Article I – Basic Rights and Responsibilities

Section 1: Rights and Responsibilities 

Students, as members of the College community, shall have certain rights. These rights shall include the freedom to pursue educational goals, the freedom of expression and inquiry, the right to privacy and confidentiality of records, and the right to due process as established in the Code of Student Conduct. These rights are subject to the limitations of the Code. 

Students also have certain responsibilities: 

• The responsibility to act in such a manner as to ensure that other students may enjoy the rights mentioned above. 
• The responsibility to respect and comply with College rules and regulations. 
• The responsibility to respect and comply with local, state, and federal law. 
• The responsibility to act in a manner which promotes an atmosphere of learning and free expression. 
• The responsibility to respect the human rights, dignity, and worth of every individual in the College community.  

Section 2: Campus Expression 

Discussions and expressions of various opinions and views are encouraged within the College, provided that order is maintained, individual rights are preserved, and College operations are not disrupted.

Section 3: Jurisdiction

Any student is subject to the regulations outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Failure to abide by the Code of Student Conduct will result in disciplinary action. College jurisdiction shall be limited to conduct that occurs on College property, at College-related events, or that adversely affects the College community or reputation. This includes student conduct that is at private residences and/or social media. 

All violations of the Student Housing Contract shall be referred to the executive director of student life for appropriate action. 

Section 4: Student Records 

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (The Buckley Amendment) regulates the maintenance, confidentiality, and accessibility of students’ educational records. The Buckley Amendment protects the privacy of students by providing them with certain rights regarding specified records. The complete text of and information about the Buckley Amendment are available in the Registrar’s Office and the Office of the VPSA or their designee. Disciplinary records are covered by this Act and, therefore, are available to the student for inspection. 

Students found in violation of the Code of Student Conduct will have a student disciplinary file retained by the VPSA or designee. Academic misconduct files are retained by the Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Student files will be retained as disciplinary records seven years from when the student graduates or leaves the College. Student disciplinary records of cases resulting in suspension, expulsion, or organizational deactivation may be retained for longer periods of time.