Melany Varela | Staff Writer
From the long list of policies and regulations that the University drafts each year, students might skip out on one or two of the lesser known, but still important to keep in mind.
For this reason, here is a refresher on eight policies to be mindful of when on-campus:
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drones Policy
According to the policy 500.001 “Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drones at FlU”, its use is prohibited by any person on indoor or outdoor University property. The only exception to this rule is if there has been an official prior written authorization.
Additionally, if this authorization has been issued, the drone or Unmanned Aircraft System used cannot be produced by a manufacturer owned by a Foreign Country of Concern.
According to Florida law, the following countries remain under this category: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria.
- Dangerous Weapons Policy
The use of firearms and explosives are not allowed on campus.
But it might be a surprise that other types of non-lethal weapons such as tasers and pepper sprays are also banned. Objects that many times are used for self-defense purposes and which are legal under Florida law.
As seen under the 1710.135 “Firearms and Dangerous Weapons Policy”, the University prohibits the possession, storing, use and manufacturing of dangerous articles in any of the property under FIU.
These articles include tear gas guns, fireworks, electric weapons, slingshots, and other destructive devices
- No Vaping Policy
According to the FIU-113 regulation “Smoke, Vape-Free and Tobacco-Free Campus”, smoking and vaping is prohibited in all areas of the University campus.
This also includes the sale of any tobacco product, or smoke-generating electronic devices such as, electronic cigarettes, electronic pipes, and other related devices.
While the only exception to this rule, being an approved use of these products for research or educational programs.
- Skateboards, Skates and Scooters + High-Risk Activities Policy
The use of skateboards, skates, scooters and other similar devices are a very common form of transportation around campus.
And just like other vehicles, they have guidelines they must adhere to as seen in FIU-115 Skateboards, Skates, Scooters, Ripstiks, Hoverboards and other Similar Devices and High Risk Activities” on University Property.
These devices are only allowed to be used on University sidewalks and while crossing the street at crosswalks.
They must be operated at reasonable speed, and be cautious when confronted by traffic, pedestrians, FIU property and intersections.
In addition, they are prohibited by in/on curbs, benches, stairs, railings, ramps, parking lots, wooden walkways, library breezeways, athletic facilities, and the interior or exterior of any building.
These prohibitions might be overlooked by scooter and skateboard, but it is important to keep in mind as it can lead to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct, or even face arrest by the FIU Police Department for non-compliance
Under this policy, high-risk activities are also prohibited.
These include acrobatics, as defined by jumping over steps, benches, walls or ramps similar to the parkour style. Also, slack lining and rappelling are banned on campus grounds.
- Gambling Policy
Under FIU rules, gambling is strictly prohibited in any way under the section 14 of the FIU 2501 Student Conduct and Honor Code
This includes placing or accepting bets when it comes to any high school, intercollegiate or professional athletic contest on Universities property or at any Student Organization sponsored event.
Participating in any form of illegal gambling, bookmarking or illegal betting is also banned on University premises
- Promotional/Posting Policy
Posting any type of promotional or informational material on campus is prohibited by the Student Code of Honor under section 21.
These include but are not limited to any FIU building, tress, sidewalks, vehicles, vending machines, classrooms, elevators, bathroom, sculptures, display cases and unauthorized bulletin boards, unless there was prior approval by the respective University Officials
- Camping Policy
According to the FIU-111 regulations, camping, or specifically setting up tents, no matter for what purpose, if it’s to sleep, store personal belongings or for cooking, are not permitted on campus grounds.
If you want to have a nice night outdoors, surrounded by our beautiful Florida nature, it’s better to look elsewhere, and maybe join the outdoor club at FIU on one of their camping trips to Peanut Island.
- Fishing Policy
A non-official policy but which is strictly enforced by the FIU Police Department, is how fishing in FIU’s bodies of water is prohibited.
Many students have raised their voices, and have created online petitions for the implementation of an official regulation which bans fishing on-campus, as it can harm our local fauna.
Even though it is not officially written within the Student Code of Honor or the FIU regulations, students can still call the FIU PD to report fishing on-campus by students.
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