Student Resource Center

Effective June 1, 2022

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Webster Vienna Private University is committed to providing environment that safeguards its community members’ welfare, while promoting individual freedom and responsibility. Community members must adhere to the Code of Conduct, which includes an expectation of all community members to conduct themselves with due regard to the interests and reputation of the institution, and explicitly outlines that the university will not tolerate conduct that endangers the health and safety of others. To that end:

1. Alcohol consumed on campus or as part of WVPU activities shall be done lawfully, responsibly and in moderation. Intoxicated behavior that violates WVPU’s Code of Conduct will not be tolerated and will be subject to removal from WVPU premises, sanctions or measures as outlined in the Conduct and Grievance Procedures.
2. Persons planning WVPU events with alcohol should be mindful of complexities of planning an event with alcohol and should manage their events accordingly. The safety and well-being of participants shall be at the forefront of event planning and management. Events that encourage excessive drinking are prohibited.
3. Student-led organizations that plan events with alcohol consumption require a university employee to approve the event plans and be present at the event. This individual shall assist the organizers to make responsible decisions about the events and aid in enforcing the alcohol policy and Code of Conduct.
4. WVPU recognizes that that alcohol abuse is most effectively reduced through treatments programs and will support affected community members through referrals to appropriate counselling and treatment programs.

Access and Use

Access to some University computer systems requires that each user have a unique identity, protected by a password. A computer identity represents the user in various system activities, to provide access to software and data, and to associate the user's own software and data with the identity. As such, this computer identity is a University instrument of identification, and its misuse constitutes forgery or misrepresentation and is subject to University disciplinary action.

In particular:

• No Webster system is to be used for any illegal or criminal purpose.
• Unauthorized attempts to gain root access or access to any account not belonging to the user on any Webster system are prohibited.
• Do not share your logon credentials with anyone else.
• Unauthorized access to restricted databases is prohibited.
• Any user who finds a possible security hole on any Webster system is obliged to report it to the system administrators.
• Password sharing is prohibited. Users shall be held responsible for choosing safe passwords, ensuring file protections are set correctly, and for all use of accounts and user-ids assigned to them.
• No food allowed in computer labs. Drinks only allowed in spill proof containers.

Civility and Liberty

The University seeks to protect the civil, personal and property rights of those actually using its computing resources and seeks to protect the confidentiality of University records stored on its computer systems. Conduct which involves use of University computer resources to violate another's rights is subject to University disciplinary action.

As an academic institution, we are committed to supporting the academic freedom of all members of the University community; as a social institution, we are committed to respecting the dignity of all members of our community. The standards and principles of intellectual and academic freedom developed for university libraries apply to material received via computer news networks and by similar means. The standards of intellectual and academic freedom developed for faculty and student publication in traditional media apply to computer-mediated publication.

There will be situations in which what one person understands to be free expression another person takes to be harassment, personal assault, or an assault on prevailing standards of decency. The Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression at Yale University (January 8, 1975), states:

Shock, hurt and anger are not consequences to be weighed lightly. No member of a community with a decent respect for others should use, or encourage others to use, slurs and epithets intended to discredit another's race, ethnic group, religion or sex. It may sometimes be necessary in a university for civility and mutual respect to be superseded by the need to guarantee free expression. The values superseded are nevertheless important, and every member of the university community should consider them in exercising the fundamental right to free expression.

We have considered the opposing argument that behavior which violates these social and ethical considerations should be made subject to formal sanctions, and the argument that such behavior entitles others to prevent speech they might regard as offensive. Our conviction that the central purpose of the university is to foster the free access of knowledge compels us to reject both of these
arguments. They assert a right to prevent free expression. They rest upon the assumption that speech can be suppressed by anyone who deems it false or offensive… They make the majority, or any willful minority, the arbiters of truth for all. If expression may be prevented, censored or punished, because of its content or because of the motives attributed to those who promote it, then it is no longer free. It will be subordinated to other values that we believe to be of lower priority in a university. The conclusions that we draw, then, are these: even when some members of the university community fail to meet their social and ethical responsibilities, the paramount obligation of the university is to protect their right to free expression… If a university's overriding commitment to free expression is to be sustained, secondary social and ethical responsibilities must be left to the informal processes of suasion, example and argument.

Just as nothing in the present policy is to be understood as excusing users of University computing facilities from compliance with federal or state law, nothing in this policy should be understood as withdrawing the University's affirmation of statements in faculty and student policy handbooks in support of academic and intellectual freedom.

None of this, though, denies that harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Section 703 of Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and is also prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Webster University's Sexual Offense Policy defines sexual harassment (following Section 703 and the EEOC's 1980 Sex Discrimination Guidelines):

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when 1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or a condition of an individual's employment or education or 2) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting that individual or 3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or employment environment.

The mere fact of computer-mediation by no means excuses contact that otherwise counts as sexual harassment under the reasonable person standard adopted by the University. Furthermore, users of public terminals or similar facilities at the University should be aware of the public nature of shared facilities and should take care not to display images or play sounds that could create an atmosphere of harassment for others. Similar considerations apply to electronic mail exchanges.

Electronic mail on Webster systems should be as private as the system administrators can make it. Users are prohibited from trying to read the electronic mail of others. System administrators are not to read mail or non-world-readable files unless truly required in the course of their duties. System administrators are to treat mail and non-world-readable files as private at all times. Whenever feasible, systems should be administered so that bounced mail is directed to the system administrators in the form of headers only to protect privacy while ensuring reliable e-mail service. The University is not responsible for unofficial uses of computer resources. In particular, email and personal Web pages often express private opinions which do not reflect University positions.

Property

Webster University computing and information resources are made available to individuals to assist in the pursuit of educational and other academic goals. It is expected that users will cooperate with each other and respect the ownership of work and information even though it is in electronic — rather than more immediately tangible — form. Individuals and organizations will be held no less accountable for their actions in situations involving computers and information resources than they would be in dealing with other media. Rules prohibiting theft and vandalism apply to software and data as well as to physical equipment.

In particular:

• No Webster system is to be used as a staging ground to crack other systems.
• No one shall alter or delete software, hardware, communications, or data belonging to someone else without authorization.
• Users may not browse, access, copy or change private files without authorization. Users may not attempt to modify the computer system or software in any unauthorized manner.
• Use of Webster systems for non-Webster purposes, such as running an independent business, or volunteer work for some other organization, absent written authorization, may constitute theft of computer time. Activities by students related to their coursework or to the work of chartered student organizations, and by faculty or staff related to their contractual obligations are explicitly authorized by this policy.
• Users ought to adhere to posted lab and system policies, procedures or protocols, such as time or storage limits, where those policies, procedures or protocols are consistent with this policy. Refusal may constitute failure to comply as defined in the Code of Student Conduct.
• The use of invasive software, such as "worms" and "viruses" destructive to computer systems, is unethical and illegal.
• Copyrighted software must only be used in accordance with its license or purchase agreement. Users do not have the right to receive or use unauthorized copies of software, nor to make unauthorized copies for themselves or others.
• Attempting to damage or disrupt operation of computer equipment, data communications equipment or data communications lines is prohibited.
• Gratuitous consumption of system resources (disk space, CPU time and bandwidth) will not be tolerated.

Adjudication

This policy establishes no new governance or disciplinary structures. Alleged violations of this policy are to be treated like other allegations of wrongdoing at the University. For example, allegations of misconduct by students should be adjudicated according to established procedures regarding student conduct.

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Above policy approved in this form by the Faculty Senate, Webster University, July 18, 1996, and by the Technology Coordinating Committee, August 21, 1996, following previous deliberations by the Senate, as well as deliberations by the Technology Coordinating Committee of the University, it’s AUP Subcommittee, and the Faculty Executive Committee (precursor to the Senate). Adopted by the Administrative Council of the University on August 27, 1996.

Updated 2024.

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Webster Vienna is a Smoke, Tobacco and Vape-Free Community

All Webster University campus buildings are designated smoke-free areas. Smoking is not permitted in front of the entire façade of Praterstrasse 23.

Our smoke-free and vape-free campus policy is outlined in the Webster Vienna student handbook and enforced by fine. Fines can be added to your student account where they will be required to be paid prior to Commencement.

So where are you allowed to smoke or vape?

Smoking is permitted underneath the trees in front of Praterstrasse 21 where you can find ashtrays and benches, and past the Palais Wenkheim boundaries outside of the Spar supermarket.

This policy exists in an effort to protect our community from serious health risks and adverse environmental effects of cigarette smoking and vaping. Your cooperation (which again, is mandatory) contributes to a healthy campus and respectful neighborhood.

April 17, 2023

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Our campus has a sophisticated locking and access system that grants access to different rooms and areas depending on the nature of the user. This system regulates access both within the building and to the building itself. To facilitate this, the building and its various constituencies such as students, adjuncts and employees are sorted into groups, each with defined accessibility to specific areas at defined times. The following access regulations pertain to students and visitors.

1. Access

Do not let any unfamiliar person enter the building with you and always use your own access card. Visitors need to register at front desk and be picked up from ground floor and be accompanied back by their host at the end of their visit.

2. Access cards

Access cards must be carried at all times and serve as ID while on university premises. They must be used to access the building and shown to university personnel or contracted security personnel upon request. Students who have forgotten their card will be asked for their student ID number before being granted access by the front desk. Temporary access is valid for one calendar day only.

Access to main campus facilities is terminated if the card is forgotten more than three times, as it is assumed that the card has been lost. Students must fill in a replacement access card form, and a fee of 30 euros will be charged to their student account. Students need to register as visitors at the front desk until they receive their replacement card. If the card is lost or broken, students must fill in a replacement access card form, and a 30 euros handling fee will be charged. However, in case of technical 
failure, the card is replaced for free once a year. Students who have an “on hold” status need to make an appointment with the student finance office as soon as possible and will only receive their new card after approval from the finance officer. All cards must be returned to the front desk when access has ended.

In the event of loss or theft, card holders are obliged to notify Facilities department immediately. During opening hours, the notification can be made directly at the front desk, via phone at +43 (0)1 269 92 93 4300, or via e-mail to facility@webster.ac.at, stating full name and student ID number so the card can be deactivated. Student standard access

3. Student Access

Every actively enrolled student will receive access to classrooms (except Mac and PC Lab) and the main front entrance only. Students will receive an access card with their picture, student ID, study status (graduate/undergraduate), and birth date.

Stickers for the ID card for the current semester must be picked up from the front desk.

Students who have an “on hold” status will not receive access to the university premises. They must obtain clearance from the front desk to have their cards reactivated and register as a visitor for the day. Students are considered active until the end of their last class enrollment. Access for inactive students is removed no later than the end of the academic year.

3.1 Trainee scholarship students

Supervisors of Trainee Scholarship Students can request access for their WVTS and their cards will be programmed accordingly. For example, an event assistant can request access to the staff kitchen, storage rooms, the event coordinator office etc.

3.2 Counseling room 5.10; music room 5.9, SGA room

Distribution of access cards for these rooms occurs via the front desk. If you wish to use these rooms, you can pick up the cards from the front desk and return them after use. The handover of these cards requires a signature at pick-up and at the time of return. If the front desk is closed, you must return the cards the next day.

3.3 Event participant cards

These cards are distributed by the front desk and can be handed out for larger groups upon request.

3.4 MAC lab, PC lab and other labs /media rooms

Additional access may be granted on a permanent or temporary basis to the groups using the areas. If you believe that you need access to an additional area or room, please contact your supervisor.

4. Visitors

Visitors must register and unregister at the front desk and carry a visitor badge at all times, which is valid for a calendar day only. They must be picked up and released at the front desk by the host. Visitors who come on a regular basis and are familiar with the campus and emergency procedures may move freely within the campus during opening hours after the host confirms their instruction to the facilities. The visitor must wear the visitor badge visibly at all times and produce a photo ID upon request by any university official. If they cannot produce an ID, the visitor must leave immediately. Refusal to do so may result in charges of trespassing.

5. Opening Hours

Opening hours of the main reception are published on our homepage at: https://www.webster.ac.at/contact.php. 

Once the main entrance of the building has been closed, and the wooden doors are closed, it is necessary to exit through the side entrance. Do not manually open the wooden entrance doors to exit once they are closed.

Updated Feb. 2017

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1. There are lockers available for students on almost every floor in the building.
2. Keys for the lockers can be collected at the Front Desk. Locker keys will be signed out on a first-come, first-served basis. The name and student ID of each student receiving a locker key will be noted and students will need to sign that they agree to the Student Locker Policy.
3. These lockers are for temporary use, at maximum for the duration of one semester. All lockers need to be emptied and keys returned to the Front Desk the latest by Friday at noon of the last week of each semester.
4. Webster University does not incur liability for any missing items or damage to your personal belongings.
5. All student should make sure to take care of their locker key. In case you lose your locker key, please contact the Front Desk. A maintenance staff member will open your locker for a fee of 50 euros, which covers Webster’s cost for replacing the cylinder of the locker.
6. If students fail to clear their locker and return their locker key at the end of the term, the locker will be emptied and students will be charged a fee of 50 euros on their student account. Students will be able to pick up their personal belongings during break week and the first two weeks of the next term at the Front Desk. Items that are not picked up after the first two weeks of the semester will be donated: Books will be donated to the library, USB sticks to IT, clothing will be dropped off at a local clothing drop-off location for Kolping Austria. Items that cannot be donated will be disposed