Board Policies
Chapter 3 - Educational Policies
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3.1 Student Rights & Responsibilities
Part 1. Freedom to Learn.
In addition to 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 substantially disrupt
the regular and essential operation of the institution. 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or withdrawn from organizations that violate institutional regulations.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 there is a likelihood of harm to individuals or
damage to property if the event is held. Prior to any such prohibition,
the president shall make his or her best effort to consult with
the student association.
Part 5. Student Publications.
Student-funded publications shall be free of censorship and advance
approval of 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
there expressed are not necessarily those of the college, university,
system, or student body.
Part 6. Student Policies.
The policies of the college or university regarding student
expectations, rights and responsibilities shall be readily accessible
to students.
Part 7. Catalog and Course Information.
To the extent possible, students shall be provided relevant and
accurate information regarding courses prior to enrollment. Catalog
descriptions and website postings shall be accurate and based
on information existing at the time of publication. To the extent
possible, class schedules shall list the names of faculty teaching
courses.
Part 8. Student Academic Standing Information.
Students shall have access to accurate information for establishing
and maintaining acceptable academic standing, information which
will enable students to determine their individual academic standing,
and information regarding graduation requirements.
Part 9. 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 10. Property Rights.
Term papers, essays, projects, works of art, and similar property
including property in which the student has intellectual property
rights pursuant to Board Policy 3.26 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 11. Student Review and Consultation.
Students shall have the right to appropriate levels of participation
in college and university decision-making pursuant to Policy 2.3
and Procedure 2.3.1, Student Involvement in Decision-Making.
| Date of Implementation: |
1/18/95, |
| Date of Adoption: |
1/18/95, |
| Date &
Subject of Revisions:
12/7/05 – Amends policy
to add clarifying language and deletes unnecessary language.
Adds new Part 6 – to assure that information on student
expectations, rights and responsibilities is readily accessible
to students, and new Part 11 that refers students to Policy
2.3 and Procedure 2.3.1, Student Involvement in Decision
Making. Part 10 is deleted because it is addressed in the
proposed Student Conduct Procedure (3.6.1).
There is no additional HISTORY for
3.1 at this time. |