Student Rights Policy
Each public institution of higher education constitutes a community which should serve as a model of civilized behavior expressed in honest, open, and equitable relationships between and among students, faculty, support staff and administrators.
A discussion of rights is intimately connected to the question of responsibilities: students have a responsibility to act in such a way that they do not abrogate the rights of fellow students or of any school authority; further, students have a responsibility to use available opportunities to learn.
In accordance with these beliefs — and recognizing the legal rights of college officials, faculty and other citizens — the Board of Governors adopts the following principles:
Students have the right to study and work in an academic environment that is free of discrimination, including harassment based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship or marital status, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran (either disabled, recently separated, qualified covered, Armed Forces service medal, or any other protected veteran status), except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law.
Students have the right to hold and express opposing views without being penalized academically for the expression of their individual opinions. However, this right -does not in any way relieve students from meeting course requirements.
Students have the right to be treated respectfully and courteously at all times and are entitled to their privacy with respect to personal matters subject to legal constraints and the legitimate needs of the institution.
Students, when faced with serious disciplinary action, have the right to appropriate standards of due process.
Students have the right to be represented in the decision-making process of the institution through duly established procedures and forums.
Students have the right to evaluate the quality and range of education and services provided by the institution and to have their appraisals reviewed by those responsible for providing such services.
Students have the right to consult with appropriate academic advisors in the shaping of their educational programs.
Students have the right to petition in an orderly manner for the redress of grievances.
So that all concerned will have full and clear knowledge of the limits within which they will be required to operate, the institutions will adopt, publish and distribute in convenient form to all students, faculty, staff and administrators all rules and regulations with respect to student behavior as well as all procedures that have been established to enforce such rules and regulations and to safeguard the rights of those to whom they apply.
