By AnnieTintle and Michelle Lewis
tintle@newsroom.byu.edu
Most students, faculty, alumni and others will agree that BYU is a university with many rules. However, most people do not know that BYU has a list of guidelines that may seem bizarre.
The BYU Honor Code lists reckless burning as against the rules of the university.
But what is reckless burning?
'Burning CDs?' said Ben Hecht, 21, a freshman from Glendora, Calif., majoring in animal science.
'I think of kids dancing around a bon fire in the backyard,' said John Perkins, 21, a freshman from Dayton, Ohio, majoring in communications.
According to the Honor Code, reckless burning includes, but is not limited to, lighting a fire in a garbage can, or recklessly burning a candle in your dorm room.
Malicious mischief and vandalism are also against the Honor Code. Under these rules include extreme acts such as jamming pennies in doors -- a common activity in on-campus dorms.
However, suppose a student dies during a semester. Are the roommates of the deceased assured straight 'A's because their roommate died?
This myth is a familiar one on many campuses. So is it true?
'That is totally false. You get your grades on your own merits,' said Shelby Ford, manager of the records department at BYU.
There is also a $50-$100 fine for climbing on a window ledge at Helaman Halls; something most students do not find out until they are being dragged off by authorities. However, they could find it by reading the On-campus Housing Guidelines manual.
And contrary to some beliefs, students do not receive a tuition refund if they graduate from BYU without a ring on the fourth finger of their left hand.
Freshmen living in the dorms be warned that sneaking into the pools after hours will probably end in a confrontation with the University Police.
Finally, if students have an opinion they wish to express, the students must gain university permission before they can picket.
But do not worry if BYU does not approve the picketing demonstration -- there is always the Wednesday soapbox.