School Spotlight

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise

Location: Wise, Virginia
Type: Public
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Speech Code Rating

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise has been given the speech code rating Yellow. Yellow light colleges and universities are those institutions with at least one ambiguous policy that too easily encourages administrative abuse and arbitrary application. Read more

  • Guide to Campus Living: Decorations

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Posting and Distribution Policies
    Last updated: February 3, 2020

    All exterior door and window decorations, other than message boards, that are visible from outside must be approved by the Dean of Students & Chief Housing Officer. Read More

  • Student Life: Code of Conduct

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Other Speech Codes
    Last updated: February 3, 2020

    Generally, prohibited conduct for which a student is subject to discipline is defined as, but not limited to, the following: … Conduct that is unbecoming, disorderly, or that reflects negatively on the College community, including but not limited to acts that breach the peace, are lewd, indecent, or obscene, a... Read More

  • Compliance at UVa-Wise: Be Wise. Report It.

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Policies on Bias and Hate Speech
    Last updated: February 3, 2020

    UVA Wise is committed to maintaining a respectful, professional and nondiscriminatory academic, living and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Be Wise. Report It. is the College’s online system for reporting: … Bias / Disrespect The College is dedicated to mutual respect and i... Read More

  • Student Life: Code of Conduct

    Speech Code Rating: Yellow
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: February 3, 2020

    Physical or emotional abuse of any person on College-owned or controlled property or at College-sponsored or supervised functions, or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of others. Read More

  • Sexual Misconduct and Interpersonal Violence Policy

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Harassment Policies
    Last updated: February 3, 2020

    1. Sexual Harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, whether verbal, non-verbal, graphic, physical, or otherwise, when the conditions outlined in (1) and/or (2), below, are present. 2. Gender-Based Harassment includes harassment based on gende... Read More

  • Student Life: Code of Conduct- Expectations

    Speech Code Rating: Green
    Speech Code Category: Advertised Commitments to Free Expression
    Last updated: February 3, 2020

    The College is a community of scholars in which the ideals of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of the individual are sustained.  It is committed to preserving the exercise of any right guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution. Read More
At present, FIRE has not been publicly involved in any cases at this school.

  • Schools struggle with dark writings

    May 20, 2008

    When Steven Barber turned in a short story this semester for his creative-writing class at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, his instructor was alarmed. The 23-year-old student had produced an imagined account of someone on the edge of a violent breakdown, touching on suicide and murder. “It had to be acted on immediately,”… Read more