of the campus community, which is defined as students, administrators, faculty, and staff, and the invited guests of the University and the University’s student organizations, administrators, faculty, and staff;
Distribution of literature by members of the campus community, such as leaflets and pamphlets;
Students, administrators, faculty, and staff taking positions on public controversies; and
Any other expression protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Article I Section 4 of the Alabama Constitution.

The University supports free association and will not deny a student organization any benefit or privilege available to any other student organization or otherwise discriminate against an organization, based on the expression of the organization, including any requirement of the organization that the leaders or members of the organization affirm and adhere to an organization’s sincerely held beliefs or statement of principles, comply with the organization’s standard of conduct, or further the organization’s mission or purpose, as defined by the student organization.

The University will strive to remain neutral, as an institution, on the public policy controversies of the day, except as far as administrative decisions on the issues that are essential to the day-to-day functioning of the University, and will not require students, faculty, or staff to publicly express a given view of a public controversy.

The University campus is open to any speaker invited by registered student organizations or faculty. The University will not charge fees based on the protected activity of the member of the campus community or student organization, or the content of the invited guest’s speech, or the anticipated reaction or opposition of listeners.

The University will maintain and enforce constitutional time, place and manner restrictions for outdoor areas of campus only when they are narrowly tailored to serve a significant institutional interest and when the restrictions employ clear, published, content-neutral and viewpoint-neutral criteria, and provide for ample alternative means of expression. All restrictions shall allow for members of the University community to spontaneously and contemporaneously assemble, speak and distribute literature. The University provides forums for the expression of ideas and opinions, and outdoor areas are deemed to be a forum for members of the campus community. The University does not create free speech zones or other designated outdoor areas of the campus in order to limit or prohibit protected expressive activities by members of the campus community.

Persons other than members of the campus community may engage in expressive activity in designated campus areas, so long as their expressive activity is otherwise lawful, compliant with University policies and procedures, and does not disrupt the functioning of the University or interfere with the expressive activity of another person or group. Contact UNA Police for locations designated for expressive activity by persons other than members of the campus community.

GUIDELINES

The University strongly encourages that all activities be registered with the appropriate office and the desired location be reserved in advance to determine if the space is available and to allow time to make adequate University arrangements. For more information regarding space availability, contact the Office of University Center Operations and Event Management located in the Guillot University Center, room 107, (256)-765-4658.
If literature is distributed, the party distributing the literature is responsible for cleaning up any discarded literature and restoring the campus to its previous condition.
Use of campus land is on a temporary basis.
Time, Place and Manner Restrictions: Expression by members of the campus community may be limited or restricted with respect to time, place or manner only as provided for in this policy or other related statements of policy. For outdoor areas of campus, such limitations shall be narrowly tailored to serve a significant institutional interest (such as avoiding disruption to the function or security of the University; prohibiting conduct that materially and substantially disrupts another person’s or group’s expressive activity; prohibiting unlawful harassment; avoiding the scheduling of two events at the same time in the same facility; prohibiting the blocking or use of threats to prevent any person from attending, listening to, viewing or otherwise participating in expressive activity; prohibiting conduct that prevents individuals from transacting business or lawful meeting, gathering or procession; etc.) and to assure compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws.
No person may engage in conduct that materially and substantially disrupts the protected expressive activity or infringes on the rights of members of the campus community to engage in or listen to a protected expressive activity that is occurring in a location that has been reserved for that protected expressive activity.
All time, place and manner restrictions must be both reasonable and content-neutral, the latter term meaning that they shall be applied without regard to the content of the expression or the purpose of the assembly. Limitations may include requiring scheduling and planning with the appropriate office, restricting or prohibiting the use of certain areas (i.e., ingress and egress areas, instructional classrooms and areas, laboratories, etc.), limiting amplification within a certain distance of academic buildings when classes or other academic activities are being conducted, and reimbursing the institution for any costs and damages associated with the use of a facility, area or medium.

Nothing in this policy is intended, nor should it be understood, as an endorsement or approval by the University of any speech or demonstration on campus. Given the wide range of expression that occurs at higher education institutions, the use of any institutionally-controlled facility, area or medium for any expression shall not constitute or suggest endorsement by the Board, the University, its administration, staff, faculty, student body or any individual member of these constituencies.

Individuals and groups utilizing University property shall assume full responsibility for any violation of law they commit while on University property.

REVIEW

The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the review of this operating policy every four years or as needed.

Approved by Shared Governance Executive Committee, January 21, 2025

Approved by the Board of Trustees, March 14, 2025

This policy will be interpreted and enforced consistent with Ala. Code 1975 § 16-68-1 through 8

The University of North Alabama is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable and educationally productive learning environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. The University of North Alabama recognizes that smoking any substance presents a public health hazard. As such, it shall be the policy of the University of North Alabama that smoking shall be prohibited on all university owned and operated property both indoors and outdoors.

“Smoking,” as used in this policy, refers to inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated smoking product and to the use of any such other electronic or other device that is used as an alternative to traditional tobacco products and that produces a smoke or vapor when in use. “Smoking products” include, but are not limited to, all cigarette products (cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, e-cigarettes, etc.) and all smoke-producing products (cigars, pipes, hookahs, vaporizers, etc.). “University-owned and operated property” includes, but is not limited to: all outdoor common and educational areas; all university buildings; university-owned/operated housing facilities; campus sidewalks; recreational areas; outdoor stadiums; and university-owned and leased vehicles (regardless of location). Littering campus with the remains of smoking products is also prohibited.

This policy applies to all employees, students, visitors, contractors, and externally affiliated individuals or companies renting university-owned space on university- owned and operated property campus grounds.

Education will be the preferred enforcement method to ensure individuals adhere to the new policy. Individuals that violate this policy will be provided educational information on the new policy and offered a referral for smoking cessation. However, disciplinary action may also be used for repeat violations as indicated below.

Students will be referred to the student conduct office. Violation of this policy is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
Employees will be referred to their supervisor and/or appointing authority for appropriate action.
Contractors will be referred to their respective employers for appropriate action.
Visitors may be required to leave the campus if they fail to conform to the policy when advised.

Additional Resources and Support

The University recognizes that quitting smoking can be a significant personal challenge. As such, the University will provide ongoing information, education, and support to faculty, staff, and students on a variety of wellness initiatives including cessation aids and programs.

[Approved by the Board of Trustees on June 6, 2017]

Website: una.edu/studentaffairs/policies/student-complaint-policy.html

UNA is committed to reviewing and responding to student complaints appropriately. A complaint is an expression of discontent based on the result of behavior or circumstances that the student believes are unjust, unsafe, inequitable, or create an unnecessary hardship.

This Complaint Procedure applies to student complaints that are not addressed in other University procedures which have established processes for resolution, such as Final Grade Appeal, Academic Dishonestly Appeal, Dismissal from Academic Programs, Student Conduct, or Title IX, unless the complaint is based on discrimination or other forms of inequity, or failure to follow established procedures.

If a complaint does not fall within established procedures, a student may submit a complaint via the following procedures:

Informal Complaint Resolution Process
Prior to initiating the formal complaint process, a student complainant should first request to meet with the individual(s) with whom they have a concern. The informal complaint procedure is intended to encourage communication between the parties involved in order to facilitate a mutual understanding of different perspectives regarding the complaint.

There are times when it is not possible to initially address the individual(s) of concern directly. At that point, the student should consider meeting with the Department Chair, Supervisor, or Dean as the first step. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached with the individual(s) involved, the student complainant may then request a meeting with the Department Chair, Supervisor, or Dean who shall assist in finding a resolution.

At any point during the informal process, a student may seek resolution with the University Ombudsman.
Formal Complaint Resolution Process
If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached informally, a student complainant may initiate the formal complaint procedures by submitting the Student Complaint Form (online, via email, mail, or hand-delivered) to the appropriate Vice President’s Office: the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, or the Vice President for Business and Finance, depending on the area of concern. All formal complaints must be in writing and must be signed by the student. Electronic or digital signatures clearly attributable to the student (i.e., the student’s name in an email message received from his or her UNA email account) are acceptable.

Upon receipt of a formal complaint, the Vice President to whom the complaint was submitted will 1) respond to acknowledge receipt of the complaint and to inform the complainant on the next steps, 2) forward the matter to the proper University office for a response, or 3) initiate an investigation as outlined in the following paragraph.

If the complaint can be resolved with a direct response from the appropriate Vice President or by another administrative office, the complaining party will receive a written response within 10 business days of the receipt of the written complaint. If the Vice President feels an investigation is warranted, the complaining party will be informed of the initiation of an investigation, the name of the investigating party, and of the date they should receive a report of its outcome. The investigation should be carried out by the senior administrator of the office/department from which the complaint arose, unless that individual is named in the complaint, and should conclude within 30 business days of the formal complaint, unless extenuating circumstances occur. Once the investigation has been completed, it is the responsibility of the office/department investigating the complaint to recommend resolution to the appropriate Vice President’s office, who will determine the resolution.

Following the investigation process and resolution determination outlined above, the Vice President who supervises the area or individual(s) involved in the complaint will provide a written response to the student complainant that will address the appropriate action(s) taken by the University. Once this response has been sent to the student, the matter will be considered closed, and the Vice President’s decision is final.

Complaint Tracking

The Vice President for Student Affairs and the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs offices will track each formal student complaint and will maintain a record that includes, at a minimum, the following information:

The names of the student(s) initiating the complaint and the individual(s) named in the complaint;
The date that the Student Complaint was received;
The student(s) identified with the complaint;
The nature of the complaint, including a copy of the Student Complaint, to be retained for not less than two (2) years after its final disposition;
The University official(s) assigned to investigate the complaint and the steps taken to resolve it;
The date and final resolution or disposition of the complaint;
Any external actions taken by the complainant, if any, of which Vice President becomes aware.

Tracking of student complaints helps the University identify any serious or systemic problems affecting the quality of the student life and assists in identifying patterns of conduct that raise a legitimate concern with respect to the University’s academic or co-curricular programs, and to comply with obligations imposed by federal regulations for receiving, responding to and tracking student complaints.

The information tracked will be made available to regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, as required in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and policies.

[Adopted February 2019; Revised January 2023]

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Location: #1 Harrison Plaza, Keller Hall Basement
Email: police@una.edu
Website: una.edu/police
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Contact Information:

Officer Assistance/Dispatch: 256.765.HELP (4357), Options #1 or #2 –OR– Dial 9.1.1
Administration: 256.765.4357 (Option #3)
SNAP (Student Nighttime Auxiliary Program): 256.765.4357 (Option #5)

About UPD

The mission of the University of North Alabama Police Department (UPD) is to protect life and property of the University Community. University Police Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week enforcing federal, state, and municipal laws, as well as University rules and regulations.

University of North Alabama Police Officers are certified law enforcement officers in the State of Alabama, accredited by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission in accordance with Section 7, Subsection C. Legislative Act 1981, amending Act 156 of the Code of Alabama.

UPD is vested with full police power to serve the University Community, has authority in University-related matters throughout the State of Alabama, and has cooperative agreements with other law enforcement agencies throughout the State. All traffic regulations that apply anywhere in the State apply while on the University Campus. We encourage you to follow the traffic laws and watch for pedestrian traffic while on campus.

Police Department’s Mission Statement

It is the mission of the University of North Alabama Police Department to maintain a safe and secure campus by providing quality public safety in partnership with the community.

Police Department’s Vision

UPD's vision is a safe university campus where the community and memebers of the police department unite to enhance the quality of life.

Training

Training for new University of North Alabama Police Officers includes:

240 hours of orientation training
520 hours of training at the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy
420 hours of field training and evaluation
3-month probationary period

Afterwards, an officer attends approximately 60 hours of training every year. UPD maintains 15 authorized sworn positions with arrest powers.

Protecting a diverse campus requires strong partnerships between campus law enforcement and each member of the community. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. ”See It, Hear It, Report It.”

To maximize safety on campus, UPD strongly encourages anyone with knowledge about any crime, suspicious activity, or unsafe actions or conditions on campus (either as a witness or as a victim) to make an immediate report to UPD in person or by telephone.

Reporting does not mean you must take legal action. It may, however, help police officers stop further incidents as well as help them keep the community informed about criminal activity.

Here are some ways you can report incidents to UPD:

in person, go to the University Police Department, which is located in the basement of Keller Hall adjacent to Cramer
by phone, call 765.4357 (Options #1 or #2) and describe the situation to the communications operator. In emergency situations, including fires and medical emergencies, call 911. All 911 calls are routed to Florence Police Department through the Lauderdale County 911 Center. -
through Lion Alert 360 App "Report a Tip" button. Utilizing this app function will allow you to report suspicious activity directly via call/text to the officer on duty or the in-app tip form.

UNA students requiring non-emergency medical care may contact UNA Health Services at 256.765.4328. Students seeking counseling services may contact Student Counseling Services at 256.765.5215.

Crimes should be accurately and promptly reported to UPD or the appropriate police agency when the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report. These crimes may include violations of UNA policy, Code of Student Conduct, civil or criminal law, or any suspicious actions.

All UNA employees, staff, and faculty, should accurately and promptly report any potential emergencies to UPD, a Campus Security Authority (CSA), or an appropriate law enforcement agency. Additionally, individuals on campus with “significant responsibility” for student and campus activities are designated pursuant to federal law as CSAs. This includes employees across campus in all areas based on their roles. CSAs should not attempt to investigate but must report potential criminal activity of which they are aware to UPD and allow the police to investigate. Licensed and pastoral counselors are exempted from these reporting procedures and are confidential resources.

All persons in the UNA community, including University employees and students who are not designated as CSAs, are encouraged to assist anyone reporting alleged criminal activity in contacting a designated CSA and/or the local police department in order to file a criminal report and to assist in making the incident report. Failure to report criminal activity to the CSA in a timely manner may result in disciplinary action by the University. Criminal activity may be reported voluntarily and confidentially to the CSA. Counselors are required to provide statistical information relating to crimes on campus but may continue to honor the confidentiality of victims.

Silent Witness/Anonymous Policy Statement: Voluntary Confidential Reporting

If you are the victim of a crime or suspicious activity, you may want to consider making a confidential report. The purpose of this reporting is to gather information concerning possible crime on campus while allowing reporters to remain anonymous if they choose to do so. Only certified Police administrators receive the information you provide. Community reporting is important to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With the information you provide, UPD can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, determine where there is pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the campus community to potential danger.

To report anonymously, visit our website and complete the Silent Witness form. When applicable, reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution. An anonymous reporting form is also available with the Lion Alert 360 App under the "Report a Tip" button.

UNA Police Response to a Crime Report

When you report a crime to UPD, a UNA police officer will meet with you, listen to what happened, and, if necessary, make a preliminary report. Next, an investigator will review the report and conduct a follow-up investigation. If a suspect is found and you decide to press charges, information will be presented to a warrant magistrate, who decides if there is legal reason to arrest the suspect. If there is, you will be asked to sign the arrest warrant, which UNA Police officers will serve. A court date will be set; you may have to be present to testify.

If You Don’t Want to Make a UNA Police Report and/or Take Legal Action

UPD encourages you to report criminal activity even if you do not want to take legal action in order to help UPD maintain accurate statistical records. UPD is responsible for preparing the University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and for compiling the crime statistics included in the report. University Police would like to keep the community as informed as possible. The information you report may require the UPD to issue a Lion Alert or advisory if the circumstances warrant such action.

Reporting Off-Campus Crimes and Other Emergencies

Victims or witnesses to criminal activity occurring off campus should contact the agency that has jurisdiction:

Florence Police Department....................... 760.6500
Muscle Shoals Police Department............... 383.6746
Sheffield Police Department....................... 386.5630
Tuscumbia Police Department.................... 383.3121
Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office.............. 760.5757
Alabama State Troopers.............................383.9212

University Police officers can assist in notifying other law enforcement agencies.

Off-Campus Housing

The UNA Police routinely patrol off-campus apartments and respond to calls for service in these areas. If you believe a crime has occurred at the off-campus apartments, contact the UNA Police at 256.765.4357.

Fringe Areas of Campus: While the City of Florence Police Department has primary jurisdiction and responsibility in all areas off-campus, University Police officers routinely patrol, can and do respond to most incidents that occur in close proximity to campus. UPD has fringe patrol duties dedicated to providing additional law enforcement presence around the perimeter of campus. UPD regularly meets and communicates with local law enforcement regarding the occurrence of crimes in fringe areas.

If you believe a crime has occurred in close proximity to campus, please report the crime to the City of Florence Police Department at 256.760.6500.

Daily Crime Logs/Summary of Criminal Incidents

The University Police Department compiles statistical information from the contents of the UPD daily crime log, which contains summaries of each day’s crime reports made to UNA Police and reports made within the campus’s geography. The crime log summaries include each incident’s location, type, date, time, and disposition of the complaint. UPD crime logs are available for public viewing, 24 hours a day, on the UPD’s Daily Crime & Fire Logs/Summary of Criminal Incidents webpage.

Every attempt will be made to announce imminent inclement weather conditions with enough advance notice to facilitate a safe evacuation and closing of the campus and to ensure the safety of staff and students residing on campus. However, should that not be possible, the following information is provided to assist campus community members and visitors in seeking appropriate shelter on campus. During a tornado, stay calm and quickly move to safe areas as noted below:

If indoors, seek shelter in lowest level of the building. Interior hallways or rooms are preferable. Keep away from windows.
If outdoors, take cover in the nearest ditch or depression, away from power lines, buildings, and trees. Do not stay in a car or attempt to outrun the tornado.
After the tornado passes, evaluate the situation and, if emergency help is needed, contact 911 or call the University Police Department at 256.765.4357. Be aware at all times of dangerous structural conditions around you.
Damaged facilities should be reported to the University Police Department at 256.765.4357.
Note: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards.
Assist the disabled in evacuating the Do not use elevators.
Once outside, move to a clear area away from the affected buildings. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
If requested, assist the University Police Department and/or other responsible parties.
Do not return to evacuated buildings unless directed to do so by the University Police Department and/or other responsible parties.

Stay calm. All emergency response efforts will require clear thinking and cooperation from all members of the campus community.

TORNADO SHELTER AREAS

Please visit this link for an extensive list of all tornado shelter locations:
una.edu/emergency-management/tornado.html

This list is updated routinely in order to include new properties and any building modifications that may incorporate shelter areas. You should familiarize yourself with the shelter areas in the buildings you frequent.

In the event the University closes due to storms or tornadic weather, some buildings will remain open to accommodate those needing shelter until dangerous weather conditions pass. The following buildings will remain open:

Science and Technology Building Storm Shelter (under parking lot at south end of building)
Residence Halls
Laura M. Harrison Hall Storm Shelter (east side of Stevens Hall)

What is Lion Alert?

Lion Alert is a mass notification system comprised of email, voice, and text messaging and is designed to send emergency messages to thousands of individuals in minutes. Because students, faculty, and staff are constantly on the move, this system provides the flexibility for you to receive emergency messages on multiple devices. It supplements existing means of emergency communication, including outdoor warning sirens and severe weather alert radios.

Everyone who has a University of North Alabama email address will receive emergency alerts to their campus email address. In order to also receive text and voice message alerts, members of the campus community are asked to provide phone contact information. While participation in the text and voice messaging notification is optional, enrollment is strongly encouraged. The information you supply is considered confidential and will not be shared or used for other purposes. You will only be contacted through the system in the event of an emergency.

Signing Up for Lion Alert

Everyone with a UNA email address will receive Lion Alert notifications to this email address. To opt in to text or voicemail, you will need to log into the UNA Lion Alert system. Lion Alert login can be found at the bottom of the University’s homepage, on UPD's website, or in your UNA Portal Account under "Personal Information". You will use your UNA Potal log in information to access your account to add phone alerts. For general information and technical assistance with logging in, you may contact the University Police at 256.765.4357.

UPD also provides a dedicated webpage to Lion Alert FAQs providing answers to questions about your information, how notifications will be sent, and supported features.

Who can sign up for Lion Alert voice and text messages?

All UNA students, faculty, and staff who have current UNA credentials are able to sign up to receive text and voice message alerts by logging into the Lion Alert system with your UNA Portal username and password.

Campus visitors, community members, and parents may text “LION” to “78015” to receive emergency text notifications. Text message rates may apply, and you may opt out at any time.

Will I receive Lion Alert Messages if I don’t sign up?

If you do not sign up with Lion Alert, you will still receive emergency messages via your official campus email address. However, you will not receive text or voice messages. UNA strongly recommends that you provide at least one phone number (cell phone is recommended) for Lion Alert to ensure that you receive important messages in a timely manner. Any contact information you provide will only be used for emergency notifications.

What kind of alerts will be sent?

The system is only used to distribute information regarding emergencies that dictate immediate action. Examples of alerts include severe weather, building evacuations, dangers requiring lock-down or shelter-in-place, or other emergencies requiring immediate action. The message will direct you where to go for further information or what action to take. Following a warning, the alert system may be used to provide additional messages or an “all-clear” announcement.

The Lion Alert notification system is tested to ensure that we are able to reach all Lion Alert participants in the event of an emergency.

How does Lion Alert work?

Lion Alert is a hosted and managed system. You do not need special hardware or software to receive messages. It is a multi-modal service that can disseminate emergency messages through:

Email: An alert message will be sent to your official campus email You can also specify a secondary email address for receiving these alerts.
SMS Text Messages: Faculty, staff and students may choose to register a cell phone number for receiving SMS text messages through Lion Alert.
Voice Messages: Faculty, staff, and students may choose to register up to three additional phone numbers with Lion Alert. Voice messages will be sent to these phone numbers.
Desktop Notifications: Our Lion Alert System may also display emergency messages on UNA
NOTE: You will receive emergency alerts at all phone numbers and email addresses registered with Lion Alert, immediately after registration.

Can I opt out of the system after I sign up, and can I update my contact information after I have registered?

You can opt not to receive text or voice mail alerts; however, you cannot opt out from receiving an alert on your official campus email address.

You can log into Lion Alert at any time to update or delete your contact information. Whenever your phone number or alternate email address changes, it is very important that you update this information with Lion Alert to ensure you continue to receive alerts through the system.

Where can I find additional information about emergency procedures or emergency situations?

Information about existing emergency procedures and emergency preparedness is posted at una.edu/police. Under the "Emergency Preparedness" section, you will find UNA's Emergency Management plans and procedures, Environmental Health and Safety details, and Weather Threat Levels and Operational procedures.

The Lion Alert 360 App is an essential safety tool to have on your phone. The app has many safety features, such as Mobile Bluelight, Virtual Walkhome, Friend Walk, Report a Tip, and SNAP Escort. The app offers many resources available at your fingertips.

The University uses various mechanisms to inform students and employees about the prevention of crime. For example, the UPD annually publishes the Campus Safety Guide, which provides information on how to report criminal activity as well as practical steps students and employees can take to prevent theft of property and more serious crimes of violence, including physical and sexual assaults.This publication emphasizes that crime and accident prevention starts with the individual and that becoming informed about the University’s safety procedures and services outlined in the guide is a good first step toward preventing crime.

UPD offers a variety of crime prevention/ education programs to UNA students and employees. These programs include, but are not limited to, the following:

Safety Presentations

By request, UPD provides safety presentations to a variety of groups on campus and addresses issues of personal safety, including alcohol/drug abuse awareness, prevention of sexual assaults and property crimes, travel safety tips, state/local laws, etc. UPD also offers A.L.I.C.E (Alert, Lockdown, INform, Counter, and Evacuation) training periodically throughout the year or by request, to equipt students with the knowledge on how to increase their chances of survival during an active shooter on campus. Presentations and resources regarding campus safety, sexual assault, and health and wellbeing are completed throughout the year in collaboration with UPD, Offices of Title IX and Student Conduct, Student Counseling Services, Health Services, Housing and Residence Life and others to all new student orientations, FYE classes, and residential housing community meetings.

Crime Prevention and Emergency Information

The Campus Safety Guide is a great resource to find information on overall personal safety on or off campus, tiopucs of crim prevention, and reporting. This document can be found on the UPD website under the Crime Prevention and Safety section.

The Mane Safety webpage serves as a "one-stop" emergency management center, offering resources, policies, and prevention information. It covers all safety topics, such as; fires, evacuations, first aid, shelter in place, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and alcohol and drug prevention.

Sexual Assault Awareness, Education, and Prevention

The University of North Alabama Office of Title IX provides sexual assualt awareness, education, and prevention presentations to the University community throughout the year.

Crime Prevention and Community Outreach

Upon request, University Police officers attend meetings to provide up-to-date crime prevention information and to hear the concerns of University community members about crime and safety issues. Officers also offer safety programming to their respective campus communities. Members of the University Police Department are active participants in University and community sponsored awareness programs. One purpose of these programs is to inform the University community about the many resources available to them through various departments.

UPD Website

The UPD maintains a website for quick and up-to-date information on police, fire safety, and emergency procedures. The University community is encouraged to take a few minutes to browse this site. If you have any questions, call the University Police Department at 256.765.4357.

UNA PARKING SERVICES

Location: #1 Harrison Plaza, Keller Hall Basement
Phone: 256.765.4357 (Option #4) –OR– 256.765.4853
Email: parking@una.edu
Website: una.edu/parking

Parking Services is responsible for maintaining vehicle registration re-cords, issuing parking permits, con-trolling on-campus parking, processing ticket payments, and handling other parking-related inquiries. It is import-ant for all UNA students, faculty, and staff to understand the University’s Parking Policy.

All regulations regarding permits and parking guidelines are established by the authority vested in the Board of Trustees pursuant to state statutes. By virtue of the powers granted to the Board of Trustees by the Constitution, the Board of Trustees has the authori-ty to adopt and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for the manage-ment and governance of the institution. These powers may be delegated to var-ious University officials for the gover-nance of students and the administra-tion of University Affairs, Ref: Alabama Code SS16-47-2, 34 (1975).

Any person who owns, operates, and/or parks a motor vehicle on the University of North Alabama (UNA) property submits fully to all rules and regulations outlined in this handbook and on our website (https://www.una.edu/parking/). Faculty, staff, and students are re-sponsible for knowing the regulations governing the operation of motor vehicles at UNA as outlined in this manual.

Anyone operating a vehicle in vi-olation of the University parking policy will be held responsible for any such violation. Failure to com-ply may result in fines, university disciplinary action, vehicle immo-bilization, or impoundment of the
University parking, traffic, and safety regulations are established supplementary to all applicable State laws and City of Florence
All vehicles operated or parked on the UNA campus must be proper-ly registered and display a current UNA permit, 24 hours a day and 7 days a It is your responsibili-ty to educate yourself on your spe-cific UNA parking regulations and guidelines provided in this docu-ment or on our website.
Parking, traffic, and safety regula-tions will be enforced by the Uni-versity’s Parking Services division and the University Police officers at all times.
University parking, traffic, and safety regulations apply to all per-sons (students, employees, visitors) while on the campus of the University of North Alabama.
Lack of knowledge of UNA parking policies and regula-tions is no excuse for parking improperly or appealing a citation. We STRONGLY encourage you to review the in-formation on our website thoroughly to educate yourself about all parking and permit regulations and guidelines on
Only UNA Parking Services staff may advise, suggest, or instruct drivers on parking guidelines and
Our website supersedes any written Visit www. una.edu/parking to view the Parking Services Manual for the most up-to-date information.

Parking and Permit Regulations and Guidelines

All UNA students, faculty, or staff must display a permit and properly register any/all vehicle(s) in their UNA Parking Por-tal and are expected to follow the following regulations regard-ing parking on campus and permit responsibilities. There is no cost associated with obtaining a permit (lost/stolen permits are $25 to replace).

Parking Regulations and Guidelines

Parking in your designated, permitted parking area is enforced during business hours, Monday- Friday, 7 AM - 4 PM, when classes are in
- You may find your Permit Classification and Parking Guidelines by logging on to your UNA Parking Portal under the “Permit” This section reveals details of your designat-ed, permitted parking area(s).
After business hours (4 PM – 7 AM) and on weekends, all color zones are open to all
All signed/reserved spaces and lots should be ob-served by all students, faculty, and staff, and are enforceable 24/7 (i.e., Visitor parking, timed parking, handicap, reserved/ signed spaces)
A lack of space where one would like to park is not a valid excuse for violating any parking
Parking Services or University Police may cancel the registration of any vehicle that habitually violates rules, is judged unsafe, or makes excessive
Parking outside of your Designated Areas or Color Zones during enforced times due to a student job on campus, special class assignment, or observation is NOT ALLOWED.

Permit Regulations and Guidelines

Registration of a permit is no guarantee of a parking space near the place where one works or attends
The responsibility of finding a legal parking space rests with the vehicle
Permit owners are responsible for safely securing their permit and reporting any missing, lost, or stolen permit to Parking Services
- Permits must be hanging from the rearview mirror with all printed information visible from the front of the vehi-cle (with no obstructions) when parked on campus.
Permit owners are responsible for all citations associ-ated with the permit or
Permit owners may not share or transfer their permit to another person.
Upon permanent separation from the UNA, permit holders agree to return or destroy the permit.
Permit owners will keep their UNA Parking Portal in-formation updated and correctly “activate” the vehicle that is on campus at any given
By selecting “I agree” to the Permit Disclaimer in your UNA Parking Portal, you agree to abide by UNA’s parking pol-icies and all permit responsibilities and regulations.
Permits are only issued to users with a properly regis-tered vehicle on the UNA Parking Portal. Unregistered vehi-cles may be cited.

Any violation of Permit Regulations can result in citations.

Where do I park?

During designated permitted parking hours of Monday through Friday from 7am-4pm, the following permit holders should park in these areas, according to your permit type not-ed in your UNA Parking Portal.

Parking Violations

The fine schedule for violation of UNA parking and traffic regulations is as follows:

Note: A $10 discount is available for citations paid within 10 days.

All fines are subject to change and should be viewed at una. edu/parking for current fine amounts. In the event of mechanical failure, the owner or driver will be responsible for removal of the vehicle as soon as possible. The University Police Department should be notified of its location. All vehicles must be registered with UNA Transportation Services and must display a permit or request temporary validation virtually through the Transportation Services office. Parking regulations are in effect 24 hours a day. Bicycles should be left in designated bicycle racks only. Campers/trailers and boat trailers are prohibited on campus. Space is available on Stewart Avenue (behind the baseball stadium) to accommodate campers/trailers.

Vehicles are to be parked in a designated parking space only (within lined spaces). Vehicles are not to travel on or be parked on sidewalks, paths, lawns, grassed/landscaped areas, curbs, or any other area not designated for vehicular traffic or parking.

Pedestrians shall use crosswalks. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave the curb or other place of safety and travel into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, motorists shall yield the right of way to pedestrians within a crosswalk. Where traffic control signals are in place, pedestrians shall cross with the pedestrian crossing sign or traffic signal in absence of a crossing sign.

Moving Violations

Drivers of vehicles who commit moving violations of the Al-abama Uniform Rules of the Road shall be issued Alabama Uniform Traffic Citations, which are adjudicated through the Lauderdale County District Court, 200 South Court Street, Florence, AL 35630. The phone number is 256-760-5710.

Payment of Fines

UNA issued citations may be paid by the following options.

ALL Credit/Debit card payments MUST be made through your online UNA Parking Portal from the Shopping “Cart”. (American Express is not accepted)
We accept cash, check, & money order in the office at Parking Services at the Police Department in the basement of Keller
Check or money orders may be mailed to: Univer-sity Parking Services, UNA Box 5067, Florence, AL 35632-

Please include the ticket number and University ID # if applicable.

To pay anonymously or as a guest, you may select “Pay Ticket” on the login screen of the UNA Parking Portal and enter the number at the top of the

Appeal of Citations

If you feel you were issued a citation in error or that extenuat-ing circumstances existed, you may file an appeal. All appeals must be submitted from your UNA Parking Portal under the Appeals tab.

UNA parking tickets may be appealed within ten (10) days from the date/time of issuance.
Submission of an appeal against the ticket will waive the option for the discounted amount in the event your ticket is
Appeal should provide details of extenuating circum-stances and must show merit by providing a well-thought-out explanation, disputing your case that does not conflict with the Appeal Rejection guidelines listed
- Extenuating Circumstances definition – Situations beyond the appellee’s reasonable control that directly con-tributed to the parking violation and can be verified through credible documentation or
Appeal decisions are rendered within 21 days of is-suance with a vote to Cancel or Uphold the All appeals will be vetted by an administrator for eligibility. If eligible, appeals are forwarded to the Parking and Traffic Committee to review the cases and render a final decision.

Appeal Rejection

Appeals will not be considered for the following reasons:

Fire Lane Violation
Handicap Space Violation
Double Parking (confirmed by supporting citation photos)
Lack of knowledge of the University Parking Regula-tions or Guidelines
1. “I didn’t know” or “No one told me”
2. Inability to find a proper or convenient parking space
3. Other vehicles were improperly parked – or – “No one else got a ticket”
4. Late to class or appointment
5. Financial Hardship caused by the fine
6. Disagreement with parking regulations
7. Appeals submitted after 10 days of issuance

Boot Eligibility

Any vehicle accumulating four (4) or more UNPAID cita-tions will be booted (immobilized) at the owner’s expense until the vehicle becomes properly registered to park on campus and/or until all fines and fees are paid in full. Any person parking a vehicle on campus that has had the regis-tration/permit revoked will be towed or booted at the own-er’s expense.

Fine to remove the traffic boot is $25.00 and is not eligible for a
Unauthorized removal or destruction of the Vehicle Boot device is subject to University discipline and criminal

Additional Violations/Disciplinary Action

Parking Services or University Police is authorized to revoke the parking privileges of any person engaging in the follow-ing activities. Any of the following violations may also result in referral to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action if a student is involved, and referral to a supervisor if an employee is involved.

Employees may not transfer, lend, or give their per-mit to children, relatives, or acquaintances attending classes at All students must obtain and display a classified student permit and park in their designated area.
Any vehicle that habitually violates rules, is judged un-safe, or makes excessive
Failure to pay outstanding balances with the Depart-ment of Parking
Misuse or replication of a permit, theft of a permit, or transferring a permit from one person’s vehicle to another person’s
Giving false information on an application for a
Continual disregard for handicap or fire lane/hydrant

Student Handbook

2026-2027 University of North Alabama Student Handbook ONLINE VERSION

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

University Mission

University Goals

STUDENT AFFAIRS

Mission

Vision

GENERAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY

CARE TEAM

CAREER CENTER

Types of Assistance Provided at the Career Center

Student Employment

COLLIER LIBRARY

HOLDINGS & SERVICES:

GUILLOT UNIVERSITY CENTER OPERATIONS AND EVENT MANAGEMENT

University Center Policies

GUC MAILROOM

Student Information

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

THE MANE CARD

ROAR ACCESS CENTER

Accessibility Services

Services include:

MILITARY AND VETERAN AFFAIRS, STUDY AND RESOURCE CENTER

Services include:

CASE MANAGEMENT

Services include, but are not limited to:

Case Management can assist students experiencing:

STUDENT ACCOUNT INFORMATION

STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICES

Services include:

Point of Interest:

STUDENT FINANCIAL AID

STUDENT MEDIA

TICKETS TO ATHLETIC EVENTS

UNA RECREATION

Our operations include:

UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES

STUDENT LIFE

STUDENT’S ROLE AND PARTICIPATION IN INSTITUTIONAL DECISION-MAKING

CENTER FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Mane Month

University Program Council

Student Allocation Funding

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)

Community Service

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA)

Executive Branch

Legislative Branch

Judicial Branch

Freshman Forum Branch

LION’S DEN GAME ROOM

UNIVERSITY AWARDS

Keller Key

Turris Fidelis Award

Distinguished Academic Achievement Award

Hall of Fame

Undergraduate Service Awards

University Man and Woman

ROTC Awards

Willingham Award

Phi Kappa Phi Awards

University of North Alabama Lion’s Cup

Dr. Kimberly Greenway Outstanding Service Award

Outstanding Service Award, Individual

Outstanding Service Award, Group/RSO

LIVING ON CAMPUS

HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE

Mission

Core Values

HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE STAFF

Staff

Professional Staff

Area Coordinators

Graduate Assistant

2026-2027 University of North Alabama Student Handbook

ONLINE VERSION