The College subscribes to the principles of the "Statement on Academic Rights and Responsibilities," which was drafted by the American Council on Education (ACE) and endorsed by a range of higher education professional organizations. In addition, the College adheres to the following principles:
Any person may apply for admission to the College - All applications will be equitably considered in accordance with the College's admission policy, and no applicant shall be barred from admission to the College on the basis of race, religious preference, handicap, national origin, sex, or age.
Financial Aid
The College coordinates a variety of financial aid options (i.e., grants, scholarships, work opportunities, and loans) in order to attempt to meet students' financial needs.
The instructor in the classroom and in individual conference is to encourage free discussion, inquiry, and expression. A student in the classroom is evaluated solely on their academic performance, not on the basis of their opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards.
Protection of freedom of expression in the classroom
Students are free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about debatable issues; however, students are responsible for understanding the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.
Protection against improper academic evaluation
The College provides a process for students who are in disagreement with an academic evaluation to contest the evaluation in a fair and orderly manner.
Students who believe that they have been subjected to arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by faculty or staff members have a right of appeal. In questions of alleged improper academic evaluation, a question of being dropped from a course, or alleged infractions against student personal freedoms, students should follow the recommended procedure to address the problem:
This information is provided as a summary of the Academic Fairness policy P 4.23 and procedure PR 4.23.
Freedom of association
The Office of Student Engagement provides opportunities for students to join in a wide variety of recognized student organizations. Additionally, this office provides opportunities for students to form new organizations reflective of their interests within the guidelines of applicable College policy.
Freedom of inquiry and expression
Student organizations are free to invite any guest speaker. In order to ensure an orderly scheduling of facilities and adequate preparation for the event, the event must be registered in the Office of Student Engagement. All publicity for guest speakers should identify the sponsoring organization. Sponsorship of the appearance of guest speakers does not imply endorsement by the sponsoring group or the College. Students are free to support causes by orderly means, so long as those means do not disrupt the operation of the College, block the flow of vehicular traffic, endanger the safety of individuals, or destroy property. Demonstrations may be restricted to certain areas of the campus and require advanced registration, according to College procedure (P 6.06).
Student participation in institutional government
The Student Government Association is the student body's primary vehicle for expressing views and providing input into College policies. SGA representatives serve on College Governance committees as fully participating members. Additionally, students participate on campus judicial boards in matters involving alleged infractions of the Student Code of Conduct.
Procedural standards in disciplinary proceedings
Students are guaranteed procedural fairness under the Student Code of Conduct.