UCSB Parent Handbook
UCSB Parent Handbook
Important Campus Policies

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Of 1974

UCSB Buildings
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows only students access to their educational records, and limits the ability of others to access those records, except as authorized by law.

When a student reaches age 18 years of age OR enrolls in a post-secondary institution, (even as a minor), the student’s records are protected under federal law from disclosure to ANY third party (including parents) without prior written authorization from the student. The student must provide a dated and signed written consent before information from the student’s record is disclosed to a third party. The written consent must:

  • Be dated and signed by the student;
  • Specify the records that may be disclosed;
  • State the purpose of the disclosure;
  • Identify the party or class of parties to whom the disclosure may be made.

Within FERPA regulations, the words “may” and “must” are used, permitting or requiring an institution to perform a particular act in order to be in compliance with federal regulations.
Each campus of the University of California functions as its own separate institution. Where institutional choice is allowed under FERPA, information provided in the following sections summarizes the policies adopted by the Santa Barbara campus. These policies may differ from those adopted by other UC campuses, but remain within federal guidelines. Complete information regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.

UCSB Substance Abuse Policy

The fundamental purpose of the UCSB community is a dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Alcohol and other drug abuse and the resulting consequences have a significantly negative impact on campus life. UCSB strives to create an environment where choosing not to drink is as socially acceptable as choosing to drink. Unlawful drinking, excessive drinking, drunkenness, and illegal drug use are not condoned at UCSB. Intoxication or being under the influence of drugs is not an excuse for misconduct or infringing upon the rights of others.

UCSB Buildings
To promote an environment of academic excellence and to comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act, academic and staff employees and students:
  • Shall not use illegal substances and shall not abuse legal substances in a manner that impairs scholarly activities, job performance, or student life.
  • Shall not use illegal or legal substances in a manner that violates applicable criminal or civil laws in the workplace, on university premises, at university activities, or while conducting university business.
  • Are prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol and/or a controlled substance in the workplace, on university premises, at university activities, or while conducting university business.

Students found guilty of violating the UCSB Substance Abuse Policy or the Campus Regulations Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students (http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/regulations/) are subject to disciplinary sanctions which may include loss of privileges and exclusion from activities, warning, suspension, or dismissal. In addition to, or in lieu of a corrective action, a student may also be required to participate in an approved counseling or treatment program. The complete text of the UC and UCSB Substance Abuse Policies can be found at http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/Policies/SubstanceAbuse.asp.

Residence Halls Alcohol and Drug Policies

In the University-owned and privately-owned residence halls each student resident is expected to abide by University policies on Substance Abuse and the Residential Life Substance Abuse policy designed to safeguard the campus living environment as stated in each housing contract. In addition, each resident receives a copy of the Residence Life Handbook detailing all policies, rules and regulations for residence hall living. Violators of these policies, rules or regulations are subject to disciplinary action by the residence halls and/or the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Greek Life Policies

In the UCSB Fraternity and Sorority system, the InterGreek Council has established a Risk Management Policy which reflects national, regional, and University requirements. It is designed to minimize the risk and liabilities of the Greek Community and to provide a safer environment for students. This policy requires that chapters comply with local laws and national and University policy regarding alcohol, and outlines the use of third-party vendors, security companies, and wristbands to enhance compliance. Additionally, no chapter shall encourage, conduct, or condone hazing. Violations of the Risk Management Policy are referred to the Greek Conduct Board for punitive action. More specific information is available through the Office of Student Life at (805) 893-4569.

Sexual Assault Policy

Sexual assault is prohibited by UCSB policies and state laws. The Rape Prevention Education Program works with both systems to aid survivors of the crime and hold perpetrators accountable. RPEP also offers self-defense workshops, a library of books and videos and a support group for female survivors of adult sexual assault. RPEP is a service of the Women’s Center and the Police Department. Located in the Women’s Center; M-F, 10:00am-5:00pm, (805) 893-3778, www.sa.ucsb.edu/women'scenter/


Campus Regulations

Pharmacy Services

Campus Regulations applying to campus activities, organizations, and students address the rights and responsibilities of members of the University and provide campus wide standards of conduct. UCSB students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution. Students and registered campus organizations are subject to University discipline for conduct that interferes with University teaching, research, or administrative activities and for conduct that adversely affects either themselves or other members of the academic community. Students are expected to comply with all local, state, and federal laws. The complete text of Campus Regulations can be found at www.sa.ucsb.edu/regulations. The website contains information on academic and non-academic student conduct, campus organizations, campus activities, university facilities, student government, student elections, disciplinary bodies and procedures, violations and sanctions, student rights, and student grievance procedures.


Extension of Jurisdiction

Some campus regulations also apply to UCSB students anywhere they commit the following offenses: sexual assault; sexual harassment; stalking; hazing; violence; threats of violence; and conduct that threatens the health or safety of any persons.


Smoking Policy

All UCSB buildings are designated as non-smoking. Smoking is permitted outside buildings in open areas, but smokers must be at least twenty feet away from any building. All University-owned residence halls are smoke-free buildings, as are the privately-owned buildings of Fontainebleu and Tropicana Gardens.


Other Policies

Detailed information on policies applying to UCSB students can be found on a policies Web site maintained by UCSB’s Student Affairs Division at www.sa.ucsb.edu/policies.