General Legal Information and Resources for Students
Introduction.
The legal landscape for college students can be complex and intimidating, especially when you're living on your own for the first time. The purpose of this website is to provide Valparaiso University students with clear, accessible information on common legal issues they may face. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and to connect you with the resources available to help you.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. The content is intended to provide a general overview of legal topics relevant to college students and does not constitute legal advice for any specific individual or situation. You should not act or refrain from acting based on the information provided on this site without first seeking advice from a qualified attorney licensed in the appropriate jurisdiction.
We are not a law firm, and viewing this website or communicating with its creators does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have a legal problem, you should consult with a lawyer.
Things to Know
On-Campus
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism and AI: Using someone else's work without proper citation, or submitting work generated by an AI as your own, is a serious academic offense. It can lead to a failing grade on an assignment, suspension, or even expulsion.
Know the Rules: Each course syllabus and the Valparaiso University Student Handbook contain the specific rules for academic integrity. Make sure you're familiar with them to avoid honest mistakes.
Student Conduct Hearings
Dual Jeopardy Does Not Apply: If you commit a crime on campus (e.g., vandalism, assault), you can face both criminal charges and a student disciplinary hearing from the university. One does not prevent the other.
Your Rights in a Hearing: The University's disciplinary process is not the same as a criminal trial. However, depending on the nature of the offense and evidence obtained by the University, you may still have rights, such as the right to be informed of the charges against you and the right to present your side of the story. The University's student handbook will outline the exact procedures.
Freedom of Speech and Expression
It's Not Unlimited: While you have the right to free speech on campus, it is not absolute. Hate speech, threats, and harassment are generally not protected and can have serious consequences.
Time, Place, and Manner: The university can regulate the time, place, and manner of your speech to ensure it doesn't disrupt campus operations. For example, you are not able to protest inside a classroom during a lecture.
Campus Police and Safety
VUPD is Law Enforcement: The Valparaiso University Police Department (VUPD) is a sworn law enforcement agency, with the power to make arrests and enforce state and local laws, not just university policy.
Cooperate, But Know Your Rights: If VUPD stops you, you should cooperate. However, remember your rights.
Off-Campus Life
Leases are Contracts: A lease is a legally binding contract. Read it carefully before you sign, and don't rely on verbal promises from a landlord. Understand clauses related to rent, security deposits, duration, and maintenance.
Know Your Tenant Rights: You have rights as a tenant, including the right to a habitable living space and protection from illegal eviction. Landlords can't normally just kick you out.
Police Encounters: If the police approach you, you have the right to remain silent. You are not obligated to answer their questions, except to provide your name if they ask for it. Do not lie to the police. Different rules may apply if you are pulled over while operating a vehicle.
Parties and Alcohol: Be aware of local ordinances and state laws regarding noise, open containers, and underage drinking. You can be held legally responsible for what happens at a party you host, even if you weren't drinking. Here are two important ones you need to know about in Valpo.
Common Nuisance: This ordinance makes it a crime to use a building or vehicle for the unlawful use of controlled substances (like underage drinking or drug use). Here’s the critical part: if there are repeated violations, the property can be designated a "common nuisance" by the police. Once a property has this designation, it can be searched without a warrant. You can even be criminally charged just for being present.
Heads Up: This ordinance follows the address, not the person. If a previous tenant had a violation in the past year, it stays with the property. So, if there’s another violation, you could be held accountable, even if you just moved in.
Chronic Disorderly Property: This one holds both tenants and property owners responsible for prohibited conduct. If a property is deemed "chronic disorderly," the owner can be fined anywhere from $500 to $7,500. You can imagine how angry a landlord would be if your actions caused them to be fined. This could put your residency at risk.
Your Car: Keep your registration and insurance documents in your car at all times. If you get a traffic ticket, deal with it immediately; don't let it turn into a more serious issue.
Digital Rights
Online Privacy: Be mindful of what you post online. Information you share on social media, even in private groups, can be used in legal or disciplinary proceedings.
Copyright and Downloading: Downloading copyrighted material, such as movies or music, without permission is illegal and can result in significant fines. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can track this activity and may send you a legal warning.
Cyberbullying and Harassment: If you are being harassed or bullied online, document everything and report it to the appropriate authorities or the office of Student Life. In some cases, cyberbullying can lead to criminal charges.
Academic Honesty in the Digital Age: The use of AI and other digital tools in your schoolwork can be considered plagiarism or academic dishonesty. Understand your university's policies before using these tools.
Online Defamation: Spreading false information about someone online (defamation) can lead to a lawsuit. Be cautious about what you post, especially about other students or faculty.
Local Valpo Resources
These are your primary contacts for legal and safety-related issues.
Valparaiso University Police Department (VUPD): For any on-campus legal or safety matter, including reporting a crime or seeking assistance, contact VUPD.
Phone (non-emergency): 219-464-5430
Website: https://www.valpo.edu/about/vupd/
The Dean of Students Office: While the university does not have a formal Student Legal Services office, the Dean of Students office can connect you with appropriate resources and provide guidance on university policies and disciplinary proceedings.
Legal Aid/Pro Bono Services:
Indiana Legal Services (ILS): A non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income people throughout Indiana, including Porter County.
Administer Justice - South Haven Community Legal Aid Center: Located in Valparaiso, this non-profit provides affordable legal help on a variety of civil matters for a small co-pay.
Common Legal Issues and What to Do
Criminal Law and Personal Safety
If you are facing a criminal charge, your first action should be to seek legal counsel.
Underage Drinking/Fake IDs: These are serious offenses. A conviction can lead to a criminal record, fines, jail time, and driver's license suspension.
DUI/DWI: A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge carries severe penalties, including jail time, license suspension, and large fines.
Theft/Vandalism: These offenses can lead to both criminal charges and disciplinary action from the university.
Where to Find a Lawyer:
Porter County Public Defender's Office: If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for a public defender. Contact the Porter County courthouse to inquire about this service.
Indiana State Bar Association - Find a Lawyer: This is a comprehensive online tool for finding local attorneys who specialize in criminal defense.
Privacy and Digital Rights
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): This is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. Only students (18 years or older) or their parents (if the student is a dependent) can access these records.
Resource: For more information on your rights under FERPA, visit the U.S. Department of Education's website.
Free Speech on Campus: You do not have First Amendment speech rights on campus, but do have a right to free speech as outlined in the Student Free Speech Policy.
Copyright and Intellectual Property: Illegal downloading or file-sharing can lead to civil or even criminal charges.
Resource: The U.S. Copyright Office is the official source for information on copyright law.
Consumer and Tenant Issues
Housing/Landlord Disputes: Students living off-campus may encounter issues with their landlords. Be sure to read your lease carefully before signing and document everything with photos and written communication.
Resource: For legal assistance with landlord-tenant issues, contact one of the local legal aid organizations listed above, like Indiana Legal Services.
Employment Law: As an employee, you have rights related to wages, hours, and workplace discrimination.
Resource: The U.S. Department of Labor is the official federal agency that oversees employment law.
Link: https://www.dol.gov/
General Consumer Rights: Students often deal with contracts for phones, credit cards, or gym memberships. If you have a dispute, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
FTC Link: https://www.ftc.gov/
General Legal Resources for Students
LawHelp.org: A great starting point, this site provides a search function to find free legal aid organizations by state.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU has a dedicated "Know Your Rights" section with specific information for students on topics ranging from freedom of speech to privacy and discrimination.
Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School: LII provides free public access to a vast amount of U.S. law, including the U.S. Code and Supreme Court decisions. It's a fantastic resource for students who want to read the source material or look up legal definitions.
American Bar Association (ABA) Legal Help Finder: The ABA offers a tool to help individuals find a lawyer or legal assistance, which can be useful for students who don't qualify for free legal services.
Housing/Landlord-Tenant Issues
LawHelp.org - Rent and Eviction Help Resources: A specific section on http://LawHelp.org that provides guidance on housing stability, eviction prevention, and finding legal help related to housing.
JustShelter.org: This site provides a directory of community organizations across the country that work to prevent eviction and protect tenant rights.
Financial Aid, Student Loans, and Debt
Federal Student Aid (http://studentaid.gov ): This is the official U.S. Department of Education website and an essential resource for understanding federal financial aid, student loan forgiveness, and repayment plans.
Student Loan Borrower Assistance (National Consumer Law Center): This website provides free information and resources for student loan borrowers, including advice on loan discharge, forgiveness, and finding free legal help.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): The CFPB offers resources on a variety of financial topics, including student loans, and has a complaint process for students to report issues with financial products or services.
Immigration
Informed Immigrant: This organization provides resources for undocumented students, including information on applying to college and financial aid.
ACLU - Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights: The ACLU provides detailed information on the rights of immigrants when encountering law enforcement and other legal situations.
Immi.org: A non-profit site that helps immigrants in the U.S. understand their legal options and connect with legal aid providers.