Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the Student Rights and Responsibility policy is to establish the foundation for student rights and responsibilities as they apply to freedom to learn, freedom of expression, freedom of association, student-sponsored forums, student publications and other important rights and responsibilities.

Definitions

Student

For the purpose of this policy is identified as an individual who is enrolled in a college a group of such individuals or the campus student government.

Policy

In accordance with Minnesota State system Board Policy 3.1 Student Rights and Responsibilities, the College shall provide students with the system outlined rights and responsibilities as described below. The College believes these student rights are essential components of academic life. The College asserts that students play a critical role in creating an educational atmosphere that supports these rights for all members of the academic community; thus, we expect students to exercise these freedoms with responsibility.

Part 1. Freedom to Learn

In addition to the basic constitutional rights enjoyed by all citizens, students at 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 on appropriate opportunities and conditions in all learning environments, 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 college or university. Students shall be free to take reasoned exception to the information 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 college or university policies, procedures, or regulations. Registration or recognition may be withheld or withdrawn from organizations that violate college or university policies, procedures, or regulations.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 college or university or interfere with the opportunity of other students to obtain an education or otherwise infringe upon the rights of others. Such regulations must 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 must be free of censorship and advance approval of copy. Their editors and managers shall be free to develop their own editorial and news coverage policies. Editors, managers, and contributors 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 must not be used as a means of editorial control of student-funded publications. All student publications must 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, procedures, and regulations of the college or university regarding student expectations, rights, and responsibilities must be readily accessible to students.

Part 7. Catalog and Course Information

To the extent possible, students must be provided relevant and accurate information regarding courses prior to enrollment. Catalog course descriptions and website postings must be accurate and based on information existing at the time of publication. To the extent possible, class schedules must list the names of faculty teaching the 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 must be evaluated solely on the basis of academic standards, including any requirements that are noted in the catalog, course syllabus, student handbook, or on the college or university website. Students must have protection against prejudiced or capricious evaluation and not be evaluated on the basis of opinions or conduct in matters unrelated to academic standards. Students must 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 must 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 must have the right to appropriate levels of participation in college and university decision-making pursuant to Minnesota State system Board Policy 2.3 Student Involvement in Decision-Making and Minnesota State system Procedure 2.3.1 Student Involvement in Decision-Making.

Associated Policies and Procedures

Minnesota State system Board Policy 3.1 Student Rights and Responsibilities

Minnesota State System Board Policy 3.26 Intellectual Property

Minnesota State System Board Policy 2.3 Student Involvement in Decision-Making

System Procedure 2.3.1 Student Involvement in Decision-Making