Student Conduct Policy

Sexual Violence Policy
Hazing Policy
Student Grievance Procedure
Alcohol and other Drug Policies
Academic Integrity Policy

 

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

STUDENT CONDUCT CODE

 

Winona State University is an academic community committed to providing an environment of learning.  It has a vested interest in the safety and well-being of members of the University community, and in the promotion and protection of the University’s educational mission.  Students are members of both WSU and the Winona community and are expected to be respectful citizens who are responsible for their behavior.

 

The University’s Student Conduct Code is designed to promote attitudes conducive to learning; hold students accountable for violating University standards; and protect the due process rights of those charged with Student Conduct Code violations.  All students are expected to comply with the Student Conduct Code.  The University has an obligation to investigate conduct that interferes with the rights of others, threatens University property, or interferes with the University’s educational mission.  The University also supports local, state, and federal laws. 

 

This policy applies to all conduct that occurs on University premises; at University-sponsored activities whether on or off-campus and to certain off-campus conduct, identified below.  Consequences for failing to comply with the Student Conduct Code could result in sanctions from the University. 

 

The Conduct Code is based on mutual respect and understanding.  In this community of learners, student conduct issues will be addressed with an educational approach.  Sanctions will be designed as educational opportunities which promote personal responsibility.

 

ARTICLE I:  DEFINITIONS

 

            “University” means Winona State University.

 

            “Administrator” means the Vice President for Student Life and Development, who has been designated by the President to be responsible for the administration of the Student Conduct Code.  The Administrator may delegate his or her duties under the Student Conduct Code to a designee.

 

            “Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship” means the person designated by the Administrator to implement the Student Conduct Code on a day-to-day basis, including investigating and adjudicating Student Code of Conduct complaints.

 

            “Expulsion” means permanent denial of the privilege of enrollment at the University.

 

            “Hazing” means an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person, subjects a person to public humiliation or ridicule, or which destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a student group, organization, or athletic team.

 

            “Policy” means the written regulations of the University and MnSCU as found in, but not limited to, the Student Conduct Code, Residence Life Handbook, University and MnSCU web pages, and the University Catalog.

 

            “Preponderance of evidence” means a standard of responsibility where it is more likely than not that University or MnSCU policy has been violated.

 

            “Student” includes all persons who:

 

1.         Are enrolled in one or more courses, either credit or non-credit, through the University;

2.         Withdraw, transfer or graduate, after an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code;

3.         Are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the University or who plan to re-enroll;

4.         Have been notified of their acceptance for admission or have initiated the process of application for admission or financial aid; or

5.         Are living in a University residence hall although not enrolled in the institution.

 

            “Student organization” means any number of persons who have complied with the formal requirements for University recognition as a club or group.

 

            “Summary suspension” means a suspension imposed without a formal hearing to ensure the safety and well-being of members of the University community.

 

            “Suspension” means denial of the privilege of enrollment for a specified period of time after which the student is eligible to return.  Conditions for re-enrollment may be specified.

 

ARTICLE II:  PROSCRIBED CONDUCT

 

A.        JURISDICTION -- STUDENT CONDUCT CODE

 

            1.         Off-Campus Conduct

 

            The Student Conduct Code shall apply to all conduct that occurs on University premises and at University sponsored activities.  The Student Conduct Code shall also apply to off-campus conduct where:

 

a.         Hazing is involved;

b.         The violation is committed while participating in a University-sanctioned or sponsored activity;

c.         The victim of the violation is a member the University community;

d.         The violation constitutes a felony under state or federal law; or

e.         The violation adversely affects the educational, research, or service functions of the University.

 

            The Administrator shall decide whether the Student Conduct Code shall be applied to conduct occurring off-campus on a case-by-case basis, in his/her sole discretion.

 

            2.         Conduct Addressed Outside Student Conduct Code

 

a.         Allegations of DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, and SEXUAL VIOLENCE shall be resolved pursuant to the following policies and procedures:

 

i.          MnSCU Policy 1B.1 (Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education Opportunity);

ii.         MnSCU Procedure 1B.1.1 (Report/Complaint of Discrimination/ Harassment Investigation and Resolution);

iii.        MnSCU Policy 1B.3 (Sexual Violence Policy);

iv.        MnSCU Procedure 1B.3.1 (Sexual Violence Procedure);

v.         University Regulation 5-7 (Policy for Dealing with Sexual Harassment); and

vi.        the University’s Sexual Violence Policy. 

 

            These policies and procedures are available on the University and MnSCU websites, and in the Offices of Affirmative Action and Legal Affairs

 

b.         ACADEMIC DISHONESTY, including, but not limited to, CHEATING and PLAGIARISM, and all allegations of academic dishonesty shall be resolved pursuant to the University’s Academic Integrity Policy.  The Academic Integrity Policy is available on the University’s website and in the Winona State University 2008-2010 Undergraduate Catalog on pages 27 & 28.  Information pertaining to alleged violations of the Academic Integrity Policy can be answered in the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Somsen 211. 

 

c.         Allegations of FRAUDULENT AND DISHONEST ACTS by student employees shall be resolved pursuant to MnSCU Policy 1C.2 (Fraudulent or Other Dishonest Acts).  This policy is available on the MnSCU website.

 

            All other acts of misconduct, as described below, shall be subject to action consistent with the University Student Conduct Code.

 

B.        CONDUCT -- RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

Any student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Article III:

 

1.         Violation of any University or MnSCU policy, rule, or regulation, contained in any official publication or administrative announcement, or available electronically on the University or MnSCU websites.

 

2.         Obstruction of the free flow of traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, on University property or at University-sponsored or University-supervised functions.

 

3.         Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other University activities, including University’s public service functions on or off-campus, or of other authorized non-University activities when the conduct occurs on University premises.

 

4.         Physical or verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.  This includes any form of fighting.

 

5.         Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to University property or to property of a member of the University community, or other personal or public property (including property of visitors to campus).

 

6.         Unauthorized entry to or use of University facilities, buildings, grounds and equipment, including unauthorized possession of, duplication of, or use of University keys.

 

7.         Any violation of the University’s Computer Usage Policy, Regulation 7-3 or MnSCU Policy and Procedure 5.22 and 5.22.1 on Acceptable use of Computers and Information Technology Resources.

 

8.         Violation of University rules governing residence in University-owned or controlled property.

 

9.         Use, possession, manufacturing or distribution of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, other controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted by law.

 

10.       Use, possession, manufacturing or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by University or MnSCU regulations), public intoxication, or violation of University’s Alcohol Policy or MnSCU Policy and Procedure 5.18 and 5.18.1 on Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances on Campus.  Alcoholic beverages may not under any circumstance be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.

 

11.       Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals or use of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens or causes fear in others.

 

12.       Failure to comply with directions of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so.  University officials include, but are not limited to, Resident Assistants, Residence Hall Directors, Security Guards, Food Service Managers, Student Union Night Managers, and any other person delegated supervisory responsibility by a University official.

 

13.       Conduct that is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; a breach of the peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on University premises or at functions sponsored by the University or in which University or members of the academic community participate.  Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to:  any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to make an audio or video record of any person while on University premises without his/her prior knowledge, or without his/her effective consent, when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress.  This includes, but is not limited to, surreptitiously taking pictures of another person in a gym, locker room, or restroom.

 

14.       Gambling for money or other things of value, except as permitted by law.

 

15.       Commercial solicitation, including the distribution of advertisements and samples, on University property without prior authorization by the appropriate University official(s).

 

16.       Hazing by any group or individual.  Hazing includes, but is not limited to, forced or required consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or any other substance; forced or required participation in physical activities; physical brutality; verbal abuse; kidnapping (transportation with the intent of stranding individuals); theft of or damage to property; assignment of unlawful or illegal activities; intentional creation of clean-up work or labor; denial of sufficient time to study; or causing excessive fatigue as a result of any of the above actions.

 

17.       Tampering with fire or safety equipment or setting off false alarms, including Code Blues.

 

18.       Falsification or misuse, including forgery, alteration, or fraudulent misuse of University records, permits, documents, or identification cards.

 

19.       Knowingly furnishing false or incomplete information to the University or a University official in response to an authorized request.

 

20.       Violation of any federal, state or local law.

 

21.       Abuse of the student conduct system, including, but not limited to:

 

a.         Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a University investigator or decision-maker, or student conduct panel;

b.         Disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a student conduct panel or other disciplinary proceeding;

c.         Bad faith institution of a student conduct code or other complaint of misconduct;

d.         Discouraging, or attempting to discourage, an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the student conduct system;

e.         Attempting to influence the impartiality of a designated investigator or decision-maker, or a member of a student conduct panel, prior to and/or during the course of the student conduct proceeding;

f.          Harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a University investigator or decision-maker, or member of a student conduct panel, prior to, during, and/or after a student conduct proceeding; or

g.         Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed by the University.

 

22.       Students are required to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects credit upon the University community and to model good citizenship in any community.  See also MnSCU Board of Trustees Policy 3.1 (Student Rights and Responsibilities).

 

C.        VIOLATION OF LAW AND UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINE

 

University disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with conduct that potentially violates both the criminal law and the Student Conduct Code (that is, if both possible violations result from the same factual situation) without regard to the pendency of civil or criminal litigation in court or criminal arrest and prosecution.  Proceedings under the Student Conduct Code may be carried out prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings off campus at the discretion of the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship.  Determinations made or sanctions imposed under the Student Conduct Code shall not be subject to change because criminal charges arising out of the same incident were dismissed, reduced, or resolved in favor of or against the criminal law defendant.

 

ARTICLE III:  STUDENT CONDUCT CODE PROCEDURES

 

A.        INVESTIGATION AND INFORMAL PROCESS

 

1. Any member of the University community may file a written complaint with the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship alleging that a student or student organization has violated student conduct proscriptions.  A complaint should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place.  Persons filing complaints shall be informed of their data privacy rights under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.04, subdivision 2.
2. Following the filing of a complaint against a student or student organization, the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship or his/her designee shall conduct an investigation of the allegation(s).
3. If the complaint is determined to be unwarranted, the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship may discontinue proceedings.
4. If there is sufficient evidence to support the complaint, the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship shall offer the accused student an opportunity to resolve the alleged violation at an informal meeting.  Prior to this meeting, the accused student shall be given written notice of the specific complaint against him/her, the nature of the evidence available to support the complaint, and a copy of the Student Conduct Code.  During the meeting, the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship shall review the complaint and the evidence with the accused student and allow him/her to present a defense against the complaint.  Within a reasonable time following the meeting, the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship  shall inform the accused student in writing of his/her decision as to whether a violation of the Student Conduct Code was established by a preponderance of evidence, the proposed  sanction(s), and options available for an appeal and/or a formal hearing.
5. If the accused student fails to appear for the informal meeting, the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship may proceed to review and act upon the complaint in his/her absence and shall notify the student in writing of any action taken, including a decision regarding sanctions.
6. A student who is subject to the sanction of expulsion, or suspension for more than nine days (except summary suspension), may agree to accept the sanction imposed by the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship, or may request a formal hearing prior to implementation of the sanction.  Other sanctions may be accepted, or may be appealed consistent with this policy (see Part E, Appeals, below).

 

B.        FORMAL HEARING

 

1.         Formal hearings shall be conducted before the All-University Student Conduct Committee.  The University President or designee determines the composition of the All-University Student Conduct Committee.  Students serving on this committee shall be elected by the student body or appointed by the campus student association.

 

2.         All-University Student Conduct Committee hearings shall be conducted according to the following guidelines:

 

a.         All-University Student Conduct  Committee hearings  shall be conducted in private.

b.         Students or organizations referred for a formal hearing shall be given adequate advance notice in writing of the time, place, and date of the hearing.  A student or organization’s failure to appear at the hearing shall not prevent the hearing from proceeding as scheduled and the Committee may proceed to review and act upon the complaint in his/her absence and shall notify the student in writing of any action taken, including a decision regarding sanctions.   

c.         Within a reasonable time prior to the hearing, the student must be informed in writing of:  a) the complaint, b) the evidence to be presented against him/her, c) a list of witnesses, and d) the nature of the witnesses’ testimony.

d.         In hearings involving more than one accused student or organization, the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship, with his or her discretion, may permit the hearings to be conducted separately or jointly.

e.         The student shall be given the opportunity to speak in his/her own defense, to present witnesses, to question witnesses, and to have an advocate present.  The advocate may provide advice to the student but may not participate in any questioning.  When there is a possibility that a student involved in conduct proceedings will face criminal prosecution for a serious offense, it may be advisable that the student have an attorney as the advocate.

f.          The All-University Student Conduct  Committee shall make a decision and determine the appropriate sanction(s).  A written notice of findings and conclusions shall be provided to the student within a reasonable time after the hearing.  The notice shall inform the student of any sanction imposed and contain information regarding the applicable appeal process. 

g.         If determined to be appropriate by the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship, accommodations may be made during the hearing for the personal safety and well-being of the complainant, accused student, or other witness by providing separate facilities, using a visual screen, or permitting participation by telephone, videophone, closed circuit television, video conferencing, videotape, audio tape, written statement, or other means.

 

C.        SANCTIONS

 

1.         The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student Conduct Code:

 

a.         Warning-A notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated University regulations.

b.         Probation-A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations.  Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to violate any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.

c.         Loss of Privileges-Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.

d.         Restitution-Compensation for loss, damage, or injury.  This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.

e.         Discretionary Sanctions-Work assignments, essays, service to the University or community, education programs, educational meetings, or other related discretionary assignments.

f.          Residence Hall Suspension-Separation of the student from the residence halls for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return.  Conditions for readmission may be specified.

g.         Residence Hall Expulsion-Permanent separation of the student from the residence halls.

h.         Suspension-Denial of the privilege of enrollment for a specified period of time after which the student is eligible to return.  Conditions for re-enrollment may be specified.

i.          Expulsion-Permanent denial of the privilege of enrollment at the University.

j.          Revocation of Admission and/or Degree-Admission to or a degree awarded from the University may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of University standards in obtaining the degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.

k.         Withholding Degree-The University may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in the Student Conduct Code, including the completion of all sanctions imposed.

 

More than one of these sanctions may be imposed for any violation.

 

2.         In addition to the sanctions listed above, the following sanctions may be imposed upon groups or organizations:

 

a.         Loss of Selected Rights/Privileges-Loss of selected rights and privileges for a specified period of time.

b.         Deactivation-Loss of all privileges, including University recognition, for a specified period of time.

 

D.        SUMMARY SUSPENSION

 

In certain circumstances, the Vice President for Student Life and Development or his or her designee may impose a summary suspension prior to the informal or formal proceedings described in the previous articles.  A summary suspension may be imposed only when, in the judgment of the Vice President, the accused student’s presence on the University campus would constitute a threat to the safety and well-being of members of the campus community.  To the greatest extent possible before implementing the summary suspension, the accused student shall be given oral or written notice of the intent to impose summary suspension and shall be given an opportunity to present oral or written arguments against the imposition of the suspension.  However, the refusal of a student to accept or acknowledge this notice shall not prevent the implementation of a summary suspension. 

 

Notice of the summary suspension shall be provided in writing to the student.  After the student has been summarily suspended, the student shall be provided an opportunity for an informal hearing within a reasonable time period, not to exceed nine (9) school days.  During the summary suspension, the student may not enter the campus without obtaining prior permission from the Administrator.

 

E.        APPEALS

 

1. A sanction imposed by the Director of Student Conduct and Citizenship  may be appealed by the accused student(s) or complainant(s) to the Vice-President for Student Life and Development within five (5) school days of the decision.  Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Vice President or his or her designee.
2. A decision reached by the Student Conduct Committee may be appealed by the accused student(s) or complainant(s) to a Decision Maker designated by the University President within five (5) school days of the decision.  Such appeals shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the President.

3.         Except as required to explain the basis of new information, an appeal shall be limited to a review for one or more of the following purposes:

a.         To determine whether the informal meeting or formal hearing was conducted fairly in light of the charges and information presented, and in conformity with prescribed procedures, giving the complaining party a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present information that the Student Conduct Code was violated, and giving the accused student a reasonable opportunity to prepare and to present a response to those allegations. Deviations from designated procedures will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant prejudice results.

b.         To determine whether the decision reached regarding the accused student was based on substantial information, that is, whether there were facts in the case that, if believed by the fact finder, were sufficient to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation of the Student Conduct Code occurred.

c.   To determine whether the sanction(s) imposed were appropriate for the violation of the Student Conduct Code that the student was found to have committed.

d.         To consider new information, sufficient to alter a decision or other relevant facts not brought out in the original hearing or meeting, because such information and/or facts were not known to the person appealing at the time of the original informal meeting or formal hearing.

4.         If the original decision is not upheld by the Vice President for Student Life and Development or other administrator designated for this purpose, that person may take any action he or she deems to be appropriate.  If the original decision is upheld, the matter shall be considered final and binding upon all involved except that in cases involving suspension for ten (10) days or longer or expulsion, students shall be informed of their right to a contested case hearing under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 14.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

Academic integrity at Winona State University is based on honesty.  The University community requires that work produced by students represents their personal efforts and requires that they properly acknowledge the intellectual contributions of others.

WSU students are required to adhere to the university’s standards of academic integrity.  The following are examples, not intended to be all inclusive, of types of behavior that are unacceptable and will be viewed as violations of the Academic Integrity Policy.

EXAMPLES OF POLICY VIOLATIONS

• Cheating:  Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials in any academic exercise or having someone else do work for you.  Examples of cheating include looking at another student’s paper during a test, bringing a “crib sheet” to a test, obtaining a copy of a test prior to the test date, or submitting homework borrowed from another student.
• Deception and misrepresentation:  Lying about or misrepresenting your work, academic records, or credentials.  Examples of deception and misrepresentation include forging signatures, falsifying application credentials, and misrepresenting group participation.
• Enabling academic dishonesty:  Helping someone else to commit an act of academic dishonesty.  This would include giving someone else an academic assignment with the intent of allowing that person to copy it or allowing someone else to cheat from your test paper. 
• Fabrication:  Inventing or falsifying information.  Examples of fabrication include “drylabbing” (inventing data for an experiment you did not do or did not do correctly)  or making references to sources you did not use in academic assignments.
• Multiple submission:  Submitting work you have done in previous classes as if it were new and original. Although faculty may be willing to let you use previous work as the basis of new work, they expect you to do new work for the class.  Students seeking to submit a piece of work to more than one class should seek the permission of both instructors.
• Plagiarism:  Using the words or ideas of another writer without proper acknowledgement, so that they seem as if they are your own. Plagiarism includes behavior such as copying someone else’s work word for word, rewriting someone else’s work with only minor word changes, and/or summarizing someone else’s work without acknowledging the source.

Due process refers to the concept of fair treatment.  Due process rights of students accused of violating the academic integrity policy are as follows:

1. Oral or written notice of the charges from the faculty member
2. An examination of the evidence against them
3. An opportunity to present their side of the story
4. Notice of sanction(s) imposed (such as lowering a grade, failing the course, dismissal from a program, etc.)
5. An opportunity to appeal the sanction(s)

Students accused of academic dishonesty have the right to appeal a faculty member’s sanction to the Grade Appeal Committee.  The Grade Appeal Committee will make a recommendation only in cases involving accusation of academic dishonesty to the appropriate academic dean.  The academic dean’s  (or designee’s) decision is final.

Academic sanction appeals must be received in writing within five class days or, in the case of break periods, within five class days after returning from a break.  A time extension may be granted upon request to the Grade Appeal Committee.  Failure to submit a timely appeal, or request for extension, constitutes a waiver of any right to request an appeal.  The written appeal must be based on one or more of the following reasons

1. The evidence from the meeting between faculty and the student does not support the outcome
2. There are new or newly discovered facts not brought out in the original meeting which may substantially affect the outcome
3. There was a procedural error, which could have substantially affected the outcome of the hearing
4. The sanction was excessively severe

There may be circumstances when it may be appropriate for a more severe sanction(s) other than the academic sanction.  The dean of the college(s) (or designee) where the alleged violation(s) occurred, in collaboration with the WSU Conduct Officer (or designee), will make the decision as to whether the case will be heard as a behavior discipline and be referred to the Student Life & Development Office to be processed under the guidelines of the WSU Student Conduct Policy.  Students found responsible for violation(s) processed under the WSU Student Conduct Policy face disciplinary sanctions (such as probation, suspension, etc.).

Information pertaining to the WSU Student Conduct Policy can be obtained in the Student Life & Development Office (Kryzsko Commons,  Room 129 or website (www.winona.edu/sld/).

Students Rights and Responsibilities
MnSCU Board of Trustees Policy 3.1

Part 1. Freedom to Learn
In addition to being the basic constitutional rights enjoyed by all citizens, students in colleges and universities have specific rights related to academic freedom and their status as students.  Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom.  The freedom to learn depends upon appropriate opportunities and conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the larger community.  Students are expected to exercise their freedom with responsibility. 

Part 2.  Freedom of Expression
Individual students and student organizations shall be free to examine and to discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately.  They shall be free to support causes by orderly means that do not disrupt the regular and essential operation of the institution.  In the classroom, students shall be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. 

Part 3.  Freedom of Association
Students shall be free to organize and join organizations to promote their common and lawful interests, subject to institutional policies or regulations.  Registration or recognition may be withheld or withdrawn from organizations that violate institutional regulations. 

Part 4.  Student-Sponsored Forums.

Students shall have the right to assemble, to select speakers, and to discuss issues of their choice.  The college or university shall establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to assure that the assembly does not substantially disrupt the work of the institution or does not interfere with the opportunity of other students to obtain an education or otherwise infringe upon the rights of others.  Such regulations shall not be used as a means of censorship.  The president or designee may prohibit any forum when holding the event, in his or her judgment, would result in physical harm or threat of physical harm to persons or property.  Prior to any such prohibition, the president shall make his or her best effort to consult with a designated member of the student association.

Part 5.  Student Publications
Student-funded publications shall be free of censorship and advance approval of the copy, and their editors and managers shall be free to develop their own editorial and news coverage policies.  Editors and managers of student publications shall be protected from arbitrary suspension and removal because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content.  The student fee allocation process shall not be used as a means of editorial control of student-funded publications.  All student publications shall explicitly state on the editorial page that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the college, university, system, or student body. 

Part 6.  Catalog and Course Information
To the extent possible, students will be provided relevant and accurate information regarding courses prior to enrollment.  Catalog descriptions will be accurate and based on information existing at the time of publication.  To the extent possible, class schedules will list the names of the faculty teaching courses. 

Part 7.  Academic Information
Students shall have access to accurate information about general requirements for establishing and maintaining acceptable academic standing, information that will enable students to determine their individual academic standing, and information regarding graduation requirements. 

Part 8.  Academic Evaluation
Student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on the basis of academic standards, including any requirements that are noted in the catalog, course syllabus, or student handbook.  Students shall have protection against prejudiced or capricious evaluation and shall not be evaluated on the basis of opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.  Students shall have the right to review their corrected examinations or other required assignments used by the faculty in evaluating the student’s academic performance.

Part 9.  Property Rights
Term papers, essays, projects, works of art, and similar property shall be returned to a student upon request, within a reasonable timeframe, when no longer needed for evaluation purposes, unless the student grants written permission for them to be retained. 

Part 10.  Off-Campus Conduct
Students who violate a local ordinance or state law risk the legal penalties prescribed by civil authorities.  A college or university need not concern itself with every violation.  Nevertheless, a college or university may take disciplinary action against students for off-campus behavior, following the procedures of the code of conduct of that college or university.

Last Modified: Monday, October 19, 2009 15:32