With appreciation for the tradition of freedom of expression on campus, the University reasserts its commitment to fostering and tolerating different viewpoints. It acknowledges that points of view will diverge and that some students will believe it necessary to express themselves by means of protest. However, the University will not tolerate disruption to its academic mission nor the means of protest that interfere with the legitimate rights of others.
1. General Rights and Freedoms
Students shall have the following rights and freedoms: As members of the University community, all students are guaranteed freedom of expression, inquiry and assembly, the right to form a student government, organize groups, to join associations in support of any cause or common interest, and to peacefully protest, provided that such activity is conducted in a legal manner, is in accordance with University regulations, and does not abridge the rights of others.
Students have the right of fair access to all educational opportunities and benefits available at the University in an environment that is safe and free of invidious harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
Students have a right to privacy in accordance with the policy expressed in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
Students have the right and responsibility to report, in good faith and without fear of retaliation, violations of this Code, the University Code of Ethics and Conduct, and violations of any other policy of the University, to appropriate academic or administrative officers of the University.
2. Procedural Rights and Freedoms
Students accused of violating this Code have the following rights: To have access to all University policies and procedures regarding the functioning of the disciplinary process.
To be informed of and to have explained as required the pending charges.
To be free from intimidation by University employees in the resolution of disciplinary matters.
To face accuser(s) and have the opportunity to cross-examine them and any witnesses.
To be free from searches or seizures unless based on reasonable cause by appropriate officials. In accordance with written procedures approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs, searches and seizures may be made by the Vice President for Student Affairs and his/her designee, housing staff, University officers and officials and University Police.
To have a fair and impartial hearing before an appropriately appointed hearing board, appeal board, or Administrative Hearing Officer.
3. Responsibilities
All students share the following responsibilities:
- To read, become familiar with and adhere to the Code, the University’s Code of Ethics and Conduct, the Academic Code of Student Conduct, the H-Book, and the relevant academic Bulletin of the school or college in which the student is enrolled.
- To respect the personal and property rights of others and to act in a responsible manner at all times.
- To protect and foster the intellectual, academic, cultural, social, and other missions of the University.
- To observe the laws of local, state, and federal governments.