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A safe and civil environment is necessary for students to be successful in their educational pursuits. Cyberbullying or cyber harassment by any member of the University of West Alabama community (student, faculty, staff, etc.) toward another individual constitutes conduct that disrupts the educational environment of the University.
Cyberbullying and cyber harassment are prohibited by state law (Ala. Code § 13A-11-8; AL HB 216) and by various federal laws. The University will not tolerate such obscene, lewd, intimidating or other disorderly conduct by or toward members of its community.
Cyberbullying and cyber harassment are direct violations of several standards of the Code of Student Conduct, which is published in the student handbook, The Tiger Paw. In particular, misconduct standards 14, 17, 18, 34, 36 and 37 are violated by acts of cyberbullying and cyber harassment. The Code prohibits acts of cyberbullying or cyber harassment through the use of any electronic technology, which includes, but is not limited to, devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers and tablets as well as communication tools, including, but not limited to, text messages, chat platforms, websites and social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vine, and blogs. Students who use University networks or technology to conduct such activity may be disciplined in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.
All other members of the University community are likewise prohibited from engaging in cyberbullying or cyber harassment, and instances will be adjudicated through the proper established channels.
Students who feel that they are being bullied or harassed through electronic technology should immediately report it to Mr. Byron Thetford, Director of Student Life (SUB 203B, 205-652-3577, bthetford@uwa.edu). Other members of the University community should contact Mr. Robert Upchurch (Webb Hall 200, 205-652-3533, rupchurch@uwa.edu) or Campus Police Chief Jeff Manuel at (205) 652-3682 or jmanuel@uwa.edu.
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